Chapter 6: Into the Abyss

In the bottom of the Data Storm...

"Uggghh," was all Raguel could say, as he opened his eyes. He then noticed something licking his face, which soon knocked him back to reality.

When Raguel turned his head towards what was getting his attention, he saw a white-furred cub with orange eyes. The cub had a satellite dish around its neck, as well as an old video recorder on its back. It also had a small brace on each of its claws, and a small coil attached to its tail.

"Gee. Thanks for waking me up, little buddy." The cub barked in happiness upon seeing Raguel get up.

"About time you woke up."

Raguel knew that voice. When he looked across from where he was, he found Infearno, who was reading a book. Upon seeing Infearno, the cub growled at him.

"I was going to kill that thing and wake you up myself, but I ultimately didn't see the need for me to summon my demons to do a menial task," Infearno commented, as he closed his book.

"The hell is wrong with you?" Raguel demanded. "You were going to kill an innocent creature just to get my attention?"

"That creature," Infearno said, pointing to the cub, "is a being from the Cyberse World. As a member of the Knights of Hanoi, I must make sure that the Cyberse are completely destroyed!"

"Is that why you were after Playmaker? His Ignis, or whatever the hell you call it, is the key to your goal?" Raguel retorted.

"You could say it's something like that," Infearno replied. "We can talk more about the subject during our duel, if you like. After all, my terms from before still apply to this duel."

"Alright then." Turning to the cub, he asked, "Want to help me kick this guy's ass?" The cub barked in agreement before turning into data and entering Raguel's Duel Disk. Raguel then looked at the card and its abilities.

Progleo, Raguel thought, as he looked at the card. You're going to be a great asset in this duel.

"Duel!" both Infearno and Raguel declared.

Raguel: 4000 LP

Infearno: 4000 LP

"I'll go first!" Infearno declared, as he swiped his hand to the right, showing him his cards. "I activate the Field Spell card, Dis, City of the Burning Abyss!" The card showed a dark, ghoulish city in a hellish landscape. Several members of the Malebranche were flying across the city. Soon, hellish walls began to surround Infearno and Raguel, forming into a circle and cutting them off from the rest of the network. "Now all 'Burning Abyss' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by their own card effects, nor can they be targeted by other card effects!" Infearno smiled upon saying that, making Raguel shudder.

"Next I summon Tour Guide from the Underworld!" A red-haired woman wearing a blue-suit and carrying a black purse with a skull-and-crossbones on it appeared.

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

"Tour Guide's monster effect! When it's Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 3 Fiend monster from my hand or deck with its effects negated! From my deck, I'll summon Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A winged demon with no arms and long white hair soon joined Infearno's field.

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

"'Burning Abyss' monsters would normally destroy themselves if I control a monster that isn't a 'Burning Abyss' monster," Infearno explained, "but thanks to my Field Spell and Tour Guide, my demons are free to roam the field!" Farfa roared at Raguel upon hearing this.

"Appear, the circuit of blood and death!" Infearno declared, as a Link Portal opened in the sky above him. "The summoning conditions are two Level 3 monsters! I'll set Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss and Tour Guide of the Underworld in the Link Markers!" Farfa went to the bottom-left arrowhead and entered it, while Tour Guide entered the bottom-right arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Arrive from Hell and assert your dominance! Link 2! Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss!" A dark angel emerged from the Link Portal. It had the head of an ox, the head of a lion, the head of an eagle, and the head of a redheaded woman on its chest, as well as wings on its back and crossed over its chest. It wielded a red curving sword in its left hand, which lit on fire. Upon being summoned to the Extra Monster Zone, all four heads screeched really loud at Raguel, making him cover his ears.

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

"I'll then activate Pre-Preparation of Rites!" Infearno continued. "This card lets me add a Ritual Spell card from my deck and a Ritual Monster from my deck or Graveyard to my hand whose name is listed on that Ritual Spell!" Using Pre-Preparation of Rites, Infearno added Good and Evil in the Burning Abyss and Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss.

If he summons Malacoda, Raguel thought, I'll be in huge trouble.

To his surprise though, Infearno didn't. "I Set two cards face-down. And end my turn."

"My turn!" Raguel declared. "I draw!" Gotta go all out with this guy or else I'll be at the wrong end of the stick, Raguel thought. "Since you control a Link Monster, I can Special Summon Cyreath Lava Hound from my hand! However, it can only attack Link Monsters!" An overweight volcanic creature with small wings fluttered to Raguel's field.

Cyreath Lava Hound ATK: 2200 DEF: 1700 LVL: 6

"Next I summon Cyreath Witch!" A sorceress with short purple hair, glowing pink eyes and carrying a staff with a skull on it also joined Raguel's field. She wore a raggedy cape and skirt.

Cyreath Witch ATK: 1200 DEF: 0 LVL: 4

"Cyreath Witch's effect!" Raguel declared. "When this card is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon 'Cyreath Skeleton' tokens to my field equal to the number of cards in my hand! Since I have four cards in my hand, I can Special Summon up to three 'Cyreath Skeleton' tokens on the field!" Witch raised her staff into the air, making the skull on top of it glow purple. Soon, three small skeletons carrying short swords were raised from the dead, appearing on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Skeleton Token ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LVL: 1

"Appear! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel said, as a Link Portal immediately opened up for him. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters! I'll set two of my Cyreath Skeleton tokens in the Link Markers!" One Skeleton token entered the bottom-left arrowhead, while the other Skeleton token entered the bottom-right arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Machai!" A warrior with two torsos back to back with each other and covered in coal black skin was summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone. It had two legs, six arms, and two heads.

Cyreath Machai ATK: 1600 LINK-2 ↙️↘️

"Appear once again! The circuit showing the highest mountain! The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters! I'll set my third Cyreath Skeleton token and Cyreath Lava Hound in the Link Markers!" A second Link Portal immediately opened, with the third Skeleton token entering the right arrowhead and Lava Hound entering the left arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Pegasus!" A majestic black horse with wings flew onto Raguel's field and was summoned to the right Monster Zone Machai was pointing to.

Cyreath Pegasus ATK: 1200 LINK-2 ⬅️➡️

"Lava Hound's effect activates!" Raguel continued. "If it leaves the field for any reason, I can Special Summon 2 'Cyreath Lava Pup' tokens to my field!" Immediately, two smaller pups resembling Lava Hound emerged into existence on the field, only both of them were covered in lava.

Cyreath Lava Pup Token ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LVL: 3

"Appear, for the third time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel shouted. At that moment, a third Link Portal opened for him. "The summoning conditions are two monsters! I'll set the two 'Cyreath Lava Pup' tokens in the Link Markers!" One Lava Pup token went into the left arrowhead, while the other Lava Pup token went into the top arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Serene Butler!" An elegant, lanky man with pointed white hair and a long mustache to match exited the Link Portal and was summoned to the left Monster Zone Machai was pointing at. He wore a black suit adorned by golden clasps and a golden brooch affixed to the chest area of the suit. He also wore white gloves, pointed shoes, and a monocle on his left eye.

Cyreath Serene Butler ATK: 1900 LINK-2 ⬅️⬆️

"Impressive," Infearno commented. "So this is your power in a duel like this." He soon raised his arms in the air. "Now this is what I wanted to see the moment we met!"

"I'm not done yet, that's for sure," Raguel said. "I activate Cyreath Pegasus' effect! Monsters that it points to can attack directly! And since it's pointing to Cyreath Witch, guess who's getting the opportunity to attack directly?" Witch jumped onto Pegasus, which started flapping its wings to gain altitude, and immediately started charging up her staff. "Battle! Cyreath Witch attacks you directly, Infearno!" After gaining enough altitude, Witch fired a magical blast at Infearno, causing him to wince.

Infearno: 4000 – 1200 = 2800 LP

I have to be cautious, Raguel thought. He knew, from previous experience that if he rushed, it would only lead to ruin. "I'll Set two cards face-down and end my turn," he concluded.

Infearno slowly clapped. "Now this just got interesting. I applaud you Raguel for your demonstration of power," he said. "It's been a very long time since I was challenged. You're a different breed of opponent. Someone who plans ahead and builds upon seemingly meaningless moves in order to obtain the big picture." He smiled. "In a way, you're like me."

"Bullshit!" Raguel said, thrusting his right hand to the side. "You and I are NOTHING ALIKE! I may do things that are questioned by others, but there's no way in hell that I'm willing to take hostages! I'd never hurt an innocent creature either!"

Infearno simply chuckled. "You will see in a bit. My turn!" he said, drawing a card, "I draw! First I activate my face-down Trap card, Tri-and-Guess! If both players have an Extra Deck, I can declare either Fusion, Synchro, or Xyz Monster card types, and the player with more monsters of that card type gains 3000 life points!"

"What?!" Raguel said, now shocked at Infearno's card.

"I think I'll choose Xyz!" Infearno declared. After both players looked through their Extra Decks, Infearno said, "I have two Xyz monsters in my Extra Deck. Tell me Raguel, how many Xyz monsters do you have?"

"None," Raguel replied.

"And that means I gain 3000 life points!" Infearno said, laughing as the card bathed him in glorious, yellow light.

Infearno: 2800 + 3000 = 5800 LP

"I activate Cherubini's effect! Once per turn, I can send a Level 3 monster from my deck to the Graveyard, and if I do, one 'Burning Abyss' monster I control gains its attack and defense points until the End Phase! I'll send Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss from my deck to the Graveyard to have Cherubini gain its 1600 attack points!"

Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss ATK: 500 + 1600 = 2100

"Cir's effect!" Infearno said. "As it was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon 1 'Burning Abyss' monster from my Graveyard! Return, Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" The winged demon with no arms and long white hair soon reappeared on Infearno's field.

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

"It's good to be back!" Farfa said. Turning to Infearno, it asked, "Will I have a chance to make this human suffer?"

"Not necessarily," Infearno replied to Farfa. "But you do have a role in helping me defeat him. Next, from my hand, I summon Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A demon with very long fingernails and wings appeared on the field. It had pieces of metallic armor on its knees and wrists, long white hair, and half of a white faceguard with horns pointing downward covering its eyes.

Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 800 DEF: 2000 LVL: 3

"I may not see well," Scarm said, "but I'll know my prey once I get the scent!"

"Shut up, Scarm," Farfa said. "There's no need to brag. If anything, we need to take care of the human that's-!"

"Appear, the network of suffering!" Infearno suddenly said, now growing tired of their bickering. His hand glowed red as a galaxy portal appeared in the sky above the duelists. "Materials confirmed! The summoning conditions are two Level 3 monsters! I overlay the Level 3 Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss and Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!"

The two demons immediately turned to Infearno but turned into streams of black and grey energy before either of them could beg him to reconsider. The two streams of energy entered the portal, where a pillar of light soon erupted from its center.

"Xyz Summon! Begin your adventure through the depth of Hell! Rank 3! Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss!" A man with long, dark blue hair in a ponytail was summoned to the left Monster Zone Cherubini was pointing at. He wore red clothing, a laurel on his head, and a small bag on both sides of his body. On the right side of his body was a small, sheathed sword.

Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1000 DEF: 2500 RNK: 3

"Dante's effect!" Infearno continued. "By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can choose a number from one to three, and send that many cards from the top of my deck to the Graveyard. And by doing this," Infearno said, "Dante gains 500 attack points for each card sent from the top of my deck to the Graveyard until the End Phase! I'll send 3 cards so that Dante gains 1500 attack points!" Infearno sent the top three cards of his deck to the Graveyard, while one of the lights behind Dante went into his fist, boosting his power temporarily.

Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1000 + 1500 = 2500

"I activate the effect of Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss! Since it was sent to the Graveyard, I can target 1 monster on the field and negate its effects until the End Phase!" Thinking quickly, Infearno said, "I choose Cyreath Machai!" A red aura surrounded Machai, nullifying its effects.

"I'll also activate the effect of Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss! As it was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon 1 'Burning Abyss' monster from my deck! Serve me, Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A winged demon with blue skin wings and claws, as well as braided hair, appeared on the field.

Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1300 DEF: 700 LVL: 3

Gesturing to his face-down card, Infearno said, "I activate my face-down Trap card, The Traveler and the Burning Abyss! I can target any number of 'Burning Abyss' monsters that were sent to the Graveyard this turn and Special Summon them to my field in Defense Position!" Raguel gasped upon hearing Infearno say that. This is not good, Raguel thought. Not good at all.

"I target Scarm, Graff, and Cir in my Graveyard and command them to return from Hell to serve me once more!" Infearno wickedly said. At that moment, three fiery portals appeared on Infearno's field, in which three demons emerged from soon after.

The long fingernailed demon with wings, long white hair, and half of a faceguard returned to the field. The second demon to return to the field resembled a muscular bull with grey blue skin and broken blue horns, which snorted upon being summoned.

The third demon to emerge from the portal was a draconic fiend with wings and claws, which licked its lips upon seeing Raguel.

Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 800 DEF: 2000 LVL: 3

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

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

"Now THIS is a party!" Graff said. "The boys are back in town!"

"Shame we're in defense position," Libic said. "Otherwise, I'd be tearing this human's throat right now!"

"Oh will the both of you shut up!" Cir said, scolding the other demons. "Infearno summoned us for a reason. And what he says and does GOES!"

"Thank you, Cir," Infearno said, praising the fellow demon. Continuing his turn, he said, "I activate the Ritual Spell card, Good and Evil in the Burning Abyss! This card lets me tribute monsters from my hand or field whose combined levels equal or exceed that of the stated Ritual Monster, and then summon it from my hand." Infearno explained as he smiled. "I'll tribute the Level 3 Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss and the Level 3 Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss on my field!" A dark red magic circle with six flames appeared on his field, along with Graff and Cir.

Both demonic creatures disintegrated into light and entered the center of the circle, which emitted a pillar of dark red light.

"The contract's been made!" Infearno chanted, his Duel Disk's screen and black sections glowing dark red. "Demonic leader residing in the eighth circle of Hell! Accept these two sacrifices and serve your master! Ritual Summon! Rise, Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss!" A red-skinned demon in blue armor soon emerged from the portal and onto Infearno's field. It wielded two swords, one blue and one red, and also had a tail resembling a dragon's head.

Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2700 DEF: 2000 LVL: 6

"This time, boy," Malacoda said to Raguel, "you'll taste the full fury of hellfire!"

"Do not worry Malacoda. You will get your chance!" Infearno declared. "Battle! Malacoda attacks Cyreath Machai! Abysmal Destruction!"

"I will most certainly enjoy this!" Malacoda said, as it's swords lit on fire. The demon charged at Machai, but...

"Cyreath Serene Butler's effect!" Raguel said. "Once per turn, if you declare an attack with a monster you control, I can flip a coin, and if I call it right, your monster's attack points are halved until the End Phase!" Serene Butler soon grabbed a coin from his pocket and flipped it. "I'll call Heads!" The coin flipped in the air and landed on heads. "All right! Since it landed on heads, Malacoda's attack points are halved until the End Phase!" Serene Butler flicked the coin at Malacoda, hitting it in the eye and making it go half blind as it screamed in pain.

Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2700/2 = 1350

"I activate Malacoda's effect!" Infearno said in response. "By sending a 'Burning Abyss' monster from my hand to the Graveyard, your monster loses attack and defense points equal to the sent monsters until the End Phase! I'll send Draghig, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss from my hand to the Graveyard, which means your Cyreath Machai loses 1100 attack points!" Malacoda fired hellfire from its swords, hitting Machai and causing the warrior to suffer severe pain.

Cyreath Machai ATK: 1600 – 1100 = 500

"Also, since Draghig was sent to the Graveyard, it's effect allows me to choose a 'Burning Abyss' card from my deck and place it on top of my deck!" Using Draghig's effect, Infearno put Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss on the top of his deck.

Malacoda then clashed swords with Machai, pressing the warrior back as it smiled in anticipation of victory. The demon broke the struggle and slashed Machai twice using its blazing swords, making Machai scream in pain. Raguel soon felt the pain Machai was feeling as his life points went down.

Raguel: 4000 – 850 = 3150 LP

"I activate my face-down Trap card, Torrential Buster!" Raguel said. The card showed Cyreath Pegasus striking an opponent upwards using its head. "If a 'Cyreath' monster I control is destroyed in battle by a monster you control, it's also destroyed!" Determined not to die in vain, Machai took its six swords and thrusted them at Malacoda. Soon, an explosion caused both monsters to vanish into particles.

"You'll suffer for that!" Infearno said. "Malacoda's additional effect activates! As it was sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can send any card you have to the Graveyard! I'll choose your face-down card!"

"Shit!" Raguel said, as his face-down card was sent to his Graveyard. Cyreath Rebound would've really helped me out, he thought.

"The battle is still far from over!" Infearno declared. "Dante attacks Cyreath Witch!" Dante charged forward, pulled out his sword, and slashed Witch in two, turning her into particles.

Raguel: 3150 – 1300 = 1850 LP

"Since Dante attacked, I must change him to Defense Position." Infearno added, as Dante returned to his field. "Cherubini now attacks Cyreath Pegasus! Cursed Stinger!" The dark angel rushed forward and stabbed Pegasus in the neck using its red curving sword, making the creature scream as it was destroyed. Raguel too felt that pain as he was sent flying backward and onto the ground.

Raguel: 1850 – 900 = 950 LP

"It has been done, my master," Cherubini said, returning to Infearno's field.

"Excellent work, all of you," Infearno said, praising his monsters. "I Set one card face-down and end my turn here." Infearno smiled confidently, knowing that there was nothing Raguel to do. "And since it's the end of my turn, both Dante and Cherubini's attack points go back to normal."

Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2500 – 1500 = 1000

Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2100 – 1600 = 500

"You," Raguel said, slowly getting up. Infearno was surprised that Raguel got up. "You're no ordinary duelist, aren't you?"

"That is correct, child," Infearno confirmed. "You could say that, aside from Master Revolver, I am the strongest of the Knights of Hanoi." Raguel gasped upon saying that.

"Just what are you people? And why are you so obsessed with the AI program, or the Ignis, that Playmaker has?" Raguel demanded.

Infearno thought about Raguel's question for a full minute. "Very well," he said. "Perhaps if I educate you on our methods and goals, you could possibly understand." He then pulled out his book, flipped through the pages, and put his finger on the top paragraph of the page.

"The word 'Ignis' actually is the Greek word for 'Fire'," Infearno started explaining. "Like how the Titan Prometheus defied the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity, we wanted to give a life-changing gift to mankind by creating unique AI. And we called these AI 'Ignis' to honor the tale of Prometheus, as well as remind ourselves of our goal for mankind."

"While AI are supposed to do what we humans program them to do," Infearno continued, "the Ignis do whatever they want to do because they have free will." Raguel's eyes widened upon hearing this.

Infearno, however, continued talking. "However, we soon learned what the Ignis wanted to do. They want to bring an end to the entire human race!"

"I don't believe you!" Raguel said in disbelief. "There's no program that can think for itself."

"But you're wrong," Infearno said, simply rebutting Raguel. "The Ignis can. Creating them was, and still is, the Knights of Hanoi' greatest mistake!" After taking a breath, he continued. "But if something can be built, it can also be destroyed. Under Revolver's leadership, we will destroy the Ignis!"

He then extended out a hand to Raguel. "I've seen your duels, and I've seen how you adapt to different situations no matter who you're facing against. It isn't too late, my boy. Join us, and I can promise you that you will play a role in saving the world!"

"And what about my deck?" Raguel said, thrusting his right hand out to the side. "Do my Cyberse cards have a say? Because no matter what, you'll still plan on destroying the Cyberse with or without my help!"

Raguel then held out three fingers at Infearno. "There are three reasons why I must win this duel Infearno! One," Raguel held up one finger, "I made a promise to help in curing Blue Angel from the virus she's infected with. And I won't abandon that promise! Two," Raguel held up two fingers, "I won't let the Knights of Hanoi harm LINK VRAINS or the people that are in it, no matter the odds! Three," Raguel held up three fingers, "a long time ago, I made a promise to someone dear to me. That I wouldn't give up until I can see her free from the situation she's facing. So that I can see her awake, able to enjoy her life with her aunt once again!"

Infearno was taken aback and was in shock upon hearing this. "Did you say three?" he asked. "No way. Are you one of the ones who survived those dreadful days?"

"I am." Raguel confirmed. "And defeating you will be the first step in ensuring that the Knights of Hanoi NEVER THREATEN LINK VRAINS AGAIN!"

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel declared. "First, I activate the Spell card Cyreath Treasure, which lets me draw 2 cards in exchange of discarding a 'Cyreath' monster from my hand! I'll discard Cyreath Wandering Soul to draw two cards!" After discarding Wandering Soul from his hand, Raguel proceeded to draw two cards from the top of his deck.

"Next, I activate Cyreath Wandering Soul's effect from my Graveyard! By banishing it from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon 1 'Cyreath Wanderer' token to my field." A small ball of mist in the form of a ghost appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Wanderer Token ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LVL: 1

"I'll activate Link Reborn next!" Raguel continued. "This card lets me target 1 Link Monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it back to my field, but it can't attack for the rest of this turn! Help me once again, Cyreath Pegasus!" The majestic black horse with wings flew onto Raguel's field once more, ready for battle.

Cyreath Pegasus ATK: 1200 LINK-2 ⬅️➡️

"I then activate the Spell card, Cyreath Ascension!" The card showed the spirit of Cyreath Icarus going up to Cyreath Grand Hall. "I can target 1 Link Monster I control and Special Summon 'Cyreath' monsters from my Graveyard to Main Monster Zones that Link Monster points to, in exchange for negating their effects! I target Cyreath Pegasus, and using this card, I'll bring back Cyreath Lava Hound and Cyreath Witch!" The female sorceress and overweight volcanic creature soon returned to the left and right Main Monster zones Pegasus was pointing to.

Cyreath Lava Hound ATK: 2200 DEF: 1700 LVL: 6

Cyreath Witch ATK: 1200 DEF: 0 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain! The summoning condition is 1 monster. I'll set the Cyreath Wanderer token in the Link Marker!" A Link Portal soon opened up, with the Wanderer token going into the bottom-right arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Hephaestus!" A deformed blacksmith carrying a heated rod and a walking stick emerged from the Link Portal and was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone. He wore a short brown tunic around his waist.

Cyreath Hephaestus ATK: 500 LINK-1 ↘️

"I activate Hephaestus' effect!" Raguel said. "Once per turn, if I control a 'Cyreath' monster, I can target 1 Spell or Trap card in my Graveyard and add it to my hand!" Raguel added Cyreath Rebound back to his hand from his Graveyard.

He was about to Link Summon Cyreath Hercules when suddenly Progleo emerged from his Duel Disk.

"What's up little buddy?" Raguel asked the cub. "Do you want to join the duel?" Progleo barked in response to him, and then turned around to growl at Infearno. This little guy really hates Infearno, he thought.

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel said. Soon, another Link Portal appeared above him as he said, "The summoning conditions are two monsters except tokens! I'll set Cyreath Hephaestus, which is a Link 1 monster, and Cyreath Witch!" Hephaestus went to the right arrowhead while Witch entered the left arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Progleo!" A white-furred cub with orange eyes emerged from the Link Portal and was summoned to the right Main Monster Zone Pegasus was pointing to. The cub had a satellite dish around its neck, as well as an old video recorder on its back. It also had a small brace on each of its claws, and a small coil attached to its tail. Upon being summoned, Progleo barred its fangs at its opponent.

Progleo ATK: 1000 LINK-2 ⬅️➡️

"Now I summon Cyreath Barbarian!" A man with spiked cuffs, close-cropped blond hair and mustache joined the field.

Cyreath Barbarian ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000 LVL: 4

"Appear, for the third time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel declared, as a third Link Portal opened above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I'll set Cyreath Serene Butler, which is a Link 2 monster, and Cyreath Barbarian in the Link Markers!" Serene Butler split into two as it went into the top-left and top-right arrowheads, while Barbarian went into the bottom arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! The strongest warrior chosen by the gods! Link 3! Cyreath Hercules!" A tall, muscular warrior wearing a brown tunic around his waist emerged from the portal. He wore shoulder guards resembling lion paws and a helmet resembling a lion's head with a plume forming a mane. He also carried a massive gauntlet with a lion face on each arm.

Cyreath Hercules ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ↖️⬇️↗️

"Cyreath Barbarian's effect!" Raguel continued. "Since it was used to Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster that used this card as a Link Material gains 500 attack points!"

Cyreath Hercules ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000

"Cyreath Hercules' effect! Monsters this card points to loses 500 attack points! Nemean Roar!" Hercules let out a massive roar, which hit Dante as he braced himself for the shockwaves.

Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1000 – 500 = 500

"Battle!" Raguel said. "First, thanks to Cyreath Pegasus' effect, all monsters it points to get to attack directly." Progleo jumped onto Pegasus, which started flapping its wings to gain altitude. "Progleo attacks you directly Infearno!" After Pegasus gained enough height, Progleo jumped off and lunged at Infearno. Upon impact, the cub was able to push him back with enough force that he was forced to take a step or two back.

Infearno: 5800 – 1000 = 4800 LP

"Next, Cyreath Hercules attacks Cherubini! Nemean Strike!" Hercules jumped forward, ready to land a punch on the dark angel, when...

"I activate my Trap card!" Infearno suddenly said. "Suffering in the Burning Abyss!" The card showed Dante in Inferno, witnessing the suffering of several souls that couldn't commit to neither good nor evil. "Until the End Phase of this turn, all monsters you control lose attack points equal to the number of 'Burning Abyss' monsters in my Graveyard! There are five 'Burning Abyss' monsters in my Graveyard, which means all your monsters lose 1500 attack points!"

"This can't be!" Raguel said in shock, as he noticed all his monsters scream in pain upon being surrounded by a red aura.

Cyreath Hercules ATK: 3000 – 1500 = 1500

Cyreath Pegasus ATK: 1200 – 1500 = 0

Progleo ATK: 1000 – 1500 = 0

"But you're still taking battle damage!" Raguel said, as Hercules' massive gauntlet connected with Cherubini's heads, supposedly destroying the dark angel as it was engulfed in a massive explosion. Infearno immediately shielded his eyes from the explosion.

Infearno: 4800 – 1500 = 3300 LP

To Raguel's horror, Cherubini was still on the field. "How did your Link Monster survive?" he demanded.

"It's simple," Infearno replied. "If Cherubini would be destroyed by battle or card effect, I can simply send another card I control to the Graveyard instead. By sending Libic to the Graveyard, I was able to protect Cherubini from harm. Also, since Libic was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon 1 Level 3 DARK Fiend type monster from my hand. Emerge, Cagna, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!"

A grey skinned demon with wings, claws, three spiked horns, and long black hair soon joined Infearno's field.

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

"Tch! Why you," Raguel said. "I'll Set one card. And end my turn, which means my monster's attack points all go back to normal."

Cyreath Hercules ATK: 1500 + 1500 = 3000

Cyreath Pegasus ATK: 0 + 1200 = 1200

Progleo ATK: 0 + 1000 = 1000

"My turn!" Infearno said. "I draw!" Looking at the card, he smirked. "I activate the effect of the Tuner monster, Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss from my hand! Since I control no Spell or Trap cards in my Spell and Trap card zone, I can Special Summon this card from my hand!" A pink-skinned demon with horns, wings, and a wooden staff appeared on the field.

Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 100 DEF: 2100 LVL: 3

"A Tuner monster?" Raguel said. "That means-!"

"Level 3 Rubic tunes Level 3 Scarm!" Infearno declared, as he smiled upon what was about to happen. A bolt of orange lightning struck him as the world greyed out and his two monsters disintegrated into particles. Two rings, one white and the other purple, appeared before turning blue and merging. Six blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "3 + 3" in front of them. The screen changed to "6" as light surged through the rings.

"The poet's guide through Hell and Purgatory!" Infearno chanted. "Return to the earth once more and guide the traveler in his quest! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 6! Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss!" A man in a white tunic, brown vest, and large hat emerged from the light. He carried a large golden guitar with blue flames spouting from the ends in his hands. As Virgil was summoned to the Right Monster Zone Cherubini was pointing at, he strung a few chords on his guitar.

Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2500 DEF: 1000 LVL: 6

"I activate Virgil's effect! By discarding a 'Burning Abyss' card, one card on your field or in your Graveyard is shuffled back into your deck! I'll discard Fire Lake in the Burning Abyss to return your face-down card Cyreath Rebound back to your deck!" Virgil strummed several chords and blasted the face-down card Cyreath Rebound with blue fire, disintegrating it. Raguel could do nothing but grit his teeth upon seeing what happened.

"Next, I activate the additional effect of Dis, City of the Burning Abyss! Once, if I control a 'Burning Abyss' monster while this card is on the field," Infearno explained, "I'm allowed to add up to two 'Burning Abyss' cards with different names from my deck to my hand!" Using the effect of Dis, City of the Burning Abyss, he added The Terminus of the Burning Abyss and Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to his hand.

"I summon Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A demonic centaur with wings soon joined Infearno's field.

Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1400 DEF: 0 LVL: 3

"I activate the Spell card, The Terminus of the Burning Abyss!" Infearno said. "This card lets me Fusion Summon 1 'Burning Abyss' monster from my Extra Deck by using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Materials!"

"What?!" Raguel said, now in shock. "This can't be!"

"Oh, but it is, boy!" Infearno replied. "I fuse Dante, Cagna, and Calcab to perform a Fusion Summon!" The three monsters disintegrated into red, blue, and green particles and swirled into a vortex. Three tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a white and yellow whirlwind.

"Through Hell and Purgatory, at last, enlightenment is reached!" Infearno chanted. "Embrace the power of Paradise and leave your enemies in eternal damnation! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 9! Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss!" The blue-haired man returned to the field from the whirlwind, only this time, he wore elaborate gold, white, and purple robes. He wielded an elaborate wooden staff topped with golden wings. The man smiled as he was summoned to the left Monster Zone Cherubini was pointing to in Attack Position.

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

"You're forgetting Hercules' effect!" Raguel said. "Any monster that Hercules points to loses 500 attack points! Nemean Roar!" Hercules let out a massive roar once again, which hit Dante as he braced himself for the shockwaves.

Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2800 – 500 = 2300

"A minor setback," Infearno smugly replied. "Which I can easily fix thanks to Cherubini's effect! Once per turn, I can send a Level 3 monster from my deck to the Graveyard, and if I do, one 'Burning Abyss' monster I control gains its attack and defense points until the End Phase! I'll send Fiendish Rhino Warrior from my deck to the Graveyard to have Dante gain its 1400 attack points!"

Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2300 + 1400 = 3700

"Battle! Dante attacks Cyreath Hercules! Eternal Light!" Dante's staff shined with golden light before he fired a massive beam from hit. Hercules tried to block the beam using its gauntlets, but in the end, the beam hit Hercules, causing him to glow momentarily before being destroyed. Upon Hercules' destruction, an explosion occurred right after that sent Raguel flying back towards a wall, which he hit before falling to the ground unconscious. Progleo ran to Raguel's side after seeing him fall to the ground.

Raguel: 950 – 700 = 250 LP

"I end my turn, which means Cherubini's effect ends and Dante's attack points return to his original amount as Cyreath Hercules was destroyed." Infearno concluded.

Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss ATK: (3700 – 1400) + 500 = 2800

"What?" Cherubini said, turning to Infearno in confusion. "Why end your turn? One more attack and you would have won the duel!"

"Because of one thing," Infearno replied. "Look at what's in front of you." When Cherubini turned around to see what was in front of her, all she could see was Progleo trying to wake up Raguel.

"I destroyed his ace monster," Infearno said. "And the impact from Dante's attack knocked him unconscious. If he doesn't get up in five minutes, I'll win the duel by default. In a way, through this method, I'll have defeated Raguel both physically and mentally." Infearno smiled to himself upon concluding.

"And besides," Infearno continued, "even if Raguel gets up, there's practically nothing he can do."

Unknown location...

When Raguel woke up, all he could see was darkness. Pure darkness. He knew that he went unconscious, or else he wouldn't be here right now. Somehow, he was able to stand up.

"Where am I," he said. "Is this Heaven? Or Hell? Purgatory?"

"Neither of them."

Raguel turned around, startled at hearing a voice. The fact that there was clearly another voice besides him shocked him.

"Who's there?" Raguel asked. "Show yourself!" He would have grabbed his sword using his left hand, but it wasn't there. Nor was his gun.

Soon, a figure with a featureless body and face glowing with brown, murky energy appeared.

"Tell me," the figure asked Raguel, "if you were given a second chance, what is the one thing that you would seek?"

Raguel thought for a bit, actually struck by the figure's question. What is it that I would seek, he thought. All his life, he didn't know what he wanted. He had very little memories of his past before the Incident, and once it occurred, he didn't know what he wanted anymore.

Then Roxy entered into his life. She adopted him from the Den City Shelter, put up with him, and helped him.

And then the day came when he met Miyu in the Den City Hospital. Roxy's niece. When he learned that she went through the same Incident he did, he realized what he wanted to do. He wanted to fight and make sure Miyu would wake up and smile again. So that she could enjoy life with Roxy. And in turn, make them both happy.

He turned to the figure. "I would seek anything to protect her. To make her safe, and happy again."

The figure was perplexed at Raguel's answer. "Impressive. Never have I encountered someone who would be willing to lay down their own life for another." He then touched the pendent around Raguel's neck. In doing so, the pendent started to glow hot-red.

"What's going on?" Raguel demanded, now feeling energy overflowing in his body.

"You will know very soon," the figure replied. "I look forward to our first meeting."

Back to the duel...

"Just one more minute," Infearno muttered. "Then the duel will be over."

BOOM!

A pillar of light out of nowhere soon hit Raguel's body, causing Infearno and his monsters to shield their eyes. Even Progleo had to back away out of fear.

When Infearno lowered his arms to look at what was going on, he was shocked. Raguel was somehow standing up!

Yet there was something very different about him. His grey eyes now glowed burning red, and he also had a hazy, white aura pulsating throughout his body. What struck Infearno the most was the translucent shadow of an angel floating behind him.

"How?" Infearno said, still trying to grasp what was going on. "How are you still up after all the damage you took?"

"From the depths of the abyss," Raguel said in a deeper, echoing voice, "a voice echoed, 'Power! Give me more power! Anything to protect her. Anything to make her safe, and happy again!'"

"What?" Infearno said, now clearly confused as to what Raguel was talking about.

Raguel soon heard whimpering. He turned to the right, where he saw Progleo scared at seeing him.

"It's all right, little buddy," Raguel said, kneeling down and petting him. "I'm back. Let's end this guy, shall we?" Progleo barked once more in agreement before returning to the field.

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel said as he drew a card from the top of his deck. Looking upward and raising his right hand in the air, he continued, "On the authority of a higher power, I call upon you Data Storm to break the seal!" Soon, several tendrils of energy exited from the Data Storm.

"WHAT?! THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" Infearno replied, as the tendrils entered Raguel's pendent and imbued it with energy.

Soon, the pendent glowed and released a shining card. After he held the card in the palm of his hand, it then immediately went into his Duel Disk.

"Appear! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel fired a burst of angelic energy from his hand, which created a Link Portal. "The summoning conditions are two or more effect monsters! I'll set Cyreath Pegasus and Progleo, which are both Link 2 monsters in the Link Markers!" Pegasus split into two whirlwinds of energy and entered the left and right arrowheads, while Progleo also split into two whirlwinds of energy and entered the top and bottom arrowheads.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! The Embodiment of Truth is given to mankind! Link 4! Turboblaze Dragon!" A white-colored bipedal dragon with blue irises and black pupils, as well as a long and slender neck emerged from the Link Portal. It had a long, voluminous wispy mane streaming out from the upper side of its snout and outwards from his head, with two protrusions resembling ears on the top of the mane. Its arms were slender and arm-like with a wing-like appearance and four fingers on its claws. It had a feathered chest, with long feather-like protrusions jutting out of its thighs. On its feet were large grey claws, three at the front and one positioned at the back to resemble high heels. It also had a jet engine-like tail, with two large bands similar to the front and ribbon like extensions.

Turboblaze Dragon ATK: 3000 LINK-4 ⬆️⬇️⬅️➡️

"A Link 4 Monster," Infearno said in horror, upon seeing the dragon. "How in the world did you get it? Only those with Storm Access can-."

"Screw Storm Access," Raguel replied. "I activate Turboblaze Dragon's first effect! When it's Link Summoned, the effects of all monsters you control are negated! Heat Veil!" The jet engine-like tail soon charged up before Turboblaze roared and unleashed waves of volcanic energy at Infearno's monsters. Once they made contact, all of his monsters had scorch marks and burn wounds.

"You'll regret doing this!" Infearno snarled.

"I activate the Spell card, Link Missile from my hand!" Raguel said. The card showed Link Bumper being turned into pure energy as it was fired from a cannon towards an advancing army. "By banishing 1 Link Monster from my Graveyard, you take damage equal to half of that Link Monsters attack points! I banish Cyreath Hercules to inflict 1250 points of damage! I hope you like retribution, cause some of it's coming your way!" Hercules emerged from the Graveyard temporarily and smashed Infearno in the gut, pushing him back to the point where his back almost touched the wall behind him.

Infearno: 3300 – 1250 = 2050 LP

"This is the end for you," Raguel said. "Battle! Turboblaze Dragon attacks Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss! Desolation Flare! The jet engine-like tail glowed orange with power as Turboblaze flew up into the air and charged up an orb of orange fire. After gathering enough energy, Turboblaze fired it at Dante, who tried to resist the impact with his staff. However, it soon started to break, which made it clear who was going to win this battle.

"Turboblaze's additional effect! If this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, you take damage equal to the destroyed monsters attack points!"

"This cannot be!" Infearno said, now realizing that he was going to lose. He reached out to Dante, who turned around with a sorrowful expression on his face as he was consumed by the orb of fire. The massive explosion pushed Infearno back all the way to the wall, to the point where his back hit it upon impact and he fell to the ground.

Infearno: 2050 – 200 – 2600 = 0

As Infearno struggled to get up, it became evident that there was several scorch marks and burn wounds on his entire body. Since the duel was over, Dis, The City of the Burning Abyss, vanished into particles.

Once Infearno got up, Raguel pulled out his double-barreled gun and shot him three times: once in the left leg, once in the right arm, and once through the neck, causing him to scream in pain. The next thing he knew, Raguel jumped forward to where Infearno was, pulled out his sword, and stabbed him through the stomach.

"How do you like the pain now Infearno?" Raguel said, as he pushed the blade deeper into Infearno's stomach.

"You," Infearno said, "You're... not... ordinary... are... you?"

"Give me the half of the removal program you have for Blue Angel or you'll experience pain worse than what you're going through now!" Raguel demanded, pulling the sword out of Infearno's chest, making him cough out blood.

"I'm a man of my word," Infearno said, as he pressed a few buttons on his Duel Disk. Upon doing so, a digital card popped out of it, in which he gave to Raguel with his uninjured arm. Soon, hellfire surrounded Infearno, forcing Raguel to jump backwards and somersault to the ground.

"You may have been victorious today Raguel," Infearno said, holding his neck as the hellfire healed his wounds, "but as long as you continue to get involved with the Hanoi, I can promise you that our battle is far from over! This I swear!" The hellfire then turned Infearno into particles as he logged out.

The white aura surrounding Raguel soon began to disappear, as well as the burning glow in his eyes. Raguel had to blink a few times to make sure he had his bearings.

Looking at the digital card, he muttered, "I won," in his own voice. He then heard a roar. When he turned around, it was Turboblaze Dragon, who somehow is existing outside of the duel alongside Progleo!

"How are you two able to exist outside of a duel?" Raguel muttered, as he jumped to the platform the two of them were on. But then he realized why he was even here in the first place: to help save Blue Angel!

"Can you take me to where Blue Angel and the others are?" Raguel asked Turboblaze, who responded with a snort and motioning him to climb on his back.

"Thank you so much," he said, as he climbed onto Turboblaze's back with Progleo. Soon, Turboblaze took off, with Raguel narrowly holding on. I can definitely get used to this, he thought, as he flew on Turboblaze's back. Hang on Blue Angel. We're almost there.

A few minutes later, at the church...

When Raguel arrived at the church, there was Playmaker, who was waiting with Ghost Girl and Akira.

"Look!" Ghost Girl said, causing Akira and Playmaker to turn their heads at what looked like a white-bipedal dragon. And Raguel.

"Sorry I'm late," Raguel said, as Turboblaze landed on the ground. Turning to Playmaker, he said, "I got half of the removal program from Infearno. Did you get the other half from Revolver?" Playmaker nodded in response to his question. "Then let's get to work."

The two teens held out their right hands above Blue Angel's comatose body as green light went down to her body. By the time it was finished, a small smile fell on Blue Angel's face as she turned into blue particles and logged out.

"Where did she go?" Akira asked, now wondering what happened.

"It's okay," Ghost Girl said, "she just logged out. Why don't you join her? Go on, she'll be waiting."

Akira smiled in response to this. "You're right." He turned to Playmaker. "Playmaker, I-." He soon realized that Playmaker turned around and walked away before logging out.

Raguel too turned around and was about to log out when Akira stopped him. "Raguel," he began, "I know what you said earlier, but I don't blame you for what happened to Aoi." Raguel turned to face Akira, who was smiling. "Thank you. I guess I also misjudged you as well. You're a good person with a good heart."

Raguel couldn't help but smile. "Thank you Zaizen," he replied. "Regarding why I'm doing this in the first place, it means a lot." He raised his left hand in the air, in which Turboblaze and Progleo turned into particles and returned to his Duel Disk. Once that was done, he logged out.

"I'll be going now. Thank you for your help," Akira said, looking at Ghost Girl before logging out.

Ghost Girl looked at the sky, thinking about the recent events. "Raguel," she muttered, "you haven't changed a bit."

At the Hanoi Stronghold...

Revolver was contemplating what happened during his duel with Playmaker, and more importantly, what he said to him. Three reasons, he thought. He turned to where his right arm should have been, which was missing due to Playmaker's Ignis, or Ai as he called it. That speech pattern. Are you...

His thoughts, however, were interrupted when an old man with a grey beard and black and grey hair materialized. The man wore a lab coat with red outlines, a dark undershirt with a red stripe, black pants, and brown shoes.

"So you lost, Revolver?" the old man said, causing Revolver to turn to him. "I think I know why. You became distracted when he spoke of ten years ago."

Revolver bowed his head low in response. "Forgive me father." His arm reformed itself as he clenched his fist. "Next time, I will not fail you!"

The old man sighed as he closed his yellow eyes. "I know, and besides, your duel wasn't a total waste because you collected valuable data that will aid in your next duel." He opened his eyes again. "But you must win that next duel because unless we acquire that Ignis, all will be for naught. Do you hear me Revolver?"

"Yes, father," Revolver said, bowing once more as the old man dematerialized.

"Forgive me, Revolver, but I lost my duel against Raguel," Infearno said as he materialized into the Hanoi Stronghold.

"But you managed to avoid capture," Revolver said, turning away from Infearno. "That's good. How did your duel go?"

"I was close to defeating him, but it was just as you and Dancho said. He's getting stronger with every duel he wins." Revolver gritted his teeth at that. It was bad enough having Playmaker as an enemy. If Raguel were to join forces with Playmaker, it would be harder for them to accomplish their goal and destroy the Cyberse.

"Revolver, during the duel, two other things happened that caught my attention to. And I believe they'll get your attention too." Revolver turned to Infearno, now curious at what he has to say.

"What?"

"During the duel, Raguel spoke of three reasons why he was duelling me." Revolver gasped. "And another thing. On Raguel's last turn, he was able to command the Data Storm, as though he had the authority to do so."

"No one but Playmaker and I can access the Data Storm," Revolver said, gritting his teeth as he turned away from Infearno. "What I want to know is: HOW DID HE DO THIS?"

"I don't know," Infearno admitted. "But during his last turn, Raguel acted like a different person. Perhaps you should see the duel for yourself. After all, I recorded it in case we might need it." A digital card materialized from Infearno's Duel Disk, in which he grabbed and threw to Revolver, who caught it.

"Thank you Infearno," Revolver said. "Please leave me. I need to think about what you told me." Infearno dematerialized immediately after hearing Revolver's request.

"Raguel as well," he muttered. "If Raguel was involved in the same Incident Playmaker was ten years ago..." He smiled. Now this got more interesting.

At Café Matsuo's backroom...

Yuhiro let out a breath of exhaustion as the door to the sealed room opened. He walked out of the sealed room very slowly, knowing that one misstep would result in him falling over.

"Roxy," he said as he entered the backroom, "I'm... barely alive."

When Roxy turned to her left upon hearing Yuhiro's voice, she covered her hands with her mouth, shocked that he was alive.

"I'm sorry that I- OOF!" That last part was the result of Roxy getting off her chair and pulling Yuhiro in for a tight embrace. While he didn't mind her hugs, they were sometimes too tight.

"Do you know how... long I lost connection with you?" Roxy asked, pulling away from the embrace before pinching Yuhiro's cheek. "For an hour! And I thought I lost you in that Data Storm forever!"

"But I survived! And I'm sorry I made you worry!" Yuhiro replied. Roxy then released her vice-grip on Yuhiro's cheek, and in doing so, she almost caused him to fall forward.

"Whoa. Easy there," she said, catching Yuhiro. "You look like you been through hell and back. Were you able to save Blue Angel?"

As the two of them started walking to the second floor, Yuhiro said, "I was able to save her. However, those duels with Infearno, they were nothing like-."

Suddenly, a light started blipping on Yuhiro's Duel Disk. When Yuhiro looked at it, Progleo jumped out of it and tacked him to the ground, licking his face in the process. Roxy didn't know whether to laugh at his misery or be in shock at what was going on.

"Progleo? How are you out of the Duel Disk?" he said as his face was getting licked by the cub.

"I'm so happy that you're safe and sound, Yuhiro!" Progleo said. Both Yuhiro and Roxy's jaws fell to the floor.

"YOU CAN TALK?" both Yuhiro and Roxy said.

"Of course," Progleo said, getting off Yuhiro's body, "it's in my programming." Yuhiro stood up, although a bit slowly, unsure of whether or not more of his Duel Monsters would tackle him to the ground or not.

Looking at Progleo, Yuhiro said, "Okay. Since you're one of the Cyberse, that means you used to reside within... the Cyberse World was it?"

"That's correct," Progleo said, now racing around Yuhiro's legs. "And I'll tell you what I know. In exchange for snacks."

When Yuhiro looked at Roxy, she sighed. "Might as well start up the grill. This is going to be a long night."

A few minutes later, in Café Matsuo...

"So," Yuhiro began, "you used to live in the Cyberse World, correct?" He and Roxy, along with Progleo, were sitting in one of Café Matsuo's tables. Progleo was eating one of Roxy's Mini Cheeseburgers, which he actually enjoyed.

"I used to," Progleo said, as he munched down his third Mini Cheeseburger, "but when the bad people came, we lost everything."

"The bad people? Do you mean the Hanoi?" Roxy asked. Upon hearing the word 'Hanoi', Progleo's ears went down as it stopped eating. It was evident that the cub was very sad.

"Yes," he replied. "The Cyberse were very peaceful. We got along with everyone. It was harmony."

"And then the Hanoi came to destroy the Cyberse World," Yuhiro concluded.

All the cub could do in response was nod. "I saw many of my friends die in the attack. I don't know why I survived, but I keep thinking that it should have been me who died as well."

"Don't say that," Roxy said, reaching forward and holding both sides of the cub's face. "You must have survived for a reason. We're also fighting against the Hanoi as well."

"For good reasons too," Yuhiro added. "Progleo, if it wasn't for you, I would have lost against Infearno, the Knight of Hanoi you hated so much." A thought suddenly occurred in his mind. "Was Infearno there that day when the Hanoi attacked?"

Progleo thought for a minute before responding. "You know, now that I think about it, he was. I can recognize that massive scar anywhere."

"Little buddy," Roxy said, "do you remember anything else from that day?"

"I think I remember two more things," Progleo said, "I remember a mysterious figure saving my life alongside a few others. As for the other-."

That was all Progleo could say, as soon, Roxy's phone started vibrating. When she looked at it, her eyes widened.

"Yuhiro! Grab the cub and meet me at the backroom!" she said, running to a full sprint towards the backroom. Yuhiro, meanwhile, grabbed Progleo and fast-walked, as he hadn't fully recovered his strength.

When the two, now three of them went inside the backroom, Roxy turned on the monitor and answered it to see who's calling. However, there was no visual, only audio.

"Congratulations on winning your duel, Raguel," the person on the other end said.

"It's you!" Progleo said, as he wagged his tail in happiness.

"You know this guy?" Yuhiro asked. Turning to the monitor, he said, "Who are you?"

"My name is of no importance right now," the person replied. "But if you like, you may call me Watchman."

"Watchman..." both Roxy and Yuhiro muttered.

"I've been keeping an eye on you for a long time, Raguel," Watchman replied. "And if you're wondering who I am, you need to fear not. For I am your ally."

"Progleo may trust you, but I'm not the guy who just blindly works with others!" Yuhiro replied. "The last time I worked with someone, it didn't go so well."

"I'm aware of that," Watchman replied. "Which is why I would like to offer a proposition. I would like to arrange a meeting with you at some point tomorrow."

Yuhiro and Roxy gasped at what Watchman said. This guy was offering to meet them, even though they have no idea who he is?

"It would be wise for you to accept my proposition," Watchman added.

"What should we do?" Roxy whispered to Yuhiro. "We could accept this deal, but-."

"We know nothing about him," Yuhiro whispered back. "The last time we worked with someone, it didn't go well for either of us, remember?" Roxy couldn't help but nod in agreement. Damn that woman...

"But you can trust me," Progleo suddenly said, getting Yuhiro and Roxy's attention. "Watchman saved my life, alongside many other Cyberse creatures. I owe my life to him."

"He saved you?" Yuhiro said, now putting two and two together. The cub nodded in response. Turning to Roxy, he said, "While we don't know much about him, meeting this guy would be a good idea. For if he really is our ally, we have to find out ourselves."

"All right, Yuhiro. I trust you," Roxy responded.

Yuhiro turned to the monitor and said, "Watchman. I accept your proposition. When would you like to meet?"

"The details will be sent tomorrow," Watchman replied. "Until then, I look forward to our first meeting." And the call ended soon after that.

"Well, that was eventful," Roxy said crossing her arms. "At least we know what we're doing tomorrow, that's for sure."

"Can't believe I'm saying this," Yuhiro said, "but I'm exhausted." A yawn soon came out of Yuhiro's mouth.

"Don't do that!" Roxy said, "You'll... make me... tired too." She yawned as well.

The two of them soon decided that it would be a good idea to rest, and then talk about what happened in the Data Storm tomorrow.

After Yuhiro said goodnight to Roxy, he and Progleo went to his room.

"I'm so looking forward to tomorrow," Progleo said, running around Yuhiro's room.

"It's going to be interesting, that's for sure," Yuhiro replied. Turning to the cub, Yuhiro said, "Perhaps you should get some rest. Surely you must be as tired as I am."

"A bit," Progleo admitted. "Have a good night." The cub turned into particles before returning into Yuhiro's Duel Disk.

What a day, Yuhiro thought, as he put on his pajamas and climbed into bed. Two duels back to back. And near the end of the Master Duel, I felt different. As though something awoke within me. Whatever it was, Yuhiro would have to deal with tomorrow, as his eyes soon closed, indicating that he fell into deep sleep.

Unbeknownst to him, a white light started flashing out of Yuhiro's Duel Disk...

Card Gallery

Cyreath Lava Hound (LV: 6/Cyberse/Fire/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1700)

If your opponent controls a Link monster, you can Special Summon this card from your hand, but it can only attack Link monsters. When this card leaves the field: You can Special Summon 2 'Cyreath Lava Pup' tokens to your side of the field (LV: 3/Cyberse/Fire/ATK: 800/DEF: 800).

Cyreath Witch (LV: 4/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 1200/DEF: 0)

When this card is Normal Summoned, you can Special Summon 'Cyreath Skeleton' tokens to your side of the field equal to the number of cards in your hand (max. 4) (LV: 1/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 500/DEF: 500). If this card would be destroyed by an opponent's card effect: You can tribute 1 'Skeleton' token instead.

Cyreath Machai (LR: 2/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 1600/↙️↘️)

2 'Cyreath' monsters. This card can attack an additional time for each monster it points to. If this card is used to Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster cannot be destroyed by battle.

Cyreath Pegasus (LR: 2/Cyberse/Wind/ATK: 1200/⬅️➡️)

2 'Cyreath' monsters. Monsters this card points to can attack your opponent directly.

Cyreath Serene Butler (LR: 2/Cyberse/Light/ATK: 1900/⬅️⬆️)

2 monsters. Once per turn, if your opponent declares an attack with a monster they control: You can flip a coin, and if you call it right, that monster's ATK is halved until the End Phase.

Turboblaze Dragon (LR: 4/Cyberse/Fire/ATK: 3000/⬆️⬇️⬅️➡️)

2 or more Effect Monsters. When this card is Link Summoned: Negate the effects of all monsters your opponent controls. Once per turn, during either player's turn, when a Spell or Trap card is activated that targets a card on the field: You can discard 1 card; negate the activation, and if you do, destroy it. When this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the GY, your opponent takes damage equal to the destroyed monsters ATK.

Cyreath Ascension (Normal Spell Card)

Target 1 'Cyreath' Link monster on your field; Special Summon 'Cyreath' monsters from your GY to Main Monster zones the targeted monster points to. The monsters Special Summoned by this effect have their effects negated, and are destroyed at the End Phase.

Link Missile (Normal Spell Card)

When this card is activated: You can banish 1 Link Monster from your GY, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to half of the banished monsters ATK.

Dis, City of the Burning Abyss (Field Spell Card)

'Burning Abyss' monsters you control cannot be destroyed by their own card effects; also, they cannot be targeted by card effects. Once, if you control a 'Burning Abyss' monster while this card is on the field: You can add up to 2 'Burning Abyss' cards with different names from your deck to your hand.

Suffering in the Burning Abyss (Normal Trap card)

Until the End Phase of this turn, monsters your opponent controls lose ATK equal to the number of 'Burning Abyss' monsters in your GY x 300.

QOTC

Who do you think the Watchman is?

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 7: Mysterious New Acquaintances. Having survived against Infearno, Yuhiro attempts to figure out what the Hanoi are planning regarding the Ignis. However, his thoughts are put on hold upon receiving a surprise from Watchman, who wishes to talk to him in LINK VRAINS...

Responses to Reviews and Authors Notes

Thank you to HunterHQ, Lightning, Fullcross, King, and Guest for reviewing Chapter 5 of Obscured Truth.

Whew, what a chapter! The reason why I took a bit longer was to make sure it matched the intensity of the duel I promised all of you! And I'm happy with what turned out as well! As before, we'll talk about what happened in this chapter, one final update to the contest, and then reviews.

In this chapter, there was the Master Duel between Raguel and Infearno. While the Speed Duel between them showed a glimpse at Infearno's power, Infearno had to use a good majority of his strength during his duel. And if you think this is him at full power, you haven't seen anything yet, as he'll get a lot stronger as Season 1 goes.

Speaking of power, there was also Raguel undergoing some form of awakening by the end of the duel as well, for he was able to summon his LINK-4 monster: Turboblaze Dragon! For those who were thinking why he doesn't have a Hydragon as his LINK-4 monster, there's already a duelist who uses a lot of Hydra monsters. I also chose Turboblaze because of his significance to the story as well.

Progleo was introduced into the Chapter as well. His role in the story will be similar to a daemon's bond with a human from The Golden Compass and His Dark Materials, and it will be interesting to see how he and Raguel mature as the story goes on.

Lastly, there's the mysterious introduction of the Watchman, who claims to have been keeping an eye on Raguel for a long time. He'll be officially introduced next Chapter, so stay tuned.

Secondly, I wanted to provide a brief reminder regarding the contest. Next Chapter, the winners will be announced, which means if you have any character submissions you want to submit, look at Chapters 4 and 5 for information.

And now, onto the reviews:

HunterHQ: The Ignis' Duel Monsters are alive and with real souls rather than simply being programs. After all, if Infearno's demons can be sentient beings, they can be too. As for your question, the goal was to not only introduce Infearno, but to establish that he'll be Raguel's main rival.

Lightning: For Season 1, yes, Infearno will be Raguel's main rival.

Fullcross: I appreciate you telling me that this story has potential. If you stick with the story, I can promise you that you'll ultimately enjoy it in the end, as I have plans to expand following Season 3.

King: Thank you very much for telling me this. I hope you enjoy this one as well.

Guest: The goal of Infearno activating his Skill: Condemned Punishment was to take Raguel down with him. In other words, both Raguel's direct attack and Infearno's Skill happened at the same time. Otherwise, the Master Duel wouldn't have happened.

Please let me know your thoughts on this Chapter, as well as any questions you may have. Feedback from you will help improve this story bit by bit. See you next time, as things are starting to get interesting.