Response to Reviews

Thank you to HunterHQ, Portal, Pikachu99, ZeroMK7, Noobmaster, Anonymous, Cosmic Cat, Naruto1999, Kingdom Hearts Guy, Jason, Edgar, KingOtakuOverYou, and Pancakes for reviewing Chapter 33 of Obscured Truth.

Hello, everyone! As always, I hope you're healthy and safe during this holiday season. From what I'm seeing regarding your reviews, you've all enjoyed Lord Kazuma over the course of Season 1. I want to thank Electriuser for coming up with a brilliant character for the story, as he was very interesting to incorporate into the story.

With that said, let's get to answering reviews:

HunterHQ: Watchman had to break the Hanoi's code in order to find out where they were, and it took him longer than anticipated due to there being many codes to crack. As for what answer Infearno's seeking, you'll just have to read on and find out.

Portal: I had intentionally put that roast into the chapter just so Raguel could get back at Lord Kazuma on purpose. Glad you enjoyed it. And remember: Lord Kazuma will return in Season 2.

Pikachu99: As I mentioned above: Lord Kazuma will return in Season 2.

ZeroMK7: Glad you enjoyed the duel.

Noobmaster: Right now, Yuhiro can only have access to Link Trigger while in the network, although he can still use the Link Sense portion of it in the real world. If he were to somehow do it in the real world, it probably won't end well for anyone. As for your other question, it's Yu-Gi-Oh. They always settle things with cards rather than fists.

Anonymous: The reason why Watchman didn't bring Percival and Demeter with him is because he wants to settle things peacefully with Dr. Kogami. His hope is to convince his former friend to shut down the Tower and assist him in preparing for the Crisis. Also, he was busy breaking down several codes in order to find the remaining Hanoi members.

Cosmic Cat: Thanks for the five stars.

Naruto1999: First off, never ask those questions again. As for your other question on why I split the duel into two parts, the reason why was because I had a lot of content to cover. By splitting it into two parts, it was easier for me to write. I do hope you understand.

Kingdom Hearts Guy: Thanks.

Jason: The Hanoi may seem evil right now, but they do get better later on.

Edgar: Bohman reminds me of both Mira and Cell from Dragon Ball Z. As for Link Baton Pass and Cyreath Providence, they're both good cards that can help turn the duel around.

KingOtakuOverYou: Don't worry. I won't judge you for your opinion. Also, I won't make the 'drawing five cards' thing usual. Cyreath Poseidon's effect of destroying all Spell and Trap cards the opponent controls immediately activates if he destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, but only during the user's turn. I can see you're a bit confused as to the invincible combo, so allow me to explain. In Lord Kazuma's mind, he thinks that he created a combo that Raguel cannot break through. If Raguel hadn't used Cyreath Poseidon, that would be the case. However, he had it, so that theory was immediately disproven. Hope that clears things up with you.

Pancakes: I can see Lord Kazuma using the Kuriboh brothers and Gandora to add to his arsenal. But the Egyptian Gods, the Gaia archetype, and Buster Blader? Nope.

And now let's get to the chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter 34: Confrontation

In LINK VRAINS...

The ground beneath both duelists collapsed. Raguel, Playmaker, Herald, and Ai screamed as they began to fall towards the sea.

"Oh no! Playmaker and Raguel have fallen into the abyss!" Pigeon said in panic.

"They're both done for!" Frog cried out.

Raguel growled and pressed a button on his Duel Disk. His Duel Anchor shot out of it, but unfortunately, it was too far away from the nearby ledge.

"Oh you've gotta be kidding me!" Raguel said, as he continued falling. But to his and Herald's surprise, the Duel Disk started glowing again. Soon, Medusa appeared beside Raguel as she swung out one of her long chains with a dagger attached to it, which managed to latch onto the nearby ledge. She then swung along with Raguel to the other side of the bridge and caused him to land unceremoniously onto the ground, while she managed to land on her feet.

"Now that was a rough landing..." Raguel commented, before turning around to the bridge behind him. He then widened his eyes in surprise upon seeing Rider in front of him.

"You're alright. How splendid." Medusa said, turning her head to look at Raguel.

"How-How are you here?" Raguel asked, as he got up on his feet. "Are you sentient like-?"

"If you want the answer to your question, ask Herald." Medusa replied. "In the meanwhile, if you require my assistance, you'll know where to find me." She then turned into magenta-colored particles, which went into Raguel's Duel Disk.

"It worked!" Herald cheered, his arms in the air. "All the time I put in was worth it in the end!"

"What are you talking about?" Raguel demanded, turning to Herald and scaring him. "How exactly is Rider sentient?"

"Uh, well, you see..." But that was all Herald could say, as before he could continue, the two of them heard a really loud voice.

"Where's the Parachute app when you need one?!" Ai shouted, flailing his arms.

As he fell, Playmaker gasped. What was that feeling?

Beneath him, a Data Storm suddenly appeared and caught Playmaker. It threw him upwards, where he landed safely on the ground.

"They're okay!" Raguel said, a look of relief on his face.

"Did the abyss just regurgitate him?" Pigeon asked Frog.

"Did you create that Data Storm?" Playmaker asked Ai.

"Love to take the credit, but no." Ai answered.

"If it wasn't you, then who did I sense?" Playmaker wondered.

"Beats me." Ai shrugged his shoulders. "But don't you have more important things to worry about?" He then pointed his finger at the Tower of Hanoi. "Because that Tower over there is already halfway done!" Suddenly, Ai's eyes widened.

"What is it?" Playmaker asked.

"I just got a message from Herald." Ai told him. "He and Raguel are glad we're okay, and are headed towards the Tower as we speak."

"Then we should get moving too." Playmaker deduced, as he started running. "After all, we have to defeat Revolver and Infearno as quickly as possible."

Elsewhere, Raguel kept running towards the Tower. After they witnessed the Data Storm save Playmaker and Ai from falling to their deaths, he had Herald send Ai a message before heading off. After all, it was practically a race of time at this point to defeat Revolver and Infearno.

"Three rings already..." Raguel muttered, as he briefly looked at the Tower before continuing. That meant there were less than three hours left before the Tower of Hanoi was completed. "You're seeing this too, right Roxy?"

"Yuhiro? You're alive? Thank goodness!" Roxy said, breathing a sigh of relief. "And yes, I'm seeing this as well. If you guys don't hurry, it's..."

"Game Over." Raguel finished, aware of the situation. "But if Revolver and Infearno are defeated, then we'll be able to stop it in time."

"You and Playmaker will, Yuhiro." Roxy assured him. "For everyone who lost their lives to that colossal Tower." She then changed the subject. "Say, Yuhiro. How did you end up saving yourself from not falling to your death?"

"I was hoping you could help me figure that out, Roxy." Raguel replied, as he continued running. "As I was falling, Medusa somehow appeared and swung me to safety."

"Medusa? Are you for real right now?" Roxy's eyes widened in surprise before she chuckled to herself, which Raguel heard.

"So you know something about this?" Raguel asked, causing both her and Herald to chuckle in embarrassment.

"You see, Raguel." Herald began, getting his attention. "It all started one day when Roxy introduced me to this game called Fate/Grand Order on her tablet. As I started to play and get good at it, it led to me talking with her about what life would be like if one of us had a Servant to assist us in fighting the bad guys."

"Which led to you using some of your data so Medusa can have sentience..." Raguel finished, groaning as he put the pieces together. Great. Although he was grateful to Medusa for saving his life, this was the last thing he needed right now. "If Miyu finds out about this-."

"She will eventually find out." Roxy pointed out. "And besides, Yuhiro. It doesn't hurt having another ally on our side, don't you agree?"

"I guess you make a good point, Roxy." Raguel conceded, knowing there was no point in arguing with her. He turned to Herald. "Isn't Hercules in that game?"

"As a Berserker, yes." Herald answered. "I can make an evolved version of Hercules for you if you want, but it will have to be after we defeat the Hanoi. Is that fine with you?"

"Sure." Raguel replied. While he didn't intend to log back into the network once the Knights of Hanoi were defeated, it wouldn't hurt to upgrade his deck in case there was trouble. With the matter out of the way, Raguel kept running.

Meanwhile, Frog and Pigeon were flying in LINK VRAINS, observing Raguel and Playmaker.

"Playmaker and Raguel are on the move, boss!" Pigeon exclaimed. "And it looks like they're making a beeline for the Tower!"

"Then so are we!" Frog decided. "So get your hustle hustling and follow those two, got it?"

"Consider it done boss!" Pigeon complied, as he started flying faster.

"Good! Now watch how you fly! I don't want to be deleted before we catch the duels of the century!"

"Right boss! My bad!"

Meanwhile, in another area of LINK VRAINS...

A mix of emotions were registered on Revolver's face as he looked at Watchman. Surprise, curiosity, and relief were among those emotions. But the most prevalent emotions was grief and fury. Fury for supposedly dying and then resurfacing to oppose the Hanoi, as well as grief for the action he'd have to take to save the world. At the same time though, there was hope. Hope that his father would be able to convince Watchman to rejoin their side. And if he did, then the emotions of grief and fury would disappear.

But before Revolver could speak, Dr. Kogami stepped forward to face Watchman.

"It has been too long, Arshad." Dr. Kogami said, addressing Watchman by his real name. "I must admit, it took longer than expected for you to crack our Stronghold's coding and find us."

"You always had a knack at understanding code." Watchman admitted, a small smile on his face appearing before he became serious. "Although it was a challenge, I was able to eventually find you." He briefly turned his head to look at Revolver and Infearno before looking back at Dr. Kogami. "All of you."

"It was inevitable that would happen." Dr. Kogami agreed. "So what is it you came for? I'm guessing there's more to your visit than you wanting to see me again."

"I'm here to stop you from making a mistake you'll regret." Watchman told him. "The Ignis can help us stop the Crisis that is to come."

"Ah, yes. The Crisis." Dr. Kogami recalled, a hand on his chin. "I remember you telling me about this years after the Lost Incident."

Revolver raised an eyebrow while Infearno remained quiet. Crisis? And did Watchman speak with Dr. Kogami prior to the Hanoi's attack on the Cyberse World? If so, this raised questions.

"At first, when I heard your voice during the simulations, I thought I was going mad. After all, I grieved when I learned of your supposed death. However, when I saw you duel inside SOL Technologies' mother computer, I knew it was you. And it crushed me when I realized you still pursued the futile dream of coexistence." Dr. Kogami narrowed his eyes. "There is something I'm curious about, though. If you wanted to stop me, why didn't you bring your allies?"

"Because I wish to solve things peacefully." Watchman answered. "It's not too late to do what's right. Shut down the Tower and free everyone's consciousness data. Work with me, just like we did all those years ago. Together, along with the Ignis, we can stop the Crisis."

Dr. Kogami thought about this for a brief moment before deciding. "I'm sorry, Arshad. It's too late for me to do so. I swore to save humanity, and if it means you're my enemy, then-."

"Father!" Revolver interrupted, getting Dr. Kogami's attention. "You gave me your word."

Dr. Kogami sighed. "Very well." He turned to Watchman. "Do you remember why the Lost Incident began in the first place?"

"How could I not?" Watchman replied. "It was more than just about creating something that would assist humanity, wasn't it?"

"Indeed." Dr. Kogami agreed, happy to see that Watchman remembered. "Years ago, two great scientists launched a project that, if successful, would ensure that humanity forever survived. The goal: Reaching the Root of all Knowledge." He took a breath before continuing. "However, humanity couldn't do it alone. So the two men decided to use all of SOL Technologies' resources to launch two sub-projects. One that would focus on creating unique AI with free will, and one that would prepare a chosen human being to become the Construct. Or in other words, someone to unify the Ignis and humanity together to reach the Root."

"The Lost Incident and Project: Apotheosis..." Watchman muttered.

"Yes." Dr. Kogami said. "In order to create the Ignis, the two men decided to use eight different teenagers as test subjects so the Ignis could learn about the world's problems through various trials. Unfortunately, an incident occurred during the project that led to one of the scientists losing their life. Afraid of what would happen to the world if SOL Technologies continued with the project, the other scientist destroyed the evidence before leaving with his newly-formed family."

Revolver narrowed his eyes. There was another Lost Incident that occurred? How exactly did these Lost Incidents connect with Project: VIII? It was official. He had to look into this after the Ignis were destroyed.

Infearno, on the other hand, paid close attention to the conversation. He was now interested in hearing about Project: VIII and how it connected with everything that's been happening so far. Especially the roles each of the children and teenagers would have.

"When I looked at Project: VIII myself, I couldn't help but be amazed with the vision it offered. At the same time, I was baffled by how one of the scientists had let fear stop him from finishing the project in memory of his partner. It was at that moment I decided to finish what those two scientists started."

"Perhaps the surviving scientist had a responsibility to protect the world and his loved ones from the implications of his research." Watchman surmised.

"Whatever his intentions were, they don't matter now." Dr. Kogami replied, sighing. "For thanks to his research, the Ignis were made. I also heard of Project: Apotheosis making great strides before getting shut down as well."

The doctor's hand briefly glowed with data material before transforming the small area everyone was in into a simulation of the Cyberse World. "It was beautiful. The Cyberse World was unlike anything I had seen before. With new duel monsters being made and data material constantly flowing out, the Ignis turned out to be everything I hoped. Humanity couldn't ask for a better partner in reaching the Root of all Knowledge."

His face turned grim before continuing. "However, when I ran the simulations, I realized the Ignis would lead humanity to its extinction instead of salvation. It was then I offered a solution to SOL Technologies' higher-ups."

"Genocide." Watchman realized.

"Exactly." Dr. Kogami confirmed, looking down at the ground. "But they called me a madman, and put me into a coma to stop me." The simulation of the Cyberse World came to an end as the area returned back to normal. "By the time my son resurrected me in the network, I learned that the simulations will come to pass if I didn't do something."

"Which was when you and Revolver formed the Knights of Hanoi." Watchman concluded.

"Nothing gets past you, old friend." Dr. Kogami praised him before briefly gesturing to the Tower of Hanoi. "When all six rings are completed, I can simply snap my fingers, and they would all cease to exist. Thus preventing both them and what lies beyond the network from threatening humanity."

"And then what?"

"I finally rest. And watch the sunrise on a grateful universe." Dr. Kogami looked down at the ground before looking back up at Watchman. "The hardest choices require the strongest wills." He then extended his right hand to Watchman. "Work with me, Arshad, just like we did all those years ago. Together, we can destroy the Ignis and avert the Crisis."

Watchman shook his head, sorrow registered on his face. "No, Kiyoshi," he said. "That I cannot do."

Dr. Kogami was taken aback by Watchman's answer before he narrowed his eyes and lowered his hand. "S-So be it. If you're standing against me, you leave me no choice. I will deal with you here and-."

WHOOSH!

Suddenly, a red Duel Anchor shot out of nowhere and sped towards Watchman, who raised his right hand on instinct. The Duel Anchor then wrapped itself around his wrist before disappearing.

"I think I heard enough from both of you." Revolver said, as he walked forward and faced Watchman. "Because I'll be the one to defeat you myself!"

"Ryoken, this is between your father and me. Do not get involved." Watchman warned him.

"Oh. I have every intention to, Arshad." Revolver responded. "This Duel Anchor locks you in a duel against me. Until you defeat me, you're not going anywhere."

Watchman sighed. He didn't want to hurt Revolver in front of his father, for they were both like family to him. But if Watchman had to defeat him to disable the Tower, then so be it. "Very well, Revolver. I accept your challenge."

A look of satisfaction appeared on Revolver's face. "Excellent. Then we should get started immediately.

"Duel!" Watchman and Revolver said at the same time.

Watchman: 4000 LP

Revolver: 4000 LP

The entire duel field was soon briefly covered by a spread of orange cubes from Watchman's side of the field to Revolver's side of the field.

"What is this?" Revolver wondered, looking at what just occurred. He shook his head. He had to focus on what was going on right now.

"I shall take the first move." Watchman said. "I activate the Field Spell card, Cubic Dimension!" The card showed a city that was being covered with a spread of orange cubes. Above in the sky was an ominous dark cloud overseeing the city getting corrupted. "When this card is activated, I can add one 'Vijam the Cubic Seed' or 'Cubic' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Watchman's deck, which he immediately added to his hand. "Also, while this card is on the field, neither of us can take any battle damage."

"A card like that exists?" Revolver replied in surprise. This was going to be trickier than he thought. Meanwhile, Dr. Kogami watched with interest. Infearno, on the other hand, remained quiet as he watched the duel.

"Next, I activate the Spell card, Graceful Charity. It lets me draw three cards, but I have to discard two cards in exchange." He took two cards from his hand and sent it to his Graveyard before drawing three cards from his deck.

"From there, I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Watchman concluded.

"My turn! I draw!" Revolver said, drawing the top card of his deck. Watchman must be going with the same strategy that he used against Ghost Girl, he thought, as he recalled the recording he watched. He looked at his hand. If Revolver wanted to defeat Watchman, he had to get rid of Cubic Dimension first. And luckily, he had the monster needed to inflict both effect and battle damage.

"I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Supply Squad! Once per turn, if a monster I control is destroyed by battle or card effect, I can draw a card. Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Quick Launch! This card lets me Special Summon a 'Rokket' monster from my deck, but it can't attack, and it's destroyed during my End Phase. Come, Shelrokket Dragon!" A gold and black metal dragon with green lines running over it, green holographic wings, and a green tube on its head appeared on Revolver's field.

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 DEF: 2000 LV: 2

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Squib Draw!" Revolver continued. "By destroying a 'Rokket' monster on my field, I get to draw two cards. I destroy Shelrokket Dragon!" Shelrokket Dragon exploded into particles as he drew two cards from his deck. "And since my monster was destroyed by battle or card effect, I can draw an additional card!" Revolver drew another card from his deck. "I summon Gateway Dragon from my hand." A six-sided golden gate surfaced onto his field, out of which emerged a three-armed golden dragon.

Gateway Dragon ATK: 1600 DEF: 1400 LV: 4

"Gateway Dragon's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Dragon monster from my hand. I bring out Triggering Wurm!" Gateway Dragon's gate opened up again, and out came a small worm-like dragon with large, orange spikes on its back.

Triggering Wurm ATK: 600 DEF: 600 LV: 2

"Manifest, my circuit!" Soon, a Link Portal appeared in the sky above Revolver. "The summoning conditions are one Level 4 or lower Dark Dragon monster! I'll set Gateway Dragon into the Link Markers!" Gateway Dragon went into the left arrowhead, turning it red.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Rise! Link 1! Striker Dragon!" A blue metal dragon with light-green lines running over it, large green holographic wings, and clawed legs flew onto Revolver's field in the Extra Monster Zone. The curved pieces of metal on the dragon's head and shoulders coincidentally resembled the ones from revolvers.

Striker Dragon ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ⬅️

"When Striker Dragon is Link Summoned, I can add the Field Spell card Boot Sector Launch from my hand." Revolver explained, as a card popped out of his deck, which he added to his hand. "Striker Dragon's effect! By targeting a face-up monster on my field and destroying it, I can target and add a 'Rokket' monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I destroy Striker Dragon on my field, and target Shelrokket Dragon in my Graveyard!" As Striker Dragon exploded into particles, a card popped out of Revolver's Graveyard, which he added to his hand.

"I activate the Field Spell card, Boot Sector Launch! With this card, all 'Rokket' monsters on my field gain 300 attack and defense points!" The ground shook as a massive red gun barrel with green lines appeared on Revolver's right side. It had a red and black frame that ran from the top to the bottom that covered two of the six holes. "Boot Sector Launch's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon up to two 'Rokket' monsters from my hand in defense position. Come on out, Shelrokket Dragon and Anesthrokket Dragon!" Two of the holes in Boot Sector Launch glowed as it turned two times, releasing one dragon each before stopping.

The first dragon that came out of Boot Sector Launch was Shelrokket Dragon, who crossed its arms in front of it as it reappeared on Revolver's field. The second was a green and yellow metal dragon with green holographic wings and a syringe on its head. It also crossed its arms in front of its body as it appeared on Revolver's field.

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 DEF: 2000 LV: 2

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK: 0 DEF: 2200 LV: 1

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 + 300 = 1400 DEF: 2000 + 300 = 2300

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK: 0 + 300 = 300 DEF: 2200 + 300 = 2500

"I manifest my circuit for a second time!" Soon a second Link portal appeared in the sky above Revolver. "The summoning conditions are two or more effect monsters! I'll set Shelrokket Dragon, Anesthrokket Dragon, and Triggering Wurm into the Link Markers!" Shelrokket Dragon went into the top arrowhead, Anesthrokket Dragon went into the bottom-left arrowhead, and Triggering Wurm went into the bottom-right arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Topologic Trisbaena!" A four limbed black and white mechanical dragon with several splashes of red over it appeared on Revolver's field in the right Extra Monster Zone and screeched at Watchman. It had a single green eye in the center of its head, and two loops on its back that looked like wings.

Topologic Trisbaena ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ↙️⬆️↘️

"A Cyberse monster, and one of the Topologic monsters too..." Watchman muttered, looking at Trisbaena. "Being Apex Predators, only the Ignis could keep them in line. So how are you able to-?" He gasped. No. It couldn't be. Unless...

"Why so shocked, Watchman?" Revolver taunted, a smirk on his face. "Are you wondering how an Apex Predator is obeying a human such as me? I'll tell you." He looked at his hand before getting serious. "When I used my Skill Storm Access in my previous Speed Duels, the Topologic monsters were able to recognize my ruthless nature, as well as a willingness to do whatever it took to keep the balance of power. That, and combined with my ability to wield data material, I guess you could say I'm an Apex Predator just like them."

"I see." Watchman turned to Dr. Kogami. "No doubt your father had a role in helping you acquire this ability." He understood now. If the Knights of Hanoi intended on destroying the Ignis, they would use whatever it took to do so. Even if it meant recruiting the strongest Cyberse monsters to do so.

"He most certainly did." Revolver acknowledged. "And it's helped us so far." He narrowed his eyes. "But enough talk. Back to the duel at hand! I activate Triggering Wurm's effect from my Graveyard! When it's sent to the Graveyard as Link Material for the Link Summon of a Dark Link monster, I can Special Summon it back to my field in attack position to a zone that Link monster points to. However, it can't be used as Link Material." Immediately, Triggering Wurm reappeared on Revolver's field in the middle Main Monster Zone, which was one of the two Main Monster Zones Trisbaena was pointing to.

Triggering Wurm ATK: 600 DEF: 600 LV: 2

"Trisbaena's effect! When a monster is Special Summoned to a zone it points to, I can banish it along with all Spell and Trap cards on the field. Then you take 500 points of damage for each of your Spell and Trap cards banished by this effect! Exile's Retri-!"

"I activate the effect of Aum the Cubic Lotus from my hand!" Watchman suddenly said. "By banishing a 'Cubic' card from my Graveyard and sending this card from my hand to the Graveyard, I can place a 'Cubic' Counter on a face-up monster that doesn't have a counter. Also, I can return a 'Cubic' card from my hand to the Graveyard, except a Level 1 monster. I banish Cubic Mandala from my Graveyard to place a 'Cubic' counter on Trisbaena!" Watchman took a card from his Graveyard and added it to his hand silhouette of a creature appeared on his field. The creature's face was a blue, flowery disk with one eye. It's slim body, arms, and small feet were covered with eyes as well.

Aum fired a sickly gray and orange blast of cubic particles from it's eyes at Trisbaena, causing it to scream in pain as it turned into a rusty, old version of itself.

"And while your monster has a 'Cubic' counter, it can't attack, nor activate its abilities!" Watchman explained, much to Revolver's shock.

Topologic Trisbaena CC: 0 + 1 = 1

But before Revolver could speak, Watchman continued. "Aum's second effect! I can target one monster on the field with a 'Cubic' counter and destroy it, and by doing so, not only can I Special Summon this card from my Graveyard, it's name becomes Vijam the Cubic Seed as well! I target and destroy Trisbaena, which lets me bring back Aum from my Graveyard." Revolver could do nothing but watch as Trisbaena exploded into particles as Aum was summoned to Watchman's field.

Aum the Cubic Lotus ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

This isn't good, Dr. Kogami thought as he watched the events unfold in front of him. Although he wanted to take over for his son, he couldn't due to Revolver locking himself and Watchman into a duel.

Meanwhile, Infearno had a hand on his chin as he studied the field. Due to Watchman's Hand Trap, he was able to not only negate Trisbaena's effect, but also destroy it in order to summon Aum back from his Graveyard. Let's see how you're able to get out of this one, Revolver, Infearno thought.

Revolver narrowed his eyes. His desire to finish Watchman off quickly had cost him a strong monster. If he wanted to win, he had to know exactly what Watchman's strategy was. "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn. At this point, the effect of Shelrokket Dragon activates. Since it was destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Rokket' monster from my deck with a different name. Emerge, Autorokket Dragon!" An armored orange metal dragon with green holographic wings and a rocket on its head appeared on Revolver's field.

Autorokket Dragon ATK: 1600 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

Autorokket Dragon ATK: 1600 + 300 = 1900 DEF: 1000 + 300 = 1300

"My turn! I draw!" Watchman said, drawing the top card of his deck. "Now, Revolver. It's time for me to show you a portion of my power. By sending Aum the Cubic Lotus, whose name is now Vijam the Cubic Seed, I'm allowed to Special Summon Dark Garnex the Cubic Beast to my field!" Aum briefly disappeared into orange cubic particles once again before transforming into a new monster. One that was colored black, with six fingers and toes extending from its body. It had one eye, a black snout extending from its face, and tower-like shoulders.

Dark Garnex the Cubic Beast ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 2

"Dark Garnex's effect! As it was Special Summoned by tributing Vijam the Cubic Seed, it gains 1000 attack points!"

Dark Garnex the Cubic Beast ATK: 0 + 1000 = 1000

His monster transformed into a Cubic Beast, Revolver thought, looking at the creature Watchman summoned. I thought he was going to bring out his Cubic Kings. Did he upgrade his deck, or-?

"I activate the Continuous-Spell card Cubic Karma from my hand!" Watchman continued. "I target one 'Cubic' monster on my field and then send any number of Vijams from my hand and/or deck to the Graveyard. Then my targeted monster gains 800 attack points for each Vijam sent to the Graveyard by this effect." Two cards popped out of his deck, which he took and sent to his Graveyard. "Therefore, I'll have Dark Garnex absorb two more Vijams to have it gain more power." The two copies of Vijam briefly appeared on Watchman's field before getting absorbed by Dark Garnex. After doing so, it gained two more sets of arms. One set attached to its tower-like shoulders, and the other set attached to its back.

Dark Garnex the Cubic Beast ATK: 1000 + (800 X 2) = 2600

"His monster gained incredible strength!" Dr. Kogami said in awe upon looking at Dark Garnex.

"Battle!" Watchman declared. "Dark Garnex the Cubic Beast attacks Autorokket Dragon! Cubic Whiplash!" Dark Garnex charged forward and generated a blue cubic whip with a hook at the end of it. The beast whipped it forward, causing the hook to slash Autorokket Dragon in two before destroying it.

"As my monster was destroyed by battle or card effect, Supply Squad's effect activates, letting me draw one card from my deck." Revolver pointed out, drawing the top card of his deck. "Also, your Field Spell reduces battle damage to zero."

"I'm aware of that." Watchman said. "Which is why it has another effect to compensate."

"Another effect?"

"When a monster is destroyed by battle, its owner takes damage equal to that monster's original attack points." Watchman responded. "As your dragon had 1600 attack points, you take the same amount of damage." Revolver grunted in pain as his life points dropped.

Revolver: 4000 – 1600 = 2400 LP

"To think there was a card that can turn battle damage into effect damage..." Dr. Kogami muttered, a look of concern for Revolver on his face.

"With your monster gone, Dark Garnex's additional effect activates!" Watchman added. "I can send it to the Graveyard, and then summon up to two copies of Vijam the Cubic Seed from my Graveyard!" Dark Garnex disappeared into orange cubic particles before splitting and reforming into two new monsters. These monsters were two spheres with a large eye in the middle. Both of them had two small wings and an antennae-like organ with an eye placed on top of them with extending from their tops.

Vijam the Cubic Seed ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Vijam the Cubic Seed ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"Then I'm allowed to add its evolution, Blade Garoodia the Cubic Beast from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of his deck before he added it to his hand. "I'll now use a bit more of my power. By tributing two copies of Vijam, I can Special Summon Blade Garoodia the Cubic Beast from my hand!" Both Vijams briefly turned into orange cubic particles before combining to form a new monster on Watchman's field. This monster took the form of a crimson phoenix-like beast, with two sharp protrusions extending from its head and two egg-shaped eye objects with eyes embedded onto them attached to its back. It also had two, massive rotors on its lower back as well.

Blade Garoodia the Cubic Beast ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 3

"Blade Garoodia's effect! Since I Special Summoned it by tributing two copies of Vijam, it gains 2000 attack points!" Watchman said.

Blade Garoodia the Cubic Beast ATK: 0 + 2000 = 2000

"The battle still continues! Blade Garoodia the Cubic Beast attacks Triggering Wurm! Cubic Blazerang!" The massive rotors on Blade Garoodia's lower back charged up to gain power before it threw two flaming discs at Triggering Wurm, destroying it. "And just like before, Cubic Dimension's effect activates!" Revolver's avatar fizzled as his life points dropped for a second time.

Revolver: 2400 – 600 = 1800 LP

"As your monster was destroyed, Blade Garoodia's other effect activates! I can send it to the Graveyard, and then summon up to three copies of Vijam the Cubic Seed from my Graveyard!" Blade Garoodia disappeared into orange cubic particles before splitting and reforming into three copies of Vijam.

Vijam the Cubic Seed ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Vijam the Cubic Seed ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Vijam the Cubic Seed ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"I can then add the final evolution of the Cubic Beasts, Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth, from my deck to my hand!" A card popped out of Watchman's deck, which he added to his hand. "I end my turn."

"The effect of Autorokket Dragon activates." Revolver said. "As it was destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Rokket' monster from my deck with another name. Come, a second Shelrokket Dragon!" At Revolver's command, a second copy of Shelrokket Dragon appeared on his field.

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 DEF: 2000 LV: 2

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 + 300 = 1400 DEF: 2000 + 300 = 2300

So that's how Watchman's deck functions, Infearno thought, recalling everything that just occurred. Using copies of Vijam the Cubic Seed, he's able to summon either the Cubic Beasts or the Cubic Kings based on the situation. After they battle, he splits them back before evolving them further. By doing this, he hopes to finish the duel quickly. So why didn't he evolve it further? Is it due to his Cubic Dimension Field Spell? Or is it something else?

"I see." Revolver had a smirk on his face. "I now have an understanding of how your deck works. And now that I do, I can defeat you."

"Your father always said you were a quick study." Watchman told him. "But I'm afraid against me, you don't have a chance. Forfeit this duel, Revolver. If you do, I'll ensure you don't become a part of the Tower."

Revolver's eyes widened in surprise. An enemy was showing him mercy? He glared at Watchman before speaking. "You must take me for a naïve fool, thinking that peace is the way to go. If we do nothing, the Ignis will destroy us. That is why I'll do whatever it takes to ensure humanity survives, no matter what the cost."

Watchman sorrowfully looked at Revolver, regretting at what he had to do now against someone who refused his offer of peace. "If this is your decision, I won't stop you." A determined look then appeared on his face. "Let us resume the duel!"

"Certainly!" Revolver agreed. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the second effect of Boot Sector Launch! As you control more monsters than I do, I can Special Summon 'Rokket' monsters from my Graveyard in defense position equal to the difference! Return to the field, Anesthrokket Dragon and Autorokket Dragon!" Two of the holes in Boot Sector Launch glowed as it turned two times, releasing Anesthrokket Dragon and Autorokket Dragon each before stopping as they reappeared on Revolver's field.

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK: 0 DEF: 2200 LV: 1

Autorokket Dragon ATK: 1600 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK: 0 + 300 = 300 DEF: 2200 + 300 = 2500

Autorokket Dragon ATK: 1600 + 300 = 1900 DEF: 1000 + 300 = 1300

"Manifest, my circuit!" A Link Portal appeared in the sky above Revolver. "The summoning conditions are two 'Rokket' monsters! I'll set Anesthrokket Dragon and Autorokket Dragon into the Link Markers!" Anesthrokket Dragon went into the bottom-left arrowhead, while Autorokket Dragon went into the bottom-right arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Booster Dragon!" A black metal dragon with a large barrel on its head, no arms, two legs, and green holographic wings roared as it appeared on Revolver's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Booster Dragon ATK: 1900 LINK-2 ↙️↘️

"I activate Booster Dragon's effect!" Revolver continued. "Once per turn, I can target one monster on my field and increase its attack and defense points by 500. In addition, you cannot activate cards or effects in response. I target Shelrokket Dragon!" He then gestured to Shelrokket Dragon. "At this point, Shelrokket Dragon's effect activates. If it's targeted by a Link monster's effect, I can destroy Shelrokket Dragon and the monster this card was in. Also, I can destroy monsters in that card's adjacent zones!"

Watchman narrowed his eyes. He could see what Revolver planned to do. By destroying all three Vijams at once, he'll be able to prevent him from summoning Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth.

Revolver smirked. "You only have yourself to blame for showing me how your deck worked." He turned to Booster Dragon. "Fire!" Shelrokket Dragon's entire body transformed into a large bullet that entered the barrel on Booster Dragon's head. It then fired a massive blast of energy at the Vijam in the middle, destroying both it and the Vijams that were adjacent.

"Interesting." Infearno said, looking at what happened. "Revolver chose the greater of two evils to destroy."

"Yes." Dr. Kogami said, a smile on his face. "Now that he fully understands the mechanics behind Arshad's deck, he'll be able to make logical decisions that will benefit him later on."

"I activate Supply Squad's effect!" Revolver added. "Since a monster was destroyed by battle or card effect, I get to draw a card!" He drew the top card of his deck, looked at it, and grinned. "From there, I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Twin Twisters. By discarding a card from my hand, I can target up to two Spell and Trap cards on the field and destroy them. I target Cubic Dimension and the face-down card on the far left!" As Revolver discarded a card from his hand, two twisters emerged from Twin Twisters, which destroyed Cubic Dimension and Watchman's face-down card on the far left, much to Watchman's dismay.

"Battle! Booster Dragon attacks you directly!" Booster Dragon charged forward and rammed its head at Watchman, pushing him slightly back.

Watchman: 4000 – 1900 = 2100 LP

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Revolver concluded, satisfied with his turn. "At this point, the effect of Shelrokket Dragon activates. Since it was destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Rokket' monster from my deck with a different name. Rise, Magnarokket Dragon!" A blue and red metal dragon with green holographic wings and a small cannon on its head appeared on his field.

Magnarokket Dragon ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200 LV: 4

Magnarokket Dragon ATK: 1800 + 300 = 2100 DEF: 1200 + 300 = 1500

The both of them are nearly matched now, Dr. Kogami thought, looking at the field. Still, it can go either way.

"My turn! I draw!" Watchman said, drawing the top card of his deck. "I'm impressed. To think you'd be the first duelist to actually deal me damage. Your father would, and should be, proud of you."

"I'm quite honored." Revolver replied. "But know that praise won't help you win."

"On that, we agree." Watchman responded. "I activate the Trap card, Cubic Reformation!" The card showed Indiora Doom Volt the Cubic Emperor turning into orange particles as it reformed into three copies of Vijam the Cubic Seed. "By banishing up to three 'Cubic' monsters from my field or Graveyard, I can Special Summon copies of 'Vijam the Cubic Seed' from my Graveyard equal to the amount of 'Cubic' monsters banished. I banish Aum the Cubic Lotus, Dark Garnex the Cubic Beast, and Blade Garoodia the Cubic Beast from my Graveyard to bring back my three Vijams!" Soon, all three copies of Vijam the Cubic Seed reformed onto Watchman's field.

Vijam the Cubic Seed ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Vijam the Cubic Seed ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Vijam the Cubic Seed ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"Next, I activate my other Trap card, Cubic Omen!" Watchman gestured to his other face-down card. "It lets me place Cubic Counters on monsters you control equal to the number of 'Cubic' monsters I control! As I control three copies of Vijam, I can place 'Cubic' counters on your Booster Dragon and Magnarokket Dragon!" Two of the Vijams fired sickly gray and orange blasts of cubic particles from its eyes at Booster Dragon and Magnarokket Dragon, causing them to become rusty, old versions of themselves.

"And just like before, your monsters can't attack, nor activate their abilities!" Watchman reminded Revolver, irritating him in the process.

Booster Dragon CC: 0 + 1 = 1

Magnarokket Dragon CC: 0 + 1 = 1

"If that's the case, I activate my Trap card, Circuit Break!" Revolver interjected, gesturing to one of his face-down cards. The card showed a Link Portal breaking apart, causing Borreload Dragon to roar in pain as it fell back in. As a result, Magnarokket Dragon, Shelrokket Dragon, Autorokket Dragon, and Metalrokket Dragon emerged from Borreload Dragon's Link arrows. "When this card is activated, I can target one Link monster I control and destroy it. By doing this, I can Special Summon monsters from my Graveyard up to the destroyed Link monster's Link rating, except Link monsters. I target and destroy Booster Dragon to bring back Autorokket Dragon and Shelrokket Dragon!" Booster Dragon exploded into particles as both Autorokket Dragon and Shelrokket Dragon returned to Revolver's field.

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 DEF: 2000 LV: 2

Autorokket Dragon ATK: 1600 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 + 300 = 1400 DEF: 2000 + 300 = 2300

Autorokket Dragon ATK: 1600 + 300 = 1900 DEF: 1000 + 300 = 1300

"And since a monster on my field was destroyed by battle or card effect, Supply Squad lets me draw one card from my deck!" Revolver drew the top card of his deck.

"You may think that summoning more monsters will help, but it won't." Watchman said, an undeterred look on his face. He thrusted out his right hand. "And to prove it, I shall call upon even more of my power! By tributing three copies of Vijam, I can Special Summon the strongest of the Cubic Beasts! Emerge, Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth!" All three Vijams briefly turned into orange cubic particles before merging together to form a new monster on Watchman's field. This monster took the form of a massive being with three eyes: one in the middle, and one on each side connecting its left and right body. It had three towers that were joined together.

Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 4

"Buster Gundil's effect! Since it was Special Summoned by tributing three copies of Vijam, it gains 3000 attack points!"

Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth: 0 + 3000 = 3000

"I activate the second effect of Cubic Omen from my Graveyard!" Watchman continued. "By banishing it, I can target one 'Cubic' monster I control. If it destroys a monster with a 'Cubic' counter, you'll take damage equal to the original attack points of the destroyed monster."

Revolver's eyes widened briefly in surprise before he narrowed them. Watchman's cards are indeed powerful, he acknowledged in his mind. However, should he attack, I got my Trap cards waiting.

"Battle! Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth attacks Magnarokket Dragon! Cubic Maelstrom!" Tendrils of orange cubic energy surrounded the towers on Buster Gundil's body, before being fired from all three eyes towards Magnarokket Dragon.

"I activate my Trap card, Draining Shield!" Revolver suddenly said. "Not only does this card negate your attack, I gain life points equal to your monster's attack points!" A translucent green barrier appeared around Magnarokket Dragon, protecting it from Buster Gundil's attack. Then a translucent green aura briefly surrounded Revolver as his life points increased.

Revolver: 1800 + 3000 = 4800 LP

"He managed to regain all his life points..." Infearno muttered, a hand on his chin.

"Indeed he did." Dr. Kogami agreed. "But remember, Infearno. While life points can help in deciding a victor, it's ultimately the cards that determine who wins and who loses a duel."

"So you negated my attack. Thus letting yourself stay in the duel." Watchman stated. "However, you forgot one thing."

"Oh? And what's that?" Revolver asked.

"The unique traits of the Cubic Beasts." Watchman replied. "You see, the Cubic Beasts gain additional attacks equal to one less of their levels, while the Cubic Kings can inflict 800 damage each when being Special Summoned. In the case of Buster Gundil, it can attack a total of three times.

"T-Three times?"

"That's correct." Watchman confirmed. "Which means it has two more attacks left in its disposal." He pointed his right hand at Magnarokket Dragon. "The battle still continues! Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth attacks Magnarokket Dragon once again!" Tendrils of orange cubic energy surrounded the towers on Buster Gundil's body, before being fired from all three eyes towards Magnarokket Dragon and destroying it for real.

"Since your monster had a 'Cubic' Counter when it was destroyed, you take damage equal to its original attack points." Revolver raised his arm as he braced himself for the explosion afterwards.

Revolver: 4800 – 900 – 1800 = 2100 LP

"Now attack Shelrokket Dragon!" Tendrils of orange cubic energy surrounded the towers on Buster Gundil's body, before being fired from all three eyes towards Shelrokket Dragon and destroying it as well. Once again, Revolver had to raise his arm in order to protect himself from the explosion.

Revolver: 2100 – 1600 = 500 LP

"As Buster Gundil destroyed your monsters, it's effect now activates." Watchman said. "I can send this card from my field to my Graveyard and Special Summon three copies of 'Vijam the Cubic Seed' straight from my Graveyard. In addition, I'm allowed to add one 'Cubic' card from my deck or Graveyard to my hand." Buster Gundil disappeared into orange cubic particles before splitting and reforming into three copies of Vijam.

Vijam the Cubic Seed ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Vijam the Cubic Seed ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Vijam the Cubic Seed ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Then a card popped out of Watchman's deck, which he took and added to his hand. "I Set one card face-down and end my turn."

"And since you ended your turn, Shelrokket Dragon's effect activates!" Revolver said. "Since it was destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Rokket' monster from my deck with a different name. Come on out, a second Magnarokket Dragon!" A second copy of Magnarokket Dragon appeared on Revolver's field.

Magnarokket Dragon ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200 LV: 4

Magnarokket Dragon ATK: 1800 + 300 = 2100 DEF: 1200 + 300 = 1500

"My turn! I draw!" Revolver drew the top card of his deck. "I activate Boot Sector Launch's second effect! As you have more monsters than I do, I can Special Summon 'Rokket' monsters from my Graveyard equal to the difference! Return to the field, Shelrokket Dragon and Autorokket Dragon!" Two of the holes in Boot Sector Launch glowed as it turned two times, releasing Shelrokket Dragon and Autorokket Dragon each before stopping as they reappeared on Revolver's field once again.

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 DEF: 2000 LV: 2

Autorokket Dragon ATK: 1600 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 + 300 = 1400 DEF: 2000 + 300 = 2300

Autorokket Dragon ATK: 1600 + 300 = 1900 DEF: 1000 + 300 = 1300

"I activate the effect of Hibernation Dragon from my Graveyard." Revolver added. "Since I control no Link monsters, I can banish this card to Special Summon a Dark Dragon Link monster from my Graveyard. Return as well, Booster Dragon!" At Revolver's command, Booster Dragon reappeared on his field.

Booster Dragon ATK: 1900 LINK-2 ↙️↘️

"Manifest, my circuit!" A Link Portal appeared in the sky above Revolver. "The summoning conditions are three or more effect monsters! I'll set Booster Dragon, which is a Link 2 monster, Shelrokket Dragon, and Autorokket Dragon into the Link Markers!" Booster Dragon split into two tornadoes of energy and entered the top and bottom arrowheads, Shelrokket Dragon entered the left arrowhead, and Autorokket Dragon entered the bottom-left arrowhead, turning them all red.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! My gale that slices open the closed world! Link 4! Borrelsword Dragon!" A large red and silver mechanical dragon appeared on Revolver's field in the right Extra Monster Zone and roared at Watchman. It had two large green spikes extending downwards from its neck, as well as green spikes on its knees. Attached to the sides of its head were two sharp blades. Borrelsword Dragon also had a gun barrel in its chest, ready to be used.

Borrelsword Dragon ATK: 3000 LINK-4 ↙️⬅️⬆️⬇️

"So you're going all out now, Revolver..." Infearno muttered, seeing Borrelsword Dragon on the field. From what he was seeing, Revolver must have had enough with the duel, and decided to bring out one of his strongest monsters.

Dr. Kogami, meanwhile, had a look of concern on his face. Ryoken, I know you want to save humanity no matter the cost, he thought. But what will become of you, of us, when we succeed in doing so?

"I activate the Trap card, Borrel Negation Wave!" Revolver said, gesturing to one of his face-down cards. The card showed Borreload Dragon releasing a widespread beam of energy over an army of Cyberse creatures consisting of Balancer Lord, Launcher Commander, Dual Assembwurm, Boot Staggered, and Interrupt Resistor. As a result, the army's forces were crippled, satisfying the owner's silhouette in the background. "If I control a 'Borrel' Link monster, I can banish one Dark Dragon Link monster with a different name from my Graveyard to negate the effects of monsters you control up to that monster's Link rating. I therefore banish Booster Dragon from my Graveyard to negate the effects of the Vijam on the far left and the far right!" Two red orbs came out of Borrel Negation Wave, which merged into one before going into the gun barrel in Borrelsword Dragon's chest. The gun barrel then rotated, and Borrelsword Dragon's mouth opened as a cannon extended from its mouth. It fired a widespread beam of energy at the Vijam on the far left and far right, greying them out.

"I'll then activate Borrelsword Dragon's effect! Once per turn, I can target one attack position monster on the field and change it to defense position. By doing this, Borrelsword Dragon gets to attack twice this turn. I target Magnarokket Dragon!" Borrelsword Dragon roared loudly, causing Magnarokket Dragon to change to defense position. "Magnarokket Dragon's effect! If it's targeted by a Link monster's effect, I can destroy this card and send one monster on your field to your Graveyard. I send the Vijam the Cubic Seed in the middle to your Graveyard!"

Magnarokket Dragon's entire body transformed into a bullet that went into the gun barrel in Borrelsword Dragon's chest. The gun barrel rotated once again as Borrelsword Dragon opened its mouth once again. "Blast Destruction!" Borrelsword Dragon fired a fountain of yellow energy at the Vijam the Cubic Seed in the middle of Watchman's field, destroying it completely.

"And thanks to Supply Squad, I get to draw a card!" Revolver added, drawing the top card of his deck. He pointed his right finger at Watchman.

"This duel is over! Battle! Borrelsword Dragon attacks the first Vijam the Cubic Seed! Electric Borrel Sword Slash!" The two blades on the sides of Borrelsword Dragon's head snapped upwards, forming a single massive blade, which it brought down on the first Vijam the Cubic Seed in a charge.

"I activate the Continuous-Trap card, Spirit Barrier!" Watchman said. "As long as I control a monster, all battle damage I take is reduced to zero!"

"But you'll still lose your monster!" Revolver countered, as the first Vijam was bisected down the middle and turned into particles. "Now attack the second Vijam! Electric Borrel Sword Slash!" Borrelsword Dragon charged forward and bisected the second Vijam down the middle, destroying it in the process.

"With all three Vijams once again in Watchman's Graveyard, he won't be able to bring out his Cubic Beasts or Cubic Kings." Infearno deduced. He turned to Dr. Kogami. "Will you be comfortable seeing your old friend turn into data for the Tower?"

"To tell you the truth, no." Dr. Kogami admitted, turning his head to Infearno. "But if it means the destruction of the Ignis, then so be it." Both men then turned back to the duel.

"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Revolver concluded. "As like all my other 'Rokket' monsters, the effect of Magnarokket Dragon activates. Since it was destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Rokket' monster from my deck with a different name. Appear, Anesthrokket Dragon!" At Revolver's command, a second copy of Anesthrokket Dragon appeared on his field.

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK: 0 DEF: 2200 LV: 1

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK: 0 + 300 = 300 DEF: 2200 + 300 = 2500

"My turn! I draw!" Watchman said, drawing the top card of his deck. "I activate the Spell card, Pot of Avarice! This card lets me target five monsters in my Graveyard, shuffle them into my deck, and then draw two cards. I target my three Vijams, Aum the Cubic Lotus, and Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth." Five cards came out of his Graveyard, which he took and shuffled into his deck before drawing two cards.

Upon at looking at them though, his eyes widened in fear.

"Oh? Did you not get the cards you wanted?" Revolver taunted, knowing that victory was his.

"It's not that." Watchman answered in a tone that surprised Revolver. "Although I did get the cards I needed to win, it's just..." He stopped speaking.

"Just what?" Revolver pressed him on for an answer.

"That one of the cards I drew is a monster I promised myself I wouldn't use." Watchman finished. "And although I have the power to Special Summon one of them, it's risky."

He sighed before steeling himself. "But... if taking the chance of losing myself means disabling the Tower, then so be it!" One of the cards in Watchman's hand glowed a dark-purple light. "I activate the effect of Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord from my hand! By revealing three 'Cubic' cards with different names in my hand, I can Special Summon this mighty creature from my hand! I reveal Indiora Doom Volt the Cubic Emperor, Cubic Wave, and Cubic Ascension!"

Soon, the three designated cards glowed before floating in front of Watchman and spinning around to form a dark-purple portal. Emerging from the portal was a massive swarm of sickly gray and orange cubic particles before they formed into a new purple-colored monster. This monster's core consisted of a purple sphere with a red oval and golden lash marks surrounding it, which was inside a translucent purple-cube. It had two muscular arms, with two eyes each. One at the shoulder, and one at the back of its hand. Its right hand consisted of two un-even pincer blades that formed a claw, while the left hand consisted of a pendulum blade. Flowing underneath the creature's core was a trail of solidified purple cubes, which formed a tail.

Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord ATK: 3000 DEF: 0 LV: 10

Upon being Special Summoned, Watchman screamed as he held his head in his hands, much to the concern of Revolver, Dr. Kogami, and Infearno.

"I... I activate the Spell card, Cubic Wave!" Watchman continued, panting. "By targeting one monster I control and one monster you control, the attack of my monster doubles while yours gets halved. I target Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord and your Borrelsword Dragon!" Borrelsword Dragon roared in pain as its strength was halved, whereas Crimson Nova's strength was doubled.

Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord ATK: 3000 X 2 = 6000

Borrelsword Dragon ATK: 3000 / 2 = 1500

"I activate Borrelsword Dragon's effect!" Revolver responded. "Once per turn, I can target one attack position monster on the field and change it to defense position. By doing this, Borrelsword Dragon gets to attack twice this turn. I target Anesthrokket Dragon!" Even weakened, Borrelsword Dragon was still able to roar loudly, causing Anesthrokket Dragon to switch to defense position. "Anesthrokket Dragon's effect! Since it was targeted by a Link monster's effect, I can destroy this card and make one monster on your field unable to attack, as well as negate its effects! I target Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord!"

Anesthrokket Dragon's entire body transformed into a bullet that went into the gun barrel in Borrelsword Dragon's chest. The gun barrel rotated as Borrelsword Dragon opened its mouth and aimed. "Blast Destruction!" Borrelsword Dragon fired a burst of green energy towards Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord, but upon impact, it simply fell to the ground before vanishing.

"What?!" Revolver was astonished at what he just saw, along with Dr. Kogami and Infearno. "How come my monster's effect didn't work?"

"It's because Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord is unaffected by other monster's activated effects that have 3000 attack points or less." Watchman answered. "In other words, your monsters can't touch it."

"But thanks to Supply Squad, I get to draw a card." Revolver replied, drawing the top card of his deck.

"Regardless, it's over." Watchman stated. He thrusted out his right hand. "Battle! Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord attacks Borrelsword Dragon! Cubic Evisceration!" Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord charged forward, bringing down its arms at Borrelsword Dragon as it intended to destroy it once and for all. The two blades on the sides of Borrelsword Dragon's head snapped upwards in response, forming a single massive blade as it clashed with Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord.

"Borrelsword Dragon can't be destroyed by battle!" Revolver pointed out. "And to ensure I survive, I activate the Trap card, Impenetrable Attack! This card lets me choose one of two effects. I'll choose the second effect and reduce all damage I take to zero!" The clash between Borrelsword Dragon and Crimson Nova the Dark Lord soon ended in a draw, as both monsters were forced to return to their master's sides. "Looks like I'll be surviving this turn, Arshad."

"Unfortunately, you're mistaken." Watchman stated, surprising Revolver.

"What do you mean?"

"I end my turn." Watchman concluded. "Which means Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord's final effect activates! It deals the both of us 3000 points of damage!"

"3000?!" Revolver exclaimed, much to the shock of Dr. Kogami.

"Correct." Watchman confirmed, now holding this shoulder. "I had hoped to defeat you quickly, but you left me no choice." He turned to Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord, whose eyes were charging up. "Cubic Bombardment!"

"You're the one who will be defeated!" Revolver declared. "I activate the Counter-Trap card, Barrel Behind the Door! When a card effect that would inflict damage to me is activated, I can redirect the damage back to you!"

Watchman's eyes widened in shock at Revolver's counter. Soon, Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord fired cubic purple beams at Revolver, which instead went into Barrel Behind the Door before the card fired them back right at Watchman.

As a result, he couldn't help but scream as each of the blasts hit him. To make things worse, he received a large purple shock as well, causing his life points to drop to zero.

Watchman: 2100 – 3000 – 3000 = 0

Even after that though, Watchman was still standing on his two feet, surprising everyone. However, he was forced to fall to one knee.

"Raguel... and Playmaker... will stop you..." Watchman said to Revolver before looking at Dr. Kogami and Infearno. "All of you."

"Your data will now fuel the Tower of Hanoi." Revolver said, as Watchman's avatar turned red before disintegrating. Within moments, his body broke apart completely into data, which went towards the Tower of Hanoi.

As Revolver watched the data fly towards the Tower, he sighed in regret. "The hardest choices require the strongest wills."

"They do, Revolver." Dr. Kogami said, walking towards his son and placing a hand on his shoulder. "What you did was probably one of the hardest choices you had to make. But know that his sacrifice won't be in vain. That I promise."

"I'm aware of that." Revolver turned to face his father. "There's something I want you to promise me father once the Ignis are destroyed."

Dr. Kogami raised an eyebrow. "What would that be?" But before Revolver could continue, Infearno walked towards them.

"Pardon my interruption," Infearno said, "but you have to see this." He pressed a few buttons on his Duel Disk, which showed a map of the area where the Tower of Hanoi was. After inspecting the map, Revolver's eyes narrowed.

"It seems that Raguel and Go Onizuka are getting close to the Tower." Revolver noted. "And behind them are Playmaker and Stregone." He turned to Dr. Kogami. "Father, I-."

"Go, my son. You too, Infearno." Dr. Kogami said, understanding what needed to be done. "Eliminate them. And good luck."

The two of them nodded before running to the edge of the building and jumping off it, landing on their Duel Boards as they sped away. Dr. Kogami, meanwhile, looked at the Tower of Hanoi.

I never wanted for us to be enemies, Arshad. I truly wish it wasn't the case, Dr. Kogami lamented in his mind. Do know that with the Ignis's destruction, the Crisis will be averted in your memory. He sighed. The hardest choices really did require the strongest wills.

Elsewhere, in Watchman's private server...

Percival and Demeter watched Watchman's final moments as he turned into data.

"This... This wasn't supposed to happen." Percival said, growling. "If Watchman only brought us along, if he only listened to my case-!"

"Calm down, Percival." Demeter told him. "Watchman's wanted to solve this peacefully. What's more, he had hope that his friend was still in there."

"And look where that got him. Turned to data." Percival countered, turning to Demeter. "We need to do something, Demeter. If we don't, the entire network will get destroyed!"

"Arshad's last order before leaving was that we don't interfere as long as Raguel and the others are still in LINK VRAINS!" Demeter pointed out. "I have faith they'll pull through."

Percival growled, but relented. "Your pacifism is one day going to betray you, Demeter," he warned. "Once you witness terrible things happening in LINK VRAINS, you'll act against your better judgement. As for me, I will save Jin, even if it means losing myself in the process." He walked away from Demeter before logging out, leaving Demeter alone in the server.

Meanwhile, in LINK VRAINS...

Raguel ran through the ruins of LINK VRAINS. As he ran, he noticed the pavement had turned to sand. His tracks were visible behind him, showing just how much of LINK VRAINS had been affected so far.

"Alright!" Raguel said, looking at the Tower. "We're almost there!"

"Which means we'll be one step closer to disabling the Tower of Hanoi!" Herald added.

"Raguel!"

Raguel looked up, only to see Stregone perform a superhero landing from above the sky by landing with one knee on the ground, punching the ground in the process.

"Stregone?" Raguel asked him. "I thought you were with Go Onizuka."

"We split up to cover more ground." Stregone responded, as the two of them started walking. "Go's approaching the Tower as we speak. What about the others? Did something happen to them?"

A mournful expression appeared on Raguel's face as he recalled everything that happened. "Numera, Rosetta, and Blue Angel were all turned to data. Playmaker and I defeated Lord Kazuma and Specter though." To Raguel's surprise, he stopped walking when Stregone put a hand on his shoulder.

"We'll get them back." Stregone assured him. "As long as there's time, we still have a chance."

Raguel nodded. "Thanks. I definitely needed that."

Stregone smiled. "Now that we got that out of the way, let's go defeat the Hanoi and disable that Tower, shall we?"

Raguel thought in silence for a moment and smiled back. "Yes!"

"Brave words from the both of you, but we all know that actions speak louder than words."

Raguel and Stregone turned upwards upon hearing a new voice. Soon, both of them saw Infearno speed in on his Duel Board and land on the ground in front of them.

"If you wish to get to the Tower, you must defeat me." Infearno stated, a determined smirk on his face. "My only question is: Who's up first?"

Card Gallery

Cubic Dimension (Field Spell card)

Effect: When this card is activated: You can add 1 'Vijam the Cubic Seed' or one 'Cubic' Spell or Trap card from your deck to your hand. While this card is on your field, neither player takes battle damage. When a monster is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY, its owner takes damage equal to that monsters attack points.

Cubic Reformation (Normal Trap card)

Effect: You can banish up to three 'Cubic' monsters with different names from your GY; Special Summon copies of 'Vijam the Cubic Seed' from your GY equal to the number of 'Cubic' monsters banished by this effect. You can only use this effect of 'Cubic Reformation' once per turn.

Circuit Break (Normal Trap card)

Effect: Target 1 Link Monster you control; destroy it, then Special Summon monsters from your Graveyard up to the destroyed Link Monster's Link Rating, except Link Monsters. You can only activate 1 'Circuit Break' per turn.

Borrel Negation Wave (Normal Trap card)

Effect: If you control a 'Borrel' Link Monster: You can banish 1 Dark Dragon Link Monster from your GY with a different name; negate the effects of monsters your opponent controls up to the banished monster's Link Rating. You can only activate 1 'Borrel Negation Wave' per turn.

QOTC

If Revolver dueled against Jack Atlas, who would win and why?

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 35: Sorcerer's Determination. Standing in front of Raguel and Stregone is Infearno, one of the last Knights of Hanoi remaining. Knowing what needs to be done, Stregone takes Infearno head-on, intending on keeping LINK VRAINS safe. As the duel progresses, the two reveal plan after plan to try and one-up the other. Who will ultimately come up on top?

Author's Notes

Folks. After so long, a new record has been set for the release of a new chapter. Five days. And before Christmas too?! What a treat! Regardless, it's time for a recap.

The first major event in the chapter is the events that follow after Raguel and Playmaker fall from the bridge. Before Raguel can fall to his demise, Medusa ends up saving him, promising him that she'll help him if needed. In other words, you could say that Raguel officially has a new ally on his side. How did it happen, you may ask? Well, you could say it started when Roxy introduced Herald to the Fate/Grand Order mobile game. How do you think Medusa will impact the story? Do you think Raguel will acquire more Servants as the story progresses? You'll just have to read on and find out.

The second event of the chapter is Watchman and Dr. Kogami's conversation, where Dr. Kogami explains about Project: VIII's origins and how the Lost Incident and Project: Apotheosis are connected. Allow me to provide a brief recap: Two scientists launched the project and two sub-projects in order to help humanity acquire salvation. The Lost Incident would be responsible for creating the Ignis, and Project: Apotheosis would be responsible for unifying the Ignis and humanity together to reach the Root. Now here's some fun facts here: One of the two scientists died, the other fled with his family, and most of all, there was another Lost Incident! Only in this one, teenagers were used! Just who are they? Will we meet them? And what is their role in the story? While I can confirm that we'll see the other eight lost incident characters, they won't appear until much, much later in the story. So stay tuned, as I have something huge in plan for them.

Lastly, there's the duel between Watchman and Revolver. I'll have to admit. This was one of Revolver's toughest duels in Season 1, as well as the first duel for him that I wrote. I sure hope you enjoyed it, and if you have any suggestions on improvements, don't hesitate to let me know. Despite a tough struggle, Revolver defeated Watchman, making him the first character to do so.

Anyways, since this chapter was released before Christmas, I think I'll say it again:

MERRY ZARCMAS, EVERYONE!

Okay, with that out of the way, I want to thank everyone for reading Chapter 34 of Obscured Truth. As always, please let me know your thoughts about the chapters below in your reviews. Also, constructive criticism is appreciated, as your tips and advice helps make the story better. In addition, don't forget to favorite and follow the story. That way, you will get a notification once the next chapter is released.

What did you enjoy the most about this chapter? Was it the new info you learned? When Rider somehow gained sentience and saved Raguel? The duel between Watchman and Revolver? Or the MCU references?

Lastly, I have some good news. I intend to release the next chapter hopefully before 2021. If not, then it'll be early on in the new year. Stay tuned, as we got a duel of great proportions coming up!