Response to Reviews
Thank you to Jason, Guest, Guest, Guest, Guest, Electriuser, Kingdom Hearts Guy, HunterHQ, Anonymous, Ambiguous, Cosmic Cat, Linda. , Noobmaster, Guest, Unknown, Cyber Warrior, KingOtakuOverYou, Pancakes, Pikachu99, Guest, Z0n3, Team Rocket, Malcom, Duck Dogers, Fatekirito, Naruto1999, Guest, Jumpei-Sempai, Unnamed, E.T. 2000, Donjusticia, Lord Mammon, Decode Talker, Guest, Guest, Guest, Guest, Guest, Guest, Guest, Magic Dragon, Portal, Nameless, Alien Force, Accelerator, Fusion, Guest, Guest, and Guest for reviewing Chapter 64 of Obscured Truth.
Hi, everyone! I am beyond happy to see you again a month after the Turf War arc ended. This past month, I focused on the profiles for Roxy's Reports, and I'm hoping you've read them prior to reading this chapter, as they cover the events after the Turf War. I also got to play Pokémon: Legends Arceus, and I have to say, it's one of my favourite games I've ever played in my life!
I also forgot to mention something about the contest. There will be a total of three winners. The first winner is guaranteed to have their archetype appear in this story. The second winner will have a fifty percent chance of seeing their archetype in the story. Last but not least, the third winner will have a twenty five percent chance of seeing their archetype appear in the story.
One last thing. After looking over Chapter 64, I am proud to announce that Chapter 64 is the chapter with the most reviews so far in the story! Well done, everyone! Give yourself a pat on the back!
With everything said and done, let's get to answering some reviews:
Jason: The Construct is meant to unify Ignis and man towards the common goal of reaching the Root.
Guest: No apologies needed.
Guest: The contest was for Obscured Truth.
Guest: You'll have to read the Arc-V story to get your answer there.
Guest: Because it's my story, and I'll tell it the way I want to. With feedback from you guys, of course, to make it better.
Electriuser: Beyond happy you enjoyed the story. Tsubaki's mother died of cancer, while Azrael killed the original Kazuma. The fact that Drachen defeated Malf means he got stronger. Regarding Jericho, expect him to make a few more appearances in Season 2. My apologies for switching up your network name and Brion's LINK VRAINS' name.
Kingdom Hearts Guy: Thank you very much.
HunterHQ: There's only so much Frog and Pigeon can do. If they recorded the Turf War, they'd likely get injured in the process, and no one wants that. Azrael made 'modifications' to the Another Virus by injecting a piece of Malf into Ace, Athaliah, and Speckles. Malf's just an AI developing into a stronger one, so give him a break. AI's learn and evolve over time, so be patient. Whatever wounds Azrael inflicts on people in the network affects them in the real world. Yeah, Monty's body is practically a rotten corpse at this point, rest his soul. Indeed. No matter how strong the monster, it can always be defeated. No. Lord Kazuma won't use Gaia the Fierce Knight in his deck.
Anonymous: Unfortunately, there was some people who didn't log out in time, which caused the charred bodies thing. Oh yeah. The Guzik family and Clarice are regretting allying themselves with Ace, considering the massive finale of the Turf War. Don't worry. Enzo's fine, as according to one of the Roxy's Reports (which you obviously need to read to stay in line with the story), Enzo's in Den Jail awaiting trial.
Ambiguous: Glad I surprised you with Lord Kazuma Synchro Summoning. The Hanoi knows that Arashi is alive, and Arashi knows that Windy is his Ignis. The Knights of Hanoi obviously know that Azrael was the one who messed with their plans, so for Azrael to give himself away like that is him basically saying, "I'll be coming for you guys soon. So prepare yourselves for Judgment Day." For Jericho, I have plans for him to appear a few more times in Season 2, so brace yourself.
Cosmic Cat: Thanks for the five stars.
Linda T. Taylor: Excuse me. Malf's just an AI developing into a stronger one, so give him a break.
Noobmaster: Unfortunately, thanks to Azrael, Lord Kazuma wasn't able to get ANY info from Ace. Well, you'll just have to see what happens in Chapter 66. Rachel can communicate with her Mathmechs, but she didn't reach the ideal level to be a perfect Construct. Regardless, she is still one.
Guest: Well, I do have something in mind for that scenario. For Gardai's ultimate fate, you'll have to refer to Roxy's Reports 30. Don't worry. Wyatt's alive.
Unknown: Well, I can't anything on that topic. The profiles take place over a series of days, which you would have already known about have you read them. I can't answer your other question, as that falls into spoiler territory.
Cyber Warrior: Indeed. Ace won the Turf War in the end, despite suffering casualties. Lord Kazuma knows when to be funny and when to be serious.
KingOtakuOverYou: Glad you liked the arc, especially the trolling between Lord Kazuma and Ace. I can confirm that Jericho isn't one of the people involved in Project: Apotheosis.
Pancakes: Um…. I don't know how to respond to that.
Pikachu99: Glad you enjoyed the arc. All is forgiven, my friend. Don't worry about it. Rest assured: I anticipated that hurdle regarding too many people wanting to go to Mirror LINK VRAINS, and will thin it out over the next few chapters.
Guest: Glad you liked the chapter.
Z0n3: Whoops. I'll make the correction as soon as I can.
Team Rocket: It's been a while since I heard from you. Regarding what you put in your review….. no, just no. That will never happen.
Malcolm: That's not a bad idea, now that you mention it. There's a reason why secret identities is a thing. Yuhiro's obviously smart. Right now, he's just not himself.
Duck Dogers: Thanks very much for saying that. In terms of the villains in Hidden Memories, they are great as well due to their character development. The Turf War arc doesn't relate to the Crisis.
Fatekirito: Here's my response to your review: Hell No.
Naruto1999: Azrael killed Kazuma Saromi to acquire resources and eliminate witnesses.
Guest: Stregone will obviously return.
Jumpei-Sempai: Happy you liked the duel. Drachen's origin story is in Chapter 48. What questions do you have for Infearno? The Egyptian Gods will not appear in Obscured Truth. Azrael killed Monty, yes, but he had no hand in killing Miyu's parents or Infearno's wife. As for your last question… well…..
Unnamed: Yup. With the ship crashing into the Black Market, it's the end of an era of crime. Nice observation and comparison there. And High Speed mode will return, as it was featured in Chapter 46.
E.T. 2000: Yup. Ace destroying the Black Market is the best way to end the Turf War arc. The Knights of Hanoi are already aware of Azrael's existence, and Ace had the video of Azrael killing Kazuma Saromi to bait the Hanoi further into investigating their newest enemy. It's as if Azrael's saying, "I'll be coming for you guys soon. So prepare yourselves for Judgment Day." Ultimately, I'm happy you enjoyed the arc. In terms of your other question, it's certainly food for thought, that's for sure.
Donjusticia: I have received your submission for the contest, and winners will be announced at the end of the chapter. Nevertheless, I hoped you enjoyed the arc.
Lord Mammon: OMG! It's been two years since I heard from you. I hope you're doing well! I'm happy that you enjoyed the arc. I hear your concern for Ace. While he lost, he did win against Ondina (off screen), and made the match a draw against Drachen. And rest assured: Ace will win a duel at some point in Season 2. He won't lose forever. It's weird for how Ace has a video of Azrael killing Lord Kazuma's mentor. Think about it like this: Through the video, Azrael gave the Knights of Hanoi the bait into investigating further. It's as if Azrael is saying, "I'll be coming for you guys soon. So prepare yourselves for Judgment Day." Nevertheless, I'm happy you enjoyed the arc, and I hope you come back to review the coming chapters. If you have any inquiries, you know how to reach me.
Decode Talker: I already discussed this query with other reviewers, so I'll repeat it here. Azrael gave the footage to the Knights of Hanoi to motivate them into investigating the mystery further. It's as if Azrael's saying "I'll be coming for you guys soon. So prepare yourselves for Judgment Day."
Guest: No.
Guest: Dancho learned Synchro Summoning first, and taught it to Revolver and Lord Kazuma.
Guest: An Ignis tournament on Fortnite would be interesting to see.
Guest: While the main OC will use a real life deck, there will obviously be OC cards in said deck. I didn't think about that for inspiration for the main OC's integration summon monster.
Guest: No. I won't give spoilers.
Guest: Thanks for the quote.
Guest: We have our own preferences and opinions.
Magic Dragon: That's a possibility.
Portal: Thanks very much for saying that.
Nameless: Azrael killed Monty, Lord Kazuma's mentor, and the right hand man of the Nightlock Predators for differing reasons. For Monty, it's to mortally punish him for his failures in acquiring Ai. For Lord Kazuma's mentor, it's to eliminate witnesses and acquire resources. For the right hand man of the Nightlock Predators, it's to acquire resources. Don't worry. All loose ends will be tied up.
Alien Force: No, and please don't ask such a question again.
Accelerator: Glad you enjoyed the Lord Kazuma vs. Ace duel.
Fusion: Let's see. Herald's favorite video games include Fate/Grand Order, Pokémon Legends Arceus, Pokémon Sword and Shield, the Call of Duty series, Fortnite, and others. In terms of favourite Pokémon, I will certainly make that a QOTC later on in the story. Herald won't be dueling at all in the story. Can't answer the next two questions, as that falls into spoilers. Favorite Yu boy is Yuto, as he's actually the most real amongst them all. Honestly, the most evil amongst the OC characters right now would be a tie between Azrael, Lord Kazuma, and Infearno. No character is stupid, and I like both Batman and Superman. As for the starters in Kanto, I like all of them. Hopefully, this answers your questions.
Guest: Lord Kazuma simply put the title 'Lord' to not only differentiate himself from Kazuma, but to honour his teacher as well.
Guest: Herald doesn't have his own deck. Or are you referring to someone else?
Guest: At the time I began writing this story, which was in October 2019, Pokémon Legends Arceus didn't exist. Inspiration for Obscured Truth came from Pokémon Black and White, Fate/Stay Night (which is also being used as inspiration for the Arc-V story), Devil May Cry, and Dragon Ball Z. I use Pokémon instead of Digimon because I'm familiar with them of the two.
Now that all the reviews having been answered, I have just one thing to say. Read the profiles to get insight on the events that happen between chapters. This way, you won't fall behind. As such, let's get to the main event. I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 65: Brion's Revolt
The sky appears, full of clouds. Playmaker races through the clouds on his duel board, followed by Raguel, Soulburner, and Slipstream. Two swords then slice the clouds completely to reveal NEW LINK VRAINS. One of the swords, a katana with symbols inscribed on the blade, crosses downwards to the left. Crossing downwards to the right was a typical western sword, with a golden rain-guard and a blue grip. The sword also had symbols inscribed on the blade as well. The two swords made a shining X, causing the Yu-Gi-Oh VRAINS! logo to appear, and underneath it, the words "OBSCURED TRUTH" ominously appear.
Yuhiro and Yusaku are walking down the street to school. Naoki runs past them, a large smile on his face. Aoi walks past them on the other side, smiling lightly and blushing at Yusaku. Then Takeru walks up behind them and wraps one arm around Yusaku. He then wraps the other arm around Yuhiro, surprising him for a few moments before being pulled to the side by Rachel, who's clearly happy to see him. Yuhiro smiles back at her.
Tsubaki and Hideki are shown boarding an airplane as they head to their destination. After sitting down next to each other in their respective seats, Tsubaki looks out in the window, which shows a reflection of Rosetta, while Hideki picks up the airplane guide and reads it. In the sky above them is Ace, a malicious sneer on his face.
Go Onizuka is shown wearing a hoodie as he leaves the waterfront for the last time. Outside of his home, he encounters Kenmochi and Yoroizaka, who are waiting for him. Smirking, the three of them raise their left arms into the air and enter NEW LINK VRAINS, with Go in his new avatar riding beside his new allies. Stregone crosses his arms as he looks down at them, a look of shock and disappointment on his face.
Kusanagi is then shown with Roxy at a nearby picnic table, both enjoying food and laughter while talking about technology. Flame and Ai are shown arguing in Café Nagi, while Herald ends up getting annoyed with their bickering. As a result, he snaps his fingers, causing Progleo to jump onto the desk and startle Ai and Flame.
At SOL Technologies, Akira Zaizen and Hayami are shown in Queen's office, with Queen handing them a signed order regarding Playmaker and Raguel. A look of hesitation appears on Akira's face, but he hides it just in time.
Azrael and Wraith are then shown with Ace and Athaliah standing behind them, shrouded in shadow along with their ace monsters Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed and El Shaddoll Construct. Standing behind Azrael and Wraith though, is a black, bipedal dragon with red sclera, white irises, and black pupils obscured in shadow. The dragon roars before disappearing with Zerrziel and El Shaddoll Construct. Jumping above Azrael and Wraith is Malf, sporting a demonic expression on his face. He then extends his right arm forward towards the screen, darkening it completely.
When the screen becomes clear, Playmaker and Raguel are shown riding their duel boards next to each other, with Cyberse Witch and Cyberse Magician in front of Playmaker, and Cyreath Hercules and Cyreath Medusa in front of Raguel. The two are chased by Blood Shepherd, who directs two copies of Battledrone Sergeant to fire at them. Although the two of them are hit by the explosions the missiles caused, they escape unharmed. Suddenly, Drachen orders Red-Eyes Black Dragon to fire at them. In response, Playmaker and Raguel are shown swerving left and right to avoid the consecutive fire blasts. Joining the young man in the hunt is Electrolyzer, who orders PSY-Framelord Omega to attack Playmaker, but Raguel turns his duel board around and activates a card, causing Hercules to glow a bright light before transforming into Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode. His eyes glowing red, Hercules/Alpha Mode charged forward with his axe sword and clashed with PSY-Framelord Omega.
The screen then shifts to slipstream watching the duel between Playmaker and an obscured Bohman, while Raguel duels Electrolyzer. Noticing Haru, who's also watching the duel between Playmaker and an obscured Bohman, Slipstream takes a card and summons Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, who roars at the boy. Haru, in response, takes a card and summons Hydradrive Nagini, who hissed at Clear Wing in the process.
Blue Girl and Rosetta are shown in NEW LINK VRAINS at a picnic table, laughing and enjoying each other's company. The two of them then turn their heads towards the duels going on in the sky, a look of concern on each of their faces.
Watchman's group is then shown, with Percival standing slightly apart from them as he makes a fist with his left hand. Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty and Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon appear before a massive, red-skinned demonic looking monster with golden elements, several eyeballs embedded on its body and four tentacles with bladed claws rises from behind them.
The Knights of Hanoi are shown summoning their monsters. Motor Worm Spread Queen, Helixx Necro Darwin, and Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps first appear before fading into the background. Next is Dark Magician, Berserker of the Tenyi, and Lucifer, Condemner of the Burning Abyss, with Sunavalon Dryanome behind them. Borreload Savage Dragon then rises from behind the four monsters and roars loudly.
Akira is shown at Green Park with Emma, Gekiryushi, and Aoi, giving them details on finding the Ignis. Emma proceeds to make a flirtatious gesture at Akira, making Gekiryushi facepalm and comment on how flirting can be useful at a time like this. The two women then begin to argue, with Akira and Aoi trying to break up the argument.
Yuhiro and Progleo are shown with Miyu at the Den City Hospital, trying to help her walk. Miyu, who's using the parallel bars, ends up slipping, only for Yuhiro to immediately catch her from behind and help her stand up. Roxy then runs out of nowhere and starts pummeling Yuhiro, causing Miyu to almost fall backwards again to their shock. Catching her this time though is Medusa, who appears behind her and smiles, much to everyone's relief. Miyu smiles back, grateful for Medusa's help. The screen then flips around before showing Yuhiro on his knees, clasping an unconscious Miyu's hand in sadness and rage.
Cyreaths Hercules/Alpha Mode, Medusa, Hades, Poseidon and Zeus are then shown in the air, with Turboblaze Dragon racing past them. The five of them prepare to attack alongside Turboblaze Dragon, who unleashes his Desolation Flare attack as well.
Raguel and Herald are then shown on top of a tower, facing off against Azrael and Wraith in a duel. Behind Raguel and Herald is Turboblaze Dragon, while behind Azrael and Wraith is the black, bipedal dragon from earlier in the opening. Both dragons roar at each other. Raguel reeves up his sword, while Azrael unsheathes his katana before the two of them and their dragons charge at each other.
Yuhiro, Roxy, Miyu, Kusanagi, Takeru, and Yusaku are all shown sitting outdoors at a picnic table near the Den City Hospital, all of them eating hot dogs, and Takeru, Kusanagi, and Roxy are laughing. Three duel disks are shown on the table, with Flame lecturing Ai while Herald plays a game on Yuhiro's tablet.
Yuhiro, Roxy, and Miyu are sitting down on a bench outside the Den City Hospital, with Medusa standing nearby them and Progleo on Roxy's lap. Miyu proceeds to rest her head on Yuhiro's shoulder, causing him to blush as she smiles. Yuhiro smiles back at her, while Roxy and Medusa both smile at them, happy they're able to find happiness with each other. The scene then switches to NEW LINK VRAINS, with Raguel, Playmaker, and Soulburner standing on a building and looking out into the radiant sky.
In LINK VRAINS, at the Light Ignis's palace…
Ace and Speckles walked into the Light Ignis's throne room, the both of them trembling upon entry. Given the situation, it was likely they would be punished by the Light Ignis for their failures. Or worse, by Azrael's hand.
The two of them looked upwards, where they saw the Light Ignis on his throne. More specifically, Jin was on the throne, while the Light Ignis was on Jin's duel disk. Nearby was Azrael, who had his arms crossed. Wraith, on the other hand, was on Azrael's left shoulder.
"Welcome, humans," the Light Ignis said, as Ace and Speckles knelt before him. "I'm glad to see you're doing well." If the Light Ignis was being honest, he hated the words he spoke. He recalled one of Azrael's conditions for their truce, which was for them to keep to their respective spheres of influence. As a result, the Light Ignis couldn't lay a finger on the two humans below him. That was Azrael's job to do.
"Uh. t-thank you sir..." Ace replied, fear still evident in his voice.
"Let's just get straight to the meeting." Azrael stated, walking over to where Ace and Speckles were. "Report."
"I bought the time you needed, as per your instructions." Ace began. "Following Operation: Kingdom Come, I had the ship crash into the Black Market, rendering it uninhabitable for a long time."
Speckles didn't say a single word. He was in charge of guarding Alpha, and Blood Shepherd and the others basically made him fail in his task. And considering how he was at Azrael's mercy at the moment, he was truly terrified.
"Light Ignis, what is the status on Bohman?" Azrael asked, turning to the Light Ignis.
"Thanks to Ace's efforts, Bohman has achieved a full recovery. And thanks to the data Athaliah got from her research, along with a set of blueprints, I was able to finish creating an orb that will make Bohman even stronger than before," the Light Ignis answered, as Jin stood up from the throne. Along with Lightning, he then levitated down to the ground before walking towards Ace and Speckles. Azrael stepped aside, allowing Lightning to approach them. "You succeeded in your mission, Ace. Therefore, I gift you with Judgment Arrows." A card formed in the Light Ignis's hands before he gave it to Ace, who smiled upon looking at it.
"Thank you..." Ace said. "Thank you so-AAAAAAGGGGH!" Both Ace and Speckles screamed as they clutched their chests, rolling around in pain. Apparently, Azrael pressed a button on his duel disk, which caused this to happen.
"You inglorious bastard!" Azrael shouted furiously, grabbing Ace by the lapels and shaking him. "You bet everything in your duel against Lord Kazuma, and by everything, I mean everything! You risked blowing our cover!"
"Lord Kazuma had this duel anchor that betted information from duelists' duel disks against one another." Ace panicked as he spoke. "I didn't know what it could do until it was too late!" Upon hearing this, Azrael let go of Ace's lapels before putting him down to the ground.
"Kneel before me." Azrael ordered, as Ace and Speckles used what little strength they had to put one knee to the ground before him and the Light Ignis. Smirks appeared on Azrael, Wraith, and the Light Ignis's faces.
"You surely have a way of putting fear into other people, Azrael," the Light Ignis commented.
"Of course I do. After all, fear is one of mankind's most effective weapons if used correctly." Azrael agreed, before turning to Ace and Speckles. "It is because of you that there are loose ends out there. Ones that can potentially expose us."
"I know this is bad, but I assure you I can-." Ace began, only for Azrael to press a button on his duel disk, which caused both Ace and Speckles immense pain as the both of them fell to the ground for a second time.
"I had originally planned a much more severe punishment, but considering how I still have a use for you, I decided on something else." Azrael crossed his arms. "As punishment for your reckless actions, you won't be participating on the attack against the Hanoi."
"What?!" Ace exclaimed, as he tried to slowly stand up on his feet, only for him to fall to his knees. "But I need to get revenge on the Hanoi!"
"Just be grateful you're alive right now, Ace." Wraith said. "Unless you want to forfeit your life, of course." Ace shook his head in pure fear in response. As for Speckles, he didn't open his mouth, choosing to stay cautious rather than say something that will result in further punishment.
"Ace, I'm tasking you to eliminate all loose ends. However, you are to spare two people." Azrael began speaking.
"Spare who exactly?" Ace inquired.
"Jeff Shilton and Enzo. If you harm them, you'll answer to me. Do you understand?" Ace nodded after hearing Azrael's answer. "As for my second order, I want you to have Uchida Industries send in relief services and subsidiaries to those that were affected by the Turf War, under the guise of Emon Uchida. In other words, earn their trust, and influence them to join Uchida Industries."
"A-Anything else?"
"I have an order for you as well, Ace," the Light Ignis added. "As Uchida Industries acquires companies, I want you to establish a hidden labour force in in the shadows. A labour force that builds resources for us in the coming battles. Eliminate anyone who becomes a threat to the operations. I trust you understand our orders, Ace?"
"Y-Yes. I shall waste no time in fulfilling your demands." Ace confirmed, standing up on his feet. "Is there anything more you require?"
"Go. Rule my company." Azrael ordered with a wave of his hand, dismissing Ace in the process. Seeing that his presence was no longer needed, Ace stumbled out of the throne room. Speckles also tried to leave, only for Azrael to stop him by using a blue-mirage blade, which narrowly hit him before it hit the wall. "Not you. Stay for a moment."
"Uh... Uh..." Speckles muttered, turning to face Azrael.
"I'm giving you a chance for redemption. You are to join me in the attack against the Hanoi. Succeed, and I'll forgive your mistakes." Azrael told Speckles.
"I understand perfectly." Speckles replied, nodding his head out of confirmation. "Is there anything else?"
"No. Just leave the throne room," the Light Ignis ordered Speckles, who walked out of the throne room in the process. "Follow me, Azrael." Jin and the Light Ignis then headed over to one of the exits near the throne room, with Azrael and Wraith following behind him. "May I ask you a question?"
"Oh? What is it you want to know?" Azrael inquired.
"Were you aware about Project: Apotheosis?"
Azrael narrowed his eyes as he thought it over for a moment or two. "While I was aware of the topic, I wasn't aware of the full details until recently," he admitted. "I looked into the data Athaliah had, and learned a lot from it. Especially in how the chosen human becomes a Construct. All just to unite the Ignis and humanity in collaboration with one another to reach a ridiculous Root, whatever the Hell that is."
"That's the problem here, Azrael. The topic of free will. After all, what chance is there that one of them would betray the other?" the Light Ignis commented. "That's why I took it a step further."
"And what would that step be?" Wraith asked out of curiosity.
"Humans are rather a fickle species. Hypocrites, if you will. They say one thing, but mean the other, especially their history with one another in regards to conflicts," the Light Ignis began. "AI's are able to make logical decisions at faster rates. Decisions that aren't affected by bias, and personal views. After I looked at the research Athaliah did, I agreed with her logic in making Bohman the next Construct. Only instead of collaborating with the Ignis, I'll have Bohman absorb them."
"So the chances of rebellion would be reduced to zero, as they would be enslaved to his will." Wraith finished. "Very clever, Light Ignis." While it was clever for the Light Ignis to think of the idea, Wraith was concerned with it. A concern he would certainly talk about with Azrael later on.
"Thank you very much. It was only logical to do so."
"Permit me to ask a question." Azrael stated. "One of Athaliah's secret projects was to bring the information needed to make Bohman the next Construct. What was the other?"
Upon hearing this, the Light Ignis chuckled. "It wasn't anything too big. I just wanted the schematics and materials needed to create a battlefield in the network."
"Battlefield, you say?" Azrael repeated.
"Yes. A Mirror LINK VRAINS, if you will," the Light Ignis clarified. "Oh, here we are. I'll go wake up Bohman while you go fetch Haru. It's time for him to meet his brother once again." Azrael nodded and continued walking down the hallway, while the Light Ignis and Jin entered into a dark, unlit room. At the center of the room was a pit of black sludge, with Bohman resting inside of it. "Let's put the finishing touches, shall we?"
Elsewhere, Azrael continued walking down the hallway, while a look of concern remained on Wraith's face.
"Azrael, I am concerned with the Light Ignis's plan." Wraith began. "If he intends for Bohman to absorb the Ignis, that means he'll most likely go after me, and by extension, you."
"Yes. It indeed is a concern." Azrael agreed. "But we still have an advantage here."
"An advantage?" Wraith thought it over for a few moments. "If you're referring to my abilities, they can only do so much against Bohman from the inside out. And it's not like you can put your katana in him, even though it can practically slice through anything and everything. Unless..."
Azrael grinned. "You know what I'm thinking, right?"
Wraith laughed upon realizing Azrael's idea. They can use him to rectify the situation. "Oh, you clever human. You never cease to amuse me. He's almost finished recovering, and since losing against Drachen, he'll most certainly want revenge against the Hanoi for his humiliating loss."
"But for our plan to work, he'll have to evolve soon." Azrael pointed out. "And our attack on the Hanoi will give him that chance. Moving onto another topic, does the Light Ignis know about the Earth Ignis?"
"I don't want to tell him just yet. Considering how he's moving around in the network at a fast rate, I want to make sure his location is pinned down first." Wraith answered. "Besides, let's have our enemies find him for us. If one of them finds him first, the other will follow, and that's when we'll launch our attack on the Hanoi. After all, they're like moths to a flame."
Azrael nodded with Wraith's logic. Considering how one side wanted to eradicate the Ignis, while the other wanted to protect the Ignis, it made sense. Besides. It was only a matter of time for Raguel's group to clash against the Hanoi at some point in this conflict. He and Wraith spent so much time talking that they ended up at Haru's quarters. "It seems we arrived."
Meanwhile...
After the Light Ignis put the finishing touches on a rainbow-coloured large orb, which resembled an egg, he put it in Bohman's body. Within moments, the pit of black sludge glowed yellow as Bohman emerged from it, a yellow aura surrounding his body.
Opening his eyes, Bohman turned to the Light Ignis and Jin before speaking. "I have been reborn," he told them.
"Yes, and reborn better than before," the Light Ignis responded, giving a little bow. "Now you are ready to fulfil your destiny."
Bohman stepped out of the pit, his eyes still on the Light Ignis. "What happened while I was recovering?"
"To put it simply, Azrael bought you the time needed for your recovery," the Light Ignis explained. "Thanks to him and the research Athaliah provided prior to her death, I was able to create the final piece needed for you to become stronger."
Bohman nodded. "I see. Thank you for the explanation. I will go thank Azrael for his assistance." He tried to walk out of the room, only for him to stumble. Bohman would have fallen to the ground had Jin not caught him in time.
"Easy, Bohman. You just woke up from a very long nap. One that was needed following you duel against Playmaker," the Light Ignis reminded him. "Walk around. Stretch. Get your full strength back. You can thank Azrael later on."
"Very well. I'll do that." Bohman complied, as Jin and the Light Ignis left the room. Stretching, Bohman opened and squeezed his fists before cracking his neck on both sides. After walking around for a bit, he eventually got his full strength back. Bohman then turned his duel disk on, analyzing the cards in front of him. If he were to defeat Playmaker in their next duel, he'd have to upgrade his deck so that next time, he'd come out on top.
Elsewhere...
"Are you sure about this?"
"I am. You would have to meet with him eventually."
This exchange of words was said by Haru and Azrael as they walked down the hallway. After Azrael told Haru the good news, the latter was elated, only for it to be replaced with concern , disappointment, and sadness. This was because the conversation Haru had with the Light Ignis still weighed heavily on his mind.
Haru now wore a military garb resembling the one Jin wore, only there were a few differences. First, he wore a long black coat with golden edges, red shoulders, and an orange belt. The outfit also consisted of red gauntlets with golden cuffs, black boots, and white flared pants tucked into his boots.
Last but not least, a star-shaped symbol resembling the Southern Cross was attached to his boots in the color of yellow. His blazer also sported a similar symbol, only it was colored orange.
"What if Bohman doesn't remember me? What if the Light Ignis was right? That-." Haru began speaking, only for Azrael to turn his head and glare at him to shut him up.
"Do you honestly believe that?" Azrael snapped. "More specifically, are you honestly going to believe what the Light Ignis said as the truth?"
Haru glared back, annoyed that he was asked the same question as before. "I don't want to believe that as the truth. Still..." He looked down at the ground. "I have doubts."
"Doubts on yourself, or on the truth?" Azrael inquired, which made Haru widen his eyes before turning to him. "Everyone doubts themselves at some point in their lives, with various examples such as these: Am I really what I say I am? Are they right about me? Such questions can only be answered by you, not anyone else."
"That's the difference between truth and ideals. Truth emphasizes what the reality is, while ideals are focused on what the reality should be." Wraith added.
"My question to you is this: Who are you?" Azrael finished.
"Uh, I..." Haru thought this over. Like the other questions, he didn't know how to answer them because he never had to think of them before.
Thinking back to their previous conversations, Azrael told Haru about the power of bonds. How when a bond is forged, it enables people to overcome difficult decisions. While the Light Ignis saw it as a weakness, Azrael saw it as a strength. A strength that can push someone to keep going, no matter the odds.
The bond between Haru and Bohman made an impact on both of them, no matter how much Haru tried to deny it. When Bohman was panicking, Haru was able to calm Bohman down and help him focus on the mission. And when Haru lost against Raguel, Bohman swore to defeat both Playmaker and Raguel as payback for hurting him.
After thinking it over, there was only one ultimate answer.
"I am Haru, Bohman's brother, and nothing will take that ideal away from me!" Haru declared, clenching his right fist. "That is what I believe in!"
"So you're finally starting to understand. Good..." Azrael muttered. The two of them stopped near Bohman's room. "Here's your stop."
"You're not going with me?" Haru asked, turning his head to look at Azrael.
"Of course not. I want to see whether your ideal defeats the truth." Azrael replied, heading over to the nearby wall and leaning on it. "Now go, Haru. Show me your motivation."
Nodding back, Haru went over to Bohman's room before falling on one knee in front of the door. Bohman exited the room and looked at Haru, the former also wearing a new outfit. It consisted of a military garb resembling the one Jin wore, only with a few differences. First, it had a white sword-shaped mantle with a gold border and a blue tip and shoulder pads. Under this mantle was a long black coat with a purple band at the hips below an orange belt, and with golden edges. The military garb also consisted of blue gauntlets with golden cuffs, black boots with blue soles, and white pants.
Last but not least, a star-shaped symbol resembling the Southern Cross was at the mantle in orange. The same symbol was on his gauntlets and boots, only on his gauntlets and boots.
"Hi, Bohman." Haru began. "My name is-."
"Haru." Bohman finished, causing Haru to gasp in surprise before looking up at him.
"You remember?" Haru then began to cry.
"Why are you crying?" Bohman asked.
"Crying?" Haru repeated, touching the tears that appeared on his face. "I..." He stood up before running to Bohman and hugging him, much to his surprise. "You remembered my name! Thank you so much!"
Bohman stood still for a few seconds before looking down at Haru and smiling at him. He then proceeded to ruffle his hair, the smile still on his face.
Azrael, who was looking at the scenario in front of him, smiled genuinely. It seemed that Haru's decision paid off. As long as Haru continued to trust in his ideals and not the truth, he would become his own individual, and no one else's.
Meanwhile, in the real world, at Café Matsuo...
CLINK!
Music was playing at Café Matsuo as customers toasted to one another, relief that the Turf War was finally over.
Kusanagi also parked Café Nagi near Café Matsuo to join in on the celebration. A special offer was given to customers: Anyone who bought a hotdog would get fifty percent off of their purchase for a cocktail. Roxy, in turn was also offering this deal, only for anyone who purchased a burger. Long story short, combined with the music, drinks, and food, there was a lot of customers.
"Aw, yeah. Rock that beat, Eloise!" Roxy said to Eloise, who was playing some tunes at the DJ booth behind her. Yesterday, Roxy contacted Kusanagi with an idea to host a special event to celebrate the end of the Turf War. Kusanagi was definitely on board with the idea, and to ensure people would attend the event, Roxy contacted Eloise and Aithne, the both of them also agreeing to the idea. While Eloise brought her DJ booth to play music, Aithne brought a small bar so she can make drinks. Non-alcoholic, of course, as the last thing anyone needed was to get drunk in the afternoon. "Boy, is this good."
"You said it, Roxy." Yuhiro agreed, bringing meals to various customers, who were obviously enjoying the event.
"Brownies, coming up!" Arashi said, bringing a small tray of brownies over to a family near Café Matsuo. It was a good thing Arashi made an extra bunch of brownies, as no one expected a large amount of customers to attend the event. Luckily, he saved an entire batch for him and Brea to share... if she showed up, that is.
"Uh, Miss Aithne. Are you sure those drinks are safe?" Takeru asked, wanting to make sure.
Aithne, who was in the process of making a Tequila Sunrise, sighed. "Like I said to Roxy and Yuhiro, these drinks are non-alcoholic, kid."
"Okay, good. Just wanted to make sure." Takeru replied with a chuckle, before going over to Kusanagi, who was serving hotdogs with Yusaku.
"I know you're concerned Takeru, but Roxy's friends are good folks. They have jobs, remember?" Kusanagi pointed out.
"You know I care for people, Kusanagi." Takeru countered, going over to the nearby table and sitting down at one of the seats. "Say, Yusaku. What do you think of this? The celebration, the camaraderie? Just a feeling of peace in the air after the Turf War?"
"It feels nice." Yusaku agreed, as he finished cooking a hotdog for a customer before putting it in a bag and handing it to them. "Something we all need right now."
"Where's Ai and the others?"
"Upstairs at Café Matsuo's living room." Kusanagi answered before Yusaku could reply. "If they showed up, then things would get quite suspicious."
"Makes sense there." Yuhiro commented, going over to the same table Takeru was at and sitting down at one of the seats. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and sighed, tired at delivering meals to people. "Herald's probably playing his video games, while Ai's using the TV to watch soap operas. And Flame..."
"Is probably writing haikus." Takeru finished. "Considering how Aithne's here..." He smirked. "It'd be funny how their interaction would go down. Flame still has a crush on Ghost Girl, after all." Kusanagi rolled his eyes, while Yusaku chuckled at that comment.
"It could be worse." Kusanagi stated, as Arashi went over to Café Nagi, a tray of brownies in his hand.
"I didn't expect there to be a lot of families here. Apparently, the kids love sweets." Arashi said, wiping the sweat off his forehead. "Remind me Yuhiro on why we can't have your duel monsters spirits help us?"
"Because it'd put a bad image on Café Matsuo, as the last thing Roxy needs is for cosplayers to serve meals." Yuhiro reminded him. Before he could continue speaking, they saw Naoki running over to Café Matsuo.
"I'll have a blue cheeseburger with a combo, please. Nestea for the drink, and fries on the side." Naoki requested. "Oh, and here's my payment."
"Hold on. Just writing it down." Roxy replied, as she wrote Naoki's order on a piece of paper before receiving his payment. She then went over to the drink machine and filled a cup with Nestea. "Here's your ticket and your Nestea. Please wait while I get your order." After Naoki got his ticket, he saw Yusaku and the others at Café Nagi, and upon doing so, walked over to them.
"I didn't know you worked part-time, Yusaku." Naoki commented. "You are aware that the school doesn't allow students to-?"
"The principal gave Yusaku special permission to work here." Kusanagi told Naoki. "If he has a problem, he can take it up with me. After all..." He went over to one of the shelves and pulled out a piece of paper. "I got his approval with the signature and stamp on it."
"Eh?" Naoki was shocked for a few moments before turning to Yuhiro and Arashi. "Yusaku may be off the hook, but if the principal knows that the two of you are working at Café Matsuo-?"
"Oh calm down, Shimro. Roxy has that same paper like Kusanagi does." Arashi interrupted, going over to Café Matsuo to get it.
"For the last time, it's SHIMA!" Naoki called out to Arashi, the latter simply laughing loudly in response. "Seriously. Why doesn't anyone get my name right?"
"I think it's a running joke here." Takeru sheepishly responded.
"Oh yeah. It certainly is." Yuhiro agreed before turning to Naoki.
"Joke's on you. Because I'm getting limited edition gifts showing the top ten Charisma Duelists themselves!" Naoki boasted as Yuhiro facepalmed. The night before the celebration, Roxy purchased a lot of fan collectables of the Charisma Duelists, as a ton of people loved watching their duels. Amongst other things, the collectables consisted of action figures and posters. And the last time Yuhiro interacted with Naoki, he had been set on getting coins showing the top ten Charisma Duelists. When Yuhiro asked him why, Naoki responded by saying that he was a 'man of culture', whatever that means.
"I hope you enjoy them, Naoki." Takeru said, trying to create a conversation.
"You bet I am!" Naoki exclaimed, but before he could continue speaking, Roxy called out his ticket number, which caused him to run over to Café Matsuo.
"Here is your burger and fries, as well as an action figure and a poster of Deva." Roxy said, much to Naoki's joy before something occurred in his mind.
"Hang on a second! Don't I get a drink ticket?" Naoki asked.
"You're underage, pal. I'm not serving non-alcoholic drinks to teenagers!" Aithne shouted at Naoki from the bar, much to the latter's dismay as he walked away from the counter. But before he could do that, Arashi ran out of Café Matsuo and pulled out a piece of paper to get his attention.
"This is proof that Yuhiro and I are allowed to work here." Arashi told him, much to Naoki's further shock.
"Okay. I really need to get that approval so I can work at the arcade..." Naoki muttered to himself. With his task done, Arashi headed over to the counter at Café Matsuo before putting his left forearm on it.
"So Roxy. You going to tell me when Brea is going to be here? Cause I really want to meet her in person and give her the tray of brownies I made for her."
"Wait, can you say that again?" Roxy asked, causing Arashi to sigh.
"Last night, I asked if you could convince Brea to come visit for the celebration." Arashi reminded her. "Do you not remember that?"
Roxy's eyes widened upon remembering that conversation. "Oh, yeah. I remember that."
"So? Did you?"
"Well, um..."
"If I may interject here with good reason..." Yuhiro began, going over to the counter at Café Matsuo. "...Roxy was unfortunately busy in setting up the celebration, as well as making calls to Aithne and Eloise for their assistance. She also had to contact Kusanagi and ask if he wanted to join in the fun as well."
"Okay, I get that." Arashi replied to Yuhiro before turning back at Roxy. "But you had time this morning. Why didn't you call Brea?"
"Well, um..." Roxy said, sweat-dropping out of embarrassment.
"You didn't call her, did you?"
"Um..." Roxy replied once again, much to Yuhiro's amusement.
"Did you at least put in a good word for me?" Arashi pleaded.
"Um..."
"Why not?"
"Um..." Before Roxy could continue speaking, a customer showed up in front of the counter. "A customer's here, Arashi! Why don't you go get that next tray of brownies ready?" She composed herself in front of the customer while Yuhiro smirked out of amusement.
"Boy, you suck..." Arashi muttered, as he went inside Café Matsuo while Yuhiro headed over to Café Nagi, Kusanagi calling him for some assistance. "Is it this hard to at least get a girl's attention?"
"Looks like someone's down in the dumps." Eloise commented from the back of Café Matsuo, her DJ booth nearby the cooking station. "Come here to the DJ booth, will yeah?" Heeding Eloise's instructions, Arashi headed over to the DJ booth and pulled up a chair to be near it.
"Yeah, I'm down in the dumps indeed." Arashi agreed. "It's just... I was really looking forward to... Would you mind lowering the music a bit?"
"Oh. Whoops. My bad." Eloise apologized, lowering the volume so she can hear what Arashi was saying, but just enough so the music can be heard by the others. "So what seems to be the problem?"
Arashi took a breath before speaking. "Okay, here it is. I was really looking forward to meeting Brea in person today for the first time, and even made a batch of brownies for the two of us to share."
"Uh-huh." Eloise put her right index finger and thumb on the sides of her chin. "Keep going..."
"Well, last night, I asked Roxy if she could call her and convince her to come to the celebration. Unfortunately..." Arashi sighed. "I found out she didn't. Roxy promised, too."
"You can't hold that against Roxy, Arashi." Eloise began. "Brea was affected by what Roxy did the most out of all of us."
"She told me in the network that Roxy was like a mentor to her."
"Not just a mentor, but a mother figure too." Eloise added. "You're aware that Brea grew up in a family of criminals, right?" Arashi nodded. "That family trained her so hard that it nearly took away her smile. Do you know what that does to a person?"
"If I'm being honest, I don't know." Arashi admitted with a sigh, shaking his head in the process. His experience in the Lost Incident was far different when compared to Brea growing up in a family of criminals, as obvious as that was.
"She only smiles at those she trusts, like Yuhiro, Roxy, and the other Rickety Raiders." Eloise continued. "One night, Brea had enough with her parents and ran away to her godmother's home, who took her in. Some time later, Brea's parents were arrested in a heist operation, and are still in prison to this day. Even if they were released, I honestly doubt Brea would want to see them again after what they did to her."
Arashi looked down to the ground with a frown. Whereas Arashi had help from his family in recovering from his ordeal, Brea only had her godmother and the Rickety Raiders for help, which helped her gain the family she needed. Only for Roxy, the most important person in Brea's life, to leave her without giving a reason as to why she did so. You must have still been hurt from what Roxy did to you, huh, Brea, he thought. That's why you acted the way you were when I saw you in the network. "A few days ago, Roxy told me the story on why she left from her perspective. She told me that she felt a great amount of guilt for what happened."
"It's only natural for someone to feel like that, especially when you betray someone who looked up to you not only as a leader, but a mother figure as well." Eloise replied. "Perhaps that guilt is why Roxy didn't do what you asked. Perhaps Roxy's afraid that, if she were to contact Brea, she'd denounce her for good."
"Now I understand why Roxy didn't do it..." Arashi stated. "Roxy told me how Brea's usually cold and tough, which I assume is from the harsh training her family put her under?"
"Yup." Eloise confirmed.
"But..." Arashi smiled. "Roxy also said how sweet and kind Brea was. And when I saw her..." He smiled more. "I just... I don't know. Maybe I saw something in her that was similar to me. I guess whatever it was made me have a crush on her."
"Oh, she's definitely sweet and kind to those she trusts." Eloise agreed. "If you're serious about this, there's something you should know."
"What is it?" Arashi raised an eyebrow.
"To help Brea out, her godmother set her up with a lot of people her age." Eloise began with a smirk. "Unfortunately, they all weren't her type, and she practically shut all their attempts down into trying to woo her. She said she'll only go out with someone that surprises her."
"Surprises her..." Arashi repeated, before a thought ran into his mind that made him widen his eyes out of shock. "Is she going to beat me up or something?"
Eloise laughed. "Well, she did do that to a lot of suitors." Arashi squealed in terror upon hearing that statement.
"But my best trait is my brain! If she beats me up, she'll damage my brain!" Arashi panicked.
"I don't think Brea would go that far, Arashi." Roxy commented, going over to the DJ booth as she got his attention. "Despite what happened, Brea's still a good person, and you're a good person too. After all, people meet and fall in love with one another in mysterious ways. You never know what will happen in the future."
Arashi nodded in agreement. "Thanks, guys. Excuse me." He left the DJ booth and headed upstairs, where he heard some commotion. Hiding behind the nearby wall, Arashi poked his head slightly into the living room to see what the sound was.
It was Ai and Flame finishing up a soap opera, while Herald was playing Pokémon Legends Arceus on the Nintendo Switch.
"That was..." Ai wiped his eyes. "That was beautiful!"
"It wasn't bad." Flame admitted. "Then again, it could have had a haiku or two in it."
"Soap operas don't have haiku's! They focus on the characters and how they interact with one another in the story!" Ai exclaimed, turning to Flame. "That's what story-telling is about!"
"Video games do it better than soap operas, Ai." Herald commented, his eyes still on the Nintendo Switch.
"Please. The only objective in that game you're playing is to catch them all, and you have to pass trials to become the champion." Ai pointed out.
"Ai, haikus allow someone to express themselves in writing. Some of which include creating humour, raising social awareness, reminisce on the past, and so much more. And there's TV shows that have them as well." Flame reminded Ai.
"Really?" Ai raised an eyebrow and placed his fists on his hips. "You really think there's a haiku in a tv show?"
"Will the both of you shut up? I'm busy trying to chase down a little girl from the Diamond Clan in the freakin cold so I can acquire the mighty eagle!" Herald snapped.
"Oh, please. The bird you're going after isn't a mighty eagle. That's in Angry Birds." Ai pointed out to Herald, much to the latter's annoyance.
"For once, I'm with Ai on this one." Flame said, turning his head to face Herald. "The bird you're going after is a Hisuian Braviary, a Psychic and Flying type Pokémon. Though how a little girl has it is beyond me."
"And with that out of the way, my viewpoint still stands. Soap operas express feelings far better than haikus, and they certainly build on the character development as well!" Ai told Flame.
"You're one to talk, Ai! You haven't even tried to write a haiku yet!" Flame replied. "You can't establish your perspective until you view all sides of the story!" Both Flame and Ai continued arguing about the merits between soap operas and haikus, as well as which of the two was better.
Herald, who was annoyed with this petty argument, snapped his fingers, which resulted in Progleo jumping onto the desk and startling Ai and Flame. Upon doing do, Progleo proceeded to lick Ai and Flame, the both of them still startled.
"Gah! What's with the licking, Progleo?" Ai said.
"I don't think this is the time right now, Progleo." Flame added.
"Okay, Progleo. That's enough." Arashi stated, entering the living room and heading over to the nearby couch before sitting on it. Sensing something was up, Progleo ran over to the couch Arashi was on and jumped on it before resting on his lap. Smiling at the cub, Arashi proceeded to ruffle Progleo's fur.
"I thought you were going to have fun with the others." Ai said.
"I just... needed a break, that's all." Arashi responded.
"Brea didn't come like you wanted, didn't she?" Herald correctly guessed, with Arashi nodding in confirmation. "Sorry, buddy."
"It's no prob, Herald. It's just..." Arashi sighed. "Do you think we Lost Incident kids deserve happiness after what we've been through ten years ago?"
All three Ignis's eyes widened upon hearing that question, which was something they didn't expect to hear at all.
"Of course you deserve happiness!" Ai answered. "Happiness is one of the key factors in life. It helps us enjoy the moment, to bask in it, to be with amazing people in your life!"
"Once again, I'm with Ai." Flame agreed. "Happiness is one of the key ingredients in moving on from trauma."
"It certainly is." Herald added. "Don't worry, Arashi. Just as Yuhiro and Miyu were able to find happiness with one another, your chance will come."
Arashi smiled, happy for the pep talk from the Ignis. "Thanks for the reassurance, guys. I really appreciate it." An idea popped into his mind. "Say, I have some brownies nearby. You guys want some?"
"I'll pass, Arashi." Flame replied. "Besides, we Ignis don't-."
"You need to try real food, Flame!" Herald interrupted. "It's so delicious. After the battle against Malf, I needed nourishment, and Yuhiro gave me a piece of toast with blueberry jam on it. Trust me when I say you shouldn't pass up an opportunity like this one."
"It certainly would be a good idea to try something new. After all, one eventually becomes tired of eating data." Ai agreed.
"Very well. In that case, I'll have this brownie you guys are talking about." Flame decided.
"Coming up." Arashi replied, getting up from the couch and heading over to the kitchen before pulling out the tray of brownies he intended to share with Brea. Once that was done, he brought the tray of brownies over to the living room, allowing the Ignis to take a piece. Progleo, who wanted some, sat down on all fours and waited patiently. Seeing that Progleo wanted a piece, Arashi handed him one. In a sense, the Ignis, Roxy, and Eloise were right. People indeed meet and fall in love with one another in mysterious ways. In addition, people deserve happiness with one another as well. Even though Arashi wasn't able to meet Brea in the real world today, he knew deep down in his heart that it'll happen someday. After all, anything can happen.
While Arashi spent some time with the Ignis and Progleo, Yuhiro and the others continued to serve the customers that came by for a meal.
"Yusaku, my man. I haven't seen this many customers since those charisma duelist events a while back." Kusanagi commented.
"It's a lot more customers than usual, that's for sure." Yusaku agreed. "If we did it at the plaza, I think we'd get more people than usual."
"Hey, have any of you seen Arashi anywhere?" Yuhiro asked, going over to Café Nagi. "The last time I saw him, he went upstairs to the living room."
"Maybe he just needs a break." Takeru hypothesized. He would have said more had something not caught his eye. "Hang on. Is that-?"
Yuhiro turned around, where he and the others saw Brion approach the counter at Café Matsuo.
"Oh, your highness!" Roxy began, surprised at Brion's presence. "I didn't expect you would-."
"Just call me Brion, please." Brion told Roxy. "The formalities aren't necessary."
"Oh...Uh... of course." Roxy nodded before grabbing a pen and a piece of paper. "What can I get for you?"
After looking up at the billboard, Brion said, "I'll have the Farmer's Burger with a salad and a water, which will be to go. Here's my payment." After Brion handed Roxy the money required for the purchase, she nodded back at him.
"Here is your ticket for non-alcoholic drinks, and your ticket number. Just wait at one of these tables and I'll call you when it's ready." Roxy stated, as Brion went over to one of the tables and sat down at one of the available chairs.
"I'm surprised that one of SOL Technologies' bounty hunters is here right now." Takeru whispered to the others. "Any of you know why he's here?"
"Even bounty hunters get hungry, Takeru." Kusanagi told him. "After all, they are human too."
"Woah! It's Prince Miyahara!" Naoki squealed in joy, going over to where he was. "It's nice to meet you, sir! I'm Naoki Shima, but you can call me Shima!"
"Uh, okay..." Brion muttered, unsure what to say in response.
"You know, I'm sure the two of us would be friends." Naoki replied with a grin.
"Is that so?" Brion inquired half-heartedly.
"Yeah! I mean, you have your royal connections, and I know Playmaker, who's one of the celebrities in Den City! Maybe I can be like your apprentice or-?"
"Get lost." Brion suddenly stated in a tone that caught Naoki off guard. "I smell a lie when I see one, especially a bogus one like that."
"But sir-." Before Naoki can continue speaking, Brion glared at him, as if he were saying, 'Leave me alone'. Getting the message, Naoki quickly ran off, now aware that Brion wanted to be left alone.
"You don't see that every day." Yusaku commented, a slight smile on his face. It usually took a bit of effort to get rid of Naoki, as he was like a fly that wouldn't get off your back, but for Brion to basically do that within seconds... was something you indeed don't see every day.
Yuhiro went over to the table Brion was at, curious as to what he was doing well. "Pardon Shima over there, but he can be a real pain in the ass. You don't mind if I sit here, right?"
"Be my guest. After all, you're a decent kid, and I respect that." Brion permitted, allowing Yuhiro to sit on the chair of the table's opposite side.
"So what brings you to a place like this?"
"Well kid, even though I'm in a hurry, I always wanted to get a meal from here. After all, I heard great reviews about this place." Brion answered, looking at the sign near Café Matsuo before turning back to Yuhiro. "What's your name, kid?"
"I'm Yuhiro Furutani. If you like, you can call me Yuhiro." Yuhiro replied, with Brion nodding in response.
"Pleasure to meet you. You can call me Brion." Brion responded with a smile. Hang on a minute, he thought, narrowing his eyes at Yuhiro. This kid looks familiar, like I've seen him before. Or is my mind playing tricks on me?
"Something wrong?"
"No, no, no. Nothing at all." Brion once again looked at the sign, a smile on his face. "You know, it's a shame. I thought I'd be here longer, but due to recent events, I'll be leaving here sooner than I expected."
"You had some business to get done in Den City?" Yuhiro asked.
"Something like that." Brion confirmed. "I really enjoyed being here in Den City. It's quiet, which is something I thought I wouldn't have again in a long time."
Yuhiro knew what he was talking about. Brion went through Hell since getting kidnapped and being forced to be Athaliah's lab rat for Project: Apotheosis. On top of that, he lost his home and was exiled. For someone to go through that, yet retain his honour and ethical code... amazed him.
"Here you go, Brion! Your order is ready for take out!" Roxy said, putting Brion's meal on the table. "Oh, it seems you met Yuhiro."
"I have." Brion confirmed, turning to Roxy. "He's a good kid. From what I can tell, he's an honourable one too."
"He sure is." Roxy agreed, as Brion stood up and grabbed his meal.
"Thank you for the meal, Roxy. I appreciate it." Brion offered his right hand, with Roxy shaking it in response.
"Of course, no problem." Roxy responded, as Brion started to walk off, but not before stopping for a moment and turning his head to look at Yuhiro for a moment, as if making one final analysis. Once that was done, he then walked off and left the party.
"Do you think he knows who I am, Roxy?" Yuhiro whispered to her.
"I don't think so, man. You're safe." Roxy whispered back out of assurance.
"I'm back with more brownies, everyone!" Arashi announced as he exited Café Matsuo with a new tray of them at hand, the crowd cheering upon hearing his announcement. He then went over and started giving free samples to the people there.
"Yuhiro! Arashi! Roxy! Come over here quick!" Kusanagi shouted, getting their attention as the trio went over to Café Nagi.
"What's going on?" Roxy asked him.
"Look on your phones. Apparently, there's a news announcement." Kusanagi replied, as Yuhiro, Arashi, Roxy, Takeru, and Yusaku all turned on their phones before tapping on the news app. After doing so, all of them pressed the 'Breaking News' section, where they saw a video that was being played.
"This afternoon, a statement was released from Uchida Industries, from none other than Emon Uchida himself, who wasn't here today to comment. Live footage is now being played digitally," a female reporter said, as the screen Emon's face from a background at what looked like an apartment.
"Due to the events of the Turf War, I'm not able to make this announcement in person." Emon began. "But something like this will not impede me from making this statement. A statement that I hope brings ease to the people at Den City. As of now, Uchida Industries is providing relief services and subsidiaries to those that were affected by the Turf War. To the many companies and citizens out there, Uchida Industries cares for your wellbeing. We will not rest until the damage caused by this horrific war has been healed. As the founder and CEO of the company, this I swear." The footage then stopped moments later.
"But wasn't he on the run along with the other Hanoi?" Yusaku quietly asked the others. Following the Tower of Hanoi events, Emon was forced out of his own company, and had to make a run for it, lest authorities hunted down and arrested him.
"He is." Roxy confirmed, "But how he's able to still run his company after being framed is beyond me."
"Maybe the Hanoi cleared Emon's crimes from the shadows and made him CEO again?" Arashi hypothesized.
"I don't think that's something the Hanoi would do, Arashi." Takeru told him.
"I'm with Takeru on this one." Kusanagi agreed. "After all, the last thing the Hanoi needs right now is to blow their cover."
"It's obvious there." Yuhiro added, as he stared at his phone before replaying the footage. What exactly are you up to, Emon, Yuhiro wondered, puzzled by the news announcement.
An hour later, at SOL Technologies..
Akairo narrowed his eyes as he walked down SOL Technologies' hallways. Whatever reason Akira called him in must be really important. Perhaps he found where Playmaker and his allies were, and may send the bounty hunter task force to intercept them.
Or perhaps it was a strategy meeting. To come up with new ways on not only tracking down Playmaker and his allies, but defeat them as well.
"So you're here too."
Akairo turned his head as he saw Brion catch up to him. In his hand was a few documents.
"Of course I'm here. I am part of the bounty hunter task force." Akairo pointed out. "What's with the documents?"
"I'm here to present my resignation to Zaizen. I no longer have an interest in being on the bounty hunter task force team." Brion answered, much to Akairo's surprise.
"Seriously? You're going to give up another chance of dueling against Raguel?"
"I no longer see a need to do so." Brion then glared at Akairo, much to the latter's surprise. "A while back, you said I was a wild card in this situation. What did you mean by that?"
Akairo sweat dropped, having been caught off guard by what Brion stated. "Uh... well. Aside from Blood Shepherd and Go, you were the only one whose reason for joining the team was not known."
"Was it now?" Brion still kept his glare on Akairo. "Why did you join the team in the first place?"
"Uh..." In Akairo's mind, this was not good at all. If Brion found out why he was there in the first place...
"I know you're lying, and I will find out the truth." Brion told him, much to Akairo's fear. "For now, though. We've arrived at our destination."
The two bounty hunters eventually arrived in one of SOL Technologies' labs, though they weren't the first to arrive. Akira, Hayami, Go, and two scientists were also there, standing around a table. They all turned to watch Akairo and Brion walk in.
"Hello, Zaizen." Akairo said in greeting. "What's going on?"
"I'll explain in a minute." Akira replied, before turning to Go. "Where's Kenmochi and Yoroizaka?"
"Kenmochi and Yoroizaka are at the Den City Shelter, helping the owner out with organizing an event." Go explained. Earlier today, Go learned that Quinton needed volunteers for a soup serving event for the poor. So Go, to prove that Kenmochi and Yoroizaka weren't entirely roped into the bounty hunter task force, sent them to help his old friend out. At least this will ease Quinton's mind for the time being, he thought to himself.
Akira thought it over for a moment, then said, "I see." He then gestured the bounty of hunters to look down at the table, which they did. "The three of you should look at this."
On the table was a green and silver container holding a chip that had three wires. The first wire on top was connected to a small, slim orange card. While the second wire was small, the third wire was long, and had two ends.
"What is it?" Akairo asked.
"It's a Duel A.I. Implant Chip SOL Technologies designed that directly interfaces with the brains' neural pathways," the male scientist explained.
Brion crossed his arms and looked at the scientists. "Meaning what exactly?"
"Meaning it transforms an ordinary duelist into a spectacular one," the female scientist answered.
"Oh, yeah?" Brion further inquired.
"By surgically attaching this chip into the brain, its built-in A.I. boosts your thinking process, allowing you to make the most optimal decisions quicker than ever," the male scientist told the bounty hunters.
"Into the brain?" Akairo repeated, narrowing his eyes. Ryoken will need to know about this, he thought in his mind.
"Correct," the female scientist confirmed.
Akairo then turned to Akira. "Why are you showing us this?" He then glared at him. "You think we're failures, don't you? To the point where you're offering us a pity gift? Not cool, man!"
"I don't think of any of you as failures." Akira clarified. "Unfortunately, Pawn and Queen think of you as such."
"Of course they do..." Brion muttered to himself. It obviously made sense, as the higherups saw the bounty hunters as nothing more than tools to acquire their goals.
Meanwhile, Go narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Duel A.I. Implant chip. Two weeks earlier, he had been summoned by Queen and Pawn to discuss this very same thing. At the time, Pawn offered the chip to Go, hoping the latter would accept it. Go, in response, refused the chip, as he wanted to defeat Playmaker with his own strength. The strength of a king that serves no one but himself.
Unfortunately, Pawn's last words echoed in Go's mind.
"Suit yourself, but I think you'll change your mind soon, Go. Want to know why? It's because the world isn't one that waits for people to get stronger. You need to adapt fast, or just like before, you'll become yesterdays news."
Go turned to Akira, knowing what he had to do. But first, he needed to ask one question. "This chip right here. Is it ready to be used?"
"The chip's only in the experimental phase right now." Akira answered, turning to Go. "At the moment, there's a considerable risk."
"Risk? What risk are you talking about, Zaizen?" Brion inquired, concern now evident in his tone. That did not sound good at all.
"As the scientist said, the chip is implanted in the brain, and we don't know what effects it will do to it." Akira replied. "Worst case scenario, if any of you accept it, you won't be yourselves anymore."
"Then I'll pass." Akairo immediately decided, now glaring at Akira. "My family would be angry at me if I made a decision such as this."
Akira nodded, unfazed by Akairo's decision. "It's fine, Akairo. The chip is only an offer. And by making this offer, I have fulfilled my task." He turned to Brion and Go. "Like Akairo, the two of you can refuse as well."
"I'm obviously refusing!" Brion immediately decided as well. "It goes against everything I stand for, and frankly, I'm disgusted with you, Zaizen. I thought you were better than this! But for you to make such an offer-!"
"Do not lecture me on what's right and wrong, Brion!" Akira snarled. "All of us at some point had to make hard decisions. Ones that are done for the greater-."
"Your methods are dirty, Zaizen." Go interrupted with a chuckle, getting both Akira and Brion's attention. "You guide us to the gates of Hell, but you don't care what happens to us afterwards."
"I'm just an employee, Go." Akira defended, his voice returning to its regular tone.
"And an awesome employee at that, Zaizen!" a voice said, as its owner, Pawn, and Queen walking into the lab.
"You're Pawn, right?" Brion figured out within an instant.
"That's right!" Pawn confirmed with a smile. "I'm the one who endorsed this project after all!"
"You?!" Brion's eyes widened, as well as Akairo's out of surprise. Go, however, didn't say anything. It made sense, as Queen wasn't the type of person who would order SOL Technologies to create this chip. Then again, appearances can be deceiving.
"Pawn's the intermediary between SOL Technologies and other companies. It's thanks to him that we got the materials needed for the chip's construction." Queen stated.
"Like the Black Market?"
Everyone gasped upon hearing what Brion said next. Even Go was just as shocked. This was a surprise indeed.
"I did some research, and found out some interesting stuff about you." Brion said, going over to Pawn, the latter obviously not intimidated by the former's height. "Stuff that includes you making deals with various Black Market branches, such as Zeta. Don't deny it, Pawn."
Pawn, in response, grinned. "I won't deny my actions, as they were for the betterment of the company. Got a problem with that, buddy?"
"Betterment for the company? BETTERMENT FOR THE COMPANY?!" Brion repeated, throwing his right arm to his right side. "So you're willing to commit unethical acts for money? Even if it means tampering with a human being and potentially damaging them in the long-term?"
"Relax, your highness." Pawn attempted to placate Brion. "The project is volunteer only. We're not experimenting on human beings against their will. Unlike what Athaliah did, of course."
"Yeah, pal." Go added, placing his right hand on Brion's shoulder. "You don't have to worry about-." Before Go could continue, Brion elbowed him in the face with such strength that he was sent flying back to the wall.
"All of you are nothing more than spoiled brats, aren't you?!" Brion realized, his trust in SOL Technologies falling apart as he looked around the room, a furious expression evident on his face. For him, this was the last straw. "I won't let this stand! Not when people's lives at stake!"
"I suggest you take your words back, Brion." Queen warned him. "Otherwise, things will get-."
But before Queen could say anymore, Brion grabbed the chip, turned around, and punched Pawn in the face with such force that he fell straight to the ground. He then started running, shoving Queen to the side as he made it to the exit.
"Son of a-!" Pawn growled, getting up on his feet.
"Are you alright, Queen?" Akira asked with concern, as he and Go helped her stand up on her feet.
"I'm fine, Zaizen. Just a little stunned, that's all." Queen snapped back, before turning to Pawn. "If word of this gets out Hyodo Hiragana, SOL Technologies will-."
"I'm obviously aware of the consequences, Ohi Oritsu." Pawn replied in an angry tone, the two of them addressing each other by their real names. He cracked his knuckles, obviously angry with the situation. "Zaizen, contact security! Have our men track Brion down ASAP!"
"Very well." Akira complied, as he took his phone out and pressed a red button on it, which caused the security alarm to ring through the building. As much as he didn't like it, he had to fulfil his duties.
"The rest of you, follow me!" Pawn ordered, in a tone that made both Akairo and Go gulp in response. The two of them, along with Akira and Queen, followed Pawn to a nearby staircase, all of them heading up to the next floor before entering a room. One that had a control system with monitors, as well as a pod nearby. Going over to the control system, Pawn pressed a series of buttons, which caused the monitors to turn on before showing footage. He then turned to the other two bounty hunters. "Listen up, Akairo and Go. Allow me to show you what happens when we deal with troublesome people!"
Akairo and go gulped for a second time, now afraid of Pawn. Meanwhile, Queen smirked, while Akira frowned. As much as the latter was afraid right now, he couldn't show it under any circumstances.
"Has security been notified, Zaizen?"
"They have, and are sweeping the building to find Brion." Akira confirmed.
"Excellent! Then sit back, watch, and enjoy the show!" Pawn then walked over to the nearby pod before entering it. A grin was on his face as he turned and faced the others before it fully closed. "Deck Set! Into the VRAINS!"
Meanwhile, Brion was running down the hallways, trying to find the entrance to SOL Technologies. He had to pummel through various security guards on the way there, which was tricky to get through because of the Turf War. From what Brion heard, SOL Technologies upped security to ensure that the employees and higherups were safe.
And that was the last thing Brion needed right now.
Yes, he thought, noticing a nearby sign. I should be close to the entrance. Just one more minute, and I can get out of here. If I also give this chip to Jericho, he'll be pleased, and will certainly reward my quick thinking.
But unfortunately, jail bars suddenly appeared in front of Brion, with jail bars surrounding him from behind.
"What the-?" was all Brion could say, as the bars glowed with blue energy that surrounded him, forcing him to log into the network in the process.
In LINK VRAINS...
"Ugh..." Electrolyzer got up slowly, trying to get aware of his surroundings. Looking around, Electrolyzer deduced that he was inside the general area of a facility.
More specifically, a prison facility.
"What do you think of the place?"
Electrolyzer turned around as a pair of doors opened, allowing Pawn to enter into the general area.
"It's a fitting place to be. After all..." Pawn narrowed his eyes at Electrolyzer. "Your actions will put you in a similar place like this."
"I don't think that will happen, Pawn." Electrolyzer responded. "I expected a company like SOL Technologies to be honourable, but I never thought it would sink to this level!"
"Not everything is perfect in this world, Electrolyzer. You should be aware of that, just like the rest of us." Pawn told him. "But I am a gentlemen. Which is why I'll say this: Hand over the chip to me and swear that you won't tell the authorities about this fiasco, and I'll let you walk out of here a free man."
"Fat chance!" Electrolyzer denied, immediately activating his duel disk. I need to get rid of this guy as soon as possible. If I do, then it's very likely the trap will dissipate, he thought in his mind. "If you want to stop me, then you'll have to do so by force, and there's no way I'll let that happen!"
"It's your funeral." Pawn replied with a sigh, as he activated his duel disk as well.
"Time to duel!" Pawn and Electrolyzer said in unison.
Electrolyzer: 4000 LP
Pawn: 4000 LP
"As I'm not only superior to you, but also the one who's hosting this event, I'll make the first move." Pawn told Electrolyzer. "My turn! I activate the Field Spell card, Goyo Dojo!" The card showed a massive dojo with the horns of a samurai at the top, and a red banner with kanji written all over it just above the entrance. "When this card is activated, I'm allowed to add one Earth Tuner Warrior monster and one Earth non-tuner Warrior monster from my deck to my hand. I add the Level 2 Earth Warrior Tuner monster Jutte Fighter, and the Level 4 Earth Warrior non-tuner monster Jutte Lord from my deck to my hand." Two cards popped out of Pawn's deck, which he took and added to his hand.
This guy is obviously a Synchro user, Electrolyzer thought to himself. I should see what he does first before responding to his cards. After all, I have to be really careful here, as one wrong move, and I won't be able to blow the whistle on SOL Technologies to the authorities.
"I summon Goblindbergh from my hand." A goblin wearing a red flight suit that rode on a red airplane appeared on Pawn's field.
Goblindbergh ATK: 1400 DEF: 0 LV: 4
"Goblindbergh's effect now activates! When he's Normal Summoned, I can-." Pawn began.
"Sorry, but I won't let that happen!" Electrolyzer interjected. "I activate the effect of PSY-Framegear Gamma from my hand! If you activate a monster effect while I control no monsters, I can Special Summon this card and one copy of 'PSY-Frame Driver' from my hand, deck, or Graveyard. Now, come! PSY-Framegear Gamma from my hand, and PSY-Frame Driver from my deck!" Two monsters then immediately appeared on Electrolyzer's field.
The first monster was a mechanical mask with sharp protrusions on its sides, along with a layered belt extending out of it.
The second was a male, humanoid monster wearing a black and white suit that had electricity emitting from his wrists and head.
PSY-Framegear Gamma ATK: 1000 DEF: 0 LV: 2
PSY-Frame Driver ATK: 2500 DEF: 0 LV: 6
"Gamma's second effect also negates your monster's effect and destroys it!" Gamma then charged head on at Goblindbergh, destroying it.
Pawn smirked. "Just as your profile said, you are indeed strong, Electrolyzer. But do you think such a thing would impede my efforts in setting the stage for your defeat? I activate Goyo Dojo's second effect! Once per turn, if I Synchro Summon an Earth Warrior Synchro monster, I can use monsters in my hand along with monsters on my field."
"What?!" Electrolyzer exclaimed. He clearly didn't see that coming, as to Synchro Summon, you need to use monsters on your field. But for Pawn to use monsters in his hand to Synchro Summon... well, it was one of the crazy things Electrolyzer saw in his duels.
"With Goyo Dojo's effect, I tune the Level 2 Jutte Fighter with the Level 4 Jutte Lord from my hand!" A bolt of lightning struck Pawn as the world greyed out and two monsters appeared on his field.
The first monster, Jutte Fighter, was a small man wearing glasses and a Japanese combover. Attached to his back was a cannister, and in his right hand, he carried a Jutte.
The second monster, Jutte Lord, was a man in green and gold robes layered with black armor. In his right hand, he carried a Jutte.
Soon, his two monsters turned into particles before turning into rings. A light-yellow ring and a dark-green ring appeared before turning blue and merging. Six rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "2 + 4" in front of them. The screen then changed to "6" as light surged through the rings.
"You who bares the fangs of a wild beast, hunt down your prey and seize them completely!" Pawn chanted. "Synchro Summon! Arise, Level 6! Goyo Predator!" A humanoid beast wearing purple, brown, and green robes appeared on Pawn's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. The right eye was colored yellow, while the left eye was colored red. Attached to Predator's head was two, billy-goat like horns. In his right hand, he carried a long whip, with a Jutte attached to the end of it.
Goyo Predator ATK: 2400 DEF: 1200 LV: 6
"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Pawn concluded. "Now according to my research, any face-up monsters summoned by the effects of your PSY-Framegears are banished, am I correct?"
"You are." Electrolyzer confirmed. "Since it's the end of the turn, all face-up monsters summoned by Gamma's effect are banished." Gamma and Driver then turned into particles afterwards.
"Now, Electrolyzer. Just like I told you earlier, I am a gentlemen." Pawn began. "Which is why I'd like to make you a rather special offer."
"An offer?" Electrolyzer repeated.
"That's right." Pawn confirmed. "I'm willing to pay you the bounty to acquire the Ignis. $500,000, if you will. In exchange, all I ask is that you hand over the Duel A.I. Implant chip, and swear to keep quiet on the matter. Do these things, and you'll not only walk away with a large cash prize, you'll also leave here a free man. What say you? After all, with the money, you can reclaim Central Japan, am I not correct?"
In response, Electrolyzer frowned. "It's true. I want to reclaim Central Japan from Balius."
"You see? It is only-."
"But not like this." Electrolyzer interrupted. "I won't betray my ethical code. Not when human lives are on the line."
"We're only taking volunteers for the Duel A.I. Implant chip, no one else." Pawn reiterated with a sigh of annoyance. How many times did he have to repeat this statement?
"I highly doubt that. For in creating this product, you're experimenting on humans, playing around with their lives like they're puppets on strings." Electrolyzer replied. "I will bring this to the authorities, and hold you accountable."
"Are you prepared for the consequences though, Electrolyzer?"
Electrolyzer slightly gasped upon hearing this.
"If you were to blow the whistle on SOL Technologies, a lot of people will lose their jobs. Are you willing to risk the welfare of the few for the greater good?"
Electrolyzer grit his teeth. No one had ever asked him that question before, and he didn't think of it until now. All his life, he wanted revenge on Athaliah and Balius, and with the former dead, he was one step closer in completing his goals. Then again, Electrolyzer didn't take into account the people that would be affected by his crusade. Was it worth it? Was it worth becoming no better than his enemies?
He shook his head. No. The last thing he needed was for Pawn to play mind games with him. Electrolyzer, and no one else, would decide what person he wanted to become! And with the information he recently got, he'd decide on that answer later on once and for all! "Let's just resume the duel," he responded.
"If that's your wish, I'll accept your response." Pawn complied.
"My turn! I draw!" Electrolyzer drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Field Spell card, PSY-Frame Circuit. This card lets me-."
"Counter-Trap, activate! Dark Bribe!" Pawn interrupted. "When you activate a Spell or Trap card, I can negate the activation of that card and destroy it. In exchange, you get to draw a card from the top card of your deck. Say goodbye to PSY-Frame Circuit!" As if on cue, PSY-Frame Circuit turned into particles while Electrolyzer drew the top card of his deck.
"In that case, I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Emergency Teleport. This card lets me Special Summon one Level 3 or lower monster from my hand or deck to my field. However, it's destroyed at the end of my turn."
"Considering your reputation as a bounty hunter, you're obviously setting up something big." Pawn mused.
"You're right, Pawn. I am setting up something big, and that something will be your defeat!" Electrolyzer responded. "Using Emergency Teleport, I Special Summon PSY-Framegear Alpha from my deck to my field!" A silver and black exoskeleton with arms that had a helmet with green eyes, as well as spikes on the sides, arms, and knuckles. Its chest portion was connected to the harness through wires, with a reactor core in the middle. At the back was a series of multi-layered belts, which was shaped like a spine.
PSY-Framegear Alpha ATK: 500 DEF: 0 LV: 1
"I also activate the Spell card, Psychic Re-Synchro. This card lets me return one Psychic Tuner monster and one non-Tuner Psychic monster that are banished or in my Graveyard right back into my deck. By doing so, I can Synchro Summon one Psychic Synchro monster in defense position, whose levels equal the total levels of the returned monsters. I return the Level 2 Gamma and the Level 6 Driver, which are both banished back to my deck!" A portal appeared beside Electrolyzer, with two cards popping out of it before he grabbed them and shuffled each one into his deck. "Now come, Level 8! PSY-Framegear Omega!" A male, humanoid monster similar to that of Zeta appeared on Electrolyzer's field in the right Extra Monster Zone in defense position. While Omega wore similar armor parts Zeta wore, he also wore a pair of metallic gloves on his hands, which were attached to a tall, golden mechanical monster with a mask on it. In addition, he was riding on Epsilon while gripping on Gamma like a handlebar, turning them into a vehicle similar to that of a scooter.
PSY-Framelord Omega ATK: 2800 DEF: 2200 LV: 8
"Omega's effect!" Electrolyzer continued. "Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can banish this card to banish one random card from your hand until my next Standby Phase!"
"Seriously?" Pawn inquired.
"That's right!" Electrolyzer confirmed. "Electric Dissipation!" Omega pointed a finger at the only card in Pawn's hand, before a burst of electricity was fired and hit the card, causing both Omega and the card to vanish into particles. "In addition, I activate the Equip Spell card, D.D.R - Different Dimension Reincarnation. By discarding one card from my hand, I can target and Special Summon one of my banished monsters from my Graveyard. However, if this card leaves my field, the equipped monster is destroyed. I discard Card of Compensation, and bring Omega back to my field!" At Electrolyzer's command, Omega reappeared on his field in attack position.
PSY-Framelord Omega ATK: 2800 DEF: 2200 LV: 8
"In addition, I activate Card of Compensation's effect! Since it was sent to the Graveyard by a card effect, I can draw two cards from the top of my deck!" Electrolyzer added, much to Athaliah's chagrin, as he drew the top two cards of his deck. "And as Omega's no longer banished, any chance of you getting that card back is reduced to zero!"
Pawn narrowed his eyes and frowned. Well played, Electrolyzer. I'll give you that one, he thought in his mind.
"I tune the Level 1 PSY-Framegear Alpha with the Level 8 PSY-Framelord Omega!" A bolt of green lightning struck Electrolyzer as the world greyed out and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, which were colored green, appeared before turning blue and merging. Nine blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "1 + 8" in front of them. The screen then changed to "9" as light surged through the rings.
"Let the future descend, and with it, psychic power beyond all imagination!" Electrolyzer chanted. "Synchro Summon! Arise, Level 9! Hyper Psychic Blaster!" A humanoid giant wearing white armor appeared on Electrolyzer's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. In his hands, he wielded dual-wielding back and white futuristic guns.
Hyper Psychic Blaster ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500 LV: 9
"It seems you've made some upgrades to your deck following your losses..." Pawn said, curiosity evident in his voice.
"I also activate the Spell card, Block Attack. This card lets me target one face-up attack position monster you control and change it to face-up defense position. I target Goyo Predator!" A blast fired out of Block Attack, which hit Goyo Predator and forced him to change to defense position. "And from there, I activate Omega's effect from my Graveyard. Since he's in my Graveyard, I can target one other card in my Graveyard and shuffle both it and this card back to my deck and Extra Deck. I target Psychic Re-Synchro, and shuffle both that card and Omega back to my deck and Extra Deck!" A portal appeared beside Electrolyzer, with two cards popping out of it before he grabbed them and shuffled one card into his deck before shuffling the other one into his Extra Deck.
"Battle!" Electrolyzer declared. "Hyper Psychic Blaster attacks Goyo Predator! And when Hyper Psychic Blaster battles your defense position monster, you take piercing battle damage!"
"What?!" Pawn exclaimed, having been caught off guard by what he just heard now.
"Take this! Hyper Piercer!" Hyper Psychic Blaster's guns charged for a moment or two before they released beams of energy at Goyo Predator, who screamed as he turned into particles. The beams then hit Pawn, who was forced to take a step back upon impact.
Pawn: 4000 – 1800 = 2200 LP
"Hyper Psychic Blaster has another effect!" Electrolyzer stated. "When he battles your defense position monster, I gain life points equal to the difference between his attack points and your monsters defense points. In this case, the difference is 1800!" Electrolyzer was surrounded in a golden light as his life points increased.
Electrolyzer: 4000 + 1800 = 5800 LP
"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Electrolyzer narrowed his eyes. "The world will know the truth about you, whether you like it or not. Experimenting on humans like that... makes you and SOL Technologies no better than what Athaliah did!"
"Is that so? Well, allow me to tell you the difference between SOL Technologies and her." Pawn began. "Unlike that criminal, the company has manage to survive no matter what it was up against. SOL Technologies is also pure and innocent of wrongdoing as well."
"I find that hard to believe. Especially with what you're up to in putting volatile chips into human brains."
Pawn sighed. "You can't fight nature, Electrolyzer. Wind blows, rain falls, and the strong prey upon the weak. If you can't understand that, allow me to give you a small taste of my worldview. My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Spell card, Dian Keto the Cure Master, which lets me gain 1000 life points." A golden glow surrounded Pawn as his life points increased.
Pawn: 2200 + 1000 = 3200 LP
If Pawn's increasing his life points, he's likely trying to hold out until he gets better cards. As such, I need to prepare for whatever he's got, Electrolyzer thought. "I activate my Trap card, Metaverse. This card lets me take a Field Spell card from my deck and either activate it or add it to my hand. I choose the former, and activate a second copy of PSY-Frame Circuit from my deck!" Electrical waves of energy blasted out of the card and surrounded the duel field before dissipating momentarily.
"In that case, I activate the Trap card, Revival Gift." Pawn continued. "This card lets me target one tuner monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it to my field with its effects negated. I can also Special Summon two 'Gift Fiend' tokens to your field as well."
"What?!" Electrolyzer exclaimed, having been caught off guard by what he just heard. With more monsters now about to be on his field, that meant the chances of him activating the effect of his PSY-Framegears have been reduced even more.
"Now return from my Graveyard! Jutte Fighter!" At Pawn's command, Jutte Fighter reappeared on his field in defense position. A red aura surrounded him, which negated his effects.
Jutte Fighter ATK: 700 DEF: 900 LV: 2
Then two creatures with dark-grey skin and beady eyes appeared on Electrolyzer's field in attack position.
Gift Fiend Token ATK: 1500 DEF: 1500 LV: 3
Gift Fiend Token ATK: 1500 DEF: 1500 LV: 3
"From there I activate my other Trap card, Balance of Judgment!" Pawn added. "As you control more cards than the combined number of cards in my hand and on my field, I can draw cards equal to the difference. You have a total of five cards on your field while I have no cards in my hand and two cards on my field. That means I can draw a total of three cards from the top of my deck!" He drew the top three cards of his deck, much to Electrolyzer's chagrin. "I now activate Goyo Dojo's third effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon one Warrior Synchro monster from my Graveyard. Return to me, Goyo Predator!" At Pawn's command, Goyo Predator reappeared on his field.
Goyo Predator ATK: 2400 DEF: 1200 LV: 6
"I tune the Level 2 Jutte Fighter with the Level 6 Goyo Predator on my field!" A bolt of green lightning struck Pawn as the world greyed out and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one colored light-yellow and the other colored dark-brown appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "2 + 6" in front of them. The screen then changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.
"Prepare to face a king's enforcement of justice!" Pawn chanted. "Synchro Summon! Rise forth, Level 8! Goyo King!" A large man with dark skin who wore kabuki face painting appeared on Pawn's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He had long, blond hair that extended down to his feet, which had two hairbands at the sides. King wore gold and purple robes that left his chest bare, and in his right hand was long spear with two tips.
Goyo King ATK: 2800 DEF: 2000 LV: 8
Electrolyzer slightly grit his teeth. Considering the attack points of King in comparison to the Gift Fiend tokens' attack points, it was obvious that Pawn would attack one of them and inflict battle damage. That was why Electrolyzer had a rather surprising trap card in place. One that would put Pawn in his place.
"I know what you're thinking, Electrolyzer." Pawn stated. "You think that Trap Card of yours would save you. But I afraid it won't. Because I activate the Spell card, Galaxy Cyclone. This card lets me target one Set Spell or Trap card you control and destroy it." Electrolyzer's eyes widened up on hearing this. "Say goodbye to your face-down trap card, Electrolyzer!" A galaxy-like cyclone blasted out of the card, turning Electrolyzer's face-down card into particles. "With that out of the way, it's time to battle! Goyo King attacks one of the Gift Fiend tokens! And when he battles, he gains 400 attack points for every 'Goyo' monster on the field until the end of the Battle Phase!" Goyo King roared as his strength increased.
Goyo King ATK: 2800 + 400 = 3200
"Crime Expungement!" King brought his spear down and sliced the Gift Fiend token in two, which caused a massive explosion as Electrolyzer was pushed back several feet.
Electrolyzer: 5800 – 1700 = 4100 LP
"King's second effect!" Pawn said. "When he destroys a monster by battle, I can target any number of monsters you control and take control of them."
"WHAT?!" Electrolyzer exclaimed, shock registered on his face. While this cleared his field, it gave Pawn more monsters to utilize.
"I take control of Hyper Psychic Blaster and the remaining Gift Fiend token! Secure Apprehension!" King threw his rope at Hyper Psychic Blaster and the remaining Gift Fiend token before roping them up and pulling both monsters to Pawn's side. "The battle phase continues! Hyper Psychic Blaster attacks you directly!" Hyper Psychic Blaster's guns charged for a moment or two before they released beams of energy at Electrolyzer!
"I activate the effect of PSY-Framegear Beta from my hand!" Electrolyzer suddenly said. "As you declared an attack while I control no monsters, I can Special Summon this card from my hand and one copy of 'PSY-Frame Driver' from my hand, deck, or Graveyard. Now, come! PSY-Framegear Beta from my hand, and PSY-Frame Driver from my deck!" Two monsters then immediately appeared on Electrolyzer's field.
The first monster was a silver and black harness that was connected by lightning to a rectangle that had spikes and a face at the bottom.
The second monster was Driver.
PSY-Framegear Beta ATK: 700 DEF: 0 LV: 1
PSY-Frame Driver ATK: 2500 DEF: 0 LV: 6
"Beta's second effect also destroys the attacking monster and ends the Battle Phase!" Beta emitted a translucent, green barrier from its head, which reflected the beams of energy at Hyper Psychic Riser before turning him into particles. "PSY-Frame Circuit's effect now activates! When a 'PSY-Frame' monster is Special Summoned to my side of the field, I'm allowed to perform a Synchro Summon using only 'PSY-Frame' monsters I control. I tune the Level 1 PSY-Framegear Beta with the Level 6 PSY-Frame Driver." A bolt of green lightning struck Electrolyzer, as the world greyed out and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, which were colored green, appeared before turning blue and merging. Seven blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "6 + 1" in front of them. The screen then changed to "7" as light surged through the rings.
"The electric warrior shall don on his armour, and make the oppressors fall before his anarchic voltage!" Electrolyzer chanted. "Synchro Summon! Arrive on the scene, Level 7! PSY-Framelord Zeta!" A male, humanoid monster resembling Driver appeared on Electrolyzer's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. There were a few differences, however. Zeta had Alpha attached to his head, chest, and arms, while another PSY-Framegear monster was attached to his thighs and waist.
PSY-Framelord Zeta ATK: 2500 DEF: 1800 LV: 7
"In that case, I end my turn, which means Goyo King's attack points return to normal." Pawn concluded, as a red aura surrounded Goyo King, which reverted his attack points to their original amount.
Goyo King ATK: 3200 – 400 = 2800
"Now, Electrolyzer. What you experienced just now was a small taste of my worldview, as well as how SOL Technologies has the potential of bringing people to justice. If you accept the deal I offered earlier, you'll walk away a free man with enough money to take your home country back."
"And like I told you earlier, my answer is no." Electrolyzer reiterated. "The people deserve to know the truth, even if it's an ugly one, than hear a beautiful lie."
Pawn laughed. "So you're still willing to hurt the few to save the many? How easily you ignore the loss of life when it suits your convenience."
"Shut up! It has nothing to do with my-."
"Oh, but it does." Pawn interrupted. "What you plan to do makes you no better than a common criminal, especially one like Athaliah. A criminal who sacrifices others to get what they desire."
Electrolyzer widened his eyes out of shock. The words Shesizi told him now echoed through his head for a second time.
"Revenge is like a slow knife. The knife that waits years without forgetting, then slips quietly between the bones. That's the knife that cuts deepest into someone. If you let that happen, you'll never experience reprieve again."
"Please stop, Electrolyzer! Don't let yourself get consumed by revenge! Please!"
Electrolyzer shook his head, trying to get those words out of his head. Was he really becoming no better than a common criminal? One who was wiling to do whatever it took to complete their goals, even if meant sacrificing who they once were? No. That's not true. That's not who I am, he thought in his mind. However, there was a small thought in Electrolyzer's mind. A small thought that basically said, 'It's true. It's time you accepted that you're no better than your scum of a family and Athaliah'. "I had enough of the mind games, Pawn. This chip is leaving the company and going straight to the authorities. I won't let anyone become SOL Technologies' guinea pig, no matter what it takes. My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate Zeta's effect! Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can target one Special Summoned monster you control that's in attack position and banish it along with Zeta until my next Standby Phase."
"...!" Pawn's eyes widened in surprise. If he was being honest with himself, he didn't expect that to happen, that's for sure.
"I banish Goyo King! Electro Overcharge!" Electrolyzer shouted, as Zeta raced across the duel field with blinding speed and slashed King several times, laughing as both monsters turned into yellow particles. "With that, I activate the Spell card, Card of Adversity. As you control a Special Summoned monster and I control no monsters, I get to draw two cards from the top of my deck." He drew the top two cards of his deck. Yes! These cards will help him win the duel! "I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Telekinetic Power Well. This card lets me Special Summon any number of Level 2 or lower Psychic monsters from my Graveyard. However, I take damage equal to the total levels of monsters times 300. Now, return! PSY-Framegear Beta and Alpha!" At Electrolyzer's command, Beta and Alpha appeared on his field.
PSY-Framegear Beta ATK: 700 DEF: 0 LV: 1
PSY-Framegear Alpha ATK: 500 DEF: 0 LV: 1
"As the total levels of these monsters are two, that means I take 600 points of damage." Electrolyzer was surrounded in a green aura, which made him grit his teeth as life points slightly dropped.
Electrolyzer: 4100 – (300 X 2) = 3500 LP
"Appear! The circuit of high voltage!" Electrolyzer declared, as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two monsters, except tokens. I'll set PSY-Framegear Beta and PSY-Framegear Alpha into the Link Markers!" Beta went into the bottom-left arrowhead, while Alpha went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning them red.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! PSY-Framelord Lambda!" A female, humanoid monster clad in a blue and white suit with gold and black armor that had spikes on it appeared on Electrolyzer's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Electricity emitted from her wrists and armor.
PSY-Framelord Lambda ATK: 1700 LINK-2 ↙️↘️
"While Lambda is on my field, I'm allowed to activate the effects of 'PSY-Frame' monsters from my hand even if I control a monster." Electrolyzer explained, as Pawn grit his teeth, much to Electrolyzer's satisfaction. "In addition, I activate the Spell card, Monster Reborn. This card lets me target one monster in either of our Graveyards and Special Summon it to my field. I Special Summon Hyper Psychic Blaster from my Graveyard to my field!" At Electrolyzer's command, Hyper Psychic Blaster reappeared on his field.
Hyper Psychic Blaster ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500 LV: 9
"Battle! PSY-Framelord Lambda attacks the Gift Fiend token!" Lambda fired electricity from her fingertips, which hit the Gift Fiend token and turned it into particles as Pawn's life points decreased.
Pawn: 3200 – 200 = 3000 LP
"I activate the effect of Parry Knights from my hand." Pawn said. "If I take battle damage from your attacking monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand, along with one monster whose attack points are less than or equal to the damage I took. As such, I Special Summon Parry Knights and Millennium Shield from my hand!" Soon, two monsters appeared on Pawn's field.
The first monster consisted of a man and a woman, the former wearing a stylish white coat while the latter wore a red breastplate and an orange skirt. The man had glasses, dark skin, and a blond afro, while the woman had brown hair that was in the style of two buns. While the man carried a sword in his right hand, the woman carried a sword in her left hand.
The second monster was a giant red shield with gold outlines and an ancient eye attached to the center.
Parry Knights ATK: 2300 DEF: 2100 LV: 6
Millennium Shield ATK: 0 DEF: 3000 LV: 5
Electrolyzer grit his teeth. While this was not good, he can at least inflict damage and use Hyper Psychic Blaster's effect to gain life points. "The battle still continues! Hyper Psychic Blaster attacks Parry Knights! And when he battles your defense position monster, you take piercing battle damage! Hyper Piercer!" Hyper Psychic Blaster's guns charged for a moment or two before they released beams of energy at Parry Knights, destroying them and pushing Pawn back several feet as his life points dropped.
Pawn: 3000 – 900 = 2100 LP
"Hyper Psychic Blaster's second effect now activates! When he battles your defense position monster, I gain life points equal to the difference between his attack points and your monsters defense points. In this case, the difference is 900!" Electrolyzer added, as he was surrounded in a golden light for a second time, which increased his life points.
Electrolyzer: 3500 + 900 = 4400 LP
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." I'm almost there. If I survive this turn, I'll be able to defeat him when my turn comes around. Then I'll be able to bring justice to SOL Technologies and bring this chip to Jericho, Electrolyzer thought in his mind.
Pawn laughed before a smirk appeared on his face. "I've misjudged you. You are like us after all."
"I am not like you, nor am I like SOL Technologies!" Electrolyzer declared.
"And yet you displayed the same ruthlessness we have. How does it feel to deliver such raw strength to your opponent, especially when they deserve it?"
Electrolyzer gasped. He... didn't have a retort for that. His mission, since he lost his home and since being subjected to Athaliah's experiments, was to get revenge on her and Balius for what they did to him. Electrolyzer was able to get revenge on Athaliah, even if someone else killed her. But now... now he was afraid. Afraid that he unwittingly showed the same ruthlessness Balius had when he killed his family. Was that true? No. I refuse to accept it. I'm better than him. My actions are justified, Electrolyzer thought.
"I'll let you think about that while I defeat you on my turn. My turn! I draw!" Pawn said, drawing the top card of his deck. Excellent, he thought. "I activate the effect of Galaxy Cyclone from my Graveyard. By banishing this card from my Graveyard, I can target one face-up Spell or Trap card on your field and destroy it. Say goodbye to PSY-Frame Circuit!" As if on cue, PSY-Frame Circuit turned into particles.
While this annoyed Electrolyzer, he can still use the effects of his PSY-Framegear monsters to negate effects and bring out more monsters, thus enabling him to buy more time so he can win the duel on his next turn.
Luckily, there was one thing Electrolyzer can do to prepare for what Pawn was about to do next. "Trap card, activate! Psychic Rejuvenation!" he said. "This card lets me gain 1000 life points for every Psychic monster on my field. I currently have two Psychic monsters on my field, which means I gain 2000 life points!" A green aura surrounded Electrolyzer, which increased his life points.
Electrolyzer: 4400 + (1000 X 2) = 6400 LP
"I activate Goyo Dojo's third effect!" Pawn continued. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon one Warrior Synchro monster from my Graveyard. Return to me once again, Goyo Predator!" At Pawn's command, Goyo Predator reappeared on his field for a second time.
Goyo Predator ATK: 2400 DEF: 1200 LV: 6
"I now activate the Continuous-Spell card, Goyo Training Grounds!" The card showed groups of Goyo Defenders honing their fighting techniques under the watchful eye of Goyo Emperor, one Goyo Guardian at his left and right sides. "When this card is activated and I control a 'Goyo' warrior monster, I can draw two cards from the top card of my deck." Pawn drew the top two cards of his deck. "I summon Attack Gainer from my hand." A small warrior who wore a dark-green and magenta jumpsuit, along with a helmet, appeared on Pawn's field. He also had flaming red hair as well.
Attack Gainer ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1
"I tune the Level 1 Attack Gainer to the Level 5 Millennium Shield!" Pawn declared, as a bolt of lightning struck Pawn and the world greyed out before his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one dark-green, and one red, appeared before turning blue and merging. Six rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "2 + 4" in front of them. The screen then changed to "6" as light surged through the rings.
"Watch as I bring out a warrior who dishes out justice without mercy!" Pawn chanted. "Synchro Summon! Come forth, Level 6! Goyo Guardian!" A male kabuki who wore dark-blue robes, along with dark-magenta shoulder pads and bandages on his shins appeared on appeared on Pawn's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He had Japanese-styled hair that was shaped in three buns, with two of them on the sides, and the other one on the back of Guardian's head. Attached to his back was a large backpack, and in his hands, he carried a Jutte attached to a rope.
Goyo Guardian ATK: 2800 DEF: 2000 LV: 6
"Attack Gainer's effect now activates! When he's sent to the Graveyard as Synchro Material for the Synchro Summon of a Synchro monster, I can target one monster you control and lower its attack points by 300! I target Hyper Psychic Blaster!" A red aura surrounded Hyper Psychic Blaster, which decreased his attack points.
Hyper Psychic Blaster ATK: 3000 – 300 = 2700
"Battle!" Pawn declared. "Goyo Predator attacks PSY-Framelord Lambda! Goyo Training Grounds' second effect now activates! When a 'Goyo' monster battles, it gains attack points equal to its level times 100 until the end of the damage step!" Predator roared as his strength increased.
Goyo Predator ATK: 2400 + (100 X 6) = 3000
Predator then threw his Jutte, which was attached to his whip, at Lambda before piercing her and turning her into particles. Electrolyzer winced as his life points dropped.
Electrolyzer: 6500 – 700 = 5800 LP
Goyo Predator ATK: 3000 – (100 X 6) = 2400
"Predator's effect now activates! When he destroys a monster by battle, I can Special Summon it to my field. Now join my side, Lambda!" At Pawn's command, Lambda reappeared on his field in attack position. "The battle still continues. Goyo Guardian now attacks Hyper Psychic Blaster! And like before, when a 'Goyo' monster battles, it gains attack points equal to its level times 100 until the end of the damage step!" Guardian was surrounded in a red aura, which increased his strength.
Goyo Guardian ATK: 2800 + (100 X 6) = 3400
"Goyo Lariat!" Guardian threw his Jutte, which was attached to his whip, at Hyper Psychic Blaster before piercing him and turning him into particles. Electrolyzer winced for a second time as his life points dropped.
Electrolyzer: 5800 – 700 = 5100 LP
Goyo Guardian ATK: 3400 – (100 X 6) = 2800
"Guardian's effect also activates!" Pawn added. "When he destroys a monster by battle, I can Special Summon that monster to my field in face-up defense position. Now join my side, Hyper Psychic Blaster!" At Pawn's command, Hyper Psychic Blaster appeared on his field in face-up defense position. "The battle isn't over yet! PSY-Framelord Lambda attacks you directly!" !" Lambda fired electricity from her fingertips, which hit Electrolyzer and forced him to take a step or two back as his life points dropped once again.
Electrolyzer: 5100 – 1700 = 3400 LP
If I hadn't increased my life points, I would have been in the red zone, Electrolyzer thought with a smile. Still, it's alright. Pawn can't make anymore attacks this turn, so once he ends his turn, he'll be finished once and for all.
"I can see that grin of yours, Electrolyzer. You think you've won this duel, right? WRONG!" Pawn grinned widely. "There's still a move or two that I can make! Starting with this! I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Frontline Fusion. This card lets me Fusion Summon one Fusion monster from my Extra Deck by using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Materials. I use Goyo Predator and Goyo Guardian as Fusion Materials!" Predator turned into red particles, while Guardian turned into blue particles before swirling into a vortex. Afterwards, two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a white and yellow whirlwind.
"Tremble in fear of the ultimate authority that will bring judgement onto troublesome people like you!" Pawn chanted. "Fusion Summon! Come forth, Level 10! Goyo Emperor!" A male kabuki wearing ornate, yellow-colored Japanese robes and purple shoulder pads with red outlines appeared on Pawn's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He had long purple hair, which was styled in two ponytails on his sides, along with a Japanese-styled hat on his head. Emperor sat on a red-colored ornate throne as well.
Goyo Emperor ATK: 3300 DEF: 2500 LV: 10
"Oh no!" Electrolyzer exclaimed, realizing that he was about to be defeated this turn.
"Does it hurt, Electrolyzer? Knowing that your justice won't be served? Knowing that you failed in the end?" Pawn taunted, adding insult to injury. "Failure is a cruel parent, but an effective teacher. And no matter if it was fair or unfair, it will forever be carved in your psyche, which is something I hope will forever traumatize you for the rest of your days. But enough talk. Let's end this, shall we? Goyo Emperor attacks you directly! And just like before, Goyo Training Grounds' second effect now activates! When a 'Goyo' monster battles, it gains attack points equal to its level times 100 until the end of the damage step!" Emperor was surrounded in a red aura, which increased his strength.
Goyo Emperor ATK: 3300 + (100 X 10) = 4300
"Royal Sentencing!" Emperor fired a blast of energy from his right palm at Electrolyzer, who screamed as he was sent flying off the ground before landing on his back.
Electrolyzer: 3400 – 4300 = 0
Electrolyzer tried to get up on his feet, only to see Pawn walk up to him.
"Don't be ashamed. It's only nature, running its course." Pawn said, kneeling down to Electrolyzer's level. A wide smirk spread across Pawn's lips. "Phnom Penh taught me that."
"Your secrets won't be hidden forever. They will be revealed eventually." Electrolyzer seethed back to Pawn.
Unfortunately for Electrolyzer, Pawn grabbed his chin before simply pushing him to the ground with one finger.
"And I'll make sure it never happens." Pawn countered back with a sneer as he stood up on his feet. Soon, blue chains in the form of data started wrapping around Electrolyzer, who started fighting back. A portal then appeared behind Electrolyzer, the chains now starting to pull him in as he continued to struggle more. "It seems security's found you in the real world. But rest assured. I'll make sure your prison accommodations are fitting to a person of your stature."
"This isn't over, Pawn!" Electrolyzer declared, now entering the hole. Upon seeing this, he no longer attempted to struggle. "I promise you. One day, you and SOL Technologies will pay for all the pain and misery that you brought upon the innocents of Japan!" Electrolyzer was then fully submerged into the hole, who was logged out in the process.
Pawn then wiped his hands, satisfied that the job was done. "Well, guess it's time for me to log out now," he said, logging out of the network in the process.
In the real world, at SOL Technologies...
Pawn exited out of the pod, a triumphant look on his face.
"It seems you succeeded, Hyodo." Queen said, a smile on her face as well.
"Of course I have, Ohi. After all, I too know when to get serious." Pawn agreed, before going over to the monitors, which showed security escorting Brion out of the building. "Now then..." He turned to Akairo, Go, and Akira, a sadistic smirk evident on his face. "Does anyone here have objections to this?"
No one dared to speak. Considering what just happened, it was only logical to keep your mouth shut, lest you feel Pawn's wrath.
"All right. Glad the matter's settled." Pawn turned to Akairo. "I'm guessing you don't want the Duel A.I. Implant Chip?"
"No, I don't." Akairo immediately answered. "I'll be taking my leave now." He then walked out of the room before heading downstairs and eventually exiting the lab. Ryoken needs to know about this. All of this, especially about the AI chip and Brion, he decided in his mind.
"And what about you, Go?" Pawn asked, turning to face him. "Do you want the Duel A.I. Implant chip?"
"I do, Pawn." Go answered, which satisfied Pawn. "You were right. The world won't wait for me to get stronger. I might as well adapt now while I can, even if it means destroying my former self for good."
"Wise choice, pal." Pawn replied with a smile, before turning to Akira. "Zaizen, please take Go to the operating room. Queen and I need to report this to the Kings, and I'd rather get this done sooner than later."
Akira bowed in response to the both of them. "If you say so, Pawn." He and Go then exited the room and headed downstairs before exiting the lab. As the two of them walked down the hallway to the operating room, Go then spoke up.
"You seem content with my decision, Zaizen."
"Of course I am, Go. Besides, it is your decision after all." Akira pointed out. "Still, I must remind you specifically of the potential damage the Duel A.I. Implant chip can do to your brain."
"Specifically?" Go repeated, the two of them having stopped walking as Akira turned to face him.
"The chip will push your brain into overdrive, which strains both mind and body, and that will clearly not be healthy for you, Go."
In response, Go smirked. "I didn't know you cared about me, Zaizen. You worried my brain is going to short circuit? Or maybe go pop like a balloon?"
"I'm not saying it will." Akira answered. "But why risk it?"
"Point taken." Go narrowed his eyes at Akira. "But I'm still taking the chip, Zaizen, and like you said earlier, it's my decision."
"Are you one hundred percent sure you still want to do this?"
"I still am. If it makes me a better duelist, then I'm willing to risk anything." Go confirmed for the final time.
Akira nodded back, accepting Go's decision. "Very well." The two of them now started walking down the hallway again. "But there's one last thing you should know."
"Oh?" Go raised an eyebrow.
"Once the chip is installed into your brain, you'll be going through a series of mental exercises inside a chamber. Duels, if you will." Akira explained.
"That's fine." Go replied.
"And I'll be monitoring your progress as well. So if you change your mind, all you have to do is tell me." Akira added.
"Don't worry about me, Zaizen. Because I'll make sure it doesn't happen." Go assured him with a confident grin.
An hour later, at the Den Jail...
Brion narrowed his eyes as he sat down on the prison bed. Originally, he thought he'd be going to Sincero Penitentiary for imprisonment before trial. Instead, Brion was put in a cell inside Den Jail itself. From what he heard, this was due to two things. One: He was obviously waiting for his trial date. Two: His royal status. If people got word that the authorities put Brion in either Den or Sincero Penitentiary, they'd riot.
After all, Brion was the last living child of the Miyahara family. It was ironic that he still had his royal status in the first place, considering how he was exiled from Central Japan itself. Then again, it could have been much worse.
"Mr. Miyahara. You have a visitor," a guard said, approaching the cell.
"A visitor?" Brion repeated, going over to the bars, hoping to be escorted to the visiting area. To his surprise, the guard pulled out a tablet.
"The visitor wants to see you through this tablet," the guard emphasized. "Just press the play button when you're ready. You have one hour." Taking the tablet, Brion headed back to the bed and sat down on it, while the guard walked away from the cell. Pressing the 'Play' button. The screen then turned on, which revealed an angry-looking Jericho.
"Nice place you got here." Jericho commented. "I turned the cameras off so we can have this conversation."
"Jericho!" Brion exclaimed out of surprise.
"You idiot! What were you thinking?!" Jericho exclaimed back out of pure fury.
"I was going to give the chip for you after I reported it to the-." Brion began, only for Jericho to scoff.
"That was just reckless and stupid, and had you succeeded, you would have thrown a monkey wrench in my plans!" Jericho reprimanded him.
"A monkey wrench?" Brion repeated.
"That's right!" Jericho confirmed. "For my plans to succeed, I need SOL Technologies up and running!"
"But SOL Technologies is corrupt, and I needed to uproot it before it infected others!" Brion pointed out.
"And like I told you seconds earlier, I need SOL Technologies operating for my plans to succeed!" Jericho reiterated. "Do you really think I wasn't aware of the Duel A.I. Implant chip, Brion? You of all people should be aware that nothing escapes my sight!"
Brion's eyes widened as that statement crossed his mind. Of course Jericho was aware of everything that was going on. Why didn't he remind himself of that sooner?
"Besides, Brion." A smirk appeared on Jericho's face. "I wanted to see how the Duel A.I. Implant chip works first in a human. See how it can be incorporated in my plans."
"You...!" Brion narrowed his eyes in anger. "So you're content with letting humans suffer at the hands of others just for your own research?!"
"Of course I am, Brion." Jericho simply answered, the smirk still evident on his face.
"You...!" If Brion had known about this earlier, he wouldn't have agreed to work with Jericho.
"Considering your recent actions, I can't afford to have a loose end like yourself screw around with my plans." Jericho said. "To put it simply, you're fired."
Brion grit his teeth, a furious expression on his face after hearing everything that Jericho told him. How dare the latter have a disregard for human life! To put it simply, Jericho was no better than Athaliah, Balius, and SOL Technologies. "Once I get out of here, I'll find you, and make sure that-!"
"You won't make sure of anything." Jericho interrupted with a frown, as the screen on the tablet flashed at Brion, putting him in a stunned state. "I won't kill you, but I will erase your memories of our interactions with one another. As such, I bid you adieu forever." The tablet then turned off as Brion fell down to the floor with a loud thud.
"Your meeting's done already, Brion?" a guard asked, heading over to Brion's cell before entering it. He shook his body, trying to make sure that Brion was conscious. "Are you there?" The guard widened his eyes before realizing that Brion was unconscious. "I need a medic here!"
Elsewhere, at another area in the network...
Jericho narrowed his eyes as he saw medics carry Brion on a stretcher towards the medical wing, a satisfactory look on his face. While he was able to get rid of a loose end for good, the whole situation upset him, especially with how it nearly threw a monkey wrench into his plans.
"I may be a nice guy, Brion, but I hate it when people go against my plans!" Jericho exclaimed in fury before he smashed the nearby light-green monitor with his right fist. "If more of these monkey wrenches keep popping up, then I'll have to get personally involved, and that's the last thing I need right now!" This was certainly true. Even though Jericho was more than strong enough to get the job done himself, it was a risky strategy. One that will blow his cover, and make his enemies aware of his presence if he wasn't careful.
Besides. Waiting in the shadows was beneficial for Jericho, as he can manipulate events in his favour from the safety of his lab and acquire the needed information to succeed in the long run.
Having regained his composure, he typed on the digital keyboard, causing two screens to pop up.
The first screen showed Go on the operating table.
The second screen showed the Duel A.I. Implant chip.
As he looked at the screens, Jericho grinned. "Brion was right about one thing. I have a complete lack of regard for humans involved in my experiments, especially if using them will benefit me in the long run. Time to get to work." He began typing in a series of code, intent on putting it into the Duel A.I. Implant chip upon completion.
According to Jericho, the human mind can only go so far before it broke. With this line of code, Jericho wanted to see how far a human's mental capacities went before it shut down permanently. Such research will certainly help him in his plans.
Turning the code into a virus, Jericho inputted it into the Duel A.I. Implant chip, satisfied with its completion. With this virus, it will force the human test subject to keep going, even after they are strained. To the point where they'll risk everything just to satisfy their own desires.
And in Go's case, to the point where he'll risk his everything, even his own life, just to defeat Playmaker once and for all.
Humans are certainly fascinating creatures, Jericho thought in his mind. Soon, a red light flashed nearby, which got his attention. "Oh. It seems I have to report my progress to the others." Standing up from his chair, he went over to a nearby console, where he pressed a button or two before the floor opened up, which revealed a set of stairs that went downwards. Going downstairs, Jericho reached the lower floor of his laboratory.
It consisted of a massive chamber, which had massive, silver veins that glowed with orange-colored energy. His duel monsters flew around and worked on the maintenance of the chamber.
And at the center of the chamber was a walkway, with a large monolith at the end.
"Shalem. Shalem. I call to thee." Jericho said, speaking to the monolith in front of him. Soon, the monolith morphed to reveal a light-purple skinned young man in his teens that had red eyes and shadow trim, along with yellow sclera. His spiky silver hair was held up by a maroon bandana covering his forehead, save for a single bang protruding outward. His ears, adorned with blue earrings, were rounded compared to Jericho's ears, which were pointed. He also wore a black caped vest with yellow spikes, black pants and boots, and a maroon sash. Last but not least, he wore golden arm bracelets that had red earrings attached to it as well.
"Jericho. Have you begun the conquest?" Shalem asked.
"This world is divided. They are a primitive species, unevolved and at war with one another, too separate to be one." Jericho began answering, before making a fist. "Their free will must be ripped from them, like the other worlds. Given absolution in one glorious belief. To serve Him."
"The Ignis..."
"I have located four out of the eight already." Jericho told Shalem. "My duel monsters fly. They search. They take prisoners who carry the scent, while I build a stronghold in the name of His glory."
"Yes." Shalem smirked. "Mighty Jericho, son of the great Urizen, who might have sat by the side of the Great One, had he not been undone by his reckless actions."
"Shalem. I fall before you." Jericho stated, falling to his knees. "Let me make a plea to him. To assure him that everything is going according to plan. That I won't fail him."
"You betrayed him!" Shalem accused Jericho by pointing his right index finger at him. "Your own family!"
"I always fulfilled his orders, and I never failed any of them!" Jericho exclaimed.
"Then for your sake, you better succeed, lest you feel the Great One's wrath." Shalem warned Jericho, who got up on his feet in response.
"The Ignis will be found and united." Jericho promised. "No protectors here. No AUTOS. This world will fall, like the others."
"For Urizen..." Shalem chanted, before the monolith reverted to its original shape.
Jericho narrowed his eyes, knowing what had to be done. "For Urizen..."
A light shines and the letters spelling out VRAINS light up the screen before a network is formed and several cards are drawn in towards a pillar of light. Playmaker, Raguel, and Soulburner are shown with their respective Ignis and stats, along with real-life forms that across the backgrounds that match their Ignis' colors. The screen then shows each of them being shocked while wearing VR sets as kids, along with Arashi.
The screen gets swallowed with darkness at It reveals a young Yukage huddled up and crying, his shadow shrinking behind him before taking the form of Wraith and comforting him. Yukage looks up with a menacing and soul piercing glare before the darkness consumes him and he's replaced with an older version of himself. Azrael and Wraith are then shown in NEW LINK VRAINS, as they look out into the digital sky. The scene then shifts to Bohman standing tall above NEW LINK VRAINS and holding the earth in his hands with Haru by his side. Malf grins in the shadows behind them, his red eyes shining bright in the process.
A drop of light falls down, and as it explodes, it reveals Playmaker, Raguel, and Soulburner, standing on buildings watching over the network, along with Slipstream as well. Blood Shepherd is shown commanding a trio of Battledrone Sergeants before the screen shifts to Drachen, who is shown commanding Red-Eyes Black Dragon. The screen then shifts a third time to Electrolyzer, where above him was PSY-Frame Driver, with PSY-Framegears Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and Zeta. The screen then shows Go Onizuka, Kenmochi, and Yoroizaka with Dinowrestler King T Wrextle, Gouki the Blade Ogre, and Gouki the Solid Ogre behind them ready for battle.
Blue Girl, Ghost Girl, Numera and SengokuQueen are then featured together riding their duel boards across the night sky with shooting stars flying across them. Trickstar Holly Angel was with Blue Girl, while Numera was with Geomathmech Final Sigma. Ghost Girl was with Altergeist Dragvirion, while SengokuQueen was with Secret Six Samurai – Rihan.
The screen then changes to Raguel, Playmaker, and Soulburner riding on their duel boards with Cyreath Medusa and Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode, Cyberse Magician, Cyberse Witch, and Salamangreat Heatleo behind them. Following the trio is Slipstream and Clear Wing Synchro Dragon. The four of them join together with a fist bump and smile in the real world as the wind blows, with Kusanagi, Roxy, and Greg watching them from Kusanagi's truck. Rachel then runs toward the quartet, and more specifically, Yuhiro, a look of joy clearly on her face. Unbeknownst to everyone, they're watched from the shadows by a cloaked person who glares at them, biding his time.
Card Gallery
Pawn:
Goyo Dojo (Field Spell card)
Effect: When this card is activated: You can add 1 Earth Warrior Tuner Monster and 1 Earth Warrior Monster from your deck to your hand. If you Synchro Summon an Earth Warrior Synchro Monster, you can use monsters in your hand as well as on your field. You can target 1 Warrior Synchro Monster in your GY; Special Summon it to your field. You can only use each effect of 'Goyo Dojo' once per turn.
Goyo Training Grounds (Continuous-Spell card)
Effect: When this card is activated and you control a 'Goyo' Monster: You can draw 2 cards from the top of your deck. If a 'Goyo' Monster you control battles a monster your opponent controls, it gains ATK equal to its level X 100 until the end of the damage step.
QOTC
What are your thoughts on Pawn now that you've seen a different side of him in this chapter? Did you enjoy the duel between him and Electrolyzer? And do you think Electrolyzer's actions are justified?
Chapter Preview
Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 66: Hanoi's Malady. Having learned that the Earth Ignis has made contact with Ai, Azrael and Wraith lead a pre-emptive strike against the Knights of Hanoi to prevent them from catching their potential target. Once again being attacked by enemies, the Knights of Hanoi are forced to respond, with Speckles leading the charge while Azrael sends Malf to eliminate Revolver. Malf, on the other hand, has his eyes on another duelist. One that will help him become stronger...
Chapter 67: Truth and Consequences. The Earth Ignis has made contact with Ai, leading Yusaku to meet up with him in the network, hoping to gain answers and a new ally for the battles ahead. Yuhiro attempts to join him, only to receive a challenge letter from a most unexpected opponent, with an equally dreadful secret he intends to share with Yuhiro...
Author's Notes
Alrighty! Another chapter has been completed! Thanks to you all for waiting such a long time, everyone! Like I said above, I had to get the profiles done so I can address the aftermath following the Turf War, so if you haven't already, I encourage you to read it asap. But enough of that. Let's get to the recap, shall we?
The first part of the chapter occurs in the Light Ignis's palace. Here, Ace is given Judgment Arrows, only for him and Speckles to be tortured as punishment by Azrael. In addition, Ace is banned from participating in the Hanoi attack, much to his chagrin. Instead, Azrael gives Speckles the chance for redemption by ordering him to participate in the attack, the latter obviously agreeing here, as his life is on the line. Also, Azrael orders Ace to send in relief services and subsidiaries to those that were affected by the Turf War, under the guise of Emon Uchida (who we all know as Infearno by now). In other words, earn their trust, and influence them to join Uchida Industries.
The Light Ignis also ordered Ace to establish a hidden labour force in in the shadows. A labour force that builds resources for them in the coming battles, as well as eliminate anyone who becomes a threat to the operations. How will this affect the story to come? You'll have to read to find out.
Now, a while back, I said that Athaliah had two projects to work on. One of which was recreating the Project: Apotheosis results so she can help the Light Ignis make Bohman the next Construct. Yup. I said it. The next Construct. Recall that Project: Apotheosis is focused on turning a human into a Construct. Someone who would unite the Ignis and humanity in collaboration with one another to find the Root.
Here, the Light Ignis perverts this goal by having Bohman become the next Construct. And to ensure that free will is taken care of, the Light Ignis made improvements so Bohman would absorb the Ignis, not unite them with humans. After all, humans, in the Light Ignis's words, are hypocrites, especially their history with one another in regards to conflicts.
Oh, and as for the other project, Athaliah had to help the Light Ignis create a set of schematics and materials needed to create a battlefield in the network, which we all know is Mirror LINK VRAINS.
With all the seriousness going on, I felt it was important to have a heartwarming scene in this chapter. Or at the very least, two. First of which is Azrael's conversation to Haru. Here, Azrael further helps Haru with his concerns with a question: Who are you? He asked this question in order to help Haru resolve his concerns, as well as aid him in forming his own ideals. An important one being that Haru is Bohman's younger brother, not a servant.
Sure enough, Haru's faith in his ideals pays off, as Bohman remembers his name, much to his joy. A nice moment between the brothers, don't you think?
Next up is a nice slice of life for Yuhiro and the others in a form of a celebration! Yup, I said celebration! After all, what better way to celebrate the Turf War's end than host a special event from Café Matsuo and Café Nagi, don't you agree? While I'd like to talk about all the major points here, I'll address a few here.
First is the topic on Arashi's crush on Brea, and how Roxy perceives the situation. Now, folks. I heard your feedback on this, and I understand what you're saying. Remember that Arashi and Brea's interactions with one another are inspired from that couple from Young Justice. I mean, those characters never thought they'd have feelings for one another until the Season 1 finale, and ended up becoming a couple afterwards. In the profiles, Arashi learned how to bake from Roxy, and was planning to share a tray of them with Brea in this chapter. Unfortunately, she didn't arrive, mainly because Roxy didn't call her. As revealed in a conversation between Eloise and Arashi, the reason why Roxy won't call Brea is because the former was afraid on what will happen. Roxy is afraid that if she calls Brea, the latter will denounce her for good. This is actually heartbreaking for Roxy, as Brea saw her as both a mother figure and a role model. I mean, if you were a role model and found that you failed someone who looked up to you... well, you'd be afraid too.
A few funny scenes later, Brion arrives to purchase a meal for takeout from Café Matsuo. As he waits for the meal, Yuhiro ends up talking with him for a bit. Why did Brion come to Café Matsuo, you may ask? It's because for him, he always wanted to get a meal from here, as he heard great reviews about it. Now for those of you who think that Brion knows that Yuhiro is Raguel, he doesn't. So be at ease.
As for the announcement from 'Emon Uchida', I'll just tell you now: It's Ace masquerading as him. As per Azrael and the Light Ignis's orders.
Following this is the main events of the chapter, which occur at SOL Technologies. For Brion, he came to the company to resign, no longer seeing a reason to be a member of the bounty hunter task force. And obviously, along with Akairo, he refuses the Duel A.I. Implant chip.
Now here is where the juicy parts come in. It's revealed that SOL Technologies does business with the Black Market, with Pawn acting as the intermediary between them. I bet no one here expected that! Unfortunately, Akira can't do anything about this information because his job is on the line.
As for Brion, upon hearing about this, decides to take the chip and try to escape the company so he can blow the whistle to the authorities. Of course, he also wanted to give the chip to Jericho so he can study it as well. This leads to the duel between Pawn and Brion, the former using the 'Goyo' archetype. Now who here remembers this archetype from Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds and Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V. For those of you who don't, the 'Goyo' archetype where all the members have effects that either Special Summons the monsters they destroy in battle to their side of the field or gain control of the opponent's monsters. This ability to control the opponent's monsters is used together with quick swarming tactics to overwhelm the opponent and allow the user to win the duel.
Sadly, despite Brion's best efforts, he ended up losing to Pawn. Now onto the topic of Pawn. Here, a bit more of his character is revealed. While he's laidback and sarcastic, Pawn does know when to get serious, especially in situations like this. He also has a sense of cunning as well, for he knows how to use his words to get under people's skin (remember how he irritated Queen multiple times? That's just one example). Here, Pawn also has a view of survival of the fittest, is deranged, and may have sociopathy as well. So why does SOL Technologies have a person like Pawn as a higherup? It's simple. The company needs people to do the dirty jobs, and Pawn is the main man to do it.
Long story short, Pawn wins the duel, and Brion is arrested and thrown in Den Jail. Following the duel, Go accepts the chip, where Akira tries one last time to try and dissuade Go from his decision. We all know what happens from here regarding Go, so I won't recap it. I will, however, say that Pawn's words to him back in Roxy's Reports 31 had an impact to him, as it was one of the factors that played a part in his overall decision.
For Brion, you might be wondering why he was thrown in Den Jail. It's simple. He has royal status, which is ironic, as it protected him from being sent to Den Penitentiary. Or worse, Sincero Penitentiary. If that happened, the people would riot, and it wouldn't look good on the authorities at all if word comes out that they tried to put a royal person in a hideous environment. It's here where Jericho calls Brion and reprimands him before firing him. And to make sure loose ends are tied up, Jericho deletes the memories of their conversations in Brion's mind so he doesn't share this information to the others. Don't worry, folks. Brion isn't dead. He's just receiving medical treatment for the time being, and will reside in Den Jail.
As for the last scene... it certainly sets things up for the future, doesn't it?
Oh, and Pawn and Queen's real names are revealed. Pawn's real name is Hyodo Hiragana, which means soldier, while Queen's real name is Ohi Oritsu, which means Royal Queen. Credit goes to HunterHQ for suggesting these names a while back.
Alright, folks. It's time to announce the winners for the contest, and as mentioned above, there will be a total of three winners. The first winner is guaranteed to have their archetype appear in this story. The second winner will have a fifty percent chance of seeing their archetype in the story. Last but not least, the third winner will have a twenty five percent chance of seeing their archetype appear in the story. As such, a spinner will be used to determine the winners.
And the winners are:
First Place: Iris Luster
Second Place: ZeroMK7
Third Place: Donjusticia
Congratulations, Iris Luster! Your archetype is guaranteed to appear in the story! I will send you a PM to give you the good news! As for when your archetype will appear, it'll appear in Season 3, with a small chance of it appearing in Season 2. As for the other two winners, there will be a chance for your archetypes to be appear in the story. So have faith, for anything can happen!
So with the contest winners revealed, and everything having been recapped, I want to thank you all for reading Chapter 65 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.
Before I wrap things up, there's just something to discuss for the next chapter, as it's going to be an important one. The last time a chapter was hyped, you enjoyed it, even though I made some mistakes. This time, I promise to make sure that it's error free before releasing it, especially for a chapter like this. After all, the Hanoi are in the spotlight here, and things are going to get hectic for them. Now I'll inform you about the timing for those of you who are wondering when this chapter, as well as Chapter 66 take place in the anime. Chapter 65 takes place the day before episode 66, while Chapter 66 takes place on the same day, but during the night. I hope that clears things up for you.
What did you enjoy the most about this chapter? The opening scene? The celebration at Café Matsuo, as well as the humour present? The revelation about SOL Technologies? The duel between Pawn and Brion? The post credits scene? Or was it something else?
That's all for now. See you next time, as starting from Chapter 66, things are only going to get more awesome from here, for I intend to catch all of you off guard with what's to come!
