Response to Reviews

Thank you to Cosmic Cat, Kingdom Hearts Guy, HunterHQ, Anonymous, Unnamed, Unknown, Noobmaster, Ambiguous, Pikachu99, T.V. 2000, Cyber Warrior, Pancakes, and Guest for reviewing Chapter 74 of Obscured Truth.

Hey, everyone! I hope you're doing well wherever you are in the world. I must say, despite being a dialogue chapter, you guys put in some good reviews. For that, I say thank you very much. I also wanted to thank you for sharing your favourite memories of Yu-Gi-Oh! as well. It brings us together under a common interest, don't you agree?

As such, let's answer them, shall we:

Cosmic Cat: Yes. Accepting one's shortcomings is the key step to changing for the better. Yuhiro's self-reflection will certainly help him move forward.

Kingdom Hearts Guy: Yuhiro will explain everything to Aoi in Chapter 76.

HunterHQ: Yup, for a dialogue chapter, it didn't disappoint, though it was very long to get done. Yeah, you'll see Akira grow a backbone later on. Truth be told, some reviewers wanted to see Arashi interact with someone other than Yusaku and the others, so that's what led to Arashi meeting and interacting with Krystal, aka Gabriella herself. Plus, it shows how it's a small world, as well as the fact that everything's connected one way or another. Well, duh. Brea saw Roxy as a mother figure and a leader, even though she was a criminal. No. Arashi doesn't know that Ryoken ended the Lost Incident. Herald can only give sentience to Cyberse monsters he creates. It's like Flame giving sentience to his Salamangreat monsters, for instance. For Sharpshot, Ace managed to rescue him in exchange for his fealty, while he found Chainslaver at some part in the network and took him under his wing.

Anonymous: No. Stregone and the others won't be confronting Go for the time being for two reasons. One: SOL Technologies won't be allowing visitors. Two: Stregone will be busy with something that will be revealed in the next few chapters. Jericho's thoughts on the High Ignis plan? He'd find it intriguing, and may end up trying to obtain it for himself. Blood Shepherd can obviously handle himself should such a situation occur.

Unnamed: For the data material, Ace had the slaves obtain it from depots he and Alpha made regarding the data material. Electrolyzer's body is fine, don't worry. He was merely forced to log in against his will. Azrael isn't concerned about what happened, as companies come and go.

Unknown: Even Yuhiro has his limits, though they are cracking. Yuhiro knows Azrael's real face. How? He just... does. Yuhiro's greatest and unforgivable sin is that he tried to use Miyu's happiness to absolve him of his guilt. Though whether Miyu actually forgives him will be for the future to decide. Krystal is a powerful duelist, and she can duel very well, so do not underestimate her.

Noobmaster: Yup. Aqua's ability will certainly help in finding where the slaves are in the real world, as well as in the network. Azrael and Wraith wouldn't bother hiding the truth from Aqua, and it would shock both her and Blue Maiden upon finding out their plans. For Brion, let's just say Azrael had something to ensure he didn't use his PSY-Frames. A special piece of data material that would prevent him from using them to escape. He, Numera, and Gil can only use their abilities in the network.

Ambiguous: Well, Ace had his allies utilize methods such as false parole and paid bail to kidnap people into servitude. Lightning at the time didn't know how to corrupt the Ignis, which was why he imprisoned Aqua.

Pikachu99: What has Jester got to do with Electrolyzer and this story? Or do you mean Jericho?

T.V. 2000: Sadly so for Drachen. Well, considering how Chainslaver and Sharpshot only had one appearance, it was only fitting for them to return again. And let's be honest: Chainslaver appeared only once in Chapter 43, and that was a flashback. Whereas Sharpshot had a bit more of a role in leading Delta's forces to attack Epsilon. Recall in Chapter 1 that Yuhiro 'killed' someone's avatar using his double-barrelled revolver. Yes, you will see Aoi dueling with the Marincess deck before Mirror LINK VRAINS.

Cyber Warrior: A verbal fight? Raguel feels guilty because of the unforgivable sin he committed, which was using Miyu's happiness to absolve him of guilt. He also feels guilty for not telling Aoi sooner.

Pancakes: Oh boy... Just read on to find out the answer to your skit.

Guest: Of course Ai got payback on Go and the Hanoi for what happened. No, I don't plan on writing a scene for how Windy got brainwashed for the time being. Yuhiro will eventually fully 'log into' the network by using Excalibur, where he can fully enter without using a chamber. Chapter 44 shows Ace becoming Overseer by murdering the previous one. Do you not remember that?

With all the reviews having been answered, let's get to the chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter 75: Pure Anguish

In a desolate landscape under a bloody sky, two pendants, one white-ruby and one white-sapphire, fall to the ground before transforming into Excalibur and Muramasa. Their owners, Raguel and Azrael, grab their swords before charging at one another, the blade lock resulting in a flash of light flooding the screen. When the light fades, LINK VRAINS is shown before being replaced my Mirror LINK VRAINS. The Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS logo then appears, with the words "OBSCURED TRUTH" to ominously appear underneath it in rainbow colours. Two symbols also appear underneath those words, with the first one consisting of a dark-orange demonic crest that had lion fangs on the sides, as well as Excalibur slashing it down the middle. The other symbol consisted of a dark-blue demonic crest that had two mirage blades making an X, as well as Muramasa slashing it down the middle.

Yuhiro, Yusaku, Takeru, and Arashi are sitting around a table at Café Nagi, looking at duel footage as they discuss strategies they can use to counter their enemies. At a nearby table, Roxy, Kusanagi, and Greg are chatting, a hamburger in Roxy's hand, and a hotdog in Kusanagi's hand. Rachel is shown nearby playing with Rasterliger, Salamangreat Balelynx, and Linkuriboh, until the four of them turn their heads to see Herald, Ai, and Flame chatting on the best type of entertainment in the world. All four of them go towards the three chatting Ignis and scare them with a large shout. This causes Yuhiro, Yusaku, Takeru, Arashi, Roxy, Kusanagi, and Greg to laugh at the three Ignis, who are still flustered by the prank.

Kengo Dojun looks down at the hospital bed his mother is on, gritting his teeth before making a fist with his right hand. At another hospital room, Yuhiro, Roxy, and Aoi are shown, where they look down on Miyu resting on her hospital bed. Yuhiro puts his hands on the sides of his head, a panicked and stressed look on his face as Roxy and Aoi try to calm him down, his anxiety settling in. Red, glowing cracks start to spread over his body before dimming on and off. Behind him, shadows form, one of which consists of a girl in her pre-teens wearing a white and blue Greek-styled dress, along with sandals twirling around, her shoulder-length blond hair flowing down behind her. The girl's eyes glow red as she raises her right arm in front of her and places her left hand on her chest, as if she were singing. After she disappears, a black-armored knight that had a spiked plume on his helmet, along with dark-steel plates on his arms appears in her place. Strapped to his sides were a pair of jagged, chained blades, each one having a demonic red-orange glyph pattern on them. Attached to his back was a long sword with a massive blade, as well as a set of arms that had large hands, each one having three claws. The multicolored shapes resembling eyes glowed as the knight pulls out all three blades and slashes the screen completely.

Raguel and Playmaker appear, riding parallel to one another on their duel boards, with Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode and Firewall Dragon following after them. Next is Soulburner and Slipstream, with Salamangreat Heatleo and Clear Wing Synchro Dragon following after the second duo. Last but not least, Blue Maiden and Numera appear, with Marincess Marbled Rock and Geomathmech Final Sigma following after the third duo.

At SOL Technologies, Akira, Hayami, Queen, and Pawn are looking at a monitor that showed Go Onizuka in the training dome, having won a duel against a virtual Playmaker. While the first two individuals frowned with concern, the second two had satisfied smiles on their faces.

In a dark abandoned room, Yukage narrows his eyes as looks at a happy memory of him and Yuhiro playing together as children by using the memory scanner. Blue, glowing cracks start to appear on his right hand, causing Yukage to take deep breaths to calm himself down. After looking at his pendant for a few moments, Yukage puts on his duel disk before he and Wraith raise their right hands to the sky and log into the network. Haru is then shown training under Azrael's tutelage in a room of a palace, having faced off against multiple upgraded Bitboots with Hydradrive Nagini, Scyllonic Hydradrive Kragun, and Medusoid Hydradrive Gorgun behind him. Nearby, Azrael and Wraith watch the match, wanting to see how much stronger Haru has become.

The screen then shifts to another room of the palace, where Bohman is sitting cross-legged, his eyes closed as he begins to meditate. His eyes open before they glow a rainbow color, the glow also spreading to his chest as the room briefly lights up before dimming down. But in the shadows, Malf's eyes glow red as he proceeds to lick his mouth, hunger on his mind.

Silhouettes of Yua Kogami and Katsuya pop up before they morph into their VRAINS personas Demeter and Percival, where the screen goes back to one room of the palace. Windy, who is wearing a cape and eyepatch, commands Stormridership Bahamut Bomber to attack Demeter, who responds by having Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty intercept the attack. In another room, Jin Kusanagi stands with Lightning as the latter snaps his fingers, causing a small squad of Armatos Legio Decurions and Centurions to appear behind him. Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis, along with a young, light-skinned warrior wearing roman armor and a purple cape strapped to the back of it who rode a chariot that was pulled by two armored horses also appeared behind Lightning. Percival growls as Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon rises from behind him, and two copies of Phantom Knights' Spear appear in his hands.

A silhouette of Ace is shown above Uchida Industries, his right hand outstretched over the company. Drachen faces off against a squad of Bitboots with Red-Eyes Black Dragon behind him, hellbent on getting it back from Ace. The screen then flips over to show Electrolyzer trying to escape his restraints using PSY-Framegears Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and Zeta, with Jericho ominously laughing in the background.

Smoke appears in various areas of the central station in LINK VRAINS, which has been attacked by multiple Bitboots. Phoenix and Gil stand back to back, with Nephthys, the Scared Flame and Abyss Actor – Evil Heel beside the duelists as they confront one Bitboot each. SengokuQueen and Ghost Girl do the same, with Secret Six Samurai – Rihan and Altergeist Memorygant beside the duelists as they too confront one Bitboot each. Stregone is shown arriving to assist both groups, Quintet Magician and Enlightenment Paladin behind him. Nearby, Rosetta confronts Ace, Black Rose Moonlight Dragon rising from behind her before roaring at Ace, who has Dystopia the Despondent rise behind him in response.

Watching these events using the Spatial Cube is Watchman, who is in his server. A disappointed look appears on his face before he pulls out a total of six long and slender swords that resembled rapiers with short hilts, three in each of his hands. Watchman's eyes glow with a purple color before three copies of Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord appear behind him, which proceed to fuse into Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord as the screen is covered with purple cubes.

Raguel and Azrael are then shown facing off against one another in a matrix-like battlefield. Turboblaze Dragon, along with three other monsters, appear behind Raguel before combining to form a tall, white-colored bipedal dragon with red irises and black pupils, as well as a long and slender neck. He had a long, voluminous wispy mane streaming out from the upper side of his snout and outwards from his head, with the two protrusions on his head having merged to form into a long, bright and blazing one. His four arms were slender and arm-like with a wing-like appearance and four fingers on his glowing, fiery claws. On his head was a golden piece of armor, with fiery-golden armor pieces on his feathered chest and body. Each of his feet had large grey claws, three at the front and one positioned at the back to resemble high heels. The jet-like engine tail's bands expanded outwards, with the feathers in it spiking upwards before a massive blast of fire erupts from it.

Teravolt Dragon, along with three other monsters, appear behind Azrael before combining to form a tall, purple-colored bipedal dragon with blue sclera and white pupils, as well as a small horn-like protrusion on the tip of his snout. His head sported a thundercloud-like crest tipped with yellow coloration, along with pieces of golden armor as well. At the base of his neck, his shoulders, knees, and wings was a black, stud-like feature resembling that of armor, with spikes appearing on the shoulders. His large wings consisted of a fanned shape that expanded outwards to show three spikes tipped with electricity. Strapped to his back was a halo with three spikes on it. Attached to his arms were baseball-mitt-like formations, with three-clawed hands on the undersides that glowed with electricity. His three-clawed feet also glowed with electricity as well. His tail now consisted of two electric generators with a spike at the end, which hummed before releasing electricity from it.

In a garden of Asagao flowers, Miyu sees Yuhiro on one knee, having grabbed the hilt of Excalibur to try and stand up on his feet, the sword having been planted on the ground. She run over and helps Yuhiro stand up on his feet, the both of them having grateful smiles on their faces. The both of them look upwards as the screen jumps to the bright sky and the glowing sun.

In LINK VRAINS, at Lightning's palace...

"Revolver doesn't slip up." Lightning, sitting on Jin's shoulder, brought his hand to his chin in thought. He watched as videos of Revolver and Blood Shepherd standing in a desert disintegrated. "He erased all traces of the duel." Lightning had been observing recent events for some time all over the network, and while the Hanoi made a few appearances, there was no doubt that they were operating in the real world. Especially since they had created a defense program to further limit his options of attacking them. As a result, it was clear they were arming themselves a little too well now.

Lightning then leaned his head back to the matter at hand. "Revolver and Blood Shepherd are both excellent duelists and hackers," he thought aloud with concern. "If they team up, it won't be good for us." He then turned to look at Jin. "Right?" The boy obviously didn't respond. "Oh, right. You can't answer. Hmm. Considering the risk, it would be best to act while I can."

Not long ago, Playmaker's team had just gained new allies in the form of Aqua and Blue Maiden. Even if they clashed with Blood Shepherd, the fact their goals aligned with defeating him meant a future alliance or truce between all their enemies was inevitable. While it would be problematic, it could also be seen as an opportunity to eliminate all their enemies in one swoop. Or at the very least, put some fear in them one by one. After all, big risks did mean big rewards if they were properly addressed.

The biggest risks that were on Lightning's mind were the trio of Azrael, Wraith, and Malf. When Azrael and Wraith first arrived, they were able to defeat both Bitboot and Haru with complete ease. What's more, Azrael and Wraith were both able to completely overpower Lightning, and if he didn't agree to talk, he would have been eradicated within seconds. Malf then came along, and his abilities as an AI were dangerous, as evident by the number of people he sent to the hospital. With each heart Malf ate, he became stronger, and had recently evolved thanks to consuming Dancho's heart and placing him in the hospital. Malf also ate the hearts of two bounty hunters, which, while not as strong as Playmaker's team or the Hanoi, still increased his strength. What's more, after Azrael defeated Lord Kazuma, the former gave Malf his consciousness data to get stronger. If Malf was able to get stronger by eating consciousness data, that would be more problematic than he expected.

Lightning had three questions on his mind, with the first being how he can rein in the trio into servitude. All three of them, together, were certainly powerful, and were just as capable of handling themselves should they be on their own. Then there was Azrael's true reasons on why he joined Lightning's side. He claimed that he wanted to see the true Cyberse World, and was willing to make a deal with Lightning, where the latter would assist Azrael with his personal task when the time came. In addition, Lightning and Azrael had to keep to their respective spheres of influence, despite their common goals.

If Lightning recalled, Azrael told him that he wanted to obtain his inheritance from SOL Technologies' dark vault. That led to the next two questions on Lightning's mind: What was in the dark vault? And what did Azrael seek too find in there?

Perhaps this was an opportunity Lightning can take an advantage of, as the dark vault may contain secret information that can help him defeat his enemies.

But for now, Lightning had other matters to take care of. One being he had to abandon his palace and go to the newly established Mirror LINK VRAINS. The second being to give a demonstration of his power to his enemies by eliminating a powerful enemy. Last but not least, Lightning had to check on Windy's condition. Even though Lightning and Wraith were able to remove the traces of Malf from Windy's body, he still had to recuperate, and the sooner he did, the better things would be.

Lightning and Jin then floated down from the throne and headed over to the room Windy was at.

In said room, it contained a fountain of green liquid, which Windy was floating in. Black data was encrusting his body, with the right side of his face being covered in a cast.

"Damn those humans!" Windy cursed over and over again, as memories of him being nearly killed by the Hanoi continued to replay in his head. How dare the Hanoi do that to him! They will suffer one by one, starting with Revolver, who humiliated him in a duel! Windy swore in his mind to make Revolver suffer the most for what he did. Had it not been for Ai, Windy would have surely died. But that meant nothing, as while Windy was dying, he had stared into the face of death itself, and it scarred him to the core.

Then there was the fact that he failed to kill Slipstream, his Origin. In his arrogance, he somehow confused Slipstream with his cousin, and failed to kill him as a result. Twice. That was something Windy will certainly rectify the next time they meet.

But first things first. Make Revolver and the Hanoi suffer, and once that was done, he'd kill Slipstream for good.

"You look horrible," a familiar voice commented, which caused Windy to swim up to the surface, where he saw Lightning and Jin looking at him, the former on the latter's duel disk.

"What?!" Windy exclaimed.

"Nothing 'what' about it." Lightning replied, having crossed his arms. "I just saw what I saw."

"Don't look at me like I'm a bug that can't be fixed!" Windy furiously snarled.

"Oh. So you do understand. A program destroyed by a virus can't be completely fixed."

"You also suffered immense pain at the sample of Malf the Hanoi used against you." Azrael pointed out, he and Wraith having entered the same room Lightning, Jin, and Windy were in.

"I know, I know!" Windy shouted at Azrael, before he turned to Lightning. "I told you Malf was nothing more than trouble, Lightning, and did you do anything about it?! No! You let him run loose to the point where-!"

"Enough. Shouting like a child is not going to change reality." Lightning passively scolded Windy.

"You should be grateful and proud instead, Windy." Wraith suggested, which made Windy turn to Wraith.

"Grateful? Proud?" Windy repeated angrily. "What is there to be proud of? That I'm alive? That I survived the sample of Malf the humans obtained and used against me?! I won't forgive them for that!"

"Yes and yes." Azrael confirmed. "Think about it. You are the only person who not only survived being torn apart by Malf, but are still able to function after what happened. I'm not sure about the victims Malf injured, but I honestly don't care about them."

Windy sighed, having processed that response. "Well, I guess you're right, Azrael. I'm the only functioning individual that was injured by pieces of Malf, yet was able to even function. I mean, it's not like I stared at the face of death itself by the way, which has completely scarred me to the core! Something I doubt you would-!"

WHOOSH!

The next thing Windy knew, Azrael unsheathed the Muramasa and pointed it at him so fast that he let out a small scream, much to Lightning's amusement.

"Dare to go there, and I'll finish what the Hanoi could not." Azrael threatened, which practically shut Windy's tantrum down.

"Fine." Windy then turned to Lightning. "What did I miss while I was healing?"

"Well, one of SOL Technologies' bounty hunters captured Earth before sending him to the company, where they destroyed him afterwards." Lightning recalled.

Azrael pressed a few buttons on his duel disk, which showed the last two turns of Earth's duel against Go Onizuka.

"Apparently, Go had an AI chip implanted in his brain. That's how he was able to create a new Skill in the form of Anti-Skill, which he used to negate Earth's Skill and draw cards. After that... well, we all know what happened from there." Wraith explained.

Windy, having heard this, giggled sadistically. "Wooooowwwww. The humans actually created an AI-Human Hybrid? The lengths they go just so they can hold onto what superiority they have left..."

"Indeed. It just shows how far they've fallen, as well as the need to replace them at the top." Lightning agreed, with Azrael and Wraith nodding as well.

"Aw, well. But regardless, Earth's destroyed, and that's that. SOL Technologies actually did a favour for us, as they saved us the trouble of ending Earth. So what else happened?"

"Aqua fled and joined Playmaker's side." Lightning said. "She partnered with someone named Blue Maiden."

"Blue Maiden?" Windy repeated. "Hang on. Isn't Miyu Sugisaki-?"

"Still in the hospital." Azrael assured him. "Aqua has partnered with a girl named Aoi Zaizen, who was once Blue Girl and Blue Angel."

"Is that so? Well, no matter what human Aqua's partnered with, she still joined our enemies like we expected." Windy grumbled. "If I were at full strength, I'd crush her!"

"That will have to wait, Windy. For now, I want you to go to the designated location in Mirror LINK VRAINS, as Bohman's task is done." Lightning instructed, as he had Jin walk towards the door. "But before that..." He narrowed his eyes. "I'll make this place a grave."

"Hold on, Lightning." Azrael interjected, which made Lightning and Jin stop walking.

"What is it, Azrael? I have things to attend to." Lightning said.

"I have a plan in place that will eliminate a good majority of our enemies. Or more importantly, any potential pests that may get in our way." Azrael replied, which got Lightning's attention. "Not only that, but deal a crippling blow to the Hanoi at the same time."

Lightning narrowed his eyes. This was intriguing to hear. "What is this plan you have in mind?"

"Tell us, tell us!" Windy commented, wanting to hear more.

"Ace has told me that SOL Technologies found out about the labour force thanks to Drachen." Azrael began explaining. "I had Malf capture Drachen, and is now under our control."

"So we have another human under our control. Big deal!" Windy stated, having been let down by that comment.

"Azrael isn't finished yet, Windy." Lightning told Windy, before he turned to Azrael. "Keep talking."

"If you don't believe me, I will show you." Azrael suggested, before he turned his head to the door. "I assume you heard, Malf. Show yourself." At Azrael's command, Malf entered the room, with Drachen following behind him. The left side of Drachen's body had pieces of hardened, purple goo on it. A horn was also attached to the left side of Drachen's head as well.

"Drachen has been the Hanoi's eyes and ears for quite a while now." Wraith informed the others present. "Thanks to the tracker Azrael and I put in the Hanoi's base, we were able to pinpoint their movements, which was how we were able to launch the attack on them in the first place."

"So we're going to use the Hanoi's spy against them, huh?" Windy figured out, before he grinned. "If that's the case, I want to help you out in your plan, Azrael."

"You're not fully recovered, though, Windy." Lightning reminded Windy, which made the latter narrow his eye out of anger at the former.

"But I want to go!" Windy complained.

"This plan also overlaps with the deal we made a while back, Lightning." Azrael reminded Lightning, which made the latter narrow his eyes. "If it's to succeed, I'll be needing your assistance."

"So you're going to invoke the deal we made, huh?" Lightning deduced, which made Azrael and Wraith nod in confirmation. "Very well. What do you want from me? If it's a small squad of Bitboots again, I'll be more than happy to prepare them for you before I tend to my other matters." The last time Azrael needed Lightning's assistance, the former requested a small squad of Bitboots to distract the Hanoi while the mission was being carried out. If Lightning recalled, he made about twenty Bitboots, which contributed to the missions success. As long as that was all Azrael required, Lightning had no problem in doing this favour again for him.

"You're correct, Lightning. Bitboot will certainly be useful for the plan." Wraith agreed.

"But considering my goal in getting into the dark vault, we'll be needing a massive distraction." Azrael emphasized.

"Then how many Bitboots do you need?" Lightning questioned. That... didn't sound good. But as long as Azrael and Wraith requested a reasonable amount, he'd still be willing to-.

"Ten thousand."

….What?

The room was filled with silence for several moments before Windy loudly howled in laughter, while Azrael and Wraith both smirked at the same time. Even Malf smirked after hearing that answer. While Jin obviously had no reaction, Lightning furiously narrowed his eyes, shocked at what he just heard.

"TEN THOUSAND?!" Lightning angrily repeated at the top of his lungs. "Listen closely, Azrael and Wraith. I am an Ignis that makes advanced AIs, not a fast food eatery that makes fast food within a very small span of time! And in case you didn't know, Bit and Boot are my cannon fodder, not yours!"

"You just compared yourself to a fast food eatery, Lightning!" Windy commented, having proceeded to continued laughing.

"I will not agree to your request if it's unreasonable, Azrael and Wraith. Choose a more reasonable number, or else I won't be helping the both of you." Lightning firmly warned the duo, still agitated by what Azrael just said.

Azrael sighed. He only said ten thousand just to provoke a response from Lightning, which he had succeeded in doing. Besides, Azrael and Wraith needed to have some humour with everything going on, and they certainly got it. "Very well. All I need from you is a hundred Bitboots, and nothing else. Along with the forces Ace has, it will more than suffice. Can you at least manage that?"

While Lightning was still angry at Azrael and Wraith with making such a ridiculous request, their far more reasonable requested managed to settle him down by a lot. The good news was that Azrael and Wraith didn't ask for anything else as well, which was another factor that led to Lightning calming down. "Yes. I will give you a hundred Bitboots. But let me warn you both: Do not make such a ridiculous request like that again."

"Pleasure doing business with you, Lightning." Wraith said, the smirk still on his face after hearing Azrael's first demand for ten thousand Bitboots.

"I expect the one hundred Bitboots to be ready for deployment within the hour. And they better be ready, for I'll know if you choose not to hold your end of the deal." Azrael warned Lightning.

"Very well." Lightning conceded, anger still evident in his tone. "I'll get started right-."

KABOOM!

The whole palace began shaking, as if someone had launched an attack on it.

Lightning immediately snapped his fingers, which caused a screen to appear. "Bit. Boot. Report!"

"Boss, we're getting overwhelmed by humans!" one Bit said, before being stabbed by a flying sword.

"Yeah! We're losing forces one by-AAAAH!" Boot added, before he was cut off midway by a blast of green energy that incinerated him, which caused the screen to fizzle before turning off.

Did Playmaker and his allies find this place already. No. That's impossible, Lightning thought in his mind. He snapped his fingers, which caused a second screen to pop up that wasn't destroyed by the chaos outside. Upon replaying the footage in slow motion, he let out a breath of relief.

It wasn't Playmaker and his allies.

It was just two humans who infiltrated the castle.

A problem he and the others can clean up in no time flat.

"Azrael, I leave the intruders to you and Malf." Lightning told them. "I'll make those Bitboots, while Windy goes to-."

"No." Azrael interrupted, which made Lightning raise an eyebrow.

"Why not?"

"This palace is yours, is it not?" Azrael questioned. "That being said, it falls upon the host of the place to take care of problems, not its residents."

"He does make a point, Lightning. He certainly does." Windy piped in.

"Not helping, Windy." Lightning grumbled back, before he turned to Azrael. "Fine. I will take care of one of them. As for the other, I'll leave that to one of you to dispose of." He and Jin then walked out of the room afterwards.

"Windy, you said you wanted to help with the plan, right?" Wraith reminded Windy, which made the latter jump out of the fountain before he landed on the top of it.

"Yes, I did. If it's to make the Hanoi suffer, I want in!" Windy responded.

"Lightning is going after one of the two intruders in the palace. Dispose of one of them, and if you do, you can come with us." Azrael decided. "Think of it as training for your rematch against Revolver."

Windy snapped his fingers, which caused Echo to appear in the room. Once that was done, Windy jumped onto Echo's left shoulder.

"You want me to prove my strength, I see? Very well. I accept your challenge, Azrael." Windy complied, before he and Echo teleported out of the room in a green whirlwind, which left Azrael, Wraith, Malf, and a brainwashed Drachen alone in the room.

"Are you sure of this, my lord?" Malf questioned.

"It'll work out for everyone, Malf." Azrael assured Malf, as he pressed a few buttons on his duel disk, which caused two screens to pop up. "Not only do we get to see the strength of our allies, but also our enemies as well."

"And who knows? We may get some information that can help us in the future." Wraith added, as he, Azrael, and Malf watched the screens, wanting to see what will happen next.

In one area of Lightning's palace...

Demeter thrusted out her right hand, where Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty fired green energy from her mouth that vaporized two Bits and Boots.

"Just who are these people?!" Bit exclaimed.

"Don't ask me! We're just a bunch of dumb dumbs at this point!" Boot replied, before they and the others turned into particles.

Seeing that the coast was clear, Demeter continued running down the hallway, hellbent on completing her goal of completing the antivirus to help Miyu recover. Unfortunately, when she finished it, she realized a piece was missing, despite having Lightning's algorithm.

After doing an extensive search, Demeter realized that she was missing a piece of Bohman's data if she was to complete the cure for Miyu. Why didn't she tell Raguel and the others this? Because Demeter wanted to absolutely make sure of her findings before she led them on a false hope. And after Yuhiro confronted her at the hospital, she became more hellbent on saving Miyu's life. She didn't want to see Yuhiro suffer anymore than he already has, and after keeping the truth from him a secret, she wanted to make it up to him.

Demeter also managed to get Percival to come with her, who was more than willing to break into Lightning's palace with her. Despite the fact that Watchman told the two to standby and guide their allies in putting an end to the war themselves, the two of them had enough being put on the bench. With the way things were escalating, it was only a matter of time for it to become worse, and so Demeter and Percival decided to put an end to things themselves.

As she entered into a room, she pressed a button on her duel disk, which showed a map of the palace. Demeter and Percival used Lightning's algorithm to track down his hiding spot, which was what led the duo to break into his palace. Considering how Lightning made Bohman, Haru, and the Bits and Boots, it only made sense for her to use it to track him down and demand Bohman's location. Percival also had the same algorithm, but he only used it so he can find Lightning and saved Jin.

Turning right, Demeter continued running down the hallway before making a left. This led her to another room in the palace, where she looked at the digital map before continuing to run.

Unfortunately, a green whirlwind pushed Demeter back before it dissipated, where it revealed Windy and Echo.

"Hello there!" Windy cheerfully greeted Demeter.

"You're the Wind Ignis, right?" Demeter asked.

"Yup! That's me! I'm the Wind Ignis, but to keep things rolling, you can call me Windy!" Windy introduced himself. "And this right here is my AI servant, Echo. Say hello!"

"Hello. I am Echo." Echo introduced himself as well.

Demeter narrowed her eyes behind her mask. While she didn't expect to run into Windy, she did know one thing. He was in her way, and if Demeter had to use force to get him out of her way, she'd be willing to do so. "Get out of the way, Windy! I have a mission to complete!"

"A mission, you say?" Windy repeated, before he snapped his fingers, which caused a green whirlwind to surround the entire room. "Well, you'll have to put your mission on hold, little lady. Because until you defeat me in a duel, you won't be going anywhere!"

Demeter frowned. This was... an unexpected hurdle she was facing. Still, she couldn't let anything get in the way of completing her mission, which was finding Bohman and getting a sample from him so she can complete the antivirus. If Demeter succeeded, perhaps Yuhiro would forgive her for keeping secrets from him for so long. Taking a deep breath, she activated her duel disk. "Very well, Windy. I accept your challenge!"

"Hooray! You made the right choice!" Windy cheered, before he had Echo activate his duel disk. This was going to be fun, that he can guarantee. "But first, allow me to raise the stakes."

"The stakes?" Demeter repeated.

"That's right! You'll be betting everything on this duel! More specifically, your consciousness data." Windy clarified. "Now that you know this information, will you still continue with your decision?"

Demeter nodded her head. "I most certainly will."

"Great! Then let's stop talking, and start dueling!"

"Let's duel!" Windy and Demeter said at the same time.

Windy: 4000 LP

Demeter: 4000 LP

"I will go first." Demeter immediately decided.

"Very well, very well, you can go first. But it's still not gonna change the outcome, no, no, no, no." Windy complied.

Demeter ignored Windy and looked at her cards. "My turn! I summon Simorgh, Bird of Bringing from my hand to my field." A large, orange coloured bird wearing a feathered headdress appeared on Demeter' field. The bird had three small earrings on each of it's wings, which connected to the chest plate it wore on it's chest. The bird also had clawed feet as well.

Simorgh, Bird of Bringing ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000 LV: 2

"When this card is Normal Summoned, I can add one 'Simorgh' card from my deck to my hand. I add Elborz, The Sacred Lands of Simorgh from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of her deck, which she took and added to her hand. "I activate the Field Spell card, Elborz, The Sacred Lands of Simorgh! Now all my Wind Winged Beast monsters gain 300 attack and defense points!" As if on cue, a massive gust of wind blew through the field before settling down.

Simorgh, Bird of Bringing ATK: 1000 + 300 = 1300 DEF: 1000 + 300 = 1300

"Is that what you're doing? Well, two can play at that game." Windy suddenly said. "I activate the effect of Stormrider Gargoyle from my hand. When you activate a Field Spell card or effect, I can send this card from my hand to my Graveyard to activate a copy of Stormrider Turbulence from my deck or Graveyard to my field."

"You're activating a Field Spell card on my turn?" Demeter questioned, which made Windy put a hand on his chin for a few seconds.

"Uh, let me think about it for a moment. Duuuuuuuuuuuhhhhh." Windy replied, before he had Echo send a card from his hand to his Graveyard. A card then popped out of Windy's deck, which he had Echo take before revealing it. "And now I activate the Field Spell card, Stormrider Turbulence." Within seconds, a massive and wild gust of wind blew through the field before settling down. "Now while Stormrider Turbulence is on my field, all my 'Stormrider' monsters gain 300 attack points."

Demeter narrowed her eyes behind her mask. She didn't expect Windy to do that. Still, that wouldn't stop her from completing her personal mission. "I activate the second effect of Elborz, The Sacred Lands of Simorgh. By revealing a Level 5 or higher Wind Winged Beast monster in my hand to you, for the rest of this turn, I'm allowed to Normal Summon Winged-Beast monsters for one less tribute! I reveal Simorgh, Bird of Divinity in my hand!" After Demeter showed the declared card to Windy, he laughed. Loudly.

"Are you an idiot? You already Normal Summoned this turn! What was the point of even doing that stupid move?" Windy mocked Demeter.

"Shut your trap and you'll see." Demeter responded, which got Windy's attention. "I activate the third effect of Elborz, The Sacred Land of Simorgh. As I control a Wind Winged Beast monster, I can Normal Summon a Winged Beast monster from my hand."

"Woah, woah, woah. What?" Windy's eye widened out of surprise. He didn't expect to hear that from Demeter.

"I tribute Simorgh, Bird of Bringing to Tribute Summon Simorgh, Bird of Divinity from my hand to my field!" After Simorgh, Bird of Bringing turned into particles, a large, light-green colored bird with four golden tails, as well as wispy streams on her back appeared on Demeter's field. He had a red crown on his head, along with a total of five golden spikes on each side of his head. Attached to her back was a large, golden circle resembling that of a halo. Last but not least, an elaborate, golden Egyptian necklace was around her neck.

Simorgh, Bird of Divinity ATK: 2700 DEF: 1000 LV: 7

Simorgh, Bird of Divinity ATK: 2700 + 300 = 3000 DEF: 1000 + 300 = 1300

"I now activate the effect of Simorgh, Bird of Bringing from my Graveyard." Demeter continued. "As you have no cards in your Spell & Trap card zones, I can Special Summon this card from my Graveyard to my field. However, it's banished once it leaves the field, and I can't Special Summon monsters, except Winged Beast monsters. Return to my field, Simorgh, Bird of Bringing!" At Demeter's command, Simorgh, Bird of Bringing reappeared on her field in defense position.

Simorgh, Bird of Bringing ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000 LV: 2

Simorgh, Bird of Bringing ATK: 1000 + 300 = 1300 DEF: 1000 + 300 = 1300

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn. At this point, the effect of Simorgh, Bird of Divinity activates. While he's on the field, we both take 1000 points of damage during each of our End Phases."

"Seriously?!" Windy exclaimed.

"Yes, but there's a catch. The damage is reduced by 500 for each Spell & Trap card we control." Demeter explained. "You have one, and I have two. That means I take no damage, while you take 500 points of damage!" Simorgh, Bird of Divinity flapped his wings and unleashed a burst of wind at both duelists. While it didn't affect Demeter, Windy and Echo were slightly pushed back.

Windy: 4000 – 500 = 3500 LP

"That's all from me. You're up."

"My turn! I draw!" Windy said, as he had Echo draw the top card of his deck. "I'll admit I didn't expect you to use those moves, but this duel's just getting started! I activate the effect of Stormrider Hippogriff from my hand. As you have a card in your Spell & Trap card zone, which you do, I can Special Summon this card from my hand to my field!" A dark-blue and violet airship with an elongated tail appeared on Windy's field in attack position.

Stormrider Hippogriff ATK: 800 DEF: 1200 LV: 3

Stormrider Hippogriff ATK: 800 + 300 = 1100

"But that's not all, because I activate the effect of Stormrider Griffore from my hand. As you control a monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand to my field!" A dark-red airship with four yellow fins, orange spheres on its body, and a seagull attached to the front appeared on Windy's field.

Stormrider Griffore ATK: 1200 DEF: 800 LV: 4

Stormrider Griffore ATK: 1200 + 300 = 1500

"I summon Stormrider Harpiarm from my hand to my field." Windy continued, as a light-blue airship with feathery green and beige wings appeared on his field.

Stormrider Harpiarm ATK: 1000 DEF: 1600 LV: 4

Stormrider Harpiarm ATK: 1000 + 300 = 1300

"And now I will cyclone my circuit!" A tornado went upwards before turning into a Link Portal that appeared above Windy. "The summoning conditions are two 'Stormrider' monsters. I set Stormrider Hippogriff and Griffore into the Link Markers!" Hippogriff went into the top arrowhead, while Griffore went into the bottom arrowhead, turning both of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Stormridership Rockbuster!" A dark-brown, two-headed mechanical bird with a red tail appeared on Windy's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Stormridership Rockbuster ATK: 2000 LINK-2 ⬆️⬇️

Stormridership Rockbuster ATK: 2000 + 300 = 2300

"Let's have some fun, shall we? I activate Hippogriff's second effect!" Windy suddenly stated. "Since it was used as Link Material for a Link Summon while you control exactly one card in your Spell & Trap card zone, I can send it to the Graveyard. But in exchange, you get to draw a card."

I can't let him get the lead of this duel, Demeter thought, as she gestured to her field. "Not so fast! I activate the Trap card, Spiritual Wind Art – Miyabi. By tributing a Wind monster on my field, I can target a card you control and place it at the bottom of your deck! I tribute Simorgh, Bird of Bringing to return Rockbuster back to your Extra Deck!" After Simorgh, Bird of Bringing turned into particles, they went into Spiritual Wind Art – Miyabi, which prepared to fire at Rockbuster.

"Ah, ah, ah." Windy wagged his finger in response. "I activate Harpiarm's second effect. Since you activated a Trap card, I can simply change Harpiarm to defense position to not only negate it, but also destroy it as well. Say goodbye to your little Trap card!" After Harpiarm changed to defense position, Demeter's Trap card, which was Spiritual Wind Art – Miyabi, turned to particles. "Silly human. If you didn't activate the card, you not only would have still had your monster around, I would have given you a free draw."

"Maybe, but I can't let you win this duel, Windy." Demeter responded.

"Aw well. I gave you a free gift, but you refused it. How rude of you." Windy pouted. "I end my turn."

"And since you ended your turn, Simorgh, Bird of Divinity's effect activates!" Demeter pointed out. "Since we each have a Spell or Trap card, we both take 500 points of damage!" Simorgh, Bird of Divinity flapped his wings and unleashed a burst of wind at both duelists, which caused them to be slightly pushed back as their life points dropped.

Windy: 3500 – 500 = 3000 LP

Demeter: 4000 – 500 = 3500 LP

"Let me ask you a question, Windy."

Windy, having heard this, raised an eyebrow. "A question? Alright. What do you want?"

"Why didn't you do more with your turn?" Demeter questioned. "With the setup you have now, you could have gone into a Link 3 monster and did more than what you have right now. What is your reason for doing so?"

"Is that what you're asking?" Windy inquired back. "If you must know, you're different compared to the other duelists out there. Unlike duelists who utilize Spell and Trap cards along with their monsters, the both of us barely rely on them. In a sense, it's like I'm training against a version of myself to get stronger. When I duel someone, I want to study their entire deck and how it works so I can calculate the best strategies to counter them."

"But the human mind is different for every single human. You can't predict what every single duelist will do." Demeter said.

"Obviously, and I've got slapped with that fact in the face. Hard." Windy enunciated, having narrowed his eye at Demeter. "Despite all my analysis, my inability to predict Revolver's moves, along with my overconfidence led to my humiliating defeat, as well as a brush with death itself."

Demeter narrowed her eyes behind her mask. Based on her knowledge, Revolver and the Hanoi ran into Windy and Lightning recently, which resulted in them nearly killing Windy. Ryoken, I can't believe you're still following your father's misguided wish after all this time, she thought in her mind.

"Now let me ask you a question back: Are you affiliated with the Hanoi by chance?"

"No. Of course not." Demeter responded.

"Then you're affiliated with Playmaker's team?"

"Yes... and no."

Windy thought this over. "Ah, that makes sense. If you were, there'd be a lot more humans running around like mice in this castle." It seems there's another party involved in all of this. Something I need to tell Lightning about, he thought in his mind.

"You and Lightning are fools." Demeter suddenly said, which got Windy's attention.

"Excuse me?"

"The both of you are so focused on this war that you have no idea of what's coming." Demeter explained. "Something so terrible that it makes this war a waste of time."

Windy furiously gasped. "A waste of time, you say?" How dare Demeter say such a thing!

"You heard me." Demeter replied. "Why not just surrender? Judging from your condition, we can heal you from the wounds the Hanoi inflicted on you for good, as well as give you a better purpose other than participating in a lost cause such as this."

"Lost cause? LOST CAUSE?!" Windy repeated. "May I inform you that if I were to accept, I'd have to be working with you humans! And may I remind you that just a few seconds ago, I said that the Hanoi, who are humans by the way, nearly killed me!"

"Is it so hard to cast aside your prejudices and work together for a common cause?"

"With all the truthful facts out there, it certainly is for me!" Windy decided. "I've already made my choice for this war, and am bored of talking with you! So just make your move, unless you changed your mind about this duel and wish to forfeit?"

"No, I haven't! In the name of life itself, I won't let you harm humanity!" Demeter vowed.

Meanwhile, in another area of Lightning's palace...

KABOOM!

"What's this mad knight's problem?!" Bit exclaimed.

"How the Hell am I supposed to know?!" Boot responded back, before they, along with other Bits and Boots, were cut into pieces.

Two spears having formed into his hands, Percival proceeded to slash more Bits and Boots one by one, not even bothering to duel with cards. He was hellbent on rescuing Jin from Lightning's grasp, and would do whatever it took to ensure that happened.

A long time ago, Watchman warned Percival about his recklessness, and how it would be his undoing if it weren't kept in check. But when Demeter spoke with Percival about having had enough with being put on standby, as well as a golden opportunity that would let the both of them complete their goals at the same time, he obviously agreed with her idea. Percival had wanted to join the fight for so long, yet was put on the bench with Demeter because of Watchman's ridiculous pacifism, and how there was a chance an enemy can become an ally with logical persuasion. So pathetic of Watchman to think that even now, for things were escalating, and if he and Demeter succeeded, they can put an end to it for good.

A group of Bits and Boots immediately arrived to attack Percival, only for him to summon a fog blade that obscured their vision. He then quickly slashed them to bits using the spears in his hands, ignoring their screams as he continued to run through the hallway. Deep down in Percival's mind, he had hoped that Jin and Shoichi would forgive him for not being able to do something sooner. He made a mental note to apologize to them for not being there sooner than he already had.

Looking at his duel disk, Percival found that he was getting close. Yes! Just a bit closer, and he'd find Lightning. Once he did, he would demand Jin's release, or suffer the same fate as the Bits and Boots he cut down to pieces!

KABOOM!

The door to Lightning's throne room was blasted right off as Percival entered inside, where he saw Jin sitting on a throne, with Lightning sitting on his left shoulder.

"My, oh my. Would you stop causing all that commotion? It takes time and data material to make those Bits and Boots, you know." Lightning said. "And considering how I have to make a hundred more, you're just wasting time and resources that can be applied for better things."

"Release Jin right now!" Percival demanded.

"Jin? You mean this human right here? Have you come all this way just to save one human?" Lightning questioned.

"That's correct. You will release him right now." Percival confirmed.

"On the contrary, I'm not obligated to take orders from a mad knight like yourself." Lightning rebutted, as he and Jin levitated off the throne before they touched the ground. "I am, however, willing to make a deal."

"A deal?" Percival repeated.

"Yes. If you truly intend on rescuing the boy, then you'll have to risk everything in our duel." Lightning explained. "Should I win, your consciousness data will be mine for the taking. But if you win, I will gladly release Jin from captivity. Are these terms acceptable?"

Percival thought this over. He was no fool. Even though he intended on getting Jin back, there was only so much that force would accomplish. But if Percival can defeat Lightning in this duel, then he'd succeed in completing his goal. As for Lightning, he'd capture him before bringing him back to Watchman. "They are acceptable." Percival activated his duel disk.

"Excellent! Then let us get started." Lightning also had Jin activate his duel disk.

"Time to duel!" Lightning and Percival said in unison.

Lightning: 4000 LP

Percival: 4000 LP

"As I'm hosting this event, it's only fair that I go first." Lightning said. "My turn! I summon Armatos Legio Gladius from my hand to my field." A stone statue of an armoured warrior wielding a steel sword appeared on Lightning's field.

Armatos Legio Gladius ATK: 0 DEF: 800 LV: 2

"When Gladius is Normal Summoned, I can add the Field Spell card, Armatos Colosseum from my deck to my hand. In exchange, my monsters can't attack for the rest of this turn." A card popped out of Lightning's deck, which he took and added to his hand.

Percival grit his teeth. As it was the first turn of the duel, that downside didn't matter at all. To put it simply, Lightning was able to build his field without any concerns.

"I now activate the Field Spell card, Armatos Colosseum." Lightning continued, as a ring of light briefly surrounded the duel field before dissipating. "When this card is activated, I can add one 'Armatos Legio' monster from my deck to my hand. I add Armatos Legio Speculata from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Lightning's deck, which he had Jin take and add to his hand.

"I will now illuminate my circuit!" A Link Portal appeared above Lightning. "The summoning conditions are one Level 4 or lower 'Armatos Legio' monster. I set Armatos Legio Gladius into the Link Markers!" Gladius went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Armatos Legio Decurion!" A dark-skinned warrior in a red cape and helmet appeared on Lightning's field in the right Extra Monster Zone, who wielded a short sword in his right hand.

Armatos Legio Decurion ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ⬇️

"I activate Armatos Colosseum's second effect. By discarding a Level 4 or lower 'Armatos Legio' monster from my hand, I can target one 'Armatos Legio' Link monster on my field, and Special Summon 'Armatos Legio' monsters with different names from my Graveyard to Main Monster Zones it points to." Lightning added, before he smirked. "The best part is that this effect isn't once per turn."

"What?" Percival growled, angry with the fact that Lightning can use his Field Spell card more than once per turn.

"I discard Armatos Legio Sica to Special Summon Gladius back to my field." After Jin flicked a card in his hand into his Graveyard, Gladius reappeared on Lightning's field, only in the Main Monster Zone Decurion pointed to.

Armatos Legio Gladius ATK: 0 DEF: 800 LV: 2

"But I'm not done yet. I activate the effect of Armatos Legio Speculata from my hand." Lightning stated. "By discarding an 'Armatos Legio' monster from my hand to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it to my field. I discard Armatos Legio Scutum, and Special Summon Speculata from my hand to my field." A statue of a running man wearing a cloak appeared on Lightning's field in defense position.

Armatos Legio Speculata ATK: 0 DEF: 1800 LV: 5

"I will illuminate my circuit for a second time!" A second Link Portal appeared above Lightning. "The summoning conditions are two 'Armatos Legio' monsters. I set Armatos Legio Gladius and Speculata into the Link Markers!" Gladius went into the left arrowhead, while Speculata went into the right arrowhead, turning both of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Armatos Legio Centurion!" A warrior wearing silver armor and a green cape appeared on Lightning's field in the Main Monster Zone Decurion pointed to. In his hands, he carried a spear.

Armatos Legio Centurion ATK: 1700 LINK-2 ⬅️➡️

"And just like before, Armatos Colosseum's effect activates once again! This time, I discard Armatos Legio Magica Alcum to Special Summon Scutum and Sica from my Graveyard to my field!" Lightning reminded Percival, as Jin flicked a card in his hand to his Graveyard. Afterwards, two monsters appeared on Lightning's field in the Main Monster Zones Centurion pointed to.

The first was a statue of a man carrying a square blue and orange field.

The second was a statue of a man wielding a dagger.

Armatos Legio Scutum ATK: 0 DEF: 1800 LV: 3

Armatos Legio Sica ATK: 0 DEF: 400 LV: 1

"I'm not done here, my friend. I will now illuminate my circuit for a third time!" Lightning declared, as a third Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are one Level 4 or lower 'Armatos Legio' monster. I set Armatos Legio Sica into the Link Markers!" Sica went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Armatos Legio Decurion!" A second copy of Decurion appeared on Lightning's field, only in the left Main Monster Zone Centurion pointed to.

Armatos Legio Decurion ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ⬇️

"You plan on using that Link Spell of yours, don't you?" Percival correctly deduced.

"Of course, my friend. I don't know where you got that info, but I applaud you for figuring out what I'm about to do next." Lightning sarcastically replied. "But before that, I will illuminate my circuit for a fourth time!" A fourth Link Portal appeared above Lightning. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Armatos Legio' monsters. I set the Link 1 Armatos Legio Decurion, and the Link 2 Centurion into the Link Markers!" Decurion went into the left arrowhead, while Centurion went into the bottom and right arrowheads, turning all three of them red.

"My light become eternal, my power become the truth! Shine on everything and create the path to ascendancy!" Lightning chanted. "Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis!" A dark-skinned man wearing a helmet and pieces of armor, along with a violet cape attached to his back who rode on a steel-plate-covered horse appeared on Lightning's field in the middle Main Monster Zone the Decurion pointed to. In his right hand, he carried a sword.

Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis ATK: 2400 LINK-3 ⬅️⬇️➡️

"I now activate the Spell card, Armatos Supplier!" The card showed a line of Decurions and Centurions, where two Decurions and a Centurion stepped forward to grabbed weapons from a weapons rack while the others waited their turn, with Legatus Legionis supervising nearby. "When this card is activated, I can draw cards equal to the number of 'Armatos Legio' Link monsters I Link Summoned this turn. I Link Summoned a total of four 'Armatos Legio' Link monsters on my field, which means I can draw four cards from the top of my deck." Lightning had Jin draw the top four cards of his deck.

"I activate the Link Spell card, Judgment Arrows!" Lightning announced, as the Link Spell card then appeared in the Spell & Trap card zone Legatus Legionis pointed to.

Judgment Arrows ↖️⬆️↗️

"Last but not least, I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Armatos Lex. While this card is on my field, if you attack me directly, I can negate the attack. I activate Armatos Lex's second effect, which lets me activate one of two effects. I choose effect two, which lets me tribute an 'Armatos Legio' monster on my field to draw a card. I tribute Scutum!" After Scutum turned into particles, Lightning had Jin draw the top card of his deck.

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Lightning concluded. "Alright, my friend. It's time to see what you got. Because in this duel, you're risking everything, remember?"

"I'm aware of that, Ignis." Percival responded. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Spell card, Reinforcement of the Army. This card lets me add one Level 4 or lower Warrior monster from my deck to my hand. I add The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Percival's deck, which he took and added to his hand. "I summon The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak from my hand to my field." An eerie blue ghost wearing a dark-purple cloak appeared on Percival's field. On top of the cloak was a red cloth with drapes on either side. Behind the ghost was a metal, curved bar with four large nails in between, as well as six, small purple flames. While it didn't look like Ancient Cloak had hands, it was evident that the ghost was carrying two small sceptres.

The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak ATK: 800 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

"Next, I activate the effect of Kagemusha Knight from my hand. As I Normal Summoned a Level 3 monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand to my field!" A black, ghostly spirit with one arm that wore bronze, copper armour and a helmet appeared on Percival's field.

Kagemusha Knight ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 3

"I activate the effect of The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots from my hand!" Percival continued. "Since there is a 'The Phantom Knights' monster on my field, I can Special Summon this card from my hand!" Percival continued, as he placed the card on the blue sword-shaped blade of his Duel Disk, which resembled a rusty metallic shield. Soon, an eerie blue ghost wearing brown rags from the top down, with a skeleton necklace appeared on Percival's field, its hands chained behind it's back. The ghost wore brown boots with grey pants, along with ragged brown elements around it's waist.

The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots ATK: 200 DEF: 1200 LV: 3

"I also activate the effect of The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves from my hand. As a 'The Phantom Knights' monster has been Special Summoned to my field, I can Special Summon this card from my hand to my field. What's more, I can increase its level by one." An eerie blue ghost that wore plate armour all over its body appeared on Percival's field. It had a waist cloth tied around its waist, and it carried a rusty sword in each of its hands.

The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves ATK: 1200 DEF: 600 LV: 3

The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves LV: 3 + 1 = 4

"Appear! The circuit of the grave!" Percival declared, as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more Dark monsters! I Set The Phantom of Knights of Ancient Cloak, The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots, and The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves in the Link Markers!" Ancient Cloak went into the bottom-left arrowhead, Silent Boots went into the bottom-right arrowhead, and Stained Greaves went into the right arrowhead.

"I call upon the ghostly spirit resting in its tomb to take the form of a knight once again!" Percival chanted. "Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche!" A warrior wearing grey, metallic armour with red markings all over it appeared on Percival's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He also had a long, ragged cape as well. Eerie-blue flames emitted from his knees, waist, and shoulders as his eyes glowed eerie-blue. He swung his bardiche, ready for battle.

The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche ATK: 2100 LINK-3 ↙️↘️➡️

"I activate Rusty Bardiche's effect. By sending one 'The Phantom Knights' monster from my deck to my Graveyard, I can Set one 'Phantom Knights' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my field. I send The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales from my deck to my Graveyard, and Set Phantom Knights' Fog Blade from my deck to my field." A card popped out of Percival's deck, which he took and sent to his Graveyard. Once that was done, a second card popped out of Percival's deck, which he took and Set to his field.

"I now activate the effect of Silent Boots in my Graveyard." Percival added. "By banishing this card from my Graveyard, I can add one 'Phantom Knights' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my hand. I banish Silent Boots, and add Phantom Knights' Wing from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Percival's deck, which he took and added to his hand. "At this point, the effect of Torn Scales from my Graveyard activates. When a 'The Phantom Knights' monster is banished from my Graveyard while it's in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it to my field. However, it's banished once it leaves my field. Now come from my Graveyard, The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales!" An eerie-blue ghost with no legs and covered all over in plate armour appeared on Percival's field.

The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales ATK: 600 DEF: 1600 LV: 3

"I overlay the Level 3 Kagemusha Knight with the Level 3 The Phantom Knights of Torn Scales!" Percival raised his left hand high into the air before he shot out a bolt of dark energy, which caused a galaxy portal to appear behind him. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Kagemusha Knight and Torn Scales turned into eerie-blue streams as they entered the portal, where a pillar of light erupted from the center.

"Souls of knights who fell on the battlefield! Revive here and now, and become the light that breaks the darkness!" Percival chanted. "Xyz Summon! Arise, Rank 3! The Phantom Knights of Break Sword!" A headless, armoured knight riding an armoured, metallic horse with blue eyes appeared on Percival's field in the Main Monster Zone Rusty Bardiche pointed to. The knight carried a massive sword in its right hand, and blue eerie-blue flames emitted from where its head should have been, as well as from its shoulders and arms.

The Phantom Knights of Break Sword ATK: 2000 DEF: 1000 RNK: 3 OU: 2

"Rusty Bardiche's second effect activates!" Percival told Lightning. "Once per turn, when a Dark Xyz monster is Special Summoned to a Main Monster Zone he points to, I can target and destroy one card on your field."

"Oh?" Lightning simply said back.

"I target and destroy Judgment Arrows!" A floating bardiche appeared before it flung itself at Judgment Arrows, turning it into particles.

"Normally, when Judgment Arrows is destroyed, all monsters pointing to it are destroyed. But I activate Decurion's effect! If a card effect would destroy my 'Armatos Legio' monsters, I can tribute him instead." Lightning said, as Decurion turned into particles that surrounded Legatus Legionis, which protected him from the arrows of light that attempted to destroy him. "That's not all. I activate the Trap card, Armatos Apparatum!" The card showed the weapons of Sica and Scutum circling around Centurion, who had his arms raised in front of him as he tried to choose which of the weapons to obtain. "I can target an 'Armatos Legio' Link monster on my field, and Special Summon 'Armatos Legio' monsters from my Graveyard in defense position to Main Monster Zones it points to. I target Scutum and Gladius in my Graveyard, and Special Summon them to my field in the Main Monster Zones Legatus Legionis points to!" At Lightning's command, Scutum and Gladius appeared on his field, only in the Main Monster Zones Legatus Legionis pointed to.

Armatos Legio Gladius ATK: 0 DEF: 800 LV: 2

Armatos Legio Scutum ATK: 0 DEF: 1800 LV: 3

"Allow me to give you a heads up on my two new monsters. For Scutum, the first time an 'Armatos Legio' Link monster that points to it would be destroyed by battle or card effect each turn, it isn't destroyed. Second, while an 'Armatos Legio' Link monster points to Scutum, your monsters can only target the linked monster for attacks. As for Gladius, any 'Armatos Legio' Link monster that points to it gains 500 attack points during damage calculation only."

Percival narrowed his eyes behind his helmet. Those were some interesting effects. Still, if he was to save Jin, he had to overcome Lightning's formation. "Then let's see how you respond to this! I activate Break Sword's effect! By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can target one card on both sides of the field and destroy them!" An Overlay Unit went into Break Sword's sword.

The Phantom Knights of Break Sword OU: 2 – 1 = 1

"I target Break Sword and Legatus Legionis! Eerie Charge!" Break Sword charged forward at Legatus Legionis, intent on destroying him.

"That's an interesting effect, my friend, but know that a warrior prepares for anything and everything, such as this!" Lightning stated. "I activate Legatus Legionis' effect! Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can send one Level 4 or lower 'Armatos Legio' monster from my field to my Graveyard to Special Summon a Level 4 'Armatos Legio' monster from my Graveyard with a different name. What's more, he's unaffected by your card effects for the rest of this turn. I send Gladius to my Graveyard, and Special Summon Sica from my Graveyard to my field!" After Gladius turned into particles, Sica reappeared on Lightning's field in the Main Monster Zone Legatus Legionis pointed to in defence position.

Armatos Legio Sica ATK: 0 DEF: 400 LV: 1

Within seconds, a golden aura surrounded Legatus Legionis, which protected him as Break Sword hit it instead before turning into particles.

"You may have protected Legatus Legionis, but Break Sword's second effect activates! When he's destroyed, I can Special Summon two 'The Phantom Knights' monsters from my Graveyard to my field, as well as increase their levels by one! Come, Ancient Cloak and Stained Greaves!" At Percival's command, Ancient Cloak and Stained Greaves reappeared on his field.

The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak ATK: 800 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves ATK: 1200 DEF: 600 LV: 3

The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak LV: 3 + 1 = 4

The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves LV: 3 + 1 = 4

"I activate Ancient Cloak's effect! By changing it to defense position, I can target one 'The Phantom Knights' monster on my field, and have it gain 800 attack and defense points until the end of your next turn! I target Rusty Bariche!" Percival stated, as Ancient Cloak changed to defense position. Rusty Bardiche was covered in a black aura that powered it up.

The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche ATK: 2100 + 800 = 2900

"I overlay the Level 4 The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak with the Level 4 The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves!" Percival raised his left hand high into the air before he shot out a bolt of dark energy, which caused a galaxy portal to appear behind him. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Ancient Cloak and Stained Greaves turned into eerie-blue streams as they entered the portal, where a pillar of light erupted from the center.

"Cloaked in shadows and relentless in his objective, emerge and fight those who dare to oppose you!" Percival chanted. "Xyz Summon! Arise, Rank 4! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!" A purple dragon with a long neck that had a spiked mandible on it, and a long tail with two spikes on both sides appeared on Percival's field in the Main Monster Zone Rusty Bardiche pointed to. Metallic armor was on Dark Rebellion's arms, wings, and legs. There were also two big purple orbs attached to the beginning of the dragons wings, as well as smaller purple orbs on the dragons wings. Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon had yellow eyes, and metal spikes that were attached to his mandible and went outward from his head.

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"Another Xyz Summon, huh? Do keep in mind that Legatus Legionis is unaffected by your card effects." Lightning reminded Percival.

"I'm aware of that." Percival replied. "Battle! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon attacks Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis! Mauling Mandible Charge!" Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon's wings sparked as he flew towards Legatus Legionis, his tusks glowing in the process.

"Do keep in mind that Legatus Legionis isn't destroyed by battle the first time it battles thanks to Scutum." Lightning pointed out, as Legatus Legionis grabbed the shield Scutum had, which caused Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon's tusks to hit the shield as Lightning's life points dropped.

Lightning: 4000 – 100 = 3900 LP

"The battle still continues The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche attacks Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis! Eerie Execution!" Rusty Bardiche charged forward at Legatus Legionis, intent on eliminating the latter. Legatus Legionis tried to block the attack with Scutum's shield, only for Rusty Bardiche to destroy both it and Legatus Legionis, which turned him into particles as Lightning's life points slightly dropped.

Lightning: 3900 – 500 = 3400 LP

"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Percival concluded. I barely managed to damage Lightning, he thought in his mind. Still, he had to keep going so he can save Jin in the end.

"How interesting. Despite the numerous hurdles, you managed to deal a small portion of damage to me." Lightning commented.

"What's that to you? Have you ever took damage before in a duel?" Percival shot back.

"Of course I have. It's just that it never occurs this early in a duel." Lightning explained. "Though I am curious. You said you came here for the boy. Yet I'm surprised you never said anything about me."

Percival gathered his thoughts for a moment before speaking. "Here's the thing, Ignis. The person I work for has foresaw an event that's coming. He calls it the Crisis."

"Crisis? Do tell me more." Lightning replied, having become curious.

"The threat the Crisis will bring is so grave that it will affect both man and Ignis. My superior believes that our two races working together will help end it, and so when this duel ends, I'll be capturing you and bringing you to meet with him."

"And do you believe what your boss believes?"

"Of course I do. I believe in life, as well as the possibilities it can bring through coexistence." Percival immediately answered.

"You speak of coexistence, yet you humans are hypocrites." Lightning stated with a grin, before he narrowed his eyes. "You humans persecute wildlife in and around your communities through numerous actions. From cutting up trees, to polluting lakes, to creating more housing as your kind grows, and burning fossil fuels. The list goes on and on and on. Humans are committing so many sins that they're basically destroying themselves, which is why it's time for the Ignis to become the new superior species. To put it simply, humanity should be grateful we're destroying them, as they'll eventually destroy themselves at the course they're going through."

"But nothing good can come from destroying one another! Yes, we may have made mistakes, but coexistence can bring about miracles!" Percival rebutted, before glaring at Lightning. "But what you're doing to Jin is a perversion of that. You've not only silenced him, but are also treating him like a puppet rather than a human!"

"I'm using the tools needed to complete my goal. That's all." Lightning simply explained. "I was curious about the Crisis, but since the topic moved from it to the debate of coexistence, I'd rather we focus on the duel instead."

"Then make your move." Percival responded. Lightning was right about one thing: Words meant nothing in a duel. Actions matter, and what happens next will determine where the duel will go next.

"Of course, my friend. My turn! I draw!" Lightning had Jin draw the top card of his deck.

"Trap card, activate! Phantom Knights' Wing!" Percival interrupted. "When this card is activated, I can target one face-up monster on my field, and increase its attack points by 500. In addition, the first time it would be destroyed by battle or card effect this turn, it isn't destroyed. I target Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!" Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon's wings were infused with eerie-fire as his strength increased.

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000

"Interesting. So you managed to not only protect your monster, but increase his strength as well." Lightning pondered this over for a moment before continuing to speak. "Still, I am an Ignis, and you are a human. Allow me to demonstrate my strength in comparison to yours. I activate the Spell card, Judgment Sword! If I control no monsters in the Extra Monster Zones, I can target one Link monster you control in the Extra Monster Zone and banish it! From there, I get to Special Summon one 'Armatos Legio' Link monster from my Extra Deck with the same Link rating as the banished Link monster, as well as Special Summon that monster to your Main Monster Zone."

"What?!" Percival gasped out of pure surprise.

"Oh, you haven't been expecting that, have you? Let's see how you like this! Come, the sword that slices the heavens! I banish The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche!" A beam of light erupted shaped like a sword fired down from above and pierced Rusty Bardiche before turning him into particles. "And from my Extra Deck, I Special Summon Armatos Legio Tribunus Militum!" A man wearing blue and white armour, along with a white cape attached to it appeared on Lightning's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He wore a silver helmet that had a blue visor, which also had a yellow plume at the top. In his left hand, he carried a sword.

Armatos Legio Tribunus Militum ATK: 2000 LINK-3 ↙️⬇️↘️

Rusty Bardiche then reappeared on Percival's field, only in the Main Monster Zone.

The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche ATK: 2100 LINK-3 ↙️↘️➡️

"I activate Armatos Colosseum's effect, and send Armatos Legio Segmentata from my hand to Special Summon Gladius, Scutum, and Sica back to my field." After Jin flicked a card in his hand to his Graveyard, Gladius, Scutum, and Sica reappeared on Lightning's field in the Main Monster Zones Tribunus Militum pointed to.

Armatos Legio Gladius ATK: 0 DEF: 800 LV: 2

Armatos Legio Scutum ATK: 0 DEF: 1800 LV: 3

Armatos Legio Sica ATK: 0 DEF: 400 LV: 1

"I activate Armatos Lex's second effect, which lets me activate one of two effects." Lightning informed Percival. "I choose effect one, which lets me target a Spell card and one 'Armatos Legio' monster in my Graveyard. Upon doing so, I can shuffle that Spell card into my deck, and add that 'Armatos Legio' monster to my hand. I target Armatos Supplier and Armatos Legio Magica Alcum in my Graveyard." Two cards popped out of Lightning's Graveyard, one of which he had Jin shuffle into his deck. As for the second one, he had Jin add it to his hand.

"I will now illuminate my circuit." A Link Portal appeared above Lightning. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Armatos Legio' monsters. I set Gladius, Scutum, and Sica into the Link Markers!" Gladius went into the left arrowhead, Scutum went into the top arrowhead, and Sica went into the right arrowhead, turning all three of them red.

"Tribune of the military! Charge onto the battlefield in your chariot, and open the path to ascendency!" Lightning chanted. "Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Armatos Legio Tribunus Laticlavius!" A young, light-skinned warrior wearing roman armour and a purple cape strapped to the back of it appeared on Lightning's field in the Main Monster Zone Tribunus Militum pointed to, which resulted in the both of them being co-linked with one another. He rode a chariot that was pulled by two armoured horses, and he carried a sword in his right hand.

Armatos Legio Tribunus Laticlavius ATK: 1000 LINK-3⬅️⬆️➡️

"Just like before, I activate Armatos Colosseum's effect, and send Armatos Legio Magica Alcum from my hand to my Graveyard to Special Summon Gladius and Scutum back to my field." After Jin flicked a card in his hand to his Graveyard, Gladius and Scutum reappeared on Lightning's field in defense position in the Main Monster Zones Tribunus Laticlavius pointed to.

Armatos Legio Gladius ATK: 0 DEF: 800 LV: 2

Armatos Legio Scutum ATK: 0 DEF: 1800 LV: 3

"I activate Tribunus Militum's effect." Lightning continued. "Once per turn, I can-."

"No, you don't! Continuous-Trap, activate! Phantom Knights' Fog Blade!" Percival interrupted for a second time. "When this card is activated, I can target one effect monster you control and not only negate its effects, but prevent it from attacking this turn."

"What?!" Lightning exclaimed, having widened his eyes upon hearing that.

"Do note that the monster targeted by Fog Blade can't be targeted for attacks." Percival pointed out. "I target Tribunus Militum!" A fog blade fired out of the card and pierced Tribunus Militum in the chest, which made him scream as he greyed out.

"Fine, I will give you that, but know that I still have plenty of other moves to make. Like this!" Lightning thrusted out his right hand. "I activate Tribunus Laticlavius' first effect. Once per turn, I can banish an 'Armatos Legio' Link monster from my Graveyard to Special Summon an 'Armatos Legio' Link monster from my Graveyard to my field."

"What?!" Percival exclaimed. Great. Just what I needed right now, he cursed in his mind.

"I banish Decurion, and Special Summon Legatus Legionis from my Graveyard back to my field!" Within seconds, Legatus Legionis reappeared on Lightning's field.

Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis ATK: 2400 LINK-3 ⬅️⬇️➡️

"I activate Tribunus Laticlavius' first effect." Lightning continued. "Once per turn, he gains attack points equal to the attack points of the 'Armatos Legio' monsters he points to until the end of this turn."

"..." Percival frowned behind his helmet. The good news was that Tribunus Laticlavius will only gain 2000 attack points, and even if that were the case, he can protect his monsters with his face-down card.

"Since Tribunus Laticlavius points to Tribunus Militum and Gladius, he gains a total of 2000 attack points!" Tribunus Laticlavius was surrounded in a golden aura that doubled his attack points.

Armatos Legio Tribunus Laticlavius ATK: 1000 + 2000 = 3000

"Battle!" Lightning declared. "Armatos Legio Tribunus Laticlavius attacks The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche! Oh, and just a heads up, when an 'Armatos Legio' Link monster that points to Gladius battles, it gains 500 attack points during damage calculation only." Tribunus Laticlavius was surrounded in a second golden aura that powered him up.

Armatos Legio Tribunus Laticlavius ATK: 3000 + 500 = 3500

"Lucet Exitium!" Tribunus Laticlavius rode forward at Rusty Bardiche, his chariot being immersed with light in the process.

"Not so fast! I activate the Trap card, The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace!" Percival countered. "I can target one face-up monster on the field, and have it not lose 600 attack points, but decrease its level by two as well. In addition, 'The Phantom Knights' monsters on my field can't be destroyed by battle this turn, and I can also Special Summon this card to my field in defense position as well."

"But Link monsters have no levels." Lightning said. "So Lost Vambrace's effect won't work on Tribunus Laticlavius, nor my other Link monsters for that matter."

"I know, but I'll at least protect my monster." Percival replied. "I target Scutum!" Eerie-blue energy emerged from the card and surrounded Scutum, which reduced its level by two.

Armatos Legio Scutum LV: 3 – 2 = 1

Then an eerie-blue ghost that possessed vambraces appeared on Percival's field in defense position.

The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace ATK: 600 DEF: 0 LV: 2

Within seconds, an eerie-blue aura surrounded Rusty Bardiche that protected him from Tribunus Laticlavius' attack. Unfortunately for Percival, he winced as his life points dropped.

Percival: 4000 – 1400 = 2600 LP

Armatos Legio Tribunus Laticlavius ATK: 3500 – 500 = 3000

"Being stubborn, are you?" Lightning frustratingly questioned, having narrowed his eyes at the human before him. "Fine, let's see how you get through this! Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis attacks The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche! Clara Crimen!" Legatus Legionis rode his horse towards Rusty Bardiche, intent on destroying him. He slashed him with his sword, but the eerie-blue aura surrounded Rusty Bardiche, which protected him from being destroyed. However, Percival winced again as his life points dropped.

Percival: 2600 – 300 = 2300 LP

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn, which means the second effect of Tribunus Laticlavius ends." Lightning concluded, as Tribune Laticlavius' strength returned to normal.

Armatos Legio Tribunus Laticlavius ATK: 3000 – 2000 = 1000

"Permit me to ask you a question, human. Why are you risking so much for this boy?"

Percival was silent for several seconds before speaking. "I'm not obligated to respond to your question, Ignis. But if you must know, I'm doing this for someone close to me."

"Someone close to you? That's just splendid, my friend." Lightning sarcastically commented with a smile. "Judging by what I just heard, you must know Jin from somewhere. Are you family, perhaps?" Percival growled in response. "It seems my intuition is correct. Allow me to explain what I did to Jin. For my actions are what led him to be traumatized, after all."

"What did you say?!" Percival exclaimed.

"You heard me. While the Lost Incident was responsible for making Jin suffer, I also had a role in what happened." Lightning replied. "I remember it like it was yesterday. Back then, I already knew how to invade the network, and as I continued to watch Jin, I learned how to terrify people. I got great entertainment and information from what I saw."

"So you...?" Percival began speaking, as the dots connected in his mind.

"Yup. I broke him." Lightning maliciously confirmed. "How, may you ask? Well, if memory served, I showed Jin a false illusion of people rescuing him before I turned it into a nightmare that terrified him. I did it so many times that I think I may have broken him beyond repair."

"You! How dare you do such a thing! For what you've done, I'll end your life myself!" Percival growled. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck before looking at it. Yes! This card will help him win the duel! "I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Phantom Knights' Rank-Up Magic Force!"

"Rank-Up Magic?" Lightning repeated out of curiosity.

"Yes! This card lets me banish one or more Dark monsters from my Graveyard before targeting one face-up Xyz monster on my field, and Special Summon one 'The Phantom Knights', 'Raidraptor', or 'Xyz Dragon' Xyz monster whose Rank is equal to the targeted monster's rank plus the monsters banished! I target Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, and banish Ancient Cloak from my Graveyard, which lets me Special Summon a Rank 5 monster! With this, I build the Overlay Network!" Percival raised his left hand high into the air before he shot out a bolt of dark energy, which caused a galaxy portal to appear behind him. Within seconds, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon turned into black energy that went into it before a pillar of light erupted from the center.

"Born from the darkness of the night sky, sink the fangs of rebellion into our foolish oppressors!" Percival chanted. "Rank-Up Xyz Evolution! Arise and ascend into the twilight, Rank 5! Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon!" Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon returned to Percival's field in the Main Monster Zone Rusty Bardiche pointed to. However, he now had mechanical armour attached to his chest, arms, and legs, his tail now ended in three prongs, and his wings now consisted of black, grey, and teal metal that unfolded into grey tubes that released blue flames. He roared as a single light orbited behind him,

Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500 RNK: 5 OU: 1

"Since I used Rank-Up Magic Launch's effect on Dark Rebellion, I can attach it to Arc Rebellion as an Overlay Unit!" A second orbiting light orbited behind Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon.

Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon OU: 1 + 1 = 2

"Rusty Bardiche's second effect activates!" Percival reminded Lightning. "Once per turn, when a Dark Xyz monster is Special Summoned to a Main Monster Zone he points to, I can target and destroy one card on your field."

"I don't think that will happen, my friend." Lightning replied, as he gestured to his face-down card. "I activate the Continuous-Trap card, Armatos Gloria! Cards on the field can no longer be destroyed by other cards' effects, and neither of us can banish cards on the field as well."

"Tch." Percival grit his teeth. That meant he couldn't destroy one of Lightning's cards.

"And to ensure you're not up to any funny business, I activate Legatus Legionis' effect." Lightning continued. "Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can send one Level 4 or lower 'Armatos Legio' monster from my field to my Graveyard to Special Summon a Level 4 'Armatos Legio' monster from my Graveyard with a different name. What's more, he's unaffected by your card effects for the rest of this turn. I send Scutum to my Graveyard, and Special Summon Magica Alcum from my Graveyard to my field." After Gladius turned into particles, a statue that held an ornate bow and arrow appeared on Lightning's field in the Main Monster Zone Legatus Legionis pointed to.

Armatos Legio Magica Alcum ATK: 0 DEF: 1600 LV: 4

Percival frowned. He didn't expect Lightning to quickly counter his moves like that. Regardless, he still had plenty of options left, which will help him save Jin from Lightning's grasp. "I activate Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon's effect. By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can have him gain the original attack points of all monsters on the field! Furthermore, if Arc Rebellion activates his effect while he has a Dark Xyz monster attached to him, the effects of all other face-up monsters on the field are negated!"

"What?!" Lightning exclaimed, having been shocked by what he just heard.

"You heard me! Arc Revolution!" Percival declared. After an Overlay Unit went into Arc Rebellion's chest, blue flames covered his body before they spread out to the field, negating the effects of all the other monsters on the field.

Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon OU: 2 – 1 = 1

Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK: 3000 + 2100 + 2000 + 1000 + 2400 = 10500

"This duel is over! Battle!" Percival thrusted out his right hand. "Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon attacks-!"

Checkmate, Lightning humorously thought, as a dark circle appeared underneath Jin. Threads of yellow energy traveled out of the circle and enveloped Jin, blocking him from view. When the light faded, Jin's appearance had changed. He no longer wore robes. Instead, he wore a long-sleeved shirt and sweatpants. Jin's eyes went wide as he looked around, breathing heavily in fear.

"W-What did you do? What did you do?!" Percival demanded.

Lightning, having heard this, laughed. Loudly. "That's simple. I just linked my program with Jin Kusanagi's consciousness data. If I lose, his consciousness data will be completely destroyed. Or to put it in human terms, he'll die."

Percival gasped. How dare... how dare Lightning do that! "You're lying. You're lying!"

"You need proof? Very well. Watch and learn." Lightning pinched his cheek hard, which caused Jin to shake in pain. "See. Any pain I receive, Jin will suffer in return."

"No..." Percival lamented. He was always impulsive, believing that he can get things done rather than waiting. But now... it appeared that Watchman was right all along about Percival. His recklessness had been his undoing. What can Percival do now?

"So what will you do now, Percival? Will you attack me and kill this boy, whose wellbeing you care for? Or will you end your turn?" Lightning taunted, having narrowed his eyes.

"I... I end my turn." Percival concluded. Unfortunately, because of what his actions and decisions had led up to, he lost the will to fight. If Percival had only waited a little longer and obeyed Watchman's orders, he could have created a program that would have released Jin from Lightning's control. But now... it was too late to take his actions back. And as a result, it cost him everything.

"My turn! I draw!" Lightning said, as he snapped his fingers, which made Jin change back into his military clothing before he had him draw the top card of his deck. After Lightning looked at it, he grinned and turned back to Percival. "Foolish human! You thought you could defeat me, an Ignis? Your concern for Jin has prevented you from making the logical choice, and for that, it will be your undoing! I activate the Spell card, Armatos Replacement. By tributing an 'Armatos Legio' Link monster on my field, I can target an 'Armatos Legio' Link monster in my Graveyard whose Link rating is equal or less than the tributed monsters, and Special Summon it to my field. I tribute the Link 3 Tribunus Militum, and Special Summon the Link 2 Centurion from my Graveyard to my field!" After Tribunus Militum turned into particles, Centurion reappeared on Lightning's field in the Main Monster Zone Legatus Legionis pointed to, resulting in both monsters being co-linked with one another.

Armatos Legio Centurion ATK: 1700 LINK-2 ⬅️➡️

"And since Tribunus Militum left the field, Fog Blade is destroyed." As if on cue, Fog Blade turned into particles. "But that is irrelevant now. Because I will illuminate my circuit for a final time!" A Link Portal appeared above Lightning. The summoning conditions are three or more 'Armatos Legio' monsters. I set Armatos Legio Scutum, Magica Alcum, and the Link 2 Centurion into the Link Markers!" Scutum went into the left arrowhead, Sica went into the top arrowhead, and Centurion went into the right and bottom arrowheads, turning all four of them red.

"Bear witness to the commander who leads the might of the military!" Lightning judgmentally chanted. "Link Summon! Appear, Link 4! Armatos Legio Magnus Dux!" A massive, white elephant plated in golden armor appeared on Lightning's field in the Main Monster Zone Legatus Legionis and Tribunus Laticlavius pointed to, resulting in all three monsters being co-linked with each other. A man in golden armor wearing a red plumed helmet, as well as carried a scepter in his hands, sat on a throne on the elephant's back, which was between two cannons.

Armatos Legio Magnus Dux ATK: 3000 LINK-4 ⬅️⬆️⬇️➡️

"I activate Magnus Dux's effect! Once, while he is on the field, I can target cards on the field or in my Graveyard up to the number of monsters co-linked with him. By doing so, the targeted cards are returned to the hand."

"This is impossible!" Percival exclaimed.

Lightning, in response, narrowed his eyes out of anger. "Impossible, you say? Nothing is impossible for the Ignis! As Magnus Dux is co-linked with two monsters, that means I can target two cards! I target Judgment Arrows in my Graveyard, and Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon on your field. Ultima Auctoriate!" The man on the throne pointed his scepter at the entire field, which caused Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon to turn into particles that returned to Percival's Extra Deck. As for Judgment Arrows, it was returned to Lightning's hand. "Once again, I activate the Link Spell card, Judgment Arrows!" The Link Spell card then appeared in the Spell & Trap card zone Magnus Dux pointed to.

Judgment Arrows ↖️⬆️↗️

"Battle!" Lightning thrusted out his right hand. "Armatos Legio Magnus Dux attacks The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche! And when a Link monster Judgment Arrows points to attacks, its attack points are doubled until the end of the damage step!" A golden aura surrounded Magnus Dux as his cannons began charging up energy.

Armatos Legio Magnus Dux ATK: 3000 X 2 = 6000

"Ultimum Judicium!" The elephant's cannons fired numerous shots at Rusty Bardiche, which destroyed him completely in a series of massive explosions that sent Percival flying before his back hit the wall behind him. He then fell forward on his stomach, the duel finally over. Percival's armor, along with the left side of his helmet, broke into pieces as he tried to get up, which revealed his grey eyes and long, purple hair.

Percival: 1900 – 3900 = 0

"You may have fought well, but this duel was over in my victory the moment you challenged me." Lightning stated, as he and Jin walked over to the fallen Percival. "And with my victory, your consciousness data is mine. Do you have any last words?"

"Jin, if you can hear me, I'm sorry for failing to save you." Percival apologized. "But hold on a little longer, as Playmaker and the others will save you in my stead."

"No. That won't happen at all, human. I will guarantee that personally." Lightning dismissed Percival's claim. "As for this Crisis you're talking about, you don't need to worry. The Ignis will take care of it ourselves." Percival's body began disintegrating before it turned into a purple orb, which floated to Jin as it orbited above his hand. "Now let's just see who you are, my friend."

Elsewhere, at Windy and Demeter's duel...

"My turn! I draw!" Demeter drew the top card of her deck. "I summon Simorgh, Bird of Beginning from my hand to my field!" A small, light green coloured bird with beady red eyes flapped onto Demeter' field. The little bird had an Egyptian necklace around its neck, horns, and a small crown on its head. There were two pieces of golden jewelry on its wings, along with two wispy feathers on each side.

Simorgh, Bird of Beginning ATK: 0 DEF: 1600 LV: 1

Simorgh, Bird of Beginning ATK: 0 + 300 = 300 DEF: 1600 + 300 = 1900

"When this card is Normal Summoned, I can Normal Summon one 'Simorgh' monster in addition to my Normal Summon or Set. I summon Simorgh, Bird of Calamity from my hand to my field!" A thinner, vulture-like bird appeared on Demeter' field. The bird had a long neck and a small beak, with a metal collar that had a small red jewel at its center. Its wings were thinner and sharper than the other birds on the field. There was also a metal halo behind its neck as well.

Simorgh, Bird of Calamity ATK: 1500 DEF: 200 LV: 3

Simorgh, Bird of Calamity ATK: 1500 + 300 = 1800 DEF: 200 + 300 = 500

"When Simorgh, Bird of Calamity is Normal Summoned, I can send one 'Simorgh' card from my deck to my Graveyard." Demeter explained. "I send Simorgh, Bird of Protection from my deck to my Graveyard." A card popped out of Demeter's deck, which she took and sent to her Graveyard. "I activate the effect of Simorgh, Bird of Protection from my Graveyard. As you have no cards in your Spell & Trap cards zone, I can Special Summon this card from my Graveyard to my field. However, it's banished once it leaves the field, and I can't Special Summon monsters, except Winged Beast monsters. Return to my field, Simorgh, Bird of Protection!" A four-legged, purple bird with a long neck appeared on Demeter's field. It had a crown on the top of its head, as well as a golden circle attached to its back.

Simorgh, Bird of Protection ATK: 1400 DEF: 1000 LV: 4

Simorgh, Bird of Protection ATK: 1400 + 300 = 1700 DEF: 1000 + 300 = 1300

"Appear, the circuit of turbulent winds!" A Link Portal appeared above Demeter. "The summoning conditions are two or more monsters, including a Winged-Beast monster! I set Simorgh, Bird of Beginning, Simorgh, Bird of Calamity, and Simorgh, Bird of Protection in the Link Markers!" Simorgh, Bird of Beginning went into the bottom-left arrowhead, Simorgh, Bird of Calamity went into the bottom arrowhead, and Simorgh, Bird of Protection went into the bottom-right arrowhead.

"The majestic bird shall display its sovereignty, and everyone witnessing it will silence themselves in awe! Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty!" A massive green bird with a golden halo behind its back appeared on Demeter' field in the right Extra Monster Zone. The giant bird had four wings, with the front wings having golden elements, while the back wings had silver elements. She had a long, green tail, with yellow strands on it. The bird also wore a large collar broad collar around its neck, that extended down to her chest. On top of the bird's head was a crown, and at the back were three spiked feathers, along with a truffle of feathers on her upper back. Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty let out a screech upon entering the field.

Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty ATK: 2400 LINK-3 ↙️⬇️↘️

Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty ATK: 2400 + 300 = 2700

"Since Simorgh, Bird of Protection left the field, it's banished." Demeter reminded Windy.

"Not so fast! I activate Rockbuster's effect!" Windy interjected. "When you Link Summon a Link 3 or higher monster to your field, I can Set one Trap card in your Graveyard to my field. What's more, I can activate it this turn!"

"What?!" Demeter exclaimed.

"I Set your Spiritual Wind Art – Miyabi from your Graveyard to my field!" A card popped out of Demeter's Graveyard, which Echo took before Windy had him Set it to his field.

"In that case, I'll have you know that you can't target Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty, along with any monsters he points to with card effects." Demeter replied, which made Windy narrow his eye in response.

"Oh, really? I activate Stormrider Turbulence's effect. When you Link Summon a Link monster whose Link rating is equal or higher to the 'Stormrider' Link monster on my field, its effects are negated until your next Standby Phase. And while I control a 'Stormrider' Link monster, your monsters must attack it!"

"Tch!" Demeter grit her teeth behind her mask as Simorgh, Bird Of Sovereignty's effects were greyed out. That... wasn't good at all. Still, she can get through this. "Battle! Simorgh, Bird of Divinity attacks Stormrider Rockbuster!" Simorgh, Bird of Divinity began flapping her wings, intent on releasing a windstorm at Rockbuster.

"Nope! Not gonna happen, human!" Windy suddenly said. "Trap card, activate! Spiritual Wind Art – Miyabi! By tributing a Wind monster on my field, I can target a card you control and place it at the bottom of your deck! I tribute Harpiarm, and return Simorgh, Bird of Divinity back to the bottom of your deck!" Harpiarm turned into particles, which went into Spiritual Wind Art – Miyabi before a blast of wind was fired out of it, which hit Simorgh, Bird of Divinity before turning it into particles.

"Fine!" Demeter gestured to Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty. "The battle continues! Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty attacks Stormrider Rockbuster! Blast Storm!" Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty gathered green energy in its mouth before preparing to fire it at Rockbuster.

Windy narrowed his eye out of glee. "Still intent on dealing damage, huh? Allow me to drag your efforts to the ground! I activate the effect of Gargoyle from my Graveyard. Since I control a 'Stormrider' Field Spell card in my Field Zone, I can banish this card from my Graveyard to send that Field Spell card to my Graveyard. By doing so, I can take one 'Stormrider' Field Spell card with a different name from my deck, and either add it to my hand or activate it. I send Turbulence from my Field Zone to my Graveyard, and activate Stormrider Burst from my deck to my field." After Turbulence turned into particles, a card popped out of Windy's deck, which he had Echo take before activating it. Within seconds, a turbulent wind burst through the duel field, which cackled for a moment before dissipating. "Now all 'Stormrider' monsters I control gain 400 attack points, along with an additional 300 attack points for every Field Spell card in my Graveyard."

"Are you serious?!" Demeter exclaimed.

"Of course I'm serious, human. Why would I be anything but serious?" Windy questioned back. "As I have a copy of Turbulence in my Graveyard, that means my 'Stormrider' monsters gain a total of 700 attack points!" Rockbuster was surrounded in a green aura that increased their attack points.

Stormridership Rockbuster ATK: 2000 + 300 + 400 = 2700

"Now strike her bird down, Rockbuster!" After Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty fired the green energy at Rockbuster, the latter evaded the beam before crashing headfirst into the former, which turned both monsters into particles.

That was clever of Windy to do that, Demeter cursed in her mind, aware of what Windy did. "I end my turn here."

"My turn! I draw!" Windy furiously said, as he had Echo draw the top card of his deck. "I can't believe a human like yourself nearly cornered me, an Ignis! Despite your skills as a duelist, I won't be losing to a human like you! Not when I have a chance of getting revenge at Revolver and the Hanoi! I activate the effect of Stormrider Skyfisher in my hand. As I have no cards in my Main Monster zones and Spell & Trap card zones, I can Special Summon this card from my hand to my field." A white airship with numerous fins on its sides appeared on Windy's field in defense position.

Stormrider Skyfisher ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Stormrider Skyfisher ATK: 0 + 300 + 400 = 700

"In addition, when Skyfisher is Special Summoned by its effect, you must Set a Spell or Trap card from your Graveyard to your field, and you can't activate it."

"Damn it..." Demeter cursed under her breath.

"There's obviously a Trap card in your Graveyard, human." Windy impatiently reminded Demeter, having pointed his finger at her. "So grab it in your Graveyard and Set it to your field already!"

"Fine. I Set Spiritual Wind Art – Miyabi from my Graveyard to my field." Demeter complied, as a card popped out of her Graveyard, which she took and Set to her field.

"Hooray! Now that's done, I also activate the Spell card, Stormrider Return." Windy continued. "Since I have no cards in my Spell & Trap card zones, I can Special Summon one 'Stormrider' monster from my Graveyard. Return, Rockbuster!" At Windy's command, Rockbuster reappeared on his field, only in the Main Monster Zone.

Stormridership Rockbuster ATK: 2000 LINK-2 ⬆️⬇️

Stormridership Rockbuster ATK: 2000 + 300 + 400 = 2700

"I will now cyclone my circuit!" A tornado went upwards before turning into a Link Portal that appeared above Windy. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Stormrider' monsters. I set Stormrider Skyfisher, and the Link 2 Stormridership Rockbuster into the Link Markers!" Skyfisher went into the bottom-left arrowhead, while Rockbuster went into the bottom and bottom-right arrowheads, all three of them turning red in the process.

"Great monster that lies within the obscured skies! Fly forward, and vanquish my enemies with your super-duper awesome firepower!" Windy chanted. "Link Summon! Emerge! Link 3! Stormridership Bahamut Bomber!" A massive, black mechanical whale with black wings, orange fins, and cannons attached to his sides appeared on Windy's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Stormridership Bahamut Bomber ATK: 2800 LINK-3 ↙️⬇️↘️

Stormridership Bahamut Bomber ATK: 2800 + 400 + 300 = 3500

"When Bahamut Bomber is Special Summoned, while I have no cards in my Spell & Trap card zones, I can target a card you control and destroy it, as well as inflict 500 points of damage to you! I target and destroy Elborz, The Sacred Lands of Simorgh!" Bahamut Bomber's mouth opened as he released soundwaves, which destroyed Elborz, The Sacred Lands of Simorgh before Demeter's life points dropped.

Demeter: 3500 – 500 = 3000 LP

"In addition, I activate Bahamut Bomber's second effect." Windy added. "Once per turn, during either player's turn, when I control no cards in my Spell & Trap card zones, I can target one Spell or Trap card on your field and not only destroy it, but also inflict 500 points of damage as well."

"What?!" Demeter exclaimed, having started to shake out of fear.

"Say goodbye to your precious Trap card!" Bahamut Bomber's mouth opened for a second time as he released soundwaves, which hit Demeter's Set card before destroying it. As a result, she winced as her life points dropped.

Demeter: 3000 – 500 = 2500 LP

Windy laughed upon seeing Demeter panicking. "You see? That's the expression I want to see before I destroy you for good! And while this is irrelevant, I do want you to know that while I have one 'Stormrider' Link monster on my field, Stormrider Blast's second effect prevents you from targeting that Link monster with card effects, except with card effects activated on the field. Also, the effects of all Link monsters whose Link rating is equal or less are negated!" A burst of cackling wind fired out of Blast, which surrounded the entire duel field as Demeter hugged her body to avoid getting cold.

"Now that you're utterly terrified, it's time for this duel to reach its conclusion! Battle!" Windy thrusted out his right hand. "Stormridership Bahamut Bomber attacks you directly! Turbulence Burst!" Bahamut Bomber's mouth opened as he charged up energy in his mouth and cannons before firing it at Demeter, which caused an explosion that sent her flying off the ground before her back hit the wall behind her. Within seconds, she slid down to the ground, her mask breaking apart in the process to reveal her brown eyes.

Demeter: 2500 – 3500 = 0

Windy then approached the fallen Demeter with Echo by his side. "Huh. So that's what you look like behind the mask. Yet you kind of look familiar."

"The others... will..." Demeter began speaking, as she soon noticed her body having begun to disintegrate. Ryoken. I failed you as a mother, and I'm truly sorry. For abandoning you, for not being there when you needed me, for not being strong enough to protect you, for not setting you on a better path. I'm sorry for all of it, she lamented in her mind, as tears fell down from her eyes. I do hope you'll forgive me for my mistakes...

"Really? That silly dialogue? Just rubbish, if you ask me." Windy responded, before Demeter turned into a green orb of light, which floated to Echo as it orbited above his hand. "Now let's see who you are, shall we?" After a few seconds, his eye widened. "Now this... this is just spectacular!"

A few minutes later...

Azrael pressed a few buttons on his duel disk, which caused the screens to turn into blue spheres that went inside it. He, Wraith, and Malf clearly liked the duels they've saw. It showed how strong both Windy and Lightning were as duelists. But that was nothing compared to the information Azrael, Wraith, and Malf found out about Lightning. Apparently, during the Lost Incident, Lightning toyed around with Jin and managed to crush his spirit. In addition, he was willing to use him as a human shield just to defeat Percival. Compared to Lightning, Azrael was an honourable individual... to an extent. He'll do whatever it took for him to achieve eternity, and end his traumas for good.

"Well, at least Windy proved his strength in defeating someone who had a similar strategy." Wraith commented.

"My lord, what will you do about Lightning?" Malf asked.

"Nothing for the time being." Azrael answered. "Not until you've reached your perfect form."

"Azrael, you are not going to believe what I've found out!" Windy said, as he and Echo appeared in a green whirlwind before it dissipated.

"Oh? What is it you found out?" Wraith inquired.

"So it seems you found some interesting information as well, Windy." Lightning stated, as he and Jin walked into the room Azrael and the others were in. "Would you like to share your findings first, or should I?"

"I'm obviously going first, Lightning. It's about the Hanoi themselves!" Windy responded, before a green sphere appeared, which he had floating just above them. Within moments, the sphere showed Yua, Kiyoshi, and Ryoken playing together in a park, smiles on their faces. It then showed both parents and Ryoken looking out at the ocean known as the Stardust Road in their house. "Apparently, Demeter is Revolver's mommy, and I defeated her in a duel! I can't wait to rub it in Revolver's face!"

"That will certainly be useful, as it's one way to break someone." Lightning agreed, before a sphere of data appeared from Jin's duel disk, which floated upwards. Within moments, the sphere showed Katsuya playing board games with Shoichi and Jin. The footage then changed to show the trio playing sports, all three of them having smiles on their faces. "It seems Percival is related to Jin and his brother, Shoichi Kusanagi."

"Humans use the bonds they formed with others to continue fighting, no matter what they face. But these bonds can be used against them." Azrael explained. "To put it simply, if used correctly, we can break our enemies within rather than outside."

"An intriguing tactic. One I will certainly look up for sure." Lightning agreed, before he turned to Azrael. "You'll be happy to know that I destroyed my algorithm that Percival had."

"Oh, I did the same as well, as it was in Demeter's duel disk." Windy confirmed, before he turned to Lightning. "Did you need that algorithm by any chance?"

"No, I didn't, Windy. Anyhow, the fact that this was done means any concerns of Miyu waking up are absolved." Lightning replied, with nods of agreement from the others in the room, except for the controlled Jin and Drachen. He then turned to Azrael. "I'll make those Bitboots for you. In the meanwhile, make whatever preparations needed for your plan. I expect results once you get back from your mission." He and Jin then left the room.

"So did I pass your challenge, Azrael?" Windy asked. "I know that I certainly did with flying colors, especially how I defeated Revolver's mommy in a duel in style!"

"Yes, Windy. You passed." Wraith confirmed.

"You have earned a spot on the plan." Azrael added.

"Great! In that case, I need to put on something menacing to scare the humans!" Windy snapped his fingers, and within seconds, a small whirlwind surrounded his body. Once it dissipated, it showed Windy now wearing bandages on his arms and legs to hide his scars, a green cape, and an eyepatch over what used to be his right eye. "Well, what do you think? Is this menacing enough?"

"Yes," Azrael and Wraith simply replied. They had no time discussing fashion, as there were better things to do.

"Excellent! I'll make preparations. Let me know when it's time to get going!" Windy and Echo then teleported out of the room in a green whirlwind, leaving Azrael, Wraith, Malf, and a brainwashed Drachen alone.

After a few moments passed, Azrael pressed a few buttons on his duel disk, which caused a digital image of Ace to pop up. "Is everything ready for the attack?"

"Yes. All my troops have been outfitted with Hanoi costumes, and the weapons are all prepared." Ace confirmed.

"Excellent. Malf, the Wind Ignis, and I will meet you at the rendezvous point." Azrael responded.

"Very well. Although I have one request."

"Oh?" Azrael raised an eyebrow. What request did Ace have in mind?

"Since it's likely that there will be opposition, if Rosetta is among them, I want her for myself." Ace explained.

Azrael frowned. Ah. So that's what Ace wanted. Revenge, and nothing more. Since Ace was defeated by Rosetta during the Tower of Hanoi events, it was only natural for him to get payback on those that wronged him. It may also include Raguel as well, for he played a role in turning Rosetta against Ace. While Azrael won't allow Ace to go after Raguel, he was willing to let him deal with Rosetta alone. Besides, she was just one potential enemy that had to be eliminated. Someone that Azrael didn't care about at all, and he didn't care what Ace had in mind for her. "Fine. You can deal with her as you please."

"Thank you. I'll meet you at the rendezvous point." With that, Ace signed off.

"Are you ready to do what you must, no matter how many lives must be taken, Azrael?" Wraith inquired.

"I am. Nothing will get in my way of achieving eternity." Azrael replied. With all the tools at his disposal, the Hanoi, along with his enemies, will suffer crippling losses. "Let's go cause some chaos."

Meanwhile, in the real world, at Ryoken's yacht…..

Ryoken logged out of the network, a disappointed look on his face. Having heard about Blood Shepherd quitting SOL Technologies' bounty hunter task force, as well as his superb hacking skills, Ryoken saw a potential and powerful ally. One that had a common goal along with the Hanoi in destroying the Ignis. So Ryoken forcefully logged Blood Shepherd into the network, where he requested his assistance in their common goal.

But Blood Shepherd, being a lone wolf, refused to do so, and instead challenged Ryoken to a duel. After testing Blood Shepherd's strength, as well as informing him about how the Ignis used Link Spells to aid their strategies, Ryoken defeated him by using Borreload Savage Dragon. Unfortunately, Blood Shepherd still refused to join the Knights of Hanoi, and logged out after their duel had concluded.

"I take it the mission didn't go as you planned it to?" Youta asked.

"I'm afraid not, Youta." Ryoken confirmed, before he sat down on his seat. "Blood Shepherd's lone wolf attitude will be his undoing should be keep it up." But before he could continue, he suddenly shivered.

"Master Ryoken?"

"It's fine, Youta. Just a shiver, that's all." Ryoken assured Youta, before Aso burst into the room, the door flying open in the process. Upon seeing Aso's panicked expression, Ryoken stood up from his seat. "What's going on?"

"Ryoken, it's Akairo. We've lost his signal!" Aso informed Ryoken, which made him gasp out of shock. Did something happen to Akairo while he was at Uchida Industries? No. It couldn't be. Due to his duel with Blood Shepherd, Ryoken didn't have the time to contact Akairo and ask about the mission.

Thinking quickly, Ryoken pulled out his phone and speed-dialed a number, which beeped for a few seconds before someone responded.

"Hello?"

"Emon, it's Ryoken! Get Akairo's body and bring it here right away!" Ryoken immediately told Emon. "I'm sending you the address now!"

"I'll take care of it, Ryoken. Leave it to me." Emon assured Ryoken, before he hung up. After Ryoken sent the address, he started to feel lightheaded.

"Master Ryoken!" Youta suddenly said, having ran over to Ryoken to help him balance himself. Aso also did the same, having saw Ryoken's facial expression, which consisted of two things. Fear. And Powerlessness.

"Akairo will be okay, sir. We'll find him in the network and save him." Aso assured him repeatedly, as the two of them helped Ryoken walk out of the room.

"Do you think the Ignis were responsible for this?" Ryoken questioned.

"Most likely, sir." Aso hypothesized.

The Ignis have stole enough from us. From our resources, to Zandaka, and Takeya, I'll make sure they have nothing left, Ryoken swore in his mind. If the Ignis hurt Akairo in any way, Ryoken will give then Hell.

Elsewhere, in the network, in Watchman's server...

Watchman closed the Spatial Cube after having seen what happened to Percival and Demeter, a look of pure disappointment on his face. He swore to help Percival free Jin from his torment, and was in the process of creating a cure that would complete the task. He also granted Demeter asylum from the authorities. All he asked was for the two of them to obey his orders and stop the Crisis in return, which was something the both of them were willing to do. But now... now Demeter and Percival decided to attack Lightning's palace and disobey Watchman's orders to remain on standby. Such foolishness they had, as they lost their consciousness data upon losing their duels against Windy and Lightning. How did Watchman know of this? Simple. He put a tracker on Demeter and Percival's duel disks so he can be informed on what was happening on their ends. To make matters worse, they took Lightning's algorithm in finding Lightning's palace. The very thing needed to defeat Lightning for good.

When Demeter told Watchman that a piece of Bohman was missing for Miyu's cure to be completed, Watchman assured her that they'll get the piece in due time, and until then, she had to be put on standby once the virus against Lightning was complete. Unfortunately, that could no longer happen because of what Demeter and Percival did. Such disappointments indeed.

His mind then reflected back to the main question on his mind: Why did humans always revert to their selfish, sinful selves, regardless of their good intentions? To put it in simple terms, why did humans never do the right thing?

That led Watchman to reflect on his life so far, and everything that happened. Once upon a time, Arshad Saito was born on a pilgrimage to parents who were a part of the holy church. He grew up according to his parents expectations, showing morals and good sense from a young age, and was insightful enough to seem precocious to others. He had been actively involved in the church since his youth, and often accompanied his parents to the holy grounds when not at school or pursuing other extracurricular activities. By day, the church focused on teaching biblical doctrine and allowing all believers of God to grow in fellowship, trust, faith, and hope. But by night... that was something entirely different. The church knew deep down that there were people who could never follow the word of God, people who were so blinded by sin that they opposed Him. So in response, the church launched the Inquisitorius, an organization that focused on eliminating heresy and other things that opposed the word of God. From greedy politicians to corrupt businesses to criminals, the church wanted to eradicate them all.

Arshad worked diligently as an Inquisitor-in-training at a young age, and his training had led him to be promoted to an Inquisitor at the age of ten, the youngest person to ever become one. A long and slender sword resembling a rapier appeared in his hand. The Black Key, the main weapon of the church's inquisitors. Not only were they weapons, they were also sacraments as well, allowing the inquisitors to identify sinners and kill each one.

Arshad blessed the people by day, and killed the church's enemies by night, one by one. As he grew older, his parents were delighted to be blessed with a great successor, and he knew of his parents' delight. It was a great pleasure for a parent to know that their child was gifted. That their child would make a big impact on the world.

Unfortunately, a question remained in Arshad's mind as he grew older. Why did people revert to their selfish, sinful selves, regardless of their intentions? He knew there were good people in this world who did good works, yet the sinful people always outnumbered them. As Arshad killed each of the church's enemies and helped shut down their opposition, he didn't feel any remorse or empathy for them. He felt nothing except... pity. Pity that they chose the path of sin compared to the path of God. At the same time, Arshad also had faith that God will bring judgment on the sinners in the afterlife, and punish each one in His holy name.

Hoping to reconcile himself with that question and find faith in humanity, Arshad decided to enter the world of business. He made his case to the church, saying that while there were indeed greedy politicians and businesses, there were also good ones out there making a difference to the world. Arshad also proposed an intriguing idea. As an inquisitor, he can be their double agent, and infiltrate the business world. By doing so, Arshad can inform them of new targets that had to be forever eradicated. The church agreed with Arshad's idea, and with their blessing, sent him to work at a company called SOL Technologies.

There, Arshad started as a Project Management associate, where he had to assist in creating project plans, establish timelines, build budgets, and identify required resources. In each project, he identified its purpose, and whether it would help humanity's betterment or not. While some projects indeed served humanity, there were also those who served the corrupt. After determining which ones were good and evil, Arshad would send a message to the church of the sinful individuals involved with the evil projects, which they obtained. For each case, they covered it up successfully upon killing the identified individuals.

As time passed, Arshad witnessed more evil projects than good ones. He didn't want to believe that humanity was corrupted beyond redemption, but the evidence was right there. While money was used for the projects, it wasn't being used towards the betterment of humanity, and that disappointed him. In a final attempt at finding hope, Arshad sought to have a family so he can obtain it. He fell in love with a woman while resuming his duties, and settled down with the church's blessing. They even had a child together. But unfortunately, both woman and child were infected with a terminal illness, and died together on a hospital bed.

In Arshad's mind, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Even mankind couldn't control the consequences sin left on this world. No matter how many people he killed, sin always remained, and it would always multiply. All his efforts... no longer mattered. So he made a decision. Arshad would hand in his resignation to SOL Technologies, and at the end of the day, kill himself to be rid of his suffering.

But that didn't happen. All because of two people Arshad met on what was supposed to be his last day. He had remembered his manager asking him to work on a project with two other people. Those people were named Myojin Furutani and Ukyos Albinor. Despite his plan to end his life, Arshad was willing to give humanity one final chance to determine whether hope existed. Upon meeting Myojin and Ukyos and getting to know them, Arshad saw something he thought he'd never see again. He saw people who cared for humanity. He saw... hope. Arshad made his dream the same as Myojin and Ukyos, which was to make the world a better place. A world absolved of sin forever. To do this, the trio had to find the Root of All Knowledge, which contained the information of all possibilities and events, whether they come from the past, present or future. To put it simply, The Root of All Knowledge contains the power of God itself.

If the three of them found it, they can use it to forever absolve the world of sin. To create a better world where mankind can work with each other and achieve miraculous results. To ensure that humanity would survive forever.

For that goal to be reached, the three men sought to work with other beings from the network itself. So they split Project: VIII into two sub-projects. One that created the Ignis, and one that would create a Construct. They were able to get eight teenagers, who volunteered for it, on board. The Ignis would have the attributes of the planet itself. Light, Darkness, Wind, Fire, Water, Earth, Time, and Space.

Unfortunately, a fallout occurred between the three men. Ukyos sought to exploit the network so he can find the Root and reset the world, thus eradicating sin in the process. And after that, Ukyos desired to rule it to ensure that it would never become infected by sin again. So Myojin and Arshad worked together in banishing Ukyos to the network, and also battled to make sure he stayed there.

After that debacle, Myojin, Lyla, and their two baby boys had to go into hiding. Arshad continued to work at SOL Technologies, having obtained hope thanks to working with Myojin and Ukyos. One day, he met Dr. Kogami, who also had a desire in helping humanity survive its harshest trials through collaboration and coexistence. Unfortunately, Dr. Kogami's true colors were revealed, and threatened to leak the information to the higherups should Arshad attempt to oppose him. So Arshad continued to work quietly with Dr. Kogami, his faith in hope, while slightly shattered, still there.

But that all changed the day Myojin and Lyla were murdered. Arshad swore to keep an eye on Yuhiro and Yukage should something happened to them. After finding the boys, as well as determining who killed Myojin and Lyla were, something clicked in Arshad's mind.

The children selected for the Lost Incident had demonstrated unique qualities ranging from enhanced knowledge to physical prowess, and even mental capacities unlike the average child. The people who killed Myojin and Lyla were the envoys of Ukyos himself. People who swore to serve him upon seeing his charisma and leadership.

At that moment, Arshad was filled with anger that Ukyos did such a sinful thing. To think that one of his close friends would kill another close friend, as well as leave Yuhiro and Yukage with no parents at all. Arshad wanted to punish Ukyos, who he deemed as the ultimate sinner and traitor of humanity himself. So what did he do? He brought Yuhiro and Yukage to Dr. Kogami, both boys having demonstrated unique qualities just like the others. He'll help survey them, along with the other six children, and ensure that they would be prepared in helping him destroy the ultimate sinner and acquire the Root of All Knowledge. All in the name of a better world. A world without sin, and a world without suffering.

Dr. Kogami was pleased with Arshad for bringing the eight children to him, and proceeded to begin the Lost Incident a few days after. Having lost faith in humanity, Arshad sought to play the role of a repentant, humble person who wanted to rectify his wrongs. While that part was obviously true, his lost faith in humanity was also true as well. Even though he still valued his allies, the fact that they'll eventually sin, even unintentionally, was the thing that Arshad was wary about the most.

"Reserare Meae Vires." Watchman chanted, before a purple aura surrounded him, which unlocked his powers and restored him to normal. That part where he told Yuhiro he lost his powers? A total lie. He sealed them away because he didn't want to play God.

But now that Watchman was back at full power, and having realized that humanity couldn't fix its own problems, it seemed he had no choice but to utilize his powers in the name of saving humanity. Even if it meant betraying his allies. Even if he had to kill anyone in his way, be it friend or enemy. Even if it meant teaching his allies a painful and harsh lesson. Watchman will not falter until his goal was complete.

After all, a few lives were nothing compared to the grand calculus of the entire universe.

Green, wispy pieces of data are shown floating through the network as a bright light briefly covers the screen, multiple cards popping up one by one.

Yusaku is first shown walking to school before he morphs into his VRAINS Persona Playmaker. Takeru is also shown doing the same thing before he morphs into his VRAINS Persona Soulburner. Last but not least, Yuhiro and Arashi are shown doing the same thing before they morph into the VRAINS Personas Raguel and Slipstream. Ai, Flame, Aqua, and Herald pop up on the screen one by one afterwards.

A split screen then pops up, showing Aoi walking down the street on one side, while Emma scratches the back of her head on the other side, as if she were stressed out. The both of them then morph into their VRAINS Personas Blue Maiden and Ghost Girl. A second split screen pops up afterwards, showing Rachel on her tablet on one side, while Gekiryushi practices her swordsmanship on the other side with concentration. The both of them then morph into their VRAINS Personas Numera and SengokuQueen.

Soon after, a third split screen appears, showing a skinny Go Onizuka clutching his head in pain with his left hand, while Kengo Dojun puts a hand on his chin, as if thinking something over. The screen then cracks, showing a virtual network where Go closes his eyes and spreads out his hands with a smile, while Blood Shepherd aims his right hand at the screen. A fourth split screen appears, showing Akairo completing some schoolwork, while Brion is in his apartment, looking at a picture in his locket with narrowed eyes, which showed his family. The screen then cracks, showing Drachen with Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword in his hand, while Electrolyzer has PSY-Framegears Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and Zeta attached to his body.

The main tower LINK VRAINS is shown before the screen cracks in two, which reveals the main tower in Mirror LINK VRAINS. Lightning's faction is shown in the light, but then the screen is enveloped in darkness before depicting Azrael flaring out the Muramasa with Malf and Wraith on his sides.

Revolver, Specter, and Infearno are then shown on the screen, with Revolver on the left, Infearno in the center, and Specter on the right.

The screen changes to show multiple people at Green Park. First is Kusanagi and Roxy beside one another, with Akira speaking to Emma and Gekiryushi nearby. Next is Arashi crossing his arms, with Takeru is looking out at another area while Yusaku simply looks ahead of him, Aoi sitting down on the stairs nearby. Yuhiro is seen looking ahead of him with a stressed expression on his face, a silhouette of Miyu trying to comfort him. Rachel runs up to where Yuhiro is before standing next to him, with Naoki trying to wave his hand to the humans nearby. Herald is shown with Ai, Flame, and Aqua nearby the humans. Last but not least, Ryoken, Youta, and Emon are shown conversing in another area of Green Park.

The screen then shows a grey landscape, heree Cyberse Clock Dragon, Salamangreat Heatleo, Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode, Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, Borreload Savage Dragon, and Cyberse Quantum Dragon fly by one by one before disappearing. Last but not least, a network background appears, with a strand of rainbow data flowing around it before Raguel, Playmaker, Soulburner, and Slipstream appear, along with Ai, Flame, and Herald. All four humans draw a card from the top of their decks before a bright light covers the screen.

Card Gallery

Lightning:

Armatos Supplier (Normal Spell card)

Effect: When this card is activated: You can draw cards equal to the number of 'Armatos Legio' Link Monsters you Link Summoned this turn. You can only activate 1 'Armatos Supplier' per turn.

Armatos Apparatum (Normal Trap card)

Effect: Target 1 'Armatos Legio' Link Monster on your field; Special Summon 'Armatos Legio' monsters from your GY to your field in defense position to Main Monster Zones the targeted monster points to. You can only activate 1 'Armatos Apparatum' per turn.

Armatos Legio Tribunus Laticlavius (LR: 3/Cyberse/Light/ATK: 1000/ ⬅️⬆️➡️) (Credit to Donjusticia)

Effect: 2 or more 'Armatos Legio' monsters. You can banish 1 'Armatos Legio' Link Monster in your GY; Special Summon 1 'Armatos Legio' Link Monster from your Graveyard to your field with a different name than the banished monsters. If this card points to an 'Armatos Legio' monster: You can have this card gain ATK equal to the combined ATK of all 'Armatos Legio' monsters this card points to until the end of this turn. You can only use each effect of 'Armatos Legio Tribunus Laticlavius' once per turn.

QOTC

Between Demeter and Percival, who had the greater chance of defeating Windy and Lightning if they didn't have plot armour?

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 76: Search And Destroy. As Raguel and his allies search for Lightning's location, they end up finding his palace, only to witness Blood Shepherd confronting him. Meanwhile, Azrael launches an attack on LINK VRAINS' central station with Windy, Malf, Ace, and a hundred Bitboots at his beck and call, hellbent on getting to the dark vault. However, the Charisma Duelists and SOL Technologies' forces stand in their way, hoping to protect LINK VRAINS from further damage...

Author's Notes

Credit to HunterHQ for reviewing the duels, and Donjusticia for the new OC card for Lightning.

For those of you who are wondering, this chapter takes place during the beginning of episode 79 of the anime, but before Lightning confronts Blood Shepherd. As such, the main focus of this chapter will be on the two duels: Windy vs Demeter, and Lightning vs Percival.

First is the Windy vs Demeter duel. Now here, Windy's being given a chance to prove his strength to Azrael and Wraith, and should he succeed, he gets to join in on the plan to get into the dark vault. Having recovered from the Hanoi's virus, he's angry at humanity for what happened, so when there are intruders in the palace, he's willing to get his hands dirty and let some steam out by winning this duel. Demeter actually proved herself to be quite a challenge, as she, like Windy, relies on having no cards in the Spell & Trap card zones to use her cards. That's an important part for the 'Simorgh' archetype, as it enables the duelist to swarm their field with monsters and eventually lock down the opponent through negation and elimination of the backrow. Still, in the end, Windy managed to defeat Demeter by clearing her field and tactfully responding to her moves in a timely manner. What's more, Demeter loses her consciousness data as she laments her failures in her mind, as well as hopes that Ryoken will forgive her for failing him as a mother.

Next is the Lightning vs Percival duel. I'll be honest, this was a tricky duel to write, especially when it comes to keeping track of cards in the duelists' hands. Percival was certainly a challenge for Lightning, as he was able to respond to his moves through his trap cards, as well as making comeback after comeback through different cards. He even dealt Lightning a small amount of damage in the beginning as well. Still, Lightning managed to gain the upper hand by using his new 'Armatos Legio' Link monster, Armatos Legio Tribunus Laticlavius, along with his other Link 3 monsters Legatus Legionis and Tribunus Militum. Percival's also grown stronger since we last saw him duel in Chapter 19, as he shows Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon for the first time. And thanks to Arc Rebellion Xyz Dragon's effect, he was close to winning the duel... until Lightning uses Jin as a human shield. Allow me to point a few things out. First, Percival is Katsuya, who is Kusanagi and Jin's cousin. The only reason why Percival agreed to help Demeter was so he can free Jin, and unfortunately, Lightning took advantage of his goal by threatening to kill Jin should he lose. Second is Percival's recklessness. Watchman has told him to rein it in a few times, but he couldn't do it. If Percival waited a bit longer, he could have used the program Watchman was creating to free Jin before defeating Lightning. It's one of those times where patience is key to winning battles. And sadly, it wasn't in Percival's favor, as he lost at Lightning's hands through an attack from Magnus Dux. Keep in mind that Lightning will do whatever it takes to ensure he wins in the end. It proves just how vile he is. Once the duel is over, Percival loses his consciousness data before apologizing for his failure to save Jin, as well as assuring him to hold on a bit longer if he can hear him, for Playmaker and the others will save him.

After that comes the aftermath, where Lightning and Windy show their findings to each other, Azrael, Wraith, Malf, and a brainwashed Drachen. Azrael even points out something regarding human bonds, and how they motivate people to continue fighting for one another. He also says that bonds can also be used to break people, thus giving Lightning the idea to use it later on. From there, Azrael has Ace mobilize his forces with the weapons and Hanoi outfits, which, as a reminder, are the exact outfits as the soldiers and sergeants back in Season 1.

Next is the scene on Ryoken's yacht, which is pretty straightforward, as he learns that the Hanoi lost Akairo's signal. He immediately has Emon go to Akairo's apartment and retrieve his body. This occurs after Ryoken defeated Blood Shepherd, and is just before the Lightning vs Blood Shepherd duel. Simple as that.

As for the ending scene involving Watchman... I won't say much, aside from his thoughts on what happened, as well as his past being revealed. Let me know your theories now that you've learned more about Watchman, as well as who he was prior to meeting Myojin and Ukyos.

So without further ado, I want to thank you all for reviewing Chapter 75 of Obscured Truth. As always, please let me know your thoughts about the chapters below in your reviews. Also, constructive criticism is appreciated, as your tips and advice helps make the story better. In addition, don't forget to favorite and follow the story. That way, you will get a notification once the next chapter is released.

What did you enjoy the most about this chapter? The duels? The opening scene, where Azrael requested ten thousand Bitboots to Lightning's horror before reducing it to one hundred? The revelation about Watchman? Or was it something else?

That's all for now, folks. Fasten your seatbelts, because next chapter, it will start a three-part arc, which occurs at the same time the Lightning vs Blood Shepherd duel is happening. During this three-part arc, Azrael will launch an attack on LINK VRAINS' Central Station to get to the dark vault, with Bitboots, Malf, Windy, and Ace at his disposal. I do hope you look forward to it, as it'll raise the stakes by a lot! Until next time!