bopdog111: We're back to check in on the Thieves everyone.
Ulrich362: True, they managed to slow down the Tower of Hanoi and SOL Technologies is holding off the Knights of Hanoi but they're not done yet.
bopdog111: But now from the Seed just being destroyed they need to head out now so that they can recover there strength for ahead. Which means time to see a Deadline.
Ulrich362: Makes sense to me. Oh, and also at the moment Yusaku's pairing is undecided though it will be finalized by the end of the third arc.
bopdog111: Well let's check on the Thieves shall we?
Ulrich362: Sounds good to me, enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimers: We don't own anything but OCs.
"Is everyone ok?" Noir asked.
Everyone slowly gets up as Queen rubbed her head. "Ow... what happened?"
"Well that was a harder shockwave then I initially calculated..." Axis admitted as she sits up still in her dueling form looking over not seeing her opponent. "The Cognition of Dr. Genome is not there, it must've gotten destroyed from the blast."
"So… what now?" Skull asked. "That slowed them down right?"
"Yes, it greatly slows down the energy the Tower of Hanoi absorbed within Link VRAINS." Axis answered as they all stood up before she turned over to them. "All of you are okay? Your not injured from the blast the seed done after it was destroyed aren't you?"
"I think so." Panther admitted before pausing. "Axis... where did you get that form by the way?"
"I installed it onto myself. It was something I was working on to see if I can assist in case in some Palaces or in Link VRAINS to duel with you all so you don't have to go through the burden alone." Axis explained over with a smile. "I don't have the abilities to use Personas but what I can use may be beneficial for you all."
"Don't say that, you could have a Persona Axis." Sophie smiled. "I was able to awaken to one, and maybe you will too."
"She's right, though... how did you work on that so fast?" Oracle asked. "You're so cute."
"It wasn't that fast Oracle-san, I started on it when Joker dueled the real Dr. Genome before you all started your trip around Zaizen's Palace." Axis explained over to them. "And as the VRAINS Navigator App, I'm also able to adapt, record, and view over your dueling records, and abilities which allows me to develop this form the way it is now."
"Well however you created this form it's definitely going to come in handy." Crow noted before frowning. "For the time being though I think our best option is to return to the real world and come up with a plan."
"Yes as the destruction of the Seed of the Tower of Hanoi will attract the attention of the Palace Ruler, retreat is the best option right now." Axis agreed telling them they need to leave for now.
"Right." Joker nodded only for Playmaker to frown slightly.
"Axis."
"Yes Playmaker-san?" Axis turned over to him curiously.
He smiled softly. "You did an amazing job, I'll be counting on you."
Axis smiled nodding before they all quickly headed out leaving both the Palace, and Link VRAINS.
Back at the real world...
After arriving back they explained what happened to Cal who nodded over once he heard the full story. "There had been reports from the battle in Link VRAINS that the Tower of Hanoi started acting differently. It's no longer going as fast as it was before despite absorbing so many people. SOL Technologies still has 9 out of the 10 top Charisma Duelists left so we can stop Varis, and his Palace." He then frowned crossing his arms. "But man, I didn't think that the Leader of the Hanoi would be the Palace Ruler, or the one who helped Yusaku from back then..."
"Actually, it would make sense for them to be one and the same." Akechi noted hearing that.
"But as of now we don't exactly know what he's doing now. He saved Yusaku from the Hanoi Project but now he's leading those same people who were torturing him." Ann frowned not having much answers. "So... what exactly do we need to do now for this?"
"Same as we always do," Zenkichi spoken over for them. "storm the Palace, secure an infiltration route, and steal the Treasure. We will probably find out more in the Palace, and why he is leading them now."
"That makes sense." Ann agreed.
"Though I'm worried over something now..." Morgana spoke up with his cat ears down as they looked over. "Zaizen's Palace didn't have Dueling involved it was no hold bars fights everywhere... but now Ryoken's introduced dueling to the job now something we don't have much practice over... I'm worried on what this will do on us in the future."
"Yusaku and Axis can duel… and the rest of us can do well enough." Ryuji pointed out.
"Yes but we're mostly amateurs... me, and Akira are experienced enough but the rest of you have little to no experience which is something needed to be fixed." Akechi spoke over to them.
"I be more then happy to help with it." Axis spoken up. "With a little bit of time, I can create a private sector within Link VRAINS for us to train, and practice privately without SOLs finding out."
"That would be great, do you need any help with that?" Cal offered.
"Of course thank you."
"Ai will help too!" Ai called over grinning over. "After all leave this to the best to manage a nice secure room!"
"Thanks for praising Ai-san."
"Well no problem, it's no troub-Hey!" Ai started over before then looking offended over to Axis when he realizes she thought he called her the best when he was referring to himself.
Suddenly Haru notices a large TV Screen at the Town Square displaying the battle in Link VRAINS turned to static.
"Huh, what's going on?" she asked getting their attention along with a large crowd of people who were all gathering in the square.
"Why do I have a feeling this isn't going to be good?" Yusuke frowned.
(Cue Theme: Desire)
After a few seconds the screen focused revealing it is Varis on the screen with a serious expression on his face as usual.
"Varis." Yusaku frowned seeing him as the crowd started to panic seeing a Knight of Hanoi.
"Phantom Thieves," Varis started over which alerted the Thieves from hearing he's talking with them. "you really done it now with us here. Now we know how you work on your desire stealing heists, since we know that the Seed of the Tower of Hanoi being destroyed is the result of your own actions. You all still have the DARK Ignis, and Playmaker on your side, so I suppose me, and my comrades shouldn't be surprised your able to find, and destroy the Seed. But you should know that now your gonna be facing the full strength of the Hanoi from this moment on, no matter the cost we will delete the network, and all of Link VRAINS, you only done nothing but delay the inevitable. In just 7 days, the Tower will be complete, and all of the network will be gone. We will be waiting for your resistance Phantom Thieves just know..." He leaned closer in the camera speaking over. "this will not end like last time."
After saying that the camera turned to static again that the message ended.
"Ok... that's definitely bad, but at least it should tell everyone that the Phantom Thieves are trying to protect Link VRAINS right?" Ann asked.
"Did he really have to make such a flashy introduction though?" Ai asked over with crossed arms. "All it was missing was some colorful lights around to really make it attention seeking."
"I think it got his point across... one week, that should be plenty of time." Zenkichi noted. "How long should it take to get that special area prepared Axis?"
"At best 2 days." Axis answered over to confirm. "Okay everyone have your phones or Duel Disks aware, I'm setting something for all of us to receive at once."
Hearing that they all got everything ready to receive it. Axis generated something before a timer function was installed before it shows an app which words, and a timer going down.
(Deadline: Days until the Tower of Hanoi activates: 7)
"Right, one week... just like old times." Morgana grinned.
"Just like old times." Akira grinned over himself from this.
"I had a feeling, I find you all here." they turned over where Skye's body woken up after they all left for the Palace as they were separated for her to keep appearances. "As soon as the message played, I had came back here as fast as I can. What did you all find out?"
"A lot, the palace ruler was the same person who stopped the Lost Incident." Yusaku answered. "And he's the leader of the Knights of Hanoi."
Skye widen her eyes before frowning nodding. "I see... that does raise some questions but we will find out later. Anything else?"
"Well Axis has a new human form to use for dueling, and we will soon have a private sector for us to practice dueling." Futaba answered over from that.
"Oh that sounds good, might give it a try myself." Skye said smiling over before then asking. "Anything else?"
"Dueling is now apparent in the Palaces instead of just fighting now." Yusuke spoken up answering.
"Well dueling in the Metaverse... that's something unexpected but at least I have experience at Dueling." Skye nodded taking that in mind before then asking. "Anything else?"
"No that's everything we all heard about." Kuon answered that they told her everything.
Skye nodded with closed eyes. "I see... well I think I know someone who can help out at the private sector, or help us with the Palaces."
"Really, who?" Sophia asked curiously hearing that.
Skye looked before then answering. "My brother Akira... he is recently freed from the Palace but SOLs followed through firing him, and replacing him already... I think after all that he has the right to know about what we're doing."
"If you trust him, then we will too." Yusaku nodded only for Ryuji to frown.
"So... has anybody else noticed that your brother has the same name as our leader?" Ryuji pointed out.
"We been calling him Zaizen peabrain that's how we can differentiate them." Morgana pointed out to him.
"What was that?" Ryuji glared at Morgana.
"If you two are quite finished... if Zaizen is willing to assist our next objective is to split into two groups, one to work on improving our dueling skill and the other to find the Treasure." Akechi noted calmly.
They all nodded agreeing over as Skye takes out her phone ringing it for her brother. It rang a few times before he answered. "Skye?"
"Hey Akira... I was actually talking, and found something how you can use your skills in computers to good use for people." Skye explained why she is calling him.
"What are you talking about?" he asked her.
"Well... would you like to help... the Phantom Thieves?"
"What!? Why are you asking me that?" he asked in shock.
"Well... if you remember the whole thing they done with you, I'm a part of them... and I would like you to use your hacking skills to help them out." Skye answered over to him. "There next target is Varis, and they might need someone like you to help them out."
Zaizen was quiet for a few moments. "Before I agree to this, I want to meet them... outside of Link VRAINS."
"Of course, I'm sending the location where we're at to your tracking app." Skye said as she types in some things on her phone. "And Akira? ...Thank you."
"You're welcome and..." Zaizen started before pausing as though seeing something. "A public cafe? Are you sure that's the best choice for a meeting?"
"It's where there stationed." Skye admitted over.
"I see, I'll be there in ten minutes." Zaizen answered.
"See you soon Akira." Skye smiled before hanging up pocketing her phone before turning to the Thieves. "He's on his way."
"Hopefully this is a good idea." Ryuji admitted frowning.
"We changed his heart, we can trust Zaizen." Yusaku answered.
So they waited for Zaizen just chatting causally with each other before a small limo parked nearby that they turned over with a motorcycle nearby. Someone exit out which who is exiting being Zaizen himself while the person in the motorcycle took off there helmet showing a woman with a liking to Ghost Gal.
"Emma?" Skye asked shocked seeing the woman.
"Hey there Skye? Are we late?" Emma smiled over to her.
"Akira why is Emma here? I thought you will be alone." Skye turned over towards Zaizen why Emma is here.
Zaizen answered over towards his sister. "I have a feeling Emma's expertise will come in handy for how the Thieves can change hearts, and against opponents like the Hanoi could have a better advantage. Is that a problem?"
"You all don't mind me joining your little team do you?" Emma asked.
They all looked over at each other from this before Futaba shrugged over. "Personally I don't mind, could be great working with someone like me. But she'll need to stay close to me so that they won't get near her."
"Well, if Futaba says so, then I don't see any issues." Makoto admitted over since Futaba voiced over it be a good idea doesn't see why not as long as she's careful of herself.
"Well... I didn't expect this but... you guys seen that Palace Bomb trick I done? I got it from her so maybe we can get more things like that from her if she does join up." Skye recalled that one of Emma's Palace Bombs helped out in Zaizen's Palace, and if it did help out then maybe it isn't a bad idea for Emma to join them for it.
"Glad to help, so introductions? I'm Emma Bessho, and you must be the Phantom Thieves? Should I count Skye as one of you?" Emma asked curiously.
"Yes you will." Yusaku said walking over with Ai showing himself. "To start I'm Yusaku... Yusaku Fujiki, and this is Ai."
"Heya, how ya doing?" Ai waved over with a grin which caught Zaizen, and Emma's attentions seeing the Ignis.
Yusaku nodded before everyone else walked over introducing themselves over including Morgana, and Sophia who were given there human forms due to Maruki's actualization after a quick trip to the Velvet Room. Then came to new one.
"Evening Mr. Zaizen, Ghost Gal. My name is Axis, the VRAINS Navigator App." Axis introduced herself from Akira's Duel Disk over to the two with a smile.
"A Navigator App? You mean an AI?" Emma inquired.
"Yes, designed personally by Sir King but somewhere along the way he abandoned me, and I met up with the Thieves after they changed Yusaku's heart." Axis explained over.
Zaizen frowned hearing that before shaking his head. "Well, how do you think I can be of any help? I don't work for SOL Technologies any longer."
"Well your familiar with SOL Tech security so we appreciate if your able to help us keep them off of us." Cal spoken over towards him. "If they somehow find out, we'll be in trouble so someone who should be familiar with how they act will come in handy."
He nodded at that. "I see."
"Also, we were hoping to have some kind of isolated location in the network to help us get some dueling practice." Haru added.
"Axis is making that area so no need for that." Ann reminded over to Haru before shrugging. "But both you, and Emma are good duelists so we appreciate you helping us practice cause dueling is getting involved in our career."
"I believe we can work something out." Emma grinned over towards them nodding.
"We'd appreci-" Ryuji started before Yusaku frowned.
"You're having second thoughts right?" he asked Zaizen only for him to sigh.
"It isn't that, I'm willing to help though I can't help but wonder... just what connection does Link VRAINS have with the Phantom Thieves?" he asked
"Well... it's a long story to go through. You two got some time for us to talk?" Yusuke asked them with crossed arms.
"Yeah, I'm all ears." Emma smiled.
So they all begin explaining there heists as the Phantom Thieves starting with forming from Akira, Ryuji, Ann, and Morgana all against Kamoshida using the world of the Metaverse before then going against a target like Madarame recruiting Yusuke, then against a large target the police couldn't catch such as Kaneshiro recruiting Makoto with them. Then it changed to the Medjed situation where they recruited Futaba as she requested the Thieves to change her heart that they did, and with her hacking abilities took down the Medjed situation. Then came Kunikazu Okumura where they recruited Haru but while they succeeded on the change of Heart, he suffered a Mental Shutdown from Akechi killing his Shadow on Shido's orders, and framed the Thieves for it but they managed to clear there names but before then they investigated Makoto's sister Sae, and recruited Akechi but Akira gotten captured during the change of Heart day where it was a plan to fake Akira's death so they can catch Akechi, and later revealed themselves to stop Shido from taking over the country fighting Akechi also which they succeeded in stopping them but the masses not wanting to see the truth, instead placed Shido under psychiatric evaluation to keep him from breaking down where the Thieves went deep into Mementos, and defeated the orchestrator of the events Yaldabaoth after some struggle.
But sometime later things didn't appear right, and after realizing something was wrong they see the Metaverse was active again, and encountered Dr. Maruki who is changing reality to what they want recruiting Akechi again alongside Sumire who had taken Kasumi's identity to have her sister's image live on but from talking with the Thieves she decided to move forward, and continue her sister's legacy with her. Together they all fought Dr. Maruki who later evolved his Persona but they managed to defeat him in battle losing the Metaverse once more, and Akechi too but they assume he survived the events of Shido's Palace.
About a year after, there started some change of hearts by desires being stolen in Prisons or Monarchs ruling in a part of the Metaverse known as jails starting with the idol sensation Alice Hiiragi, then a book artist who Yusuke knows Ango Natsume, an old family friend of Haru's Mariko Hyodo, Zenkichi's own daughter Akane Hasegawa, leading to the mastermind Akira Konoe who is using the EMMA app to take the free will from humans to stop all forms of corruption with recruiting Sophia to there cause. They succeeded in stopping Konoe but EMMA continued on where they find her creator Kuon Ichnose who is also Sophia's creator to use EMMA as an Ark, and although they stopped her EMMA continues on with her threats so they sent a Calling Card to the masses to get there desires to show so they can stop EMMA ultimately succeeding in stopping her, and ending the Metaverse once more which after some time eventually lead to there missions here in Den City starting with Yusaku's change of heart.
"...And Axis told us the Metaverse, and Link VRAINS are one, and the same." Futaba finished over the explanation they needed.
Zaizen and Emma listened intently to what they said the two of them nodded.
"I see, well if that's all true it stands to reason that someone in SOL Technologies knows about the Metaverse right?" Emma pointed out.
"Who came up with the idea of Link VRAINS?" Ann asked over to them if they know.
Zaizen frowned over. "That would be King, the CEO, and founder of SOL Technologies. I'm sorry I don't know why he would use the Metaverse as a base for Link VRAINS but I hope that's some insight."
"Though, there is one other thing." Zaizen mentioned before bowing towards Yusaku. "I wanted to thank you, for helping Skye when I couldn't."
"It's alright. She helped us out when we asked her." Yusaku said over with a nod before frowning. "But now we need to worry about the Knights of Hanoi, and we only got a week to spare until the Tower actives."
"Already set the same time to Zaizen, and Emma's Duel Disks so they are aware." Axis spoken up in Ann's Duel Disk from this. "I'd suggest we wait until the isolated sector to practice is complete as Varis' Palace seems to be entirely duel based so it be best if you all practice before going back in."
"An isolated sector in Link VRAINS to practice dueling? I might have something in mind." Emma grinned. "I'll be back tomorrow with something for you all... I have a few tricks that could come in handy."
"Should we... be worried?" Ryuji asked over as Emma turned back to her motorcycle heading off.
Skye shrugged over to them. "She's eccentric, and while she is a little bit tough to work with she's effective in what she does as one of the Bounty Hunters, SOL often calls whenever they have a problem."
"She's trustworthy... I assume you remember Emperor?" Zaizen asked Yusaku.
"Yes, who looks to be your boss. He seemed pretty protective over you." Yusaku answered over to him recalling that guy he, and Sophie dueled in the Data Banks.
"It's actually the opposite." Zaizen sighed before looking. "He's... a victim of that same incident... and he's King's son."
"He is?" Ai asked over shocked hearing that.
"Yes, he is." Zaizen nodded looking at Yusaku. "So while I don't know what you went through exactly I can say I know the effects it must have had... and if I can help in any way I'd like to... just like I help Sota."
Yusaku closed his eyes hearing that before looking back over. "Your help would be appreciated Zaizen."
Zaizen nodded. "I know I won't be able to do much, but sometimes having someone to lean on is enough… or, another person in your case."
Time seemed to freeze as he said that.
"I am Thou, Thou Art I...
Thou has acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
that breaketh the chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Hanged Man Persona,
I shall become the key that shall lead
to promise, and truth..."
Akira Zaizen: (Hanged Man; RANK 1)
Yusaku stared over before he smiled softly to himself closing his eyes. 'Hanged Man... I can see Zaizen having something like that.'
"That said, Link VRAINS isn't safe as long as the Tower of Hanoi remains." Zaizen frowned.
"Not to mention Varis called you out directly." Akane added. "He probably expects you to go after his treasure right?"
"I don't think so. He does acknowledge we act in the Palace, or in Link VRAINS but doesn't seem to know how we operate exactly." Morgana spoken over to them. "So we're still in the clear... I think."
"Yup, same old Morgana." Ryuji smirked before frowning. "Still, something's been bothering me. What kind of distorted desires would the leader of those Hanoi even have?"
"That mural wall we seen back there seem to have some answers but to have been cutoff." Ann admitted over to them.
"What mural?" Zaizen asked confused hearing that.
"Well there was a carving wall where we seen some things." Sumire explained over to him. "Something that seemed like the Hanoi Project of Yusaku, Sota, Jin, and others getting tortured with a seventh person seem to be distressed."
"That seventh person was Varis himself, the Lost Incident was uncovered from an anonymous report, and with me remembering about him after hearing his real name, we can conclude that he was who saved us that day." Yusaku told Zaizen so that he will know who Ryoken is exactly. "It ended with him reporting it, and we first thought the Hanoi kidnapped him which resulted in his desires to be free but we seen his Shadow as the leader of the Hanoi which probably meant the truth is far deeper then we thought."
"There was also a carving of Ai alongside 5 other beings like him." Sophia spoken up recalling they also seen a carving of 6 figures looking similar to Ai. "But he said he can't remember exactly..."
"Likely the other Ignis." Zaizen nodded before pausing. "Morgana correct, could desires be distorted through internal conflict?"
"Well yeah, basically desires within the Palace or the Palace themselves change depending on what can happen to the Palace Ruler. Like say for example, a safe that the Palace Ruler thought nobody can open cause of a super complicated lock combination, they gain the combination, and opened it right in front of them which similarly within the Palace the thing that represent that chest is unlocked." Morgana explained over a metaphor to explain over how they can be distorted.
"That's... not what I meant." Zaizen admitted. "What if two desires were in conflict? For example, if Varis chose to report the incident and bring it to end, yet at the same time somehow felt he needed to finish what was started?"
"Need to finish what was started? Do you know something?" Zenkichi asked him.
"No, it's just a thought." Zaizen answered. "That aside, how many of you have dueled?"
"We all had a hand but Akira, Ryuji, Futaba, Sophia, and Akechi had any real experience with it." Ann admitted over.
"Then for now the rest of you should get some practice." Zaizen noted.
Meanwhile at SOL Technologies...
The inner circle was reviewing Varis's message.
"Hmph, pitiful baby Varis speaking so publicly like that after the Thieves sabotaged his Tower." Black Rook scoffed over from this. "He could like NOT make something as embarrassing as that, so unbecoming of who his father was."
"With any luck Varis and the Phantom Thieves will just destroy each other." Lancelot frowned.
"That seems unlikely Lancelot, the Phantom Thieves has a reputation of completing there contracts without failure." Bishop spoke over towards Lancelot recalling how the Thieves do there jobs. "That incident with Mr. Okumura aside as it was an act from the head, they always succeed in there jobs. So it be safe to say that Varis would soon fall before them as well."
"But not us." Queen spoken over arrogantly crossing her arms. "Our power is far above what those teenagers can do."
"What about the incident with the potential prime minister Masayoshi Shido?" Alexander pointed out.
"Don't you DARE talk about that failure!" King suddenly snapped at him.
"Sir?" Alexander flinched.
King glared over before then stating. "There shall be NO mention about that man here around me is that clear Alexander?"
"Of... of course sir, my apologies." he nodded nervously.
"King, with all due respect we should try to avoid making the same mistakes as... that man." White Rook pointed out. "If nothing else learning from his mistakes could help us in the long run."
"I am FAR better then anything of that failure of a man has White. We won't be as arrogant, or as stupid as he was." King stated over standing up, and turned picking up a picture from his desk staring at it. "He always talks about stirring this country for a peaceful era but like all politicians, they make big promises but in the end there all talk..." He slammed the picture down frame side down which sparked a crack in the glass before turning over. "We WILL be the better kind of people then what that coward was! That will be certain!"
The Inner Circle all flinched at that only for Queen's eyes to widen as she quickly stood up. "Of course, which is why we need to deal with the Phantom Thieves more directly... but how?"
"Actually... I may have something, though I'm not sure how reliable this source of information is." Bishop admitted turning to King. "There is an... unofficial government organization that deals with unusual cases like the Phantom Thieves... perhaps we could enlist their aide in dealing with them sir?"
"Unofficial, what are you... wait you mean that shadow organization? You must be joking." Black Rook frowned.
"No, I believe they might be able to deal with the Phantom Thieves in a way... that fool's plans failed." Bishop stated.
"I'm sorry, I don't get it. What organization is he talking about?" White is the only one looking confused about this.
"Are you that ignorant?" Queen questioned.
"The Shadow Operatives, a group that specializes in... individuals like the Phantom Thieves." Bishop answered.
"Oh the Kirijo Group?" White now realizes what they are talking about. "But should we really ask them for help?"
"They should be able to deal with the Phantom Thieves." Queen noted.
King gives thought frowning over. Although he hesitates at the thought, it be better if the Shadow Operatives do get employed for this. So he turned over to Bishop. "Very well then Bishop, give them a call."
Just then Emperor walked in. "I apologize for coming in unannounced... I needed to inform you of something father."
"You have my attention." King nodded.
"The Hanoi had retreated from the incident involving the Tower but the Tower of Hanoi is still charging. We lost Infernal-Judge, and many Pawn Drones." Emperor explained to him. "The Shepherd had came, and helped White Tiger, but the Hanoi had us outnumbered, if the Tower haven't been disabled like this, we probably would've been overwhelmed. So I would like to ask permission for me to join the battle within Link VRAINS."
"Permission denied." King told him simply.
"Why?" Emperor asked him why exactly he can't not surprised but would like to be explained.
That's when he noticed King looked weak, it was something only those that knew him extremely well would see but something was taking a severe toll on his mental health. "You, and your mother are to remain here for the time being... understand?"
"All of you are dismissed!" Queen called.
The Inner Circle all looked confused over before they all moved walking out of the room, and once everyone else was gone Maria, and Emperor quickly moved over to him. "Aku, you can't keep going like this... I think you should take a brief vacation while we handle the Hanoi in your stead... your mind can't handle this level of stress."
Aku shook his head over. "I can't... not after all of the shit I gone through... that would set me back now that I can finally prove I can be better... then HIM." He lifts the picture frame where they see the glass on it was cracked where it shows a family photo where young boys are.
One boy was a younger Aku, and the other seemed to be a older boy wearing orange len sunglasses, and is also bald. They both are wearing tuxedos, and sit beside each other with expressions where they try looking more regal, or elite-like as evident from how the picture looks.
"You are better, he failed and you didn't... SOL Technologies is one of the greatest companies in the entire world yet alone Japan, and you expanded on that research to manifest gods as your power." Maria told him as she took his hand. "You need your rest to maintain control of that power... in case you need to utilize it again."
"Yes father... it be best if you relax." Emperor agreed over to him. "Me, and mother can handle the Hanoi, you just focus on controlling the strain."
Aku stared over to his wife, and son seeing they won't stop to change himself before he sighed over. "I'd expect when I return for the Hanoi to be stopped, and the Phantom Thieves won't be interfering anymore with the Ignis in our hands."
"Of course, we'll bring the Phantom Thieves, Hanoi, and Ignis to you Aku." Maria told him. "Just focus on controlling them."
King looked at his wife and son before nodding with a slow breath. "Very well."
Emperor smiled over before walking, and pressing a button to King's secretary. "Connor, transfer father's work to mother, and me, and have Nathaniel, take father home to rest."
"Of course Emperor." a male voice nodded.
Meanwhile with Yusaku's group and the Phantom Thieves...
(Deadline: Days until the Tower of Hanoi activates: 5)
Right now it was passed 2 days, and the Phantom Thieves joined by Ghost Gal, and Akira are waiting for Yusaku, Akira, Morgana, Sophia, and Axis. After that time in the Palace, they decided to wait like Axis said for the dueling sector to be completed so they can practice dueling without anyone butting in to try arresting them, and all of that. Then came the day where Akira, and Yusaku went to the Velvet Room to give Morgana, and Sophie there human forms but also Axis on Ai's suggestion over so she can act like a human for a short while, and join them even if she didn't need too as her program still works outside of Link VRAINS.
"We're back." they looked over where the five walked up with Axis beside Sophia in her human body she used against Cognitive Dr. Genome.
"Dude, I still can't believe how cute she ended up being." Ryuji admitted seeing Axis.
"Yeah, almost to borderline unfair..." Ann trailed off staring feeling a twinge of jealously seeing her.
Axis giggled over from that. "Does that mean your interested in me Skull-san?" She is not only cute she is also flirty when she wants too which they quickly realize.
"Huh? Oh I mean... well that's..." he started blushing red over before pausing. "Oh, and it's Ryuji."
"Of course, I was only joking around." Axis chuckled over to them before she then looked over. "Anyways before I attained this form, the isolated sector has been completed so now we can be able to practice."
"That's good." Futaba admitted. "We need it."
"Okay so who should use it first?"
Haru at that stood up over from Zenkichi asking who can try the sector first. "I can try it first."
"Haru? Alright, that works for me." Akira nodded.
Zaizen nodded over from it. "Okay then who will be joining her to try it out?"
"I can." Yusaku offered.
"Wait Yusaku." Skye rose up turning to him. "I think, I should do this."
"When did you get here Skye? Doesn't SOL Technologies want you to help try and stop the Knights of Hanoi?" Sophia asked curiously.
"I managed to slip out of there. It looked as though, SOL Technologies are handling them well. Besides I can't leave all the work to you guys." Skye explained over to them with a smile.
"You should be careful, if they get suspicious of you especially after what happened with your brother." Yusuke pointed out.
Skye only nodded before she turned to Haru. "So shall we Haru?"
Haru smiled over nodding before they both get notifications over which Axis explained smiling. "I sent an invite to the sector for you two to enter. It's triple-encoded so SOL, and the Hanoi won't find us, or get there without an invite."
"That was very clever Axis... thank you." Haru smiled.
Axis nodded before the two girls readied over together calling. "INTO THE VRAINS!" The Duel Disks glowed forming into orbs for them to see as Kolter typed in seeing the sector there in. "Okay we can see them!" They checked over where they see a black gray sector shaped like a large cube was there.
In the Sector...
Noir, and Blue Angel appeared together looking around as Noir looked around over. "It's... blank." Too blank for her tastes but given it's isolated it kinda makes sense.
"Well, it's not supposed to attract a lot of attention." Blue Angel admitted. "Are you ready?"
Noir turned over nodding as she readied the Duel Disk. "This is my first match so, I'll try to do well."
"I'll take it easy on you." Blue Angel smiled getting ready herself.
"DUEL!"
(Dueling Theme: Shadows by From Ashes to New)
Noir: 4000
Hand: 5
Field: Nothing
Blue Angel: 4000
Hand: 5
Field: Nothing
Let the duel commence!
Noir swings her hand seeing her hand of five cards checking them over.
"You can go first." Blue Angel mentioned.
Noir 1st Turn:
Noir nodded checking over, and seeing one card, she stared before tapping it. "Okay I'll start by summoning this! Robot Worker!" At that a blue outfit like robot like the ones at her father's Palace rose up.
(Attack Position)
Robot Worker
LIGHT
Level 4
Psychic/Effect
ATK: 1400
DEF: 1100
When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can gain 500 LP. If your LP is higher then your opponent's, this card cannot be destroyed by battle. If this card is destroyed while your LP is higher; Special Summon 1 Psychic monster from your hand with a different name. You can only activate this effect of "Robot Worker" per turn.
"Robots, you play Machines?" Blue Angel inquired.
"No this a Psychic." Noir answered over to her before then saying over. "One that if summoned, I gain 500 points." The Worker raised it's arms as Noir glowed green over. (Noir: 4500/Hand: 4) "And now that my Life Points are higher, my monster can't destroyed in battle now." A shield glowed around Robot Worker as it stood in front of Noir.
Robot Worker: (Cannot be destroyed by battle)
"Clever move." Blue Angel smiled.
"I place 3 cards down, and end my turn." Noir ends her turn simple with some defense.
Noir's Hand: 1/Field: Robot Worker (Attack Position/Cannot be destroyed by battle), Three Set Cards
Blue Angel 1st Turn:
Blue Angel drew her card and nodded. "Ok, let's see I'll start with Trickstar Candina." From that Candina rose up readying with her grin over.
(Attack Position)
Trickstar Candina
LIGHT
Level 4
Fairy/Effect
ATK: 1800
DEF: 400
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can add 1 "Trickstar" card from your Deck to your hand. Each time your opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card, inflict 200 damage to them immediately after it resolves.
"When I summon Candina I can add a Trickstar Card to my hand and I pick Trickstar Light Stage." Blue Angel continued. "Then, I'll use the effect of Trickstar Lycoris in my hand, I return Candina to my hand to summon her."
Candina vanished as Lycoris appeared in her place.
(Attack Position)
Trickstar Lycoris
LIGHT
Level 3
Fairy/Effect
ATK: 1600
DEF: 1200
(This card is treated as a "Persona" card.)
(Quick Effect): You can reveal this card in your hand, then target 1 "Trickstar" monster you control, except "Trickstar Lycoris"; Special Summon this card, and if you do, return that monster to the hand. Each time a card(s) is added to your opponent's hand, inflict 200 damage to them for each.
"Now, Lycoris attacks Robot Worker."
Lycoris charged in readying her wand firing a blast over which struck over at Robot Worker but due it's shield it didn't do much. (Noir: 4300/Hand: 1)
"Now I'll set one card and activate my Trickstar Light Stage." Blue Angel continued as the field spell appeared.
(Field Zone)
Trickstar Light Stage
Field Spell Card
When this card is activated: You can add 1 "Trickstar" monster from your Deck to your hand. Once per turn: You can target 1 Set card in your opponent's Spell & Trap Zone; while this card is in the Field Zone, that Set card cannot be activated until the End Phase, and your opponent must activate it during the End Phase or else send it to the GY. Each time a "Trickstar" monster you control inflicts battle or effect damage to your opponent, inflict 200 damage to them.
"Light Stage adds Trickstar Corobane to my hand and that's all I'll do for now."
Blue Angel's Hand: 5/Field: Trickstar Light Stage (Field Zone), Trickstar Lycoris (Attack Position), One Set Card
Noir: 4300
Hand: 1
Field: Robot Worker (Attack Position/Cannot be destroyed by battle), Three Set Cards
Blue Angel: 4000
Hand: 5
Field: Trickstar Light Stage (Field Zone), Trickstar Lycoris (Attack Position), One Set Card
Noir 2nd Turn:
"Okay, I draw!" Noir drew checking over but Lycoris generated her wand firing a small bolt that hit her. "Huh?" (Noir: 4100/Hand: 2)
Like she said the shield around Robot Worker vanished over where it's protection effect is no longer in effect.
Noir nodded before taking a card. "Well I start my turn by summoning D.D. Telepon!" Raising beside the Robot Worker was a white robot like drone with golden decorative parts on it, and blue eyes flying over.
(Attack Position)
D.D. Telepon
EARTH
Level 2
Psychic/Effect
ATK: 600
DEF: 1800
If this face-up card you control is banished: You can banish 1 Psychic-Type monster with 1500 or less ATK from your Deck. Then, during your next Standby Phase, if this card is still banished: Special Summon that monster banished by this effect.
"Then I use the effect of Time Escaper in my hand! I discard this card to banish a Psychic on my field until the Standby Phase!" Noir discarded it as D.D. Telepon vanished from the field. "Then as D.D. Telepon is banished, I banish a Psychic with 1500 or fewer attack points!" She takes a card, and pockets it.
Blue Angel nodded seeing that.
"And now Robot Worker attack Trickstar Lycoris!" At that the Robot Worker charged energy over using a psychokinesis attack over at Trickstar Lycoris who while confused from the attack geared up readying over, and slashed the attack up.
Lycoris struck back destroying Robot Worker.
(Noir: 3700/Hand: 0)
Noir raise an arm to defend from the damage before using one of her face-downs. "I activate Telepathic Power!"
"ERROR!"
Noir blinked checking over before blinking. "Oh... misread it, and one other card."
"It's alright." Blue Angel reassured her. "That's what this is for, practicing."
Noir nodded before just ending her turn for now.
Noir's Hand: 0/Field: Three Set Cards
Blue Angel 2nd Turn:
When Blue Angel drew, Noir already got to work, "I activate Pulling the Mask!" Her trap that her team often uses rose up on the field.
Pulling the Mask
Normal Trap Card
During your opponent's turn, if your LP is lower then your opponent's: Special Summon 1 "Persona" monster from your Deck in Defense Position, and if you do, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle this turn. After this resolves, you can draw 1 card. You can only activate 1 "Pulling the Mask" per turn.
"During your turn, if my Life Points are lower, I can summon a Persona from my Deck in Defense Position, and it can't be destroyed in battle this turn!" Noir explained over to Blue Angel.
Noir reached removing her mask as it turned to flames. "Now come on, Empress Persona Milady!"
Raising behind her was a large pink extravagent dress with a fancy mask held up by a stick she's holding with some jewelry around before the top lifted where guns exit out of the dress.
(Defense Position)
(Cannot be destroyed by battle)
Empress Persona Milady
LIGHT
Level 8
Psychic/Effect/Tuner
ATK: 2400
DEF: 2000
If your LP are higher then your opponent's; this card gains the following effects.
● Cannot be targeted to card effects.
● During your Main Phase, you can target 1 monster your opponent controls; halve it's ATK/DEF.
● If this card attacks, your opponent cannot activate card or effects until the end of the Damage Step.
If this card is in your GY, except the turn it was sent there while you control no monsters; you can Special Summon this card from your GY, but banish it when it leaves the field.
You can only activate this effect of "Empress Persona Milady" per turn.
Blue Angel frowned. "That's a powerful monster."
"After the trap resolves, I draw." Noir drew which Lycoris, and Light Stage triggered hitting her twice. (Noir: 3300/Hand: 1)
"Ok, well I'll summon Trickstar Candina back to the field and this time I'll add Trickstar Lilybell." Blue Angel mentioned over while Candina raise back up waving with a grin.
Trickstar Candina: (Attack Position)
"When Lilybell is added to my hand I can automatically summon her." At that Lilybell move readying on the field against them.
(Attack Position)
Trickstar Lilybell
LIGHT
Level 2
Fairy/Effect
ATK: 800
DEF: 2000
If this card is added to your hand, except by drawing it: You can Special Summon it from your hand. You can only use this effect of "Trickstar Lilybell" once per turn. This card can attack directly. When this card inflicts battle damage to your opponent: You can target 1 "Trickstar" monster in your GY; add it to your hand.
"With that done, I'll activate Trickstar Bouquet from my hand."
Trickstar Bouquet
Quick-Play Spell Card
Target 1 "Trickstar" monster you control and 1 face-up monster on the field; return that "Trickstar" monster to the hand, and if you do, the other monster gains ATK equal to the original ATK of the returned monster, until the end of this turn. You can only activate 1 "Trickstar Bouquet" per turn.
"I return Candina to my hand to add her attack points to Trickstar Lilybell."
Candina vanished as Lilybell began to glow.
Trickstar Lilybell: (ATK: 800 + 1800 = 2600)
"Lilybell can attack you directly!"
Lillybell rose up reaching before blasting over on Noir who raised her arm before she called. "I activate my face-down, Damage Diet!"
Damage Diet
Normal Trap Card
Halve all damage you take this turn. You can banish this card from your Graveyard; halve all effect damage you take this turn. (You cannot halve the same damage twice with this effect.)
"All damage, I take this turn is halved!" The blast weakened a bit but still packed on a punch on Noir. (Noir: 2000/Hand: 1) Then the field spell's effect blasted over on Noir again. (Noir: 1900/Hand: 1)
Blue Angel's eyes widened before she nodded. "Well, in that case I'll end my turn by linking Lilybell and Lycoris together in order to Link Summon Trickstar Noble Angel!"
(Attack Position)
(Extra Monster Zone)
Trickstar Noble Angel
LIGHT
Link Rating 2
Fairy/Link/Effect
ATK: 2000
Link Markers: Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right
2 "Trickstar" monsters
If this card is Link Summoned: You can add 1 "Blue Tears" card from your Deck to your hand. If you have a Fusion Monster on your field or in your GY: You can target 1 "Trickstar" monster in your GY; Special Summon it. If effect damage is inflicted (except during the Damage Step): You can target 1 face-up card on the field; destroy it. You can only use each effect of "Trickstar Noble Angel" once per turn.
"When I Link Summon her I can add a card to my hand and I'll immediately set that card. Your move."
Blue Angel's Hand: 4/Field: Trickstar Light Stage (Field Zone), Trickstar Noble Angel (Attack Position/Extra Monster Zone), Two Set Cards
Noir: 1900
Hand: 1
Field: Empress Persona Milady (Defense Position)
Blue Angel: 4000
Hand: 4
Field: Trickstar Light Stage (Field Zone), Trickstar Noble Angel (Attack Position/Extra Monster Zone), Two Set Cards
Noir 3rd Turn:
"Okay, my turn next!" Noir drew readying over checking her drawn card. Then she looked up. "And first during this Standby Phase, the effect of D.D. Telepon now activates where the monster banished with it's effect is summoned to the field!"
Blue Angel nodded at that. Noir takes the card, and placed it over. "I choose this one, Corporobo MDL-AM!" Another robot that was from her father's Palace rose up beside Milady.
(Attack Position)
Corporobo MDL-AM
LIGHT
Level 3
Psychic/Effect
ATK: 1200
DEF: 800
When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can gain 500 LP. If your LP is higher then your opponent's, your opponent cannot activate Monster Effects from the hand. If this card is destroyed while your LP is higher; Special Summon 1 Psychic monster from your hand with a different name. You can only activate this effect of "Corporobo MDL-AM" per turn.
"I play a trap card, Maiden with Blue Tears!" Blue Angel countered.
Maiden with Blue Tears
Normal Trap Card
If your opponent Special Summons a monster(s) and you control a Link Monster: Target 1 of those Summoned monsters; destroy it, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to half its original ATK. If effect damage is inflicted while this card is in your GY (except during the Damage Step): You can banish this card, then target 1 Normal Spell in your GY or banishment; Set it, but it cannot be activated this turn. You can only use 1 "Maiden of Blue Tears" effect per turn, and only once that turn.
"Since you summoned a monster while I control a Link Monster this trap destroys your monster and deals damage equal to half its attack points."
"I play a trap card, Maiden with Blue Tears!" Blue Angel countered as a trap card showing the Blue Angel book but a different person was there.
Maiden with Blue Tears
Normal Trap Card
If your opponent Special Summons a monster(s) and you control a Link Monster: Target 1 of those Summoned monsters; destroy it, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to half its original ATK. If effect damage is inflicted while this card is in your GY (except during the Damage Step): You can banish this card, then target 1 Normal Spell in your GY or banishment; Set it, but it cannot be activated this turn. You can only use 1 "Maiden of Blue Tears" effect per turn, and only once that turn.
"Since you summoned a monster while I control a Link Monster this trap destroys your monster and deals damage equal to half its attack points!"
Noir blinked as a bomb appeared on the robot before she called over. "Well before it's destroyed, it's effect to where I gain 500 points as it's summoned activates!" The robot generated energy on Noir before it's destroyed.
(Noir: 1300/Hand: 2)
Then the effect where she gained LP activates where she glowed a bit.
(Noir: 1800/Hand: 2)
"Before anything else, Time Escaper's effect resolves so D.D. Telepon returns to the field." Noir added as D.D Telepon rose back on her field.
"Alright." Blue Angel nodded.
Noble Angel charged up an effect over waiting for Blue Angel to select which one to use on it. Blue Angel however nodded at her monster as the effect faded. Noir didn't notice checking over. 'I can't summon a monster from MDL-AM's effect... But maybe Telepon returning gave me a chance!' "Alright, I tune Level 8 Milady with Level 2 D.D Telepon!"
Milady charged up turning to 8 rings while Telepon flew up over where it passed by the rings.
(LV: 2 + 8 = 10)
"Wait what!?" Blue Angel cried in shock seeing that.
"This could be a problem." Kolter admitted seeing that.
"Why could it be? This is for training, and whatever Noir can figure out the better right?" Ai asked Kolter confused on why this should be a bad thing.
"He means a level ten Synchro Monster isn't something Blue Angel was expecting... it's a problem in so far as how she'll deal with it." Yusaku told Ai.
"Still it's good as Noir is training on it right?" Ai asked that it's not really a problem, so no-one should should be on edge on it as it's only practice not a serious match like the Hanoi or SOL.
"When the desire for freedom is attained, it shall raise over where all who live under oppression can he freed! Synchro Summon! Level 10, Empress Persona Astarte!"
Lowering down was a black upper bodied woman having a golden crescent moon like ornament as a head with a golden bra, and bracelets at her wrists but her lower body is a large skull with yellow eyes having 2 black rings in the pupils, and blue eyelids, and eyebrows while the skull is decorated in dark pink, and light pink flowers all around.
(Attack Position)
(Extra Monster Zone)
Empress Persona Astarte
LIGHT
Level 10
Psychic/Effect/Synchro
ATK: 3000
DEF: 2100
"Empress Persona Milady" + 1 non-Tuner Monster
Effects will be revealed.
Blue Angel's eyes widened seeing the new monster.
"When she's summoned, I gain Life Points equal to the attack points of my monster in either our graveyards as long as the monster picked isn't one of monsters used to summon her." Noir explained as the monster glowed over before she pointed over. "And I pick the one with the highest attack points. Trickstar Lycoris!" Astarte charged up energy as Noir glowed over with closed eyes.
(Noir: 3400/Hand: 2)
"That can really come in handy." Ai admitted.
"Next, I activate the spell card, Time to Work!" Noir activated a spell that shows of her father's Shadow form summoning some robots against silhouettes of the Phantom Thieves.
Time to Work!
Normal Spell Card
If you control no monsters or a Psychic Synchro Monster while your LP is lower: Target any number of Level 4 or lower Psychic monsters in your GY; Special Summon them, then inflict 300 damage to your opponent for each monster summoned by this effect. The Special Summoned monsters have there effects negated, they cannot attack, and are destroyed during your opponent's End Phase. You can only activate 1 "Time to Work!" per turn.
"As I have fewer Life Points, I can summon any number of Psychics that are Level 4 or lower from the graveyard, and deal you 300 points of damage for each!" Noir explained as she takes four cards from her graveyard.
Blue Angel's eyes widened in shock hearing that. "1200 damage?"
"Alright I summon Robot Worker, Corporobo MDL-AM, D.D. Telepon, and Time Escaper!"
Four metal tubes lowered down before opening revealing the Psychics including a small kid having a cape, and pink armor on with goggles.
Robot Worker: (Attack Position/Effects Negated/Cannot attack/Destroyed during opponent's End Phase)
Corporobo MDL-AM: (Attack Position/Effects Negated/Cannot attack/Destroyed during opponent's End Phase)
D.D. Telepon: (Attack Position/Effects Negated/Cannot attack/Destroyed during opponent's End Phase)
(Attack Position)
(Effects Negated)
(Cannot attack)
(Destroyed during opponent's End Phase)
Time Escaper
EARTH
Level 2
Psychic/Effect
ATK: 500
DEF: 100
During either player's turn: You can discard this card, then target 1 Psychic-Type monster you control; banish it until your next Standby Phase.
As they appeared electricity hit Blue Angel making her wince.
(Blue Angel: 2800/Hand: 4)
"And now as my Life Points are higher, Astarte gains some special abilities!" Noir called over as Astarte rose up readying.
"What kind of abilities?" Blue Angel asked her.
"First up, you can't target Astarte with special abilities! Then next whenever, I gain Life Points, your monsters lose 500 points! And lastly, if a Psychic on my field battles, you can't use anything against it!" Noir answered over as Astarte glowed bright over.
Blue Angel's eyes widened hearing that. "Wait, if a psychic monster you control battles I can't use any cards or effects?"
"Yes."
Blue Angel's eyes widened before she sighed and smiled. "Ok."
"Next I Tribute two of mymonsters," Telepon, and Time Escaper vanished from the field as she placed a card. "to summon this! Corporobo Execurobo MDL-ED!"
Raising was a large bulked robot shaping as a executive.
(Attack Position)
(Cannot be destroyed)
Corporobo Execurobo MDL-ED
LIGHT
Level 8
Psychic/Effect
ATK: 2300
DEF: 1800
If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can gain 1000 LP. If your LP is higher then your opponent's, this card cannot be destroyed by battle or by card effect. If this card is destroyed while your LP is higher; Special Summon 1 Psychic monster from your hand with a different name. You can only activate this effect of "Corporobo Execurobo MDL-ED" per turn.
"I think that's it." Ai admitted seeing that. "If Blue Angel can't play any cards, she loses."
"Battle! Execurobo, attack Noble Angel with Executive Punch!"
The Executive robot charged on punching over at Noble Angel.
Noble Angel was destroyed by the attack.
(Blue Angel: 2500/Hand: 4)
"Now Asarte attack Blue Angel directly! One-Shot Kill!" Astarte charged over a large gun attack firing over at Blue Angel.
The attack hit defeating Blue Angel.
Noir: 3400
Hand: 1
Field: Empress Persona Astarte (Attack Position/Gains effects), Robot Worker (Attack Position/Effects Negated/Cannot attack/Destroyed during opponent's End Phase), Corporobo MDL-AM (Attack Position/Effects Negated/Cannot attack/Destroyed during opponent's End Phase), Corporobo Execurobo MDL-ED (Attack Position/Cannot be destroyed)
Blue Angel: 0000
Hand: 4
Field: Trickstar Light Stage (Field Zone), One Set Card
Noir wins!
Noir gave a soft sigh in relief. "Well that was a little rocky..."
"You were incredible." Blue Angel admitted. "Congratulations."
"Oh please, don't praise me too much. You were holding back, so you probably would've taken me out in one turn." Noir assured her raising her hands.
"Holding back or not you're skilled." Blue Angel smiled as they logged out.
Ulrich362: Well, things might be getting very bad in the near future. Emphasis on might.
bopdog111: Now there are five days for them to stop the Tower of Hanoi, and not a lot of time to get through the Palace. Talk about cutting it close as unlike Zaizen, they didn't get half near the Palace before the deadline.
Ulrich362: True, not to mention what SOL Technologies is planning. See you in the next chapter.
bopdog111: Be sure to review!