Chapter 11: A Farewell to Tingyun, and a Duel?
After having defeated Phantylia, things on the Loufu had started to calm down.
The Stellaron was successfully sealed, and the remainder of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus have gone back into hiding.
The Nameless were currently brought to the Seat of Divine Foresight to talk to Fu Xuan.
When they got there, they were told to wait for a bit for Fu Xuan.
It turns out that Fu Xuan was temporarily taking over for Jing Yuan. He still was recovering from the boost in spirit energy he was given by Osrelios.
As it turns out, since Jing Yuan was supposed to have very little spirit energy, the forced increase that made him on par with a Psychic Duelist had taken a toll on him spiritually and physically, rendering him as if he suffered heavy injuries. He was fine, but he needed to rest for a while.
March and Welt hadn't exerted themselves when they were given the boost, so they were only out for a few hours. Dan Heng was boosted not only by the Reverse Spirit Siphon, but also was boosted from Saga of the Dragon Emperor, so he didn't have to put as much power into attacks as he would've without it.
Fu Xuan eventually walked up to the group.
"It's a pleasure to see you all here today. Collating casualties and losses, dispatching forces to round up the remnants of the Disciples, submitting battle reports to the Six Charioteers... Now I know what Jing Yuan meant when he said 'the highest throne faces the strongest winds.'"
"Finally having a taste of being a general?" Oz asked.
"Generalship is no trifling matter - it is a duty one must bear."
March leaned over to Oz.
"I think she actually really enjoys it." March whispered.
Trying to get to the point, Welt spoke up. "Master Diviner, have you summoned us here just to sigh and complain?"
"Of course not." Fu Xuan denies. "On the contrary, I am eager to thank you all in my official capacity as acting general of the Loufu. Now that things have drawn to conclusion, it is time to reward you."
"Ooo! All those benefits the general promised - they're finally here. Yipeee!" March exclaimed.
"Yes, the Astral Express has braved great evil for the Loufu. Your devotion is evident. After discussions with the Six Charioteers, you are henceforth sworn allies of the Loufu. Within the Loufu's jurisdiction, you are to be treated with the highest standard of diplomatic protocol."
The four exchange smiles, except for Dan Heng who chose to remain stoic.
"On behalf of the Astral Express, I'd like to thank you, Master Diviner." Welt said.
"Wow, nothing tangible then, but at least it sounds pretty cool..." March said.
Oz lightly bumped her with his elbow.
"Now that thanks have been expressed, I still have something to discuss with you. Please, this way."
Fu Xuan leads them to the side of the Seat of Divine Foresight.
"Seriously? Thanking us then sending us on another mission?" March complained.
"It's not a mission." Fu Xuan stated. "The Stellaron Crisis, the Disciples rebellion, the resurrection of the Arbor, even the infiltration of the Antimatter Legion. All of these incidents need reporting at the highest level of investigation... Its just that, having been in the middle of everything, I'm struggling to keep an accurate perspective. I would appreciate if you could go through all with me, so that I can reacquaint myself with the finer detail. So, where should we begin?"
The group of 5 began to discuss the events that had transpired up to this point.
Oz, Welt, and March told their perspective on what happened, and Dan Heng explained his own little adventure.
It turns out that he traveled through the delves alongside a Cloud Knight girl named Sushang, and a mysterious traveling merchant named Luocha. He even ended up helping a member of the Ten-Lords Commission, a woman named Xueyi.
Oz made a mental note to himself that if he met this Sushang or Luocha, he'd thank them for helping Dan Heng.
Once they were done discussing what they knew, Fu Xuan began to list the questions they didn't know. There were still mysteries about everything that happened.
Fu Xuan and Welt both agreed that when it came to the reports, their names would be redacted to keep the Astral Express from being too far dragged into the internal affairs of the Xianzhou Alliance.
Before they left, Fu Xuan asked them to deliver something to Yukong. It turns out to be Tingyun's fan, something Phantylia left behind when she shed her disguise.
The group had then made their way to the Palace of Astrum, the Sky-Faring Commission headquarters. Dan Heng had split off from the group to do his own thing.
They found Yukong talking to another woman. The woman noticed the Nameless and walked off, having finished her conversation with Yukong.
Yukong turned to them, Oz could clearly see the sad look in her eyes. "Ahem... On behalf of the Sky-Faring Commission, I would like to thank the crew of the Astral Express for saving the Loufu from the Stellaron crisis."
The three then look down, Oz could be seen clenching a fist.
"Madam Yukong, you must have heard about Miss Tingyun." Welt said.
Yukong's professional stoic look was immediately replaced by a sad one.
"Yes, I have heard. Seeing four leave, but only three return, was enough for me to know that Fu Xuan's report was indeed correct."
Oz then pulled out the tattered fan. "This was left behind."
Oz walked up to Yukong and presented it to her.
"Tingyun..." Yukong said, tears threatening to escape. "I still can't believe it. The whole report reads like a bad joke - it's simply unimaginable. The Antimatter Legion on the Xianzhou? And Tingyun... A Lord Ravager? How could someone who spent thirty years working alongside me at the Sky-Faring Commission... turn out to be a monster in disguise? What happened to the real Tingyun?"
"Where ever she is, you can at least rest knowing that the imposter was given retribution for her misdeeds. Phantylia escaped wounded in pride, body, and soul."
Yukong gave out a small smile, although it was easy to tell it was not genuine. "That does make me feel a little better. That Lord Ravager was taught a lesson to never impersonate one of us ever again."
She then sighed. "Thank you for bringing Tingyun's belongings back to the Palace of Astrum. The Stellaron crisis has cost us many comrades, brothers, sisters... children. I'd like to invite all of you, as witnesses to this war, to a soul-soothing ceremony hosted by the Sky-Faring Commission. Will you consider?"
"A 'soul-soothing ceremony'?" Welt asks.
"To put it into short life terms - a funeral. You see, for long-life species of the Xianzhou, death has always been a distant, mystical concept. Ordinarily, the Ten-Lords Commission guides people to the Hall of Karma before any symptoms of Mara are detected. There, they leave behind their lives and way for their time to come. People are used to short 'farewells' as opposed to a tedious'burial' process. Given our limited lifespans, the only ones who place value on ceremony are us Foxians."
"Countless Cloud Knights lost their lives, or became Mara-Struck during the crisis. The Hall of Karma couldn't take them all in, and so they passed away.All of these sudden deaths and unfulfilled wishes remind us... that long-life species still live out insignificant and limited lives. By combining Sky-Faring Commission technology with Foxian ceremony, we honor those who have passed on. We place items of the dead onto starskiffs, and send them out to sail between the stars - to shine brightly among them. It's not just to comfort the dead - those souls who can never talk with us again - but also to comfort their surviving relatives, close friends, and indeed all residents of the Xianzhou..."
"It's also my was of saying farewell to Tingyun. I know, I'm selfish. She may not have died as a Cloud Knight, but she's still one of us here at the Sky-Faring Commission - a victim caught up in a wider conflict. I'd like to hold this ceremony as a way of distancing the memory of Tingyun from the Lord Ravager who tarnished her identity. I... can still hardly believe it. I'll use my own methods to locate Tingyun's whereabouts, but at present... I... This is the least I can do for her. I'd like to ask you all to witness this event with me."
"How can we help?" Oz asked.
Yukong then asked for them to sort through Tingyun's belongings and pick out which ones to put onto the starskiff.
When sorting through Tingyun's belongings, they found a few items that were out of place. Items that Tingyun had planned to give to others, such as a good fortune statue for the Sky-Faring member that helped them sort through her stuff.
The three had then made it their mission to deliver these gifts to their proper recipients.
First, they delivered a special tea to the owner of the Sleepless Earl, a teahouse. The owner ended up creating a new blend of tea named "Tingyun's Blend".
Their next stop was an eatery located in Exalting Sanctum's main commercial street: Aurum Alley.
On their way, Oz noticed the same Orange haired girl from the first day they arrived on the Loufu.
The girl was performing more tricks, this time she was accompanied by a brown haired girl who seemed to fit the description of the Cloud Knight Sushang.
Oz wasn't completely sure it it was her, but he'd have to confirm later.
When they got to the eatery, they gave the chef there the kitchen knife.
In turn, the chef gave the three of them a free meal.
The three Nameless then figured the bow was to be given to Yukong.
They made their way over to Stargazer Navalia, and searched for Yukong.
It did not take long for them to find her.
Yukong turned to them. "What brings you here?"
"We're here to deliver a gift from Tingyun." Oz answered.
O then stepped forward and presented the bow.
"This bow... Did Tingyun pick it out for me? She understood my pain - it's a shame I can no longer do anything for her. Thirty years ago, I fought in a terrible war. My comrade and I set sail together, but only I returned. The scars of that ear never truly healed. Still, the Loufu traced out its arc of recovery, and continued to trade... I felt tired of voyaging - like I lost the courage to pull a bowstring ever again. I hid away in the Sky-Faring Commission and buried myself in work, never wanting to see the sky ever again."
"Despite rising to Helm Master, my military career hadn't prepared me for the type of meticulous planning work now confronting me. Tingyun, on the other hand, was a born merchant - always discussing business matters with me and offering up advice - even if she was my subordinate. She never fought alongside me on the battlefield, but in her own way, she became a comrade-in-arms. Without the help of Tingyun and the guild, the Loufu would not have been able to recover in the space of thirty short years."
"I used to think that the Xianzhou changed with the times. Geniuses like Tingyun were the future of the Sky-Faring Commission's next generation - they would bring prosperity to the Loufu. I was only ever suited to the flames of war. I was wrong. Only when the last minions of the Antimatter Legion are wiped out, will I become useless to the Xianzhou... The Xianzhou needs people like me - those willing to cruise the sky and fight the flames."
"The starskiff is ready for the ceremony now. Everyone, please place your object aboard the starskiff."
The Amicassidor from before ran up and ended up placing an object of his own onto the starskiff; a pager kite.
They then place Tingyun's Amicassidor seal, the new tea blend, her favorite dish and the other kite onto the starskiff.
The preparations were complete. The group then went back to Central Starskiff Haven.
They met back up with Dan Heng and watched as dozens of starskiffs flew across the sky and into the cosmos.
After the ceremony, Jing Yuan intercepted them. He was mostly recovered from over-exerting himself from the fight with Phantylia.
Jing Yuan had them reconvene at the Seat of Divine Foresight.
When they got there, they were presented with a Jade Abacus.
The Jade Abacus was to act as a beacon. Gripping it tightly would send a signal to the Jade Abacus that is its twin.
The Xianzhou would travel any distance to help the Nameless if they require it.
Jing Yuan then presented the second gift. Dan Heng's banishment decree was lifted, allowing him to come and go freely on the Loufu.
After their meeting was done, the Nameless then made their way back to the Astral Express.
They filled Himeko in on everything that went down.
Once the adventure stories were done, Himeko brought up the topic of the original destination in mind after Jarilo VI.
It turned out to be a place called Penacony.
"So this Penacony is holding some sort of festival?" Oz asked.
"Yep. The Charmony Festival. The Family was kind enough to give the Express an invitation."
"When do we set off?"
"Not for a while. The Charmony Festival is still a ways away, besides we haven't exactly been at the Loufu long enough. It's only the third day, and you haven't had the time to go around and explore." Himeko explained. "Why don't you go back down to the Loufu and just enjoy yourself, tomorrow?"
"That sounds like a good idea. Thank you, Himeko."
The next day, Oz was walking around Aurum Alley, when he got a message on his phone.
Oz checked it and saw it was from Silver Wolf.
'I finally got it!' The message read.
A picture was sent soon after, showing the Duel Disk he gave her, unlocked.
'How did you get it so fast?' Oz asked.
'Simple: I'm a super hacker. Also it had a pattern to it, it just took a few days to realize. From there, hacking it became easier as the hours went by. It was the most fun challenge I've had in a long time.'
'Glad to hear it.'
'BTW, where are you? I know your on the Xianzhou Loufu, but where?'
'Aurum Alley. Why ask?'
'Stay right there.'
Oz looked at the message confused.
Soon he felt a tap on his left shoulder.
He turned and saw Sliver Wolf in the flesh.
"Oh, hey Sil." Oz greeted.
"Sil?"
"A nickname. Saying Silver Wolf all the time is a bit tedious."
"Ehh. Better than Kafka's nickname for me."
The two then began to walk side by side.
Silver Wolf then turned to Oz. "I wanna duel now."
Oz raised an eyebrow. "You sure you don't want to learn to play first?"
"I'm an expert gamer. I can learn as I play easily."
Oz shrugged his shoulders. "Okay."
The two then walked to a mostly empty street, and Silver Wolf pulled out her Duel Disk.
Oz then tossed a wrapped deck to her. "Here. This deck will fit you perfectly."
Silver Wolf unwrapped the deck and inspected it. "This definitely fits me."
Both of them inserted their decks into their Duel Disks.
Osrelios LP: 4000 hand: 5
Silver Wolf LP: 4000 hand: 5
"I'll start to show you the ropes. Hopefully you can learn from there." Oz said.
"I'll start by activating my Shining Sarcophagus continuous spell. Next I use its effect to add any card that lists it in their text other than a copy of itself. I add Gadget Trio. Next I summon it."
Gadget Trio: atk: 1300
"Now, when Gadget Trio is normal or special summoned, I can add either a copy of Shining Sarcophagus or a spell/trap that lists it in their text from my deck to my hand. I add the spell card Ties that Bind."
"How interesting..." Silver Wolf said, her mind processing what Oz was doing.
"Next, I activate Ties that Bind, which can only be activated if I control both a copy of Shining Sarcophagus, and a monster that lists said Sarcophagus in its text, like my Gadget Trio, and it allows me to summon up to two level 4 or lower monsters, from my hand or deck, that list Shining Sarcophagus in their text. I choose the silent fighters that start from zero: Silent Swordsman Zero and Silent Magician Zero."
The two monsters appeared on both sides of Gadget Trio, jumping out a a single portal.
Silent Swordsman Zero: atk: 1000
Silent Magician Zero: atk: 1000
"Next I discard 1 card in order to special summon Dark Magician Girl the Magician's Apprentice."
The new Dark Magician Girl version appeared from a portal, and landed next to Silent Magician Zero.
Dark Magician Girl the Magician's Apprentice: atk: 2000
"Now for each monster in the GY that mentions Shining Sarcophagus, such as the copy of Moremarshmallon I discarded, Dark Magician Girl gains 300 atk. Additionally due to the way she was summoned, her name is treated as Dark Magician Girl, and I can add a copy of Shining Sarcophagus to my hand, but I don't need a second copy so I'll not activate that part."
Dark Magician Girl the Magician's Apprentice: atk: 2300
"Next I'll set 1 card and call it a turn. Your move." Oz declared. "Oh, and if you feel the urge to say something dramatic, or something else along those lines, don't fight the urge."
"Alright. Let's see what I can do. My move, I draw." Silver Wolf said with confidence.
"Before you do anything..." Oz interrupted. "Every time you draw a card, Silent Magician Zero gains a level. And she also gains 500 atk per level abover her original."
Silent Magician Zero: level: 5 atk: 1500
"Like Silent Magician Zero, Silent Swordsman Zero has a similar effect. Although he gains a level during each Standby Phase."
Silent Swordsman Zero: level: 5 atk: 1500
"Interesting..." Silver Wolf commented.
"I think I'll start by playing the spell card: Lightning Storm. I chose to wipe out all of your monsters."
"I'll counter it with Silent Magician Zero's effect. Once during either of our turns, she can negate a spell card. Then she gains a level." Oz countered.
Silent Magician Zero: level: 6 atk: 2000
"Well then, I now summon Cyberse Wizard."
Cyberse Wizard: atk: 1800
'Let's see how you do with this, Sil.' Oz thought to himself.
"Next, since I control a Cyberse monster, I can Special Summon my Backup Secretary."
Backup Secretary: Def: 800
"Now, I create my Circuit. The summoning condition is 1 level four or lower Cyberse monster. I set my Backup Secretary into the link marker. Circuit combine! Link Summon! Link-1, Link Decoder!"
Link Decoder: atk: 300
"Next, I'll create my circuit again. This time, the summoning condition is 2 effect monsters. I'll set my Cyberse Wizard, and the Micro Coder in my hand, which has the effect to be able to be used for a Link Summon from my hand if I summon a 'Code Talker'. Circuit combine! Link Summon! Link-2, Code Talker!"
Code Talker: atk: 1300
"For a beginner, your doing really well. It's almost like you're a natural at this." Oz commented.
"Of course I am. I'm a natural at any game." Silver Wolf said proudly.
(This is actually something she says, or at least along those lines, in an event. Can't remember which one, but she basically summarized that if it's a game, she's gonna play it and she's gonna be good at it.)
"Anyway, since Micro Coder was used, I can add any 'Cynet' spell or trap from my deck To my hand."
Silver Wolf began looking through her options on her screen. "Ah, here we go. I add Cynet Codec. And I'll activate it too. With this, for every 'Code Talker' I summon with a different attribute, I can add any Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand."
Silver Wolf then threw out her arm dramatically, opening a link circuit in the air. "I now set Link Decoder and Code Talker into my circuit. The Summoning conditions are two or more effect monsters. Circuit combine! Link Summon! Link-3, Transcode Talker!"
Transcode Talker appeared in Silver Wolf's left Extra Monster Zone.
Transcode Talker: atk: 2300
"When Link Decoder is used for the summon of a Cyberse Link monster with 2300 original atk, it summons itself back from my GY. But it is banished when it leaves my field."
Link Decoder: atk: 300
"Thanks to Cynet Codec, I add Code Generator to my hand."
"Next I use Transcode's effect to revive Code Talker. However he won't be around for long, as I use Link Decoder and Code Talker to summon again. The Summoning conditions are 2 or more Cyberse monsters. Now, Link Summon! Link-3, Excode Talker!"
Excode appeared and brandished his gauntlet claws.
Excode Talker: atk: 2300
"Now multiple things will happen at once. First, I'll add Parallel Exceed to my hand due to Cynet Codec. Next, Excode will lock out your remaining Main Monster Zone, and finally Excode and Transcode both boost each other." Silver Wolf explained.
Transcode Talker: atk: 3300
Excode Talker: atk: 2800
'She's already performing combos.'
"Next, since all monsters I control are Cyberse, I can Special Summon Cyberse Converter."
Cyberse Converter: Def: 1000
"Next I'll create my circuit again. This time I set Cyberse Converter and Code Generator into the link markers. Link Summon! Link-2, Code Talker Inverted."
Code Talker Inverted: atk: 1300
Code Talker Inverted: atk: 1800
"Code Generator's effect along with Parallel Exceed's effect activates. Code Generator sends my Dotscaper from my Deck to my GY. Parallel Exceed summons itself to a zone Inverted points to."
Parallel Exceed: Def: 2000
"Next, Dotscaper resurrects, and Parallel Exceed summons a second copy of itself, and both Parallel Exceed have their stats halved.
Parallel Exceed: atk: 1000 Def: 1000 level: 4 x2
Dotscaper: Def: 2100
'I see the combo. Geez, she's brand new at the game and she is already playing like an expert.'
Currently Silver Wolf's field was like this: in the left Extra Monster Zone is Transcode. Directly below Transcode is Excode, co-linked. Inverted is in the center Main Monster Zone co-linked to Excode. Both Parallel Exceed are to the right of Inverted and Dotscaper is to the left of Excode.
"Now I overlay my two level four Parallel Exceed. With them I build the Overlay Network! Here we go, XYZ Summon! Rank 4, Code Igniter!"
The XYZ Cyberse appeared and ignited its hands.
Code Igniter: atk: 2300
"When Code Igniter is XYZ Summoned, I can add a Cyberse Ritual monster to my hand. I chose Cyberse Sage." Silver Wolf declared as she added the card.
"Next, by detaching an Overlay Unit, Code Igniter allows me to Ritual Summon without a Ritual Spell. I tribute Dotscaper to Ritual Summon Cyberse Sage!"
Cyberse Sage appeared from a Ritual summoning circle.
Cyberse Sage: atk: 0
"Next I activate Cyberse Sage's effect!" Silver Wolf declared. "I can Fusion Summon a Fusion monster by banishing the materials. I banish Code Talker Inverted and Parallel Exceed. I Fusion Summon! Level 6, Cyberse Desavewurm!"
The Fusion monster appeared next to Cyberse Sage and Excode Talker.
Cyberse Desavewurm: atk: 2300
Cyberse Desavewurm: atk: 2800
"Now, I tune my Level 6 Desavewurm to my level 1 Sage. Here's where things start to go my way. Rise from the quantum sea! Synchro Summon! Level 7, Cyberse Quantum Dragon!"
Quantum Dragon appeared and roared out.
Cyberse Quantum Dragon: atk: 2500
Currently Silver Wolf's field has Transcode and Excode in the same positions, Code Igniter was in her far right Main Monster Zone, and Quantum was to the left of Excode.
Cyberse Quantum Dragon: atk: 3000
"Now, I'll set 1 card face down. Now... Cyberse Quantum Dragon attack his Swordsman!" Silver Wolf declared.
"I activate my face down. The counter trap: Negate Attack. You attack is negated and your Battle Phase is forced to end." Oz countered.
"Ah, dang it. I end my turn."
"Don't feel down. That was an amazing combo for your first turn on your very first duel." Oz praised.
Silver Wolf's eyes lit up. "It was? Yeah! This game is awesome!"
'She's acting all child like, and she's supposed to be a criminal. Clearly she sets herself apart from the other Stellaron Hunters.' Oz thought to himself.
"My turn. Draw."
Osrelios LP: 4000 hand: 2
"During the Standby Phase, Silent Swordsman Zero levels up."
Silent Swordsman Zero: level: 6 atk: 2000
"Next, I activate Shining Sarcophagus' effect to add Archfiend's Advent to my hand. Next, I'll tribute Gadget Trio in order to summon Archfiend's Advent."
Gadget Trio disappeared into nodes of light, and Advent took its place.
Archfiend's Advent: atk: 2500
"Advent allows all my other monsters to gain 500 atk during my turn only."
Dark Magician Girl the Magician's Apprentice: atk: 2800
Silent Swordsman Zero: atk: 2500
Silent Magician Zero: atk: 2500
"Next I activate the quick-play spell: Turn Silence. This card levels up 1 monster I control by 3. I chose Silent Swordsman Zero."
Silent Swordsman Zero: level: 9 atk: 4000
Oz then smirked. "Now, I go to the Battle Phase. I'll now play the quick-play spell: Future Silence! First, I add any monster that lists Shining Sarcophagus, to my hand. I choose Dark Magician the Magician of Black Magic. Since I activated this card in the Battle Phase, we both now draw until we hold 6 cards."
"Wow. What a strong effect." Silver Wolf commented as she drew 6 cards.
Oz then drew 5 cards.
"Since you drew cards, Silent Magician Zero powers up."
Silent Magician Zero: level: 12 atk: 5500
'Quantum has that effect that forces a monster back to the hand...'
"Silent Swordsman Zero, attack Cyberse Quantum Dragon!"
"Heh, not so fast. I activate Cyberse Quantum Dragon's effect to return your monster back to your hand." Silver Wolf counters.
"Well, I still got Silent Magician Zero!"
"I activate the continuous trap: Code Hack. Not only do my Cyberse Link monsters get protection against effect destruction, but I can also instantly have your monster's atk reduced to zero for the turn. But don't worry, both destruction and damage are avoided for this battle."
'She's countering my moves... very clever.'
In that case I'll move to my Main Phase 2."
"Whatever you have in store, I'll counter it." Silver Wolf declared.
"Anything, you say?"
"Yep. Give it your best shot, I'll take you down anyway."
'I was planning on holding back... but now she deserves this.'
"Since I control Shining Sarcophagus, I can Special Summon Dark Magician the Magician of Black Magic from my hand. And due to this, his name is treated as Dark Magician."
Dark Magician the Magician of Black Magic: atk: 2500
"I activate Secrets of Dark Magic. I use this card's effect to fuse my Dark Magician and Red-Eyes Black Dragon in my hand. Faithful Servant of the Pharaoh, red eyed dragon of the inferno. Join your powers together and create an unstoppable force! Fusion summon! Level 8: Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon!" Oz chanted.
The strongest Dark Magician fusion lands on the ground.
Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon: atk: 3000
"I now use my Dragoon's effect. I target and destroy your Quantum Dragon, then you take damage equal to the atk it had on the field." Oz explained.
Dark Dragoon shot out a ball of energy at Quantum Dragon, consuming it and detonating.
Silver Wolf: LP: 1000
"Drat... he destroyed one of my best cards." Silver Wolf muttered.
"Next I take my Dark Magician Girl, Archfiend's Advent, and Silent Magician Zero and set all three in the link markers." Oz declared as a link circuit appeared above him.
"The summoning conditions is 3 monsters with different names. When the soldier of legend adapts to the modern world, a new force of chaos emerges! Link Summon! Link-3, Black Luster Soldier - Soldier of Chaos!" Oz chanted.
Black Luster Soldier - Soldier of Chaos: atk: 3000
"Since my Soldier of Chaos was Link Summoned using a level 7 or higher monster, which Silent Magician Zero was level 12, you are not allowed to target or destroy my Soldier with card effects."
"I now set 3 cards and end my turn."
"My turn. Draw." Silver Wolf declared.
Silver Wolf: LP: 1000 hand: 7
"I'll play Cynet Universe. With this all my Link monsters will gain 300 atk."
"I discard the last card in my hand, to activate Dragoon's effect. I negate your field spell and destroy it. Then Dragoon gains 1000 atk." Oz countered.
Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon: atk: 4000
Silver Wolf then looked over the cards in her hand. She then formulated a strategy.
"First I'll use the effect of Wizard @Ignister in my hand. Since I control a Cyberse monster special summoned from the Extra Deck, I can target a Dark Cyberse monster in my GY, such as Quantum, and special summon both the target and Wizard in defense position."
The two monsters then appeared.
Wizard @Ignister: Def: 800
Cyberse Quantum Dragon: Def: 2000
"Next, I use set Quantum, Wizard, and Code Igniter into the link markers. The Summoning conditions are 2 or more effect monsters. Circuit combine! Link Summon! Link-3, Protectcode Talker!"
The code talker monster appeared and brandished its weapons, appearing next to Excode.
Protectcode Talker: atk: 2300
Protectcode Talker: atk: 2800
"Now, I set my three Code Talkers into the link markers! Circuit combine! Link Summon! Link-5, Accode Talker @Ignister!" Silver Wolf declares.
The link-5 code talker summons its sword and gets in a battle ready position.
Accode Talker @Ignister: atk: 2300
"Now when Accode is summoned, I can revive as many Cyberse monsters with 2300 original atk from my GY as possible. I revive the three Code Talkers I used for Accode's summon."
The three code Talkers reappeared. Transcode on the far left Main Monster Zone, Excode Co-linked to both Accode and Transcode, and Protectcode co-linked to Excode.
"All 4 of my Code Talkers get a boost."
Accode Talker @Ignister: atk: 4300
Transcode Talker: atk: 3300
Excode Talker: atk: 2800
Protectcode Talker: atk: 2800
"Now, I have all I need to defeat you. First I'll attack your Dragoon with my Accode."
Accode Talker charged at Dragoon, with Dragoon doing the same.
The two clash their weapons.
"I activate the Trap Card: Magic Cylinder! This negates your attack and sends it right back at you."
"I tribute Protectcode Talker in order to negate it using Accode's effect." Silver Wolf countered. "Then it is banished."
Protectcode dissipated into strands of code that was absorbed into Accode's sword. Accode broke off from Dragoon and slashed through Magic Cylinder.
Accode then cut straight through Dragoon.
Osrelios LP: 3700
"Next, my Transcode will destroy your Soldier."
"Not if I use my next face down; Scrap Iron Scarecrow! This negates your attack then sets itself." Oz countered.
"Fine then. I set 2 cards and end my turn."
"My turn. Draw."
Osrelios LP: 3700 hand: 1
"I now activate The effect of the monster I just drew: Palladium Oracle Mahad. This card summons himself when I draw him."
Palladium Oracle Mahad: atk: 2500
"Next I use Shining Sarcophagus to add a second copy of Dark Magician the Magician of Black Magic to my hand, and then I summon it."
Dark Magician the Magician of Black Magic: atk: 2500
"Now, as a passive effect, Palladium Oracle Mahad gets his atk doubled when battling a Dark monster. So Palladium Oracle Mahad, attack Accode Talker!"
Mahad's atk immediately rose.
Palladium Oracle Mahad: atk: 5000
"I use the effect of Code Hack!" Silver Wolf counters.
Palladium Oracle Mahad: atk: 0
"My Soldier of Chaos will now attack your Excode!"
"I active Defense Draw!" Silver Wolf interjected.
Soldier of Chaos cut straight through Excode, but Silver Wolf was left unscathed as she drew an extra card.
Accode Talker @Ignister: atk: 3800
Transcode Talker: atk: 2300
"Since my Soldier of Chaos destroyed a monster by battle, I can now use 1 of 3 effects. I'll activate the third and banish a card on the field. Say good bye to your Transcode."
Soldier of Chaos fired off a blast from his shield, which caused Transcode to fade away.
"I now end my turn." Oz declared.
"My turn then. I draw." Silver Wolf declared.
Silver Wolf: LP: 1000 hand: 4
"I summon Cyberse Gadget."
Cyberse Gadget: atk: 1400
"Using Gadget's effect, I special summon Dotscaper back to my field."
Dotscaper: Def: 2100
"Also since I normal summoned a Cyberse monster, I can Special Summon Boot Staggered."
Boot Staggered: atk: 2300
"Next by negating the effects of Dotscaper, I can Special Summon Gatchiri @Ignister."
Gatchiri @Ignister: Def: 3000
"Now, since I control a Link monster, I can Special Summon Code of Soul from my hand."
Code of Soul: Def: 500
"Six monsters..." Oz commented. "Oh. Oh no."
"Now I set all 6 of my monsters into the link markers! Watch me pull out this zenith. Circuit combine! Link Summon! Link-6, Firewall Dragon Singularity!"
The link-6 dragon appeared and roared out.
Firewall Dragon Singularity: atk: 3500
"I use Singularity's effect. I can target a number of cards up to the number of Cyberse Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, and XYZ on my field or in my GY, meaning a maximum of 4, and return them to the hand. I return your two face downs and your two Spellcasters back to your hand."
Singularity sent out energy at the 4 cards in question. The cards were then forced into Oz' hand.
"Singularity then gains 500 atk per card returned. Thus it gains 2000 atk."
Firewall Dragon Singularity: atk: 5500
"Now, Singularity will attack your Soldier!"
Singularity then shot a blast that consumed Soldier of Chaos.
Osrelios LP: 1200
"I end my turn."
"My turn. Draw."
Osrelios LP: 1200 hand: 5
Oz looked at his options. He then formulated a plan.
"I activate Painful Choice. I show 5 cards in my deck, and you choose one of them. The one you choose is added to my hand, the other 4 are sent to my GY. Go ahead pick."
Silver Wolf saw all 5 cards Oz chose.
"These cards..." I choose Left Leg of the Forbidden One."
Oz then sent the other four cards to his GY, and smirked.
"I summon the Left Leg of the Forbidden One."
Left Leg of the Forbidden One: atk: 200
"Now... I activate Magicalized Fusion! I banish all 5 pieces of Exodia to fuse them together! 5 magical powers form into one! Fusion Summon! Level: 12, Quintet Magician!" Oz chanted.
Quintet Magician: atk: 4500
"When Quintet is summoned using 5 spellcasters of different names, he destroys all of your cards!"
Silver Wolf's eyes widened. "I activate Singularity's effect to return Quintet back to the Extra Deck!" She countered.
"Even so... your field is still wiped out, except for your dragon."
Quintet fired off a blast that tore through Silver Wolf's field leaving only the link-6.
Firewall Dragon Singularity: atk: 6000
"Now for the final play. First I re-special summon Dark Magician the Magician of Black Magic."
Dark Magician the Magician of Black Magic: atk: 2500
"Now, I active Enemy Controller! By tributing my monster, I can take control of yours!"
Dark Magician turned into energy and went into the controller.
The chord then extended and connected to Singularity's head.
The chord then dragged Singularity over to Oz' field.
"Now, time to end this duel. Firewall Dragon Singularity, attack directly!"
Singularity charged up an attack and fired it right in front of Silver Wolf.
Silver Wolf: LP: 0
"I... lost."
"Don't worry." Oz said as he walked up to her. "Most people lose during their first duel. In fact, I only won because I got a lucky draw. Good game."
Oz then held out a fist.
Silver Wolf smiled and held out her own, completing the fist bump.
"I had fun." Silver Wolf admits.
"That's good. Duel Monsters is all about fun."
"Your actually pretty fun to be around. We should hang out again sometime."
"Coming from someone like you, that's a big compliment. Anyway we should probably leave the area before any Cloud Knights appear. The duel probably gained their attention with all the roars and explosions." Oz explained.
Oz then activated his Duel Disk. "Illusion Magic!"
Oz then grabbed Silver Wolf's arm and the two disappeared.
The two later reappear in a different alleyway of Aurum Alley.
The two then walk and get food, thankfully none of the residents seem to know who Silver Wolf is, then they go and sit on a bench.
"You are very different from the other Stellaron Hunters. What made you join them?" Oz asked.
"Well, I always wanted to explore the universe. In fact, I dreamed of joining the Astral Express. Although the Stellaron Hunters got to me first. They opened my eyes to the big dangers of the universe, and allow me to traverse it. And now I'm in for the long haul."
"What happens when the Stellaron Hunters' main goal is completed? When Nanook is killed?"
"We'll probably disband. Although we might not separate from each other, or maybe we will. Haven't given it too much thought."
"You said that you dreamed of joining the Astral Express. Maybe you could do that once you're done being a Stellaron Hunter?"
Silver Wolf then leaned back. "That'd be cool."
She then turned towards him. "Hey, when we were dueling, my systems were picking up some weird energy. And now that I think about it, you have that same weird energy about you."
Oz looked intrigued. "I think your system is picking up Spirit Energy. Think of it as energy of the soul. My species, Duel Spirits, are naturals at manipulating spirit energy for practically anything."
Oz then activated his Spirit Eyes. "When I do this, I can see someone's soul directly. It even allows me to see through disguises such as Phantylia's, even though I still fell for it." Oz then deactivated his Spirit Eyes.
Silver Wolf then pulled up a hollow screen. "I think I might be able to mess around with it. Our cards seem to exude it as well, maybe I could incorporate it into my tech."
"Just don't go too crazy with it. Non-spirits aren't normally able to deal with too much spirit energy. Although..." Oz then activated his Spirit Eyes again.
"Your spirit energy seems to be higher than the normal for this universe. I think you might be a Psychic Duelist."
"Psychic Duelist?" Silver Wolf asked.
"People with unusually high spirit energy. It allows them to do things like communicate with Duel Spirits, other than myself, I'm an exception among my species. If you ever start to hear voices while you are near your cards, wait until you're alone and then try talking to them. If you get a response, then tell me."
"I'll do that." Silver Wolf stated.
Silver Wolf's phone then goes off. Her eyes widened.
"Sorry, got to go! Kafka just baked some cookies! I got to steal them from Blade! See you later Oz!"
Silver Wolf then disappeared. Oz looked at where she was before chuckling.
Post Xianzhou Loufu Voice Lines:
About Dan Heng - Imbibitor Luanae: Dan Heng's Vidyadhara form? Yeah it was certainly unexpected. Him being essentially a dragon explains why he's strong, as dragons have always been powerful. Although the emotional baggage that comes with the form makes me think he's not going to use it often.
About Silver Wolf: Sil? She's cool. She's probably the most down-to-earth of the Stellaron Hunters, is that a saying here? Anyway, it's nice to have someone to Duel against and she did amazing for her first duel. She's also very smart, having hacking battles with both Screwllum and Herta. The fact that she's a Super-Hacker from a planet full of hackers just shows how much smarter she is than her native peers.
About Tingyun: A bit of a touchy subject there. The fact that Phantylia was able to trick us all still irritates me. I'm glad I was able to leave her with actual wounds.
About Jing Yuan: The General of the Loufu is an interesting person to say the least. Fu Xuan seems to talk about him as both a reliable leader, and a shrewd schemer. Having fought alongside him in battle against Phantylia, I can say that he's definitely reliable.
About Fu Xuan: The Master Diviner likes to act all enigmatic. Although that kinda comes crumbling down when she's frustrated, like how her frustration first showed when she was upset that her divination wasn't 100 percent accurate due to me.
About Yukong: Madam Yukong is someone who has gone through a lot of pain. It's easy to tell due to the look in her eyes. It seems like every day she silently suffers, and it's only gotten worse after Phantylia's reveal. Perhaps finding the real Tingyun will give Yukong some peace, or at least some closure.
About the Loufu: The Xianzhou Loufu is a nice place. If I ever end up retiring from being a Nameless, I might live there. The natives have nearly as long lifespans as us Duel Spirits, so I'll be able to see any friends I make there for a very long time.
About the Abundance: The Abundance has created absolute crimes against nature. I bet that if Yaoshi met Holactie, Holactie would incinerate Them in a moment.
About Holactie, the Creator of Light: Lady Holactie is the highest of divinity you can go. She's the creator god, and with that, she can do practically anything. I am how I am thanks to her. Let me tell you, never oppose her, she destroyed Zorc the Dark One in an instant, and Zorc was strong enough to take on all three Egyptian Gods at once and defeat them. She's very benevolent, and very patient, but if she needs to take care of a problem permanently, it will be done, quickly and efficiently.
About the Vidyadhara: From what Dan Heng told me, the Vidyadhara are a dying race. Due to the fact that they are a self-reincarnating race, they can't, or rather can no longer, produce offspring. From what I've seen, the Vidyadhara seem to have larger than average amounts of spirit energy in them, leading me to believe that they have some sort of ancient ties to the Spirit Realm. Dan Heng being affected by Saga of the Dragon Emperor seems to support this. Although the spirit energy in the Dragon-Folk seems incomplete... Perhaps if I find some way to incorporate more spirit energy into their genetic code, they might regain their full spirits and might be able to reproduce again. Although I'll need the help of someone who knows a lot about life...
