Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V: Altered Destiny!

by B-baller125

During the fateful duel of Yuto and Yugo, Yuya decides to step in and this changes the conclusion of the duel and destiny itself. Find out what happens to these three boys as they travel throughout the four dimensions as Lancers to end the Dimensional War and to stop the evil Academia! (Currently in Synchro Arc!) (Bracelet Girls x Yu-boys)

52. Scale-52

Hey guys, I decided to postpone the Crow duel to next chapter due to this chapter being too long with that duel and all the dialogue in it. Don't worry, I threw in a smaller extra duel to make up for it.

Enjoy!

---

"To put it simply, you're a Death God too, Yuto."

"...What?"

Yuto's eyes narrowed in a mixture of confusion and disapproval of the strange title being given to him.

"Come on now, don't tell me that you don't see the resemblance. You and I walk the same path." Kiryu explained with a smirk.

"There's nothing that could happen to me that'd make me turn out like you...someone who mindlessly follows a rodent like Roget for no reason at all!" Yuto exclaimed while clenching his fist.

"Oh please, you were literally used as a pawn for destruction from that same man." Kiryu argued, causing Yuto to grimace. "You probably never put all the pieces together, so let me explain it to you. Remember when we had our little duel? I wasn't sent after any of the Lancers, I was sent after you, specifically. After our duel, you were held in a separate cell from your friends and you were forced to duel Frost, the strongest officer in Security. Notice that none of your other friends had this happen, not even the other two triplets." Kiryu explained, referring to Yuto's counterparts.

"Why? Why take interest in only me?" Yuto asked.

"Oh, that's obvious after all that's happened. After watching us duel, he saw that destructive instinct within you that the other two lack, or better yet, suppress more than you do."

If he was being honest, Yuto had to admit that Roget was probably right for having that opinion. During their first duel, his ritual dragon had almost killed Kiryu. And even though Yuya and Yugo clearly possessed the same potential for chaos, they were ashamed and fearful of it, while Yuto seemed to use it as a weapon in his arsenal.

"If the new king hadn't broken free of whatever came over him, you probably would have won that duel. Hell, you probably would've won it all and faced off against Jack. That was what Roget was planning, after all. Then we would've never had to deal with this uprising that your banana-haired twin caused. But things don't always go to plan, I guess." Kiryu sighed while Yuto seethed in anger.

Yuto already knew Yuya and Yugo's dueling inspired change in the crowd while his dueling amped up the crowd's destructive desires. But to think Roget would use him as a pawn to keep the city from becoming a better place...

"...I may have been a pawn in his game...but it wasn't my choice. You've actively chosen to ally with Roget!" Yuto shouted.

"...Yeah, I have. Guys like you and I get awfully desperate when it comes to getting what we want. Trust me, you'd be surprised how far you'd go to achieve that one goal that gives your life purpose." Kiryu said, his casual expression shifting to a serious one.

"How far I'd go, huh...?" Yuto looked down for a moment. Those words felt like a common theme with his recent actions that strained the majority of his relationships. The boy then shook his head before raising his duel disk.

"The similarities don't end there, though! We both command the dead judging by our chosen decks. Not only that, our aces are both dragons with destructive power. And besides the cosmetic aspects, we both walked similar paths!"

"Similar paths?"

"Both you and I were left behind by those closest to us. For me, that was Jack and Crow. For you, those people are Yuya Sakaki and King Yugo." Kiryu explained, causing Yuto's eyes to widen.

Yuto felt pain in his heart as his mind flashed back to the memory of Yuya and Yugo flying away together on their dragons in pursuit of Roget. He remembered watching the two moving further and further away from him, while he was left standing there like a fool who could barely gather his thoughts.

"Oh good, you're not going to deny it." Kiryu sadistically smiled.

"...Shut up. I'm sick of your voice." Yuto coldly said before raising his duel disk.

"Well...our little conversation was fun while it lasted." Kiryu sighed before he too raised his duel disk. "Let's see if you have what it takes to truly become my predecessor."

"I couldn't care less about your nonsense. I'll get past you, no matter what." Yuto's malicious grey eyes glared through Kiryu's soul, causing the man to grin.

'With this...I might finally find satisfaction...!'

---

OP 1 V2: No Pain No Game by Nano

The Ending Of This story

A diagonal image of Yuya amidst a Pendulum background with a bright smile.

I Will Hold It Close As I Wonder So Aimlessly

Below the image of Yuya is Yuto, standing in front of a Xyz portal with a stern yet warm look.

Into this New World

Above the two is Yugo, who stands before a Synchro backdrop with a goofy grin.

The Game Has Only Just Begun

The three hold up their aces, Odd Eyes, Dark Rebellion, and Clear Wing, as they close their eyes...

I Can See It In Your Eyes!

...the three open their eyes in sync with their iris' glowing red, indigo, and cyan respectively as their ace dragons shine, engulfing the screen.

(This Is Where Tomorrow Brings a New Game)

Yuya stands atop a hill overlooking Miami City, his jacket blowing in the wind as a Leo Corporation jet flies past LDS. Yuto is shown in front of the Duel Sanctuary, gazing at the ruined Heartland.

(It's Time To Learn That Pain Is Gain)

Yugo is riding his D-Wheel down a Duel Lane at night, the neon signs and billboards of City aglow with life as he passes by. Out on a boat in the sea, Yuri faces Academia, arms visibly crossed.

READY FIGHT!

Yuya appears riding atop of Odd-Eyes, who fills the screen with its signature Spiral Strike Burst!

(Instrumental)

Odd-Eyes' attack fades, revealing the Four Dimensions. The "Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V" logo appears, the words "Altered Destiny" beneath it. Yuya's Pendulum appears in the background, swinging back and forth before the logo fades. Zoom in on the Standard Dimension to see Yuya walking to You Show Duel School.

I Gotta Crush and Paint Away

The Lancers appear standing in front of the LDS logo. From left to right; Hokuto, Masumi, Yaiba , and Roy stand back-to-back, ready for battle, Yaiba holding his signature wooden katana over his shoulder.

The Anguish Of My Past For Sake Of My Future

Sawatari stands self-assure with a proud grin on his face. Yugo leans on his D-Wheel, sporting a big friendly grin. Rin was on the opposite side of the D-Wheel, sternly staring at the boy for not taking things seriously. Serena holds herself ready for battle with the faintest hint of longingness on her face.

Until My Life Comes To An End

Yuya and Yuzu stand close to each other, ready to face the coming battles together. Gongenzaka stands behind of the Standard Pair, arms folded with a steadfast gaze. Next to them is Crow, who has a battle-ready smirk on his face.

I'm Gonna Fight To Tear Apart That Destiny

Yuto, Ruri, and Shun stand side by side with battle-hardened expressions. But unbeknownst to Shun, Yuto and Ruri's hands were interlocked.

(Ahh-Ahh)

Tsukkikage kneels in front of the Akabas, holding an arm out in front of them in a declaration of protection. Reira hides behind Reiji.

Break Out And Start A Revolution

Rightmost is Sora, who is consumed by the shadow and looking away from the group. But two hands reach out to him, causing him to turn around towards the light. Sora smiles, taking the hands of Yuya and Yuzu before leaping out of the shadows with a childish grin.

Until You Find The Answer

Cut to the Standard, Xyz and Synchro counterparts together on a grassy hill, gazing at the starry night sky. Yuzu and Ruri rest their heads on Yuya and Yuto's shoulders respectively, who in turn drape an arm around them. Rin does the same with Yugo, who blushes redder than Yuya's hair. It is a touching scene….

You're Looking For!

… the screen falls to reveal the Fusion Counterparts falling into darkness. Yuri grins wickedly as his eyes are whited out by a violet glow. Behind him is the shadow of an older boy, face obscured with a monstruous, inhuman smile on his face. Above him, Serena holds out her hand, desperately trying to reach her former friend. The gem on her bracelet shines like a star, cutting through the miasma that surrounds them. Behind her is the golden spirit of an older girl, trying to reach out to the figure behind Yuri as tears flow. The older teens vanish as the Fusion Counterparts' silhouettes turn to black and a large, sinister pair of draconic eyes open wide behind them.

I'll Challenge All My Limits

Crow, Kiryu, the Black Rose Witch, and Jack race in a line on the highway and call forth their dragons; Black-Feather, Infernity Void, Black Rose, and Red Daemon's.

Knowing This Could Be My Only Chance Now

Yuzu and Serena stand together striking their signature Fusion Summon poses. From behind the two, Prodigy Mozart and Cat Dancer swirl into the fusion vortex and become Moonlight Serenade.

To Overcome This Fate That's Come Over Me

Ruri and Rin stand side by side with Assembly Nightingale and Winter Bell in front of them, looking ready for battle. But behind them are the looming shadow of their respective Fusion monsters; Independent Nightingale and Crystal Bell.

The Ending Of This Story

Yuto stands alone on a battle field with explosions occurring in the background. Yuto lets out a primal scream as Dark Rebellion Apocalypse Dragon roars, causing the field to erupt in flames.

I Will Hold It Close As I Wonder So Aimlessly

Yuya and Yugo closely race next to each other on the highway as Odd Eyes and Clear Wing clash in the sky. Yuya and Yugo scream in unison as their dragons evolve into Odd Eyes Wing and Crystal Clear Wing before continuing their arial battle. As the Accel Synchro monster begins to gain an advantage, Enlightenment Paladin descends from the sky while enveloped in a brilliant light. As Odd Eyes Wing is briefly knocked away, the evolved blue and gold paladin strikes Crystal Clear Wing's head with it's majestic blade, while Yuya and Yugo can't help but grin in excitement.

Into This New World

The scene changes to Yuya standing beneath a blue landscape. A pendulum swings above him, draw arcs of light across the sky. Yusho's face is shown over the center of the arcs, smiling down at his son with pride.

The Game Has Only Just Begun

Yuya reaches his hand out as the image of his father fades. He is shown to have a look of surprise on his face...

I Can See It In Your Eyes!

…which quickly turns into a triumphant smile!

(Instrumental)

The screen flashes to a beaten Crow standing across from a strange looking Jack Atlas, which clearly wasn't the real one, who had a variant of Red Daemon's on his field. The scene shifts to Yuto standing against Kiryu's Chaos Void Dragon with Vengeful Paladin on his field, who readied it's sword for battle. The scene changes to Yuzu and Rin struggling against the berserk Black Rose Witch who wore a cracked mask. Darkness Rose Death Dragon let out a violent screech as Prodigy Mozart and Winter Bell protectively flew in front of the two girls. The scene switches to Yuya and Yugo teaming up against the mastermind himself, Roget. A large machine-like titan which was shrouded in darkness towered over Odd Eyes and Clear Wing. At the two counterparts' command, the dragons charged forward before combining into Odd Eyes Wing Dragon while the titan lunged it's fist forward. As the two collided, a white flash engulfs the screen. The song ends with the Lancers on the highway (now including Crow, Ruri, Rin, and Sora) in the Synchro Dimension, looking up at the screen with the three Yu-boys in the center, with each of their eyes flashing a red, indigo, and cyan glow respectively.

---

"Things have gone pretty well so far, all things considered."

"Hey, don't jinx us!"

As the three duelists walked up a seemingly never ending staircase, Yugo grunted something under his breath in response to Crow's words while Yuya nervously laughed.

"So..." Yuya began to speak, causing the Legendary Black Feather Duelist and King of Neo Domino to turn his way. "...when we get to Roget, and we have to duel him or someone else, who's going to duel?"

"Obviously, me-"

Both Crow and Yugo turned to each other and locked eyes before either of them could finish the sentence.

"I'll be the one dueling him! I'm the new king, so it's my responsibility!" Yugo pointed out.

"You got your moment in the spotlight when you dueled Jack. I've been fighting Roget's Security for years now, so it should be me who finishes him off for good!" Crow argued.

"Or maybe I can duel him?" Yuya asked, causing the two residents of the Synchro Dimension to look at him.

Neither Yugo or Crow had the heart to act hostile towards the tomato-haired boy like they did with each other, leading to them awkwardly staring at the boy.

"I-I know what you're thinking, and I agree. I probably don't have as good of a reason to fight as you guys do, but..." Yuya trailed off before clutching his pendulum. "...ever since I came to this dimension and saw the way things were, I wanted to contribute to the change and betterment of the people here. I wanted to show people that dueling shouldn't be used for violence and hurting others, but...I kind of failed at that."

"Kid..."

"Yuya..."

"Please, don't feel sorry for me. That's not what I want." Yuya spoke up, surprising the two Synchro users. "...But that's why I wanted to be the one stopping Roget head on. I want to make up for the bad example I set back then. That's my new goal, I guess. I just...feel better saying it out loud, you know? Sorry if I'm just projecting my thoughts-"

"What are you apologizing for, bro?" Yugo said with a cheerful chuckle before hanging his arm around Yuya's neck. "I always say things straight from my brain without thinking, so don't feel bad about rambling or anything. Though I will admit, Rin sure doesn't like when I blurt things out...and neither does Yuzu..."

"Heheh...don't remind me...whenever I used to instinctively tease her, she'd bust out the fan and-"

"NO, NOT THE FAN!"

Yugo cowered like a soldier with PTSD, causing Yuya to begin laughing his head off.

Crow looked on at the two boys before smiling. After everything that went down with Sergey's death and Yuya's grief, it was nice seeing the boy smiling like he did when they first met, before Roget put them through so much grief and sorrow.

That's when Crow realized that Yuya had just as much of a right to be the one to take down Roget as anyone else. It was because of that man that Yuya suffered serious physical and mental scars, courtesy of Sergey. And instead of breaking, Yuya hid his pain and focused on the things he could control, keeping his friends safe and defeating Academia. After everything that happened, he even gave an incredible performance against Yugo in the finals.

"Kid...I'm really proud of how you've handled everything." Crow smiled at the boy. Although Crow's words were somewhat broad, Yuya knew the subject that Crow was on about. "You're a kind hearted person who never wished to hurt anyone, which is why you even feel a hint of remorse for that mechanical scum bag. Roget forced your hand by using that demonic creature against you and you survived. That's all that matters."

Crow ruffled the Yuya's hair, causing the boy to respond with a small smile.

"And as far as anyone with a brain is concerned, you've contributed way more than anyone else to the change in this city. If it wasn't for you and your Entertainment Dueling, I'd still be dueling selfishly and the city would've never fully understood the concepts of dueling for fun and the potential of bonds." Yugo added with a grin.

That's right. Though Yugo was the victor, Yuya contributed more in that defeat than he ever did when he won his other duels. Despite losing, Yuya was at his peak during that match, and the crowd truly responded to his dueling. This even led to a lack of violent cheering during Yugo's subsequent duel with Jack, which was evidently present during their first duel.

And by lending Yugo his Odd Eyes Wing Dragon and Tuning Magician, Yuya reinforced Yugo's concept of "working together as one" that the banana-haired boy used to literally and philosophically beat down Jack Atlas.

"...Thanks, Crow, Yugo." Yuya smiled at his twin and older brother figure.

"You know what? I say we jump that snake!" Yugo shouted with a sadistic grin that belonged to a tyrant.

"You know what...I love that idea! A guy like him doesn't deserve the courtesy of a fair duel! Let's beat his ass in a 3v1!" Crow smiled like a supervillain while cracking his knuckles.

Yuya simply laughed, not being able to take either of the two seriously.

To think he was sibling-less (and almost friendless) a few month prior. Who knew all it took was a dimensional war for Yuya to finally feel like he wasn't alone anymore.

"Looks like we're here." Crow pointed out as the three reached the top of the stairwell.

The three of them looked at each other before nodding and opening the door.

As the three stepped into the hallway, their eyes widened as a horde of officers stood in front of the door.

"It's been a while, Crow Hogan, Yuya Sakaki." The man leading the group, Tetsu Ushio, spoke in a monotone voice.

"You're...!" Yuya trailed off. The boy remembered the man from their initial duel from when Yuya first arrived in Synchro as well as when Ushio dueled Serena and Crow during the first round of the Friendship Cup.

"Ushio...of course." Crow sighed before smirking. "I see your back for some vengeance, eh? I guess after all the times you failed to arrest Shinji and I, as well as me kicking your ass in during the Friendship Cup, it can't be helped."

"Not everything's about you, Crow Hogan. I am simply here to fulfill my duty." Ushio coldly said before raising his duel disk.

"H-Hey, don't you know about the control chips now that Reiji exposed everything? Are you-"

"No, I don't have one on me, to my knowledge." Ushio cut Yuya off.

"But what about all of your comrades? Now that you know about this, are you truly ok with Roget's actions?!" Yugo questioned.

"I...don't have a choice anymore. Either way, this city's destiny has already been decided. I refuse to leave the fate of all my subordinates in the hands of that man...so I'll do what I must to keep my status and make sure they all survive."

"So you care about your officers and that's it?! What about-"

"Yugo, please let me handle this." Yuya asked the boy with a resolute look in his eyes.

"...Sure." Yugo nodded, not being capable of turning his counterpart down due to the silent determination he was exuding.

Yuya smiled at his brother before taking a few steps towards the Captain of Security.

"I understand your feelings, Ushio. You feel responsible for the suffering your officers have endured without your knowledge, right? You feel guilty and you're letting that guilt override your decision making."

"Don't talk down to me, brat! I don't care if you made it to the finals of the Friendship Cup, I'll defeat you here and now! Things won't end like last time!" Ushio activated his duel disk with haste.

Yuya figured this would be the result and was prepared. The orange blade materialized on his red duel disk as he swung it through the air.

During his first duel with Ushio, he struggled because of his dilemma of dueling to entertain versus dueling to win.

He was no longer burdened with this confusion. He wasn't in a stadium trying to convince others that dueling violently was wrong. He was in a closed space dueling for the sake of an entire city. His choice was clear. He wouldn't let his former ideals from back home cloud his judgement right now.

There was no way he was going to make that mistake a second time.

Not when the stakes were so high.

"DUEL!"

YUYA: 4000 LP vs USHIO: 4000 LP

"I have the first turn." Yuya declared as he scanned the cards in his hand. "From my hand, I summon Entermate Skullcrobat Joker!"

The magician wearing pink and black clothes appeared.

Entermate Skullcrobat Joker (1800/100) LVL:4

"Skullcrobat Joker's effect! I'll add Entermate Lizardraw from my deck to my hand. Next, with the Scale 1 Entermate Monkeyboard, and the Scale Entermate Classikuriboh, I set the Pendulum Scale!"

The monkey with a keyboard for teeth and the kuriboh wearing a blue cape appeared.

Monkeyboard 1 - 8 Classikuriboh

"With this, I can simultaneously summon monsters with levels 2 through 7! Monkeyboard's Pendulum Effect! Once per turn, I can add a Level 4 or lower Entermate to my hand. Swing pendulum of my soul! Draw an arc of light across the ether! Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters! From my hand, Entermate Lizard Draw! Entermate Fire Mufflio!"

Entermate Lizardraw (1200/600) LVL:3

Entermate Fire Mufflio (800/800) LVL:3

"I end my turn with that." Yuya concluded.

"That was disappointing, Yuya Sakaki. I expected more from someone that gave our new king so much trouble." Ushio said while placing his hand on his deck. "My turn. I activate the Spell Card, Graceful Charity! I draw three and discard two. By banishing Hellway Patrol in my graveyard, I can special summon another copy in my hand!"

Hellway Patrol (1600/1200) LVL:4

"Then, I Summon the Tuner monster, Jutte Knight!"

Jutte Knight (700/900) LVL:2

"Now, I tune the Level 2 Jutte Knight to my Level 4 Hellway Patroller! Capture those who defy the law with your power! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 6! Goyou Guardian!" Ushio shouted as a warrior holding a rope that had a metal baton at the end appeared.

Goyou Guardian (2800/2000) LVL:6

"Then, I activate the Spell Card, Double Summon! I can normal summon once again! Come, the Tuner monster, Jutte Captain!"

Jutte Captain (900/400) LV:3

"Battle! Goyou Guardian attack Entermate Mufflio! Goyou Lariat!" Ushio commanded as his monster swung its rope through the air, sliced through the lion.

"Since your monster is a Pendulum monster, it gets sent to the Extra and not the graveyard, so I can't use Goyou Guardian's effect." Ushio stated.

"At this moment, Lizardraw's effect! Once per turn, when a monster I control is destroyed, I can draw a card for every Entermate on my field! I draw two cards!" Yuya shouted as he drew.

"My attack isn't over! I banish the Trap Card, Goyou Acceleration to use its effect! I can perform a Synchro Summon during the Battle Phase using a Goyou monster I control! I tune the Level 3 Jutte Captain to the Level 6 Goyou Guardian! Ruler of justice, use your power to enforce the law and crush those who oppose your order! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 9! Goyou General!" Ushio shouted as a warrior with a black and red uniform that had several golden medals, appeared. The warrior also held a jutte in each hand.

Goyou General (3000/2200) LVL:9

"Goyou General, attack Entermate Skullcrobat Joker! At this moment, Goyou General's effect activates! Once per turn, when this card attacks a monster, neither monster is destroyed and neither player takes damage! Also, I gain control of the monster that was attacked!"

The warrior banged its metal baton's together, creating a powerful vibration that caused the Pendulum monster's eyes to turn bright red before jumping over to Ushio's side.

"Then, Goyou General can attack in a row! Attack Entermate Lizardraw! Goyou Cross!" Ushio shouted as his ace slashed through the lizard in the shape of an X. "Direct attack, Skullcrobat Joker!"

"Not happening! Entermate Classikuriboh's Pendulum Effect! When the opponent declares a direct attack, this card is destroyed and the battle phase is forced to end!" Yuya explained as his small fur ball bursted into particles.

"Tch...I set a card facedown, turn end." Ushio concluded.

"My turn! Monkeyboard's Pendulum Effect activates!" Yuya explained as another card popped out of his deck. "Next, I summon the Tuner monster, Entermate Odd Eyes Synchron!"

Entermate Odd Eyes Synchron (200/600) LVL:2

"Odd Eyes Synchro's effect lets me perform a Synchro Summon using this card and a monster in my Pendulum Zone! I tune the Level 2 Odd Eyes Synchron to my Level 6 Monkeyboard! Hero's blade that sets forth unyielding light! Now and here, along with a flash, awaken! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 8! Magical Swordsman of Awakening! Enlightenment Paladin!" Yuya yelled as the swordsman clad in white that carried two blades appeared.

Enlightenment Paladin (2500/2000) LVL: 8

"Next, with the Scale 1 Entermate Ladyange, and the Scale 8 Entermate Gentrude, I set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two singers with contrasting designs appeared in the blue columns. One was a fairy wearing all white and had pink wings while the other was a demon wearing all black and had red wings.

Ladyange 1 - 8 Gentrude

"Let's go! Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters!" Yuya pointed up in the sky as three beams of light shot down from the portal. "From my Extra deck, Entermate Mufflio! Entermate Lizardraw! Entermate Odd Eyes Synchron!"

Entermate Odd Eyes Synchron (200/600) LVL:2

Entermate Lizardraw (1200/600) LVL:3

Entermate Fire Mufflio (800/800) LVL:3

Entermate Monkeyboard (1000/2400) LVL:6

"Now, I tune the Level 2 Odd Eyes Synchron to the Level 8 Enlightenment Paladin!" Yuya exclaimed as his Tuner turned into two green rings that flew around the swordsman.

"This is...!" Yugo's eyes widened as the entire hallway was enveloped in a brilliant blue light.

"From the peaceful depths of time, release the light throughout this wide world, and revive! Synchro Summon! Level 10! Ultimate Magical Swordsman of Enlightenment! Nirvana High Paladin!" Yuya screamed as the light began to dissipate, revealing a paladin clad in blue and golden armor that carried a large sword with a gold handle.

Nirvana High Paladin (3300/2500) LVL: 10

"Amazing...so this is what Yuya's new hybrid monster looks like up close." Crow said in a proud tone.

"Grr..." Ushio nervously grunted as sweat dripped from his face.

"Nirvana High Paladin's effect! When this card is summoned using a Pendulum Summoned Pendulum Monster, I can target a card in my graveyard and add it to my hand!" Yuya shouted as his monster waved it's sword in a circular motion, creating a rainbow colored portal in the sky. "I target the Enlightement Paladin, which will be added back to my Extra Deck since it's a Synchro Monster!

Suddenly, the card materialized from the portal and flew towards Yuya, who caught the card and placed it into his Extra Deck slot.

"Battle! Nirvana High Paladin, attack Goyou General!" Yuya commanded as his paladin raised its sword to the sky. "At this moment, Ladyange's Pendulum Effect activates! Once per turn, when my monster attacks, I can discard a Pendulum Monster to make your monster lose 1000 ATK!"

General (3000/2200)-(2000/2200)

"Go, Truth Sukhavati!"

The paladin's blade ignited in a swirl of green and purple energy before it was swung down, obliterating the warrior with ease.

"Ghh...!" Ushio grunted as he struggled to stay on his feet due to the powerful shockwave that the attack caused.

USHIO: 4000-2700 LP

"At this moment, Nirvana High Paladin's effect activates! Since this card successfully destroyed a monster by battle, your life points are halved!"

"What?!"

"Go, Light of Salvation!"

The monster drove its blade into the ground, causing a brilliant blue light to erupt out of the ground that consumed Ushio.

USHIO: 2700-1350 LP

"You...brat...!" Ushio grumbled through the pain.

"The Battle Phase isn't over yet." Yuya stated, causing Ushio's eyes to widen. "At this moment, Fire Muflio's effect activates! When a Pendulum Monster on my field destroys a monster by battle, in exchange for this card not being able to attack, that Pendulum Monster gains 200 ATK and can attack in a row!"

Paladin (3300/2500)-(3500/2500)

"With this attack, I'll win!" Yuya declared before pointing at his stolen monster. "Go, Nirvana High Paladin! Attack Skullcrobat Joker! Truth Sukhavati!"

"I refuse to lose here and now! Trap Activate! Goyou Reinforcement! I can target a Goyou monster that in my graveyard that was destroyed by battle during this turn and a monster on my field gains half of its ATK! I target Goyou General and Skullcrobat Joker gains 1500 ATK!"

Skullcrobat Joker (1800/100)-(3300/100)

The swirling purple and green blade obliterated the magician.

USHIO: 1350-1150 LP

"And now your life points are halved once again! Light of Salvation!"

USHIO: 1150-575 LP

"He still has Lizardraw and Monkeyboard on the field! It's over!" Yugo cheered.

"Lizardraw, attack him directly and ends this duel!" Yuya shouted as the reptile leapt forward.

"Jutte Shielder's effect activates in my graveyard! By banishing this monster, I can negate a direct attack!" Ushio countered as a barrier prevented Lizardraw from approaching. "Then, I can special summon a Goyou monster from my graveyard! Rise, Goyou General!"

Goyou General (3000/2200) LVL:9

"Just a little more...I set a card facedown, turn end." Yuya concluded with a satisfied look on his face.

Paladin (3500/2500)-(3300/2500)

"Don't you dare think I'm going to lose to you! Not again!" Ushio desperately shouted while clenching his fist.

"I understand why you're fighting...but you can stop now. There's no reason to continue." Yuya tried to reason with the man.

"No...you can't stop him! Roget has been planning this all for years! He's manipulated this entire dimension for years! What can a ragtag group of kids from different worlds wish to accomplish?!" Ushio shouted in confusion and anger. "No...I'll stay right here and fight to the end. I'll make sure that when Roget creates his new world, my Security will safely make it there."

"Ushio..." Crow uttered before looking at the officers behind him.

"For the sake of my comrades...I can't afford to lose here! My turn!" Ushio shouted as he drew. "Jutte Captain's effect in my graveyard activates! By banishing it while I have less than 1000 life points, I can revive Goyou Guardian!"

Goyou Guardian (2800/2000) LVL:6

"I'll do whatever it takes for my men to survive! I activate the Spell Card, Fusion! I fuse Goyou General and Goyou Guardian! Guardian that protects all! General that enforces the law! Now become one and sublimate! FUSION SUMMON! Come forth! Level 11! Divine Ruler of All! Goyou God!" Ushio shouted as a large warrior with six arms sat on a large golden throne appeared. The warrior was wearing a red and golden clothing and had white face paint with red and blue markings. The monster also had blonde hair and glowing red eyes.

Goyou God (3700/2800) LVL:11

"That monster...!" Crow nervously grit his teeth while remembering it from his duel with Ushio.

"Goyou God negates the effects of all monsters on the field during the Battle Phase and it can't be targeted by your card effects! When it attacks, that monster's destruction is negated and then I gain control of it. Battle! Goyou God, attack Nirvana High Paladin! GOYOU DIVINE PUNISHMENT!" Ushio shouted as his monster extended its multiple arms out, firing a powerful gold and red blast at the paladin.

"Trap Activate! Last Minute Cancel! All of my monsters are switched to defense mode!" Yuya cried as his monsters took defensive stances before the paladin was hit by the blast.

"Goyou God's effect! I now gain control of your monster!" Ushio explained as the paladin floated over to his side of the field.

"Switching his monsters to defense mode was a really good counter. Not only will Yuya not take any battle damage, Ushio can't use his monsters to make attacks since he is unable to change their battle positions." Crow pointed out.

"I've grown since our last duel." Yuya said, stating the obvious fact that his opponent already knew and feared.

"...I don't care." Ushio grumbled in frustration while glaring at his opponent. "I can still win this. Goyou God's effect activates! By releasing a monster stolen by this card's effects, this card can attack once more!"

The paladin dissolved into particles that flowed into the Fusion.

"Goyou God, attack Lizardraw! At this moment, Goyou God's effect will allow me to take control of your monster!"

After being hit by the gold and red blast, the lizard floated over to Ushio's side.

"Goyou God's effect! I release Lizardraw to attack again!" Ushio exclaimed as the lizard dissolved into particles that flowed into the Fusion. "Goyou God, attack Fire Mufflio! And through my monster's effect, I gain control of it!"

The lion's eyes glowed after being hit by the blast, causing it to join Ushio's side.

"Now, I'll release it to let Goyou God attack again! Attack Monkeyboard! And through my monster's effect, I'll gain control of it!"

The monkey with a keyboard for teeth floated over to Ushio's side after being hit by the attack.

"He's gotten rid of all four of Yuya's monsters..." Yugo nervously pointed out.

"This is it! I'll release Monkeyboard to let Goyou God to attack again! Direct attack!" Ushio shouted as his monster charged an orb of gold and red energy in its hands. "Quick Play Spell, Goyou Revenge, activate! For every Goyou monster sent to the graveyard this turn, a Goyou monster on my field gains 500 ATK until the end of the opponent's next turn!"

The spirits of Goyou General and Guardian appeared beside Goyou God as it prepared to attack.

God (3700/2800)-(4700/2800)

"With this one attack, I'll secure the future for my men! GOYOU DIVINE PUNISHMENT!" Ushio screamed as his monster fired a powerful red and gold blast.

The blast drew closer and closer to Yuya, who calmly stared at the blast head on.

"...Entermate Barrier Balloon Tapir's effect in my hand activates. By discarding it, the battle damage is reduced to 0." Yuya sent the purple monster from his hand to the graveyard, causing a bubble-like barrier form around him.

Ushio's eyes widened at the sight of Yuya standing across the field from him, completely unharmed. The man clenched his fist in anger before looking down in despair.

The Captain of the Security already knew that he was fighting a losing battle the moment the duel began. But to think he would be this helpless...

"Damn it all...I...end my turn..." Ushio uttered in despair.

"My turn, draw!" Yuya immediately shouted without skipping a beat.

The boy was pretty good at understanding the troubles and emotions of others, so he could clearly feel the conflict within the man in front of him. But that didn't matter at the moment.

He had a duel to win.

"Gentrude's Pendulum Effect activates! Once per turn, while Ladyange is in my other Pendulum Zone, I can add an Odd Eyes monster from my deck to my hand. Now, with the set scale, Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters! From my Extra Deck, Entermate Fire Mufflio! Entermate Lizardraw! Entermate Odd Eyes Synchron! And from my hand...wondrous and beautiful dragon with dichromatic eyes! Odd Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Five multicolored beams of light shot down from the portal, with Yuya's ace landing in the center of his field.

Entermate Odd Eyes Synchron (200/600) LVL:2

Entermate Lizardraw (1200/600) LVL:3

Entermate Fire Mufflio (800/800) LVL:3

Entermate Monkeyboard (1000/2400) LVL:6

Odd Eyes Pendulum Dragon (2500/2000) LVL:7

"Five monsters..." Ushio nervously grunted while Yuya grabbed the final card in his hand.

"I activate the Spell Card, Pendulum Card Burst! By destroying both Lizardraw and Fire Mufflio, I can draw two cards!"

Yuya eyed the two cards before looking at his field and smiling.

"Alright, let's go! I tune the Level 2 Odd Eyes Synchron to the Level 6 Monkeyboard! Synchro Summon! Return to me! Level 8! Enlightenment Paladin!" Yuya yelled as the swordsman clad in white appeared once more.

Enlightenment Paladin (2500/2000) LVL: 8

"That card again..." Ushio grunted.

Yuya looked up at Odd Eyes, his ace that has been by his side since the start.

He then looked at Enlightenment Paladin, a monster that wasn't directly born from his power, but a monster that chose to fight alongside him.

"Odd Eyes, Enlightenment Paladin, combine your strength so we can win this duel! I activate the Spell Card, Odd Eyes Soul Force! This card allows me to equip an Odd Eyes monster to a monster special summoned from the Extra Deck! I equip Odd Eyes Pendulum Dragon to Enlightenment Paladin!" Yuya explained as the dragon turned into red energy that flew into Enlightenment Paladin, giving him a powerful red aura. "And due to my card's effect, Enlightenment Paladin gains half of Odd Eyes Pendulum Dragon's ATK!"

Paladin (2500/2000)-(3750/2000)

"Battle! Enlightenment Paladin, attack Goyou God!" Yuya commanded as his paladin jumped upwards. "At this moment, Ladyange's Pendulum Effect activates! By sending a Pendulum Monster in my hand to the graveyard, your monster loses 1000 ATK!"

"But Goyou God can't be targeted by-"

"This effect doesn't target." Yuya cut Ushio off, causing his eyes to widen.

God (4700/2800)-(3700/2800)

"This is the end! Ascension Spiral Slash!" Yuya shouted. The swordsman combined the handles of the two blades creating one double edged weapon. He flew towards the opposing monster while spinning his weapon, which was embedded with Odd Eyes' red energy, before slashing through the center of the Fusion.

USHIO: 575-525 LP

Ushio stared off in disbelief. He knew what came next.

Enlightenment Paladin floated above the man, staring down at him before separating his blades.

"Enlightenment Paladin's effect activates. Since it destroyed a monster by battle, you take damage equal to its ATK."

Using its blades, the paladin charged a powerful green blast that pointed at Ushio.

"Enlightened Spirit Break!"

The green blast consumed Ushio in an instant.

Without dealing a single point of damage, the Captain of Security had been defeated.

USHIO: 525-0 LP

WINNER: YUYA!

Yuya walked over to the man, who laid on the ground in defeat.

"To think we had a close duel last time...I guess you've changed quite a bit..." Ushio grumbled while looking up at the ceiling.

"You're afraid that Roget is going to win, that's why you continue to fight for him. But that won't happen." Yuya glared at the man with his unwavering red eyes.

"...How do you know...?"

"...Because I believe in my friends and my own strength. Reiji's group will shut down Roget's machine. Yuto and Gongenzaka's groups will shut down the generators powering the shields. Yugo, Crow, and I will take down Roget once and for all. I promise." Yuya told the man, holding out his hand to the officer.

"...You kids really are something, huh..." Ushio smirked before taking Yuya's hand and getting off the ground.

"Ushio...!" Crow uttered before smiling.

"Men...take off your helmets." Ushio told his officers.

His men looked at each other with unsure looks before taking off their helmets and throwing them on the ground.

"I won't let Roget control my comrades anymore. All of you, spread out and search for any other officers in the building and get their helmets off of them. Inside them are devices that raise their aggression levels, making them more susceptible to Roget's manipulation. If they resist, you have my authority to use any means necessary. And if you come across any Lancers, aid them with whatever they need. We're going to stop this madman's plans once and for all." Ushio told his squad.

"...Yes, sir!" The group of officers yelled before running past Yugo and Crow.

"King Yugo, Crow Hogan, Yuya Sakaki, please allow me to accompany you. I wish to atone for my sins by helping you directly." Ushio requested, bowing his head to the three.

While Yuya didn't truly understand the impact, the two Commons were in utter disbelief.

"I don't know...this guy's a major pain..." Crow teased before turning to Yugo. "What do you think, oh great king?"

Yugo met Crow's gaze with a glare before turning back to Ushio.

"Well...if you really want to help us, why not? You seem genuine enough. And if you double cross us, I'll just kick your ass even worse than Yuya did." Yugo grinned at the man, causing him to sweat.

"T-Thank you..." Ushio nodded after gulping.

"Alright then, let's not keep everyone waiting." Yuya told his friends (and Ushio).

"Right. Allow me to escort you." Ushio said.

"Let's go! Roget's not going to know what hit him!" Yugo shouted while cracking his knuckles.

---

Yuto and Kiryu stared each other, one with a look of obvious disdain while the other simply grinned in excitement.

"Let's go, fellow Death God!" Kiryu shouted like a mad man.

"...This time, I'm going to win. This will be...your last duel." Yuto murderously glared at the man.

"DUEL!"

KIRYU: 4000 LP vs YUTO: 4000 LP

"It's time to settle this once and for all! My turn!" Kiryu eagerly declared. "I activate the Spell Card, Graceful Charity! I draw three cards and then I'll discard two. I set a card facedown. Tell me, are you ready to enter the Death God's domain?"

"Get along with it." Yuto responded.

"Good answer. I activate the Spell Card, Infernity Parade! First, I must send my entire hand to the graveyard. Then, I reveal the top card of my deck. If that card is an Infernity Monster, I can special summon any Infernity Monsters that were just discarded. Let's test my luck!"

Kiryu flipped over the top card of his deck which revealed to be Infernity Shielder.

"Damn it..." Yuto grunted.

"Perfect. Now, I can special summon my Infernity Monsters that I previously sent to the graveyard! Come, Infernity General! Infernity Archer! Infernity Destroyer!"

A large dark portal appeared on Kiryu's field. The three large fiends cloaked in black armor stepped onto the battlefield, causing sweat to form on Yuto's face.

Infernity Destroyer (2300/1000) LVL: 6

Infernity Archer (2000/1000) LVL:6

Infernity General (2700/1500) LVL:7

'Summoning three powerful monster right off the bat...he's more serious than last time...' Yuto thought to himself.

"Through Infernity Parade's effect, the Infernity Shielder that was on the top of my deck is now sent to the graveyard. With that, I end my turn. Now, show me the strength of your hatred!" Kiryu shouted at his opponent.

"My hatred..." Yuto uttered before shaking his head and refocusing. "I'll take you down right here! My turn! From my hand, I summon Phantom Knights Fragile Armor!"

Phantom Knights Fragile Armor (1000/2000) LVL: 4

"Next, I activate the Spell Card, Phantom Knights Shadow Double! After this card's activation, it's placed in a monster zone and copies the stats and name of a Level 5 or lower Phantom Knights monster!"

Phantom Knights Shadow Double (Phantom Knights Fragile Armor) (1000/2000) LVL: 4

"Now, I overlay my Level 4 Fragile Armor and Shadow Double! Fangs of pitch-black darkness! Rise up against the foolish oppression! Descend now! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 4! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!" Yuto shouted as his ace dragon appeared with a roar.

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon (2500/2000) RNK: 4 OVU: 2

"Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon's effect activates! By using both of its overlay units, Infernity General and Destroyer's ATKs are halved while Dark Rebellion gains their lost ATK! Treason Discharge!"

OVU: 2-0

Destroyer (2300/1000)-(1150/1000)

General (2700/1500)-(1350/1500)

Dark Rebellion (2500/2000)-(5000/2000)

"The darkness within me...I won't be a slave to it! I'll use it as a weapon to take down my enemies! I activate the Ritual Spell Card, Ritual of Apocalypse!"

A circle of flames appeared in front of Yuto with two alters on opposites. The right alter had a flame while the left alter had a purple flame.

"Oh bringing out your ace in the hole already?" Kiryu questioned with a smirk while licking his lips.

"Now, I can Ritual Summon by releasing monsters on my field whose levels are equal or higher then 8! But if I have an Xyz Dragon on my field, I can treat monsters with ranks as having level equal to their ranks! I release Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon which is treated as Level 4 and the Level 4 Phantom Knights Clove Helm in my hand!" Yuto shouted as his monsters appeared in the circles of flames. The monsters split into balls of fires that flew around the circle. "Dragon born from the raging flames of war! Resurrect with a burning vengeance and destroy everything with your apocalyptic power! Ritual Summon! Come forth! Level 8! Dark Rebellion Apocalypse Dragon!"

The large ritual dragon appeared which had black armor with golden orbs and purple energy coursing through it. The dragon roared as it bursted out of the flames.

Dark Rebellion Apocalypse Dragon (3000/2500) LVL:8

"So you're using that on your first turn? That's interesting!" Kiryu grinned.

"Dark Rebellion Apocalype Dragon's effect! When this card is Ritual Summoned, all monsters on your field have their ATKs halved and their effects are negated! Then, this card gets 400 ATK for each card affected! POWER ANNIHILATION!" Yuto screamed as his dragon fired a wave of golden energy from its core, which hit all three of Kiryu's monsters.

Destroyer (1150/1000)-(575/1000)

General (1350/1500)-(675/1500)

Archer (2000/1000)-(1000/1000)

Apocalypse Dragon (3000/2500)-(4200/2500)

"Now, Apocalypse Dragon can attack every monster weakened by its effect!" Yuto shouted while clenching his fist.

"Already going for the kill? I thought we could have some more fun like last time." Kiryu jeered.

"This isn't a game! I don't care about your satisfaction. I don't even care about making you pay for everything you've done. I only care about getting past you! BATTLE! Dark Rebellion Apocalypse Dragon, attack Infernity Destroyer! Blazing Armageddon Impact!" Yuto roared as the dragon opened its mouth and fired a gold and purple spiral of fire.

"Did you forget about the monster I sent to the graveyard! Infernity Shielder's effect activates! While I have no cards in my hand, I can summon this card from the graveyard and the direct attack is negated! And then I can special summon a Level 4 or lower Infernity Monster with its effects negated! I choose Infernity Bishop!" Kiryu shouted as a black and silver armored monster with a large shield protected him. Then, a humanoid fiend in black and orange clothing carrying a book appeared.

Infernity Shielder (100/1500) LVL:1

Infernity Bishop (1000/2000) LVL:4

"That's not enough to protect you from defeat! Apocalypse Dragon, attack Infernity General! Blazing Armageddon Impact!"

"Is that what you think? I activate the effect of the Trap Card, Infernity Plague in my graveyard! Besides the turn this card was sent to the grave, while I have no cards in my hand, I can target a monster on my opponent's field and it loses ATK equal to its DEF until the end of the turn! This means your monster loses 2000 ATK!"

Apocalypse Dragon (4200/2500)-(2200/2500)

Despite being weakened, the dragon's attack incinerated the large armored fiend and singed Kiryu's jacket.

KIRYU: 4000-2475 LP

"My attack isn't over! Apocalypse Dragon, attack Infernity Archer! Blazing Armageddon Impact!" Yuto shouted as his dragon's purple and gold flames burnt the archer to ash.

KIRYU: 2475-1275 LP

"I set a card facedown, turn end." Yuto concluded. "At this moment, Infernity Destroyer gains the ATK back it lost from Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon's effect."

Destroyer (575/1000)-(1725/1000)

"That was quite the assault just now. I could really feel your anger in each of your attacks! But that does beg the question, what are you even angry about? The last time we crossed paths, you were fueled by your anger about your girlfriend being kidnapped, right? But now you have her back, and your soul seems to have darkened even further. Why is that?" Kiryu asked with a curious look.

"I...I don't..." Yuto trailed off as he thought about the man's words. "Just shut up and take your turn!"

"As you wish." Kiryu smiled, glad that he was getting under his opponent's skin. "My turn! From my hand, I summon the Tuner Monster, Infernity Avenger!" Kiryu shouted as the cowboy-like fiend appeared.

Infernity Avenger (0/0) LVL: 1

"I tune my Level 1 Infernity Avenger to my Level 1 Infernity Shielder and my Level 4 Infernity Daemon! Demon empowered by chaos! Awaken from the depths of hell and bring forth destruction! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 6! Infernity Hell Daemon!" Kiryu shouted as a large red and black demonic creature appeared with sharp purple bones as armor.

Infernity Hell Daemon (2200/1600) LVL: 6

"Infernity Daemon and Shielder are banished due to leaving the field after being summoned by Shielder's effect. Next, I activate Infernity General's effect in the graveyard! By banishing it while I have no cards in my hand, I can resurrect two Level 3 or lower Infernity Monsters! Rise, Infernity the Tuner Monster, Infernity Avenger! And Infernity Pawn!" Kiryu yelled as alongside the cowboy came a solider-like fiend in black and purple armor.

Infernity Avenger (0/0) LVL: 1

Infernity Pawn (0/0) LVL: 1

"Now, I tune the Level 1 Infernity Avenger to the Level 1 Infernity Pawn and Level 6 Infernity Destroyer! Demonic Dragon caged in the realm between heaven and hell! Break free from your eternal purgatory and spread your darkness across the land of the living! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 8! Infernity Void Dragon!" Kiryu shouted as the demonic dragon covered in sharp black armor with red and white lines running through it appeared.

Infernity Void Dragon (3000/2400) LVL: 8

"Infernity Void Dragon gains 200 ATK for each of my banished cards! I currently have three, so it gains 600 ATK!"

Void Dragon (3000/2400)-(3600/2400)

"Since you're so eager to settle things, I'll do you a favor and finish you off right now! Infernity Void Dragon's effect activates! Once per turn, since I have no card in my hand, a monster on your field is destroyed! Go, Purgatory Crush!" Kiryu shouted as his monster's claw ignited in dark energy. The dragon flew forward and drove its claw through the ritual dragon's core, causing it to shatter into particles.

"Grr...Dark Rebellion Apocalypse Dragon's effect activates! Upon being destroyed, I can special summon Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon (2500/2000) RNK:4

"It won't be sticking around for long! Hell Daemon's effect activates! Once per turn, I can target a card on your field and it's effects are negated! And if I have no cards in my hand, that card is destroyed! I target Dark Rebellion! Go, Demonic Shoot!" Kiryu exclaimed as his demon fired a red and black blast from its hands. The blast shot through the center of the dragon, causing it to explode.

"Damn it..." Yuto grunted.

"Battle! Go, Hell Daemon! Direct Attack! Hell Fire Crush!" Kiryu commanded as his monster's hands were enveloped in black and red fire. His monster pointed its hands directly at Yuto, causing the ground under him to begin cracking open. Suddenly, a powerful red and black fire shot out of the ground, enveloping Yuto.

"GAAAAHHHH!" Yuto shouted as he was consumed by the flames.

YUTO: 4000-1800 LP

"Void Dragon, end this duel! Direct Attack! Infernity Hell Inferno!" Kiryu yelled as the dragon fired a powerful red blast of flames from its mouth.

"Continuous Trap, Phantom Knights Fog Blade activate! With this, your attack is negated and your monster's effects are negated! Also, your monster can't be targeted for attacks or attack other monsters as long as this card is on the field!" Yuto countered as a spectral blade stabbed the dragon, causing its attack to disperse.

Void Dragon (3600/2400)-(3000/2400)

"So you've effectively turned my ace into a ghost, eh? How clever." Kiryu said through his teeth as he grunted in annoyance. "With that, my turn comes to an end."

"I'll settle this right now! My turn! I activate the Spell Card, Card of Demise! I draw five cards! In exchange, I'll discard my entire hand after in five turns. I activate the Spell Card, Monster Reborn! Revive, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon (2500/2000) RNK:4

"I activate the Spell Card, Rank Up Magic Phantom Knights Launch! This card ranks up Dark Rebellion one rank higher also using this card as material!" Yuto shouted as his eyes glowed even brighter.

Yuto's dragon roared before turning into dark energy that flew back into the overlay network.

"From the depth of purgatory, sing the song of rebellion dedicated to the restless souls! Let it echo for all eternity and appear! RANK UP XYZ CHANGE! Come forth! Rank 5! Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon!"

The evolved form of his ace which was a purple dragon with black and grey armor and stained glass-like wings appeared.

Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon (3000/2500) RNK:5 OVU:2

"Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon's effect activates! By using one overlay unit, I can target a monster on your field and that monster's ATK becomes 0! Then, Dark Requiem gains ATK equal to the target's original ATK! I target Infernity Hell Daemon! Requiest Salvation!" Yuto shouted as the dragon shot dark energy from the orbs on its wings. The dark energy wrapped around the demon, draining all of its energy.

OVU: 2-1

Hell Daemon (2200/1600)-(0/1600)

Dark Requiem (3000/2500)-(5200/2500)

"You really aren't messing around today, huh..." Kiryu trailed off.

"I'm not in the mood for your games. I thought that after what Crow said, you'd maybe see the error in your ways. But I guess that was just wishful thinking." Yuto sighed, gaining Kiryu's interest.

"What did that guy say?" Kiryu asked his opponent with a hint of hopefulness in his tone.

"What does it matter anymore? You've chosen your path and there's no going back." Yuto coldly said.

"I guess you're right about that..." Kiryu said while briefly looking down.

Yuto's eyes narrowed as he looked at his opponent. He knew he wasn't like Yuya or Yugo. If they were dueling in his place, maybe they'd try to get him to see the light.

But they weren't there, Yuto was.

Yuto was tired of seeing people being given chances just to betray the trust they gained. That's why he couldn't bring himself to talk things out with his opponent. Crow tried and apparently it didn't work. If he couldn't get this guy to change, there was no point in trying. He had a job to do. He had people counting on him. He wouldn't falter here.

"I'm not going to hold back because of your past with one of my allies. If you're not going to surrender, then I'll simply defeat you. The choice is yours." Yuto told the man in front of him.

"I don't see a point in giving up after everything that's happened." Kiryu admitted before looking up at his opponent.

"If that's your choice, so be it. Battle! Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon, end this duel! Attack Infernity Hell Daemon! Requiest Disaster Disobey!" Yuto shouted as his monster extended its glorious wings while its single fang ignited in light.

"Trap Activate! Unstable Void! When an opponent declares an attack, I can send an Infernity Synchro Monster on my field to the graveyard to end the Battle Phase! Then, I can draw a card!" Kiryu shouted before sending his Hell Daemon to the grave.

"The card he set on his first turn but never used..." Yuto cursed his forgetfulness.

"You almost had me there." Kiryu smirked.

"That's the last time you escape defeat. I set a card facedown, turn end." Yuto concluded.

Dark Requiem (5200/2500)-(3000/2500)

"My turn! I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed! I draw two cards! Next, I activate the Spell Card, Infernity Arrows! For each Infernity Monster on my field, I can destroy a Spell or Trap you control! I choose to destroy your Continuous Trap!" Kiryu shouted as a burning arrow flew through the card, releasing his ace monster from its restrained state.

Void Dragon (3000/2400)-(3600/2400)

"I can't use my monster's effect either since I still have two cards in my hand, and I know your monster has an ability to negate destruction effects, so I'll just destroy it the old fashioned way-"

"No, you won't. Quick Play Spell, Rank Up Magic Phantom Knights Force, activate! During the Main Phase, by banishing two DARK monsters in my graveyard, I can rank up my dragon two ranks higher!" Yuto shouted, banishing Phantom Knights Fragile Armor and Clove Helm.

As the dragon was about to disperse into particles, it converted into dark energy that flew into the overlay network.

"Fang of Rebellion, descend from the purified darkness and destroy those who oppose your order! Rank Up Xyz Change! Come forth! Rank 7! Dark Anthelion Dragon!" Yuto shouted as the large purple and black hybrid dragon with silver and turquoise armor appeared.

Dark Anthelion Dragon (3000/2500) RNK:7 OVU:2

"I won't be able to get through that dragon head on due to its pesky effect. So, I'll just have to set a card facedown and end my turn." Kiryu concluded.

"My turn! At this moment, I activate Dark Anthelion's effect! Once per either player's turn, by using an overlay unit, I can target a monster on your field and it loses half of its ATK while Dark Anthelion gains ATK equal to the lost amount! Also, I gain life points equal to the same amount! Absorb Eclipse!"

After absorbing an overlay unit, energy bursted out of the dragon's wings, restraining the red dragon and draining its power.

OVU: 2-1

Void Dragon (3600/2400)-(1800/2400)

Dark Anthelion (3000/2500)-(4800/2500)

YUTO: 1800-3600 LP

"Battle! Dark Anthelion Dragon, attack Infernity Void Dragon! Dark Dawn Break!" Yuto shouted as his monster flew through the air while surrounded by purple lighting.

"...Your moves are really overwhelming me this time around..." Kiryu admitted with a small smile before his dragon was torn to shreds, causing a powerful explosion that sent the man flying through the air.

KIRYU: 1275-0 LP

However, despite his opponent lying on the ground defeated, Yuto didn't lower his guard.

"Get up. We both know what that last card was in your hand." Yuto coldly spoke.

"You're right on the money..." Kiryu said as he dusted himself off before gaining a dark blue aura. "When my life points hit 0 from battle or effect damage, I can discard the rest of my hand to special summon Infernity Zero End! This card can't be attacked and is unaffected by other card effects. Also, as long as this card is on the field, I can't lose the duel and this effect cannot be negated."

Infernity Zero End (0/0) LVL: 1

KIRYU: 0 (DEATH COUNTERS: 0)

"The game has changed from here on out. I get a Death Counter for every 500 damage I take. Once I get three Death Counters, I'll lose the duel. But you already know all that." Kiryu sighed before gaining a serious look on his face. "To be honest, this duel hasn't been all that fun so far. However, cold fury that comes from your dueling...has been exactly what I've been looking for. The hatred I asked you about before...I know that feeling all too well. It's jealousy, isn't it?"

"Jealousy..." Yuto uttered, his heart skipping a beat as the word left his lips.

"Whether it's jealousy over the success of your friends, or how strong they've gotten compared to yourself, that feeling is unshakable. And eventually, that jealousy will warp into resentment and hatred. And by the looks of it, that process has already started with you."

"No...I don't hate Yuya and Yugo..." Yuto spoke, clutching his chest.

The image of them walking away from him, leaving him behind, kept playing in his head over and over again.

"I resented Jack for the life he chose to live. I thought that we'd all deny the right to become king to send a message that we don't need the approval of the Tops...but he wanted to take the throne in an attempt to make things right between the Tops and Commons. And then he failed. Crow disapproved of my methods and walked away from me."

Yuto's eyes widened. If he and Kiryu were truly as similar as the man claimed, did that mean he'd actually get left behind by Yuya and Yugo too?

"There was only so much I could do on my own after that. I was arrested and sent to the Facility, where Roget offered me a job. At that point, I was so sunken in despair, I stopped caring about my original goal. I just wanted revenge. I tried to get Crow on board, but he denied me again. After that, I was truly alone."

"...Why are you telling me this?" Yuto asked.

"To make you understand that this is only the beginning of the end of the friendship between your triplets. You're already at odds as it is. You've pushed them away because they've outgrown you. And now, you're destined to be left in the dust!"

"..." Yuto silently stood there, lost in thought.

"Alright, that's enough for now. Let's get back to the action! Trap Activate! Infernity Roulette! Now, both of us flip over the top cards of our deck until a monster is revealed. Then, the one who reveals the monster with a lower level will take damage equal to the difference in levels times 200. Let's go, brat!" Kiryu shouted as he flipped over the top card of his deck.

"I won't lose!" Yuto shouted as he did the same.

Kiryu's monster was the Level 4 Infernity Daemon, while Yuto's monster was the Level 7 Phantom Knights Abyss Swordsman.

"Since the difference in levels was three, I'll take 600 damage..." Kiryu sighed before a spectral gun appeared in the middle of the field. The gun fired three rounds that hit Kiryu's body, causing him to take a knee.

DEATH COUNTERS: 0-1

"Tch...due to my card's effect, Abyss Swordsman is now added to your hand while Infernity Daemon is sent to the graveyard." Kiryu explained as Yuto added the powerful monster to his hand.

'That was lucky...Abyss Swordsman is the highest level monster in my deck so it's a good thing I drew it...but what was his motive there...why would he gamble what little life he has left just for the chance to deal minimal damage...?' Yuto thought to himself.

"I set a card facedown, turn end." Yuto concluded. "At this moment, Dark Anthelion's effect ends."

Dark Anthelion (4800/2500)-(3000/2500)

"Let's finish this with a bang! My turn, draw! From my hand, I summon the Tuner Monster, Infernity Fallen Angel." Kiryu explained as a angelic monster with grey clothes and black wings appeared.

Infernity Fallen Angel (1000/1000) LVL:2

"Fallen Angel's effect. I can revive a Infernity monster that was destroyed last turn but with its effects negated. Revive, Infernity Void Dragon!"

Infernity Void Dragon (3000/2400) LVL: 8

"Now, I tune my Level 2 Infernity Fallen Angel to my Level 8 Infernity Void Dragon!" Kiryu yelled as the tuner turned into two pitch black rings that flew around his ace. "Destructive dragon with hellish power! Shatter the boundaries of heaven and hell and spread your burning purgatory throughout all of reality! SYNCHRO SUMMON! Come forth! Level 10! INFERNITY ETERNAL VOID DRAGON!"

A frightening demonic black dragon with sharp pitch-black and red armor appeared. The dragon's armor had purple flames running through it and had silver fangs. The dragon had red claws and had a long black tail that had a burning blade on its tip.

Infernity Eternal Void Dragon (3400/2800) LVL: 10

"Damn...I wanted to finish him off before he used that monster..." Yuto said to himself.

"Due to my dragon's effect, it gains 400 ATK for each of my banished cards! There are currently three, so my dragon gains 1200 ATK!"

Eternal Void (3400/2800)-(4600/2800)

"Witness my dragon's earth-shattering power! Eternal Void Dragon's effect activates! Upon being Synchro Summoned, all monsters on my opponent's field are destroyed!" Kiryu yelled. As his dragon roared, purple flames shot out of the ground, consuming the hybrid dragon.

"Before you destroy it, I activate Dark Anthelion Dragon's effect! My dragon takes half of your monster's ATK and I gain that same amount as life points! Absorb Eclipse!"

OVU: 1-0

Eternal Void (4600/2800)-(2300/2800)

Dark Anthelion (3000/2500)-(5300/2500)

YUTO: 3600-5900 LP

After absorbing the opposing dragon's power, the black hybrid dragon was incinerated, leaving Yuto defenseless.

"That's not all! While I have a Death Counter, I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to the ATK of the destroyed monster with the highest ATK!" Kiryu shouted with a maniacal grin.

"That's why you damaged yourself on purpose earlier...so you could gain a Death Counter before you used this effect!" Yuto realized.

"GO, INFINITE PURGATORY FLAME!" Kiryu exclaimed at the top of his lungs as his dragon blasted a powerful force of flames from its mouth at Yuto.

"Trap Activate! Damage Diet! The effect damage is halved!" Yuto cried before being consumed by the flames.

YUTO: 5900-3250 LP

"My onslaught is far from finished! While I have a Deather Counter, this card can attack twice per turn!"

"Grr..." Yuto grunted.

"BATTLE! Eternal Void Dragon, attack Black Feather - Shield Wing! ETERNAL HELL BLAZE!" Kiryu shouted as his dragon fired a blast of black flames from its mouth.

"Phantom Knights Torn Cape's effect in my hand activates! I can summon this card to take the direct attack instead!" Yuto countered as the small caped spirit appeared.

Phantom Knights Torn Cape (0/1200) LVL:2

The small spirit was quickly incinerated by the hellish flames.

"Second attack! ETERNAL HELL BLAZE!"

"GAAAAAAAHHHH!" Yuto cried as he was engulfed by the black flames.

YUTO: 3250-950 LP

"So you survived for now...you're as resilient as a Death God, that's for sure. I end my turn." Kiryu concluded.

Eternal Void (2300/2800)-(4600/2800)

"What you said before...it's true. I don't know when it started...but I've felt pretty jealous of my friends for a while now. I feel like I've distanced myself from them as a result. We've each done something that's strained our relationship. But regardless of all of that...we're still connected!" Yuto shouted surprising Kiryu.

"Oh? You don't seem like the type to believe in the power of friendship." Kiryu said with a laugh.

"I'm not. But the difference between your trio of friends and mine is that my two idiot friends don't know how to give up." Yuto said with a faint smile. "They keep pushing on, forging bonds and changing peoples hearts wherever they go. Giving up on something or someone isn't in their vocabulary. While I was focused on saving one person, they were focused on saving everyone. That's why...they were able to outgrow me."

As he heard the boy's words, his vision blurred and the hallway was replaced by a black void where Crow and Jack faced away from him.

Jack began to walk to the left while Crow walked to the right, leaving Kiryu behind.

From Yuto's point of view, he was in Kiryu's place, while Yugo replaced Jack and Yuya replaced Crow.

"Our relationships with our friends may be similar, but our situations are far different. The tracks you all took are different because you all ended up with different goals. Crow wanted to protect his family. Jack wanted to change things on his own. You simply wanted revenge on everyone. That's why you all ended up walking different paths."

Kiryu blinked before seeing Yuto, Yugo, and Yuya's paths intercepting at a point, where all three stood together.

"My friends and I may have different motivations, but ultimately, we share a single common goal, defeating Academia. So despite everything, we'll always be connected by our shared resolve. We'll always be comrades on the same path, though we may go about that path differently. So don't say you're like me, because you're not!"

Snapping back to reality, Kiryu smiled while looking down.

"So you still believe in your friendship with those other two boys despite the pain you've all caused each other?" Kiryu asked.

"...I'm going to take a page out of Yuya and Yugo's book and not give up..." Yuto answered with a determined nod.

"Then you're better than me..." Kiryu admitted before sighing.

"I'm going to end this. My turn." Yuto seriously spoke before drawing. "I activate the Spell Card, Altar of Restoration! I banish the top two cards of my deck to add Card of Demise back to my hand, and then I'll use it! I draw until I have five cards in my hand."

After Yuto drew again, he looked up at his opponent before grabbing two cards from his hand.

"With the Scale 1 Phantom Knights Abyss Guardian, and the Scale 8 Phantom Knights Abyss Swordsman, I set the Pendulum Scale!"

Abyss Guardian 1 - 8 Abyss Swordsman

"With this, I can simultaneously summon monsters with levels 2 through 7! Swing Pendulum of the fallen! Draw an arc across the battlefield and call forth the souls of rebellion! Pendulum Summon! Come forth! My undying comrades! From my hand, Phantom Knights Ancient Cloak! Phantom Knights Silent Boots! The Tuner Monster, Phantom Knights Undead Specter!"

Phantom Knights Ancient Cloak (800/1000) LVL:3

Phantom Knights Silent Boots (200/1200) LVL:3

Phantom Knights Undead Specter (900/1200) LVL: 4

"Tuner Monster..." Kiryu's eyes widened.

"Now I overlay my level 3 Ragged Gloves and Silent Boots. Soul of the knights who fall on the battlefield! Now revive, become the light that rend the darkness! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 3! Phantom Knights Break Sword!" Yuto shouted as his knight with a large sword riding a phantom horse appeared.

Phantom Knights Break Sword (2000/1000) RNK: 3 OVU: 2

"Undead Specter's effect activates! I can send the up to two cards from the top of my deck to my graveyard to increase or decrease my monster's level for each card sent to the graveyard! I'll send two cards to the graveyard to increase its level by 2!" Yuya and Yuto shouted as the tuner shrunk in size.

Undead Specter LVL: 4-6

"The monster I'm Synchro Summoning allows me to use a Phantom Knights Xyz monster as Synchro material by treating its rank as level! I tune my Level 6 Phantom Knights Undead Specter to my Rank 3 Phantom Knights Break Sword!"

The tuner turned into six green rings that flew around the Xyz monster, causing it to turn into three dark stars.

"Massacred souls of war consumed by darkness! Resonate into a single warrior and resurrect onto the battlefield with your blade of vengeance! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 9! Phantom Knights Vengeful Paladin!" Yuto shouted. A paladin similar to appeared with dark blue clothing under sharp black armor. The black armor had purple lining and the paladin carried a long-sword with a blue blade and a black grip. The knight had purple eyes dark blue hair.

Phantom Knights Vengeful Paladin (2700/2200) LVL:9

"Vengeful Paladin's effect activates! When this card is Synchro Summoned, the Xyz monster used as Synchro Material is equipped to this card! And during the Battle Phase, Vengeful Paladin gains the equipped monster's ATK! I equip Break Sword to Vengeful Paladin!" Yuto explained as the spirit of the knight was absorbed into the paladin.

"So this is your new power..." Kiryu trailed off.

"Using Pendulum from your tomato-haired friend and Synchro from your banana-haired friend...how sweet..." Kiryu sarcastically said, though he couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.

"BATTLE! Vengeful Paladin, attack Infernity Eternal Void Dragon and end this duel right now! At this moment, Vengeful Paladin's effect activates! It gains Phantom Knights Break Sword's ATK!" Yuto shouted as his monster leaped forward. The paladin's long-sword gained a shinning blue glow as the monster powered up.

Vengeful Paladin (2700/2200)-(4700/2200)

"Go, Phantom Blade - Darkness Punisher!" Yuto shouted. The paladin raised it's light blue blade high in the air and it extended towards the sky as a humongous energy blade. As the Paladin began to descend from midair, it swung its blade downwards, slashing down the middle of the dragon, causing a powerful explosion.

"Void Dragon...!" Kiryu cried.

"With that, I end my turn." Yuto concluded.

Vengeful Paladin (4700/2200)-(2700/2200)

"Trust me when I say this, completing one goal won't leave you feeling satisfied. Once you realize the things you did to accomplish that goal, you'll feel nothing but shame. So come to your senses and get out of my way!" Yuto shouted, not being able to help the words coming out of his mouth.

The boy looked at his own hands, not being sure why he was so keen on convincing his opponent to back down.

'I guess...Yuya and Yugo have inspired me a bit...and this guy...I don't think he wants to do this...'

Yuto shook his head. Regardless of the outcome, he had to get past his opponent.

"You're right...even if I did get my revenge on Jack...I would be lying if I said I'd truly feel proud. However, I've come too far to turn back down now! MY TURN!" Kiryu shouted, however, he didn't draw. "Infernity Pawn's effect activates! While I have no cards in my hand, I can banish this card from my graveyard to set a Void Spell or Trap Card from my deck instead of drawing."

"Setting a card from the deck?" Yuto questioned.

"Now, I'll reveal the card of your demise." Kiryu said with a serious look as the card flipped upwards. "I activate the Spell Card, Void Fusion! By banishing Infernity Monsters in my graveyard, I can perform a Fusion Summon! I banish Infernity Void Dragon and Infernity Fallen Angel! Divine creature stained by darkness! Demonic Dragon caged in the realm between heaven and hell! Become one and spread chaos throughout all of reality! FUSION SUMMON! Come forth! Level 11! INFERNITY CHAOS VOID DRAGON!"

Infernity Chaos Void Dragon (3600/3000) LVL:11

"How could you use a card that comes from the people who just tried to destroy your dimension?!" Yuto questioned.

"I'm past the point of return for caring about things like that. Chaos Void Dragon's effect activates! Once per turn, by banishing an Infernity Monster in my graveyard, this card gains the banished monster's ATK until the end of my opponent's next turn! I banish the 3400 ATK Infernity Eternal Void Dragon!"

Chaos Void Dragon (3600/3000)-(7000/3000)

"This has been a satisfying duel, Yuto. But all things must come to an end! BATTLE! Infernity Chaos Void Dragon, attack Phantom Knights Vengeful Paladin BURNING CHAOS SPIRAL!" Kiryu shouted like a mad man.

His dragon roared before spreading it's wings and fly up into the air. The dragon opened its mouth and fired a spiraling red and black blast at the synchro knight.

"...Abyss Swordsman's Pendulum Effect activates! By destroying this card in the Pendulum Zone, all Phantom Knights on my field are switched to defense position!" Yuto countered as his knight briefly took a defensive stance before being obliterated. "Vengeful Paladin's effect activates! When this card is destroyed and sent to the graveyard, I can special summon the monster equipped to this card with it's effects negated in attack mode! Come back, Phantom Knights Break Sword!"

Phantom Knights Break Sword (2000/1000) RNK: 3

"Due to my dragon's effect, it gains an additional attack for each of my Death Counters, meaning it gains one more attack. With no set cards or hand cards, this is the final attack, Yuto." Kiryu told the boy, who simply responded with his signature cold stare. "Second Attack! BURNING CHAOS SPIRAL!"

A powerful explosion ensued as Yuto's monster was consumed by the spiraling flames.

"I...refuse to die."

Kiryu's eyes widened as the monster that was once in his Pendulum Zone was now on his field, standing in front of Break Sword with smoke coming off of its large shield.

Phantom Knights Abyss Guardian (1000/2600) LVL: 7

"W-What the hell?! How is that monster there...?!"

"Phantom Knights Abyss Guardian's Pendulum Effect. While I control one DARK Xyz Monster, and that monster is attacked by an opponent's monster, I can summon this card from the Pendulum Zone and the attack is negated." Yuto explained while looking at his monster. The boy then turned to his opponent and stared through his soul with his cold grey eyes.

"I...I haven't ended the Battle Phase just yet! I can still win this! Earlier, I sent Infernity Warlocke to the graveyard through a card effect. And now, I'll use its effect! By banishing it, after an Infernity monster on my field fails to inflict damage, it can attack again!"

"But you won't be able to beat me. Due to Abyss Guardians's Monster Effect, you can only target it for attacks."

"D-Damn...damn it all..." Kiryu growled under his breath. His shrunken pupils shook as if he had gone mad while his fist tightened so much that his nails cut into the skin of his palm.

The man looked up and saw that Yuto had opened his cold grey eyes ever so slightly, as if he was looking at the man in pity.

This exchange of eye contact somehow flipped a switch in Kiryu's brain, causing his frustration to become demented laughter.

"Hah...hahaha...HAHAHAHA!" Kiryu couldn't help but laugh like a mad man.

Yuto looked at the man with an unmoved expression, though he wondered if the stress of the situation caused him to snap.

"This feeling...to bested by the next version of me...the next Death God...I've never felt anything like this! Is this pride? Is this jealousy? Is this...satisfaction?" Kiryu grinned like he had completely lost his mind.

Yuto looked down, acting as if he didn't hear his opponent's madness. But even he wasn't that good at putting on a front.

"Earlier you went on about how you're jealous about your friends outgrowing you, right? You've convinced yourself that you haven't developed as much as them, but that's not true now, is it?" Kiryu questioned.

Yuto blinked, not being sure of what Kiryu's point was. Of course Yugo and Yuya had become exceedingly stronger.

Yuya managed to obtain two new Synchro Monsters on his own, with one being a Pendulum hybrid that could be summoned using Yuya's own variant of Synchro Summoning using Pendulum Monsters. And although he didn't do it alone, Yuya had proven to be more dominant than both Yuto and Yugo, using their connection to his advantage and creating two powerful hybrid dragons. He managed to outlast both him and Yugo during their battle royal and even tied with Yuri. He helped Yugo realize his true dream and got through to a city full of hatred by sticking to his dueling until the end.

Yugo managed to create a new Ritual Monster, although that was thanks to Yuto and Yuya's help. He evolved Synchro Summoning, utilizing Accel Synchro to call upon the newest evolution of Clear Wing. And then, with even less effort, he created a motorcycle variant of his own dragon with even higher stats. He managed to defeat Yuto, Yuya, and the Duel King. He was now a leader to the people of the city that united them with his dueling and words.

What had Yuto done?

He beat up some of Roget's goons.

He summoned a new Synchro Monster...only because of Yuya and Yugo.

He lost to Yugo, who had broken out of his berserk state, something he couldn't do.

He was the first one to lose in the battle royal, getting knocked out by Yuri of all people.

And then he had to watch as Yuya and Yugo had the duel of a life time, which ended up being leagues closer than his duel with Yugo.

All of the evidence was right in front of him. He plateaued while Yuya and Yugo continued to speed ahead. The truth was clear as day.

"Truthfully, you've developed way more than those two kids. You may not have gotten some cool new flashy monsters like they did, but you've gained something different. You've finally begun to grasp your true potential."

"Stop speaking in riddles or don't speak at all." Yuto coldly spoke, earning a chuckle from his opponent.

"Oh come on, you can't figure out what I mean on your own? By all means, let me spell it out for you. During our first duel, you didn't really want to hurt me, right? But this time, you're absolutely pushing me to my limits while using mostly the same cards. The difference between then and now is that you've lost your empathy. You don't care what happens to your opponent, or even your friends, as long as you get what you want."

Yuto palmed his face as a memory came into his mind.

"Go! Battle! Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon, attack Clear Wing Synchro Drag-" Yuto shouted with his fist in the air as Yuya dove infront of him stopping his declaration of attack.

"Stop, Yuto! Dueling isn't for hurting people! You'd said it yourself, didn't you?! Dueling filled your homeland with smiles! In Heartland!" Yuya yelled at the berserk Yuto, who looked conflicted.

"I...don't want to hurt anyone..." Yuto mumbled as his eyes dimmed down, back to his normal eyes which were gray.

Back then, he was empathic to the point where he broke free from whatever possessed him simply to not hurt his opponent.

That's who he was.

Someone who cared about others.

Someone who believed dueling wasn't for hurting others.

But he wasn't that person anymore.

Not after scorching a platoon of Obelisk Force to near death.

Not after that pride shattering duel with Hell Kaiser.

Not after almost killing Kiryu during their first encounter.

Not after being thrown in jail and tested like a lab rat.

Not after hearing that Dennis had been a spy for Academia that led Ruri to her capture.

Not after receiving shock therapy that twisted his mind, courtesy of Roget.

Not after losing control and getting beaten by Yuri, the person he swore to destroy.

And especially not after shattering all of the bonds he built on this journey.

All of these events darkened his heart and changed his way of thinking, until he became a different person altogether.

He wasn't the same boy who went to the Standard Dimension to save the love of his life.

Not anymore.

"Your destiny is the same as mine. You'll continue to stray away from your friends. Your grudges will define your emotions and your actions. You'll become an undead husk of a person that leaves a trail of death and destruction wherever you go just to accomplish your goals. You'll truly become a Death God!"

"...Finish your turn..."

"As you wish! Infernity Chaos Void Dragon, attack Abyss Guardian! Burning Chaos Spiral!" Kiryu commanded, and once again, the undead knight was burnt to a crisp. "With that, I end my turn! With no cards on your hand or field, let's see if you have what it takes to fight back from the brink of nothing!"

Instead of ignoring his opponent's words and beginning his turn as he normally did, Yuto stared at the man in front of him, looking into his eyes that contained years of bitterness and pain.

"...I'd be an idiot if I said you and I weren't alike. Both of us are walking down a path different from our friends. The things we're willing to do to accomplish our goals separates us from them. You were jealous of Jack's status and Crow's family while I've grown jealous of Yugo and Yuya's development. Seeing you in front of me...someone who let his emotions of jealousy and revenge steer his life down a dark path...that makes me nervous for my own future. But...there's still time."

"Still time? For what?"

"Things aren't set in stone. For as long as I live, I'll reject the fate you claim is set for me. Even if I'm destined to become a "Death God", I don't have to become one like you!" Yuto exclaimed, locking eyes with the man while his eyes flashed a blue color.

"...Then show me that resolve." Kiryu met Yuto's glare with a satisfied look, taking Yuto aback for a brief moment.

"My turn." Yuto calmly drew before activating the card he had drawn. "I activate the Spell Card, Phantom Knights Treasure! By banishing up to three Phantom Knights monsters, I can draw a card for each monster banished plus one. I banish Torn Cape, Silent Boots, and Ancient Cloak to draw four cards."

After drawing, Yuto looked among the cards in his newly formed hand before closing his eyes.

"In the end, you may be the only thing in this world that I'll always be able to rely on. So please, lend my your strength as you've always done so we can win this duel. I activate the Equip Spell, Xyz Revival! Rise once more, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"

Once more, the black and purple dragon returned to the field with a spirited battle cry.

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon (2500/2000) RNK:4

"And then, Xyz Revival becomes equipped to the summoned monster. I activate the Spell Card, Monster Reincarnation! By discarding a card, I can add a monster from my graveyard back to my hand. I add Phantom Knights Undead Specter and then I'll summon it."

Phantom Knights Undead Specter (900/1200) LVL: 4

"Your Tuner?" Kiryu tilted his head in confusion. To his knowledge, Yuto only had a single Synchro Monster.

"The monster I'm about to summon allows for the use of an Xyz Dragon, treating its rank as level! I tune the Level 4 Phantom Knights Undead Specter to the Rank 4 Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!" Yuto shouted as his knight turned into four green rings that flew around his ace. "Pitch-black dragon that yearns for rebellion! Stain your soul in the shadows of the abyss and be reborn as the incarnate of death! Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 8! Dark Rebellion Reaper Dragon!"

From the flash of black light that temporarily blinded both duelists, the new dragon emerged and flew onto the scene.

The new form of Dark Rebellion had a slimmer body and was taller than before, giving it a bit more of a humanoid look. Its skin was purple and its black armor was extremely sharp, including shoulder blades and bladed waist armor. It also had a black chest plate with a large blue orb in the center. Its wings took the form of sharp blades and the dragon held a double-sided scythe. The dragon also had a scythe blade protruding from its chin. Blue energy was visibly flowing through its armor and weapon.

Dark Rebellion Reaper Dragon (3000/2500) LVL:8

As Yuto looked at the new dragon's twisted beauty, he felt a strange sensation within him. Despite being a Synchro Monster, this was his own power, not his counterparts, and it manifested into a dragon that personified death. And that was...ok with Yuto, even though he held a feeling of discomfort when it came to his Ritual Monster, which resembled mass destruction. Was it because he chose his own path this time, whereas something...or someone else...was in control before?

"Dark Rebellion Reaper Dragon, eh? Looks like someone is embracing their destiny." Kiryu said, admiring the beautiful yet terrifying appearance of Yuto's newest monster. "So, how can this new ace in the hole defeat my dragon?"

"...My dragons primarily focus on taking away the strength of the opponent's monsters on the field to make themselves stronger, which wouldn't work against a monster unaffected by card effects. However, this evolution of Dark Rebellion steals the strength of monsters that have already fallen!" Yuto explained with a resolute glare.

"Is that so? By all means, display your new power, my successor." Kiryu smiled.

"Quick Play Spell, Burial from a Different Dimension, activate. Now, I can pick three banished cards to return to the graveyard. I choose Infernity Eternal Void Dragon, Infernity Void Dragon, and Infernity General! Then, Dark Rebellion Reaper Dragon's effect activates! Once per turn, I can target monsters in the opponent's graveyard up to the amount of DARK Dragon-types in my graveyard! Currently, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon, and Dark Rebellion Apocalypse Dragon are in my graveyard. Therefore I'll target three monsters in your graveyard! I target Infernity Eternal Void Dragon, Infernity Void Dragon, and Infernity General!"

Suddenly, the spirits of Kiryu's monsters appeared on the field.

"The monsters targeted through this effect are then banished...and Dark Rebellion Reaper Dragon gains half of the combined ATK of the banished monsters! Sink your blade into the souls of the damned!"

The dragon of death appeared behind the spirits in a blink of an eye and sliced through the spirits with its weapon. The monsters turned into particles that were absorbed into the orb on its chest.

"My monsters' total ATK is 9100..."

"So Dark Rebellion Reaper Dragon gains 4550 ATK! DEATH RESONANCE!"

The orb began to shine, causing the blue energy that flowed through the dragon to become even brighter.

Reaper Dragon (3000/2500)-(7550/2500)

"...Gaining strength from the dead...so this is how you use your power..." Kiryu trailed off, lowering his arms to his sides.

"It's over, Kiryu Kyosuke." Yuto glared at the man. "Battle! Dark Rebellion Reaper Dragon, attack Infernity Chaos Void Dragon!"

Blue electricity began to spark around the dual scythe as the dragon cocked its arm back, infusing its energy into the weapon.

"Abyssal Execution - Disaster Razor!"

The dragon let out a powerful roar before launching the glowing blue weapon at the dragon. The dual scythe spun so fast that it took the form of an electrified razor that cut through the air and sliced through the dragon.

DEATH COUNTERS: 1-2

The man stood there, completely and utterly defeated. He was snapped back to reality by the sound of footsteps.

As he refocused his vision, he realized Yuto was walking towards him, with a dark dragonic aura surrounding him for a brief second.

"We may be similar, but I'll keep growing. I'll become someone better than you." Yuto said, his eyes briefly gaining a soft blue glow as he spoke.

Kiryu looked at the boy with an envious gaze, longing for such determination.

His eyes widened as Yuto's other monster, which he had completely forgotten about, trailed behind him like a solider following its leader.

"...You truly are a commander of the dead. You may not accept it, but the title is yours for the taking." Kiryu smiled before raising his arms in acceptance.

"...Break Sword, finish it."

Yuto's main Phantom Knight leapt over him before slashing down at Kiryu, sending the man flying into the wall.

DEATH COUNTERS: 2-3

WINNER: YUTO!

Yuto looked up at his new dragon as it began to fade away, making eye contact with the creature.

The dragon nodded at the boy, as if to say that even if Kiryu was right about them being similar, there was no point in dwelling on it. In the end, he embraced his destiny instead of running away, and for that, he shouldn't second guess his actions. He just needed to keep moving forward.

'Thank you...' Yuto inwardly said with a soft smile before the dragon faded away.

He then turned to his opponent, who was laying on his back with a smile plastered on his face.

As much as Yuto was ready to simply walk past his opponent, he couldn't help but turn to the man.

"...Why?" Yuto let the word slip out of his mouth. He himself wasn't sure of what he was asking, but Kiryu seemed to understand the meaning.

"I wanted to have one last duel where I could enjoy myself before I..." Kiryu trailed off with a sigh.

"Before what? What're you planning to do?"

"...Nothing of consequence. Regardless, I had to make sure my predecessor was ready for the trials that come ahead." Kiryu got off the ground and approached the boy.

Yuto instinctively stepped back and raised his duel disk, but Kiryu held up his hands as he approached.

"Remember all the things you told me when you find yourself lacking conviction in the future." Kiryu held out a hand with something in it.

"This is...!" Yuto's eyes widened as Kiryu placed the object in his hand.

"I'm counting on you. Farewell, Death God." Kiryu said before turning away and leaving.

Though this entire turn of events confused Yuto, he still managed to maintain his stoic composure.

But as the man took more and more steps in the opposite direction, he felt another question come to mind.

"Hey!" Yuto called out, causing the man to turn around. "I still don't really understand what a Death God is...but...if I'm destined to control death, doesn't that also mean I'll determine who doesn't die?"

Kiryu gained an intrigue look on his face before smiling.

"That all depends on your intentions." Kiryu said before continuing to walk away.

"My...intentions..." Yuto uttered as he looked at what was in his hand. But when he looked up to ask for clarification, the man was already walking away.

"Thank you, Yuto. Because of you, I finally feel satisfaction..." Kiryu simply waved without looking back.

After the man left the boy's field of vision, Yuto refocused his thoughts and walked into the room where the generator was located.

After doing what Reiji had instructed, Yuto successfully downloaded the virus and shut down the remaining generator.

The boy immediately let out a sigh at the sight of his work being finished.

"It's almost over...the rest is up to you guys...Yugo...Yuya..."

---

"We're here. This is Roget's main office." Ushio told Yuya, Yugo, and Crow as the group approached the door.

"Alright, let's get this bastard!" Yugo said while cracking his neck and loosening his shoulder.

"I call cuffing him!" Crow grinned, twirling around the handcuffs that he pickpocketed from Ushio.

Yuya smiled at the two Synchro users before looking at the door and taking a deep breath.

Whatever came next, he was ready.

"Alright. Let's do this."

Taking a resolute stride forward, Yuya swung the door opened and led the charge into the room.

The room was full of hundreds of screens that displayed many different parts of the city, with a throne-like chair in the middle of the room.

"So you're finally here? It's about time." The person in the chair spoke, facing away from the Lancers (and Ushio).

"That's not Roget..." Ushio pointed out, sweat forming on his forehead.

"That voice belongs to...!" Yugo trailed off, furrowing his brows in confusion.

The chair slowly spun around, revealing the identity of the man behind the voice while leaving the Lancers in confusion.

"...Jack?"

---

Hey guys, another chapter down! Not to pick favorites or anything, but I definitely missed giving Yuto spotlight since he's taken a back seat lately.

When writing this chapter, I had no intention of writing a Yuya duel, but somehow, he managed to slip his way into the chapter seamlessly. I decided to use the duel to showcase Yuya's growth as a character and a duelist as well as showcasing the powerhouse that is Nirvana High Paladin when used in conjunction with Yuya's supportive Entermates. And of course I had to give the GOAT Enlightenment Paladin the win (if I ever meet the cannon show runners, I'm going to slap them for only allowing Yuya to use this card twice). The Yugo/Crow/Yuya squad is definitely my favorite trio at the moment if you couldn't tell, with Yugo and Crow's hostility towards each other until they unite to support their brother. Crow will be dueling next time, where his arc will come to a conclusion.

For those of you wondering about how and why Yuto's changed so much, I made sure to make it extremely clear during the duel. God, I actually feel bad for making our emo boi go through so much trauma. But yeah, that was the conclusion to the arc I created for Yuto during Synchro. The duel showcased Yuto's emotional changes, becoming a more relentless duelist compared to how he was back then. The parallels between Jack/Crow/Kiryu and Yugo/Yuya/Yuto were immaculate if I don't say so myself. And after all of his short comings this arc, he finally got the badass win that he deserved. Hope you all enjoyed his arc, which will continue on into Xyz at the forefront. Also, the new dragon Yuto created was sort of inspired by Blast Dark Dragon from Cardfight Vanguard. Did Yuto getting another Synchro catch you by surprise?

Also, to celebrate four years of this story and ten years since Arc V aired, I will be releasing a special chapter where you guys get to ask myself of even the characters questions! I've seen this in quite a few fics, with the most recent one being Blaisecandell's Six Dimensions. It'll probably be made after this arc wraps up, so about 4-5 more chapters. And another important update is that now that school is over, I'll be more free to write. Not only that, I already have the majority of duels going forward written, so look forward to more frequent updates in the future.

Reviews:

Hell Kaiser Younes: Sawatari was absolutely the MVP for keeping Masumi and Gongenzaka alive and motivated.

Guest: I honestly don't know if I'll make a sequel, as this story has taken this long to get about half way through.

Bia1230, Amber 4435, Nemesis Prime, and Guest: Thank you!

Darktheking73: Reiji sure did inadvertently prevent a secondary disaster by splitting the groups up the way he did.

Belzemon1449: You're very right about Shun's reputation in a lot of fics. I don't like when writers make characters like him full of rage throughout the entire story just to make him chill at the very end. I feel like it's necessary to show that transition between rage and chill. Plus, this version of Shun's already gotten a lot of his conflicts resolved. He never lost Yuto, got revenge by beating Dennis, formed bonds with other Lancers, got revenge on Sora a second time, and even got Ruri back. He doesn't have as many reasons to be an angry bird, hence the shift in character.

charly12: Yeah, Yuya's way of uniting the dimension was kind of cheap in cannon, since he basically used his own power to win. While that was a good moment for his character, it didn't really translate to teaching a lesson and uniting the city, except the fact that it made everyone EGAO. But here, Yugo used the strength of his friends to show that uniting as one is better than only relying on your own strength, which in turn united the city of tops and commons.

T.V. 2000: Yeah, Yuya's starting to get the same powers as Judai did back in GX. Only one other counterpart out of the eight has this ability as well at this point, which will be revealed within the next few chapters. And that's a very terrific guess for the identity of the Jack Atlas, and yes, he's based off of Fake Jack from 5Ds. As for the deck, we'll see it next time!

Once again, thanks for all of the support! Please keep reviewing!

Preview: Crow is confronted by a familiar face, who claims to be the former king. Will Crow be able to defeat this "Jack Atlas", or will the might of the previous king prevail? Meanwhile, Tsukikage is forced to face off against two elite Officers, Frost and DC 227. Will the lonesome ninja prove capable of defeating both threats by himself? Find out next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V: Altered Destiny! The fun has just begun!