The sun had long dipped behind the horizon, casting the city in a blanket of twilight as Ryuki, Rin, and Ruri returned to their apartment. The quiet hum of distant traffic and the soft glow of streetlights added a calm serenity to the evening air. After a long, eventful day, the trio strolled down the familiar sidewalk, basking in the lingering warmth of their recent adventure.
After the duel with Yuya, Ruri had suggested something a little unorthodox—a "shared date." While initially met with skeptical glances from both Ryuki and Rin, the idea had surprisingly turned into one of the most enjoyable days they'd had in this world so far.
They had wandered through the city's card shops, marveling at different playstyles, archetypes, and rarities that the stores had to offer. Ruri, always inquisitive, had taken notes on various support cards that could enhance her Aqua Force deck, while Rin seemed especially drawn to a shop that displayed a collection of noble knight-themed cards, reminiscent of her Royal Paladin units.
Later, they explored a bustling food district. The trio sampled freshly grilled skewers, fluffy taiyaki, and sweet bubble tea as they joked and laughed under strings of paper lanterns swaying gently in the wind. Finally, they capped their day at the local aquarium—Ruri's personal highlight.
She had stood in front of the massive central tank, her eyes wide and sparkling like a child's. As sharks glided past coral reefs and schools of fish danced under shifting lights, Ruri's joy had been contagious. She pressed her hands against the glass, giggling as a manta ray swam by, and Ryuki couldn't help but smile at the sight.
Now, under the soft glow of streetlamps and the hush of the evening cityscape, their footsteps echoed faintly on the pavement.
"Today was fun," Ruri said, stretching her arms overhead as they neared the apartment building. "I didn't think a shared date could actually work, but here we are."
"Yeah," Rin agreed with a grin. "Even if it was a little weird at first, I had a blast."
Ryuki gave a small chuckle. "I'll admit, I thought it'd be awkward, but it turned out better than expected. Thanks for the idea, Ruri."
Ruri beamed. "Anytime!"
As they began ascending the steps to their apartment, Rin turned to Ryuki, her expression shifting slightly from playful to pensive.
"Hey, Ryuki... can I ask you something?"
"Of course," he replied.
Rin hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her voice softer. "During my duel with Yuya... something strange happened. I felt... weird. Not in a bad way. More like... I could feel what was going to happen next. As if I wasn't just playing the duel—I was living it. I felt like I was Altmile, if that makes sense."
Ruri blinked, her eyes widening slightly. "Wait. You too?" she asked. "Because during my duel with Sawatari, I felt the same thing. It was like Thavas and I were completely in sync. Like he was guiding me."
Ryuki came to a sudden stop at the top of the stairs, his eyes narrowing slightly. He turned to face them, his tone calm but firm.
"So it's started already..."
"Started?" Rin echoed, raising a brow.
Ryuki folded his arms and leaned against the wall beside the door. "What you two experienced... that's called PSYqualia."
Both girls tilted their heads in unison, confused.
"PSY...what?" Ruri asked.
"PSYqualia," Ryuki repeated. "It's a rare phenomenon in the world of Vanguard. It's a state where the bond between a fighter and their deck reaches its absolute peak. With it, you can predict the flow of battle with eerie accuracy. You can manipulate your draws and even hear the voices of your units. It's not just playing cards—it's fighting alongside them."
Rin blinked, visibly taken aback. "So... that voice I heard—that was Altmile talking to me?"
Ryuki nodded. "Exactly. That's your PSYqualia manifesting. You and your unit shared a mental link."
Ruri's expression turned thoughtful. "Then... that means I could really talk to Thavas like that?"
"With time and training, yes," Ryuki affirmed. "You've already awakened to it. Now it's a matter of control."
Rin crossed her arms. "Okay, that sounds kind of awesome. But... there's a catch, right?"
"There always is," Ruri muttered, glancing at Ryuki.
He sighed and nodded solemnly. "Yes, there are risks. Three, to be exact."
Both girls leaned in, now fully focused.
"First," Ryuki began, "when your main unit takes damage or is destroyed, you feel it. The pain they suffer echoes in you. It's not just mental—it's physical, even if only psychosomatic at first."
Rin flinched. "Seriously?"
Ruri frowned. "That... explains a lot. You mentioned that during your duel with Yuri, didn't you?"
"I did," Ryuki said quietly. "For five years, I fought someone who inflicted real damage. I had to build a tolerance. But that kind of pain never truly leaves you."
The air grew heavy with the weight of his words.
"The second drawback is the strain PSYqualia puts on your mind and body," he continued. "Using it drains you mentally, and overuse can lead to collapse. But... as your bond with your deck strengthens, that cost can be mitigated."
Rin and Ruri exchanged a nervous glance.
"And the third?" Rin asked.
Ryuki's expression darkened. "The most dangerous of all—corruption. PSYqualia can twist you. The more you rely on it, the more it feeds off you. Eventually, it starts making decisions for you. It warps your sense of self. If abused... PSYqualia becomes your master."
A cold breeze drifted through the hallway, sending a chill down their spines.
Ruri swallowed. "Did... that happen to you?"
"I came close," Ryuki admitted, voice low. "There was a time when I thought nothing else mattered but victory. But my parents saw what I was becoming. They pulled me back before I lost myself."
Rin stepped closer. "So... what now?"
Ryuki smiled faintly. "Now, I teach you both how to control it. How to use it responsibly—to hear your deck without letting it overwhelm you. It'll be a powerful asset, especially in this world. And the best part? PSYqualia makes you immune to mind control."
Rin blinked. "That's... oddly specific."
"You'd be surprised how common it is," Ryuki said with a slight smirk.
Ruri laughed. "Of course it is."
Their conversation ended just as they reached their apartment door. But as Ryuki raised a hand to open it, his expression changed. His pupils narrowed, and he froze.
"What's wrong?" Rin asked, concerned.
"...Someone's inside," Ryuki said, his voice quiet but sharp. His PSYqualia had activated on its own, sending an urgent pulse through his mind.
He slowly pushed the door open—and in the blink of an eye, a blur of blue and silver shot forward and latched onto his face.
"WAH—!!"
Ryuki staggered backward, nearly tripping over himself as something soft yet scaly wrapped itself around his head like an affectionate boa constrictor.
Ruri and Rin instinctively leapt back.
"What is that?!" Rin exclaimed, eyes wide.
Ryuki managed to pry the small creature off his head, holding it up by its sides. It blinked at him with wide black beady eyes and a cheeky grin.
"Chrono Dran..." Ryuki muttered in disbelief.
The little Gear Dragon wiggled in his grip, then waved a tiny paw and chirped, "Hi, Ryuki!"
Ruri tilted her head. "Is that...?"
"A real Vanguard unit," Rin finished, stepping closer with awe. "No way..."
Chrono Dran floated gently to the ground, giving the two girls a curious look. His beady black eyes sparkled for a moment before he flinched in surprise.
"Whoa... both of them have PSYqualia," he muttered, blinking.
"They awakened it in their first duels here," Ryuki explained, closing the door behind them. "But more importantly—what are you doing here, Chrono Dran?"
The small dragon floated up to Ryuki's shoulder and perched there. "Chrono sent me to help you."
Ryuki raised a brow. "Chrono? He sent you?"
Chrono Dran nodded. "Yup! He asked the Gear Chronicle clan to lend its strength to your mission. Things are getting good in our world, so he figured you'd need backup."
Ryuki's expression softened into one of surprised gratitude. "For Chrono to send you himself... that's big. I never expected him to get involved directly."
"Trust me," Chrono Dran said, puffing his chest, "he trusts you. That's why I'm here. To help however I can. And with these two already tapping into PSYqualia... we've got a lot to work on."
Ryuki nodded, a sense of determination filling him. "Then welcome to the team, Chrono Dran."
-----
The morning sun crept through the curtains of their apartment, bathing the room in a warm golden hue. With the day just beginning, the apartment was already alive with purpose.
"Alright, you two," Ryuki said as he stood in front of the coffee table that now doubled as a makeshift training desk. "Today's goal is simple: strengthen your connection to your deck—and learn to hear it clearly."
Ruri and Rin sat cross-legged on the floor, their decks spread before them like sacred artifacts. Between them, Chrono Dran floated in the air, his tail gently swaying as his luminous eyes watched the girls with interest.
Thus began a new routine—one filled with a different kind of discipline. Their PSYqualia training was not about brute strength or power—it was about understanding. Conversations with their cards, quiet meditation, even moments of playful visualization became key.
"Remember," Ryuki instructed, his tone calm but firm, "PSYqualia works best when you're still—when you listen. It's not just about commanding your monsters. It's about hearing them."
Rin closed her eyes and exhaled deeply, placing her hand over her deck. "Altmile... can you hear me?"
Ruri mirrored her, smiling softly. "Thavas... let's walk this path together."
Chrono Dran floated behind them, nodding with approval. "Good. They're getting better at harmonizing their minds. The flow of energy is stabilizing."
Their next step was mock duels—but without Duel Disks or physical cards. Everything had to be imagined, drawn from their shared connection to their decks. They visualized their monsters, the field, and their hands. It was a test of mental fortitude and emotional connection. Each play, each move, was sharpened by the intuitive insight that PSYqualia offered.
While the girls trained, Ryuki sat at the dining table, scribbling notes into a binder. He was preparing a detailed lesson plan for You Show School, one that would focus on an often-neglected aspect of Dueling.
Chrono Dran hovered over his shoulder and tilted his head. "What are you working on, Ryuki?"
Ryuki gave a small smile. "Lesson plans. If I'm going to teach at You Show, I might as well do it right."
The dragon blinked, then smiled in return. "So the great Flame Monarch is now a teacher. I never thought I'd see the day."
"People change," Ryuki replied, chuckling as he flipped a page. "Besides, teaching is just another form of battle. You have to know your audience and strategize accordingly."
By the time dusk painted the sky in amber and violet, the apartment was quiet. Ryuki stretched his arms and glanced toward the living room—and smiled.
Ruri and Rin had fallen asleep at the table, their heads resting on their arms. Scattered cards lay around them like fallen cherry blossoms, and faint murmurs escaped their lips as if they were still whispering to their partners even in sleep.
Ryuki gently approached and knelt beside them. "You've both come a long way already..." he whispered. He carefully picked up Rin first and carried her to her bed, then returned for Ruri, doing the same.
As he tucked them in, he murmured, "I'll make sure you're ready for whatever's to come... no matter what."
The next morning heralded a new beginning.
Ruri and Rin stood in front of the full-length mirror near the door, dressed in their crisp Maiami High School uniforms. Rin twirled once, adjusting the ribbon around her collar. "Do I look okay?"
"You look great," Ruri replied with a grin. "It suits you."
Chrono Dran hovered nearby, floating lazily in the air, while Ryuki leaned against the wall, arms folded, wearing a rare expression of relaxed amusement.
"You two are going to be late if you keep checking yourselves out," Ryuki teased.
"Coming from you? You took ten minutes brushing your hair yesterday," Rin shot back, smirking.
Ryuki raised an eyebrow. "Tactical grooming. Presentation is part of being a Flame Monarch. I'm a Clan Leader after all."
Ruri giggled before walking up and giving Ryuki a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks for everything. We'll see you later!"
Rin followed suit, grinning mischievously. "Try not to miss us too much."
Ryuki stood there, stunned and red-faced as they waved and disappeared out the door.
Chrono Dran snickered. "Well, well. You've got two very forward girls on your hands."
Ryuki exhaled through his nose, cheeks still pink. "They're... open about their feelings, yeah."
"You like them, don't you?" Chrono Dran teased.
"I care about them," Ryuki admitted. "But I want to take this slow. They've been through so much. They deserve more than just a rushed answer."
The dragon gave a thoughtful nod. "You're a better man than most."
Ryuki walked to his deck case and opened it. Inside were the shining faces of the Zodiac Time Beasts—Gears of fate waiting to turn.
"All of Gear Chronicle?" Ryuki murmured. "Even Chronofang Tiger?"
"Yup. Chrono sent everyone," Dran said. "He said if you're going to face threats across dimensions, you'll need more than just fire. You'll need time itself."
Ryuki sighed as he took a seat and pulled out the cards, spreading them across the table. "A Synchro deck, huh? This'll take some getting used to..."
Two hours passed in mental training. Ryuki constructed imaginary duels in his mind, working through Synchro lines, thinking through Gear Chronicle's flow and unique tempo. Though he was more accustomed to Fusion and aggressive playstyles, he was a tactician at heart—adaptability came with the territory.
When the time came, Ryuki put on a collared coat and headed out, with Chrono Dran trailing him invisibly.
They soon arrived at You Show Duel School. Ryuki made his way to the principal's office where Shuzo awaited him.
"Ryuki, my boy!" Shuzo beamed as he noticed the binder in Ryuki's hand. "Prepared already?"
Ryuki gave a curt nod and handed it over. "It's a lesson plan on Spells and Traps. Their strategic value, core mechanics, and ideal uses depending on deck archetypes."
Shuzo flipped through it with increasing interest. "This is... incredible! Thorough, engaging, and even examples listed by attribute type!"
"I try to be comprehensive," Ryuki said modestly.
The old man chuckled, patting Ryuki on the back. "You have my full support. Teach them well."
To pass the time, Shuzo poured some tea and the two sat down for a brief chat.
"So, outside of teaching, what do you usually do?" the principal asked.
Ryuki chuckled. "Event organizing, mostly. I've helped run tournaments for Fire-attribute decks. Sometimes themed events—Dragons, Pyros, even Dinosaurs."
Shuzo's eyes sparkled. "A fellow pyromaniac! I knew there was a reason I liked you!"
Their laughter filled the office.
Later that afternoon, the students of You Show filtered into the classroom. Among them were Yuya, Sora, Ruri, and Rin—each taking a seat with bright smiles and curious eyes.
Shuzo stood silently at the back, arms folded, proudly watching Ryuki take the stage.
Ryuki set a chalkboard behind him and picked up a piece of chalk. "Good afternoon, everyone."
"Good afternoon!" they echoed.
Ryuki turned and wrote on the board:
'A Monster Wins the Battle, But Spells and Traps Win the War'
He turned back to the class, his eyes sharp and voice steady.
"Many duelists rely on monsters to win. Its natural. A strong monster, high ATK, a flashy summon... those things are appealing. But they're not always enough."
He held up two cards—one was Raigeki Break, the other Forbidden Chalice.
"These," he said, "are game-changers. A well-timed spell or trap can shut down even the most powerful monster."
Yuya raised a hand. "But what if I want to focus on Action Duels? Spells and traps aren't used much in those."
The class giggled lightly, and Ryuki gave a patient smile.
"Action Cards are useful, Yuya. But they're unreliable. They're chance-based, and you have to run for them. In a real duel—where you don't have the time to grab something mid-battle—your set cards are your mind's sharpest tools."
He paced slowly, like a general delivering strategy.
"Quick-Play Spells save you in a pinch. Continuous Spells keep your field stable. Continuous Traps weaken your opponent over time. And Counter Traps... they're your hidden blades."
Sora whispered to a younger student, "This is getting intense."
Ryuki continued, holding up a sample deck layout.
"Let's say your opponent goes first and ends with two negates and a boss monster. You draw. Your only out is a trap—Compulsory Evacuation Device. Set it. They attack. Boom. Boss monster gone."
Rin's eyes widened in understanding. Ruri leaned forward, fully engaged.
Ryuki concluded with a final note.
"By mastering spells and traps, you control the duel's rhythm. The flow becomes yours. Anticipation, patience, and timing—those are just as powerful as summoning your ace."
He gave a small smirk. "And remember—'Set five pass' isn't a meme. It's a warning."
Laughter filled the room.
He pointed at Yuya. "And no, Action Cards don't count."
Yuya slumped with an exaggerated sigh as everyone chuckled again.
Ruri clapped softly. "That was a great lecture."
Shuzo at the back beamed with pride. "He's got the soul of a teacher, alright."
As the students filed out, talking excitedly, Ryuki leaned against the podium, letting out a slow breath.
Chrono Dran floated beside him in spirit form. "You did good."
Ryuki nodded, smiling. "That's one step closer."
-----
After the lesson on Spells and Traps, the trio of Futoshi, Ayu, and Tatsuya eagerly approached Ryuki, notebooks in hand and eyes full of enthusiasm. They began peppering him with questions, asking for advice on what kinds of Spell and Trap Cards would work best with their decks and signature monsters. Ryuki, patient as always, listened with a small smile before gently raising a hand to calm them.
"That topic will be the focus of our next lesson—in two days' time," he said with a reassuring tone. "So hold your questions until then. I promise it'll be worth the wait."
Though mildly disappointed, the trio nodded in understanding. They knew Ryuki never gave out half-measures when it came to lessons.
Moments later, Shuzo approached Ryuki and Yuzu with a small slip of paper in hand.
"Ryuki, Yuzu, would you mind heading to the card shop that supplies our school? I've placed an order for some new booster sets and accessories for the students," he asked. "They should be ready for pickup."
"Of course," Ryuki replied with a slight nod.
"Sure, leave it to us!" Yuzu added with a smile.
As the two departed, Ruri pouted slightly, her arms crossed as she watched Ryuki and Yuzu disappear down the road. Rin, who had been standing beside her, noticed immediately.
"Aw, is Yuzu stealing your man right under your nose?" Rin teased with a mischievous glint in her eye.
Before Rin could smirk further, a giant toy hammer fell from seemingly nowhere and bonked her on the head, making a comical squeak on impact.
"Oww! Where did that even come from!?"
Yuya and the younger students blinked, then exchanged knowing glances.
"...Ruri might just be turning into another Yuzu," Yuya muttered with a nervous chuckle.
Some time later, Ryuki and Yuzu had picked up the order from the shop and were making their way back when Ryuki's steps slowed. From the corner of his eye, he caught movement near a warehouse down by the harbor. There, loitering near the entrance, was a familiar face—Sawatari, flanked by his ever-present goons.
"Is that... Sawatari?" Yuzu asked, surprised.
The two quietly approached and crouched behind a stack of cargo crates near the dockside wall, ears straining to listen.
"I'll show him... I'll show Yuya what happens when you mock me!" Sawatari declared, his voice echoing slightly through the metal walls of the warehouse. "Forget the Pendulum Cards. All that matters is that I beat Sakaki Yuya—the Sawatari way! And that'll prove LDS is the best!"
Yuzu frowned. "He's still obsessed with revenge..."
She moved as if to stand, but Ryuki stopped her with a calm hand on her shoulder.
"Let it go. It's not worth it," he said, his tone firm. "He's wasting time chasing a grudge. And Yuya... Yuya would beat him again anyway."
Though reluctant, Yuzu nodded. "You're right."
The two turned and began walking back toward You Show. However, halfway across the pier, Ryuki suddenly stopped. His eyes narrowed, his breath slow and sharp.
"Ryuki?" Yuzu asked, pausing. "Why'd you stop?"
"...Something's approaching," Ryuki murmured, his voice lowering. "A darkness... I can feel it."
PSYqualia flared quietly within him, whispering danger. He handed the card box over to Yuzu.
"Take this back to the school. Get Ruri and Rin. Have them meet me at the harbor. Immediately."
Yuzu blinked in alarm. "What's going on? That tone... Is something wrong?"
Ryuki turned slightly, his eyes calm but resolute. "There's something happening at the docks. I need to check it out. Alone."
"But—"
"I'll be fine. Trust me."
Reluctantly, Yuzu nodded. "Alright... but don't do anything reckless, okay?"
As she ran off, Chrono Dran materialized beside Ryuki in a glimmer of light and gears, his expression tense.
"You felt it too," the small dragon said grimly. "That darkness... it's suffocating."
Ryuki stared toward the shadows near the warehouse. "I did. But it's not time for Gear Chronicle yet."
Dran's eyes widened. "You're not using the deck?"
"Kagero is enough for now," Ryuki said quietly. "This isn't a battle for time... this is a battle of will."
The dragon nodded solemnly before returning to spirit form, leaving Ryuki to move forward in silence.
Inside the warehouse, Sawatari was drenched in sweat, his jacket tossed aside as he went through drill after drill. His duel disk clacked and whirred as he simulated plays. Ryuki, watching from the shadows, was momentarily stunned.
"...For the son of a politician, he's got the right grindset," Ryuki thought. "Maybe I've been too hard on him."
Sawatari growled as he executed another sequence. "With this training regimen, I'll crush Sakaki Yuya! My way!"
Then a voice echoed from the far end of the warehouse. Cold. Hostile.
"You're from LDS...?"
A figure cloaked in black stepped from the shadows, his face hidden beneath a dark mask.
Sawatari scoffed. "Yeah? So what if I am?" He took a step forward. "Why don't you drop the mask and face me like a man!"
Behind the crates, Ryuki felt it—an oppressive aura radiating from the newcomer. Dran's voice echoed in his mind.
"Now, Ryuki. That darkness... it's real."
Ryuki exhaled slowly and stepped forward.
As the masked man raised his duel disk to challenge Sawatari, Ryuki appeared between them in a blur of movement.
"Sawatari."
"Huh?! Ryuki!?" Sawatari blinked, completely caught off guard.
"Take your goons and get out of here. Now."
"What—why!?"
"That man is dangerous," Ryuki said bluntly, his tone like cold iron. "He's not here for a friendly duel. Get out."
Sawatari opened his mouth to protest, but Ryuki stepped forward, locking eyes with him.
"Look into my eyes," Ryuki said. "And tell me if I'm lying."
Sawatari hesitated. His defiant scowl faltered, his face paling slightly as he looked deeper into Ryuki's unwavering gaze. Then, he nodded.
"Tch... fine. You heard him, boys—let's move!"
As they passed Ryuki, Sawatari paused.
"...Hit him hard."
Ryuki gave a subtle nod.
Outside, as the boys made their way toward the street, one of them looked back.
"Should we have left him alone...?"
Sawatari shook his head. "I don't know what it was... but something in his eyes told me—Ryuki's the real deal."
Back at You Show, Ruri and Rin stood by the gate, expecting to see Ryuki and Yuzu return together. Instead, only Yuzu arrived, slightly out of breath.
"Where's Ryuki?" Rin asked, brow furrowed.
"He's still at the harbor," Yuzu answered, concern in her voice. "He told me to bring the cards back and have both of you meet him there. He said... something's happening."
Ruri and Rin exchanged a glance, their expressions turning serious.
"Let's go," Ruri said.
"Right behind you," Rin nodded.
The two girls dashed off, leaving behind the warm walls of the school for the cold shadows of the docks.
Back at the warehouse, the tension had grown thick enough to cut with a blade.
"You let them go," the masked man said coldly, eyes glinting behind his veil. "He was crucial to my search."
"If it means keeping them from getting hurt, then tough luck," Ryuki replied. "And don't bother hiding your face. I already know who you are, Kurayami Yuto."
The masked man froze.
"...How do you know my name?" he asked, voice edged with fury as he pulled off his mask, revealing a face filled with anger and anguish.
Ryuki didn't flinch. "Duel me. You want answers? You'll get them—but only if you can handle the truth."
Yuto narrowed his eyes. "You're not saying 'win and I'll tell you'...?"
"No," Ryuki replied. "Whether you win or lose won't decide it. The way you fight will."
Yuto's expression twisted in confusion and frustration. "Tch... fine! I'll drag the truth out of you with my own hands!"
With a flash of energy, their duel disks ignited and projected the AR field across the warehouse, illuminating the rafters and empty crates in a kaleidoscope of red and violet.
-----
"DUEL!!"
Ryuki: 4000 | Hand: 5
Yuto: 4000 | Hand: 5
Turn 1 – Yuto
The Duel ignited with intense energy crackling between both Duelists. From the very start, Ryuki's eyes glowed faintly red—the sign of PSYqualia taking hold—as he analyzed every detail of Yuto's first move. Floating just behind him, only visible to him, was Chrono Dran in spirit form, offering silent support with a nod.
"I'm going first!" Yuto called out, his voice firm and resolute. He swiftly selected a card. "I Summon The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak!"
The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak
Level 3 / DARK / Warrior / Effect
ATK: 800 / DEF: 1000
As a cloaked warrior materialized in front of him with a sinister aura, Yuto continued, "Since I control a 'Phantom Knights' monster, I can Special Summon The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots from my hand!"
The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots
Level 3 / DARK / Warrior / Effect
ATK: 200 / DEF: 1200
A second cloaked figure appeared at the side of Ancient Cloak, both warriors standing at attention like twin shadows.
"Now, I overlay my Level 3 Ancient Cloak and Silent Boots to build the Overlay Network!" he shouted, raising his hand to the sky. A dark portal formed in midair, pulling the two warriors into its swirling vortex of violet light.
"Souls of warriors fallen on the battlefield, revive again and be the light that rends the darkness!" he roared.
"Xyz Summon! Appear now, Rank 3 – The Phantom Knights of Break Sword!"
The Phantom Knights of Break Sword
Rank 3 / DARK / Warrior / Xyz / Effect
ATK: 2000 / DEF: 1000
OU: 2
A knight garbed in midnight armor and wielding a massive broadsword burst forth, slashing through the air as it took its place on Yuto's field.
Ryuki, calm and unreadable, observed everything in silence. He didn't even blink as Break Sword appeared, instead watching intently with calculating eyes.
"I Set three cards face-down and end my turn." Yuto pointed directly at Ryuki. "Now, show me what you can do, Academia!"
Ryuki: 4000 | Hand: 5
Yuto: 4000 | Hand: 0
Turn 2 – Ryuki
Yuto's barb stung, but Ryuki kept his composure. Only a small twitch of his eyebrow betrayed his irritation.
"Quick to assume, aren't you?" Ryuki replied, his voice cool. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't lump me in with those heartless monsters. Atashi no turn—Draw!"
He drew, his expression shifting as a smile crept across his lips. The moment he saw the card, he knew exactly how to open.
"I activate the Field Spell—Ignis Mountains!"
The battlefield rumbled violently as the surroundings transformed. Magma boiled from cracks in the ground, and volcanoes erupted in the distance. The entire field was bathed in a molten, searing red hue.
"Next, I activate the Spell Card—Card Destruction! I discard all five cards in my hand and draw five new ones!"
A storm of glowing cards swirled into Ryuki's Graveyard, then a new wave landed in his hand. He didn't hesitate.
"Since you jumped straight into an Xyz Summon, allow me to respond in kind." He raised two cards from his hand. "Thanks to Ignis Mountains, I can Fusion Summon twice per turn without using a Fusion Spell."
"Fusion..." Yuto growled the word like venom, his glare sharpening. His fists clenched at the sides.
Ryuki didn't falter. "From my hand, I fuse Perdition Dragon, Whirlwind Dragon with Dragon Dancer, Karin!"
The ground split open with a burning roar. A red vortex swallowed the two monsters whole as Ryuki snapped his fingers.
"The eye of the inferno twists all into oblivion! Let time itself collapse in the storm of perdition!
Fusion Summon! Devour the field, Level 8 – Perdition Dragon, Vortex Dragonewt!"
Perdition Dragon, Vortex Dragonewt
Level 8 / FIRE / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze
ATK: 3200 / DEF: 2300
A dragon cloaked in swirling fire emerged from a blazing pillar, its body encased in white and dark violet scales. The air distorted around it from sheer heat.
Meanwhile, at Leo Duel School (LDS)
A sudden spike in summoning energy blared across the monitors. Alarms rang as technicians scrambled. "Sir, we're detecting a high-intensity summoning signal!"
"What type?" Nakajima asked.
"Fusion, sir. The source is in the warehouse district."
Reiji narrowed his eyes as the live feed showed Ryuki and Yuto mid-duel. Nakajima blinked in surprise. "Isn't that Sakaki Yuya...?"
"No," Reiji said firmly. "Sakaki Yuya doesn't use Xyz Monsters, that means whoever he is facing, shares the same face as Sakaki Yuya." His eyes, however, lingered on Ryuki. "Scan the card he just summoned."
One analyst zoomed in. "Sir... this monster has a keyword—Blaze."
"Blaze...?" Reiji folded his arms. "What are you, Ryuki?"
Back at the Duel
"You see it now, don't you?" Yuto snarled. "You are from Academia!"
Ryuki shook his head and sighed. "To think you'd jump to conclusions that fast. I heard you were more reasonable... but war changes people."
He extended his hand toward the sky. "When Vortex Dragonewt is Fusion Summoned, I can activate its skill: Seek the Mate!"
The dragon roared upward, summoning a light from the clouds. Five cards from Ryuki's Graveyard were returned to the Deck, which then shuffled automatically.
"Now I Special Summon one monster from my Deck!" he declared as a card ejected from the top. "Its roar opens a path where none exists! Those flames burn everything to nothing—Stand in line! Perdition Dragon, Whirlwind Dragon—Legion Summon!"
Perdition Dragon, Whirlwind Dragon
Level 4 / FIRE / Dragon / Effect / Blaze
ATK: 2100 / DEF: 900
A four-legged dragon materialized beside Vortex Dragonewt, winds spiraling around its silvery white-scaled body.
"Legion Summon...?" Yuto echoed, while Reiji and Nakajima mirrored the term in confusion.
Ryuki gave a small shrug. "It's not an official summoning method. It just felt right saying it."
Yuto's eyes narrowed, but he didn't act. Ryuki showed no malice—only clarity.
"When Whirlwind Dragon is Special Summoned by Vortex Dragonewt, I can send two of your cards from your deck to the Graveyard!"
Two of Yuto's cards from his deck burned into ashes before he could respond.
"Then, Vortex Dragonewt's secondary skill—usable only when Whirlwind Dragon is on the field! Once per turn, I destroy one monster, one Spell or Trap, and inflict 1000 damage!"
Yuto's eyes widened. "What?!"
"Reduce that savage soul to ash with your swirling purgatorial flames—Trinity Crimson Flame!!"
The dragons roared together. Their flames darkened to a deep, threatening crimson.
"One!" Whirlwind Dragon blasted Break Sword into pieces.
"Two!" Vortex Dragonewt hurled a fireball at one of the remaining set cards.
"Three!" Both dragons unleashed their breath attacks, striking Yuto directly.
Yuto: 4000 → 3000
Yuto staggered, flames licking at his cloak as he gasped for air.
"At least... I'm not out yet!" he grunted, yanking off his cloak as the fire dissipated. "When Break Sword is destroyed, I activate its effect! I Special Summon its overlay units—and their Levels increase by 1!"
Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak
Level 3 → 4
Phantom Knights of Silent Boots
Level 3 → 4
Ryuki narrowed his eyes. "Setting up for another Xyz, huh? Noted."
"But I'm not done." He raised his hand. "Vortex Dragonewt's Blaze—activate!"
"Blaze...?" Yuto echoed.
"It's a keyword unique to my deck," Ryuki clarified. "It activates if I control at least two more FIRE monsters than you. For every card destroyed this turn, I draw one. Since I destroyed two, I draw two cards. But in exchange—I cannot attack this turn."
Yuto exhaled in relief.
"I Set three cards face-down," Ryuki finished, placing them with perfect precision. "I end my turn."
Ryuki: 4000 | Hand: 2
Yuto: 3000 | Hand: 0
Turn 3 – Yuto
"Ore no turn! Draw!"
Yuto's voice rang out with sharp focus as he swept his hand upward to draw. A small gust of wind burst forth from the card, ruffling his cloak and momentarily stirring Ryuki's coat as well.
"I overlay—"
"Ryuki!!" a voice suddenly cut through the tension in the air, halting Yuto mid-sentence.
Ryuki instinctively turned toward the source—and his eyes widened.
Running across the docks were Rin and Ruri, panting and flushed from exertion. It was clear they had come straight from You Show Duel School, their shoes clacking against the wooden planks. Rin had a determined look in her eyes, but Ruri... her expression was different. A storm of emotions swirled across her face—recognition, disbelief... and fear.
"Ruri...?" Yuto breathed, his voice trembling as his heart skipped a beat. "Is that... really you?"
Ruri's legs locked in place. Her breaths turned shallow, her hands trembling as if her body had been struck with paralysis. Seeing him again—this Yuto—stirred something awful within her. Her knees quivered. Visions flashed behind her eyes—of cold steel wings, of violet lightning, of her precious Lyrical Luscinia being torn apart...
"Ruri..." Yuto took a step forward, his voice low, desperate. "Finally... I found y—"
"DON'T COME NEAR ME!!"
Her scream tore through the air like a blade.
Yuto froze mid-step. The expression on his face twisted into a mask of pain and confusion. "B-But... Ruri, it's me. Yuto."
She shook her head violently, backing away, her arms clutching herself tightly. "You're not Yuto...! You're not my friend!!" she sobbed, her voice cracking. "You're a monster! A murderer!!"
The words shattered him.
Yuto's breath hitched. His gaze fell to the ground, then slowly rose toward Ryuki. His hands curled into fists, trembling not with grief—but rage. A dark aura surged from within, swirling like a black storm cloud ready to explode. His eyes slowly glowed a ghostly white, as Zarc's influence was taking over him.
"You..." Yuto growled, his voice deepening with hatred. "You did this to her... You poisoned her memories... You corrupted everything!!"
He reached for his Duel Disk with a violent flick of the wrist.
"I WILL NOT FORGIVE YOU!! ACADEMIAAA!!"
The air shook as his Duel Disk blazed to life.
"I overlay Level 4 'The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak' and 'The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots'!"
The two monsters turned into twin violet comets of light and shot into the swirling portal above him, the signature black-and-purple Overlay Network spinning with vengeance.
"From the pitch-black darkness, rise up and tear through the chains of oppression with the fangs of rebellion! Descend now! Xyz Summon! Appear now—Rank 4! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!!"
Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon
Rank 4 / DARK / Dragon / Xyz / Effect
ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000
Materials: 2 Level 4 monsters
A surge of electricity erupted from the portal as a mighty dragon cloaked in jagged armor descended, snarling with hatred. Crackling violet lightning danced across its wings and blade-like jaws. Dark Rebellion roared with savage power as it landed behind Yuto, its presence shaking the docks.
Ruri's heart stopped.
Her vision swam with the memory of Magallanica—the scene of her nightmare. She saw again the moment when Thavas showed her dear Lyrical Luscinia had fallen, slaughtered by this same black dragon. Assembly Nightingale, screaming, skewered on Dark Rebellion's spear-like fangs.
She fell to her knees, clutching her head as her breathing quickened.
"Ruri! Ruri, snap out of it!" Rin knelt beside her and held her close. "It's not real—it's the past! Please, breathe!"
Yuto's voice rose again, distorted by the surge of darkness.
"Trap Card—Activate! Phantom Knights' Veil! When a DARK monster activates its effect, its effect cannot be negated until the End Phase!"
A violet shroud of energy wrapped around Dark Rebellion, its eyes flaring brighter.
"I activate Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon's effect! Treason Discharge!"
One of the dragon's orbs shattered into purple flames.
"I target Vortex Dragonewt! Its ATK is halved, and the lost power becomes Dark Rebellion's!"
Vortex Dragonewt – ATK: 3200 → 1600
Dark Rebellion – ATK: 2500 → 4100 | OU: 2 → 1
Lightning struck Vortex Dragonewt, causing it to recoil in pain. Its wings drooped slightly as its power was drained.
"And again!!" Yuto screamed, thrusting his arm forward.
"Treason Discharge!!"
Another orb shattered. Another surge of violet lightning lashed through the air.
Vortex Dragonewt – ATK: 1600 → 800
Dark Rebellion – ATK: 4100 → 4900 | OU: 1 → 0
"Ryuki's in trouble!" Rin said, shielding Ruri with her arms. "That dragon... it's out for blood."
Yuto's fury was boiling over. "Battle! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon! Attack Vortex Dragonewt! Revolt of Lightning—DISOBEY!!"
Dark Rebellion surged forward, violet lightning gathering in its jaw like a blade of punishment. It dove toward Vortex Dragonewt, prepared to execute its target with overwhelming force.
But Ryuki was already ready.
"Quick-Play Spell—Black King Bar!"
A barrier of deep gold erupted around Vortex Dragonewt. "Until the End Phase, one monster I control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects! And I take only half damage during this Battle Phase!"
The lightning slammed into the shield. Ryuki gritted his teeth as a sharp sting coursed through him—an echo of the attack's force.
Ryuki – LP: 4000 → 1950
Dark Rebellion recoiled, snarling, frustrated it didn't finish the job.
"Tch," Yuto hissed, biting back his anger. "I set one card... and end my turn."
Ryuki – LP: 1950 | Hand: 2
Yuto – LP: 3000 | Hand: 0
Turn 4 – Ryuki
A heavy silence fell over the battlefield. The scorched plains of the Action Field, once shaped in the image of the Ignis Mountains, trembled beneath the pressure of the two dragons that clashed moments earlier. The ashes of battle still hung in the air like mist, and even the sky itself had darkened as though the world held its breath.
Ryuki exhaled slowly. His fingers curled around his deck, the weight of the duel pressing down on him. Yet he remained calm, despite the storm raging behind his eyes.
"Atashi no turn... Draw."
The words left his lips like a whisper, but carried power all the same.
As the top card slid from his deck, a jolt of pressure coursed through him. His eyes widened—not in fear, but realization. The card he drew shimmered with an otherworldly glow, almost too bright to look at.
Zeroth Fusion.
His lips parted slightly, as though stunned he had actually drawn it. But he quickly steeled himself. This... was the moment. He couldn't delay. This duel needed to end now. And though he felt it—someone watching from afar, eyes heavy with intent—he didn't falter.
He raised his head, gazing across the battlefield. Rin and Ruri stood side by side now, having finally steadied themselves. Their expressions were still stained with sorrow, but they looked at Ryuki with hope.
"Rin. Ruri," he said calmly, his voice carrying across the field.
They both blinked, stunned by his sudden address. But they nodded, their eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"We hear you," Rin said softly.
Ryuki closed his eyes for a moment and offered a solemn nod.
"Good," he said. "What I'm about to show you... is the pinnacle of power. The ultimate embodiment of destruction. I want you to witness it firsthand—and remember it."
He then turned toward Yuto, his gaze softening with a tinge of remorse.
"I'm sorry, Yuto. I truly am," he said. "But.....prepare to be silenced."
Yuto took a half step back, something cold curling in his gut. There was something different about Ryuki's aura now. A silent flame. One that was impossible to extinguish.
Ryuki raised his hand toward the sky with his PSYqualia now at its absolute limit.
"I discard my entire hand... to activate the Spell Card: Zeroth Fusion."
A surge of red-black lightning exploded from his Duel Disk. The sky shuddered, and thunder roared across the mountains. Rin and Ruri gasped, recognizing the signature of a Zeroth Dragon.
"No way..." Ruri whispered, her voice shaking. "He's actually..."
"With this card," Ryuki continued, "I Special Summon two Fusion Monsters from my Extra Deck, ignoring their Summoning conditions—but their effects are negated, and their ATK and DEF becomes zero. Normally, I would have to summon 3, but since I have one on my field, I can summon the rest."
Twin infernos erupted from the scorched ground. Columns of fire roared into the sky as two silhouettes emerged from within—blazing dragons with regal might.
"Descend—Dragonic Overlord! Dragonic Blademaster!"
From the right flame came Dragonic Overlord, a hulking crimson dragon clad in armor, its eyes glowing with deep wrath. From the left came Dragonic Blademaster, a slightly slimmer, bipedal dragon with curved flames adorning its blade. Its orange-reddish scales shimmered with battle-tempered heat.
Dragonic Overlord
Level 8 / FIRE / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze
ATK: 3000 → 0 / DEF: 2500 → 0
Dragonic Blademaster
Level 8 / FIRE / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze
ATK: 2800 → 0 / DEF: 2200 → 0
All across the simulated field, every single volcano began to rumble. Magma surged and fissures split open. The entire terrain responded to the Zeroth Dragon's imminent arrival.
"With these three dragons..." Ryuki said, a heavy tone in his voice, "...I call forth a being that exists outside the confines of victory and defeat."
He paused—deliberate. Measured.
"The moment I summon this monster... I wager my life."
Everyone froze, as thy see a crimson six pointed star in Ryuki's heart as he clutched his heart in pain.
Ruri and Rin both went pale.
Reiji and Nakajima, monitoring the duel from LDS headquarters, bolted upright in shock.
"Wait—what did he say?!" Nakajima barked.
"Confirming...!" the technician shouted. "We're getting a warning signal. The card he just played—it's emitting a life-link signature."
"Zeroth Fusion..." Reiji muttered. "He's using a card that links his lifeforce to the Duel...!"
Rin shouted from the sidelines, trembling. "Ryuki, stop! You don't have to go that far!"
But Ryuki didn't turn to her. He couldn't. Not now.
"I fuse..." he began, his voice rising with each syllable, "...Perdition Dragon, Vortex Dragonewt, Dragonic Overlord, and Dragonic Blademaster!"
The three dragons let out mighty roars and took flight. They circled above, flames enveloping them as they dove into the central volcano—the highest peak of the Ignis Mountains. A blinding explosion erupted from within the crater, sending lava pouring down the mountainsides.
The sky changed.
Darkness turned to burning daylight, though no sun was visible.
"The end of all things scorches the heavens..." Ryuki intoned, raising his arm toward the volcano.
"...and the beginning of oblivion rises from the ashes! From the dragon's final breath, let fire and despair become one! Devour my future and manifest yourself—DRAGON EMPIRE'S ZEROTH DRAGON!
FUSION SUMMON!!!"
A column of fire surged into the stratosphere. The heavens themselves cracked, and from the volcano's summit emerged a godlike dragon, wreathed in fire that turned the clouds to steam.
A single six-pointed star—glowing orange and gold—shone atop its horned brow. Four massive, flaming wings spread across the sky, casting shadows across the city below.
"Incinerate all... Level 12! Zeroth Dragon of Inferno—
Drachma!!!"
Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma
Level 12 / FIRE / Zeroth Dragon / Fusion / Effect
ATK: 5500 / DEF: 4500
A shockwave rippled out with Drachma's roar—shattering windows in distant buildings. At LDS, alarm klaxons blared and servers began to overheat.
"We can't maintain a stable signal!" one technician shouted.
"Emergency override!" another barked.
Reiji, composed but tense, gave a sharp command.
"Cut external broadcasts. Switch to safety mode. We can't let the public see this."
Back on the battlefield, Drachma's presence was like staring into the core of a dying star.
Yuto stumbled backward. Sweat poured from his brow as he instinctively shielded his eyes.
Zarc stirred within him, groaning in pain. "That power... it's not supposed to exist..."
"The end has come," Ryuki said coldly. "I activate Drachma's skill."
Drachma's six-pointed symbol glowed.
"All cards on your field—are banished. And you discard three cards from your hand to the Graveyard."
A beam of solar flame blasted forth. Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon screamed as it was incinerated, along with Yuto's face-down card. Ash and smoke trailed behind the vanished dragons, and the air burned from their absence.
Zarc writhed. "NO—NO, YOU BASTARD!"
"Then," Ryuki continued, "you draw three cards. If one is a monster—you can Special Summon it. But that card cannot be destroyed this turn."
Yuto clenched his jaw and drew. Among the three cards, one flared.
"I Special Summon—The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor!"
A floating suit of battered armor manifested, ghostly hands operating its joints.
The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor
Level 4 / DARK / Warrior / Effect
ATK: 1000 / DEF: 2000
Ryuki nodded.
"Battle phase."
He extended a single hand forward, eyes locked on Zarc through Yuto's body.
"Drachma—attack The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor."
Yuto gritted his teeth. "My monster can't be destroyed in battle!"
"I know," Ryuki said—and for the first time, his tone was ice cold. Unforgiving. Absolute.
"But Drachma doesn't need to destroy. The moment Drachma declares an attack... on a Special Summoned monster..."
He paused, letting the truth settle like a blade.
"...I win the duel."
Zarc's pupils dilated.
"What...?"
Ryuki's eyes burned like twin infernos. "You heard me. That's the true power of a Zeroth Dragon."
Drachma's wings snapped open. Flames gathered into a sphere the size of a meteor.
"No... NO! NOOOOO!" Zarc's voice echoed like a broken soul inside Yuto's mind. "THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING AGAIN!! NOT AGAIN!!"
"End it, Drachma—Burning Dragonia!!"
The blazing sun Drachma conjured was hurled toward Fragile Armor. The ghostly knight raised its shield—but it melted away instantly. Flames engulfed the entire field, consuming the darkness within Yuto. The shadow that was Zarc screamed as it was torn apart, piece by piece, until nothing remained but silence.
The duel ended.
Yuto: 3000 → 0
Ryuki: WINNER
All that remained of the battlefield was scorched rock and dying flame. Drachma spread its wings one last time, then slowly dissolved into embers, the air lightening as balance returned.
Rin and Ruri stared, awestruck. Not in fear... but in reverence.
And Ryuki... said nothing.
He turned his back to the battlefield, eyes weary.
-----
At the Leo Duel School command center, the blaring alarms had finally ceased, leaving a deep silence in their wake. The maintenance crew, dressed in protective gear, quickly began to assess the extent of the damage to the Real Solid Vision network. Sparks flew from shattered panels and damaged projection nodes, but the threat was over... at least for now.
Reiji stood solemnly, eyes fixed on the central monitor displaying the aftermath of the duel at the pier. The camera feed was crackling and distorted, but one thing was clear—Drachma's overwhelming presence had shaken the city's very foundations.
Nakajima, ever dutiful, bowed deeply beside him. "I will dispatch our staff to coordinate with the other Duel Schools for restoration efforts, President."
Reiji gave a curt nod. "Make sure every available resource is mobilized. And alert Security—we can't afford another incident like this."
"Yes, sir," Nakajima replied, quickly turning to begin issuing commands.
Once the room was nearly empty, Reiji let his guarded demeanor waver for a moment. He looked down at the card data now secured on his private terminal—Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma.
"A card like this... It's far beyond what Academia has ever produced," he muttered. His sharp eyes narrowed as he recalled the duel and its aftermath. "Ryuki... Ruri... Rin. You're not my father's agents. That much is clear now."
Yet even as that truth settled in, a deeper question lingered. If they're not part of Academia... then what are they here for?
Back at the docks, where the last echoes of the battle were still fading, Ryuki knelt beside Yuto's unconscious form. His dark yellow eyes were calm but focused, scanning the boy's condition with a mix of concern and residual adrenaline. He pressed two fingers to Yuto's neck and felt a weak, but steady pulse.
Relief swept through him. "He's alive..."
Closing his eyes, Ryuki reached inward, calling upon the faint connection of his PSYqualia. Threads of darkness once rooted deep in Yuto's spirit now lay severed, frayed like snapped cords under pressure. The presence of Zarc—chaotic and maddening—was no longer inside him.
"He's free," Ryuki whispered. "It's over."
A soft breeze rustled the air as Ruri stepped beside him. Her gaze was locked on Yuto, but her expression bore no hatred, no lingering resentment—only serenity. The shadows of her past, the Lyrical Luscinia cards that had been tainted and destroyed, finally found peace.
"My sisters... have been avenged," she said quietly, almost as though speaking to the wind.
Before Ryuki could respond, a hard slap landed squarely on his back.
"You reckless idiot!" Rin snapped, arms crossed as she glared at him. "Paying with your life if you lost? Seriously?! Are you trying to give us both a heart attack!?"
Ryuki winced slightly. "I knew I'd win. Even if I fell... I'd have found a way back. Somehow."
"Don't give me that noble act," Rin growled, grabbing him by the collar and yanking him closer. "You don't get to throw your life around like that—not when people care about you!"
And before Ryuki could retort, Rin leaned in and pressed her lips to his.
Time froze.
Ruri blinked, completely stunned. Ryuki's eyes widened as if struck by lightning. Rin pulled back just slightly, her cheeks dusted with pink but her expression firm.
"You're mine now, Ryuki," she said with a fierce smile. "So don't go doing anything that dumb again. Got it?"
Still reeling, Ryuki didn't have time to form words before Ruri stepped forward, her eyes soft but resolute.
"You always do this... carry the weight of others without hesitation," she said. "But when you fought for me... when you stood against that darkness... I realized something."
She gently placed her hands on his shoulders, leaned in, and kissed him—tender, slow, and warm.
As she parted from him, she smiled gently. "You've taken my heart, Ryuki. So take responsibility for it."
Ryuki looked between the two girls, cheeks aflame, utterly speechless. But then his arms reached out, and without a word, he pulled them both into a deep, heartfelt embrace.
Warmth radiated from the three of them, wrapped in the silent comfort of understanding, trust, and something far deeper—love forged through fire and trials.
They stood like that for a long moment, as though the world itself had paused to honor their bond.
Eventually, Ryuki gently laid Yuto against a nearby bench, careful and respectful. He stood up and looked at the horizon, as they gaze upon the moon's light.
Rin's voice broke the silence. "Ruri... do you still have feelings for Yuto?"
Ruri was quiet for a moment. Then, with calm clarity, she reached into her hair and pulled out a pair of delicate feather-shaped hair clips—the ones Yuto had once given her.
"I thought I did," she admitted, gazing at them in her palm. "But those feelings were for someone who's no longer the same. I loved the Yuto who laughed with me, who dreamed with me. Not the one who became a shadow of himself."
She walked to the edge of the dock and, with one graceful motion, tossed the clips into the sea. The feathers glimmered briefly in the morning light before sinking below the waves.
Ruri then reached into her pocket and retrieved a new pair of hair ornaments—delicate coral-shaped clips, colored in warm hues of blue and white. She pinned them into her hair, her expression radiant.
"I have a new life now. A life that isn't chained to the past or haunted by loss," she said, turning to them. "And I want you two to be a part of it. Always."
Ryuki stepped forward and gently patted her on the head, a soft smile playing at his lips.
"Of course," he said. "Let's go home."
"Yuzu's probably tearing her hair out wondering where we are," Rin added with a small chuckle.
With one final glance at the quiet sea, the trio turned and began walking back toward the city—together.
Several minutes after they left, Yuto stirred, eyes fluttering open to a blurry sky and the soft lapping of waves against stone. He winced and sat up, feeling a deep emptiness inside—like something vital had been pulled out of him.
Standing just a few feet away was Shun Kurosaki, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
"You're finally awake."
Yuto blinked, struggling to focus. "Shun... what happened?"
"You tell me. I saw you out cold when I got here. Then I felt this huge surge of Duel Energy and rushed here." Shun's voice was calm, but the concern beneath it was real.
"I... I don't remember," Yuto said, his voice uncertain. "There was a duel... I think I lost? But I can't recall anything after that."
Shun sighed. "It doesn't matter. You're safe now. But we've got a lot of ground to cover. My search was a dead end, and now it seems everything's changed."
Yuto looked down at his Duel Disk, then out toward the sea. Something had indeed changed. He didn't know what—but it was clear his path forward would be very different from what it once was.
Far away, beyond Earth and its concerns, in the vast reaches of the multiverse, a verdant world lay bathed in perpetual light. This was Zoo, the forest continent of Planet Cray—home to the clans Mega Colony, Great Nature, and Neo Nectar.
Deep within the heart of its oldest forest, where ancient trees whispered secrets and massive flowers bloomed with ethereal light, a slumbering dragon stirred.
Zoa—the Zeroth Dragon of Death Garden—coiled her massive form lazily atop a bed of moss and flowers. Her green scales shimmered with life, while her wings, patterned like butterfly petals, slowly beat the air in a dreamlike rhythm.
Then, without warning, a ripple of light shimmered through the air.
Harmonics Messiah descended gently from a rift in space, her form radiant and otherworldly. With graceful steps, she approached the ancient dragon.
"Zoa," Messiah said with an ethereal tone. "We need to talk."
The dragon opened one eye, the emerald orb glowing with wisdom and menace.
To be continued....
Cards used in the duel:
Phantom Knights Veil (Normal Trap)
If a DARK Monster activates an effect, their effects cannot be negated until the end phase.
Black King Bar (Quick-Play Spell)
Target one monster on your field and they cannot be destroyed in battle or card effects until the end phase.
Discard 1 card from your hand and return this card from the graveyard to your hand.
If this card is activated the second time, the effect can last until the battle phase.
If this card is activated the third time onwards, it can only be used once per turn.
Zeroth Fusion (Normal Spell)
By discarding all cards from your hand, you can activate this card. This card cannot be negated upon activation. If you have no Fusion Monsters in the field, Special Summon 3 Dragon Fusion Monster from the graveyard or Extra Deck, ignoring the summoning conditions. But the Special Summoned monsters ATK and DEF will be 0 and their effects negated. You can only use "Zeroth Fusion" once per duel.
Dragon Dancer, Karin
Level 3 | FIRE | Warrior/Effect / Blaze
ATK 1500 / DEF 1300
If a FIRE Dragon monster you control battles: That monster gains 500 ATK during damage calculation only.
Quick Effect: You can send this card from the field to the GY; negate 1 Trap Card that targets a Dragon monster you control.
Blaze: If you control 2 or more FIRE monsters than your opponent, the ATK boost becomes 1000 during battle.
Perdition Dragon, Whirlwind Dragon
Level 4 / FIRE / Dragon / Effect / Blaze
ATK 2100 / DEF 900
If this card is Special Summoned with "Perdition Dragon, Vortex Dragonewt's" effect, send 2 cards in your opponent's deck to the graveyard.
Once per turn: Banish 1 FIRE monster form the graveyard and this card gets 500 ATK.
Blaze: If used as Fusion Material for a "Perdition" Fusion Monster: Target up to 3 cards your opponent controls; their effects are negated until the end of the turn.
Perdition Dragon, Vortex Dragonewt
FIRE / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze
Level 8 | ATK 3200 / DEF 2300
Perdition Dragon, Whirlwind Dragon + 1 FIRE Monster
When this card is Fusion Summoned, return 5 random cards from the graveyard back to the deck and shuffle. Then Special Summon "Perdition Dragon, Whirlwind Dragon" From your deck to the field.
Once per turn: If "Perdition Dragon, Whirlwind Dragon is in the field, Destroy 1 monster and 1 Spell/Trap your opponent controls, then inflict 1000 damage to your opponent. This effect cannot be negated.
Blaze: For every card destroyed this turn when you use this cards effect, draw 1 card. But you cannot attack this turn.
Dragonic Blademaster
Level 8 / FIRE / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze
ATK: 2800 / DEF: 2200
1 "Dragon Knight" monster + 1 Level 4 FIRE Dragon monster
Once per turn: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; destroy it, then if you destroyed a monster, this card gains 300 ATK until the end of the turn.
If this card destroys a monster by battle or card effect: You can banish 1 FIRE monster from your GY; destroy all face-up monsters your opponent controls with DEF less than or equal to this card's ATK.
This card cannot be destroyed by card effects while you control another FIRE Dragon monster.
Blaze: If you have more FIRE monsters than your opponent: This card can attack all monsters your opponent controls, once each. During the turn this effect is used, it cannot attack directly.
Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma
Level 12 / FIRE / Zeroth Dragon / Fusion / Effect
ATK: 5500 / DEF: 4500
3 Dragon Fusion Monsters
This card can also be Fusion Summoned by using "Zeroth Fusion". If summoned that way, this card is unaffected to card effects.
Once per turn: banish all cards on your opponent's field and discard 3 cards on their hand. Then they draw 3 cards, and if one of the cards is a monster, Special Summon it. And that card cannot be destroyed.
If this card attacks the Special Summoned monster during the battle phase, you win the duel.
If you fail to end the duel when this card is summoned, You lose the duel.
If you use "Zeroth Fusion", you lose 2 turns after you summon this card instead of after the turn you summon it.