Disclaimer: Minor spelling, grammar, and other mistakes may be present.
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[Standard Arc Opening Theme (Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V Opening 1: BELIEVE X BELIEVE)]
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Scale 010: Rebellious Falcons (II)
[DUEL!]
Yuuji — LP: 4000
Shun — LP: 4000
[Turn 1: Yuuji] [H: 5]
"I'll start!" Yuuji shouted before looking at his hand. However, when he saw what he drew, he froze.
I…can't do anything with this hand.
Four Trap Cards plus Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon, a Level 7 Monster.
"I…set four cards, and end my turn," Yuuji concluded.
"You talk big, but you failed to even summon a single monster," Shun commented.
"I just got a little unlucky, that's all," Yuuji replied.
"..." Shun didn't reply after that, placing his hand at the top of his deck. "My turn! Draw!"
[Turn 2: Shun] [H: 6]
"I summon Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius (Dark/Winged-Beast/Effect/ATK: 1300/DEF: 1600/LV: 4)!"
A green mechanical falcon appeared on Shun's field.
"When Vanishing Lanius is summoned, I can summon another copy of it from my hand!" Shun declared as a second Vanishing Lanius appeared. "And since this second Vanishing Lanius was also summoned, I can Special Summon a third Vanishing Lanius as well!"
A third Vanishing Lanius appeared.
[Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius (ATK: 1300/DEF: 1600/LV: 4)]
[Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius (ATK: 1300/DEF: 1600/LV: 4)]
"Now he has three Level 4 monsters…" Yuuji muttered. "Is he going to bring out that monster again?"
"Battle!" Shun moved into his Battle Phase immediately. "Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius attacks you directly!"
He decided to just attack? Yuuji was surprised.
The ends of Vanishing Lanius's wings shoot out from it, flying directly towards Yuuji.
"I activate the Continuous Trap, Halve Attack!" Yuuji announced. "As long as this card remains on my field, all battle damage I receive is halved!"
Yuuji is hit directly by the Vanishing Lanius's attack—his arms and torso being cut slightly as he tries to endure it.
Yuuji — LP: 4000 → 3350
"Don't think your suffering has ended yet, LDS!" Shun shouted. "My other two Vanishing Lanius attack you directly!"
Yuuji is hit by more pieces of shot metal, opening up even more cuts on his body.
Yuuji — LP: 3350 → 2050
"I set two cards and end my turn," Shun concluded.
Okay, I managed to survive that with a decent amount of Life Points. Yuuji thought. But that could've gone better.
Yuuji placed his hand on the top of his deck.
Hopefully this card will be able to help me.
"My turn! Draw!" Yuuji drew a card as his turn began.
[Turn 3: Yuuji] [H: 2]
Yuuji looked at the card he drew and smiled.
"This could work," Yuuji said. "I activate the Spell Card, Odd-Eyes Accel! Thanks to this card, I can Normal Summon an 'Odd-Eyes' Monster from my hand without tributing! Appear, dragon bearing my very soul, Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon (Dark/Dragon/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7/SC: 4)!"
A large purple dragon with bone-like armor that had dozens of colorful orbs scattered around its body appeared. Phantom let out a triumphant roar as it was brought out.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm sorry for not relying on you as much as I should," Yuuji apologized to his dragon. "...Wait."
Did I just understand what Odd-Eyes was saying? Yuuji's eyes widened.
It's not like he could hear Odd-Eyes's exact words, but he could…feel them? He wasn't sure how to describe it. It felt too surreal to him.
"Are you going to keep talking to yourself like that, or are you going to continue your turn?" Shun asked.
"Can you wait just a second, I'm having a moment here," Yuuji sighed. "You don't have to be in such a rush to kill people."
"..." Shun's eyes furrowed.
"Okay, okay…sheesh, I'll continue," Yuuji said before turning to Odd-Eyes. "Let's do this partner."
Phantom Dragon roared as it began charging forward towards Shun's monsters.
"Battle! Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon attacks one of your Vanishing Lanius! Phantom Spiral Breath!"
Phantom Dragon shoots a breath of purple flames at Vanishing Lanius, engulfing the monster completely, and creating an explosion that causes Shun to wince.
Shun — LP: 4000 → 2800
One of Shun's set cards is then flipped face-up.
"I activate my Trap Card, Raidraptor Return!" Shun declared. "When a 'Raidraptor' Monster I control is destroyed by battle, it returns to my hand instead of the graveyard!"
Shun added Vanishing Lanius back to his hand.
"I end my turn with that," Yuuji concluded.
"My turn! Draw!" Shun began his turn.
[Turn 4: Shun] [H: 3]
"I summon Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius (ATK: 1300/DEF: 1600/LV: 4)!" Shun started by summoning the Vanishing Lanius that was destroyed last turn. "Next, I activate Spell Card, Raidraptor - Rise! All 'Raidraptor' Monsters on my field have their levels raised by 1 until the end of this turn!"
(Vanishing Lanius — LV: 4 → 5)
(Vanishing Lanius — LV: 4 → 5)
(Vanishing Lanius — LV: 4 → 5)
"Now he's changing their level?" Yuuji grimaced. "This could be bad."
"Now with my three Level 5 Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius, I construct the Overlay Network!" Shun declared as his monsters were absorbed into a galaxy vortex. A giant pillar of light shot out from the vortex's center as Shun began chanting.
"Ferocious falcon. Break through this fierce battle and spread your wings! Destroy our gathering foes!" Shun chanted. "I Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 5! Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon (Dark/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2000/R: 5/OU: 3)!"
A large mechanical falcon with red armor appeared on Shun's field, surrounded by three glowing orbs that orbited around it.
"If that other monster he summoned before is anything to go off of, this monster must have a similarly nasty effect," Yuuji assessed.
And unfortunately for him, he was right.
"Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon can attack my opponent directly during the Battle Phase!" Shun declared. "Battle! Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon, rain down carnage on your enemy!"
Blaze Falcon rises into the air as pieces of its wings break off and point at Yuuji. Then, all at once, they all begin shooting lasers at Yuuji.
"I activate my Trap Card, Mirror Barrier!" Yuuji declared. "When my opponent's monster declares an attack, I can negate it!"
A barrier formed around Yuuji, protecting him from Blaze Falcon's assault.
"Tch," Shun clicked his tongue before setting a card on his field. "I set one card and end my turn."
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From his hiding spot, Sawatari watched the ongoing duel.
"Haruki is actually holding on better than I expected," Sawatari commented. "Maybe he can actually win this."
"Just holding on isn't enough to best Shun," A feminine voice said, making Sawatari jump in fear.
"W-Who's there!?" Sawatari asked.
"Don't be so on edge, I'm not an enemy," Rio said as she appeared from the darkness.
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Back to the duel…
Yuuji placed his hand over his deck.
"My turn! Draw!" Yuuji drew a card as he began his turn.
[Turn 5: Yuuji] [H: 1]
Yuuji looked at the card he drew and smiled.
"Finally…" Yuuji said. "I activate the Spell Card, Pendulum Call! Thanks to its effect, I can place a Pendulum Monster directly from my deck into my Pendulum Scale! I set the Scale 8 Antique Golden Carol into my Pendulum Scale!"
Yuuji added a card to his hand and placed it on one edge of his duel blade. A golden bell that played a jolly tune as it rang rose into one of his empty Pendulum Zones.
"Pendulum?" Shun was shocked. "Is this a new weapon of Academia?"
"Antique Golden Carol's Pendulum Effect activates!" Yuuji continued. "When I don't control any cards in my other Pendulum Zone, I can place 1 'Antique' Pendulum Monster from my deck into that zone."
Yuuji added a card to his hand.
"Now, using the Scale 3 Antique Wishing Lamp and the Scale 8 Antique Golden Carol already set in my Pendulum Zone, I set the Pendulum Scale!" Yuuji announced as he placed the cards on opposite ends of his duel disk. The word [PENDULUM] appeared in between them in rainbow font as a golden genie lamp rose into his other Pendulum Zone. The numbers 3 and 8 appear on the zones in a golden font as a giant silver pendulum began swinging above him.
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"Pendulum? I've never seen something like this before…" Rio muttered.
"Have you been living under a rock," Sawatari was surprised. "It's the hottest topic nowadays. It's a new summon method that allows you to summon many high-level monsters all at the same time."
"That's insane!" Rio said. "If I had something like that, summoning a bunch of monsters as materials would be so much easier."
"Only a few people have access to the summoning method right now," Sawatari said before pointing at himself with a proud expression. "I actually happen to be one of them."
"..." Rio stared at him silently for a moment before looking back at the duel. "Okay…maybe it's not as cool as I thought it was."
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"Antique Wishing Lamp's Pendulum Effect now activates!" Yuuji declared. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon an 'Antique' Monster directly from my deck. However, I cannot Special Summon any other type of monster the turn I activate this effect. Appear, Antique Maker - Mira (Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 100/LV: 5/SC: 8)!"
A maiden in all black, holding a pristine mirror in her hands appeared. The monster smiled at Yuuji when it was summoned.
So, it's the same with her as well. Yuuji smiled back. Not that I'm complaining, it's kind of cool to be able to communicate with my monsters, at least a little.
"When Antique Maker - Mira is summoned, I can add 1 'Antique' Card from my deck to my hand!" Yuuji declared as he added a card to his hand. "Next, I summon the Tuner Monster, Antique Resonance Mirror (Light/Fairy/Tuner/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 2)!"
A pristine floating mirror appeared.
"When Resonance Mirror is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon another Antique Monster from my deck to my field! Appear, Antique Maker - Edison (Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1300/LV; 5/SC: 2)!"
A well-dressed man holding a lightbulb in his hand appeared.
"Antique Maker - Edison's effect activates!" Yuuji shouted. "When it's Special Summoned to my field, I can target 1 monster on your field and destroy it! I choose to destroy your Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon!"
"Naive!" Shun countered as one of his set cards flipped face up. "I activate the Trap Card, Raidraptor - Armory! For the rest of this turn, 'Raidraptor' Monsters I control cannot be destroyed, nor will I take battle damage in battles involving them!"
"Don't think that'll be enough to save you!" Yuuji smiled. "Level 2 Antique Resonance Mirror tunes the Level 5 Antique Maker - Edison!"
The two aforementioned monsters transformed into green rings and orbs respectively, lining up together as a large pillar of green light shot through its center.
"Item of old lost through time. Bring about your legacy!" Yuuji chanted. "I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 7! The forbidden wand of calamity! Antique Burdened Staff (Light/Fairy/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 7) in defense mode!"
An old, floating, used up wand appeared on Yuuji's field with a faint blue aura surrounding it.
"Burdened Staff's effect activates!" Yuuji declared. "Once per turn, I can equip it to a monster on your field! I obviously choose to equip it onto your Blaze Falcon!"
The purple gemstone at the tip of the old wand shoots a beam of purple energy at Blaze Falcon, engulfing it.
"What's the purpose of your doing that exactly?" Shun inquired.
"I'm getting to it. Don't be so impatient," Yuuji said. "When a monster is equipped with Burdened Staff, I can temporarily gain control of it. However, during the End Phase of this turn, this card will be destroyed, and you'll regain control of your monster."
Using its power, Burdened Staff drags Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon to Yuuji's field.
"And with that, you no longer have any monster protecting you," Yuuji smiled. "Crazy how things turned out."
"..." Shun didn't respond.
"No response, huh?" Yuuji then sighed. "That's fine. I'll just have to force a response out of you with this! Battle! Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon, attack Shun directly!"
"I activate the effect of Raidraptor - Armory from my graveyard!" Shun declared. "By banishing it and detaching one Overlay Unit from an 'Raidraptor Xyz' Monster on the field, I can Special Summon the monster contained in that Overlay Unit onto my field! Return to my side, Raidraptor - Vanishing Lanius (ATK: 1300/DEF: 1600/LV: 4) in defense mode!"
A green mechanical falcon appeared on his field.
"Furthermore, if this effect was activated during the Battle Phase, I can prevent 1 monster on the field from attacking during the Battle Phase!" Shun continued. "I choose to prevent Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon from attacking."
Chains appeared around Blaze Falcon, locking it in place.
"And since you activated Raidraptor - Armory's other effect this turn, I can't destroy your monster with anything else," Yuuji frowned. "I end my turn. And since my turn has ended, Burdened Staff is destroyed, and your Blaze Falcon returns to your field."
The old, wooden staff turned into dust as Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon flew back onto Shun's field.
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"Aw man! He was so close!" Sawatari shouted. "If I was down there, I would've finished that bastard off already!"
"If you could, you'd be the one down there instead of him," Rio commented. "However, it doesn't matter which of you is down there. Neither of you have what it takes to defeat him."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sawatari frowned.
"I don't know about that guy down there, but I can definitely tell that you haven't dueled in anything remotely similar to the conditions we dueled in," Rio stated.
"Huh?"
"You've never been in a duel where winning or losing would determine whether you and your loved ones live or die," Rio continued. "Am I right?"
"Yeah?"
"Then you'd never be able to defeat him."
"B-But..." Sawatari wanted to say something to combat this, to save his pride, but nothing came out. He then looked down at the carded forms of his three lackeys.
Rio noticed this and sighed.
"Shun did that to them, right?"
"..."
"I know this won't make you feel better, but on the behalf of him, I'm sorry," Rio apologized.
"..." Sawatari didn't respond, turning back to look at the ongoing duel. Rio did the same, seeing that he wasn't willing to talk right now.
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Back to the duel…
"My turn! Draw!" Shun drew a card as he began his turn.
[Turn 6: Shun] [H: 1]
Shun silently stared at the card he drew for a moment before playing it.
"I activate the Quick-Play-Spell, Rank-Up-Magic Falcon's Double Force!" Shun announced. "Targeting an Xyz Monster on my field, I can Special Summon 1 'Raidraptor Xyz' Monster from my Extra Deck double its Rank! Using Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon as material, I construct the Overlay Network!"
Blaze Falcon transforms into an energized form as it is then absorbed by a galaxy vortex. A massive pillar of light shot out from the vortex's center as Shun began chanting.
"Supreme falcon. Carry on the wishes of your fallen friends, and fly off to the sky of victory!" Shun chanted. "Rank Up Xyz Change! Appear, Rank 10! Raidraptor - Ultimate Falcon (Dark/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 3500/DEF: 2000/R: 10/OU: 3)!"
A giant machine falcon with large golden wings appeared on his field. It let out a terrifying screech from its mouth, forcing Yuuji to cover his ears.
Rank Up Xyz Change? What the hell is that!? Yuuji wondered with evident fear. I can't believe he still had something like this in the back.
Shun final set card is then flipped face up.
"Trap Card, open! Overlay Draw!" Shun declared. "Targeting Raidraptor - Ultimate Falcon, I draw cards equal to the total amount of Xyz Materials attached to it. Ultimate Falcon has three Overlay Units currently, so I can draw three cards from my deck!"
Shun drew three cards.
"Next, when I control only 'Raidraptor' Monsters, I can Special Summon Raidraptor - Rebel Lanius (Dark/Winged-Beast/Effect/ATK: 400/DEF: 400/LV: 1) to my field!"
A small mechanical bird with red and blue armor appeared.
"Rebel Lanius's effect activates!" Shun continued. "Once per turn, I can declare a Level 1 through 6, this card and another 'Raidraptor' Card on my field's levels become that. I choose to raise both Rebel Lanius and Vanishing Lanius's Levels to 5!"
A blue aura erupts around the two monsters as their Levels rise.
(Rebel Lanius — LV: 1 → 5)
(Vanishing Lanius — LV: 4 → 5)
"Now with my two Level 5 Raidraptors, I construct the Overlay Network once again!" Shun declared.
"Another Xyz Summon!?" Yuuji cried out in shock.
"The unseen bold falcon. Reveal your wings' unknown power here and now!" Shun chanted. "I Xyz Summon! Come forth, Rank 5! Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon (Dark/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2000/R: 4/OU: 2)!"
A giant machine falcon with thick wings that glowed a bright yellow appeared.
"Now to finish you!" Shun declared. "Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon's effect activates! By detaching one Overlay Unit from it, it can destroy one monster on your field, and deal damage to you equal to that destroyed monster's ATK! I choose to target your Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon!"
(Stranger Falcon — OU: 2 → 1)
Stranger Falcon creates a massive ball of energy which it shoots towards Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon, who tries to counter using its own fire breath. However, it doesn't go well, as Phantom Dragon was overpowered by the attack and destroyed.
"I won't go down that easily!" Yuuji shouted. "I activate my Trap Card, Mirror's Embrace! When I would take an instance of effect damage, I can reduce the damage I take to 0!"
A barrier formed around Yuuji, protecting him from the shockwaves of the attack.
"That won't save you!" Shun shouted. "I activate Stranger Falcon's effect again! This time targeting your other monster!"
(Stranger Falcon — OU: 1 → 0)
Once again, Stranger Falcon creates a massive ball of energy, shooting it towards Antique Maker - Mira. Mira tried to act as a shield to Yuuji, but failed as it was destroyed in a massive explosion—the shockwaves of it sending him flying away.
Yuuji — LP: 2050 → 50
—WHAM!
Yuuji collides with a crate, coughing up a bit of blood as he drops to the ground.
Dammit… Yuuji clenched his fists. Sorry Odd-Eyes, Mira. I couldn't protect you guys.
Yuuji got back up on his feet. He couldn't let his guard down, especially when Shun still wasn't done.
"You're wide open, LDS!" Shun declared as Ultimate Falcon and Stranger Falcon rose into the air, charging each of their energy blasts. "Battle! Ultimate Falcon! Stranger Falcon! Attack him directly!"
The two monsters shoot their respective attacks at Yuuji, who couldn't do anything to defend himself.
Both at the same time!? Yuuji began sweating as he tried to back away—something he couldn't do as he felt his back come into contact with a crate behind him. I can't get out of this!
Just as the attack was about to hit him, Rio leaped out from the window of the abandoned warehouse, landing in front of him.
"I activate the effect of Blizzard Harpy from my hand!" Rio declared. "When a direct attack is declared, I can Special Summon this card from my hand and immediately end the Battle Phase!"
An eagle with a body made up of blue ice appeared. Soon after, a barrier formed around them, protecting them from Shun's fatal attacks.
[Blizzard Harpy (Water/Winged-Beast/Effect/ATK: 400/DEF: 1400/LV: 4)]
[BATTLE-ROYALE-MODE-ACTIVATED]
This message popped up on each of their duel disks suddenly.
[Intrusion Penalty. 2000 Life Points.]
Rio grit her teeth as her duel disk shocked her.
Rio — LP: 4000 → 2000
Shun's eyes widened upon recognizing her.
"You're…"
"It's been a while, Shun," Rio smiled. "You've been busy."
"Why are you helping the enemy?" Shun furrowed his eyebrows. "I was just about to finish him off."
"That's exactly why I needed to stop you in the first place, Shun," Rio said. "You can't keep going down this path. This isn't the way you're going to save Ruri."
"What else am I supposed to do, just sit back and wait for Academia to bring her back!?" Shun shouted. "You and I both know that the only way to get her back is by taking down Academia!"
"That still doesn't make what you're doing okay!" Rio shouted back before pointing at Yuuji. "Do you know what you were just about to do!? You were about to kill him with that last attack! Turning people into cards is one thing, but doing something like that is completely inhumane!"
"Academia didn't show the same mercy to us when they invaded our homeland!" Shun shouted with bottled up hate and rage laced in his words. "They ruined our lives, destroyed our home, turned our people into cards, kidnapped Ruri! They didn't show us any mercy, so why should I show them any!?"
Yup, it's confirmed. Yuuji thought. I've unknowingly involved myself in some genuinely deep shit.
"And I thought I fell off the deep end…" Rio shook her head. "If words won't wake you up, I'll just have to beat these ideas into your head through dueling!"
"Fine with me!" Shun replied. "I set two cards and end my turn! And with the end of my turn, Ultimate Falcon's effect activates. During the End Phase, all monsters my opponents control lose 1000 ATK. And if my opponent controls no monsters, they take 1000 points of damage!"
(Blizzard Harpy — ATK: 400 → 0)
"I activate Blizzard Owl's effect now!" Rio announced. "By discarding it from my hand, all effect damage dealt this turn is reduced to zero!"
A white owl with wings made of ice appeared in front of Yuuji as Ultimate Falcon shot a laser at him. A barrier formed around the owl, protecting Yuuji from the attack.
"Tch," Shun clicked his tongue.
"My turn! Draw!" Rio drew a card and began her turn.
[Turn 7: Rio] [H: 4]
"I'll start by summoning Blizzard Falcon (Water/Winged-Beast/Effect/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1500/LV: 4)!"
A blue falcon with a body made of ice appeared.
"Then, with my Level 4 Blizzard Harpy and Blizzard Falcon, I construct the Overlay Network!" Rio declared as the aforementioned monsters were absorbed into a galaxy vortex that appeared in front of her. A massive pillar of light shot out from its center as she began chanting.
"Elegant winged maiden. Use your dazzling crystal wings to unveil the mysteries of the frozen abyss!" Rio chanted. "I Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 4! Ice Beast Zerofyne (Water/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2200/R: 4/OU: 2)!"
An elegant, feminine monster with two sets of rigid, blue wings which stuck out from its back appeared on Rio's field.
"Ice Beast Zerofyne's effect now activates!" Rio declared. "By detaching one Overlay Unit, until my next Standby Phase, face-up cards currently on the field have their effects negated! Perfect Freeze!"
(Zerofyne — OU: 2 → 1)
Zerofyne rises into the air. Its rigid blue wings begin to glow a bright blue as it begins freezing the surrounding area and monsters.
"Ultimate Falcon remains unaffected by my opponent's card effects," Shun stated.
"That's fine because Ultimate Falcon wasn't my target," Rio smiled. "For each card that Zerofyne's effect negates, one card on the field loses 300 ATK! I choose to target Stranger Falcon with this effect!"
"Shun had one card negated, while I had three," Yuuji counted. "So that means, Stranger Falcon loses a total of 1200 ATK."
"That's right," Rio nodded.
(Stranger Falcon — ATK: 2000 → 800)
"I'm not done yet! I now equip Harpies Aura to Zerofyne!" Rio announced.
Zerofyne was then surrounded by a shining, golden aura.
"Now that its attack is way lower than Zerofyne, it's time to battle!" Rio declared as Zerofyne soars forward. "Ice Beast Zerofyne attacks Stranger Falcon! Ice Ray!"
"Before your attack connects, I activate my Trap Card! Defense Draw!" Shun countered. "I can draw 1 card, then for the rest of this turn, monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle!"
Zerofyne's rigid wings suddenly transform into softer wings, as it shoots dozens of ice crystals at Stranger Falcon. The crystals bounce off the monster, landing around Shun who winces as his Life Points drop.
Shun — LP: 2800 → 1600
"Harpies Aura's effect activates!" Rio shouts. "Zerofyne now gains ATK equal to the amount of damage that you took!"
(Zerofyne — ATK: 2000 → 3200)
"Now I activate the Quick-Play-Spell, Re-Attack!" Rio announced. "By paying an activation cost of 500 Life Points, I can increase Zerofyne's attack by 500!"
Rio grit her teeth as she was shocked by her duel disk.
Rio — LP: 2000 → 1500
(Zerofyne — ATK: 3200 → 3700)
"Furthermore, Zerofyne gains an additional attack during the Battle Phase!" Rio announced.
If she attacks Stranger Falcon now, she'll wipe out the rest of his Life Points! Yuuji's eyes widened.
"Battle!" Rio commanded her monster once again. "Zerofyne attacks Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon! Ice Ray!"
Zerofyne rises into the air, shooting dozens of ice crystals at Stranger Falcon.
"I should've known you would do something like this," Shun admitted. "I activate the effect of Raidraptor - Retreat Eagle from my hand! When a 'Raidraptor Xyz' Monster is targeted for an attack, I can send this card from my hand into my graveyard to switch that monster into defense mode!"
Stranger Falcon's begins to close off its body as a faint blue aura appears around it. Thanks to this, it's able to protect Shun from the dozens of oncoming ice crystals.
"Damn, he had an out for that too," Rio frowned. "I set one card and end my turn."
A facedown card appeared on Rio's field.
"Ultimate Falcon's effect activates once again!" Shun declared. "During the End Phase, all monsters my opponents control lose 1000 ATK! And any of my opponents that don't control monsters take 1000 points of damage!"
"Blizzard Owl's graveyard effect activates!" Rio countered. "By banishing it from my graveyard, all effect damage for the rest of this turn is negated!"
Ultimate Falcon shoots another beam of energy at Yuuji, who is protected by Blizzard Owl.
"Furthermore, Harpies Aura protects Zerofyne from having its ATK lowered via card effect!" Rio declared.
(Zerofyne — ATK: 3700)
Rio then turned to Yuuji, "You're up. I managed to exhaust most of his defenses. It's up to you to finish him off…uhm…what's your name?"
"Yuuji."
"Right, it's up to you now, Yuuji," Rio said.
"Got it," Yuuji nodded. "My turn! Draw!"
Yuuji drew a card and began his turn
[Turn 8: Yuuji] [H: 1]
Yuuji looked at the card he drew with confusion.
Polymerization? Why did I draw this of all things? Yuuji wondered.
He didn't know much about Shun and Rio's situation. But judging from how Yuto is related to them in some way, and how much he despised Ryouga, who was a Fusion User. Using something like that would be a bad idea.
What makes this worse is that Rio's Xyz Monster negated my effects as well. Yuuji thought. I can't use Wishing Lamp's Pendulum Effect to Special Summon another Antique Monster to my field.
Or in simpler terms, he was stuck. The only play that he could do that may actually do something is Fusion Summon Antique Golden Kaiju, who's effect could potentially win them the duel here.
"..." Yuuji thought for a moment before he realized something. "Wait, maybe there is a way I can do this without having to do that."
"With my currently set Pendulum Scale, I can Pendulum Summon monsters Levels 4 through 7 all at the same time!" Yuuji announced. "Shine, Pendulum of Destiny! Draw an arc across the ether, and reflect onto me a path to victory! Come out, my monster companions!"
A portal appeared above him, as three beams of light shoot out from it.
"Return from my Extra Deck, Antique Maker - Mira (ATK: 2000/DEF: 100/LV: 5) and Antique Maker - Edison (ATK: 1200/DEF: 1300/LV: 5)! And finally, the dragon containing my very soul, Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7)!"
Yuuji's monsters all return onto his field. Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon let's out a triumphant roar as it reappeared.
"Let's do this, partners," Yuuji smiled. "Antique Maker - Mira's effect activates upon its summon, allowing me to add an 'Antique' Card to my hand!"
Yuuji added a card to his hand.
"Antique Maker - Edison's effect also activates upon its summon, allowing me to target 1 monster on your field and destroy it!" Yuuji continued. "I choose to destroy Raidraptor - Stranger Falcon!"
The light bulb in Edison's hand begins to glow with a blinding light, engulfing Stranger Falcon and causing it to disappear from the field.
"Next, I tribute Antique Maker - Edison in order to perform an Advance Summon!" Yuuji announced. "Appear, Antique Dawning Blaze (Light/Fairy/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 5/SC: 7)!"
A floating fiery blade with a golden hilt appeared.
"Dawning Blaze now equips itself to Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon!" Yuuji declared as the sword began growing in size. Phantom Dragon held the blade by its hilt using its mouth. "Phantom Dragon now gains 500 ATK for each monster on the field aside from itself. Since there is one monster on each of our fields, Phantom Dragon gains 1500 ATK!"
(Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon — ATK: 2500 → 4000)
"Now his dragon has way more attack than Ultimate Falcon," Rio commented, a little impressed. "Maybe he can do it after all."
"Battle!" Yuuji pumped his fist forward. "Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon attacks Raidraptor - Ultimate Falcon! Blazing Phantom Rush!"
Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon begins running towards Ultimate Falcon. Ultimate Falcon tries to fight back by firing a few laser beams at it, but Phantom Dragon easily evades each of the blasts, leaping into the air and using its weapon to slice cleanly through the falcon, creating a massive explosion that sends countless shockwaves towards Shun.
"Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon's effect now activates!" Yuuji declared. "When it deals battle damage, you take an additional 600 damage for each Pendulum Monster on my field aside from itself. Since I have one other Pendulum Monster, you take an additional 600 points of damage!"
Shun is sent flying back from the shockwaves of the attack. Before he slams into a crate, he readjusts himself midair, positioning himself to swiftly bounce off the crate with his feet and land back on the ground safely.
Shun — LP: 1600 → 500
"Now to finish this!" Yuuji shouted. "Antique Maker - Mira now attacks you directly! Crystal Beam!"
Mira's mirror begins to glow, as a beam of pure light is shot out from it towards Shun. However, before the final attack could connect, Shun's final Trap Card is activated.
"When I control no monsters, I activate the Trap Card, Copy T!" Shun declared. "This card's effect becomes the same as another Trap Card currently in one of my opponent's graveyards. I choose to copy the effect of Mirror Barrier in your graveyard to negate your attack!"
"What!?" Yuuji cried out in shock.
A barrier formed around Shun, shielding him from Yuuji's attack.
"He managed to use my Trap Card against me," Yuuji grimaced.
He took another look at the card in his hand and sighed.
The result would've been the same even if I did bring it out.
"I end my turn," Yuuji concluded.
"It's not the end of the world though," Rio replied. "With this, now his whole field is completely cleared, and he doesn't have any cards in his hand. He should be completely neutralized now."
"Right…" Yuuji nodded.
Why do I have a feeling that she's wrong? Yuuji thought as he looked back to Shun, who had a defiant expression on his face. His fighting spirit hasn't died down one bit.
If anything, after all of those attacks, it has grown even stronger than it was before.
"Ruri, I swore that I would bring you back to me," Shun closed his eyes. "I won't give up here. Not when I can finally see a way to save you."
Shun places his hand over his deck. His eyes opened with newfound determination.
"My turn! DRAW!" Shun's deck began to glow as he drew with all his strength.
[Turn 9: Shun] [H: 1]
Shun analyzed the card he drew for a moment before speaking.
"LDS, you may have wiped out my comrades, exhausted my defenses, and reduced my Life Points to nothing but dust…" Shun said. "...but these conditions are nothing new to us. Even when the enemy tries to snuff us out using unstoppable force, we the Resistance always find a way to bounce back!"
"Shun…" Rio muttered.
"I activate the Quick-Play-Spell, Rank-Up-Magic Revenge Force!" Shun declared. "Targeting 1 'Raidraptor Xyz' Monster in my graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Raidraptor Xyz' Monster from my Extra Deck that's 1 Rank higher, using both this card and that monster as its materials! With the Rank 10 Raidraptor - Ultimate Falcon, I rebuild the Overlay Network!"
Ultimate Falcon appeared back on Shun's field briefing, before being absorbed into a galaxy vortex. A massive pillar of light shot out from its center, causing the ground itself to tremble around them as Shun began chanting.
"Hateful falcon, rise from the molten depths! Use your sharp talons as an act of revolution, drag your enemies into the depths of hell!" Shun chanted. "Rank Up Xyz Change! Appear, Rank 11! Raidraptor - Revenge Falcon (Dark/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 3500/DEF: 2500/R: 11/OU: 2)!"
A massive red mechanical falcon with three heads appeared. Three rings of fire surrounded the body of the falcon, molding into sharp crests. The monster let out a deafening screech, forcing the two of them to cover their ears, else they may end up going deaf.
"What the hell is that!?" Yuuji cried out.
"I…don't know," Rio said, fear evident in her expression. "I've never seen him use this monster before."
"Revenge Falcon can attack all Special Summoned Monsters on the field once each!" Shun declared. "Battle! Raidraptor - Revenge Falcon, attack Antique Maker - Mira and finish him! Revenge Inferno!"
I can't stop this! Yuuji's eyes widen as Revenge Falcon shoots its flames at Antique Maker - Mira from its three mouths. The flames completely engulfed it, creating an explosion that sent Yuuji flying away as his Life Points depleted to zero.
Yuuji — LP: 50 → 0
Yuuji hits the ground multiple times as he is sent tumbling into a crate, fading in and out of consciousness.
"And for each successful attack during the Battle Phase, it gains an extra 300 ATK!" Shun declared.
(Revenge Falcon — ATK: 3500 → 3800)
"It just gains attack each time it attacks?" Rio was surprised. "And that's all without the use of Overlay Units."
"Raidraptor - Revenge Falcon now attacks Ice Beast Zerofyne! Revenge Inferno!"
Revenge Falcon shoots even more flames from its mouth, engulfing Rio's monster and creating an explosion that sends her flying.
Rio — LP: 1500 → 1400
(Revenge Falcon — ATK: 3800 → 4100)
Rio manages to get up on her feet, turning to look at Yuuji, who was looking worse for wear. She then noticed Shun beginning to walk towards the downed duelist, immediately moving to block his path.
"Don't take a step closer, Shun," Rio said.
"Move…" Shun glared at her. "Stop standing in my way."
"I can't do that and you know it," Rio stood her ground. "I promised that I would knock some sense into you in this duel, and as far as I can tell, I still have Life Points left."
"Not for long," Shun stated. "I end my turn."
Rio placed her hand over the top of her deck and took a deep breath.
Right here, I'll bring you back to your senses. For both Ruri and Yuto's sake. Rio resolved her will.
"My turn! Draw!" Rio's deck began to glow as she drew a card with all her might.
[Turn 10: Rio] [H: 1]
Rio looked at the card she drew and smiled.
"While you've been wrong about most things today, there's one thing you were right about," Rio commented. "Even if you try to snuff us out, we the Resistance always finds a way to bounce back!"
"..." Shun's eyes widened in surprise as Rio revealed the card in her hand.
"I activate the Quick-Play-Spell, Rank-Up-Magic Miracle Rebirth!" Rio announced. "Targeting an Xyz Monster in my graveyard, I can Special Summon another Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck that is 1 Rank higher, using both this card and that monster as materials! Using Ice Beast Zerofyne, I rebuild the Overlay Network!"
Zerofyne appeared briefly before being absorbed into a galaxy vortex. A giant pillar of light shot out from the vortex's center as Rio began chanting.
"Dazzling crystal wings that shine bright in the face of adversity. Soar across the blizzard valleys and become a beacon of hope for all who lay their eyes on you!" Rio chanted. "Rank Up Xyz Change! Appear, Rank 5! Ice Princess Zereort (Water/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2100/R: 5/OU: 2)!
A burst of icy blue light flashed as freezing winds howled across the field. Shards of ice swirled together, forming the sleek, metallic wings of the harpy lady. With a sharp cry, it spread its bladed wings, sending a chilling gust that covered the surrounding area in frost.
"I activate Raidraptor - Revenge Falcon's effect!" Shun shouted. "By detaching one Overlay Unit, when my opponent Special Summons a monster, I can negate that summon, then deal damage to my opponent equal to the destroyed monster's ATK! It's over, Rio!"
Revenge Falcon shoots a breath of flames towards Rio and her monster.
(Revenge Falcon — OU: 2 → 1)
"Is that what you think?" Rio smiled as her set card was flipped face-up. "I activate the Counter Trap Card, Subzero! When a Water Monster I control would be destroyed by a card effect, I can pay 500 Life Points to negate that effect!"
Rio grit her teeth as her duel disk zapped her.
Rio — LP: 1400 → 900
A beam of blue energy is shot out from the Trap Card, overpowering the flames and hitting Revenge Falcon right in each of its mouths—freezing them.
"Tch," Shun clicked his tongue.
"I'm not done yet!" Rio declared. "I activate Zereort's effect! By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can target 1 face-up monster and make its ATK 0! Arms Freezing!"
Zereort points its staff at Revenge Falcon, using its power to completely freeze the body of the giant, three-headed falcon.
(Revenge Falcon — ATK: 4100 → 0)
"Now to finish this!" Rio shouted. "Ice Princess Zereort attacks Raidraptor - Revenge Falcon! Brilliant Dive!"
Zereort rises into the air, erupting into a blue aura as it dives right into Revenge Falcon, piercing through the monster, destroying it, and sending Shun flying away as a result.
Shun — LP: 500 → 0
Winner: Rio
Rio's monster disappears after the duel concludes. However, the area around them is still covered in frozen ice due to Rio's attacks. Rio tries to walk towards Shun, who manages to get back up onto his feet. Before she could reach him to talk, Shun pulls out a smoke bomb from his pocket, throwing it on the ground to momentarily blind Rio as he flees the scene.
"*Cough*, *Cough*, *Cough*."
Rio began coughing as she tried to clear away the smoke. Once the smoke dissipated, she realized the Shun was nowhere to be found.
"That guy…"
Rio frowned before hearing someone cough nearby. She quickly remembered who it was, rushing over to see their condition.
"Hey, are you okay?" Rio asked.
"...I'm managing," Yuuji said. "Being hurt like this is nothing new to me."
"If you say you're okay, I'll believe you," Rio said.
She briefly looked back to the warehouse she was just in. When she noticed that Sawatari was doing fine, she sighed a breath of relief.
"Sorry about that guy," Rio apologized. "He can be a little intense at times."
"I can tell," Yuuji said. "Way more intense than Yuto was."
Rio tensed up a bit, "You know, Yuto?"
"Yeah, he saved me when I was in a pinch, similar to how you did," Yuuji explained.
"Oh," Rio calmed down.
"But enough about that, you should probably go find that guy before he gets too far," Yuuji said.
"Wait, you're right," Rio remembered, putting her hood over her head. "Oh, thanks for the assist in that duel. I wouldn't have been able to beat him if you hadn't found a way to deal with Ultimate Falcon."
"You saved me earlier," Yuuji said. "You can just call us even now."
"Right," Rio nodded before walking away. "I'll be going now. Tryl not to get yourself more hurt than you already are."
"I'll try not to."
Rio turned around the corner, disappearing from sight. Yuuji then let out a heavy sigh.
"When will I stop getting myself in situations where my life is on the line like this?"
<><><><><><><><><><>
A while later…
Masumi, Hokuto, and Yaiba could all be seen on the ground on the verge of unconsciousness. The perpetrator behind their condition looking down on them with an indifferent expression on his face as Raidraptor - Rise Falcon lets out a deafening screech.
This…wasn't supposed to turn out this way. Masumi thought as she clenched her fists.
They had found him, the one who caused the disappearance of Professor Marco, her teacher, and many other LDS officials over the past few weeks. The three of them decided to duel against him together, wanting to deal with the perpetrator before the LDS top team arrived at the scene.
Things were going well, they managed to summon all of their strongest monsters, as well as completely wipe out that man's field, hand and left him with only 10 Life Points. It looked like it would be an easy win from there.
Oh how wrong they were.
Somehow, that man had managed to summon an Xyz Monster with the few cards he had available. And with the use of its effect, it swiftly wiped out all of their monsters and Life Points all at once—a complete reversal.
She couldn't believe that one monster was capable of having that much power.
Rise Falcon disappeared as Shun deactivated his duel disk. He walked up towards them, pointing his duel disk at them and preparing to finish them off. However, before he could, he heard footsteps approach him. Turning around, he noticed six people (five of which were wearing LDS Uniforms).
Shun smiled.
"You've finally shown yourself," Shun addressed them. "I'm done facing weaklings. Bring out your boss—!"
"I'm here!" A voice suddenly rang out, surprising Shun.
The five LDS Personnel and Nakajima stepped out of the way as Akaba Reiji appeared, all of them bowing to him as he was approaching Shun with calm and calculated steps. He eventually came to a stop, as his underlings stood behind him.
"Who are you?" Shun inquired.
"Akaba Reiji," Reiji simply stated. "I'm the president of the Leo Corporation."
Shun's eyes narrowed upon recognizing the surname, "Akaba…Reiji."
"Since Leo Corporation controls LDS, you assaulted people in Maiami City affiliated with LDS," Reiji said. "All so could meet me. Am I correct?"
Shun smiled, "So you're Akaba Reiji. Leo Akaba's son. I was waiting for this moment! Bring it on! Duel me!"
"I want to ask you something first," Reiji said, unfazed by the challenge. "Why do you want to battle me?"
"I don't have to answer you—!"
"To save your friend. That's why you want to challenge me, right?" Reiji interrupted, surprising Shun. "According to that girl that you just defeated, this is what you said the last time she saw you: 'Ruri? Why are you here, Ruri? Did you escape by yourself?' I'm guessing that Ruri is a dear friend for you—no, for the three of you. And that you enemies took her."
The three of us? Shun was shocked. He even knows about Rio, even though she had just arrived in this dimension recently.
"Ruri still hasn't escaped from your enemy's clutches," Reiji continued. "Which is why you continue to assault LDS."
"I have no doubt that our enemy still has Ruri. But I promised to rescue her." Shun stated before smiling and pointing at Reiji. "And in order to do that, I need you!"
"I see," Reiji closed his eyes. "You need me for a hostage exchange. If a had a nickel for every time someone tried to use me as a hostage recently, I'd have two."
"Exactly," Shun confirmed. "I kept attacking LDS and sent you the cards with souls trapped inside so that I could draw you out. Even Leo Akaba won't say no in exchange for his own son!"
"I wouldn't be so sure," Reiji said.
"What?"
"I don't think he cares about me. Even a little bit." Reiji stated.
"What do you mean?" Shun asked.
"Well, whatever," Reiji changed the subject. "If you want to battle, I'm willing to accept under one condition."
"Condition?"
"If I win, you must join me," Reiji said.
"Join you? In what?" Shun inquired.
"My mission," Reiji answered. "To defeat my father, Leo Akaba."
His father? Why would he of all people want to take down his own father? Shun wondered. This has to be some sort of trick of his to get me to lower my guard.
"And if I win?" Shun asked.
"You may do whatever you want with me," Reiji stated. "Turn me into a hostage. Seal me into a card. Anything you may like."
"Sounds good to me," Shun smiled as he activated his duel disk. "I'll defeat you here, and use you to finally save Ruri from the clutches of Academia!"
"Reiji-dono, are you sure this is a good idea?" Nakajima asked, a little worried.
"I am," Reiji confidently said. "I only take gambles I know I can win."
"Very well," Nakajima backed down. "Do what you must."
Reiji activated his own duel disk and adjusted his glasses. The two drew their first five cards as the duel soon began.
[DUEL!]
<><><><><><><><><><>
Custom/Altered Cards:
Monster Card/s -
Antique Wishing Lamp
ATK: 0, DEF: 0, LV: 5, SC: 3
Light/Fairy/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 "Antique" monster from your Deck. You cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except "Antique" monsters.
Monster Effect: (Quick Effect): You can Tribute this card; Set 1 Spell/Trap from your GY to your field. You can activate that card this turn.
Raidraptor - Rebel Lanius
ATK: 400, DEF: 400, LV: 1
Dark/Winged-Beast/Effect
Monster Effect: If you control only "Raidraptor" monsters, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. Once per turn: You can declare a Level from 1 to 6; this card and 1 other "Raidraptor" monster you control become that Level until the end of this turn.
Blizzard Harpy
ATK: 400, DEF: 1400, LV: 4
Water/Winged-Beast/Effect
Monster Effect: (Quick Effect): If a direct attack is declared: You can Special Summon this card from your hand, and if you do, end the Battle Phase immediately after this effect resolves.
Blizzard Owl
ATK: 300, DEF: 1200, LV: 4
Water/Winged-Beast/Effect
Monster Effect: (Quick Effect): You can discard this card; negate all effect damage for the rest of this turn. (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your GY; negate all effect damage for the rest of this turn.
Raidraptor - Retreat Eagle
ATK: 500, DEF: 700, LV: 3
Dark/Winged-Beast/Effect
Monster Effect: (Quick Effect): When a "Raidraptor Xyz" monster you control is targeted for an attack, you can discard this card from your hand to the Graveyard to change the attack target to Defense Position.
Raidraptor - Revenge Falcon
ATK: 3500, DEF: 2500, R: 11
Dark/Winged-Beast/Xyz/Effect
3 Level 11 Winged Beast-Type Monsters
Monster Effect: This card can attack each of your opponent's Special Summoned monsters once. For each successful attack, this card gains 300 ATK. Once per turn, during your opponent's turn (Quick Effect): When your opponent Special Summons a monster, you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card to destroy that monster, then inflict damage to your opponent equal to the destroyed monster's ATK.
Spell/Trap Card/s -
Raidraptor - Rise
Normal Spell
Increase the Levels of all "Raidraptor" monsters you control by 1 until the end of this turn.
Raidraptor - Armory
Normal Trap
For the rest of this turn, "Raidraptor" monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and you take no battle damage from battles involving them. You can banish this card from your Graveyard, then detach 1 material from a "Raidraptor" Xyz Monster you control; Special Summon the detached material in Defense Position. If you activate this effect during the Battle Phase, you can also target 1 monster on the field; that monster cannot declare an attack for the rest of this turn.
Rank-Up-Magic Falcon's Double Force
Quick-Play-Spell
Target 1 Xyz Monster you control; Special Summon from your Extra Deck 1 "Raidraptor" Xyz Monster that is exactly twice its Rank, using it as material. (This is treated as an Xyz Summon.) Transfer all of its materials to the Summoned monster.
Overlay Draw
Normal Trap
Target 1 Xyz Monster you control; draw a number of cards equal to the number of Xyz Materials attached to it.
Harpies Aura
Equip Spell
The equipped monster gains ATK equal to the damage it inflicts in battle. Additionally, monsters equipped with this card cannot have their ATK reduced by card effects.
Re-Attack
Quick-Play-Spell
Pay 500 Life Points to activate this card. Increase 1 monster's ATK by 500. If this card is activated during the Battle Phase, the equipped monster can make a second attack.
Copy T
Normal Trap
When you control no monsters; Target 1 Trap Card in your opponent's GY; this card's effect becomes the same as the targeted card's effect.
Rank-Up-Magic Revenge Force
Quick-Play-Spell
Target 1 "Raidraptor Xyz" monster in your GY; Special Summon 1 "Raidraptor Xyz" monster from your Extra Deck that is 1 Rank higher, using the targeted monster and this card as material.
Rank-Up-Magic Miracle Rebirth
Quick-Play-Spell
Target 1 Xyz Monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon 1 Xyz Monster from your Extra Deck that is 1 Rank higher, using the targeted monster and this card as material.
Subzero
Counter Trap
When a WATER monster you control would be destroyed by a card effect, you can pay 500 Life Points to negate that effect.