Greetings, community! Dvdryms here with Chapter 86, which got pushed back due to how busy I am this time of year. Now, in response to your questions.

—To EXECZ: Thanks for pointing out my mistake with Eminence Paladin.

—To YGO Fan: Can't say I thought what Yukio and Serena would be wearing as adults. Probably a shirt, dress pants and a blazer for Yukio, and a blouse, jeans and a scarf for Serena. As for endings, I'm afraid I can't provide any since I mostly skip them.

—To Guest: Thanks for pointing out my mistake with Negate Attack.

And now, on with the story!


Chapter 86 – Settling the Score

"Where the Hell is that guy!? How long does he intend to keep us waiting!?"

Yugo shouted as he slammed his hand on the table. Currently, he, Yuya, Yukio and Yuto were seated in a small table outside a hotdog food truck, waiting for the fifth member of their group.

"Come on, cut Yuri some slack." Yukio said while dipping his fries in his custom hot sauce and wolfing them down. "It's a hassle for him to go through all the procedures necessary to be allowed to travel from the Fusion Dimension. Chances are he's held up somewhere."

"But he's the one who called for this meeting!" Yugo complained as he sipped his soda. "The least he could do was make sure to be on time for it!"

"We're not in any hurry." Yuto said as he took a bite from his hot dog. "Besides, occasions where we can meet like this are probably going to be limited from now on. We should savor this as much as we can."

"That's true, but couldn't we have met a bit later?" Yuya asked while stifling a yawn. "It's five-thirty in the morning."

"This time when there aren't many people out and about is the best for not getting assaulted by crowds of adoring fans."

The one who had spoken was a familiar youth wearing a violet shirt and a pair of beige trousers, his usual sarcastic smirk plastered on his face.

"The man of the hour has finally arrived." Yugo said with an exasperated sigh. "What took you so long, Yuri?"

"Aw, did you miss me?" Yuri grinned as he sat down on the table. "That's sweet of you, Yugo."

"Whatever." Yugo snorted. "I see they got the fancy bracelets out. You no longer look like a human ring toss game."

"Well, I have been a model patient as of late." Yuri said as he pointed at a bracelet on his ankle. "I only have to wear a single tracking bracelet now, and I'm allowed a greater degree of personal freedom compared to before. Rehabilitation and confinement are still dreadfully boring, but I'll preserve."

"Good for you, Yuri." Yukio smiled. "It's wonderful that you're making progress. So, mind tell us now what was so important that everyone had to drop everything and come to Pendulum at this ungodly hour?"

"Give me a second." Yuri said as he took out a cellphone. "I need to reply to this."

Yuri started tapping on his phone. Curious, Yuya stole a sideways glance at the screen, only to be surprised by what he saw.

"Saotome…Rei?" Yuya frowned. "That sounds familiar… Wait a minute, didn't that name belong to one of Asuka-san's former underclassmen back in Academia? The one who's a star pupil in Fusion's You Show Branch?"

"Yeah, that's right." Yukio nodded. "She's that high-spirited, energetic girl…"

Yukio's words trailed off, with matching expressions of shock appearing in the faces of all other boys as they stared at Yuri with eyes wide open.

"What's wrong, everyone?" Yuri frowned. "Your expressions are looking incredibly stupid right now. Oh, I'm so taking a picture of this."

"You… You… Speak to…girl…?"

"Yes, me speak to girl." Yuri said. "What's wrong, Yugo? Did your higher brain functions finally give up on you?"

"Signs and writing aren't inverted." Yukio said as he looked around. "That means we aren't in a mirror world."

"The world also doesn't seem to have turned upside down just yet." Yuto said. "Or it has and we just haven't noticed it."

"And I don't see any signs of an impending apocalypse." Yuya said. "Then how did this strange phenomenon happen?"

"You guys are so rude." Yuri crossed his arms with an annoyed expression on his face. "You think I can't have a proper conversation going with a girl?"

"Well, don't take this the wrong way, but…" Yukio said. "I mean, we love you and all that…but you're antisocial, kind of a jerk at times, and seem more likely to have a closer relationship with your cards than a member of the opposite sex. You talking to a girl willingly seems very far-fetched."

"I don't think there's a right way to take that." Yuri grimaced. "In any case, you guys are making a big deal out of nothing. Saotome-san came to me for advice about her Deck. I was impressed that someone would actually approach me, given my reputation and all, so I gave her some pointers. After that, she invited me out for lunch to thank me, and we've been in contact ever since."

"Look at you taking another big step forward." Yuto grinned. "Your psychiatrist must be thrilled."

"He seemed to be glad that I was forming connections with other people." Yuri said. "We'll see how it goes from there."

"Well, good for you, grinning bastard!" Yugo said as he slapped Yuri's back. "But this better not be a competition thing. You know, not wanting to be the odd man out on this five-man group. That'd be scummy."

"Who do you think I am, you?" Yuri smiled, prompting Yugo to scowl. "Relax, I'm not hanging out with Saotome-san just so I can brag that I have a girlfriend like you guys. Like I said, we're just testing the waters for now."

"So, the reason you called us here…it doesn't have anything to do with Saotome-san?"

"No." Yuri responded to Yuya's question. "It's about the Maiami Championship that took place a few weeks back."

"What about it?" Yukio asked. "You want another chance against the reigning champion? The reigning champion being me of course."

"I'd love that, but I'll have my revenge down the line." Yuri said. "No, right now, I'm more concerned about who gets third place. Yuto and I were both eliminated in the semifinal round, but there wasn't a match between us to settle this."

"Wasn't it decided that we'd both share third place by the organizing committee?"

"Yes, but I'm not satisfied with that." Yuri pointed at Yuto with his fork. "If you're a true Duelist, you shouldn't be satisfied with it either. There needs to be a clear result. Plus, despite being on opposite sides during the war, you and I never had the opportunity to fight against each other. I'm curious to see how I would fare against one of the Resistance's most renowned Duelists."

"Interesting…" Yuto remarked, a glint in his eyes. "Truth be told, I also want to test my strength against yours, Yuri. If you want a Duel, I'll be happy to oblige. But I have an additional suggestion."

"Oh?" Yuri raised his eyebrow. "Let's hear it then."

"Regardless of the result, I also want to Duel against Yukio after you and I settle things." Yuto said before turning to Yukio. "You don't have a problem with that, do you?"

"Not really." Yukio smirked. "Are you sure you can handle two back-to-back Duels though?"

"That's the easy part." Yuto said. "So, since that's settled, does anyone have any ideas where we should do this?"

"Actually…" Yuya said. "I think I have a good place in mind."


Several minutes later…

"The harbor…" Yukio murmured as he looked around at the warehouses. "How nostalgic. It feels like a lifetime ago when I met you, Yuzu and Yuto here."

"That's why I thought it would be fitting, since it's kind of our starting point." Yuya remarked with a grin. "Plus, this area of the harbor is mostly deserted at this time, so no-one should bother us."

Meanwhile, Yuto and Yuri had taken their positions, facing each other with matching determined expressions on their faces.

"How should we do this?" Yuto asked. "Action Duel, or regular one?"

"Let's go with regular one." Yuri said. "Cross Over is a dreadfully bland and boring area to have an Action Duel in."

"No arguments there." Yuto said as he activated his Duel Disk. "Ready?"

"Always."

Yuri said as he also activated his Duel Disk.

"Then, let's do this!"

[Duel!]

Both Yuri and Yuto shouted together.

Yuri – LP: 4000

Yuto – LP: 4000

"I'll take the first turn!" Yuto announced. "I summon Phantom Knights Muddy Greaves (ATK: 900/DEF: 800/LV: 3)!"

Muddy Greaves materialized on Yuto's field.

"Since I control a "Phantom Knights" Monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand." Yuto continued. "Come, Phantom Knights Grime Chainmail (ATK: 0/DEF: 700/LV: 2)!"

Grime Chainmail appeared on Yuto's field next to his other Monster.

"I activate Grime Chainmail's effect." Yuto declared. "Once per turn, I can target this card and a "Phantom Knights" Monster I control in order to make their Levels equal to the sum of their Levels. I will target the Level 2 Chainmail and the Level 3 Greaves, making their Levels 5. Then, I Overlay my two Level 5 Monsters!"

As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted.

"Tormented warrior thirsting for vengeance! Reap your enemies' souls with the wicked scythe forged in the depths of Hell and become the harbinger of damnation! Xyz Summon! Come forth, Rank 5! Phantom Knights Rusted Scythe (ATK: 2600/DEF: 1200/R: 5/OU: 2)!"

The Monster clad in a worn black cloak that was wearing a cracked mask on its face and held a long scythe covered in rust in its bandaged arms, with blue flames surrounded its bottom part where its legs should be, appeared on Yuto's field.

"I place a card face-down and end my turn." Yuto said. "Now, come at me, Yuto."

"That's not your usual opening play." Yuri remarked. "Why is that?"

"Who knows?" Yuto shrugged. "That's for me to know and you to find out."

"If you're trying to make me hesitate, you're doing a terrible job." Yuri said. "Now, it's my turn! Draw! I summon Predator Plants Spino Dionaea (ATK: 1800/DEF: 0/LV: 4)!"

Spino Dionaea appeared on Yuri's field, letting out a piercing screech.

"I activate Spino Dionaea's effect, which allows me to place a Predator Counter on your Monster, Yuto." Yuri stated as a fanged spore shot out of Spino Dionaea's back, embedding itself in Rusted Scythe's weapon. "Next, since there is a Monster with a Predator Counter on my opponent's field, I can Special Summon Predator Plants Nemexias Hyena (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200/LV: 4) from my hand and deal 400 points of damage to my opponent for every Predator Counter on the field!"

Nemexias Hyena appeared on Yuri's field, with several vines shooting out of its body and striking Yuto, who winced.

Yuto – LP: 4000→3600

"Looks like I've drawn first blood." Yuri remarked with a smirk. "Let's keep that momentum up, shall we? I activate the Spell Card Cross-Pollination Fusion, whose effect allows me to banish two "Predator Plants" Monsters from my field in order to Fusion Summon two "Predator Plants" Fusion Monsters from my Extra Deck that can be summoned by using these Monsters as materials. I will fuse my two Monsters to bring out Predator Plants Chimera Rafflesia (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7) and Predator Plants Genlisea Manticore (ATK: 2400/DEF: 1700/LV: 7)!"

Yuri's two Monsters vanished from his field, with Chimera Rafflesia and Genlisea Manticore taking their place.

"I'm not finished yet." Yuri continued. "Since there's a Monster with a Predator Counter on my opponent's field, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. Come, Predator Plants Heliamphorhynchus (ATK: 1200/DEF: 2400/LV: 8)!"

The Monster resembling a cross between a pterosaur and a carnivorous plant appeared on Yuri's field.

"I will use Predator Plants Heliamphorhynchus on my field and Rusted Scythe on your field to perform a Contact Fusion!" As the two Monsters started swirling inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuri chanted. "Captivating flower dwelling in the depths! Become one with the tainted emissary of vengeance and revive the ruthless predator from ancient times! Contact Fusion! Come forth, Level 8! Predator Plants Archaeamphora Cerberus (ATK: 2600/DEF: 1800/LV: 8)!"

The large, three-headed dog which appeared to have fused with a carnivorous plant and had several pitchers extending from its body appeared on Yuri's field.

"Three Fusion Monsters in one turn while also leaving Yuto's field wide open." Yukio remarked. "Yuri is as ruthless as ever."

"Due to its effect, Archaeamphora Cerberus gains attack equal to half the attack of the non-"Predator Plants" Monster used for its Fusion Summon (Archaeamphora Cerberus ATK: 2600→3900)." Yuri stated. "Now, let's battle! Archaeamphora Cerberus, attack Yuto directly! Emerald Blaze!"

"I activate the Trap Card Phantom Knights Cursed Chains!" Yuto exclaimed. "Through its effect, when an opponent's Monster declares a direct attack, I can Special Summon this card as a Normal Monster, negate that attack and prevent your Monsters from declaring an attack! Come, Cursed Chains (ATK: 1000/DEF: 0/LV: 4)!"

Cursed Chains emerged from Yuto's Trap Card, launching the chains wrapped around its body and binding Yuri's Monsters.

"Not bad." Yuri said. "I end my turn with that."

"It's my turn!" Yuto announced. "Draw! Since my opponent controls two or more Monsters that were Special Summoned from the Extra Deck while I don't, I can activate the Spell Card Phantom Knights Mad Parade. Through its effect, I can destroy all Monsters on my field and Special Summon a number of Rank 3 or lower "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monsters from my Extra Deck equal to the number of Special Summoned Monsters on my opponent's field by treating them as having being summoned through proper means. Assemble to my side, Phantom Knights Break Sword (ATK: 2000/DEF: 1000/R: 3), Phantom Knights Plague Arrow (ATK: 1700/DEF: 1200/R: 3) and Phantom Knights Cursed Javelin (ATK: 1600/DEF: 0/R: 2)!"

A large fissure opened on Yuto's field, with Cursed Chains falling into its depths. Immediately afterwards, a wave of blue flames erupted from it, with Yuto's three Xyz Monsters emerging from it.

"It's three against three now." Yugo commented. "However, cabbage head's Monsters are still way stronger than Yuto's Monsters."

"Perhaps, but I doubt that's the end of Yuto's strategy." Yuya said. "He definitely has some way to turn this around."

"I activate the Spell Card Rank-Down-Magic Phantom Knights Rite." Yuto continued. "Through its effect, I can target a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster on my field in order to Special Summon a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster with a lower Rank than it from my Extra Deck. I will use Cursed Javelin to reconstruct the Overlay Network!"

As Cursed Javelin turned into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted.

"Force of the end that descends upon the chaotic battlefield! Pass swift judgment on your foes with your peerless blade! Rank-Down Xyz Change! Come forth, Rank 1! Phantom Knights Apocalypse Blade (Dark/Warrior/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 100/R: 1/OU: 1)!"

A Monster clad in ash gray armor with cracks all over it, which held an oversized blade with several skulls embedded on it and had a wraith-like creature made out of blue flames hovering behind it, appeared on Yuto's field.

"Due to its effect, Phantom Knights Rite attaches itself as an Overlay Unit to Apocalypse Blade (Apocalypse Blade OU: 1→2)." Yuto stated. "Now, let's battle! Apocalypse Blade, attack Archaeamphora Cerberus!"

"You're attacking even though your Monster's attack is lower?" Yuri frowned. "Its effect must be quite potent."

"I detach two Overlay Unit from Apocalypse Blade to activate its effect!" Yuto declared. "Through it, when "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monsters on my field battle an opponent's Monster for this turn, I can destroy those Monsters before damage calculation and draw a card from my Deck for every destroyed Monster! Do it, Apocalypse Blade! Calamity Strike!"

The wraith hovering behind Apocalypse Blade grew larger as it surged forward, smashing Archaeamphora Cerberus with its oversized fists.

"Next, it's Break Sword's turn." Yuto continued. "Take down Genlisea Manticore!"

Break Sword charged as the wraith hovering behind Apocalypse Blade extended its hand, causing Break Sword's blade to burst into flames. Break Sword swung its blade, decapitating Genlisea Manticore with ease.

"Finally, Plague Arrow will destroy Chimera Rafflesia!" Yuto exclaimed. "Do it, my Monster!"

Plague Arrow shot an arrow enveloped in miasma, with the wraith hovering behind Apocalypse Blade launching several fireballs at the same time. Both Monsters' aim was true, riddling Yuri's final Monster with holes and vaporizing it.

"Awesome!" Yugo cheered. "Yuto took them all down with ease!"

"I'm not done yet." Yuto smirked. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Rank Powered Connection. Through its effect, if I control only Xyz Monsters with the same type, I can use them as Xyz Materials in order to Xyz Summon an Xyz Monster with the same type as them whose Rank is equal to the sum of those Monsters' Rank. I Overlay my three Xyz Monsters!"

As his three Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted for the second time in a row.

"Indomitable, exalted soul! Pierce though the veil of the netherworld with the cursed blade of rebellion and ascend! Xyz Summon! Arise now, Rank 7! Phantom Knights Forsaken Glaive (ATK: 2700/DEF: 1800/R: 7/OU: 3)!"

Forsaken Glaive materialized on Yuto's field, brandishing his weapon in a menacing manner.

"The Battle Phase still goes on, which means I can still attack." Yuto pointed out. "Go, Forsaken Glaive! Attack Yuri directly!"

"I activate the effect of Predator Plants Cephalohopper in my hand!" Yuri stated. "When I'm about to receive a direct attack, I can Special Summon it! Come, Predator Plants Cephalohopper (Dark/Plant/Effect/ATK: 800/DEF: 1500/LV: 4) in defense mode!"

A Monster resembling a cross between a carnivorous plant and a grasshopper appeared on Yuri's field.

"In that case, Forsaken Glaive will destroy Cephalohopper!" Yuto shouted. "Do it, Forsaken Glaive!"

Forsaken Glaive swung its weapon, bifurcating Yuri's Monster with ease.

"Cephalohopper's effect activates." Yuri stated. "When this card is destroyed by battle with an opponent's Special Summoned Monster while I control no other Monsters, I can add two "Predator Plants" Monsters from my Deck to my hand. I choose Predator Plants Ankylopsis and Predator Plants Triphophyllum Wyvern."

"That's not good." Yukio remarked. "Yuri's custom Pendulum is coming next turn."

"I can't do much about it as things stand." Yuto said. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Yuri announced. "Draw! During the Standby Phase, Chimera Rafflesia's effect activates, allowing me to add the Spell Card Fusion from my Deck to my hand. Then, using the Scale 1 Predator Plants Ankylopsis (ATK: 2200/DEF: 0/LV: 5/SC: 1) and the Scale 5 Predator Plants Triphophyllum Wyvern (ATK: 500/DEF: 1300/LV: 3/SC: 7), I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two columns of light appeared on Yuri's field, with his two Monsters rising to their top.

"You know what's coming next, right?" Yuri grinned. "Thanks to Ankylopsis' Pendulum Effect, I can Pendulum Summon "Predator Plants" Monsters on my opponent's field and place a Predator Counter on every Monster they control. Roots of malice wriggling in the dark! Be saturated by the Pendulum's light and bloom into the pitch-black flowers of the abyss! Encroachment Pendulum! Bloom on the opponent's field, Predator Plants Roridula Wolf (ATK: 1500/DEF: 1400/LV: 4) and Predator Plants Satyrium Gator (Dark/Plant/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 1600/LV: 3)!"

Two beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Roridula Wolf and a Monster resembling a cross between an alligator and a carnivorous plant upon landing on Yuto's field. At the same time, a fanged spore shot out of the ground and embedded itself in Forsaken Glaive's armor.

"Next up is Triphophyllum Wyvern's Pendulum Effect, Yuto." Yuri continued. "Through it, I will use all three Monsters on your field to perform a Fusion Summon!"

As the three Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuri chanted.

"Captivating flowers dwelling in the abyss! Join together as one and awaken the savage guardian of the fiendish garden from its slumber! Fusion Summon! Manifest now, Level 9! Predator Plants Triphyovertum (ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000/LV: 9)!"

The Monster resembling a cross between a three-headed dragon and a carnivorous plant appeared on Yuri's field, letting out a furious howl.

"Since Satyrium Gator was used as Fusion Material for the Fusion Summon of a Level 8 or higher "Predator Plants" Fusion Monster, I can draw a card from my Deck for every material used in that Monster's summon, in this case three." Yuri stated. "Next, since I control a Special Summoned "Predator Plants" Monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. Come, Predator Synchron (Dark/Plant/Tuner/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 650/LV: 3)!"

A small mechanical Monster surrounded by vines with several fanged spores dangling from them appeared on Yuri's field.

"Predator Synchron's effect activates." Yuri continued. "If this card was Special Summoned through its effect, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Predator Plants" Monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Revive, Roridula Wolf!"

A fissure opened in Yuri's field, with his Monster climbing out of it.

"I tune the Level 4 Roridula Wolf with the Level 3 Predator Synchron!" As Roridula Wolf turned into four stars and Predator Synchron turned into three rings surrounding them, Yuri chanted for the second time in a row. "Emerging from the depths of darkness, the relentless predator shall consume all! Feast upon the blood of your enemies and dance in a frenzy of madness! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Level 7! Predator Plants Sterculia Minyades (Dark/Plant/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 2100/DEF: 1900/LV: 7)!"

A Monster resembling an oversized bat with three pairs of wings, elongated limbs and several spores growing throughout its body appeared on Yuri's field.

"A new Synchro Monster…" Yuya muttered. "Yuri seems to be enhancing his Extra Deck variety."

"Sterculia Minyades' effect activates." Yuri stated. "Through it, all "Predator Plants" Extra Deck Monsters on my field gain 300 attack for every material used to summon them (Sterculia Minyades ATK: 2100→2700, Triphyovertum ATK: 3000→3900)."

"That's bad!" Yugo cried out. "Yuto's wide open again and he's facing two powerful Monsters!"

"Battle!" Yuri exclaimed. "Predator Plants Triphyovertum, attack Yuto directly!"

"It won't be so easy!" Yuto shouted. "I activate the Trap Card Phantom Knights Last Stand! Through its effect, each time an opponent's Monster attacks me directly during this Battle Phase, I can Special Summon a "Phantom Knights" Monster from my Graveyard in attack position with its effects negated and change the attack target to it! I will bring back Forsaken Glaive!"

A fissure opened on Yuto's field, with Forsaken Glaive climbing out of it and putting itself between Yuto and Triphyovertum's attack. After a brief struggle, Forsaken Glaive was destroyed, with Yuto wincing due to the ensuing shockwave.

Yuto – LP: 3600→2400

"Normally, Forsaken Glaive's effect would activate now." Yuto said. "However, due to Last Stand's effect, effects that activate in response to my Monsters' destruction are negated. Plus, I cannot summon the same Monster in a row."

"Good to know." Yuri remarked. "Next, Sterculia Minyades will also attack you directly! Madness Howling!"

"I will use Last Stand's effect once again!" Yuto shouted. "This time, I will bring back Break Sword!"

The previous scene was repeated once again as Break Sword climbed out of the fissure, only to be destroyed by Sterculia Minyades' attack. The ensuing shockwave sent Yuto skidding backwards as he grimaced.

Yuto – LP: 2400→1700

"With the Battle Phase's end, Last Stand's effect activates." Yuto stated. "Through it, I must send cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard equal to the number of cards Special Summoned by this card's effect, in this case two."

"It appears tenaciousness is a trait all five of us share." Yuri remarked. "However, whether it only delays the inevitable in your case is something that we'll find out soon. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Yuto announced. "Draw! Since you brought out your unique Pendulum Scale, I'll respond with my own then. Using the Scale 1 Phantom Knights Soul Reaver (ATK: 1600/DEF: 2200/LV: 6/SC: 1) and the Scale 7 Phantom Knights Burial Shroud (ATK: 500/DEF: 900/LV: 2/SC: 7), I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

The two columns of light appeared on Yuto's field, with his two Monsters rising to their top.

"Due to Soul Reaver's Pendulum Effect, when I successfully Pendulum Summon, I can Special Summon a "Phantom Knights" Trap Card which can be treated as a Monster from my Graveyard whose Level is between my current Scale." Yuto continued. "Through Burial Shroud's effect, when I control less Monsters than my opponent and have no face-up Pendulum Monsters in my Extra Deck, I can Pendulum Summon a number of "Phantom Knights" Monsters from my Graveyard equal to the number of Monsters my opponent controls minus one."

"That means you can bring out a "Phantom Knights" Monster and a "Phantom Knights" Trap Monster as things stand." Yuri said. "Let's see what you're planning."

"With my current Pendulum Scale, I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 2 through 6." Yuto declared. "Wandering souls of fallen braves! Be guided by the trail of light drawn by the Pendulum and revive here on this battlefield! Phantom Pendulum! Return to my side once more, Phantom Knights Shred Cuirass (Dark/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1800/DEF: 2300/LV: 6) and the Trap Monster Phantom Knights Cursed Chains!"

A dark portal appeared on the ground before Yuto, out of which two beams of light emerged and solidified into the forms of Cursed Chains and a Monster covered in weathered copper-colored armor with several gashes on it that was surrounded by eerie blue flames upon landing on the field.

"Since a "Phantom Knights" Monster was Special Summoned successfully, I can Special Summon this Monster from my Graveyard as well." Yuto stated. "Revive, Phantom Knights Umbral Besagew (Dark/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1500/LV: 4)!"

A portal appeared on Yukio's field, with a Monster clad in faded silver armor with oversized armpit protectors, which was enveloped by tendrils of darkness and blue flames, emerging from it.

"Those new Monsters must be the cards Yuto sent to the Graveyard through Last Stand's effect." Yuya reasoned. "Let's hope they have the power to turn things around."

"However, that might be difficult with Triphyovertum out." Yukio pointed out. "That thing can negate the first Extra Deck Summon Yuto attempts to perform, which puts him at a disadvantage. However, Yuto should know this. I wonder…"

"I activate Shred Cuirass' effect." Yuto continued. "Through it, I can send a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard in order to make the Level of all "Phantom Knights" Monsters on my field equal to its Rank. In exchange, all Monsters on my field cannot have their Levels modified again until the End Phase. I will send a Rank 10 "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster to my Graveyard to make the Levels of all three Monsters on my field 10."

"Hoh, that's quite ambitious of you." Yuri remarked. "However, will you be able to bring out a Monster from your Extra Deck under these conditions?"

"Who said anything about Xyz Summoning from the Extra Deck?" Yuto smirked. "Umbral Besagew's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Xyz Summon a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster from my Graveyard by using "Phantom Knights" Monsters on my field as materials! I Overlay my three Level 10 Monsters!"

As his three Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted.

"Indomitable champion of the Netherworld bearing ten thousand arms! Be imbued with the flames of passion and cut open the path to victory! Phantom Xyz! Arise now, Rank 10! Phantom Knights Chaos Warmaster (Dark/Warrior/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3200/R: 10/OU: 3)!"

A towering warrior clad in pitch-black and gold armor with blue flames dancing around it and blades protruding from its shoulders and knee joints, which carried an oversized twin lance in its right hand and a sinister-looking battle axe in its left, appeared on Yuto's field.

"Nice!" Yugo cheered. "Since he summoned it from the Graveyard, Triphyovertum's effect didn't apply!"

"Well played." Yuri clapped. "I didn't expect you'd go around my Monster's effect like this. However, I'm not going to take this lying down. I activate the Trap Card Predator Planning, whose effect allows me to send a "Predator Plants" Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard in order to place a Predator Counter on all Monsters on the field."

Several fanged spores erupted from the ground, embedding themselves in all three Monsters on the field.

"In that case, I activate Chaos Warmaster's effect." Yuto declared. "Once per turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit from it to destroy all Monsters on my opponent's field and deal damage equal to the twice the attack difference between those Monsters and my Monster's attack."

"However, Sterculia Minyades cannot be destroyed by the effects of Monsters with Predator Counters on them." Yuri said.

"Then I'll just have to settle for Triphyovertum." Yuto said. "Do it, Chaos Warmaster! Thousand Blade Vortex!"

An assortment of weapons materialized around Chaos Warmaster, launching themselves at Triphyovertum and shredding its body, with Yuri being sent skidding backwards due to the ensuing explosion.

Yuri – LP: 4000→3200

"Battle!" Yuto exclaimed. "Chaos Warmaster, destroy Sterculia Minyades! Ravage Spear!"

"Sterculia Minyades' effect activates!" Yuri declared. "All damage I receive from battles involving it and Monsters with Predator Counters is halved!"

Following Yuri's words, Chaos Warmaster spun his spear before throwing it, piercing Sterculia Minyades' head and destroying it, with Yuri wincing due to the ensuing shockwave.

Yuri – LP: 3200→2800

"Thanks to Chaos Warmaster's effect, I can draw a card from my Deck each time a "Phantom Knights" Monster on my field destroys an opponent's Monster through battle." Yuto said. "Next, I activate Chaos Warmaster's effect! By banishing a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster from my Graveyard during my Battle Phase, I can have this card declare a second attack, with the damage it deals you being equal to the number of Overlay Units attached to it multiplied by 500! I will banish Plague Arrow to have Chaos Warmaster attack one more time! Endless Bloodlust!"

Chaos Warmaster was surrounded by a crimson aura as it swung its axe, releasing a crescent-shaped wave of energy that struck Yuri and sent him tumbling backwards.

Yuri – LP: 2800→1800

"I end my turn with that." Yuto said. "Also, don't get any funny ideas about trying to use my Monster as material. Chaos Warmaster cannot leave the field by any other means except destruction by battle."

"Good to know." Yuri said as he stood up, dusting himself. "It's still going down either way. My turn! Draw! Since there is a Monster on my opponent's field with a Predator Counter, I can Special Summon Triphyovertum from my Graveyard in defense mode!"

A rift in space appeared next to Yuri, with Triphyovertum emerging from it.

"Next, I will Pendulum Summon once again!" Yuri declared. "Come to me, Predator Plants Moray Nepenthes (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000/LV: 4) and Predator Plants Fly Hell (ATK: 400/DEF: 800/LV: 2)!"

Two beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Monsters upon landing on Yuri's field.

"I activate the Spell Card Fusion, using Moray Nepenthes and Fly Hell as materials to Fusion Summon!" As his two Monsters began swirling inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuri chanted. "Two beautiful flowers with an insect-alluring fragrance! Now become one, and from the hell beneath your petals, give birth to a new terror! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 8! The poisonous dragon with hungry fangs, Starve Venom Fusion Dragon (ATK: 2800/DEF: 2000/LV: 8)!"

Starve Venom appeared on Yuri's field, letting out a furious howl.

"Your ace Monster is out, eh?" Yuto smirked. "Looks like things are starting to get really serious."

"Starve Venom's effect activates, increasing its attack by an amount equal to the attack of all Special Summoned Monsters on my opponent's field (Starve Venom ATK: 2800→7300)." Yuri stated. "Then, I activate the effect of Predator Planning in my Graveyard. Since a Dark-attribute Fusion Monster was successfully Fusion Summoned, I can banish Predator Planning to destroy a card on your field. I will destroy Soul Reaver in your Pendulum Zone!"

Several vines erupted from the ground, binding Soul Reaver and crushing it.

"Let's go with this next." Yuri said. "I will banish Sterculia Minyades from my Graveyard to activate its effect. Through it, I will equip Greedy Venom from my Extra Deck to Starve Venom as an equip card. Now, let's battle! Starve Venom Fusion Dragon, destroy Phantom Knights Chaos Warmaster! Venom Stream of Gluttony!"

"I activate the effect of Phantom Knights Apocalypse Blade in my Graveyard!" Yuto exclaimed. "When an opponent's Monster whose attack is higher than its normal value battles a "Phantom Knights" Monster I control, I can banish this card to return that Monster's attack back to its normal value (Starve Venom ATK: 7300→2800)! Counterattack, Chaos Warmaster! Ravage Spear!"

Chaos Warmaster thrust its spear forward, piercing Starve Venom's torso and destroying it, with the ensuing explosion causing Yuri to let out a grunt of pain.

Yuri – LP: 1800→1100

"Because of Chaos Warmaster's effect, Starve Venom's own effect won't apply here." Yuri grimaced, and then smiled. "However, it's not over yet! Thanks to Sterculia Minyades' effect, I can Special Summon the equipped Greedy Venom from my Graveyard since the Monster it was equipped to was destroyed, and treat that Special Summon as a Fusion Summon! Come forth, Greedy Venom Fusion Dragon (ATK: 3300/DEF: 2500/LV: 10)!"

A fissure opened in Yuri's field, with Greedy Venom flying out of it.

"In addition, Greedy Venom gains attack equal to half the original attack of the Monster it was equipped to until the End Phase (Greedy Venom ATK: 3300→4700)." Yuri continued. "Go, Greedy Venom! Destroy Chaos Warmaster! Disintegration Stream of Avarice!"

A violet stream of energy erupted from Greedy Venom's maw, enveloping Chaos Warmaster and vaporizing it, with Yuto being sent skidding backwards.

Yuto – LP: 1700→500

"I end my turn with that." Yuri said. "Moreover, Greedy Venom's attack returns to its normal value (Greedy Venom ATK: 4700→3300)."

"It's my turn!" Yuto announced. "Draw! First, I will perform a Phantom Pendulum once again! Revive from the Graveyard, Phantom Knights Cursed Chains and Phantom Knights Umbral Besagew!"

The dark portal appeared on Yuto's field, with two beams of energy erupting from it and solidifying into the forms of Monsters upon landing on his field.

"I Overlay my two Level 4 Monsters!" As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted. "Formed from pitch-black darkness, to fight those foolish enough to oppose it with its treacherous fangs! Now, descend! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 4! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/R: 4/OU: 2)!"

Dark Rebellion materialized on Yuto's field, letting out a sonorous howl. Greedy Venom responded in kind upon catching sight of it.

"I see you've also brought out your ace Monster." Yuri smirked. "Shame it won't stay with us for long. I activate Triphyovertum's effect, which allows me to negate your Monster's summon and destroy it!"

Triphyovertum opened its three maws wide, unleashing streams of flames that incinerated Dark Rebellion with ease.

"I was prepared for that." Yuto smiled. "I activate the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Arise Force. Through its effect, I can target a Dark-attribute Xyz Monster in my Graveyard in order to Xyz Summon an Xyz Monster one Rank higher than it by using it and this card as Xyz Materials!"

As the specter of Dark Rebellion and Arise Force turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted for the second time in a row.

"From the depths of purgatory, dedicate your song of rebellion to the restless souls! Appear and echo forevermore! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear, Rank 5! Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/R: 5/OU: 2)!"

Dark Rebellion's evolved form materialized on Yuto's field amidst a lightning storm.

"I detach an Overlay Unit to activate Dark Requiem's effect." Yuto declared. "Through it, I can reduce a Level 5 or higher Monster's attack to 0 and add the same amount to Dark Requiem's attack until the End Phase. My target is Greedy Venom! Do it, Dark Requiem! Requiem Salvation!"

Tendrils of darkness erupted from the orbs placed on Dark Requiem's wings, binding Greedy Venom.

(Greedy Venom ATK: 3300→0, Dark Requiem ATK: 3000→6300)

"Let's settle this, Yuri!" Yuto exclaimed. "Battle! Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon, destroy Greedy Venom Fusion Dragon! Disaster Disobey of Requiem!"

"No, it's not over yet!" Yuri stated as Dark Requiem soared upwards and prepared to charge. "I activate the effect of Predator Plants Pterostylis Armadillo in my Graveyard! Since I would take damage from a battle involving a Dark-attribute Monster I control, I can banish this card to reduce damage to 0 and gain Life Points equal to the amount of damage I would have received!"

Following Yuri's words, Dark Requiem dove down, piercing through Greedy Venom's torso with its tusk and destroying it. However, Yuri was unaffected due to an emerald dome that surrounded him. Then, the dome exploded in a rain of particles that enveloped Yuri.

Yuri – LP: 1100→7400

"That must have been the card you sent to the Graveyard through Predator Planning's effect." Yuto grimaced. "Damn it…"

"Thank you very much for the feast." Yuri said while licking his lips. "In exchange, I will grant you despair! Greedy Venom's effect activates! When it's destroyed, I can destroy all Monsters on the field and deal damage to their controllers equal to their attack!"

"I won't let you!" Yuto declared. "I activate the effect of Shred Cuirass in my Graveyard! When a Dark-attribute Monster on my field is about to be destroyed by a card effect, I can banish this card to prevent its destruction and make it unable to be destroyed by card effects until the end of this turn! That means only Triphyovertum will be destroyed!"

Following Yuto's words, violet flames erupted from the ground, consuming Triphyovertum, but leaving Dark Requiem unscathed. Yuri let out a cry of pain as he was bathed in flames as well.

Yuri – LP: 7400→4400

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn." Yuto said. "At this moment, Dark Requiem's effect ends, returning its attack to normal (Dark Requiem ATK: 6300→3000)."

"My turn!" Yuri announced. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card Life-Shaving Treasure Cards, whose effect allows me to draw until I have five cards in my hand. Then, I will perform an Encroachment Pendulum! Bloom in my opponent's field, Predator Plants Lilyzard (ATK: 1200/DEF: 1200/LV: 3) and Predator Plants Squid Drosera (ATK: 800/DEF: 400/LV: 2)!"

Two beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Monsters upon landing on Yuto's field.

"Through Ankylopsis' Pendulum Effect, I will place a Predator Counter on your Monsters, Yuto." Yuri stated as several fanged spores embedded themselves into Yuto's Monsters. "Since there are Monsters with Predator Counters on the field, I will activate Triphyovertum's effect, Special Summoning it from the Graveyard in defense mode!"

A fissure opened in Yuri's field, with Triphyovertum emerging from its depths.

"Next, I will use Triphophyllum Wyvern's Pendulum Effect to perform a Fusion Summon by using the three Monsters on your field, Yuto!" As the three Monsters began swirling inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuri chanted. "Captivating flowers that invite the abyss! Become one with the artist soaring in the sky and unleash the malevolent beast feared even by the Gods themselves! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 10! Predator Plants Urticularia Typhon (ATK: ?/DEF: 2400/LV: 10)!"

Urticularia Typhon materialized on Yuri's field, its many heads hissing at Yuto.

"Thanks to its effect, Urticularia Typhon gains 900 attack for every Monster used as its Fusion Material (Urticularia Typhon ATK: ?→2700)." Yuri continued. "Then, I activate the Spell Card Resurrection of the Dead to Special Summon Starve Venom from my Graveyard through its effect!"

A portal appeared above Yuri, with Starve Venom emerging from it and landing on his field.

"Using Starve Venom and Triphyovertum, I will perform a Contact Fusion!" As his two Monsters started swirling inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuri chanted once again. "Poisonous dragon with hungry fangs! Fiendish guardian of the twisted garden! Become one now and give birth to the incarnation of fury! Contact Fusion! Come forth, Level 10! Raging Venom Fusion Dragon (ATK: 3300/DEF: 3000/LV: 10)!"

The alternate evolved form of Starve Venom appeared on Yuri's field, letting an outraged howl.

"This isn't good." Yukio remarked. "Yuri's two Monsters are quite powerful, and if Urticularia Typhon fails to inflict damage while in attack position, it will deal damage to Yuto equal to the number of its Fusion Materials multiplied by 200. With his Life Points being only 500, this'll be enough to finish him."

"Battle!" Yuri exclaimed. "Raging Venom Fusion Dragon, attack Yuto directly! Devastation Stream of Wrath!"

"I activate the Trap Card Phantom Dispersal!" Yuto shouted. "Through its effect, I can banish a "Phantom Knights" Monster from my Graveyard to reduce an instance of damage by an amount equal to its attack! I will banish the 3500 attack Chaos Warmaster to reduce the damage to 0!"

A wave of raging flames erupted from Raging Venom's maw, only to be blocked by copious amounts of black fog that appeared on Yuto's field.

"Not bad, but I have one more Monster on my field." Yuri pointed out. "Go, Urticularia Typhon! Attack Yuto directly! World Destroyer!"

"Sorry, but this attempt is doomed to fail as well!" Yuto declared. "I activate the Trap Card Phantom Blood! Through its effect, when an opponent's Monster declares a direct attack, I can Special Summon a Dark-attribute Monster from my banish zone and change the attack target to it! Revive, Chaos Warmaster!"

A rift in space appeared before Yuto, with Chaos Warmaster emerging from it. Urticularia Typhon's heads snapped at it, only for Chaos Warmaster to sever them one by one before driving its lance through the final head, destroying Urticularia Typhon in a massive explosion that sent Yuri skidding backwards.

Yuri – LP: 4400→3600

"Since Chaos Warmaster destroyed a Monster by battle, its effect activates." Yuto said. "Through it, I will draw a card from my Deck."

"Well played." Yuri praised his opponent. "You got out of this pinch scot-free while also damaging me. However, during the Battle Phase's end, Urticularia Typhon's effect activates. Since it was destroyed by battle, I can Special Summon it in defense mode."

A portal appeared on Yuri's field, with Urticularia Typhon emerging from it.

"I end my turn with that."

"During the End Phase, Phantom Blood's effect activates." Yuto said. "Through it, Chaos Weaponmaster is banished."

"That was close…" Yugo let out a relived sigh. "If he didn't have those face-down cards, Yuto would be toast right now."

"It's my turn!" Yuto announced. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card Reanimate Xyz, whose effect allows me to banish an Xyz Monster from my Graveyard in order to Special Summon an Xyz Monster with a lower Rank than it from either player's Graveyard. I will banish Forsaken Glaive to Special Summon Dark Requiem from my Graveyard!"

A rift in space appeared above Yuto, with Dark Requiem emerging from it.

"I activate the Spell Card Hyper-Rank-Up-Magic Judgment Force, using Dark Requiem as material to reconstruct the Overlay Network!" As Dark Requiem turned into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted. "Undying soul of righteous rebellion! Take the Supreme King's wrath within me and soar towards the dawn of a new future! Rank-Up Hyper Xyz Evolution! Descend now, Rank 12! The Supreme King Justice Dragon – Dark Nemesis Xyz Dragon (ATK: 3700/DEF: 3300/R: 12/OU: 1)!"

Dark Nemesis emerged from the epicenter of an outburst of energy, landing on Yuto's field and letting out a furious howl.

"Due to its effect, Judgment Force will be attached to Dark Nemesis as an Overlay Unit (Dark Nemesis OU: 1→2)." Yuto stated. "Next, I activate the effect of Phantom Dispersal in my Graveyard. By banishing it, I can add a Spell or Trap Card whose text lists "Phantom Knights" or "Xyz Dragon" from my Deck to my hand. I choose the Equip Spell Card Requiem Salvation and equip it to Dark Nemesis."

A pitch-black aura surrounded Dark Nemesis following the activation of Yuto's card.

"I detach an Overlay Unit to activate Dark Nemesis's effect." Yuto continued. "Once per turn, my opponent must choose a Monster on the field and banish it, with Dark Nemesis gaining attack equal to that Monster's attack. You have two Monsters on the field, so what will your choice be, Yuri?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Yuri snorted. "I choose to banish Urticularia Typhon, and since its attack is unknown, your Monster gains no attack."

"I thought so." Yuto said. "Do it, Dark Nemesis! Nemesis Verdict!"

Dark Nemesis's wings expanded as the gaps between the segments were filled with silver-colored energy that shot forward in the form of tendrils, piercing through Urticularia Typhon's body and destroying it.

"Battle!" Yuto exclaimed. "Dark Nemesis Xyz Dragon, attack Raging Venom Fusion Dragon! At this moment, the equipped Requiem Salvation's effect activates! When the equipped Monster battles an opponent's Monster, that Monster loses attack equal to the equipped Monster's Rank multiplied by 200! Dark Nemesis is Rank 12, meaning Raging Venom will lose 2400 attack (Raging Venom ATK: 3300→900)!"

"Tch." Yuri clicked his tongue in irritation. "You little…"

"Go, Dark Nemesis!" Yuto shouted. "Judgment Disobey of Nemesis!"

Dark Nemesis shot upwards as its tusks were surrounded by torrents of black lightning and his wings expanded. It then dove at Raging Venom, dodging its breath attack and piercing through its body, destroying it and sending Yuri skidding backwards.

Yuri – LP: 3600→800

"Raging Venom's effect activates." Yuri stated. "Since it was destroyed, I can banish it to Special Summon one of its materials from the Graveyard. Revive, Starve Venom in defense mode!"

A portal appeared on Yuri's field, with Starve Venom emerging from it.

"I end my turn with that." Yuto said. "What else have you got for me, Yuri?"

"You're about to find out." Yuri said. "My turn! Draw! I activate the Spell Card Regrowth Fusion, shuffling Lilyzard, Squid Drosera and Spino Dionaea from my Graveyard back to my Deck in order to perform a Fusion Summon!"

As his three Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuri chanted.

"Captivating flowers blooming in the abyss! Join together as one now, and transform into the ferocious hunter of the mysterious depths! Fusion Summon! Come forth, Level 8! Predator Plants Brocchinia Cetus (ATK: 2800/DEF: 1400/LV: 8)!"

The oversized Monster resembling a cross between a whale-shaped sea Monster and a carnivorous plant appeared on Yuri's field.

"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card Predator Graft, which allows me to Special Summon a "Predator Plants" Monster from my Graveyard in attack position." Yuri continued. "Revive, Predator Plants Chimera Rafflesia!"

A portal appeared on Yuri's field, with Chimera Rafflesia emerging from it.

"Three Fusion Monsters…" Yukio muttered. "Yuri's strongest Monster is definitely coming next."

"Here I go." Yuri grinned. "I will send all three Fusion Monsters on my field to the Graveyard to perform a Triple Contact Fusion!"

As his three Monsters started swirling inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuri chanted once again.

"Avaricious dragon with poisonous fangs! Beautiful flowers with an insect-alluring fragrance! Now become one with the Supreme King's heart within me and stand atop the summit of creation as the mightiest existence! Triple Contact Fusion! Appear, Level 12! The Supreme King Dominion Dragon – Prideful Venom Fusion Dragon (ATK: 4000/DEF: 3500/LV: 12)!"

Prideful Venom materialized on Yuri's field, letting out a sonorous howl.

"Prideful Venom Fusion Dragon's effect activates." Yuri declared. "When this card is Special Summoned successfully, my opponent must send as many of their Special Summoned Monsters as they wish to the Graveyard. For every Monster that remains on their field, they take damage equal to their combined Level or Rank on the field multiplied by 200. What is your choice, Yuto?"

"I…will keep Dark Nemesis on my field."

"Eh?" Yugo frowned. "What is he thinking? If he keeps Dark Nemesis on the field, he's going to have to receive 2400 points of damage."

"Interesting." Yuri remarked. "Let's see what you've got in mind. Do it, Prideful Venom! Sinister Infection!"

"The equipped Requiem Salvation's effect activates!" Yuto said. "Once per turn, I can reduce an instance of effect damage to 0!"

Following Yuto's words, the orbs on Prideful Venom's body lit up, releasing a barrage of venom-covered spores. However, all them were incinerated mid-flight by a barrage of black lightning bolts.

"So, you dodged that too." Yuri said. "In that case, let's try this. I activate Prideful Venom's effect, banishing Dark Rebellion from your Graveyard in order to gain its attack and effect."

Several vines shot out of Prideful Venom's body, digging into the ground and dragging out Dark Rebellion's specter, which was absorbed into Prideful Venom.

(Prideful Venom ATK: 4000→6500)

"Battle!" Yuri exclaimed. "Prideful Venom Fusion Dragon, destroy Dark Nemesis Xyz Dragon! Vainglorious Corrosion Burst!"

"I activate the effect of the equipped Requiem Salvation!" Yuto shouted. "By destroying it, I can negate Prideful Venom's attack and double Dark Nemesis' attack until my next End Phase (Dark Nemesis ATK: 3700→7400)!"

"This isn't looking good…" Yuri grimaced. "I activate the effect of Satyrium Gator in my Graveyard, banishing it in order to place Raging Venom in my banish zone back to my Graveyard. Then, I activate the Spell Card Darkness Null Zone, which prevents all Dark-attribute Monsters on my field from leaving it through card effects until my opponent's next End Phase. I end my turn with that."

"In that case, let's settle this, Yuri!" Yuto announced. "It's my turn! Draw! Go, Dark Nemesis Xyz Dragon! Take down Prideful Venom Fusion Dragon! Judgment Disobey of Nemesis!"

"I activate the effect of Raging Venom in my Graveyard!" Yuri declared. "Through it, I can—"

"You think I'll let you!?" Yuto exclaimed. "I activate the effect of Phantom Blood in my Graveyard! Since my opponent is about to activate an effect from their Graveyard, I can banish this card to negate that effect and draw a card from my Deck! That means my attack resumes! Do it, Dark Nemesis!"

Dark Nemesis' body was enveloped by torrents of black lightning as it charged forward, evading Prideful Venom's breath blasts. Prideful Venom attempted to parry its charge with its claws, only for Dark Nemesis to slip underneath them and bury its tusks in the enemy dragon's torso. Prideful Venom let out a mournful cry as it exploded, with the ensuing shockwave sending Yuri flying backwards.

Yuri – LP: 800→0

Yuto: WIN

"That was a great Duel, Yuri." Yuto said as he approached the fallen Duelist, extending his hand. "I've certainly experienced firsthand how much of a skilled Duelist you are."

"But not skilled enough as it seems." Yuri smirked as he grabbed Yuto's hand, with the Xyz Duelist helping him up. "I knew I probably wasn't going to win the moment Prideful Venom failed to finish you off, but it's still irritating. Oh well, a good lesson for next time."

"I have a feeling I'm going to have a very hard time to repeat today's feat in that rematch." Yuto said with a chuckle before turning to Yukio. "Now then, shall we start the second big event of the day?"

"It's still night, but whatever." Yukio said as he took his position across Yuto, while Yuri joined Yuya and Yugo to the side. "Give me your best shot, Yuto."

"Don't you worry about that." Yuto smiled as he activated his Duel Disk. "My morale is at an all-time high right now, and I'm determined to make this a winning streak."

"Looks like someone's confident." Yukio remarked with a grin as he also activated his Duel Disk. "In that case, let's do this!"

[Duel!]

Both Yukio and Yuto shouted together.

Yuto – LP: 4000

Yukio – LP: 4000

"I'll take the first turn this time." Yukio announced. "Using the Scale 2 Despair Magician (ATK: 2500/DEF: 1400/LV: 7/SC: 2) and the Scale 9 Hope Magician (ATK: 1200/DEF: 1600/LV: 3/SC: 9), I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two columns of light appeared on Yukio's sides, with his two Monsters rising to their top.

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 2 through 8." Yukio declared. "Guided by destiny's hand, cross the walls of space and time and manifest a new possibility! Pendulum Summon! Come forth, Supply Magician (ATK: 0/DEF: 1600/LV: 4/SC: 5), Iris Magician (ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000/LV: 4/SC: 8) and Metronome Magician (ATK: 1400/DEF: 500/LV: 4/SC: 4)!"

Three beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Monsters upon landing on Yukio's field.

"I Overlay my three Level 4 Monsters!" As his three Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yukio chanted. "The dauntless protector who surveys the world from above, descend now upon this battlefield as a harbinger of victory! Xyz Summon! Be born, Rank 4! The warrior that dances in the starry sky, Night Wing Paladin (ATK: 2400/DEF: 1000/R: 4/OU: 3)!"

The warrior covered from neck-to-toe in black and violet-colored armor with two pitch-black wings sprouting from its back, which held a kodachi in its talon-shaped hands, appeared on Yukio's field.

"Since it was used as material, Supply Magician's effect activates, allowing me to draw a card from my Deck." Yukio said. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"Then, it's my turn!" Yuto announced. "Draw! First, I place a card face-down. Next, since I have a card in my Spell/Trap Zone, I can Special Summon Phantom Knights Dusk Mantle (ATK: 900/DEF: 1500/LV: 3) from my hand!"

Dusk Mantle materialized on Yuto's field.

"Since Dusk Mantle was Special Summoned through its effect, I can add a Level 4 or lower "Phantom Knights" Monster from my Deck to my hand." Yuto continued. "I choose Phantom Knights Silent Boots and summon it (ATK: 200/DEF: 1200/LV: 3)!"

Silent Boots appeared on Yuto's field next to Dusk Mantle.

"I Overlay my two Level 3 Monsters!" As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted. "From the mists of darkness, the warrior of rebellion will now be unleashed! Strike fear in your enemies' hearts! Xyz Summon! Appear now, Rank 3! Phantom Knights Tainted Voulge (ATK: 2100/DEF: 1300/R: 3/OU: 2)!"

Tainted Voulge appeared on Yuto's field, surrounded by dark mist.

"I activate the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Phantom Knights Launch, using Tainted Voulge as Xyz Material through its effect to Xyz Summon a Monster that's one Rank higher than it!" As Tainted Voulge turned into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted once again. "Wandering warrior of the unseen world! Let your grievances transform into a cursed weapon to strike down your foes! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Arise, Rank 4! Phantom Knights Grudge Flail (Dark/Warrior/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2300/DEF: 1600/R: 4/OU: 3)!"

A warrior clad in weather black and crimson armor with blue flames coming out of its shoulder plates and side armor, which held a sinister-looking flail in its right hand and a dented shield in its left, appeared on Yuto's field.

"Through its effect, Phantom Knights Launch is attached to my Monster as an Xyz Material (Grudge Flail OU: 3→4)." Yuto said. "Now, let's battle! Grudge Flail, attack Night Wing Paladin!"

"Tch, this isn't good." Yukio frowned. "An effect is coming for sure."

"That's right!" Yuto exclaimed. "Grudge Flail's effect activates! When this card battles an opponent's Monster, I can detach an Overlay Unit from it to destroy that Monster before damage calculation! In exchange, I must send the top two cards from my Deck to the Graveyard! Do it, Grudge Flail! Cursed Smite!"

Grudge Flail's weapon shone with a crimson light as the armored knight smashed it on Night Wing Paladin's torso, causing cracks to appear all over its body. Immediately afterwards, Yukio's Monster shattered into pieces.

"Good thing I expected something like that." Yukio said. "I activate the Trap Card Destruction Bounty. Through its effect, if a Monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck was destroyed, I can draw a card from my Deck for every material used to summon it. Moreover, if I control no other Monsters, I can draw an additional card from my Deck."

"Your hand is refilled, meaning the real deal will start next." Yuto remarked. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! First, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Revive from the Extra Deck, Night Wing Paladin! And from my hand, come, Threshold Magician (ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000/LV: 4/SC: 6), Summoner Magician (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200/LV: 4/SC: 7) and Swordmaster Magician (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1300/LV: 4/SC: 2)!"

Four beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Monsters upon landing on Yukio's field.

"Summoner Magician's effect activates, allowing me to add the Ritual Spell Card Sorcerer King's Enthronement from my Deck to my hand." Yukio stated. "Next, Threshold Magician's effect activates. Since it was Pendulum Summoned, I can target a Pendulum Monster on my field and Special Summon a Pendulum Monster from my Deck with a lower Level than it. I will target the Level 4 Summoner Magician to Special Summon Nobledragon Magician (ATK: 700/DEF: 1400/LV: 3/SC: 5)!"

Threshold Magician spun its staff, opening a rift in space out of which Nobledragon Magician emerged and landed on Yukio's field.

"I tune the Level 4 Threshold Magician with the Level 3 Nobledragon Magician!" As Threshold Magician turned into four stars and Nobledragon Magician turned into three rings surrounding them, Yukio chanted. "Pure white dragon with unblemished wings! Descend upon the battlefield with the speed of light and slash apart every enemy in your path! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Level 7! Clearwing Fast Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7/SC: 4)!"

Clearwing materialized on Yukio's field, the soft glow coming from its body illuminating the area.

"Through its effect, Nobledragon Magician is sent to the Graveyard." Yukio continued. "Then, I activate the Ritual Spell Card Sorcerer King's Enthronement, using Swordmaster Magician and Summoner Magician as tributes to Ritual Summon!"

An ornate altar with a lavishly-decorated throne behind it appeared on Yukio's field, with his two Monsters turning into particles and being absorbed by the altar. As a blinding column of light erupted from it, Yukio chanted.

"Master of a thousand spells, sit atop the throne of domination and overwrite the very principles of the world with your transcendental power! Ritual Summon! Appear, Level 8! Sorcerer King Solomon (ATK: 2900/DEF: 2600/LV: 8/SC: 1)!"

The Monster with four hands and a white mask with three eyes on it, which was dressed like an eastern monarch and held a gold stave with a sphere on its tip, appeared on Yukio's field.

"Oh, I haven't seen that one in some time." Yuya remarked. "Yukio must be planning to use its Spell destruction effect to limit Yuto's Rank-Up tactics."

"Sorcerer King Solomon's effect activates, allowing me to add the Spell Card Tilting Scales from my Deck to my hand." Yukio stated. "Then, I activate Titling Scales, whose effects lets me draw a card from my Deck for every different summoning type on my field, in this case three. Next, I activate Clearwing's effect, targeting Grudge Flail in order to reduce its attack to 0 and negate its effects. Vanishing Mirror!"

A wave of light was emitted from Clearwing's wings, enveloping Grudge Flail.

(Grudge Flail ATK: 2300→0)

"Battle!" Yukio exclaimed. "Sorcerer King Solomon, destroy Grudge Flail! Supreme Wisdom!"

"I'm afraid that's not going to work!" Yuto declared. "I activate the Trap Card Phantom Knights Rank-Up Adversity! Through its effect, if a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster on my field is attacked, I can use it as material to Xyz Summon a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster which is one Rank higher than it! I will use Grudge Flail to reconstruct the Overlay Network!"

As Grudge Flail turned into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted.

"Tormented warrior thirsting for vengeance! Reap your enemies' souls with the wicked scythe forged in the depths of Hell and become the harbinger of damnation! Xyz Summon! Come forth, Rank 5! Phantom Knights Rusted Scythe (ATK: 2600/DEF: 1200/R: 5/OU: 4)!"

Rusted Scythe materialized on Yuto's field, swinging its weapon in a menacing manner.

"My Trap's effects don't end here." Yuto smirked. "Thanks to it, the summoned Monster gains 200 attack for every Overlay Unit attached to it (Rusted Scythe ATK: 2600→3400). Furthermore, the opponent's Monster that had declared the attack is forced to battle with the summoned Monster! As such, Rusted Scythe will destroy Sorcerer King Solomon! Vindictive Harvest!"

Rusted Scythe slashed at the charging Solomon with its weapon, splitting it cleanly in half and sending Yukio skidding backwards due to the ensuing shockwave.

Yukio – LP: 4000→3500

"I thought I could get some good damage in, but you turned the tables on me." Yukio smiled. "Not bad, Yuto. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Yuto announced. "Draw! Now, time for me to get serious as well. Using the Scale 2 Phantom Knights Necro Magister (ATK: 2300/DEF: 1100/LV: 6/SC: 2) and the Scale 7 Phantom Knights Mausoleum Stronghold (ATK: 0/DEF: 1350/LV: 3/SC: 7), I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

The two columns of light appeared on Yuto's field, with his two Monsters rising to their top.

"Since you control more Monsters than I do, I can use Necro Magister's Pendulum Effect, which allows me to Pendulum Summon a number of "Phantom Knights" Monsters from my Graveyard equal to the number of Monsters my opponent controls." Yuto declared. "With my current Scale, I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 3 through 6. Wandering souls of fallen braves! Be guided by the trail of light drawn by the Pendulum and revive here on this battlefield! Phantom Pendulum! Revive once again, Phantom Knights Cracked Helm (ATK: 1500/DEF: 500/LV: 4) and Phantom Knights Fragile Armor (ATK: 1000/DEF: 2000/LV: 4)!"

A dark portal appeared on Yuto's field, with two beams of light erupting from it and solidifying into the forms of Monsters.

"The cards that were sent to the Graveyard by Grudge Flail's effect, eh?" Yukio remarked. "Lucky you."

"I Overlay the Level 4 Cracked Helm and Fragile Armor!" As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted. "Relentless warrior wandering through the endless battlefield! Embody the fury of rebellion and strike down the unjust! Xyz Summon! Come forth, Rank 4! Phantom Knights Frayed Whip (ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500/R: 4/OU: 2)!"

Frayed Whip materialized on Yuto's field, swinging its whip around.

"Battle!" Yuto exclaimed. "Rusted Scythe, destroy Clearwing Fast Dragon! Vindictive Harvest!"

"I activate Clearwing's effect!" Yukio shouted. "Through it, I will make your Monster's attack 0 and negate its effects! Vanishing Mirror!"

Rusted Scythe was enveloped by a wave of light that came out of Clearwing's wings, falling to its knees.

(Rusted Scythe ATK: 3400→0)

"I was waiting for that." Yuto let out a sly smirk. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Phantom Step! Through its effect, I will target Rusted Scythe and use it as material to Xyz Summon a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster that's one Rank higher than it!"

As Rusted Scythe turned into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, missing Clearwing's claws by a hairsbreadth, Yuto chanted for the second time in a row.

"Rebellious spirit of war! Hold your unwavering nobility high in the face of adversity and advance upon the path leading to victory! Xyz Summon! Awaken, Rank 6! Phantom Knights Chipped Lance (ATK: 2800/DEF: 2600/R: 6/OU: 5)!"

The warrior clad in full-body black armor with crimson markings on it and blue flames dancing on its joints, which held a sinister-looking lance that had small pieces of it missing here and there, appeared on Yuto's field.

"The battle continues!" Yuto declared. "Go, Chipped Lance! Destroy Clearwing Fast Dragon! Grim Thrust!"

Chipped Lance's weapon was enveloped by dark energy as it thrust it through Clearwing's chest, destroying the dragon and causing Yukio to wince due to the ensuing explosion.

Yukio – LP: 3500→3200

"Through Frayed Whip's effect, the destroyed Clearwing is banished since it was destroyed by a "Phantom Knights" Monster by battle, while I can draw a card from my Deck since the Monster summoned through the effect of Phantom Step destroyed an opponent's Monster by battle on the turn it was summoned." Yuto said. "Moreover, Necro Magister's second Pendulum Effect activates. Since a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster destroyed an opponent's Monster on the field, I can destroy another Monster on your field, Yukio. I choose to destroy Night Wing Paladin!"

Several bolts of black lightning struck Night Wing Paladin, vaporizing it in a matter of seconds.

"Now you have no Monsters left to protect you." Yuto pointed out. "Go, Frayed Whip! Attack Yukio directly! Fury Outburst!"

"I activate the Trap Card Magician's Gateway!" Yukio declared. "Through its effect, its effect is negated and I can Special Summon a Spellcaster-type Monster from my Deck with attack lower than the attacking Monster's attack! Come, Null Magician (ATK: 800/DEF: 300/LV: 1) in defense mode!"

A magic circle appeared in front of Yukio, blocking Frayed Whip's attack. Immediately afterwards, Null Magician emerged from it and landed on Yukio's field.

"You defended yourself against it, eh?" Yuto remarked. "Then, I'll do this at the very least. I activate Chipped Lance's effect, detaching an Overlay Unit to destroy Null Magician and deal damage to you equal to its Level multiplied by 300! Dark Advent!"

A beam of energy erupted from the tip of Chipped Lance's weapon, piercing through Null Magician and striking Yukio, who doubled over.

Yukio – LP: 3200→2900

"That's all I can do for now." Yuto remarked. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! First, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Revive from the Extra Deck, Sorcerer King Solomon, Night Wing Paladin, Summoner Magician and Threshold Magician!"

Four beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Monsters upon landing on Yukio's field.

"Summoner Magician's effect activates, allowing me to add Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon from my Deck to my hand." Yukio stated. "Next, Threshold Magician's effect also activates. Through it, I will target Sorcerer King Solomon to Special Summon a Pendulum Monster with a lower Level than it from my Deck. Come, Destiny Magician (ATK: 1800/DEF: 500/LV: 4/SC: 1)!"

Threshold Magician slashed open a rift in space with its staff, with Destiny Magician emerging from it.

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card Karma Manifestation, offering Summoner Magician and Destiny Magician as tributes for a Ritual Summon!" As the altar with the three dragon statues appeared on his field, with his two Monsters turning into particles and being absorbed by the rightmost one, Yukio chanted as an azure flame pillar erupted from it. "Ruthless dragon which dwells within the threads of destiny! With the ancient ritual, be revived in this battlefield and eliminate all those who defy you! Ritual Summon! Appear now, Level 8! Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon (ATK: 2800/DEF: 2000/LV: 8)!"

Chaos Karma emerged from the flame pillar, circling the harbor once before coming to land in front of Yukio.

"Your ace Monster has finally appeared." Yuto remarked. "However, you won't find much use for it here. Its effect applies only to Level 5 or higher Monsters like my Dark Rebellion, and I only have Xyz Monsters out."

"That's true, which is why I'll be using it in a different way." Yukio smirked. "But first, Destiny Magician's effect allows me to draw a card from my Deck since it was used as material for a Ritual Summon. Then, I activate the Spell Card Glorious Destiny. Since I control a "Ritual Dragon" Monster, I can banish a Monster on my field to reduce the attack of all Monsters my opponent controls to 0 and negate their effects. I will banish Threshold Magician to neutralize your two Xyz Monsters, Yuto!"

Following Yukio's words, several flaming strings shot out of Chaos Karma's wings and pierced through Yuto's Monsters, forcing them to fall on their knees.

(Chipped Lance ATK: 2800→0, Frayed Whip ATK: 2400→0)

"Battle!" Yukio exclaimed. "Sorcerer King Solomon, take down Chipped Lance! Supreme Wisdom!"

"I activate the Trap Card Phantom Stronghold!" Yuto shouted. "Thanks to its effect, "Phantom Knights" Monsters on my field cannot be destroyed and I take no damage from battles involving them for this turn! In exchange, each time a "Phantom Knights" Monster on my field is attacked, I receive 600 points of effect damage!"

"In that case, Despair Magician's Pendulum Effect activates!" Yukio declared. "Once during either player's turn, the first time my opponent would receive effect damage, that damage is doubled! Endless Lament!"

A magic circle appeared underneath Yuto, with a pillar of blue flames erupting from it and engulfing him.

Yuto – LP: 4000→2800

"Next, Chaos Karma and Night Wing Paladin will also attack Chipped Lance!" Yukio stated. "Go, my Monsters!"

Night Wing Paladin slashed at Chipped Lance with its blade, while Chaos Karma engulfed it with its flame breath, with a pillar of blue flames engulfing Yuto after each attack and forcing him to his knees.

Yuto – LP: 2800→2200→1600

"Yuto withstood that, but lost more than half his Life Points." Yuri remarked. "Still, he managed to retain his Monsters at least, powerless as they are now. Perhaps…"

"During my Main Phase 2, Glorious Destiny's second effect activates." Yukio said. "Since the Monsters affected by its effect are still on my opponent's field, I can increase the attack of a "Ritual Dragon" Monster on my field by 500 for every such Monster. Of course, I choose Chaos Karma (Chaos Karma ATK: 2800→3800). Then, I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Yuto announced. "Draw! I summon the Tuner Monster Phantom Knights Broken Wheel (ATK: 100/DEF: 400/LV: 2)!"

Broken Wheel appeared on Yuto's field next to his other two Monsters.

"Through Broken Wheel's effect, if I would Synchro Summon a "Phantom Knights" Synchro Monster, I can use Xyz Monsters on my field as materials by treating their Ranks as Levels." Yuto declared. "I tune the Rank 6 Chipped Lance by treating it as a Level 6 Monster with the Level 2 Broken Wheel!"

As Chipped Lance turned into six black stars and Broken Wheel turned into two rings surrounding them, Yuto chanted.

"Dance wildly on this chaotic battlefield, unappeased rampaging warrior! Let the rage of the fallen be channeled through your blade and slash apart the darkness! Synchro Summon! Manifest, Level 8! Phantom Knights Berserk Longsword (ATK: 3200/DEF: 2600/LV: 8)!"

The warrior clad in navy-colored armor with a dark, tattered cape extending from its back and blue flames where its eyes should be, which held an ornate longsword with several crimson runes inscribed on it and had chains extending from various parts of its body, appeared on Yuto's field.

"Yuto's Synchro Monster…" Yukio narrowed his eyes. "This isn't good."

"Berserk Longsword's effect activates." Yuto continued. "If Xyz Monsters were used as materials for its Synchro Summon, I can place a Wraith Counter on it for every two Ranks the Xyz Monster with the highest Rank had. Since that Monster was the Rank 6 Chipped Lance, it gains three Wraith Counters (Wraith Counter: 0→3). Next, I activate Berserk Longsword's second effect. By banishing an Xyz Monster from my Graveyard, I can add half its attack to Berserk Longsword's attack until the End Phase. In exchange, my Monster will lose attack equal to the banished Monster's attack during my opponent's turn until their End Phase. I choose to banish the 2600 attack Rusted Scythe."

Following Yuto's words, Berserk Longsword raised its blade high, with the spirit of Rusted Scythe appearing behind it and being absorbed into the blade.

(Berserk Longsword ATK: 3200→4500)

"If I remember correctly, each time Berserk Longsword destroys a Monster, Yuto can remove a Wraith Counter to have it attack once again." Yuya commented. "That means Yuto can destroy all of Yukio's Monster and launch a direct attack even if he fails to wipe out Yukio's Life Points by taking down his Monsters."

"Battle!" Yuto exclaimed. "Berserk Longsword, take down Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon!"

"I activate the Trap Card Draining Shield!" Yukio said. "Through its effect, your Monster's attack is negated and I gain Life Points equal to its attack!"

"That won't happen!" Yuto shouted. "I will banish Phantom Stronghold from my Graveyard to activate its effect! Through it, I can negate the activation of your Trap Card and destroy it since I control a "Phantom Knights" Monster, meaning my attack continues! Do it, Berserk Longsword! Vengeful Demon Sword – Madness Flame!"

Berserk Longsword's blade was surrounded by black flames as it charged forward, decapitating Chaos Karma and sending Yukio skidding backwards due to the ensuing explosion.

Yukio – LP: 2900→2200

"Karma Manifestation's effect in my Graveyard activates." Yukio said. "Through it, I will add it to my hand since Chaos Karma was destroyed."

"I activate Berserk Longsword's effect, removing a Wraith Counter to allow it to attack once again (Wraith Counter: 3→2)!" Yuto declared. "Go, Berserk Longsword! Destroy Sorcerer King Solomon! Vengeful Demon Sword – Madness Flame!"

Berserk Longsword leapt towards Solomon, with Yukio's Monster attempting to defend itself with its staff. However, Berserk Longsword's attack tore through the staff and bifurcated Solomon, destroying it and causing Yukio to grimace from the ensuing shockwave.

Yukio – LP: 2200→600

"Since your Monster was destroyed, I can remove another Wraith Counter to allow my Monster to attack once again (Wraith Counter: 2→1)." Yuto said. "Destroy Night Wing Paladin and finish him off, Berserk Longsword!"

"I activate the effect of Null Magician in my Graveyard!" Yukio said. "Through it, the damage is reduced to 0!"

Following Yukio's words, Berserk Longsword's blade tore through Night Wing Paladin's armor, unleashing a wave of black flames that headed straight for Yukio. However, a semi-transparent barrier appeared in front of him, shielding him from the flames.

"You may have stopped me, but it looks like you're all out of tricks while I still have one Wraith Counter." Yuto stated. "I activate Berserk Longsword's effect, removing its final Wraith Counter (Wraith Counter: 1→0) to have it attack you directly! End this, Berserk Longsword! Vengeful Demon Sword – Madness Flame!"

"Unfortunately for you, I still have one last trick up my sleeve!" Yukio grinned. "I activate the effect of Life Magician in my hand! Since I'm about to take damage, I can Special Summon this card from my hand to reduce the damage to 0 and gain an equal amount of Life Points! Come, Life Magician (ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 3/SC: 4) in defense mode!"

Life Magician materialized on Yukio's field, spinning its staff and absorbing the black flames that were emitted from Berserk Longsword's blade.

"At this moment, Hope Magician's Pendulum Effect activates." Yukio continued. "Once per turn, when an effect that increases my Life Points activates, I can double that Life Points gain. Savior Radiance!"

Life Magician pointed its staff upwards, shooting a beam of light that passed through a golden magic circle and struck Yukio, enveloping him in a golden radiance.

Yukio – LP: 600→9600

"Woah." Yugo whistled. "That's quite the amount of Life Points Yukio's got there. Yuto's basically wasted his efforts now."

"As expected of Yukio, you managed to escape from a lethal pinch and come out better than you were before." Yuto smiled. "However, now that Sorcerer King Solomon isn't on the field, I can use this. I activate the Continuous Spell Card Pendulum of Damnation, whose effect allows me to destroy all cards in both players' Pendulum Zones and draw one card for each destroyed card. Furthermore, as long as this card remains on the field, neither player can place Pendulum Monsters on their Pendulum Zones."

"What?" Yukio said with an astonished expression as both players' Pendulum cards were destroyed. "You're restricting Pendulum?"

"This is the surest way to limit your tactics." Yuto said. "I switch Frayed Whip to defense mode, place a card face-down and end my turn, with Berserk Longsword's attack returning to normal (Berserk Longsword ATK: 4500→3200)."

"Oh, this isn't good." Yuya remarked with a worried expression. "Without access to Pendulum, Yukio will be severely handicapped. Maybe I should take this into account as well for future matches…"

"It's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw!"

"At this moment, Berserk Longsword's effect activates." Yuto said. "Since it used its attack-increasing effect, it loses attack equal to the banished Monster's original attack until the End Phase (Berserk Longsword ATK: 3200→600). This is a good opportunity for you, Yukio. With two weak Monsters on my field, you might be able to get some good damage in. That's of course if you can attack under these circumstances."

"Getting a little cheeky, aren't we?" Yukio smirked. "However, it's true that I can't do much as things stand. I place a card face-down and end my turn, with your Monster's attack returning to normal (Berserk Longsword ATK: 600→3200)."

"Looks like luck isn't favoring you right now." Yuto said. "That means this is my chance. My turn! Draw! I activate the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Burial Phantom Knights, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster from my Graveyard and use it as material to Xyz Summon a Monster that's two Ranks higher than it by using it as Xyz Material. I will Special Summon Chipped Lance and use it to reconstruct the Overlay Network!"

As Chipped Lance emerged from a rift in space and turned into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted.

"The envoy of the Underworld awakens from its long slumber! Become the trailblazer of rebellion and bring forth doom to the tyrannous darkness! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Descend now, Rank 8! Phantom Knights Abyss Claymore (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/R: 8/OU: 1)!"

The eerie-looking Monster that was clad in a deep crimson cloak and had various armor pieces stuck to its scarred body, which held an oversized black claymore and had blue flames enveloping its head, appeared on Yuto's field.

"Due to its effect, Burial Phantom Knights is attached to Abyss Claymore as an Overlay Unit (Abyss Claymore OU: 1→2)." Yuto announced. "Next, I activate the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Specter Force, targeting Tainted Voulge in my Graveyard and using it as material to Xyz Summon a Monster which is one Rank higher than it through its effect!"

As Tainted Voulge emerged from a dark portal and transformed into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuto chanted once again.

"Formed from pitch-black darkness, to fight those foolish enough to oppose it with its treacherous fangs! Now, descend! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear, Rank 4! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/R: 4/OU: 1)!"

Dark Rebellion appeared on Yuto's field, letting out an ear-splitting howl.

"Two consecutive Rank-Ups from the Graveyard, eh?" Yuri chuckled. "That Yuto, he's really serious about dealing as much damage as possible."

"Through its effect, Specter Force is attached as material to Dark Rebellion (Dark Rebellion OU: 1→2)." Yuto declared. "Now, let's battle! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, destroy Life Magician!"

"I activate the Trap Card Vanishing Act!" Yukio exclaimed. "Through its effect, I can tribute a Spellcaster-type Monster I control, in this case Life Magician, in order to reduce all battle damage I receive to 0 until the End Phase! Unfortunately for you, my luck hasn't given up on me just yet, Yuto!"

"So it would seem." Yuto said with a dissatisfied expression, but then smiled. "However, you're not out of the woods just yet. Abyss Claymore, attack Yukio directly! Chaos Swordplay!"

Abyss Claymore swung its blade at Yukio, only for it to bounce off a semi-transparent barrier that appeared in front of it.

"You attacked even though you couldn't inflict damage?" Yukio frowned. "Why?"

"Because since I was unable to inflict battle damage to you during my Battle Phase, I can activate the Spell Card Phantom Knights Outburst." Yuto declared. "Through its effect, you take damage equal to half the combined original attack of all Dark-attribute Monsters on my field. This means you'll take 5550 points of damage, Yukio!"

Following Yuto's Monsters, his Monsters were enveloped by raging dark aura, which surged forward and struck Yukio, sending him tumbling backwards as he let out a cry of pain.

Yukio – LP: 9600→4050

"That had to hurt." Yugo winced. "If he hadn't raised his Life Points so high, Yukio would have outright lost."

"Through my Spell Card's second effect, I will draw a card from my Deck for every 2000 points of damage you received, meaning I can draw two cards." Yuto said. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"Then, it's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card Pot of Greed in order to draw two cards from my Deck. Then, I activate the effect of Sorcerer King's Enthronement in my Graveyard, banishing it alongside Pot of Greed in order to copy the latter's effect and draw two more cards from my Deck. Next, I activate the Spell Card Pre-Preparation of Rites, whose effect allows me to add a Ritual Monster and its corresponding Ritual Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I choose Revival Zero and Eternity Zero."

"Looks like a counterattack is coming." Yuto remarked. "I guess it was too much to expect you being crippled due to the lack of Pendulum Summoning."

"You got that right." Yukio said. "I activate the Ritual Spell Card Revival Zero, banishing Sorcerer King Solomon and Swordmaster Magician from my Extra Deck to perform a Ritual Summon!"

The altar which looked like some sort of futuristic machine appeared on Yukio's field. As his Monsters turned into particles and were absorbed by it, Yukio chanted.

"Valiant warrior residing in the edges of space and time! Answer the call of the ritual and manifest in this battlefield to bring swift justice to the wicked! Ritual Summon! Descend now, Level 10! The overseer who supervises all of creation, Eternity Zero, the Paladin Overlord (ATK: 3500/DEF: 1500/LV: 10/SC: 1)!"

The warrior clad in radiant deep blue armor and holding a large sword-staff on its right hand appeared on Yukio's field.

"Next, I activate the Spell Card Resurrection of the Dead, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a Monster from my Graveyard." Yukio continued. "Revive, Chaos Karma!"

A portal appeared on Yukio's field, with Chaos Karma emerging from it.

"I activate Eternity Zero's effect." Yukio declared. "Once per turn, I can send one Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz or Pendulum Monster from my hand or Extra Deck to the Graveyard and destroy all Monsters you control with a summoning type similar to the sent Monster. I send the Xyz Monster Avenging Wing Paladin from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard in order to destroy your three Xyz Monsters, Yuto! Do it, Eternity Zero! Decree of Nihility!"

Eternity Zero raised its blade high as Avenging Wing Paladin was absorbed by it, and unleashed three black-colored slashes towards Yuto's Monsters, destroying them.

"For your final Monster, I will use Chaos Karma's effect." Yukio continued. "Thanks to it, I can destroy a Level 5 or higher Monster on my opponent's field and deal damage to them equal to half its attack or defense. Take down his Berserk Longsword, Chaos Karma! Atropos Slash!"

"If this effect goes through, Yuto's Life Points will hit 0!" Yugo exclaimed. "It's the end!"

"Not yet!" Yuto shouted as Chaos Karma's elongated claws tore through Berserk Longsword's body. "I activate the Trap Card Phantom Knights Dread Escutcheon! Thanks to its effect, the damage is reduced to 0!"

"Then, let's battle!" Yukio said. "Eternity Zero, attack Yuto directly! Eternal Saber!"

"I activate the effect of Chipped Lance in my Graveyard!" Yuto declared. "By banishing it, I can reduce the damage to 0 and draw a card from my Deck!"

Eternity Zero's weapon was surrounded by a storm of energy that solidified into the form of an energy blade, with Yukio's Monster swinging it at Yuto. However, a black haze that surrounded the Xyz Duelist consumed the sword.

"In that case, Chaos Karma will attack you directly!" Yukio said. "Samsara Breath!"

"I activate the Trap Card Xyz Reborn!" Yuto announced. "Through its effect, I can Special Summon an Xyz Monster from my Graveyard and attach this card to it as an Xyz Material. Revive, Abyss Claymore!"

A portal appeared on Yuto's field, with Abyss Claymore emerging from it. Immediately afterwards, Xyz Reborn transformed into an Overlay Unit that started orbiting it.

"Chaos Karma's attack is lower than Abyss Claymore's…" Yukio said with a frustrated expression. "Can't be helped then. I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Yuto announced. "Draw! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Phantom Contract, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a Dark-attribute Xyz Monster from my Graveyard, and then I can negate the effects of a Monster on my opponent's field. I will bring back Dark Rebellion and negate the effects of Eternity Zero!"

A portal appeared on Yuto's field, with Dark Rebellion emerging from it. At the same time, several tendrils of darkness emerged from Eternity Zero's shadow and bound its legs.

"Dark Rebellion is back…" Yukio grimaced. "I guess that means your strongest trump card is coming next, eh?"

"That's right." Yuto declared. "I activate the Spell Card Hyper-Rank-Up-Magic Judgment Force! Through its effect, I can destroy all other Monsters on my field, target an "Xyz Dragon" Monster on my field and use it as material to Xyz Summon a Rank 12 Dark-attribute Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck! I will use Dark Rebellion to reconstruct the Overlay Network!"

As Dark Rebellion turned into a stream of energy that shot upwards into an oversized galaxy-like portal while shots of lightning destroyed Abyss Claymore, Yuto chanted.

"Undying soul of righteous rebellion! Take the Supreme King's wrath within me and soar towards the dawn of a new future! Rank-Up Hyper Xyz Evolution! Descend now, Rank 12! The Supreme King Justice Dragon – Dark Nemesis Xyz Dragon (ATK: 3700/DEF: 3300/R: 12/OU: 1)!"

An explosion of energy occurred on the field, with Dark Nemesis emerging from the black smoke.

"Due to Judgment Force's effect, both it and the Monster destroyed by its effect are attached to Dark Nemesis as Overlay Units (Dark Nemesis OU: 1→3)." Yuto continued. "Then, I activate Dark Nemesis's effect. Once per turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit from this card and have my opponent choose a Monster on their field. That Monster is banished, while Dark Nemesis gains attack equal to its attack on the field and all other Monsters they control lose attack equal to that Monster's attack until the End Phase. Now, what will your choice be, Yukio?"

"Keeping Eternity Zero on the field without its effects is pointless." Yukio remarked. "I choose to banish Eternity Zero."

"Then, do it, Dark Nemesis!" Yuto shouted. "Nemesis Verdict!"

Dark Nemesis's wings expanded as the gaps between the segments were filled with silver-colored energy, unleashing tendrils that pierced through Eternity Zero's body in several places. Shortly afterwards, Eternity Zero exploded, with several blackened shards of its armor burying themselves into Chaos Karma's body.

(Chaos Karma ATK: 2800→0, Dark Nemesis ATK: 3700→7200)

"This is the end!" Yuto exclaimed. "Battle! Dark Nemesis Xyz Dragon, attack Yukio directly! Judgment Disobey of Nemesis!"

"I activate the Trap Card Defense Draw!" Yukio shouted. "Thanks to its effect, the battle damage is reduced to 0 and I can draw a card from my Deck!"

Following Yukio's words, Dark Nemesis shot upwards as its tusks were surrounded by torrents of black lightning and his wings expanded once again, diving towards Chaos Karma. Evading the torrent of blue flames that erupted from the dragon's maw, Dark Nemesis' tusk pierced through Chaos Karma's torso, destroying it. However, Yukio was unaffected due to a semi-transparent dome that appeared around him.

"So close…" Yuto clicked his tongue in irritation. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"At this moment, I activate the Trap Card Arcane Rush!" Yukio stated. "During the End Phase of a turn where Monsters left my field, I can Special Summon a number of Level 4 or lower Spellcaster-type Monsters from my Deck equal to the number of Monsters that left my field with their effects negated. Come to my side, Black Fang Magician (ATK: 1700/DEF: 800/LV: 4/SC: 8) and Violet Poison Magician (ATK: 1200/DEF: 2100/LV: 4/SC: 1) in defense mode!"

Two magic circles appeared on Yukio's field, with his two Monsters emerging from it.

"He brought out two Level 4 Monsters at once, but what's he going to do with them?" Yugo wondered. "Yukio's going to need something much stronger than that."

"I suspect that's part of his preparations to bring out his own ultimate trump card." Yuri stated. "Let's see if the goddess of victory will favor him or Yuto."

"It's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! Now, let's do this, Yuto! It's time to settle things!"

"You seem pretty confident." Yuto remarked while grinning. "In that case, don't hold anything back! Come at me with everything you've got!"

"You got it!" Yukio said. "First, I will summon White Wing Magician (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1400/LV: 4/SC: 1)!"

White Wing Magician appeared on Yukio's field next to his other Monsters.

"Since my opponent controls a Special Summoned Monster, I can activate the effect of Glorious Destiny in my Graveyard." Yukio continued. "By banishing it, I can Special Summon a "Ritual Dragon" Monster from my Graveyard with attack lower than that Monster's attack. Revive, Chaos Karma!"

A rift in space appeared above Yukio, with Chaos Karma emerging from it.

"Chaos Karma and three Monsters whose Levels equal 12." Yuya said. "It's coming…"

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card Karma Manifestation, offering Chaos Karma alongside Black Fang Magician, Violet Poison Magician and White Wing Magician as tributes in order to Ritual Summon!" As the altar surrounded by three dragon statues appeared once again on Yukio's field, with his three Monsters turning into particles and being absorbed by the middle statue, Yukio chanted. "O unfathomable dragon, I offer you the Supreme King's power dwelling within me! Emerge from formless chaos and restore order to a world ravaged by despair with your sublime power! Ritual Summon! Manifest now, Level 12! The Supreme King Destiny Dragon – Swaying Karma Ritual Dragon (ATK: 4000/DEF: 3300/LV: 12)!"

The massive dragon covered in full-body light azure armor with six silver wings extending from its back, which had a large ring with ten gems on it hovering behind its back and a crown-like ornament attached to its head, appeared on Yukio's field, letting out a sonorous roar.

"I activate Swaying Karma Ritual Dragon's effect." Yukio declared. "Once per turn, if my opponent controls more cards than I do, I can destroy as many cards on my opponent's field as needed so that we both control the same number of cards. I have one cards on my field, while you have three, meaning I can destroy two cards. I will destroy Pendulum of Damnation and your face-down card, Yuto! Do it, Swaying Karma! Fate Equalizer!"

The gems on the ring hovering behind Swaying Karma lit up, unleashing a barrage of energy blasts that destroyed the designed cards.

"Now, the finale!" Yukio exclaimed. "Battle! Swaying Karma Ritual Dragon, attack Dark Nemesis Xyz Dragon! At this moment, Glorious Destiny's final effect activates! If the Monster brought back through its effect is used as material or tribute, the summoned Monster gains this effect; when it battles an opponent's Monster with a higher attack than it, that Monster's attack is added to its attack until the End Phase (Swaying Karma ATK: 4000→11200)!"

"An attack of 11200!?" Yuto cried out in shock. "But this means…!"

"It means it's over!" Yukio declared. "While Dark Nemesis cannot be destroyed by battle, you'll still take the damage, Yuto! Finish this, Swaying Karma! Eightfold Blazing Impact!"

Seven oversized spheres of azure flame appeared around Swaying Karma as it opened its maw wide, with a torrent of flames erupting from it and fusing with the floating orbs into a massive conflagration. While Dark Nemesis withstood the attack, some flames went past him and enveloped Yuto, forcing him on his knees as he let out a cry of pain.

Yuto – LP: 1600→0

Yukio: WIN

"Ah, I lost." Yuto said with a disappointed expression as he got up. "Well, at least I can say I held my own pretty well. Next time, I'll be the winner."

"Looks like I can't afford to slack off." Yukio said as he shook Yuto's hand. "Good thing I have so many rivals to keep me on my toes. Though I don't know if we'll have that many opportunities to Duel in the future. I have to study hard and do my best in order to be employed as a Duel Professor after all."

"I wouldn't worry that much if I were you." Yuto said. "It's not like there's a Duel School in the world crazy enough to turn you down. I mean, how many people have 'defeated an apocalyptic Monster and saved four dimensions' in their resume?"

"That's true." Yukio said while laughing. "Those are some pretty solid credentials."

"Hey, now that I think about it, we have an official ranking list between us now with this Duel." Yugo said. "Yeah, Yukio is first, Yuya is second and Yuto is third. But that means…you're all the way down to number four, grinning bastard! Oh, the horror! How could this have happened!?"

"Excuse me?" Yuri said with his eye twitching. "Did you say something, number five? You'll have to speak up, I can't hear you from all the way down there."

"Oh, don't get all grouchy on me, Yuri." Yugo said as he threw his arm around Yuri's shoulders. "Let's get along as fellow bottom rankers. I'm sure we'll be able to shake up the rankings around in the future."

"Keep dreaming, Yugo." Yuri smirked. "Chances are, you'll be stuck in the same spot forever."

"Don't be so sure." Yugo grinned. "After all, you—"

While Yuri and Yugo started bickering again, with Yuto trying his best to mediate between them, Yukio noticed Yuya staring at the sea with an absentminded look on his face.

"Yuya?" Yukio called out to him as he moved to his side. "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Yuya said as he turned to Yukio. "It's just…a lot of memories are coming back. I'm…having a hard time wrapping my head around how far we've come in such a short amount of time."

"You and me both." Yukio chuckled. "Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that a simple invitation to a tournament would turn into a battle to save four dimensions."

"True." Yuya nodded. "But I…I also got a bit nervous just now when thinking about the future. About where we go from here."

"Wherever we want." Yukio said. "See, that's the nice thing about the future. Since it isn't written in stone, it can be whatever we want it to be. Right now, the sky is the limit."

"You're right." Yuya smiled. "The fun is only just beginning."

"That's the spirit."

Yukio said as he and Yuya joined their friends, the first rays of the rising sun illuminating them.


Card Corner

Phantom Knights Apocalypse Blade

ATK: 1000, DEF: 100, R: 1

Dark/Warrior/Xyz/Effect

2 Level 1 DARK Monsters

Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can detach two Xyz Materials from this card to activate this effect; until the Battle Phase's end, when "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monsters on your field battle an opponent's Monster, you can destroy that Monster before damage calculation and draw a card from your Deck. When an opponent's Monster whose ATK is higher than its normal value battles a "Phantom Knights" Monster you control, you can banish this card from your Graveyard; return that Monster's ATK back to its normal value.

Predator Plants Cephalohopper

ATK: 800, DEF: 1500, LV: 4

Dark/Plant/Effect

Monster Effect: If you're about to receive a direct attack, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card this card is destroyed by battle with an opponent's Special Summoned Monster while you control no other Monsters, you can add two "Predator Plants" Monsters from your Deck to your hand.

Predator Plants Satyrium Gator

ATK: 0, DEF: 1600, LV: 3

Dark/Plant/Effect

Monster Effect: If this card is used as Fusion Material for the Fusion Summon of a Level 8 or higher "Predator Plants" Fusion Monster, draw a card from your Deck for every material used in that Fusion Monster's Fusion Summon. You can banish this card from your Graveyard to target a DARK Monster in your banish zone apart from this card; place it in your Graveyard.

Predator Synchron

ATK: 1000, DEF: 650, LV: 3

Dark/Plant/Tuner/Effect

Monster Effect: (this card is always treated as a "Predator Plants" Monster). If you control a Special Summoned "Predator Plants" Monster, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card was Special Summoned through its effecr, you can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Predator Plants" Monster from your Graveyard with its effects negated.

Predator Plants Sterculia Minyades

ATK: 2100, DEF: 1900, LV: 7

Dark/Plant/Synchro/Effect

1 "Predator Plants" Tuner Monster + 1 or more non-Tuner Monsters

Monster Effect: This card cannot be destroyed by the effects of Monsters with Predator Counters on them and all damage you receive from battles involving this card and such Monsters is halved. All "Predator Plants" Extra Deck Monsters on your field gain 300 ATK for every material used to summon them. You can banish this card from your Graveyard to target a DARK Fusion Monster on your field; equip a DARK Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck to that Monster and have it gain the following effect; if the equipped Monster is destroyed, Special Summon this card from your Graveyard by ignoring its summoning conditions and have it gain ATK equal to half the Monster's original ATK until the End Phase (this Special Summon is treated as a Fusion Summon).

Phantom Knights Shred Cuirass

ATK: 1800, DEF: 2300, LV: 6

Dark/Warrior/Effect

Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can send a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster from your Extra Deck to the Graveyard; make the Levels of all "Phantom Knights" Monsters on your field equal to its Rank. The Levels of all "Phantom Knights" Monsters on the field cannot be modified again after you used this effect. When a DARK Monster on you field is about to be destroyed by a card effect, you can banish this card from your Graveyard; prevent its destruction and make it unable to be destroyed by card effects until the end of this turn.

Phantom Knights Umbral Besagew

ATK: 1200, DEF: 1500, LV: 4

Dark/Warrior/Effect

Monster Effect: If this card is in your Graveyard when a "Phantom Knights" Monster is Special Summoned to your field, you can Special Summon it from your Graveyard. You can only use this effect once per Duel. Once per turn, you can Xyz Summon a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster from your Graveyard by using this card and "Phantom Knights" Monsters on your field as materials.

Phantom Knights Chaos Warmaster

ATK: 3500, DEF: 3200, R: 10

Dark/Warrior/Xyz/Effect

3 Level 10 "Phantom Knights" Monsters

Monster Effect: This card cannot leave the field by any other means except destruction by battle. Each time a "Phantom Knights" Monster on your field destroys an opponent's Monster through battle, draw a card from your Deck. Once per turn, you can detach an Xyz Material from this card; destroy all Monsters on your opponent's field and deal damage equal to the twice the ATK difference between those Monsters and this card's attack. Once during your Battle Phase, you can banish a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster from your Graveyard; this card can declare a second attack, with the damage it deals your opponent being equal to the number of Xyz Materials attached to it x 500.

Phantom Knights Grudge Flail

ATK: 2300, DEF: 1600, R: 4

Dark/Warrior/Xyz/Effect

2 Level 4 DARK Monsters

Monster Effect: When this card battles an opponent's Monster, you can detach an Xyz Material from it; destroy that Monster before damage calculation, and then send the top two cards from your Deck to the Graveyard.

Phantom Knights Mad Parade

Normal Spell Card

If your opponent controls two or more Monsters that were Special Summoned from the Extra Deck while you don't control any, you can destroy all Monsters on your field (if any); Special Summon a number of Rank 3 or lower "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monsters from your Extra Deck equal to the number of Special Summoned Monsters your opponent controls by treating them as having being summoned through proper means.

Rank Powered Connection

Quick-Play Spell Card

If you control only Xyz Monsters with the same type, you can use them as Xyz Materials to Xyz Summon an Xyz Monster with the same type as them whose Rank is equal to the sum of those Monsters' Rank.

Reanimate Xyz

Normal Spell Card

Banish an Xyz Monster from your Graveyard; Special Summon an Xyz Monster with a lower Rank than it from either player's Graveyard.

Requiem Salvation

Equip Spell Card

Equip this card to an "Xyz Dragon" Monster you control. Once per turn, you can reduce an instance of effect damage to 0. When the equipped Monster battles an opponent's Monster, that Monster loses ATK equal to the equipped Monster's Rank x 200. If the equipped Monster is attacked by an opponent's Monster, you can destroy this card; negate the opponent's Monster's ATK and double the equipped Monster's ATK until your next End Phase.

Darkness Null Zone

Normal Spell Card

All DARK Monsters on your field cannot leave it through card effects until your opponent's next End Phase.

Rank-Up-Magic Phantom Step

Quick-Play Spell Card

Target a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster on your field; Special Summon a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster that's one Rank higher than it from your Extra Deck by using it as material (this Special Summon is treated as an Xyz Summon). If the summoned Xyz Monster destroys an opponent's Monster by battle on the turn it was summoned, draw a card from your Deck.

Glorious Destiny

Normal Spell Card

Activate this card if you control a "Ritual Dragon" Monster. Banish a Monster on your field to reduce the ATK of your opponent's Monsters to 0 and negate their effects. If the Monsters affected by this effect are still on your opponent's field after the Battle Phase's end, increase the ATK of a "Ritual Dragon" Monster on your field by 500 for every such Monster. If your opponent controls at least one Special Summoned Monster, you can banish this card from your Graveyard; Special Summon a "Ritual Dragon" Monster from your Graveyard whose ATK is lower than that opponent's Monster's ATK, and have it gain the following effect.

-If this card is used as tribute for a Ritual Summon, the summoned Ritual Monster gains this effect; once during either player's, when this card battles an opponent's Monster with a higher ATK than it, that Monster's ATK is added to its ATK until the End Phase.

Pendulum of Damnation

Continuous Spell Card

Activate this card if both you and your opponent have cards in your Pendulum Zones. Destroy all cards in both players' Pendulum Zones and draw one card from your Deck for each destroyed card. As long as this card remains on the field, neither player can place cards in their Pendulum Zones.

Phantom Knights Outburst

Normal Spell Card

If "Phantom Knights" Monsters on your field failed to inflict damage to your opponent during the Battle Phase, you can activate this effect; deal damage to your opponent equal to half the combined original ATK of all DARK Monsters on your field. Then, draw a card from your Deck for every 2000 points of damage your opponent received.

Phantom Contract

Normal Spell Card

Special Summon a DARK Xyz Monster from your Graveyard, and then target a Monster on your opponent's field; negate its effects.

Phantom Knights Last Stand

Normal Trap Card

During your opponent's Battle Phase, when one of their Monsters attacks you directly, you can activate this effect; Special Summon a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster from your Graveyard in attack position with its effects negated and change the attack target to it. Effects that activate in response to those Monsters' destruction do not apply and you cannot summon the same Monster in a row. During the Battle Phase's end, send cards from the top of your Deck to the Graveyard equal to the number of Monsters you Special Summoned through this card's effect.

Phantom Dispersal

Normal Trap Card

(This card is always treated as a "Phantom Knights" card). If you're about to take damage, banish a "Phantom Knights" Monster from your Graveyard; reduce that damage by an amount equal to its ATK. You can banish this card from your Graveyard; add a Spell or Trap Card whose text lists "Phantom Knights" or "Xyz Dragon" from your Deck to your hand.

Phantom Blood

Normal Trap Card

(This card is always treated as a "Phantom Knights" card). When an opponent's Monster declares a direct attack, you can Special Summon a DARK Monster from your banish zone and change the attack target to it. During the End Phase, banish that Monster. If your opponent activates an effect from their Graveyard, you can banish this card from your Graveyard; negate that effect and draw a card from your Deck.

Destruction Bounty

Normal Trap Card

If a Monster on your field that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck was destroyed, you can draw a card from you Deck for every material used to summon it, and if you control no other Monsters, you can draw an additional card from your Deck.

Phantom Knights Rank-Up Adversity

Normal Trap Card

If a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster on your field is attacked, you can use it as material to Xyz Summon a "Phantom Knights" Xyz Monster which is one Rank higher than it from your Extra Deck (this Special Summon is treated as an Xyz Summon). Then, increase that Monster's ATK by 200 for every Xyz Material attached to it and force the opponent's attacking Monster to attack it.

Phantom Stronghold

Normal Trap Card

(This card is always treated as a "Phantom Knights" card). "Phantom Knights" Monsters on your field cannot be destroyed and you take no damage from battles involving them until the end of this turn. Each time a "Phantom Knights" Monster on your field is attacked, take 600 points of damage. When your opponent activates a Spell or Trap Card while you control a "Phantom Knights" Monster, you can banish this card from your Graveyard; negate its activation and destroy it.

Arcane Rush

Normal Trap Card

Activate this card during the End Phase where Monsters left your field; Special Summon a number of Level 4 or lower Spellcaster-type Monsters from your Deck equal to the number of Monsters that left your field with their effects negated.

That concludes Chapter 86. Like I said before, this was more of an extra chapter that would cover two Duels that I didn't get a chance to include before. The first one was Yuto vs Yuri in an unofficial battle for the bronze (kind of like Jonouchi and Kaiba back in Battle City). In hindsight, I probably should've written this Duel after the conclusion of the Maiami Championship's semifinal round, but better late than never. Both Duelists did their best, but it was Yuto who came on top in the end.

The second match was Yukio vs Yuto, a Duel with two-fold significance. First, with this match, all five boys have fought against each other at least once. Second, Yukio and Yuto were the first dragon boys to Duel at the start of this fic way back then, so it's only fitting that they are the ones to close the circle and draw the curtain on this tale.

With this chapter, after more than four years, Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V: The Fifth Factor is officially complete. Man…that sure was a long journey, but I'm glad I decided to go through with it despite my initial reluctance. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you who read this story, gave me encouragement and criticized me when needed. It's only because of you that this turned out to be such a great and enjoyable experience. I've also been receiving several PMs about my future plans from various people, so I'll be answering the most common questions.

Q: Will you write a sequel to this story?

A: Probably not. With the exception of a couple of things I wish I could have done differently, I'm mostly satisfied with how this story has ended and see no reason to expand upon it. Also, we've all seen what happens in Hollywood when it comes to unnecessary sequels and how they drag down the original at times.

Q: Will you write a story based on another Yu-Gi-Oh series?

A: Once again, probably not. To be honest, after more than four years of Yu-Gi-Oh, I've gotten a little tired of it. The prep work to write Duels and come up with new cards was rather tedious in the latter parts and exhausted me quite a bit. Suffice to say, it's not something I want to go through again, at least not until I've had a decent amount of time away from all that.

Q: Will you write a story in another fandom?

A: That's a maybe. I have some ideas for a couple of different fandoms, but they'll have to wait until at least after summer because I'm currently swamped, both in work and in my personal life.

Well, that's all, folks! Stay safe and be well! See you all next story (hopefully)!