The training room at You Show Duel School echoed with the sounds of laughter and running footsteps. Hiragi Yuzu stood at the edge of the padded floor, watching as Futoshi, Tatsuya, and Ayu warmed up for their acrobat practice. The school's Action Duel style relied heavily on agility, and today, the trio was set on refining their movement.
"Yuzu-nee-chan, are we not waiting for Yuya-nii-chan and the others?" Ayu called out, pausing mid-stretch.
Yuzu turned to the young girl with a gentle smile, masking the unease she felt. "They're handling some personal matters," she answered calmly. "I don't know when they'll finish, so for now, I'll be in charge."
The three kids nodded in understanding, trusting Yuzu as they always did.
Before the session could begin, a voice called out behind them. "Yo, Yuzu!"
Yuzu turned and saw two familiar figures entering the room: Gongenzaka Noburou and Shiunin Sora.
Gongenzaka towered beside the smaller Sora, his signature pompadour nearly brushing the top of the doorway. Dressed in his standard Maiami High School uniform, his imposing presence was only offset by the distinctive clack of his wooden sandals. Sora, by contrast, was much shorter and slimmer, his cyan hair bobbing slightly as he walked, green eyes glinting with mischief beneath his blue jacket.
"Gongenzaka, Sora! What brings you two here?" Yuzu asked, pleasantly surprised.
Sora gave a casual wave. "We came to see Yuya. Heard he was back from a little adventure."
Gongenzaka stepped forward. "But we were told he was dealing with something personal. Is everything alright?"
Yuzu hesitated, glancing over at the kids. "It's... probably something to do with his father."
That answer was enough. Gongenzaka's expression turned solemn, while Sora tilted his head, curious but respectful.
"Well," Gongenzaka said after a pause, "if you need help with training the students, we can lend a hand."
Yuzu beamed. "That would be great, actually. Thank you."
As the group headed toward the main floor, Yuzu glanced back once more, her thoughts drifting to the others. I wonder what's happening with Yuya and Ryuki right now...
In the principal's office, the atmosphere was heavier than ever.
Ryuki's words-"Yusho-san sent us here."-still lingered in the air like a phantom.
Yuya was the first to speak, though his voice trembled. "What do you mean... he sent you?"
Everyone could see it-his hands were clenched, his shoulders rigid. Yoko gently placed a hand on her son's back for support.
Ryuki took a breath. "It's true. All you need to know is that Yusho brought us-me, Ruri, and Rin-to this city."
Shuzo blinked. "Then... where is he now?"
Rin stepped forward. "We can't say. If we did, everything Yusho worked for these past three years would go to waste."
Yoko's expression turned concerned. "What do you mean, dear?"
Ryuki stepped in to answer. "Yusho left because he was trying to save someone important to him. But instead of reaching that person, he ended up... lost."
All three adults stared at Ryuki, stunned.
Yuya, blinking in disbelief, muttered, "Yeah... he did have a habit of getting lost."
Yoko sighed, shaking her head. "Thank the heavens Yuya didn't inherit that trait."
A small chuckle passed through the room, momentarily easing the tension.
Then Ruri stepped forward. "He ended up in my home city... Heartland."
"Heartland?" Yuya echoed. "What kind of place is that?"
"It's a peaceful city," Ruri explained. "A lot like this one. But there's one difference-it didn't have Action Dueling."
The surprise was evident on everyone's faces-except for Ryuki and Rin.
"That's when sensei decided to teach us," Ruri continued, her eyes softening with the memory. "He taught us the joy of dueling. He even opened a small school for Action Duels."
Shuzo's eyes lit up. "So he's spreading Action Dueling even in places that never had it... That's just like him!"
Yuya and Yoko smiled at the thought of Yusho inspiring others-but their smiles quickly faded.
Ruri hesitated, her words caught in her throat. Ryuki, sensing her struggle, gently placed a hand over hers. She glanced at him, cheeks tinged pink, but nodded.
She turned back to the family. "But one day...Heartland... was destroyed."
The color drained from Yuya and Yoko's faces. Shuzo's mouth hung open, unable to form a response.
"How?" Yuya finally asked, his voice a mere whisper.
"It was sensei's friend," Ruri said quietly. "The one he was trying to stop. He attacked our home."
The weight of those words settled like stone in the pit of everyone's stomachs.
Yoko sat down slowly, gripping the edge of the desk. "Why? Why would he do that?"
Ruri looked at Ryuki again. He nodded, giving her permission to speak freely.
"Because of me," she said. "I was the reason Heartland was attacked."
Silence fell again.
Ryuki took over. "Ruri was a key part of his plans. But the people of Heartland wouldn't stand by and let that happen. So he attacked the city when no one was prepared. Buildings, homes, schools... everything was reduced to rubble. The survivors were left scavenging to survive."
Shuzo's fists tightened. "That's monstrous..."
"And it got worse," Ruri added. "He launched a second attack. This time, on the civilians directly. sensei tried to protect as many as he could, but in the chaos, he got caught in a crossfire and injured his leg."
Yuya's eyes widened. "He's hurt?"
Ruri nodded solemnly. "He managed to escape. He's safe now... but he's still recovering. Now you know why he left. He made sure that there are no targets marked on your backs."
The room was quiet again, this time with a blend of grief and relief.
To prove his words, Ryuki activated his Duel Disk, opening a holographic screen. On it was a photo-Ryuki, Rin, and Ruri standing beside Yusho, all smiling.
Yuya stared at the image for several seconds before rushing forward and hugging Ryuki tightly. Yoko joined him, tears brimming in her eyes.
"Thank you," Yoko whispered. "Thank you for telling us."
Shuzo cleared his throat, wiping his eyes. "On behalf of You Show Duel School... thank you. All of you. You're welcome here anytime."
Ryuki nodded, then pulled out two envelopes and handed them to Yuya and Yoko.
"What are these?" Yuya asked.
"They're letters. From Yusho-san."
Both mother and son gasped.
"We want to read them-" Yuya began.
"Wait until you're home," Ryuki advised gently.
Shuzo looked at the trio. "Do you have a place to stay?"
Rin replied, "We got to the city yesterday. We already have an apartment."
Shuzo smiled. "Then I extend the invitation-why not join our school?"
Ryuki gave a faint smile. "We'll consider it. But the decision will come later."
The heavy mood lifted just a little. For the Sakaki family, answers long awaited had finally arrived. But a new storm was brewing on the horizon-and Ryuki could already feel the weight of it settling on his shoulders.
He would have to duel Yuya soon. And this time, there was no room for holding back.
-----
After speaking with Shuzo and the Sakaki family, Ryuki and the girls decided it was time to return to their apartment. Yuya, hopeful to continue their reunion, insisted they stay longer. However, Ryuki gently declined, explaining they hadn't finished unpacking yet. He promised they'd return with an answer about whether they would join You Show Duel School.
As they departed, Yuzu, Gongenzaka, and Sora found Yuya standing quietly outside the entrance. Yuzu asked how the talk had gone.
"It was good," Yuya answered with a faint smile. "I got to know that... my dad is still alive."
Gongenzaka nodded solemnly. "That must've been a great relief."
"But who were you talking to earlier?" he asked, curious.
Yuya gave a mysterious shrug. "You'll find out tomorrow."
"Aw, you're such a spoilsport," Sora teased, lightly nudging Yuya.
Meanwhile, as Ryuki, Ruri, and Rin walked back to the apartment, Rin shot him a teasing glance.
"Bold of you to lie about unpacking, Ryuki," she said with a smug grin.
Ryuki chuckled under his breath. "If we stayed any longer, one of us would've ended up in a duel. Probably me."
Ruri tilted her head. "And what's wrong with that?"
"Yuya's not in the right state of mind yet," Ryuki replied, tone serious. "He needs a night to clear his head. A good rest might help him see things better."
The girls fell silent for a moment, understanding the concern in his voice.
Before heading home, they made a brief stop at a nearby market, picking up ingredients for dinner. Once back at the apartment, Ruri and Rin took the lead in the kitchen, both volunteering to cook. Ryuki was curious to see what they could make together.
While they cooked, Ryuki sat at the small living room table, opening the card case Ray had given him. Inside was the fully furnished Kagero deck-powerful, refined, and deadly. His eyes widened as he took in the lineup: Flare Arms Zeigenburg... Supreme Heavenly Emperor Dragon, Dragonic Blademaster "Taiten"... all tuned for destruction and control.
He began rebuilding his deck from the ground up. The old Perdition monsters were cycled out, replaced with newer cards that synergized better with the Blaze mechanic. He kept only what was essential-his four Amber Dragons, Dragonic Neoflame, and Whirlwind Dragon-all core pieces for his fusion strategy.
Time slipped by unnoticed, until he heard a soft gasp behind him.
"Whoa..." Rin's eyes gleamed as she looked over his shoulder. "These are Kagero monsters?"
Ruri joined her, equally astonished. "They're all so... aggressive."
"Kagero is about overwhelming power," Ryuki explained, gathering up the cards. "They burn away everything in their path. No mercy. Just fire."
Rin gave a satisfied nod. "I like it. Looks like you're finally embracing your deck's identity."
"But for now," Ruri interjected, "dinner's ready."
With a small laugh, Ryuki packed away his cards and joined the girls at the table, the smell of freshly cooked food filling the room.
Later that evening, at the Sakaki residence, both Yuya and Yoko retreated to their rooms. Each held a sealed envelope-letters from Yusho, entrusted to Ryuki.
Yuya opened his slowly, hands trembling slightly. The letter inside was simple, yet deeply heartfelt. Yusho's words apologized for abandoning his son at such a crucial time. He expressed regret, but also hope-that Yuya would move beyond his shadow and become a duelist his father could be proud of.
Yuya clutched the letter to his chest as tears streamed silently down his face. He turned to the pendulum necklace on his desk, gazing at it with renewed resolve.
When he stepped into the hallway, he noticed Yoko sitting on the couch, her eyes red and glistening. Without a word, he returned to his room, spread out his Pendulum cards, and tried-once again-to understand their mysterious power.
But it was no use. His emotions clouded his focus. The answer eluded him.
Midnight.
The world of Earth slept, but on Planet Cray, a significant moment was unfolding.
At the border between United Sanctuary and Magallanica, King Alfred stood tall, flanked by Blaster Blade and Gallatin. Their eyes were fixed on the sea.
"Your Majesty," Gallatin spoke, hand on his sword. "Why do we wait?"
Alfred raised his hand calmly. "They're here."
The ocean suddenly parted with divine force. From within the chasm, Supreme Ruler of the Storms, Thavas of the Aqua Force emerged, followed by his troops. Behind them, encased in a stasis capsule, was the comatose form of Assembly Nightingale.
"Welcome to the United Sanctuary, Thavas. I was surprised that you sent out a message that you'll be arriving here." Alfred said with stately warmth.
Thavas gave a respectful nod. "Thank you, Alfred. But let's cut the pleasantries, I trust she'll be in good hands."
Alfred turned to Blaster Blade. "Escort her to the Angel Feathers. Begin preparations immediately."
Blaster Blade saluted and departed with a group of soldiers, the capsule carefully carried between them.
Alfred's expression darkened as he turned back to Thavas. "How is Magallanica holding up? After the war with Gyze."
Thavas exhaled deeply. "Stable. For now. The Bermuda Triangle are making sure that the citizens are okay from the aftermath"
"I meant something else," Alfred said. "What of your Zeroth Dragon-Meggido?"
Thavas hesitated. "Dormant. Ever since Gyze fell, he hasn't stirred. Not truly."
"And yet," Alfred murmured, "Ultima has been... restless."
Thavas narrowed his eyes. "You think the Zeroth Dragons are awakening to choose new owners?"
"I do," Alfred said plainly. "Ultima watches one of the new arrivals closely-Rin."
Thavas blinked. "You're suggesting... pairing Ultima with Rin? Are you out of your mind?"
"Perhaps," Alfred admitted. "But sometimes, change comes from the unimaginable. If these outsiders-these girls-can forge bonds with the Zeroth Dragons... they might become something more."
Thavas grew silent. His gaze drifted seaward. Could it be possible... that Meggido might also respond to Ruri?
He chose not to speak it aloud. "I'll consider it. But not today. I need rest."
"Very well, let's head to the castle and discuss things there." Alfred said as both leaders left the coast.
Unbeknownst to them, the Zeroth Dragons had already begun to move.
High in the frozen peaks of the United Sanctuary, where even angels dare not tread, Zeroth Dragon of Zenith's Peak, Ultima, rested alone. Since the fall of Gyze, he had withdrawn from the world, observing from a place of isolation.
But peace did not dull his senses.
He remembered the day she arrived-Rin. He had seen her grief when she found her fallen Wind Witch, Winter Bell. He had heard the anguish in her cries and the crack in her soul. But deeper than her despair... was an ember of hope. Her heart was resilient. Her will, unbroken.
Ultima stood. For the first time in years, he rose from the ice.
The skies shimmered. A divine rift opened above him.
Descending through it was Harmonics Messiah, radiant with divine light.
"You feel her, don't you?" Harmonics asked gently.
"I do," Ultima responded, voice deep and eternal. "I wish to stand by her side. Maybe...just maybe...I will be able to see something that Gyze-sama could not."
"You understand what that means," she said. "To leave Cray... is to be exiled. You will not be able to return."
"I accept, regardless of the consequences." Ultima said without hesitation. "Let me walk with her, even if my wings turn to dust."
With a solemn nod, Harmonics extended her hand. Light enveloped Ultima-his form shimmering as he departed Cray.
Far beneath the ocean, hidden in the deepest trench of Magallanica, the Zeroth Dragon of the Distant Seas, Megiddo, slumbered.
Or so the world believed.
The cries of another girl echoed through the water. Ruri, her violet hair floating like seaweed, clung to a creature Megiddo did not know-bruised, broken, hurt.
Megiddo opened one eye.
Her sadness was pure. Her hopelessness... suffocating. But what struck him most was the change. When Thavas knelt beside her, lifted her up-her despair shifted. The smallest flicker of trust. Of hope.
Megiddo stirred, truly stirred, for the first time since Gyze's defeat.
"What... is this feeling?" the dragon whispered.
A portal opened in the water, glowing with celestial light. Harmonics Messiah appeared once more, her tone was calm.
"You too... have chosen?"
Megiddo bowed his head. "I once followed Gyze-sama. I attacked anything and anyone in his name, but... I was wrong. This girl, Ruri... I see something inside of her that Gyze-sama has not. I wish to serve her. To atone for everything that I've done."
"You understand what this means?" she asked again.
"Yes," Megiddo answered. "I have no place left in Cray. Even without us Zeroth Dragons, the planet will still continue to move on. Let me forge a new purpose in my own way."
As Harmonics raised her hand, a solemn light engulfed Megiddo's vast body.
As both Ultima and Megiddo left Cray behind, Harmonics Messiah floated in the empty space between dimensions.
"The world changes..." she murmured. "I must see where the rest of the Zeroth Dragons stand."
And with that, she vanished-off to deliver her offer to the others.
-----
The first light of the weekend filtered through the windows of the small apartment, casting golden rays over the sleeping forms of its residents. The calm of morning was broken only by the sound of birds outside and the faint rustling of sheets as Ryuki stirred from his slumber.
With a quiet yawn, he rose from his bed, stretching his arms wide with a satisfying crack of his shoulders. The subtle stiffness in his back reminded him that even warriors needed rest, but the serenity was short-lived.
A scream erupted from the girls' room.
Without hesitation, Ryuki bolted from his room, his heart pounding. His instincts kicked in, honed from the countless battles he had faced. Slamming the door open, he found Ruri and Rin wide-eyed and tense-each holding a single Duel Monsters card with trembling hands.
"What happened?" Ryuki asked, his tone sharp but steady.
The two girls held out the cards, and the moment Ryuki laid eyes on them, his blood ran cold.
Zeroth Dragon of the Distant Seas, Megiddo
Rank 12 / WATER / Zeroth Dragon/ Xyz / Effect
ATK: 5500 / DEF: 4500
Zeroth Dragon of Zenith's Peak, Ultima
Level 12 / LIGHT / Zeroth Dragon / Synchro / Effect
ATK: 5500 / DEF: 4500
He took a step back. "No way..."
"Ryuki?" Ruri asked, concern washing over her. "Is something wrong with these cards? Are they... dangerous?"
Ryuki took a breath, then forced himself to steady his composure. "Let's talk about this after breakfast."
They sat together around the low table after their meal, tension hanging in the air. The remnants of rice and miso soup remained untouched, the conversation far outweighing any appetite. Ryuki placed the two cards in the center of the table: Zeroth Dragon of Zenith's Peak, Ultima, and Zeroth Dragon of the Distant Seas, Megiddo.
"These," Ryuki began with gravity in his voice, "are not just cards. They are entities that once existed beyond imagination. In another world-my original world-they were known as the Zeroth Dragons. They were the ultimate weapons of destruction, loyal only to the Dragon Deity of Destruction, Gyze. Each one embodied annihilation in its purest form."
He paused. "Megiddo could summon back entire legions of fallen warriors from the grave. Ultima manipulated destiny itself-bending reality to guarantee victory. These dragons almost brought the world to ruin. They were sealed away long ago because of the threat they posed."
Rin swallowed hard, her usual playfulness gone. Ruri clenched her hands on her lap.
It took nearly an hour for Ryuki to recount everything: the war with Gyze, the fall of the Apostles, and the desperate final battles where the Zeroth Dragons were unleashed as a last resort-only to nearly doom their users. By the time he finished, silence blanketed the room.
"And these just... showed up in our decks?" Ruri whispered.
Ryuki nodded grimly. "You said they were just beside your decks when you woke up?"
Both girls nodded.
"May I see them again?"
They passed the cards to Ryuki. As he read the effects, his expression remained unreadable. But inwardly, he felt a chill crawl up his spine. The text was identical to the original Vanguard versions. However, one key line stood out:
"At the end of the turn this card is summoned, you lose the duel."
No banishment of Extra Decks. Just... immediate loss after their turn. No second chances.
And then he looked at his own deck-and froze.
There, wedged near the top, was a third card.
Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma
Level 12 / FIRE / Zeroth Dragon / Fusion / Effect
ATK: 5500 / DEF: 4500
Ryuki sighed, shoulders heavy. Even he hadn't been spared. "I guess fate decided we each should carry a piece of the end," he murmured.
Rin, trying to keep her tone light, asked, "Are they safe to use?"
"They're safe," Ryuki replied. "But don't use them unless it's your absolute last resort. Summon them only when nothing else will win you the duel... because the moment your turn ends, it's over."
Ruri nodded solemnly.
Then suddenly, their top deck started to glow. The three of them picked out the card and what they see surprised them.
Zeroth Fusion
Zeroth Synchro
Zeroth Xyz
Three different spell cards designed to summon the Zeroth Dragons. And when they saw the effects of the spells, it allowed them to bypass the loss condition for additional 2 turns. And that made Ryuki sigh in relief.
"So... what's the plan for today?" Ruri asked, attempting to steer the mood elsewhere.
"We're heading to You Show Duel School," Ryuki answered. "I've made my decision. I want to see what kind of place it really is... and I want to challenge Yuya."
Ruri smiled at that. "Sounds like a good idea."
"Actually..." Rin interjected, standing up. "I want to be the one to duel Yuya."
Ryuki blinked. "Why?"
Rin crossed her arms and grinned. "Because Ruri got to duel yesterday, and I want to show off my Royal Paladins-with my own style."
Ruri opened her mouth to retort, but Ryuki beat her to it. "Fine. But there's a condition-you may only use Altmile and his forms as your Synchro Monsters."
Rin's eyes sparkled. "You're on! And if I meet your challenge-"
Ryuki raised an eyebrow. "What do you want?"
"A date," Rin said with a grin.
Ruri gasped, her face turning beet red. "R-Rin?!"
Ryuki's cheeks warmed slightly, but he kept his cool. "Very well. If you win using only Altmile forms... I'll take you on a date."
Ruri turned to him, still flustered. "You're seriously okay with that?"
Ryuki gave a teasing smirk. "Of course. Unless you'd like a date too?"
"Wha-?!"
Rin joined in the teasing. "Don't worry, Ruri. We'll both get our turn~"
Unable to take the embarrassment, Ruri fled the apartment, her face crimson.
-----
After a series of apologies and promises to tone down the teasing, the three made their way back to You Show Duel School.
The familiar sights of Maiami City passed them by, but Ryuki couldn't shake the feeling of how surreal everything had become. Zeroth Dragons. New beginnings. Rivalries and emotions taking root.
They arrived at the school just in time to see Yuzu smack Yuya over the head with a paper fan.
"Apologize when you mess up!" she barked.
Ryuki watched with amusement. Yuzu's got some serious power behind that swing. He glanced at Ruri and Rin. I wonder if they've got that same streak in them...
Yuya saw them and beamed. "Hey! You're back!"
He quickly introduced them to Gongenzaka and Sora.
The moment Ruri's eyes met Sora's, she stiffened. A step back. Her eyes narrowed slightly.
Ryuki immediately noted the shift, his instincts on edge. She knows. He's an Academia agent.
Rin moved slightly in front of Ruri. Ryuki kept his expression calm, but inwardly his guard was up.
Gongenzaka suddenly stepped forward, falling into a deep dogeza before Ryuki. "Thank you... for doing what I could not. For helping Yuya, I the man Gongenzaka thanks yo from the bottom of my heart!!."
Ryuki, slightly embarrassed, helped him up. "I did only what was necessary."
Tears streamed down Gongenzaka's cheeks. "Your manliness... it overwhelms me!"
Sora smirked. "So, are you guys joining the school?"
Ryuki nodded. "That's the plan. But first... we want to see what this school is truly made of."
Yuya's eyes lit up. "Then let me duel you! I'll show you how an Entertainer Duelist can do!!"
But Ryuki raised a hand. "Not today. You'll be dueling Rin instead."
Yuya blinked, surprised.
Rin stepped forward, giving a confident smile. "I want to see what the pioneer of Pendulum Summoning can really do."
Ayu chimed in. "That's right! Rin-nee-chan got a new deck too, right?"
Futoshi and Tatsuya's excitement soared. "Another new deck?!"
Gongenzaka and Sora turned to Ryuki, and he confirmed it with a nod. "Today marks her debut with her new deck. And to what it is, you'll have to see it for yourselves."
Shuzo practically burst with energy. "UWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!! MY BLOOD IS BURNING IN EXCITEMENT!!! FOLLOW ME EVERYONE!!!"
The group made their way to the dueling arena, and Shuzo asked Rin which Action Field she wanted.
"Umm...this might be a shocker but....this is my first time doing an Action Duel," she admitted sheepishly.
Gasps echoed across the room.
Ryuki stepped in. "Dueling in her hometown is very different from here. Shuzo-san, I'll select the field. I have just the thing."
He walked over and registered the battlefield.
The Real Solid Vision activated. A bright shimmer filled the air before transforming into a breathtaking scene.
White-stone towers and marble halls stood tall across a serene landscape. Stained glass windows glowed with divine light as banners with silver crosses flapped in the breeze.
It was the White Monastery, home of the Royal Paladins.
Rin looked around, her smile softening into something nostalgic. "Feels like I'm back home..."
As they took their positions on the field, Yuya and Rin faced each other with smiles of mutual respect.
Then, together, they began the chant:
"Duelists locked in battle!" Yuya said with a gusto. "Kicking the earth and dancing in the air alongside their monsters! They storm through the field!" Followed by Rin as she learned how to say the chant by watching several videos' the prior day.
"Behold! This is the newest and greatest evolution of dueling!!" Both said as the Action Card Dome is glowing brightly.
"Action... DUEL!!"
Yuya: 4000 | Hand: 5
Rin: 4000 | Hand: 5
Turn 1 - Yuya
Yuya took a firm step forward, spinning his duel disk into activation with a confident smile. "I'll be taking the first move!" he announced, his voice ringing with energy as the duel field materialized around the castle ruins, sparkling with residual Action Field particles and the action cards started to scatter.
"I Summon Entermate Discover Hippo!"
Entermate Discover Hippo
Level 3 / EARTH / Beast / Effect
ATK: 800 / DEF: 800
A whimsical pink hippo with aviator goggles and a comically oversized jetpack emerged onto the field with a cheerful snort, wagging its stubby tail as it playfully bounced on its stubby legs.
"I set one card face-down, then I end my turn," Yuya declared as he jumped into action. "Let's ride, Hippo!"
With a nimble vault, he landed atop Discover Hippo's back, and together, they charged off into the castle ruins in search of an Action Card, dashing between debris and magic-enhanced architecture with comical agility.
"Off to a flashy start, huh?" Rin muttered with a smirk, watching Yuya from across the field. She crossed her arms as her own duel disk flared into activation.
A faint shimmer of blue light flanked her as a translucent spirit-Altmile-manifested beside her, clad in glistening white armor and a noble expression. "Will you rely on Action Cards as well, my lady?" he asked calmly, his voice both respectful and concerned.
"Mm... not really. I trust in you guys," Rin replied thoughtfully. "Maybe in an emergency, but I think I'll be fine without them."
Altmile smiled quietly, vanishing back into the ether as the duel transitioned to her turn.
Yuya: 4000 | Hand: 3
Rin: 4000 | Hand: 5
Turn 2 - Rin
"My turn! Draw!" Rin declared sharply, eyes burning with focus. "I won't be holding back, so get ready, Yuya!"
A wave of wind lifted her teal colored hair as she snapped a Spell Card into place. "I activate the Spell: Word of the Brave! By sending two monsters from my hand to the Graveyard, I can add two different 'Brave' monsters from my deck to my hand. Afterward, my deck shuffles."
Two cards slipped into her Graveyard slot, and moments later, her deck ejected two new cards in response. She examined them briefly before slotting them into her hand with a satisfied nod.
"Whoa, that's some top-tier deck thinning," Tatsuya muttered in awe from the spectators' gallery.
"And she's just getting started," Ryuki added, arms crossed as he watched from behind Yuzu. "Rin's deck makes excellent use of the Graveyard. What you're about to witness is just the beginning."
Rin thrust another card toward the Graveyard zone. "Now I activate a monster effect from the Graveyard! By discarding one additional card from my hand, I Special Summon the valiant soul slumbering in the grave-Knight of Pulsation, Starius!"
A burst of radiant light erupted beside Rin as a warrior clad in Arabian-style armor emerged. The red-haired knight bore a white sword and shield, and his athletic frame gleamed with determination and battle-hardened resolve.
Knight of Pulsation, Starius
Level 4 / LIGHT / Warrior / Effect / Brave
ATK: 1700 / DEF: 1000
"So Rin's using a knight-themed deck?" Yuzu asked, her eyes focused on the unfolding battle.
Ryuki nodded. "The Royal Paladin deck. It's centered around summoning loyal allies from hand, deck, and graveyard. They support one another to gain overwhelming momentum-like a charging battalion."
"That knight gives me the shivers... in a cool way!" Futoshi added, visibly shivering with excitement. Ryuki glanced at Yuzu for clarification, and she merely chuckled. "He's always like that. You'll get used to it."
Yuya, now gripping an Action Card retrieved during his hippo ride, smiled at Rin. "A monster revived from the Graveyard already? You don't mess around."
"Thanks for noticing," Rin shot back, flicking another card forward. "Now I activate my Continuous Spell-Hand of Midas! I discard one card from my hand to search any one card I choose from my deck!"
Another card fell into her Graveyard, and a glowing card ejected from her deck, floating into her waiting hand.
"Isn't that kind of broken?" Tatsuya blinked.
"Maybe, but it has a drawback," Ryuki explained. "Once activated, Hand of Midas enters a cooldown-it can't be used again until the end of your next turn."
"A card every two turns in exchange for discards... that's a fair trade," Sora admitted between licks of his lollipop.
"She's already discarded four cards this turn," Yuzu observed. "Is she burning resources early?"
But then Rin smiled, seeing only three cards left in her hand. Her eyes glinted knowingly.
"Conditions have met," she whispered to herself.
Yuya tensed. "No way... you're about to-"
"That's right!" Rin shouted. "Battlefields turn with the courage of the chosen! I activate Starius's Brave effect!"
The blade in Starius's hand began to shimmer with divine light, and a radiant aura enveloped him.
"Brave?" Yuzu echoed in surprise.
"Brave... it's her deck's keyword," Ryuki confirmed calmly. "Just like mine with Blaze and Ruri's Wave. Each keyword has special trigger conditions and powerful effects."
"Brave is unique to my Royal Paladins," Rin explained across the field. "When I have less than three cards in hand, I can activate their special keyword effects! For Starius, he gains 400 additional ATK!"
Knight of Pulsation, Starius
ATK: 1700 → 2100
"Battle!" Rin shouted. "Starius, strike down Discover Hippo! But make sure Yuya isn't hurt!"
With a war cry, Starius slashed forward, his blade unleashing a shockwave toward Yuya's mount.
"Action Magic: Evasion!" Yuya declared, revealing the card he'd just obtained. "Your attack is negated!"
Hippo dodged left with surprising grace, leaping over a collapsed pillar as the shimmering blade slash missed by inches.
Rin gave a playful sigh. "So that's how Action Cards work, huh? Not bad. I'll set two cards face-down and end my turn."
Yuya: 4000 | Hand: 3
Rin: 4000 | Hand: 1
Turn 3 - Yuya
As Rin's turn ended, Yuya noticed something off.
"Hold on... Starius's ATK didn't revert. It's still 2100."
"Good catch," Rin said, tapping her temple. "As long as I have fewer than three cards in my hand, Brave remains active. Which means Starius stays buffed."
"A persistent power boost?" Gongenzaka muttered, arms crossed in contemplation. "I, the man Gongenzaka, find such an ability... formidable."
"But how come we're only hearing about this now?" Futoshi wondered aloud.
"There are only twenty-four decks with these kinds of keywords," Ryuki answered plainly. "Ruri's Aqua Force has Wave, Rin's Royal Paladin has Brave, and mine-Kagero-has Blaze. The rest include..."
Ryuki then rattled off the full list of keywords and clans-Shadow Paladin's Ritual, Oracle Think Tank's Oracle, Genesis' Revelation, and so on-until the room was frozen in stunned silence.
"...That's... a lot to take in," Shuzo admitted, blinking slowly.
"I think you broke them," Ruri whispered to Ryuki, leaning into his shoulder. He simply gave her a resigned shrug.
Back in the duel, Yuya stood tall and pointed forward.
"My turn! Draw! All right, Rin, it's time to take this up a notch!" Yuya shouted. "I activate Discover Hippo's effect! When I Tribute Summon a Level 7 or higher monster, this card counts as two tributes!"
He raised his hand to the sky as his monster vanished in a pillar of light. "From the depths of the pendulum, arise! My trusted partner, my soul's performer-Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!!"
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon
Level 7 / DARK / Dragon / Pendulum / Effect / PS: 4
ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000
With a roar that echoed across the battlefield, the majestic dragon descended with burning crimson eyes and spiral wings of energy. Yuya leapt onto its back, smiling down at Rin with a spark of mischief.
"Sorry, Rin. But this is how I play. Odd-Eyes! Attack Starius-Spiral Strike Burst!!"
Odd-Eyes inhaled, then unleashed a spiraling beam of destruction toward the lone knight.
"Trap Card, activate!" Rin shouted. "Sanctified Defense! When a Brave monster on my field is targeted for an attack or effect, I can negate it-and then I Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Brave monster from my Graveyard!"
A holy barrier deflected the spiraling strike, saving Starius as another knight emerged from the light.
Blinking Knight, Millius
Level 3 / LIGHT / Warrior / Tuner / Effect / Brave
ATK: 1300 / DEF: 500
Millius, a tan-skinned rapier-wielder with sun-touched hair, appeared beside Rin, his shield raised in defensive posture.
"I'm not done!" Yuya shouted. "I grabbed this Action Card-Second Charge! It lets Odd-Eyes attack again, and it gains 300 ATK!"
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon
ATK: 2500 → 2800
"Odd-Eyes! Attack Millius!"
The dragon lunged and slashed through Millius with a devastating blow, sending a shockwave across the field.
Rin: 4000 → 2500 LP
Dust clouded the field-but as it cleared, to everyone's shock, Millius was still standing.
"What?! He survived?" Yuya exclaimed in disbelief.
Rin calmly revealed another card. "I activated Knight's Last Stand. When a Level 4 or lower monster I control is targeted for attack, I can prevent it from being destroyed in battle. Millius will vanish at the end of my next turn-but as a bonus, if I control two or more Brave monsters, I draw one card."
She drew swiftly, her gaze sharp.
Yuya exhaled. "Alright. Then I end my turn."
Yuya: 4000 | Hand: 3
Rin: 2500 | Hand: 2
Turn 4 - Rin
"To think Rin would be the one to take damage first," Ryuki remarked with measured calm, arms folded.
"It's rare. Usually, it's the other side getting hit before they know what's coming," Ruri added, eyes fixed on the field.
Rin dusted herself off after the earlier hit and gave a quick smirk. "Well, I'll admit-that hasn't happened before. But I'm just getting warmed up!" She clenched her fist and drew with a wide, confident sweep. "My turn! Draw!"
Her hand now at three cards, Rin's gaze shifted toward Yuya with a teasing glint. "Say, Yuya, take a closer look at Millius's card. Something might surprise you."
"Huh?" Yuya blinked and leaned over to inspect it. As the text registered, his face paled. "Wait... no way-is Millius a-?!"
"A Tuner Monster?!" Yuzu exclaimed, eyes widening as she examined the card's panel on the duel disk. Realization struck her with the force of a thunderclap. "Then that means..."
"Rin-nee-chan is a Synchro Duelist!!" Ayu squealed with awe. The entire group watching from the You Show Duel School gasped, even Gongenzaka raising a brow with mild surprise. Sora, as always, watched with that unreadable grin.
"And now," Rin declared, lifting her arm high, "I'll show you what a real performance looks like!"
A green wind swirled around her monsters as Rin snapped her fingers, the sounds echoing like a conductor beginning her final act.
"I tune my Level 3 Blinking Knight, Millius, with my Level 4 Knight of Pulsation, Starius!"
As she spoke, Millius dissolved into three luminous green rings that encircled Starius, transforming the battlefield into a cascade of shifting lights.
"I call forth the trusted light that never wavers!
Noble resolve and pure heart, answer the call of battle-
Synchro Summon!
Shine brightly! Level 7 - Blue Sky Knight, Altmile!"
A brilliant shaft of light pierced the sky as her new monster descended. A majestic knight, clad in ivory armor with sky-blue inlays, stood valiantly beside Rin. A curved sword hung from his waist, and a polished white shield rested on his arm. His presence exuded courage and purity-he was a beacon of honor incarnate.
Blue Sky Knight, Altmile
Level 7 / LIGHT / Warrior / Synchro / Effect / Brave
ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000
Far away at LDS headquarters, alarms blared throughout the surveillance floor.
"Another summoning surge detected, sir!" one of the technicians shouted. "Not as strong as yesterday's, but definitely notable!"
"Identify the type!" Nakajima barked as the console flared red.
"Summoning Type Confirmed: Synchro Summon."
Reiji narrowed his eyes behind his folded hands. "Trace the signal. Where is it coming from?"
The image quickly appeared on the screen-You Show Duel School.
"You Show?" Nakajima frowned. "They don't have anyone capable of Synchro Summoning-"
"Patch in to their duel feed," Reiji ordered. "Bypass their firewall if needed."
Within moments, the video feed came to life. Onscreen, Yuya was locked in a heated duel with a young woman. Reiji leaned forward.
"That's the girl who appeared recently in Maiami City," Nakajima noted.
But Reiji's attention was fixated not on the girl herself, but the glowing card displayed beside her monster.
"Pull up the summoned card's data," he commanded.
"Card Name: Blue Sky Knight, Altmile. Type: Synchro. Attribute: LIGHT. Keyword-'Brave.'"
Reiji's brow furrowed.
"Yesterday... it was 'Wave.' Now, 'Brave'... Just how many unique combat styles have arrived in this city?"
Back on the field, Yuya couldn't tear his eyes from Altmile's brilliant form. His duelist heart pounded with admiration.
"A knight in shining armor... It's like something out of a storybook," Ayu whispered in awe.
"Looks like Rin's full of surprises," Sora mused, grinning wider.
"Time for reinforcements!" Rin declared. "When Altmile is Synchro Summoned, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower monster from my deck. It gains 500 ATK! Come to my aid, Knight of Encouragement, Albion!"
The air shimmered beside Altmile as a new warrior arrived. Dark-skinned and clad in flowing desert robes with a curved shield and sword, he knelt before rising proudly.
Knight of Encouragement, Albion
Level 4 / LIGHT / Warrior / Effect / Brave
ATK: 1300 → 1800 / DEF: 1000
"But I'm not done yet!" Rin continued. "I activate the effect of Knight of Favorable Odds, Ascanius, in my Graveyard! If I control at least two 'Brave' monsters, I can Special Summon him!"
A new knight leapt into the fray. His Arabian-themed armor bore elegant designs, and he wielded a ceremonial bow instead of a sword.
Knight of Favorable Odds, Ascanius
Level 4 / LIGHT / Warrior / Effect / Brave
ATK: 1500 / DEF: 1200
"And now, Ascanius activates his Brave effect!" Rin grinned. "For every Brave monster I control, you take 200 damage!"
Ascanius fired three glowing arrows that circled overhead before slamming into Yuya's chest in sequence.
Yuya: 4000 → 3400
Yuya winced, shielding himself. "So not only are your monsters well-armed-they hurt just by being on the field!"
"Battle Phase!" Rin raised her arm again. "Altmile, attack Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Wind Sonic Divine Slash!"
Altmile charged, his blade glowing with pristine white energy.
"But they're evenly matched!" Yuya gasped. "Both have 2500 ATK!"
"Exactly," Rin replied, eyes sparkling. "But Altmile has an effect that can help him. When Altmile battles a monster with equal ATK, he cannot be destroyed! But he loses 500 ATK after attacking."
The dragon and knight clashed-Odd-Eyes roared, but Altmile's technique pierced through, dissipating Yuya's signature monster in a radiant burst.
"Odd-Eyes!!" Yuya cried.
But Rin wasn't finished.
"And now... Millius's Brave from the graveyard activates! When this card is used to Synchro Summon Altmile, Altmile gains a brutal bonus-if he destroys a monster, you take damage equal to the ATK of the monster it destroyed!"
"Wha-?!" Yuya's eyes widened, and even the audience gasped.
"No way..." Sora's candy fell from his mouth. "That's crazy..."
"Such an effect is..." Gongenzaka started, but his hands visibly trembled.
"Yuya..." Yuzu's voice trembled with concern.
Altmile raised his sword to the heavens, the blade gleaming with condensed light. In a single strike, he slashed through the air, sending a shockwave toward Yuya.
The impact launched him several meters backward, crashing into the dirt and rolling to a stop.
Yuya: 3400 → 900
Blue Sky Knight, Altmile
ATK: 2500 → 2000
"Yuya-nii-chan!!" the kids screamed in unison, rushing to the edge of the platform.
Still groaning, Yuya managed to push himself upright, panting hard. "I've... never seen a Synchro Monster like that..."
"Altmile represents courage in the face of hardship," Rin said softly. "That's the power of Brave... and the knight who protects my dreams."
But she wasn't done.
"Albion, direct attack!"
The armored knight sprinted forward. Yuya's eyes widened-he'd landed next to something-an Action Card!
"Action Magic: Escape Act!" he declared. "I negates one attack!"
In a puff of smoke, Yuya swapped places with a lifelike dummy that took the brunt of Albion's strike.
"Tch. Escaped just in time," Rin muttered. "Then Ascanius... well, he can't attack this turn anyway since he activated his Brave effect."
Rin slid the last card from her hand into her Duel Disk. "I set one card face-down and end my turn. And with that, Albion's ATK returns to normal."
Knight of Encouragement, Albion
ATK: 1800 → 1300
Yuya, panting, clutched his Duel Disk tightly.
"That was... amazing. Her combo control, her summoning rhythm-it's all perfectly synchronized," he thought. "Rin... she really is strong..."
From the observation room, Ryuki closed his eyes and smiled. "She's grown... a lot."
"She's amazing," Ruri whispered, filled with quiet pride. "Altmile suits her perfectly."
"Well," Sora said with a chuckle, "looks like Synchro-style just got a whole lot cooler."
Yuya: 900 | Hand: 3
Rin: 2500 | Hand: 1
Turn 5 - Yuya
The once-playful tension of the duel shifted as Rin's watchful eyes observed Yuya with quiet curiosity. She recalled what Yuzu had told her the previous day-how Yuya had been unusually downcast after Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon had been destroyed by Sora's Fusion Monster. She hadn't missed the slight hesitation in his movements at the start of their duel. Despite his usual cheerful demeanor, there had been a flicker of insecurity.
But now, Rin saw something different. Something brighter.
Yuya brushed the dust off his jacket and straightened his posture, his smile returning like the sun breaking through clouds. His crimson eyes sparkled-not just with confidence, but with determination. A warm light seemed to radiate from him.
"Yosh!" Yuya announced with vigor, his voice clear and confident. "Since you're going all out, I'll repay the favor!"
He raised his hand. "My turn-Draw!!"
As the card slid into his fingers, Ryuki, observing from the side, caught sight of a soft shimmer of light trailing the card. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly, noting the flicker of positive aura surrounding Yuya. That glow wasn't from the Duel Disk. It was something more-something internal.
He nodded subtly to himself. That letter Yusho gave him... it's working. He's remembering who he is.
Then came Yuya's declaration-one as iconic as the boy himself.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Behold the main event! I am about to unveil the newest form of dueling!!" His arms spread theatrically as he spun on the heel of his boot, his voice echoing through the castle's dueling hall.
Rin's expression brightened, her lips curling into a smirk. "Ho~! Bring it on, Yuya!"
"It will be my genuine pleasure! With my Scale 1 Magician of Astromancy and Scale 8 Magician of Chronomancy, I set the Pendulum Scale!"
Twin pillars of brilliant light erupted on either side of Yuya. Floating within them were two enigmatic magicians-Astromancy to his left, Chronomancy to his right. Each bore an ethereal presence as circular glyphs spun beneath their feet. Numbers etched in luminous runes appeared below them: 1 and 8.
Magician of Astromancy
Level 5 / DARK / Spellcaster / Pendulum / PS: 1
ATK: 1200 / DEF: 2400
Magician of Chronomancy
Level 3 / DARK / Spellcaster / Pendulum / PS: 8
ATK: 1200 / DEF: 600
"With this, I can simultaneously summon monsters from Levels 2 to 7!"
"Here it comes!" Sora leaned forward eagerly. "Yuya's Pendulum Summoning!"
"Pendulum! Pendulum!" Ayu, Tatsuya, and Futoshi cheered, jumping up and down from their seats in rhythmic excitement.
Ryuki observed silently, his arms crossed. So this is it... he thought, remembering the video he watched when Yuya faced off against Strong Ishijima. The evolution of summoning... and the reason I wanted to duel him in the first place.
Yuya raised his hand dramatically, a glowing circle of energy swirling behind him. "Swing, Pendulum of the soul! Draw an arc of light across the ether! Pendulum Summon!! Appear now-my monsters!!"
Three brilliant rays-one orange, one blue, one violet-burst from the swirling vortex above, arcing across the ceiling like celestial brushstrokes.
"From my hand: Entermate Sword Fish and Entermate Drumming Kong! And from my Extra Deck-Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!!"
Three monsters materialized at once.
Entermate Sword Fish
Level 4 / WATER / Fish / Effect
ATK: 600 / DEF: 600
Entermate Drumming Kong
Level 5 / EARTH / Beast / Pendulum / Effect / PS: 2
ATK: 1600 / DEF: 900
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon
Level 7 / DARK / Dragon / Pendulum / Effect / PS: 4
ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000
Rin's eyes narrowed. The sheer scale of the Pendulum Summon had caught her off guard. Three monsters at once... this is his real power. She steadied her breathing.
Yuya snapped his fingers. "Sword Fish's effect! When it's summoned, all monsters my opponent controls lose 600 ATK!"
Blue ripples of water surged from the tiny sword-wielding fish, striking each of Rin's monsters like a crashing tide.
Blue Sky Knight, Altmile
ATK: 2000 → 1400
Knight of Encouragement, Albion
ATK: 1300 → 700
Knight of Favorable Odds, Ascanius
ATK: 1500 → 900
"This is bad..." Ruri murmured from the stands, her brows furrowed.
Ryuki glanced at her, equally focused. "If this keeps up, Rin might be forced to break it."
Ruri understood immediately. The bet that Ryuki and Rin had made-that she'd only use Altmile and his variations as her Synchro Monsters-might no longer be viable under these conditions.
"In this situation?" Ruri exhaled, her expression heavy. "Yeah, she might."
Yuya's arm shot forward. "Battle! Odd-Eyes, attack Altmile! I activate Odd-Eyes' effect! When it battles a Level 5 or higher monster, the battle damage doubles! Go-Spiral Strike Reaction Force!!"
Odd-Eyes reared back, energy condensing in its maw. The resulting beam tore forward with spiraling force, aimed squarely at Altmile.
Rin clenched her fists. She looked at the lone card in her hand.
"...Tch. Damn it." Her voice was low, almost reluctant. "I have no choice... I'm breaking it."
She held up her card with resolve. "When an 'Altmile' monster is targeted for an attack, I can Synchro Summon this card from my Extra Deck using monsters from my field or hand! I use my level 4 Ascanius and my level 3 Tuner monster, Resurgent Knight, Stius from my hand!"
Everyone except Ryuki and Ruri cried out in shock.
"A Synchro Summon during the opponent's turn!?"
Sora blinked, awestruck. "Th-That's a thing?!"
"Is that even legal?" Yuzu asked Ryuki.
"If the condition is met," he replied firmly, "then yes-it's possible."
As Ascanius leapt upward, a shimmering knight clad in white and gold Arabian garb appeared by his side-Resurgent Knight, Stius, a Level 3 Tuner. His curved scimitar gleamed under the light as he leapt into the air, bursting into two synchro rings that encircled Ascanius's form.
Together, they rose-bathed in radiant white light.
"When the path of justice is threatened," Rin declared, "the unbreakable wall answers the call! Defend the light-Synchro Summon! Hold the line! Level 7-Divine Knight of Godly Defense, Igraine!!"
As the chant concluded, a shining glyph formed on the field. A regal female knight stepped forward from the magic circle, dressed in a white-and-blue sleeveless combat dress. Her sapphire eyes were calm and resolute, and she bore a gleaming tower shield adorned with radiant glyphs. Three glowing sigils orbited her body like moons.
Divine Knight of Godly Defense, Igraine
Level 7/ LIGHT / Warrior / Synchro / Effect / Brave
ATK: 0 / DEF: 3000
Far away at LDS headquarters, Reiji's eyes widened at the control panel. "A mid-turn Synchro Summon...?" He studied the fluctuating system readings. No wide-scale temporal shifts like with Maelstrom... but still-what is that monster?
Back in the duel, Yuya stumbled back a step in disbelief.
"A 3000 DEF wall just appeared out of nowhere..." he murmured.
But Yuya shook his head. I can still break through it!
"I activate Drumming Kong's effect! Once per turn, I can give one monster I control 600 extra ATK! I choose Odd-Eyes!"
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon
ATK: 2500 → 3100
"Continue the attack!! Spiral Strike Burst-once more!!"
Odd-Eyes let out a piercing roar and launched its empowered breath at Igraine. The beam clashed against her glowing barrier. The resulting explosion blanketed the field in smoke and dust.
As the dust settled-Igraine was still standing. Unscathed. Her shield shimmered with divine glyphs.
Rin: 2500 → 2300
"What?! But Odd-Eyes had 3100 ATK!" Yuya gasped.
Rin raised her voice for all to hear. "If Igraine is summoned using the method I just did, she cannot be destroyed by battle! She's also unaffected by card effects! And guess what? She's also Brave! That means until the end of this turn, you can only attack her-and no one else!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Too broken..." Gongenzaka muttered, visibly shaken.
Sora folded his arms. "With effects like that, there's gotta be a drawback. If I had to guess... she won't be around long. And I noticed that Rin received some damage, what gives?"
"Igraine couldn't be destroyed, but the downside is Rin would still take damage from the attack. And since Igraine is a Level 7, Odd-Eyes' attack dealt double damage to Rin." Ryuki explained and a collective "Ohhh" were heard throughout the room.
Yuya grit his teeth. "...I end my turn. At this time, Odd-Eyes' ATK is back to normal. Albion and Altmile's ATK is back to normal as well."
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon
ATK: 3100 → 2500
Blue Sky Knight, Altmile
ATK: 400 → 2000
Knight of Encouragement, Albion
ATK: 700 → 1300
Rin gently raised her arm. "During the End Phase, Igraine returns to the Extra Deck. But as an exchange-I get to Special Summon one Level 4 or lower monster from my Graveyard! Come, Scouting Owl!"
Igraine bowed silently before vanishing in a swirl of divine energy. From Rin's Graveyard, a new form emerged-a tiny white owl in light armor with a monocle, flapping its wings as it hovered beside Rin.
Scouting Owl
Level 1 / LIGHT / Winged-Beast / Tuner / Effect / Brave
ATK: 0 / DEF: 0
"And at the same time-Altmile's ATK returns to normal!"
Blue Sky Knight, Altmile
ATK: 2000 → 2500
The knight raised his sword once more, his armor gleaming with renewed brilliance.
Yuya took a long breath. "So... that's what you're capable of..."
Rin gave him a nod-not of mockery or smugness, but of mutual respect. "You're not the only one who fights for what they believe in."
Yuya: 900 | Hand: 1
Rin: 2300 | Hand: 0
Turn 6 - Rin
"My turn... Draw!!"
Rin's voice rang with newfound intensity as her fingers snapped to the top of her deck. The single card she pulled sparked a small gust of wind that brushed past her hair-like fate itself stirred in anticipation. Her gaze sharpened as she stared at the card, and then, without hesitation, she raised it high.
"I activate Hand of Midas once again!" she declared, voice filled with conviction. "By discarding 1 card from my hand to the graveyard, I can add 1 card from my Deck to my hand!"
With a flick of her wrist, the lone card in her hand returned to her deck, vanishing into the swirling vortex of her Duel Disk. A moment later, her deck emitted a golden glow, and a card shot out from it, landing neatly in her hand.
Her ace was ready.
At her side, Blue Sky Knight, Altmile took a step forward, his cape fluttering with the breeze summoned by Rin's building momentum. His expression was calm, resolved-but his blue eyes sparkled with expectation.
"My lady," Altmile said softly, looking back at Rin with an air of familiarity and trust, "Let us show him... what we're truly capable of."
For a moment, Rin hesitated. Her eyes widened slightly. There was something in Altmile's voice-a whisper of something deeper, older. She hadn't noticed it before.
A strange warmth spread through her chest, and a vivid light flickered in her pupils. In the observation room, Ryuki's eyes narrowed.
"...She's awakened it," he muttered. His hand gripped the railing. "Rin... that's PSYqualia."
Her stance straightened. The glow in her eyes intensified. As though a third eye had opened in her soul, Rin could see it: the path to victory. No doubt. No hesitation. Only inevitability.
"Alright," she whispered, and then raised her arm, full of resolve. "Let's do this!!"
"I tune my Level 1 Scouting Owl, Level 4 Knight of Encouragement, Albion, and Level 7 Blue Sky Knight, Altmile!"
A brilliant ring of energy emerged above her. Scouting Owl spread its wings and flew upward, dissolving into a single golden Synchro Ring that shimmered like the sun. Albion and Altmile leapt forward, their bodies aligning with the light as they shot through the ring in synchronized arcs.
"O winds of virtue... carry the banner of righteousness across the sky!" Gales swirled around her. A radiant aura engulfed the field, and the air turned electric with power. "Together with the spirit of my fallen comrades, take aim to the skies above-where justice shall never fade!!"
"Synchro Summon! Soar, Level 12! - Aerial Divine Knight, Altmile!!"
An explosion of light erupted as a knight unlike any seen before descended upon the field.
He was magnificent.
Aerial Divine Knight, Altmile stood tall, his new armor a pure, pristine silver lined with gold filigree. His long dark green hair flowed behind him like a royal banner in the wind. Twin blades, slender yet radiating divine power, rested in his hands-extensions of his unwavering will. His presence was not merely that of a warrior, but of a king.
Aerial Divine Knight, Altmile
Level 12 / LIGHT / Warrior / Synchro / Effect / Brave
ATK: 3500 / DEF: 2800
The crowd around the stadium gasped as one.
"Aerial Divine Knight..." Yuzu whispered, stunned by his radiant majesty.
"...Altmile," Sora finished with awe, his lollipop falling from his mouth.
"So cool...!" Futoshi and Tatsuya shouted in unison, their fists in the air.
Ayu's cheeks turned red. Her eyes sparkled like a girl seeing her prince for the first time.
In the command center of LDS, alarms were once again ringing. Analysts scrambled across monitors. But at the center of the room, Reiji Akaba stood still, arms folded, eyes narrowed.
This wasn't merely another high-Level monster.
This was the herald of a duelist's awakening.
Back on the field, Rin raised her arm toward her newly summoned knight.
"This is it. I will end this duel-right now!!" Her voice rang with unwavering determination. "When Aerial Divine Knight, Altmile is Synchro Summoned using Blue Sky Knight, Altmile as material, I can Special Summon 2 'Brave' monsters from my Graveyard-and they each gain 800 ATK!"
A storm of light gathered behind her.
"Return to my side-Starius! Albion!"
Lightning cracked down as Knight of Pulsation, Starius and Knight of Encouragement, Albion leapt forth from two glowing summoning circles. They landed beside their commander with fierce battle cries, their swords at the ready.
Knight of Pulsation, Starius
ATK: 1700 → 2500
Knight of Encouragement, Albion
ATK: 1300 → 2100
"And that's not all!! If Blue Sky Knight, Altmile is in the Graveyard, Aerial Divine Knight, Altmile gains an additional 1000 ATK!!"
The divine knight's twin blades glowed brilliantly as his power surged.
Aerial Divine Knight, Altmile
ATK: 3500 → 4500
"I'm just getting started!" Rin cried, drawing another card and sliding it into her Graveyard. "I activate Aerial Divine Knight, Altmile effect! By discarding one card from my hand, all of my 'Brave' monsters gain 800 ATK until the End Phase!!"
Her final card vanished, and in that moment, the battlefield erupted with a radiant surge of white-blue energy.
Knight of Pulsation, Starius
ATK: 2500 → 3300
Knight of Encouragement, Albion
2100 → 2900
Aerial Divine Knight, Altmile:
4500 → 5300
"OH. MY. GOD!!" Sora shouted, practically falling over the balcony as the numbers climbed to the heavens.
"That's insane...!" Yuzu said, her heart pounding in her chest. "I-I don't think Yuya can survive this...!"
All eyes turned to the field.
Yuya stood frozen as the radiant wave of knightly power rolled over him like a tide. Three warriors-each one more fearsome than the last-stood with blades drawn and eyes locked on him. He stared at the numbers. He did the math. And he knew.
There was no card that could stop this.
Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon was still on his field. But even if it blocked one attack, the others would finish the job.
He had lost.
But strangely... Yuya smiled.
"...I knew it," he said quietly, brushing his hair from his eyes. "I've been outmatched from the start."
He looked up at Rin-at her shining figure silhouetted by light.
"But I don't regret it. Not even for a second. That was an incredible duel, Rin. And even though I'm about to lose... I had a blast!"
He spread his arms wide.
"So come at me! Show me the full power of your knights!!"
Rin's breath caught.
Then, she smiled.
"...Alright. I will."
She pointed her finger forward, her voice like a trumpet sounding the final charge.
"Aerial Divine Knight, Altmile! Attack Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Twin Cyclone Blade!!"
The wind howled.
Altmile leapt into the sky, his twin swords igniting with spiraling green energy. He spun downward, twin blades leaving trails of swirling wind behind them. With the grace of a hero and the force of a storm, he slashed at Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon-once, twice, a dozen times.
The dragon roared as it was cleaved through, shattering into shards of light.
Yuya: 900 → 0
Rin: WIN
-----
Meanwhile, at LDS, the piercing alarms had finally ceased, but the aftershock of the extraordinary duel still clung to the atmosphere like static in the air. Technicians and analysts scrambled across their stations, muttering amongst themselves as screens displayed data streams pulled from the recent Action Duel. In the center of it all stood Akaba Reiji, calm and focused, his sharp eyes fixed on the fading hologram of Aerial Divine Knight, Altmile.
Nakajima approached Reiji with an uncertain look. "President Reiji, should we deploy a team to make contact with Ryuki and the others?"
Reiji didn't respond immediately. He adjusted his glasses, reflecting on what he had just witnessed. The scale of the duel, the strategic depth, and above all, the appearance of a new form of Synchro monster wielding immense power, all pointed to one conclusion. "No. That won't be necessary," Reiji said. "Any doubts about their allegiance to Academia have been removed. The way the two girls duel is very different from Academia"
Nakajima blinked. "Then...what should we do now?"
"I'll go to them myself," Reiji answered simply. "But only when the time is right. For now, we move to the next phase."
As he turned, he addressed the lead technician. "Were you able to collect data from Yuya's Pendulum Cards?"
"Yes, sir," the technician replied. "We have full scans of their response readings and summoning patterns."
Reiji nodded, satisfied. "Then it begins."
On the field, the Real Solid Vision began to dissipate. As the fortress of light dematerialized into golden particles, Aerial Divine Knight Altmile stood poised, gazing at Rin one final time. He gave a solemn, respectful bow to his lady before fading into the ether.
Rin held up the card of Altmile, her fingers brushing across the shining surface as she smiled to herself. We'll be together for a long time, won't we? Her connection to the Royal Paladins was more than just cards now. They were a part of her spirit.
Footsteps approached. Yuya, still smiling despite his loss, extended a hand. "That was incredible, Rin. Congrats. You really earned that win."
Rin smiled and shook his hand. "Thanks, Yuya. You gave me a great match."
Before long, Ryuki, Ruri, Yuzu, Gongenzaka, Sora, Shuzo, and the kids arrived, their faces beaming with pride.
"Way to go, Rin-nee-chan!" Ayu shouted.
"You totally crushed it!" Tatsuya added.
Rin flushed slightly at the praise, but then turned to Ryuki, an apologetic look crossing her face. "I... I broke my promise. Sorry"
Ryuki looked at her, then shook his head with a knowing smile. "You were in a tough spot. It was the right call."
Before anything more could be said, Ruri stepped in with a cheeky grin. "Well, since Rin broke her promise, I say we change the rules. Instead of just her going out with you... how about both of us do?"
Rin blinked, surprised, but then nodded with enthusiasm. "Yeah! That sounds fair!"
Ryuki blinked in mild panic, but quickly composed himself. "We haven't explored the whole city yet, so... why not?"
The trio approached Shuzo, and Rin and Ruri, in perfect unison, declared their intention to join You Show Duel School.
Shuzo's reaction was immediate. "We'd be honored to have you! The more talented duelists we have, the better!"
Yuya, eyes gleaming with excitement, turned to Ryuki. "Hey, what about you, Ryuki? You gonna join too?"
Shuzo rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Actually, I have a better idea. Ryuki, how about becoming a teacher at You Show?"
Yuzu snapped her fingers. "Right! Ryuki was the one who taught Rin and Ruri how to duel with those decks. He'd be perfect!"
Gongenzaka folded his arms. "A duelist of Ryuki's caliber would surely elevate You Show's strength."
The pressure was mounting. Ryuki glanced at Ruri and Rin, who were both giving him the most hopeful looks imaginable. He sighed, relenting with a smile. "Alright. I accept."
Shuzo clapped him on the back. "Great! Your first lesson starts in two days. You can teach whatever you want."
Later, with paperwork in hand, Shuzo assisted in registering Rin and Ruri as both students at You Show and at the local school Yuya, Yuzu, and Gongenzaka attended.
Curious, Sora tilted his head. "Ryuki, do you go to school too?"
Ryuki chuckled. "Nah. I already graduated. That's why I'm looking for a job."
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the trio took their leave. Walking down a quiet street, the air filled with the soft orange glow of evening, Rin suddenly slipped her arm around Ryuki's, leaning in contentedly.
"I'm treating myself," she said with a giggle.
Ryuki stiffened, face tinged with surprise. "R-Rin?"
Ruri wasn't far behind. She turned red as a tomato but refused to be outdone. "T-That's not fair, Rin!" With a determined puff of her cheeks, she latched onto Ryuki's other arm.
Ryuki looked between them, clearly flustered. "W-We're in public, you know?"
"So?" they both said in unison.
He sighed again, resigned. "Fine. Do what you want. Say, since we have time, how about we explore the city?"
Ruri and Rin looked at each other and both of them nodded at the same time. And with taht, they have something to do before the y head back home.
And so, under the fading light of the evening sky, the three walked together through the peaceful streets of Maiami City. It was a moment of calm after the storm of duels, a time to savor their newfound camaraderie and peace.
But elsewhere, peace was far from reach.
In a derelict warehouse by the port, shadows clung to rusted beams and cracked concrete. Two masked figures stood in silence, surveying their surroundings.
One had sharp violet-black hair. The other, slightly older in build, had black hair with a dark green streak across the front.
They removed their masks, revealing familiar faces-Kurayami Yuto and Kurosaki Shun.
Shun glanced around before asking in a low voice, "So, this is the Standard Dimension?"
Yuto nodded. "Yeah. We made it."
They stepped into the moonlight seeping through a shattered skylight. Shun looked up toward the moon, his expression hardened yet longing.
Ruri...
His voice was a whisper. "I'll find you. No matter what it takes."
Yuto placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We will. Together."
In that solemn moment, under the moon's silver gaze, a promise was forged. And soon, the fate of dimensions would begin to intertwine once more.
Meanwhile in Planet Cray, in the ruins of Gear Chronicle. Chrono Dran was roaming around the ruins as he happily waits for his friend Chrono. But as he was wandering around, he felt a connection to his friend. "Chrono! It's been a while since we've talked! Did you need something from me?"
Dran listened to what Chrono wanted to say to him and Dran's eyes widened a bit after he heard his request. "You want me to help Ryuki? Are you sure?"
Dran listened to Chrono's reason and Dran showed a smile and he was happy and flying around. "You got it! While you settle everything there, I'll do my best to help Ryuki in his quest! Good luck with Tokoha, Chrono!"
Dran then cut off the connection before Chrono has the chance to speak as he started to glow. "Alright team! Time to help our friend in saving the world!!" Chrono Dran along with the rest of the Gear Chronicle vanished as they prepare for their next adventure.
To be continued.....
Cards used this duel:
Blinking Knight, Millius
Level 3 / LIGHT / Warrior / Tuner / Effect / Brave
ATK: 1300 / DEF: 500
If your opponent controls more monsters than you: You can Special Summon this card from your hand.
Brave: If used to Synchro Summon an "Altmile" or "Fides" monster, it can inflict damage equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK.
Resurgent Knight, Stius
Level 3 / LIGHT / Warrior / Tuner / Effect / Brave
ATK: 1200 / DEF: 800
If this card is Normal Summoned: You can add 1 "Brave" monster from your GY to your hand.
Brave: Shuffle this card into the Deck; 1 Synchro Monster you control loses 500 ATK, but any monster it destroys by battle is banished.
Scouting Owl
Level 1 / LIGHT / Winged-Beast / Tuner / Effect / Brave
ATK: 0 / DEF: 0
If you control no monsters: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. You can only use this effect once per turn.
Brave: You can use this card for a Synchro Summon by banishing it from the GY.
Knight of Favorable Odds, Ascanius
Level 4 / LIGHT / Warrior / Effect / Brave
ATK: 1500 / 1200
This card can be Special Summoned from the GY if you have 2 or more "Brave" Monsters on your field
If this card is Special Summoned: You can reveal the top 3 cards of your Deck; add 1 "Brave" monster among them to your hand.
Brave: If "Altmile" is on your field: Inflict 200 damage to your opponent for each "Brave" monster you control. This card cannot attack when you activate this cards "Brave".
Knight of Pulsation, Starius
Level 4 / LIGHT / Warrior / Effect / Brave
ATK: 1700 / DEF: 1000
You can discard 1 card; Special Summon this card from your GY.
Once per turn: Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower LIGHT Monster from the GY and that monster and this monster gets 300 ATK.
Brave: If Summoned this turn: Gains 400 ATK.
Knight of Encouragement, Albion
Level 4 / LIGHT / Warrior / Effect / Brave
ATK: 1300 / DEF: 1000
If this card is Summoned: You Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Brave" monster from your GY to the field.
Brave: After this card attacks: Return it to your hand; Special Summon 1 monster from your hand.
Sanctified Defense (Normal Trap)
When a "Brave" monster you control is targeted for an attack or card effect: Negate that attack or effect, then Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Brave" monster from your GY.
If you control a Synchro Monster, that summoned monster cannot be destroyed this turn.
Word of the Brave (Normal Spell)
Send 2 monsters from your hand to the graveyard and add 2 monsters with "Brave" to your hand. Shuffle your deck after.
Knight's Last Stand (Normal Spell)
When a Level 4 or lower monster you control is targeted for an attack, activate this card to prevent it from being destroyed in battle. But the monster will be destroyed at the end of you next turn. But if you control two or more Brave monsters, draw one card.
Hand of Midas (Continuous Spell)
Select one card form your field or hand and sent it to the graveyard, and add 1 card from your deck to your hand. You can only use "Hand of Midas" once every two turns.
Blue Sky Knight, Altmile
Level 7 / LIGHT / Warrior / Synchro / Effect / Brave
ATK 2500 / DEF 2000
Materials: 1 LIGHT Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner monsters
If this card is Synchro Summoned: Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower LIGHT monster from your Deck, and it gains 500 ATK until the end of this turn.
If this card battled a monster with the same ATK, this card cannot be destroyed in battle, but it loses 500 ATK after it attacked.
Once per turn: If a card effect that targets a card you control is activated, negate that effect, and this card inflicts double battle damage this turn.
Brave: If this card is used as Synchro Material for an "Altmile" or "Fides" monster, that monster inherits 1 of this card's effects (your choice).
Divine Knight of Godly Defense, Igraine
Level 7 / LIGHT / Warrior / Synchro / Effect / Brave
ATK 0 / DEF 3000
Materials: 1 LIGHT Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner monsters
If an "Altmile" you control is targeted for an attack: You can Synchro Summon this card from your Extra Deck using the cards from your field or hand as materials. This card cannot be destroyed by battle or affected by card effects if summoned this way. It returns to the Extra Deck at the end of the turn it was summoned, and choose 1 Level 4 or lower monster from the graveyard and Special Summon it in Defense Position.
Brave: Until the end of this turn, your opponent can only attack this card.
Aerial Divine Knight, Altmile
Level 12 / LIGHT / Warrior / Synchro / Effect / Brave
ATK 3500 / DEF 2800
Materials: 1 LIGHT Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner monsters
If this card is Synchro Summoned using "Altmile", Special Summon 2 "Brave" monsters from your GY And those monsters get 800 ATK.
If "Altmile" is in your GY: This card gains 1000 ATK.
Once per turn: Discard 1 card; all monsters you control gain 800 ATK or DEF (depending on their current battle position).
Brave: Special Summon 1 monster from your Deck for every 2 Level 4 monsters in your GY. They gain 200 ATK.