Welcome back everyone! Sorry if I made you wait a lot, but this chapter was a serious challenge to write between internet connection issues, personal stuff, and its complexity. This has to be the most complicated Duel I've ever written, so get your reading glasses ready! Luckily, this chapter's majorly different from its predecessor, so that's a plus.

Thanks for everyone who reviewed the last chapter!

- In response to ZarcEternal's review:

"I wish you the same!"

- In response to Zeromk7's review:

"It was kinda necessary considering the situation, but I do agree. But his winning streak starts from this chapter so that totally makes up for it."

- In response to DG2's review:

"He will, fear not, just a little bit later on."

[Using Anime/Manga Effects.]

Turn 5:

A God's Glorious Return

"Go! Direct attack!"

Sora's opponent was assaulted by a rain of Shogi pieces, burying him underneath them and depleting his remaining LP.

"Amazing... It was over in an instant." Yuzu admired our friend's strength while the Action Field and the remaining cards on the field vanished with the Duel's conclusion.

"Yeah... Sora OTKed the Hell out of him." you could say he went all out this time, but that would be wrong. After all, he didn't use his signature Summoning Method to defeat his opponent, aka Fusion Summoning! Will we ever see him Duel with a serious face, I wonder...

"So this is what they call 'checkmate'?" Sora thought out loud as he joined us. He then frowned. "It was kinda fun, but not very satisfying..."

"One-sided Duels aren't satisfying, what a surprise." I said jokingly.

"It's not my fault I'm the strongest around here, too." he added with a smirk.

"Don't be too full of yourself, Sora." Yuzu scolded him with a smile. She then raised an eyebrow. "Also, if memory serves me right, you lost to Vince in your Tag Duel with Yuya and Gongenzaka."

"Heeh, that doesn't count!" Sora puffed his cheeks. "Unless it's a one-on-one that is."

"Would my Dueling be able to make you fight seriously for once?" I asked, jokingly for the second time. I'm honestly interested in his real strength a little bit now.

"I doubt it." Sora said as he crossed his hands behind his head. "And it would be too much for you to bare."

"You don't say!" I ruffled his hair, much to his annoyance. "So? Shall we head to the next one?"

"Yep!" Sora grinned.

His excitement didn't go to waste, for he seemed to be actually enjoying himself in his following two matches, in spite of the fact he won fairly easily both times. Yuzu was in high spirits as well, to the point of urging the cyan-haired boy to make his plays and chanting alongside him during Frightfur Bear's Fusion Summon. Our Duel from yesterday was just what she needed to move forward, it seems.

It was evening by the time Sora finished his second Duel and we reached the pier to do some training, and we found out an acquaintance of ours was already there, waiting for us to arrive.

"Masumi." Yuzu said, now sporting a resilient look before her rival.

"Do you know what's going on inside Maiami City right now?" she inquired. Although she looked angry, ready to tear anything to pieces, her voice was surprisingly calm, so she must be referring to something very important...the plot, for instance.

"Are you talking about...the culprit who uses Xyz?" I guessed.

Masumi confirmed my words with a nod of her head, "Yes. Repeated assault incidents by a mysterious Duelist."

"The Phantom Knights user..." Yuzu muttered.

"All of the victims are connected to LDS," Masumi explained. "But none of them can say what actually happened...because they all disappeared."

"Disappeared...!?" Yuzu echoed in shock.

So the guy defeats his targets through Dueling and then kidnaps them? But why? What's his goal...? Revenge? He did say he has a grudge against the people who aren't from here. Maybe his targets are people enrolled in LDS who aren't from Maiami City? Is that it, he's a xenophobe?

No...that sounds stupid. But we don't know the whole picture yet, so making assumptions is our only option.

"They're all gone." Masumi continued, tightening her fists. "Marco-sensei and the members of the LDS top team... They were attacked and never seen again. This is just a rumor from within LDS, but... Please! Tell me where I can find him! You know, don't you!?"

To think Masumi would resort to pleading...she must care a lot about this Marco guy.

"Me?" Yuzu's eyes widened a little.

"If I had caught him then...I could've been able to prevent the incidents after that!" Masumi pointed an accusing finger at Yuzu. "It's all because you let him get away!"

"You can't be serious...!" I whispered in surprise. She thinks Yuzu helped him escape with her magical bracelet's glow!?

"I don't know anything about him, Masumi." Yuzu reasoned.

"Don't lie to me!" Masumi snapped as some tears started forming at the corners of her eyes. "Marco-sensei has disappeared! That kind and strong Marco-sensei has...! He might be suffering somewhere right now! That's why I have to find him as soon as possible! Hurry up and tell me where the culprit is!"

"I already told you, I don't know!" Yuzu pointed out.

"Then why were you with him at the scene of the first incident!? Why did he vanish right when your bracelet's glow momentarily blinded us!?" Masumi took hold of her Duel Disk and pointed it at the pink-haired youth. "If you're going to insist on feigning ignorance, then as a Duelist, I'll force an answer out of you!"

"LDS' Fusion Summoning is no problem at all for you now." Sora addressed Yuzu. "You could take her out in a jiff!"

"You're saying I should accept her challenge?" Yuzu asked.

"Oi, Sora, don't add fuel to the fire...!" I glared at the smaller Duelist.

"Why not?" now's not the time to act cocky! "Yuzu's been saying for a while now she's had enough practice and all she needs is to polish her skills in a real match."

Yuzu raised her own Duel Disk in consideration. That's...true, but it would only make things worse!

"Who's going to be taken out in a jiff!" with how angry Masumi is right now, turning her down is actually impossible... "Did you forget how badly she lost to me!"

"Well, the Yuzu here now is on a different level from back then." Sora boasted. "She understands that LDS' Fusion Summoning isn't a threat anymore."

"Why you...! Those words are an insult to Marco-sensei who taught me Fusion Summoning! I won't forgive you!" I guess there isn't any room for reasoning if she said that. "I'll beat some sense into you, first!"

"Eh? You want to Duel me?" Sora cocked an eyebrow.

"I warned you." I reminded him with a flat stare.

"Heeh, I don't think you should, lady." Sora waved a hand. "You'll just hurt your confidence more."

"Shut up!" Masumi burst out. "LDS is the strongest! I'll make sure you never forget it!"

"You're also from LDS?"

A foreign voice asked from behind us, followed by- more than likely- its owner who dashed past us in the narrow space between me and Yuzu, knocking both of us to the ground with a gasp and causing the latter to drop her Duel Disk and her deck, which spilled over the ground.

What the Hell? Who's this guy?

In front of us now stood a tall male with dark blue hair and dark green bangs in the shape of a wing partially tucked under some strands of the aforementioned color- such a bizarre hairstyle... I'm getting important character vibes!- who wore a blue trenchcoat with tattered ends, gray pants, and brown shoes, as well as dark glasses and a red scarf to conceal his face.

But what caught my attention the most was the Duel Disk on his left arm.

"That Duel Disk's shape...it's the same as his..." I muttered after getting back on my feet with Yuzu.

"Yeah..." Sora narrowed his eyes at the supposed friend of the Phantom Knights user.

Does that mean...the culprits were two all this time?

The newcomer activated their Duel Disk, "If you're from LDS, then I'll be your opponent!" he told Masumi, who apparently couldn't muster a word, seemingly confused and frightened.

Not that I could blame her: this guy's fast as Hell like his friend and Sora, if he's really a culprit then he's strong enough to defeat LDS teachers and members of its top team, and his tone's tinted with anger. She won't be leaving this place unscathed, that's for sure, and she knows it.

"Are you...the culprit of the repeated assault incidents?" Masumi spoke up.

"...Now, face me." and just like his friend, he avoids our questions, too. Isn't that great? "Duel me!"

"Stop it, Shun!" the Phantom Knights user made himself be known, leaping off a rooftop and landing next to his friend. He then grasped Shun's left arm, stopping him from Dueling Masumi and prompting us to gasp. "Stop being so reckless!"

"Yuto!" Shun yelled in anger. Finally, we got his name! And it starts with 'Yu', similarly to Yuya; coincidence? I think not!

"I thought I told you," Yuto explained after removing his mask. "This isn't our battlefield! These people aren't our enemies!" battlefield? Enemies? They're making it sound like this is war!

Shun scoffed loudly and jerked his arm free. "This is my battlefield!" he exclaimed after lowering his scarf. "In order to get back Ruri, I have to do this! If you're going to get in my way, I'll defeat you, too!"

Get back...Ruri? The kidnapper is trying to save a kidnapped person? I would've laughed at the irony if it wasn't for the situation.

"I've found the culprit behind the assault incidents! Send backup, Hokuto!" Masumi's voice caught our attention, who was talking to Hokuto on her Duel Disk. Oh, she called for backup instead of doing something as cliche as just standing there like a gaping fish, nice!

"Wait, Masumi! Maybe we can solve this peacefully!" Yuzu suggested.

"Ruri!" Shun gasped loudly upon seeing Yuzu. Why...would he think she's Ruri? He then removed his glasses. "Why is Ruri here? Did you get away? Did you manage to escape on your own? Ruri—Agh!"

Shun's confusing words were interrupted by Yuto, who decided it would be a good idea to punch him in the gut.

"She isn't Ruri." Yuto told his friend, who- no surprise- fell unconscious. He then effortlessly placed him over his shoulder, ready to leave.

"Contact LDS and send as many people as possible!" Masumi continued.

"Wait...Yuto!" Yuzu called out as the said person walked past us. "Who's this Ruri? Does she...Does she look like me!?" that's actually a valid theory, after all, Yuto and Yuya share the same face.

But Yuto ignored our questions once again, and instead picked up a copy of Yuzu's Polymerization from the ground.

"This card doesn't suit you." he said.

"Eh?" Yuzu's eyebrows furrowed.

"Well, isn't that too bad." Sora chimed in. "I don't like hearing that about presents I give people though. I wouldn't mind showing you just how amazing that card is."

"Cut it out, Sora!" Yuzu scolded him. She then turned to Yuto. "And you, too!"

"Masumi!"

Following Hokuto's shout in the distance, the strong, pink light was emitted from Yuzu's bracelet again, causing us to gasp. I tried blocking the light by placing my hands over its source, but all in vain because Yuto and Shun still disappeared into nothingness, and when the glow died down, Hokuto and Yaiba joined by none other than Yuya reached us.

"Guys, are you OK?" Yuya asked me, Sora, and Yuzu in concern.

"It did it again..." she remarked with a scowl. "And that Shun person who kept saying I'm Ruri..."

"Eh?" Yuya raised an eyebrow. "Shun? Ruri? What are you talking about?"

"I...I don't know." she shook her head in exasperation.

"This keeps getting more and more complicated..." I admitted. Right when we could get some answers, Yuya shows up! Writers, how dare you! And even blocking the light doesn't work!? What the Hell!

"Yuzu, here." Yuya softly said, handing his friend her Duel Disk and cards that he picked up.

"LDS is here!" Hokuto pointed out when two vans stopped near our location.

Masumi ran into that direction, "I'm sorry! The culprit was just here!" she explained.

"Things could get troublesome if we stay here." Sora frowned. He then gently guided Yuzu away, much to her surprise. "You should hurry up, too, Vince, Yuya."

"Wouldn't we get in more trouble if we leave...?" I thought out loud as I followed along, leaving Yuya behind who started talking with Yaiba.

Sigh, what a day...the plot continues to thicken, but our questions remain unanswered. It's frustrating honestly, as well as unnerving now that I'm in the story itself... I guess it's time to start praying to survive this crazy adventure.

The following day began with me accompanying Yuzu back to the pier to find her lost Polymerization, which she thinks escaped Yuya's notice when he collected her cards from the ground. We weren't able to find it though, and we had to stop searching when an angry Sora phoned her and ordered us to go see his sixth qualification match.

It's not like we had a choice so we had to oblige. Sora obviously won the Duel, officially qualifying for the Junior Youth Championship and leaving Yuya the only one who hasn't certified yet.

We then rushed to the Unno Divination School, a Duel School which focuses on witchcraft and divination as its name suggests, right in time to see Yuya perform a Fusion Summon against his opponent Mieru by using Yuzu's Polymerization. When did he learn to do that!? Even Sora was shocked he pulled it off without his instruction!

He returned Yuzu's card after winning the Duel with his new Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, creating quite the romantic scene—that was ruined by Mieru, who kept calling Yuya her 'fated person' and 'darling', thus activating Yuzu's jealousy. Sora and the kids were noticeably concerned for the tomato-haired youth, but I couldn't help but laugh at the scene.

It didn't take long for Yuya to have enough of Mieru's craziness, so we left Unno Divination School with a little girl on our tails- now that's what I call devotion!- whom we managed to successfully shake off by running in the city till sunset.

"Let's have a huge party today to celebrate my qualification for the Junior Youth Championship!" Sora suggested, throwing his arms into the air.

"Not yet!" Yuya intoned. "I've still got one win left, so the celebrating is on hold until I finish that!"

"Heeh!?" Sora gasped. "But then if you don't qualify, we don't get a party!?"

"Why, you!" Yuya jokingly grabbed the shorter Duelist in a headlock.

"The amount of faith you have in your friends is amazing, Sora." I added with a smile.

"I just want to eat cake!" he stated.

"Once I qualify, I'll let you eat cake until you're sick of it!" Yuya told, causing us to laugh.

"But Yuya, when did you get a Fusion Monster?" I curiously asked. Getting the hang of Fusion Summoning shouldn't be that hard when he saw how I did in our Duel, but when did he get his hands on Rune-Eyes?

"Oh, that?" he said after releasing Sora. His eyebrows furrowed after a couple of seconds. "Wait, how did it get there...? I'm—"

Yuzu rushed past us, catching our attention.

"Where are you going, Yuzu-oneechan?" Tatsuya inquired.

"I remembered something I have to do!" she shouted back.

"Something to do?" Yuya echoed.

"Is she getting the cake!?" Sora exclaimed in happiness.

"Sorry, go ahead without me!" Yuzu added. Where would she be going at this hour...? Did she spot Yuto or Shun up ahead and she's heading in their direction? If that's the case, she can't go alone! I may be intrusive, but it's better to be safe than sorry!

I ran after her, earning a gasp from the others.

"Vince-oniichan!?" Ayu shouted.

"We'll catch up to you soon!" I reassured them. I hope so, too.

I followed Yuzu into an alleyway, but I stopped when I saw it split into two. Sigh, great...! I was about to shout her name when I heard footsteps from one of the paths, and I headed in that direction.

"Yuzu!?" I asked to make sure I'm not going after a random stranger, but in vain. I'm getting a bad feeling about this...! I eventually reached an empty street, but the pink-haired youth was nowhere to be seen. "Yuzu, are you here...? But I heard footsteps—"

"My footsteps to be exact." a female voice abruptly spoke up from the side.

Standing in the middle of the street was a female teenager- one year older than Yuya and Yuzu judging by her face and height- with fair skin, strong greenish-blue eyes, and brown hair that reached the middle of her back and had several bangs that were put together on both sides of her head, which were tied together behind her head, the protruding parts of them hanging down from the knot. Following the same principle, she had a nearly identical bundle of hair strands which originated from further on the sides of her head like with the previous ones, which were tied together behind her head as well, though on the level of her neck rather than that of her upper head, also the knot appeared to be looser, its surplus hair hanging down to her waistline. She wore a black shirt with a yellow collar under a white, short-sleeved jacket that reached her waist and had black edges, a yellowish-orange skirt over black biker shorts, and boots of the same color as her skirt with silver soles.

I honestly didn't notice her...was she even there earlier? And the way she's glaring at me...dammit, I knew something bad will happen!

"Did you...lure me here on purpose? Who are you?" I spoke up while extracting my Duel Disk.

"I'm The Hitwoman, the one who'll punish you for defying Academia," she calmly explained while equipping herself with a shield-shaped Duel Disk that had a white-trimmed indigo body and emitted an orange sword-shaped energy blade upon activation. That design is pretty awesome, but the fact it had a different body from mine and even Yuto and Shun's meant she's bad news for sure!

"Academia?" I echoed in confusion. The one from GX? No, that was Duel Academia if I remember correctly, so she's talking about something else. "What's that? I think you got the wrong person, miss."

"Don't play dumb." why does everyone say that when you're telling the truth? "Now, Duel me, Defector!"

"Defector!?" my eyes widened in surprise. "Now you're just confusing me! Could you start over from the beginning—"

"No."

"...Jeez, how kind of you." I deadpanned with an irritated sigh. Will the majority of the people in this anime be uncooperative? I hope not. And speaking of uncooperative people, "Do you know Yuto? Or Shun? Ruri?"

"Who are you talking about?" The Hitwoman's eyebrows furrowed. "Members of the Resistance? Not that it matters; nobody can save you from me."

So she knows something about them and then some...! finally, a lead to what's happening in Maiami City! Now I just need to contact the others and let them know— "Eh? Why can't I call anyone with my Duel Disk!?"

"My Duel Disk's jamming the communications." The Hitwoman pointed out. "When I said nobody can save you from me, I meant it."

So I can't call for backup, huh...? It's safe to assume she's fast like Yuto and Sora, so making a run for it isn't an option either... That means I can only Duel her. Alone. If she's strong like Yuto, who could hold his ground against two opponents at once, this won't be an easy fight.

And...what happens if I lose...?

No, don't think of that! I scolded myself and shook my head. Getting scared at a moment like this will cost me the Duel; I have to focus on winning, that's all! "If a Duel's what you want, then here I come!" I confidently shouted and activated my Duel Disk, too.

"DUEL!" we shouted in unison.

The Hitwoman: LP 4000

VS

Vince: LP 4000

"Watashi no turn!" my opponent declared as she narrowed her eyes. "I summon Spiritual Beast Rampengu!"

A penguin with a dark green back and wings, a greenish-white front, and long eyebrows appeared in front of her.

Spiritual Beast Rampengu: Wind / Beast / Effect / ATK: 1600 / DEF: 400 / LV: 4

"Ritual Beast?" I thought out loud. Alright, I know how that deck works! To think she would use a deck I'm familiar with...what dumb luck, although I'm not complaining. But...why can I suddenly feel the bizarre sentiment of hatred bottling up in my chest?

"I activate Rampengu's effect." The Hitwoman stated, making her Monster gain a green aura. "Once per turn, I can banish a 'Ritual Beast' Monster from my Extra Deck to send a 'Ritual Beast' Monster which shares the same Type from my Deck to the Graveyard. I choose to banish the Thunder-Type Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk and ditch Spiritual Beast Cannahawk. I set a card. Turn End."

"Boku no turn, draw!" I exclaimed right away. "I activate the Spell Card Folklore Fusion!"

A card, which depicted a similar scenario to Polymerization but showed Nattmara and Huldra instead of the orange fiend and dragon glowing with dark red and light blue energy respectively and spiraling into a Fusion Portal, appeared.

"With this card's power, I can Fusion Summon one Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck by using Mythorrors from my hand or field as Fusion Materials. The ones I'll fuse together are Mythorror Orthrus and Huldra, both from my hand!" my Monsters briefly appeared on the field before turning into red and blue energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as I chanted and clasped my hands together. "The howls which mark doomsday! The pine tree Mary! Let your desires awaken the canine deity of heavenly fire! Fusion Summon! Level 6! Mythorror God Xolotl!"

The Monster with a muscular human body, a canine head, empty eye-sockets, wearing a sleeveless ichcahuipilli that covered its torso down to its hips, golden bands on its neck, biceps, wrists, thighs and ankles, a necklace with a conch-like object strapped to it, and holding two broadswords of stone with flames and lightning bolts carved on them landed on my field with a howl.

Mythorror God Xolotl: ATK 2200 / DEF 1300 / LV: 6

"You're a Defector, but you continue using Fusion Summoning...how self-contradictory." The Hitwoman commented with a frown. "I'll make sure to show you the strength of a real Fusion Summon in my next turn."

"Um...OK?" was it always this easy to ruffle someone's feathers in Yu-Gi-Oh? "I activate the Equip Spell Syamantaka Jewel and equip it to Xolotl!"

An octagon-shaped ruby pendant surrounded by an orange glow strapped itself to Xolotl's necklace.

"The Syamantaka is the Sun god Surya's jewel, therefore it stores great power," I explained. "As long as this card's equipped to a Mythorror, that Monster is unaffected by your card effects! Let's Battle! Xolotl, attack her penguin with Scorching Lightning!"

"Too shallow! Torappu hatsudō: Ritual Beast Survival!" a card, which depicted the Spiritual Beasts and their Tamers at the feet of a giant, hexagon-shaped barrier that repelled attacks from shadowy creatures with strings attached to their bodies, appeared. "When my Ritual Beast is attacked, by shuffling one of my banished 'Ritual Beast' cards into my Deck, the attack is negated! Of course, I'll shuffle Ulti-Cannahawk into my Extra Deck for this effect."

A miniature version of the barrier shown on the card appeared in front of Rampengu, protecting it from Xolotl's attack.

"I also gain Life Points equal to the damage I would have taken from that attack, in this case 600." The Hitwoman added as the barrier burst into green particles that surrounded her.

The Hitwoman: LP 4000 + 600 = 4600

"Tch...! I place two cards face-down and pass." I declared. My attack only benefited her, but at least I got rid of her Trap.

"Such flimsy and weak attacks will never touch me." she boasted. "Watashi no turn, draw! As promised, let me show you real strength. First I summon Ritual Beast Tamer Elder from my hand!"

An elderly man with fair skin, a gray beard, and long hair of the same color tied into a ponytail, clad in green and sand-colored robes and wielding a staff and a book materialized on her field.

Ritual Beast Tamer Elder: Wind / Psychic / Effect / ATK: 200 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 2

"Its effect activates upon Normal Summon, enabling me to perform an additional Normal Summon this turn, at pact I summon a Ritual Beast this way." she stated. "Using this effect, I summon Ritual Beast Tamer Lara!"

Elder tapped the ground with its staff, and seconds later, a female youth with orange hair clad in green clothing and black gloves and stockings and holding a staff in its hands appeared with a giggle.

Ritual Beast Tamer Lara: Wind / Psychic / Effect / ATK: 100 / DEF: 2000 / LV: 1

"Lara's effect also activates upon Normal Summon, enabling me to revive a Ritual Beast from my Graveyard." The Hitwoman gestured at one of her empty Monster Zones. "I target Cannahawk in my Graveyard and Special Summon it!"

Lara waved its staff at its user's command, conjuring a GY Portal beside itself from which a hawk whose claws and wings were surrounded by electricity emerged with a screech.

Spiritual Beast Cannahawk: Wind / Thunder / Effect / ATK: 1400 / DEF: 600 / LV: 4

"Three so quickly..." I gulped at her lineup of Monsters. With two Spiritual Beasts and Tamers, two 'Ulti-' will charge at me this turn. But I'm ready! She won't get past my field!

"Kannahōku no kōka hatsudō." the hawk screeched again. "Once per turn, I can banish one 'Ritual Beast' card from my Deck, and on my second Standby Phase after this effect's activation, that card will be added to my hand. I banish Spiritual Beast Tamer Winda. Next, I activate Rampengu's effect once more, banishing the Pyro-Type Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio from my Extra Deck and sending Spiritual Beast Apelio from my Deck to the Graveyard. Ritual Beasts can Fusion Summon without a 'Fusion' card by banishing the needed materials from my field."

Here they come!

"I banish Ritual Beast Tamer Elder and Spiritual Beast Cannahawk, and fuse them!" her Monsters turned into red and blue energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as she chanted and clasped her hands together. "Beast with mystical powers coursing through its veins. Gain the tamer's wisdom, and become a new power! Contact Fusion! Appear before me, Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk!"

A larger version of Cannahawk with Elder on its back emerged from the portal with a screech.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk: Wind / Thunder / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 1400 / DEF: 1600 / LV: 6

"Next, I banish Lara and Rampengu, and fuse them!" The Hitwoman exclaimed. "Beast with mystical powers coursing through its veins. Gain the tamer's wisdom, and become a new power! Contact Fusion! Appear before me, Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio!"

A large lion with a flaming mane and claws and Lara on its back emerged from the portal with a roar.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio: Wind / Pyro / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2600 / DEF: 400 / LV: 6

So she runs multiple copies of it, huh...then it's safe to assume she does the same thing for the other 'Ulti-' Fusion Monsters.

"I hope you're keeping up because I'm just getting started. I activate the Spell Card Ritual Beast Gathering." a card, which depicted the Spiritual Beasts and their Tamers gathered at the feet of a humongous tree, appeared. "With this card, by banishing a 'Ritual Beast' card from my Graveyard, I can draw one card for each 'Ritual Beast Ulti-' Monster I control. I banish Spiritual Beast Apelio and draw two. Now I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's effect!"

The Hitwoman gestured at the stated Monster, "Once per turn, I can target two of my banished 'Ritual Beast' cards and return them to the Graveyard to add one 'Ritual Beast' card from my Deck to my hand. I target the banished Ulti-Apelio and Elder. In addition, I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's other effect! During either player's turn, I can return this card to the Extra Deck and target a banished Ritual Beast Tamer and Spiritual Beast to Special Summon in Defense Position."

"What!?" my eyes widened in shock. "You can use those effects in the same chain!? But that means...!"

"Yes. Each 'Ritual Beast' Main Deck Monster has a restriction of only being able to be Special Summoned once-per-turn, but as long as I have the cards to send to the Graveyard and to Special Summon, I can revive Ulti-Cannahawk over and over again, as well as use its effect to fetch a card since it isn't a hard once-per-turn effect."

SINCE WHEN!? How didn't I realize that before...!? Wait, is that why Ulti-Cannahawk was banned in the first place!? Well, now it makes sense!

"Return to me, Elder, Rampengu!" following The Hitwoman's words, her Fusion Monster left the field in a shower of yellow particles, which took the forms of Elder and Rampengu. "Ulti-Cannahawk's first effect now resolves. The banished Ulti-Apelio goes to the Graveyard and I add Ritual Beast's Bond to my hand. Since Rampengu's effect isn't a hard once-per-turn either, I can activate it again, banishing the Aqua-Type Ritual Beast Ulti-Pettlephin from my Extra Deck and sending Spiritual Beast Pettlephin from my Deck to the Graveyard."

She's setting up her combo, and all I could do was watch powerlessly. She's strong...strong like Yuto, but unlike him, she's also cornering me mentally- or just trying to confuse me- with all these Special Summons and effects...

"Now I banish Elder and Rampengu, and fuse them!" her Monsters turned into red and blue energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as she clasped her hands together. "Contact Fusion! Appear for the second time, Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk!"

Her deck's main searcher returned to the field with a screech.

"Kannahōku no kōka hatsudō." The Hitwoman declared. "I target my banished Ulti-Pettlephin and Lara to return them to the Graveyard and add Ritual Beast Steeds from my Deck to my hand. But at the same time, I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's effect to Tag Out! Return to me, Lara, Apelio!"

Ulti-Cannahawk left the field in a shower of yellow particles once again, which then took the forms of Lara and a younger version of the lion which made up Ulti-Apelio.

Spiritual Beast Apelio: Wind / Pyro / Effect / ATK: 1800 / DEF: 200 / LV: 4

"Ulti-Cannahawk's first effect now resolves," she explained while adding a new card to her hand. "I activate Apelio's effect! Once during either player's turn, by banishing one 'Ritual Beast' card from my Graveyard, for the rest of this turn, all Ritual Beasts I control will gain 500 Attack and Defense. I banish Spiritual Beast Pettlephin. Roar of Wisdom!"

Apelio let loose of a roar, causing its user's Monsters to gain a green aura.

(Ulti-Apelio: 2600→3100 ATK, 400→900 DEF; Lara: 100→600 ATK, 2000→2500 DEF; Apelio: 1800→2300 ATK, 200→700 DEF)

"Now I banish Lara and Apelio, and fuse them! Contact Fusion! Appear for the third and final time, Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk!" did I just hear 'final time'? Finally, this was starting to get repetitive! And for that same reason, I hope they'll ban that oversized bird in this universe as well!

(Ulti-Cannahawk: 1400→1900 ATK, 1600→2100 DEF)

"I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's first effect." The Hitwoman said. "I target my banished Cannahawk and Rampengu to return them to the Graveyard and add a second Ritual Beast Steeds from my Deck to my hand. I also activate Ulti-Cannahawk's effect to Tag Out for Winda and Pettlephin!"

Her Fusion Monster was replaced by a female youth with long green hair and holding an ornate staff and a pink dolphin with purple markings painted over its body and wearing silver armor around its fins, tail, and forehead.

Spiritual Beast Tamer Winda: Wind / Psychic / Effect / ATK: 1600→2100 / DEF: 1800→2300 / LV: 4

Spiritual Beast Pettlephin: Wind / Aqua / Effect / ATK: 0→500 / DEF: 2000→500 / LV: 4

"I activate Pettlephin's effect." her Monster gained a blue aura at those words. "Once per turn, by banishing a 'Ritual Beast' card from my hand, I can target one card you control and return it to the hand. I banish Ritual Beast Ambush and target one of your set cards!"

I frowned as she hit Eden's Ruin; it can't help me at the moment, but it's still a pain I'll have to wait another turn to potentially use it.

"Lastly, I banish Winda and Pettlephin and perform a Contact Fusion! Appear, Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio!" a second Ulti-Apelio appeared on her field, its ATK rising to 3100 as well. "Battle! The first Ulti-Apelio attacks Mythorror God Xolotl! During its attacks, this Monster becomes unaffected by other cards' effects until the end of the Damage Step!"

"Luckily for me, that doesn't stop me from activating this!" I abruptly shouted, relieved I can finally be a part of this Duel again. "Torappu hatsudō: Book of the Yamimakai! If my Mythorror is being attacked, I can choose to apply one of two options. I select the first one: this turn, my Mythorrors can't be destroyed by battle or card effects!"

"But you still take the damage." The Hitwoman pointed out. "Oracle Charge!"

A purple transparent barrier appeared around Xolotl before Ulti-Apelio's flaming claws could reach it, but the impact released a shock wave that knocking me to the ground with a pained moan.

Vince: LP 4000 - 900 = 3100

"Different Duel Disk...means real damage outside of an Action Duel." I groaned while standing up. If it wasn't for Book of the Yamimakai, Xolotl would've been destroyed, allowing for a direct attack and a total of 4000 damage in a single turn. I would've lost right there and then... She's really good... Can I even win...?

"You'll survive this turn, but it changes nothing." my opponent remarked. "Battle! The second Ulti-Apelio attacks Xolotl as well! Oracle Charge!"

"Agh!" I gasped in pain after being knocked to the ground for a second time.

Vince: LP 3100 - 900 = 2200

"I set four cards. Turn End." four set cards!? More than probably, two of them are Steeds and one is Bond... "Roar of Wisdom expires, returning the Attack and Defense of my Monsters to normal."

(Ulti-Apelio x2: 3100→2600 ATK, 900→400 DEF)

Xolotl may be unaffected by her effects, but I'm in a tight situation nonetheless: the only card in my hand is a Trap and Xolotl's ATK is lower than Ulti-Apelio's, not to mention she could Tag Out for Apelio and use its Roar of Wisdom to further extend that gap. If I don't get anything useful with this my next draw, then I'll lose and...get kidnapped? Or...killed?

I said don't think of that! I scolded myself again after noticing my hands were slightly shaking. I can lose my bottle only after I fail to draw something useful! "Boku no turn! Draw!" be good, be good, be good, be good...! I glanced at the card—and smirked. "Alright. First I set a card, then I activate the Spell Card Card in Pandora's Box!"

The card I drew, which depicted an opened, black, wooden box with a golden lock latch from which three cards and several demonic silhouettes with red eyes flew out towards the viewer, appeared.

"I can only use this if I have three or less cards in my hand counting itself and you control more Monsters than I do Mythorrors," I explained. "By opening this box, I can draw until I have five cards in my hand. The more cards in my hand, the more problems coming your way!"

"But if you wouldn't have drawn that card, there would've been no problems for me to begin with." The Hitwoman observed. "And even if you refill your hand, my formation is impenetrable."

"Oi, cut me some slack..." I said in exasperation. "Not every archetype has its own version of Ulti-Cannahawk to search and Special Summon like crazy."

"But luck won't get you anywhere in war. Only well-thought-out tactics can drive you forward."

"War...? What do you mean?" this way of talking about war and what not...it further confirms she's connected to Yuto, Shun, and Ruri. Now, will she answer or...

"For how long will you continue to play dumb?" of course she won't.

"Forget I asked..." I muttered before continuing my turn. "I activate Mythorror Adaro's effect in my hand, discarding him so 'Mythorror' cards under my control can't be destroyed by your card effects this turn. Now using the Scale 2 Mythorror Lindworm and the Scale 10 Mythorror Baphomet, I set the Pendulum Scales!"

I placed them on the ends of my energy blade, causing the word [PENDULUM] to flash between my cards and two pillars of blue light to appear on my left and right, one containing Lindworm and the other a tall, translucent-bodied, humanoid Monster with a goat head, blank white pupils for eyes, dark brown fur covering the majority of its brown skin, small horns protruding from its head and shoulders, hoofed feet, and a pair of black-feathered wings.

"Pendulum, huh..." The Hitwoman's eyes narrowed. "To think a Defector from all people would get his hands on a new Summoning Method before Academia... After I defeat you, this power will become ours."

"My cards are mine alone. I won't let you steal them." I raised my hand to the sky. "I can now simultaneously Summon Monsters from Levels 3 to 5! Battalion of mythical creatures and gods! With our souls on the line, our power becomes the hammer which crushes despair! Pendulum Summon! Be reborn, Orthrus, Huldra! And from my hand, Mythorror Nokk!"

A portal opened between my two pillars, and three beams shot out of it before landing on my field, revealing my three Monsters.

Mythorror Orthrus: ATK 1800 / DEF 1500 / LV: 4 / SC: 3

Mythorror Huldra: ATK 1400 / DEF 1600 / LV: 4 / SC: 9

Mythorror Nokk: Tuner / ATK 1500 / DEF 0 / LV: 4 / SC: 2

"I activate Nokk's effect!" the said Monster was surrounded by a purple aura. "If this card is Special Summoned, I can declare a number from 1 to 7, and until the End Phase, his Level becomes that number. I declare 2. Next, I overlay the Level 4 Orthrus and Huldra!"

My Monsters turned into purple beams that entered a swirling galaxy, from which a pillar of light shot out.

"Avatar of windstorms, cross the vast desert dyed in red, and claim the throne of Egypt! Xyz Summon! Descend to us, Rank 4! Mythorror God Seth!"

To emerge from the portal was the anthropomorphic jackal with a toned, black-furred body, a curved snout, and long rectangular ears, wearing a short shendyt, thin golden armor around its waist, lower legs, and forearms, a golden gorgerine embodied with lapis lazuli and carnelian, and a golden helmet which only covered the top of its head, and wielding a golden staff that seemed a cross between a was-sceptre and an axe.

Mythorror God Seth: ATK 2400 / DEF 1000 / RK: 4

"Because I Special Summoned a god to my field, I can activate Adaro's effect in my Graveyard," I explained while recovering the said Monster. "I add him back to my hand."

"Xyz with Fusion..." my opponent grimaced. "That's a rare sight."

"And I'm not done yet! I activate the Spell Card Amun-Ra's Splendor!" a card, which depicted the silhouette of a man with two plumes on his head, holding an ankh and a was-sceptre in his hands, and his back towards a blinding, round-shaped light source, appeared. "With this card, I Special Summon one 'Mythorror' Pendulum Monster from my hand or Pendulum Zone in defense mode and have it gain a new effect! Join your comrades, Lindworm!"

The oversized snake with dark green scales, two arms that ended in sharp black claws, and a mouth full of long fangs that made it impossible to be closed descended from the Pendulum Zone with a growl.

Mythorror Lindworm: ATK 2000 / DEF 500 / LV: 5 / SC: 2

"Now I can tune the Level 5 Lindworm with the Level 2 Nokk!" Nokk's body glowed as it morphed into two green rings that surrounded Lindworm, which turned into five stars. "Queen of the Great Below, heed my call! Ascend from your kingdom and pass judgment upon the unjust earthlings! Synchro Summon! Be free, Level 7! Mythorror Goddess Ereshkigal!"

A bright beam shot through the rings from which the giant, white, human skeleton which lacked its pelvis, legs, and feet, had a lengthened backbone, crimson energy glowing in its skull, rib cage, and joints, wore a white veil and an obsidian crown, and held a deformed spear of energy emerged.

Mythorror Goddess Ereshkigal: ATK 2700 / DEF 1800 / LV: 7

"Thanks to Lindworm's inherited effect, since it was used as a material for the Summon of my goddess, I can draw one card!" I declared. "Then here's Ereshkigal's effect! When she's Synchro Summoned successfully, I can Special Summon one face-up 'Mythorror' Monster from my Extra Deck that was used as a Synchro Material, in defense mode and with its effects negated. Be reborn, Lindworm!"

Ereshkigal stabbed the ground with its spear, conjuring a portal from which my Monster emerged.

"Your formation is truly remarkable, but that's exactly why it's easy to form a counterstrategy!" I gloated while gesturing at my own Fusion Monster. "I activate Xolotl's effect, releasing Lindworm for it. Thanks to this sacrifice, Xolotl gains the released Lindworm's Attack until the End Phase!"

Lindworm turned into purple particles that enveloped Xolotl.

(Xolotl: 2200→4200 ATK)

"Then I activate Baphomet's Pendulum Effect, targeting Xolotl for it! Now the Attack of all other Mythorrors I currently control becomes equal to the targeted Xolotl's Attack until the End Phase! Do it, Baphomet!"

Obeying my command, Baphomet held out a hand as it glowed purple, conjuring a glowing pentagram of the same color under each of my three gods.

(Ereshkigal: 2700→4200 ATK; Seth: 2400→4200 ATK)

"Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz, each with 4200 Attack..." The Hitwoman muttered in surprise.

"Battle! Xolotl, attack the first Ulti-Apelio!" I exclaimed. "Scorching Lightning!"

"This counterstrategy of yours—is useless." she coldly declared, prompting me to gasp. "I activate the attacked Ulti-Apelio's effect to Tag Out for Winda and Apelio and the Continuous Trap Ritual Beast Willpower!"

A card, which depicted Ulti-Apelio fighting a wicked dragon above the humongous tree which is also shown on Ritual Beast Gathering, appeared.

"Each time a banished Ritual Beast is Special Summoned to my field, I gain 400 Life Points per Summoned Monster thanks to Willpower's effect." dammit, that means whenever she Tag Outs, she's guaranteed to gain 800 LP!

Ulti-Apelio left the field in a shower of yellow particles once again, which then took the forms of Winda and Apelio, both in defense mode.

The Hitwoman: LP 4600 + 400 + 400 = 5400

"But because of that, a replay now occurs!" I pointed forward. "Xolotl, go for the remaining Ulti-Apelio!"

"I send Ritual Beast Willpower to the Graveyard to activate its other effect!" my opponent interjected. "When you target my face-up monster for an attack while I control a 'Ritual Beast Ulti-' Monster, I can pay the cost to end the Battle Phase!"

"What!?" I cried out as Xolotl's attack was blocked by a transparent, green barrier that formed around her field. "I couldn't even scratch her...! I-I set a card...and end my turn..."

"During your End Phase, I activate the remaining Ulti-Apelio's effect to Tag Out for Lara and Pettlephin and Apelio's Roar of Wisdom, banishing Rampengu from my Graveyard to use the latter's effect." her Monsters attained a green aura before Lara and Pettlephin took her Fusion Monster's place. "Now your turn ends, returning the Attack and Defense of all Monsters to normal."

(Xolotl: 4200→2200 ATK; Ereshkigal: 4200→2700 ATK; Seth: 4200→2400 ATK)

"Let's put an end to this." The Hitwoman declared, making me take a step back in intimidation. "Watashi no turn, draw! I activate Apelio's Roar of Wisdom, banishing Cannahawk from my Graveyard for it. Now I banish Lara and Apelio, and fuse them! Contact Fusion! Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk!"

Here's our beloved oversized bird! Whoopee do...

"I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's first effect. I target my banished Lara and Ritual Beast Ambush to return them to the Graveyard and add the last Ritual Beast Steeds from my Deck to my hand. In addition, I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's effect to Tag Out for Lara and Apelio!"

Back to watching powerlessly as she replenishes her resources... Adaro's effect in my hand can be activated during either player's turn, but if I do so, she could chain her set Steeds to it, destroying Ereshkigal and Seth before Adaro's effect would resolve. For now, I have to wait for an opening...!

"I activate Apelio's Roar of Wisdom for the second time this turn, banishing Ritual Beast Willpower from my Graveyard for it. Next, I banish Lara and Cannahawk to perform a Contact Fusion! Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk!"

The stated Fusion Monster reappeared with a loud screech.

"By now, you should know where this is going." The Hitwoman remarked. "I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's first effect! I target my banished Elder and Willpower to return them to the Graveyard and add Ritual Beast Gathering from my Deck to my hand. In addition, I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's effect to Tag Out for Elder and Cannahawk!"

The smaller hawk and its tamer took the Fusion Monster's place.

"I activate Cannahawk's effect to banish Ritual Beast Return from my Deck, and on my second Standby Phase after this effect's activation, it will be added to my hand. Next, I banish Elder, Cannahawk, Winda, and Pettlephin to Contact Fusion twice!"

This time, two Ulti-Cannahawk joined their user on the battlefield.

"Y-You gotta be kidding me!" how greedy is this girl!?

"The first Ulti-Cannahawk's effect." The Hitwoman stated. "I target my banished Elder and Cannahawk to return them to the Graveyard and add Ritual Beast Willpower from my Deck to my hand. I activate Ritual Beast Gathering, banishing Elder from my Graveyard to draw two cards."

After doing so, "I activate the second Ulti-Cannahawk's effect. I target my banished Elder and Rampengu to return them to the Graveyard and add Ritual Beast Ambush from my Deck to my hand. I chain the same Ulti-Cannahawk's other effect to that, Tagging Out for Winda and Rampengu!"

The penguin and green-haired tamer took the Fusion Monster's place

"I summon Ritual Beast Tamer Wen from my hand!"

A female youth who kept its eyes closed and held a staff in its hands appeared.

Ritual Beast Tamer Wen: Wind / Psychic / Effect / ATK: 1500→2500 / DEF: 1000→2000 / LV: 3

"Wen's effect activates upon Normal Summon, enabling me to Special Summon one of my banished 'Ritual Beast' Monsters." The Hitwoman told. "I target the banished Pettlephin and Special Summon it in Defense Position!"

The gem on Wen's staff glowed, conjuring a portal beside itself from which Pettlephin swam out.

"I banish Ulti-Cannahawk, Winda, and Rampengu, and fuse them!" her Monsters turned into red, blue, and yellow energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as she chanted and clasped her hands together. "Tamed beast storing eternal grace. Gain the tamer's wisdom and the beast's power, and become God's divine emissary! Contact Fusion! Appear, my ace! Ritual Beast Ulti-Gaiapelio!"

A towering lion whose body seemed fused with plant life and had two flaming horns and Lara on its back emerged from the portal with a resounding roar.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Gaiapelio: Light / Psychic / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 3200→4200 / DEF: 2100→3100 / LV: 10

"Ulti...Gaiapelio...?" I breathed out, feeling my remaining courage slip away as I stared at her new Monster. I...I completely forgot about Ulti-Gaiapelio... It can negate any Spell or Trap or Monster effect I activate by simply banishing one 'Ritual Beast' card from the hand...and at the moment she has six cards in her hand!

D-Dammit, at this rate she can negate anything I try to activate! Adaro, my Traps, or Seth—anything! She's only used 'Ritual Beast' cards up so far, thus it's safe to assume those six cards mean one negation each!

I'm...going to lose...!

That thought made me panic, and I started hyperventilating, scared of what'll happen once the Duel is over. I clutched my chest as it suddenly got harder to breathe, and before I knew it, my vision faded to black and I lost consciousness...

?'s POV

To panic at a time like this...this vessel is pathetically trivial to an unimaginable extent. If it weren't for the purpose he serves, I would dump him in the nearest trash can! But this Hitwoman...she was trained well—no, superbly. I know power when I see it. As such, I'll forgive the vessel this once.

This generosity is truly unlike me, and it would normally leave a bad taste in my mouth. But now, at this very instant, I truly feel alive again! After all, I had to take control of the vessel's body so I can defeat The Hitwoman and assure my survival.

Taking control of your vessel's body for the first time is always a pain in the ass for both parties, as it requires more energy to operate and makes the vessel faint. The latter is of no concern to me, but at the moment, I'm delighted for it: since the vessel won't be looking, I'm free to lash out to my heart's content!

"...Did he pass out on his feet?" The Hitwoman spoke up out of the blue.

Hmm, I guess I've been deep in my thoughts for too long. Time to defeat this little girl.

"But what an ironic twist of fate." I sneered and opened my eyes to stare at the large lion and its tamer which occupied the entire street behind my opponent, then at the blond-haired tamer who kept her eyes closed to suppress her own powers. "To think that the first opponent I will face is the Ritual Beast tribe...how nostalgic, don't you think, Lara, Wen?"

The female youth on Ulti-Gaiapelio's back narrowed her eyes at me.

"Nostalgic?" the Duel Monster echoed in confusion. "What are you talking about? This is the first time we meet."

"What?" I frowned, but then realization hit me. "Ah, yes...you aren't the same Lara and Wen I once fought in the past...and on closer look, you two are indeed younger. Tsk, a shame; I would've loved to see your reaction at my glorious return."

"Your aura...is different." Lara's stare turned into a glare. "You aren't the same boy from before. I can feel it: your presence alone is a threat to the Human World!"

"I concur. It's hard for me to believe...this is the first time I'm glad my user was sent to eliminate someone." Wen said, and Lara nodded in agreement. She then placed a hand on her dolphin's back, who gave some low clicks in return. "We won't let you escape."

"Is that so?" they aren't the same people I know, but their tedious manner of speaking is the same.

"Your aura isn't human." Xolotl spoke up warily. "Who—no, what are you?"

"Is that how you're supposed to speak to your master?" I snarled. The nerve of this inferior god!

"...Pardon me." Xolotl apologized. Keh, whatever. He's useless to me anyway.

"Are you done talking to yourself?" The Hitwoman cut in. So she doesn't possess the ability to talk to Duel Spirits, huh? Not that it matters. "Battle! Ritual Beast Ulti-Gaiapelio attacks Mythorror God Xolotl! Chosen Guidance!"

"And pray tell, what makes you think that'll work?" my face split into a wide smile, confusing her. "Behold true power and strategy, arrogant fool! I activate Adaro's effect, discarding him from my hand so 'Mythorror' cards I control cannot be destroyed by your card effects this turn!"

"That effect at this timing?" The Hitwoman's eyebrows furrowed. "Whatever your plan is, it's too late for it to work! Torappu hatsudō: Ritual Beast Steeds! For every 'Ritual Beast' Monster I control, I destroy one of your Monsters. Your Xolotl is unaffected by my card effects, but your other Monsters aren't! I currently control three Ritual Beasts, therefore I destroy Ereshkigal and Seth!"

"Let's do it, everyone!" Lara shouted, followed by a nod of her beast, Wen, and Pettlephin. The two tamers raised their staffs and the dolphin its head where its blue gem was situated as they glowed with their natural colors, unleashing rays of light seconds later which were absorbed by Steeds.

"I activate Seth's effect in response!" I exclaimed. "During your turn, I can detach his two Overlay Units so that at the end of this Battle Phase, I can Special Summon from my Graveyard as many 'Mythorror' Monsters destroyed up to that point as possible, at pact I halve their Attack and Defense, and as a bonus, the revived servants cannot be destroyed by card effects this turn!"

"Finally, it's my turn!" Seth shouted excitedly as he crushed his two Overlay Units with his weapon. A notification then appeared to inform me Orthrus and Huldra were sent to the GY; as Overlay Units, Pendulum Monsters are sent to the GY, huh...?

"I won't let you! I activate Ulti-Gaiapelio's effect in response!" The Hitwoman rebuked. "During either player's turn, when a Spell or Trap Card, or a Monster Effect, is activated, I can banish one 'Ritual Beast' card from my hand to negate its activation and destroy it! Gaiastrion Roar—"

"YOU FELL FOR IT!" I shouted over her with a grin. "Kauntā Torappu ōpun: Courageous Argonautai!"

A card, which depicted a crew of determined Greek warriors with their fists raised in the air and standing in a circle, appeared.

"A Counter Trap...!?" The Hitwoman's eyes widened in shock.

"Yes! Since Counter Traps have a Spell Speed 3, only other Counter Traps can be activated in response to them, meaning Ulti-Gaiapelio's effect is useless in this situation! Courageous Argonautai is usable when a Spell or Trap Card, or Monster Effect, that would destroy a 'Mythorror' card I control is activated. I have to send the top card of my Deck to the Graveyard, and if it has the same card type as the activated card or effect, then I can negate it and destroy it! If not, then we both take 500 damage."

"To rely on luck for a second time...!" the foolish girl gritted her teeth.

"Frustrating, isn't it?" I chuckled, enjoying her expression. "The idea of turning this around in such a stupid manner must annoy you greatly, right?"

"So you're finally revealing your true colors, Defector...!" she spat.

"True colors?" I chuckled again. "No, you're wrong. There's but one role I will always play, and that's the role of Demiurge—in other words, me!"

Following those words, I yanked out the top card of my deck and showed it to her.

"Mythorror Nattmara." I stated, prompting her to gasp. "Monsutā Kādo!"

A spear-shaped beam erupted from my card, piercing Ulti-Gaiapelio in its head and causing it to explode, the flames engulfing Lara as well.

"Gaiapelio! Lara!" Wen exclaimed in horror.

"Damn you...!" The Hitwoman muttered. "But I still have the upper hand! Ritual Beast Steeds wasn't negated, which means its effect resolves before Adaro, destroying two of your gods!"

Two beams shot out of her card as well, hitting Ereshkigal and Seth and destroying them.

"Battle! Ritual Beast Tamer Wen attacks Xolotl!" she shouted.

"For my friends you've killed!" Wen opened her eyes at last in anger, unleashing a powerful wave of energy in my servant's direction.

"You really are no different from the upstart curs I battled in the Great War." I shook my head in exasperation. After my troops severely injured Ulti-Gaiapelio during our attack on the Naturia Sacred Tree, Wen let her emotions get the better of her and would've died if it wasn't for her stupid dolphin, who sacrificed itself to save its tamer! "In response to your attack, I activate the Trap Card Eden's Ruin, which destroys all other face-up cards I control!"

A lightning bolt shot down from the sky and enveloped my field, leaving it empty once the radiance died down.

"You willingly...killed your own comrades!?" Wen grimaced.

"Victory stands on the back of sacrifice." I told her. "The effect of Eden's Ruin ain't over yet! I can now draw one card for each 'Mythorror' card that was destroyed, in this case two!"

I gripped the top two cards of my deck while channeling divine energy into my hand, causing both cards to flash purple as they were exchanged with different cards, the first with a card of this deck that will guarantee my survival, while the second with a card from my own deck!

"My omnipotence will dye the future of this world in darkness," I chanted. "Even the cards I draw are proof of my eminence! Dark Draw! Then I also take 200 damage for each non-'Mythorror' card that was destroyed, in this case one!"

A lightning bolt hit me next, making me scoff in discomfort.

Demiurge: LP 2200 - 200 = 2000

"In that case—"

"Oho, I wasn't done talking!" I interrupted my opponent. "I activate the effects of the destroyed cards! If it's destroyed on the field and sent to the Graveyard, Syamantaka Jewel gifts me with 400 Life Points. Xolotl, on the other hand, lets me return the face-up Mythorror Baphomet from my Extra Deck to my hand upon destruction."

Demiurge: LP 2000 + 400 = 2400

"It doesn't matter! You've left yourself wide open!" The Hitwoman pointed out. "A replay occurs and Wen attacks you directly!"

"I pay half my Life Points in order to activate the Counter Trap Divine Mercy from my hand! This turn, all battle damage I would take involving direct attacks becomes 0! You can't touch me!"

Demiurge: LP 2400 / 2 = 1200

The Hitwoman gritted her teeth in frustration, "I...end my Battle Phase."

"Which means my servants return!" I gloated.

"Burn the strength of the true King of Egypt into your eyes! Return from Amduat!" Seth's voice echoed around us before a miniature tornado of sand appeared in front of me, from which Seth, Ereshkigal, and Xolotl emerged in defense mode.

(Xolotl: 2200→1100 ATK, 1300→650 DEF; Ereshkigal: 2700→1350 ATK, 1800→900 DEF; Seth: 2400→1200 ATK, 1000→500 DEF)

"Because I Special Summoned a god to my field, I can also activate Adaro's effect in my Graveyard and return him to my hand." I added with a chuckle.

"You aren't the only one who can do something! I banish Ritual Beast Tamer Wen and Spiritual Beast Pettlephin, and fuse them!" her Monsters turned into red and blue energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as she chanted and clasped her hands together. "Beast with mystical powers coursing through its veins. Gain the tamer's wisdom, and become a new power! Contact Fusion! Appear, Ritual Beast Ulti-Pettlephin!"

Swimming out of the portal was Pettlephin, now clad in more armor and with Wen on its back.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Pettlephin: Wind / Aqua / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 200→1200 / DEF: 2800→3800 / LV: 6

"Due to its effect, this Monster can't be destroyed by card effects," she explained. "I set three cards! Turn End!"

"Ore-sama no turn! Dark Draw!" I exclaimed after replacing my next draw with another card from my own deck. "I activate Adaro's effect from my hand once again!"

"I chain Steeds', Ulti-Pettlephin's effect, and Willpower's activation to it!" The Hitwoman declared. "Ulti-Pettlephin Tags Out for Winda and Apelio and I gain 800 Life Points thanks to Willpower's effect!"

Ulti-Pettlephin left the field in a shower of yellow particles, which then took the forms of Winda and Apelio, both in defense mode.

The Hitwoman: LP 5400 + 400 + 400 = 6200

"Steeds resolves! I currently control two Ritual Beasts, therefore I destroy Ereshkigal and Seth!"

"Again?" Ereshkigal huffed before she and Seth were struck by two beams fired from Steeds.

"Haha, of course you'll do that!" I laughed victoriously, confusing her. "You avoided Xolotl because he has an effect which activates on-destruction, but you just dug your own grave by leaving him on the field! And now that Adaro's effect resolved, your remaining Steeds- which you've definitely set- is useless this turn! You've just assured my victory, arrogant fool!"

"Quit the nonsense!" she burst out. "My Life Points are 6200 and my formation hasn't lost its vigor. Victory's mine! A Defector can't escape from Academia's—"

"I summon Mythorror Baphomet!" I shouted over her; I've had enough of her voice for today. The translucent-bodied Monster materialized before me with a flap of his wings. "This servant's effect activates on Normal Summon, letting me target Ereshkigal in my Graveyard and Special Summon her with her effects negated. Return to me!"

The said goddess emerged from a glowing pentagram that formed on the ground.

"I tune the Level 7 Ereshkigal with the Level 1 Baphomet!" I grinned wide as I added a new card to the Extra Deck from my collection. "My patient hunter lurking in the darkness. Feast on those who defy me, and gather their heads as trophies! Synchro Summon! Serve me, Level 8! Mythorror God Camazotz!"

A bright beam shot through the rings, from which my servant emerged with an ear-splitting screech. It was an extremely tall and macilent anthropomorphic bat having gray skin decorated with red tattoos, glowing blood-red pupils for eyes, four horns protruding from its head, large ears with one big, round, golden piercing in each of its lobes, three-toed feet with golden talons, hands with four long fingers each that ended in golden claws, and wings attached to its arms that gave it the power of flight. The god wore a black loincloth with human skulls strapped to its waist, a golden crown-like object with red and blue feathers on its head, and a pair of bracelets made of human bones around its wrists and ankles.

Mythorror God Camazotz: Dark / Fiend / Synchro / Effect / ATK: 2800 / DEF: 2100 / LV: 8

"What a beautiful evening..." it purred with a male voice. "Thank you for letting me hunt at a time like this, Demiurge-sama. I promise I won't disappoint you, my lord!"

Finally, somebody who recognizes their mighty Master!

"Then see to it." I admonished him. I then revealed the two cards in my hand. "I, using the Scale 1 Mythorror Gnostic Howard and the Scale 10 Mythorror Gnostic Sidonia, set the Pendulum Scales!"

I placed them on the ends of my energy blade, causing the word [PENDULUM] to flash between my cards and two pillars of blue light to appear on my left and right. The first pillar contained a young man with pale skin, neon green eyes, and messy, dark moss-green hair that reached his waist, possessing four, green-scaled tentacles protruding from his back, each with a large, black claw-like object on its tip, and wearing rimless, circular spectacles and a black hooded robe decorated with blue trims. The second pillar had a young woman in it, who had tan skin, orange eyes glowing with malice, shoulder-length brown hair, and flames enveloping her right hand, wearing a sleeveless, form-fitting, black jumpsuit that left the majority of her chest exposed and a black witch hat, both of which were decorated with red trims.

"I can now simultaneously Summon Monsters from Levels 2 to 9! Battalion of mythical creatures and gods! Obey my commands, and let my power become the supreme authority which repels the light! Pendulum Summon! Be reborn, Lindworm!"

A portal opened between my two pillars, and a single beam shot out of it before landing on my field.

"I activate Lindworm's effect!" I gestured at the said Monster. "If this servant was Special Summoned this turn, by using Monsters I control and Lindworm as materials, I can Fusion Summon a 'Mythorror' Fusion Monster!"

Xolotl and Lindworm turned into red and blue energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as I chanted.

"Canine deity of heavenly fire! Poison of the greedy one! Let your desires awaken the deity of eternal drought! Fusion Summon! Level 7! Mythorror God Balor!"

To emerge from the portal was an imposing Cyclops with a muscular build, maroon skin, black claws, pointed ears, a bald head, and an insectoid mouth, who kept his only eye closed in a similar fashion to Wen. He was clad in gray armor adorned with spikes and chains and held a spear in his right hand.

Mythorror God Balor: Dark / Fiend / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2600 / DEF: 2000 / LV: 7

"I've yearned for the day I'll fight by your side again, Demiurge-sama." Balor tightened the grip on his weapon. "With your orders, let us defeat this pathetic tribe for a second time!"

"We won't let you monsters hurt her!" Winda interjected as she and Apelio assumed a defensive stance in front of their user.

"Your opinion wasn't solicited." I remarked before preparing myself for another Dark Draw, this time replacing the top card with a more useful card of this deck. "Since I Special Summoned a god to my field while controlling Camazotz, I can activate his effect to draw a card! Dark Draw! I activate the Spell Card Complete Homonoia!"

A card, which depicted two shaking hands, one covered in gray fur and with black claws and the other covered in green and dark green scales, appeared.

"By targeting my two gods, Balor's Attack and half the difference between my Life Points and yours is added to Camazotz's Attack until the end of this turn!" I stated as my servants each gained a purple aura. "But this turn, Balor cannot declare an attack."

(Camazotz: 2800→7900 ATK)

"7900 Attack...?" The Hitwoman muttered in surprise.

"Then I activate Howard's Pendulum Effect, targeting Camazotz for it! Howard is Special Summoned to my field and the targeted Camazotz gains 500 Attack for this turn," I explained whilst my sorcerer joined the gods on the ground and Camazotz's ATK rose to 8400. "I activate Howard's Monster Effect, targeting Camazotz once again! This turn, only Camazotz can attack—and it can attack my opponent directly!"

"What did you say!?" The Hitwoman cried out in horror, a sentiment shared by her Monsters. "A direct attack w-with 8400 Attack Points!? Even if I use Ambush and Bond to gain Life Points—"

"You won't make it!" I finished for her. "This is how a god Duels! Battle! Mythorror God Camazotz, end her this instant! Death's Dive!"

"Understood, and thank you, Demiurge-sama!" Camazotz spread his wings and took off, flying past Winda and Apelio fast as lightning and stopping in front of my opponent. "Vanish from my lord's sight, human filth!"

The Hitwoman screamed in pain when he slashed her using his sharp claws, knocking her to the ground and ending the Duel in an OTK.

The Hitwoman: LP 6200 - 8400 = 0

Winner: Demiurge!

"D-Damn you...Defector...!" The Hitwoman growled before passing out. Seconds later, her Duel Disk's screen emitted a strong light that forced me to shield my eyes, and when it died down, she was gone.

"She was called back, huh?" I thought out loud. No matter; she only served as a warm-up, and the first of many Duelists I'll have to defeat before reigning supreme once more. I've done what I had to, namely saving the vessel from the foolish girl.

Now I can go back to gather energy for when I'll completely take over this body. I can feel a group of people coming this way, lead by a soul the vessel and I have already met before: Akaba Reiji, the wielder of those accursed Different Dimension Daemons. He shouldn't harm the vessel, but I'll watch from the inside just to be sure.

I sat down with a huff and crossed my legs, before letting go of my soon-to-be body...

Fan-made Cards:

Vince/Demiurge:

Folklore Fusion

Normal Spell

Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using "Mythorror" monsters from your hand, field, and/or Pendulum Zone (max. 1) as Fusion Materials. If this card is in your GY: You can banish it, then target 1 Level 4 or lower "Mythorror" monster in your GY or face-up in your Extra Deck; Special Summon it, but negate its effects. You can only use 1 "Folklore Fusion" effect per turn, and only once that turn.

Syamantaka Jewel

Equip Spell

Equip only to a "Mythorror" monster. The equipped monster is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. If this card on the field is destroyed by a card effect and is sent to the GY: You can gain 400 LP. You can only control 1 "Syamantaka Jewel".

[Trivia: the Syamantaka is a famous jewel in Hindu mythology, supposed to be blessed with magical powers.]

Card in Pandora's Box

Normal Spell

If your opponent controls more monsters than you do "Mythorror" monsters, and you have 3 or less cards in your hand (including this card): Draw until you have 5 cards in your hand. You can only activate 1 "Card in Pandora's Box" per turn. You cannot Summon during the turn you activate this card, except "Mythorror" monsters.

[Trivia: this card's name is a reference to the Pandora's box, the jar which Pandora, the first human woman created by Hephaestus on the instructions of Zeus, opened, releasing all the evils of humanity.]

Mythorror Adaro (Dark/Fiend/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 2000/LV: 2)

This card is also treated as a Fish monster while on the field. (Quick Effect): You can discard this card; "Mythorror" cards you control cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects this turn. If you Special Summon a "Mythorror God" monster (except during the Damage Step): You can add this card from your GY to your hand. You can only use each effect of "Mythorror Adaro" once per turn.

[Trivia: the Adaro are malevolent merman-like sea spirits found in the mythology of the Solomon Islands.]

Mythorror Baphomet (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Tuner/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 1/SC: 10)

Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon "Mythorror" monsters. This effect cannot be negated. Once per turn: You can target 1 "Mythorror" monster you control; the ATK of all other "Mythorror" monsters you currently control become equal to that target's ATK until the End Phase.

Monster Effect: This card is also treated as a Spellcaster monster while on the field. If this card is Normal Summoned: You can target 1 "Mythorror" monster with a Level in your GY or face-up in your Extra Deck; Special Summon it, but negate its effects. If this card is used as a material for the Synchro Summon of a "Mythorror" Synchro Monster: That monster is unaffected by your opponent's card effects until the end of this turn. You can only use each effect of "Mythorror Baphomet" once per turn.

[Trivia: Baphomet is a deity the Knights Templar were accused of worshipping and subsequently was incorporated into occult and mystical traditions. This card's concept was made by Coolfireblast.]

Amun-Ra's Splendor

Normal Spell

Special Summon 1 "Mythorror" Pendulum Monster from your hand or Pendulum Zone in Defense Position, then it gains the following effect.

- If this card is Tributed for the Tribute Summon, or used as material for the Summon, of a "Mythorror" monster: You can draw 1 card.

You can only activate 1 "Amun-Ra's Splendor" per turn.

[Trivia: in the Egyptian pantheon, Amun-Ra is a self-created, creator deity, the champion of the poor or troubled and central to personal piety, holding the position of King of Gods. This card's concept was made by UNHOLY LIGHT.]

Courageous Argonautai

Counter Trap

When a Spell/Trap Card, or monster effect, that would destroy a "Mythorror" card(s) you control is activated: Send the top card of your Deck to the GY, and if it has the same card type (Monster, Spell, or Trap) as the activated card/effect, negate the activation, and if you do, destroy it, if not, both players take 500 damage. You can only activate 1 "Courageous Argonautai" per turn.

[Trivia: this card's based on the Argonauts, a band of heroes in Greek mythology.]

Mythorror God Camazotz (Dark/Fiend/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2100/LV: 8)

(This card is also always treated as a WIND monster.)

1 DARK Tuner + 1 or more "Mythorror" non-Tuner monsters

You can target 1 other face-up card you control; destroy it, and if you do, this card can make up to 2 attacks on monsters each Battle Phase this turn. If a "Mythorror God" monster(s) is Special Summoned to your field while you controlled this face-up card: You can draw 1 card. If this card is destroyed: You can Special Summon 1 Level 5 or lower "Mythorror" monster face-up from your Extra Deck or GY and, this turn, it cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card. You can only use each effect of "Mythorror God Camazotz" once per turn.

[Trivia: in Maya mythology, Camazotz was a bat god, associated with night, death, and sacrifice. This card's outline was made by ringtaillemur0.]

Mythorror Gnostic Howard (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 7/SC: 1)

Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon "Mythorror" monsters. This effect cannot be negated. You can target 1 "Mythorror" monster you control; Special Summon this card in Attack Position, then that target gains 500 ATK until the End Phase. You can only use this effect of "Mythorror Gnostic Howard" once per turn.

Monster Effect: This card is also treated as a WATER monster while on the field. If your opponent only controls monsters in face-up and/or face-down Defense Position: You can target 1 "Mythorror" monster you control; only that target can attack this turn, and it can attack your opponent directly. You can only use this effect of "Mythorror Gnostic Howard" once per turn.

[Trivia: this card's a reference to Howard Phillips Lovecraft, an American writer of weird and horror fiction.]

Mythorror Gnostic Sidonia (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 1/SC: 10)

Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon "Mythorror" monsters. This effect cannot be negated. If you control a "Mythorror" monster: You can Special Summon this card in Attack Position, then gain 500 LP. You can only use this effect of "Mythorror Gnostic Sidonia" once per turn.

Monster Effect: This card is also treated as a FIRE monster while on the field. Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can, immediately after this effect resolves, Tribute, Fusion, Synchro, or Xyz Summon 1 "Mythorror" monster from your Extra Deck by using a monster(s) you control as material, including this card. You can only use this effect of "Mythorror Gnostic Sidonia" once per turn.

[Trivia: this card's a reference to Sidonia von Borcke, a Pomeranian noblewoman who was executed for witchcraft.]

Mythorror God Balor (Dark/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2600/DEF: 2000/LV: 7)

(This card is also always treated as a FIRE monster.)

1 "Mythorror God" monster + 1 "Mythorror" monster

Each time your opponent takes battle damage, you gain that much LP. While your opponent controls a monster, this card cannot be destroyed by card effects. All monsters destroyed by battle involving "Mythorror" monsters are banished. You can only control 1 "Mythorror God Balor".

[Trivia: in his book "The Myths of the Gods: Structures in Irish Mythology", Alan Ward interprets Balor as the god of drought and blight.]

Complete Homonoia

Normal Spell

Target 2 "Mythorror" monsters you control; until the End Phase, the second target gains ATK equal to the first target's ATK + half the difference between your LP and your opponent's, but the first target cannot attack this turn. You can only activate 1 "Complete Homonoia" per turn.

[Trivia: this card's a reference to Homonoia, a concept of order and unity that was used by the Greeks.]

The Hitwoman (Daphne):

Ritual Beast Survival

Normal Trap

When your "Ritual Beast" monster is attacked: Shuffle 1 "Ritual Beast" card from your Banish Zone into the Deck; negate that attack, and if you do, gain LP equal to the damage you would have taken from that battle. You can only activate 1 "Ritual Beast Survival" per turn.

[Trivia: in the Master Guide 5 storyline, the Ritual Beasts- along with other monsters- lent their strength to Stellarknight Triverr and Delteros to create a barrier in the shape of the Winter Hexagon to repel some Shaddolls. The event depicted on this card is when the Ritual Beasts hide behind this barrier after its deployment.]

Ritual Beast Gathering

Normal Spell

Banish 1 "Ritual Beast" card from your GY, then draw 1 card for each "Ritual Beast Ulti-" monster you control. You can only activate 1 "Ritual Beast Gathering" per turn.

[Trivia: the event depicted on this card is when the Ritual Beasts had gathered to protect the Naturia Sacred Tree, as stated in the Master Guide 5 storyline.]

Ritual Beast Willpower

Continuous Trap

If a banished "Ritual Beast" monster(s) is Special Summoned to your field: Gain 400 LP for each. When a face-up monster you control is targeted for an attack while you control a "Ritual Beast Ulti-" monster: You can send this card to the GY; end the Battle Phase.

[Trivia: similarly to Ritual Beast Ambush, the event depicted on this card is when Ulti-Apelio battled Yazi, Evil of the Yang Zing above the Naturia Sacred Tree, as stated in the Master Guide 5 storyline.]

Phew, finally done! XD

I guess you guys can see why I finished this chapter later than expected. On Demiurge's last turn, my only thought was "Daphne, pleeeeease, just die!" but she wouldn't listen, hence why I had to resort to an overkill. But this is the first and last time I give Daphne such a good opening hand! (Not to mention, Vince didn't have the best of opening hands and his deck's still at its starting stage, which means it paled before its opponent's.)

The new section before the Duel kinda speaks for itself, like the last chapter I felt it was a must to add. For those who're new to the story, The Hitwoman, aka Daphne, is a serious and level headed Academia soldier like Serena, who from what you can see is pretty powerful (especially now that I know how to actually use Ritual Beasts).

Vince was able to escape with Demiurge's help, 'the voice' from Chapter 1. He was a joy to write this time around, which I think is obvious from his dialogue. He has a history with Ritual Beasts and D/D/Ds that will be discovered as the story progresses, and he possesses the Dark Draw ability last used in ZEXAL by Dark Zexal, albeit a little different.

A thank you to Erik who helped me with the Duel, Daphne's (new) design, the Gnostic archetype, and Dark Draw's chant.

Reviews really make my day and it's a great way to communicate with you readers, and maybe find out errors I can avoid making. Please review, and with that said, here's the chapter's last scene!

A single card appeared on the screen before turning around, revealing a blank card. It suddenly glowed, and Demiurge and Balor and Camazotz's cards emerged from it.

"Demiurge-sama!" Camazotz shouted excitedly from his card, floating beside his lord. "I must thank you once more for letting me deal the finishing blow on that foolish girl! It's a shame I couldn't steal her head and add it to my prized collection, but I'll wait for my next opportunity!"

"That patience is why I bother keeping you in my ranks, Camazotz." Demiurge folded his arms. "You've performed well today, my soldiers. I expect nothing less in our next battle."

"Of course, Demiurge-sama." Camazotz replied.

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's time for Secret of the Chapter, Demiurge-sama." Balor floated closer to his user.

"Humans can find anything entertaining nowadays." Demiurge looked at yours truly with a stern expression. "Pay close attention, human! You have the chance to hear something incredibly valuable. Here's the secret: I have a battle theme, and that is Demiurge Exodus from Persona 5 Scramble!"

"Thank you for sharing this piece of information with us too, Demiurge-sama." Balor told. "From now on, we can read your battles with a piece of amazing music playing in the background!"

The screen faded into black, followed by the words [To Be Continued...].