We knew it was coming, but it was a good fight nonetheless. I like how you get into the fighters' heads as they weigh their options, it does a great job showing off the strategy of the fights that you've created. I'm starting to wonder how many people in the shop are starting to ask why these people are taking a literal card game so damn seriously. I know they have their reasons, of course, it's just a funny thought to me.

Oh you have no idea how much I squealed inside when I saw you had updated. Just as I was heading to bed too hahaha! And I can definitely say this wait did NOT disappoint!

Like the previous chapters with repeating fights, I too reread the original version for the sake of comparison. And well one thing that is a HUGE change for me is who I found myself rooting for: Back in the original, I was rooting for Samuel all the way especially when he came off as the more rationale one whereas Agatha's grudge felt petty seeing as her motive back then was refusing to let Samuel "take" Gabriel's place amongst the shop. Here though, I actually found myself rooting for AGATHA instead and kept hoping the outcome would be different even though part of me also knew Samuel couldn't lose this early into the story. One thing I like that you changed with Agatha in this reboot is the complete change in dynamics between her past with Gabriel, which also translates to her changed dynamics with Samuel. This time around: It actually does feel like she wanted to beat Samuel, and reach regionals for her own sake or to prove to Gabriel that she has what it takes. Even if Samuel did not intend for it (more on him in a bit...), you can really see how much his attitude gets under her skin especially when you had her picturing Gabriel and his Dragonic Overlord every now and then.

All in all, while it is a shame Agatha lost: I am excited to see where you will take her moving forward into this reboot, especially when you've said chapters ago how she has a bigger agency of her own this time around which may affect the story as a whole.

Now for Samuel: (whistles) Ho boy...if I had any doubt that reboot Samuel's character is heading a completely different route compared to the original Samuel, this chapter crushed those doubts just as hard as Samuel crushed well...virtually everyone he cardfights lol. Like honestly, during his and Agatha's fight; there were moments where I legitimately found myself distraught if not even disgusted at his attitude (even though I know he's not a complete jerk) which further goes as to why I found myself rooting for Agatha to prove him wrong instead compared to the original. I will give him that some of the things he says IS sound, like him indirectly calling out everyone for having blatant worries they'll be paired with him during the bracket and resigning to themselves they'll lose to him hence his indirect praise to Agatha of continuing to remain defiant even after she lost to him. And hey at the end of chapter, he seems to lightened up a bit albeit still remaining neutrally aloof so all's well that end's well...at least for the time being lol.

Additionally, perhaps it's me outgrowing the "dark and brooding characters who brood for the sake of it" compared to my younger years, but Samuel's frequent "you wouldn't understand" response does not buy it for me with how he treats everyone around him and I presume the same goes for the characters in-universe. Don't get me wrong though, I am sure Samuel has his reasons for what made him like this and I am sure his perspective will be explored at a later time in the story which is what I am also interested in to seeing later down the line. So yeah all in all, if this my eeriness towards Samuel was your intention, then it sure damn succeeded: As Reboot Samuel really does feel like a whole, new, beast compared to the original. Like seriously, how is someone like Leah related to this guy?! (though I bet that's what everyone in-universe asks themselves lol).

That said, do NOT get the wrong idea here so I apologize if I sounded like I was on a Samuel-bashing spree...when it was far from it (though I do apologize for possibly over-"villainizing" him unintentionally). Samuel was still my favorite character from the original continuity (albeit that's mainly due to his preferred decks because I'm a diehard Shadow Paladin main in anything Vanguard lol) and he's still a favorite/interesting character now perhaps moreso. I'm HEAVILY interested in seeing where you will take him later down the line and seeing how similar/different it will be from the original. All I can say/speculate now is: I guess this may (hopefully lol) mean Robert bonds and confides with a different Wilson sibling this time around hehehe! XD.

Lastly the official assembly of Team Avalon in which I say: Freaking finally! While the scene was a small thing, them being official via the team picture really got me pumped for the future and what entails: From seeing how similar/different Robert, Samuel and Agatha's stories will go, to "officially" finalizing Leah's bump to main character status and what her own possible story will entail. And like I said above, it was also sweet that Agatha put aside her inner demons to not ruin it for Robert and Leah and it's also sweet of Samuel being an actual team player based on what he said after the fight and his interactions leading to this team picture hehehe!

Excited now for next chapter and perhaps the chapter after it to see the intermissions before regionals. One thing I am curious in seeing the big difference is well considering in the original fic this was where Leah debuted, I'm most interested in seeing her side of things and if it may be separate from Samuel's despite them living together. All in all, an intense way to end this shop tournament mini-arc as you set the stage for what is to come :)

P.S. Pff! Oh real mature audience spectators, geez get your minds off the gutter! (You know what I'm referring to XD)

While 15000 shield works, 10000 would've been more than enough to block Blaster Rapier's attack. Also, i was half expecting Samuel to bring out the Crit happy Gust Blaster Dragon since Agatha's damage was low. But great fight dude.

First things off, I appreciated you showing the flashback of Robert and Alice overhearing their mothers arguing (namely on Robert's side this time) and what said argument was about in full detail while also fully clearing up their relationship with one another (also was Alice's mother unnamed/had a different name in the original? Feels like this is the first time I saw her identified as "Lucy"). Even back in the original fic, I did not know what to make out Martha and Lucy's (I feel like these names are a reference to something lol) relationship as I did not know if they were was any bad blood between them or something. So nice of your to firmly establish where Lucy stands regarding Martha's situation and that arguments aside, they DO love each other and that Lucy refuses to abandon Martha (granted that was probably also clear back in the original but I digress lol).

Their parents (aka Robert and Alice's grandparents) though: Yikes...that explains then that detail from Chapter 6 when Alice remembers noticing how Martha and Robert are practically excluded from their grandparents family photos. As for "that man" (Robert's biological father): I wonder if this reboot will actually show the guy in person seeing as I don't believe he even made an appearance there but who knows what may happen here lol.

Now for Robert and Leah's fight: Yeah...while I get this chapter was Robert-centric, due to personal bias consider me a bit bummed that Leah lost again (especially when her only major on-screen win so far in this fic was against Ruth) even though even as early as the first turns and from the flashbacks of their sparring games I had a hunch it was going to be Robert's win. Plus it does feel like almost a copy/paste from when he fought Charles for third back in the original fic and to an extent his and Leah's game (albeit context was different then due to Leah's smaller role back there)...so yeah that's one con I have there on this chapter.

At the very least it seems (and I hope so!) it's a huge freaking relief that you aren't going for making the fourth an alternate/backup as Robert and others worried about meaning hopefully Leah DOES get to shine on her own right later on to make up from this loss, especially when my comments about her resolve (or lack of one, aside from just playing for fun even if that angle can be approached further) and personal agency in the story (that's not just her in a supporting role) compared to the other three still stand and will probably continue to stand especially later during regionals. That being said hearing Leah's "Are you kidding me?" reaction to hearing she might have just ended up the alternative after telling Robert there's nothing on the line earlier DID get a small chuckle out of me, granted that was only after Agatha assured her they wouldn't do that hahaha! But yeah nice of you to rotate amongst the four so that there is equal amounts of victories and more varied matchups.

Another thing I noticed (granted that may just be my shipping goggles at work here, as hey after all: These two WERE a couple in the original continuity) and perhaps a possible early sign of changed dynamics is Robert acknowledging which of the Wilson siblings he's been getting along and interacting with more, especially with how you have him hanging around with Leah and Alice a lot more than in the original where he hung around with Samuel more/Samuel being more open with him (It almost feels like the reverse of Kai in the anime: Aloof and distant from Aichi and co. in the original, more openly friendly and supportive in the manga/V Series). Yeah just because one guy decided to buy you booster packs and motivate you this one time, doesn't really make for a compelling friendship when said guy mostly keeps to himself majority of the time that even his sister gets irritated by him lol.

I said it last review, but I do like you fleshing out these relationships and dynamics more amongst your characters whether it's Robert/Leah/Alice or Agatha/Richard/Ruth/Oliver to server as break from all the cardfighting which captures the feel on the anime itself and I'm hoping that continues later on even amidst regionals. And if Robert and Leah DO actually end up an item again in this continuity: Perhaps this could be a you building it up in a more natural pace by having them being very close friends and such (I mean there ARE both rookies, and yes I am hoping for that angle to be tackled upon later come regionals) before possibly being something more. Or they could just say very close friends the way Agatha and Richard are, who knows? (Shrug)

On another side note, I noticed that slip of the tongue there when Agatha said how certain PEOPLE abide by the alternative rule. Yeah no guess who she's talking about it there...especially considering what HE did to her and Richard (Yes I might as well play along with treating Gabriel like he's Voldemort or something lol).

Next chapter is going to be interesting and in all honesty probably the one I've been hyping about the most since this shop tournament arc started even though the outcome won't be any different. Probably because due to certain adaptation changes, the dynamic is this fight is a heck lot more different from the original namely on Agatha's end in how she sees Samuel (which is relating to how she now sees "You-Know-Who"). Plus as you mentioned, these two are probably more aloof and have more emotional turmoil within then compared to the original so after the friendly feeling from the Robert and Leah match, seeing these two "edgelords" go at it will be a treat XD.

That's it for this chapter. I apologize if I came off a bit of a downer at one point of the review (even if the outcome wouldn't have meant anything). I also apologize for this longer than usual review even if half of it is just me rambling about what-ifs or taking small details at heart regarding Robert, Leah, etc. lol. Here is hoping Chapter 10 comes along soon so that the this reboot can kick off the to the spice of it hehehe!

I'm glad to see Robert get another W after that loss last chapter. I really do prefer Leah to Charles - not just in character and interpersonal chemistry, but because I feel that her deck is more focused with a solid ace; Charles always felt like he didn't have much of one, at least to me. I think I remember him using Apollyon, which is less of an impressive boss monster. I think we all know how next fight ends, but I'm excited to see what it brings out in everybody.

The cold feeling both of them have is intense, and they both know each other's cards really well. Good luck to both of them

Ouch, those were two tough losses for Robert and Leah. This story in general feels a lot more solemn than the original, with characters having more interpersonal conflict and keeping their backgrounds and feelings closer to their chests. I don't dislike it, though; I think it makes everyone feel more compelling, and I'm curious to see more differences unfolding compared to how everything shaped up in the original.

Not gonna lie, i was rooting for Robert to beat Agatha here, but great chapter as always

Oh you have NO idea how much I waited since I first found this fic for an update. I was really hoping for this fic not to be another Midnight Sun/Setting Sun, especially when you sound like you have a LOT of exciting ideas ahead and have already planned for such (Yeah I apologize from bringing those two fics up).

Regarding the Robert/Agatha fight: Much like the Robert/Alice one in the previous chapter, I reread the original version to compare the two and besides the obvious change in terms of cards I noticed that this version has a heck lot more in-between talking, with Agatha lecturing Robert how he and Leah have a long way to go, while also pointing out what resolve they have. Even if Agatha is by no means a cold person, there was still that air of awkwardness going on especially when she's the only veteran from the shop to be on the team again. And on that note, you're really nailing it when it comes to Agatha's early character compared to the original who for all intents and purposes just had Gabriel as her sole motivation. However with the change in their relationship: While Gabriel IS still likely a major motivator on Agatha's end (especially when she sternly said her "To prove I could" line), the context is entirely different as it does also her own agenda thrown into the mix as well. It's this reason why I said before that unlike Blue Hour where Robert was clearly the protagonist, this time around it feels more like an ensemble as both Agatha and Samuel have their own personal conflicts that drive them along with Robert. Leah on the other hand...doesn't have something like this yet but I will get to that in a bit.

I also liked how both fights emphasized the newbie nature both Robert and Leah have which proved to be their downfalls: Robert by not being able to read the game that Agatha did (especially when she brought up damage denial), and Leah feeling overconfident her "anti-Shadow Paladin retire" unit in Promise Daughter was enough to beat her brother only to be thrown off when Samuel makes her waste cards to protect Promise Daughter before going for the kill. As much as it stung to see both of them lose (Leah moreso, even if Samuel was obviously going to win): I understood this was little glimpse they needed of what they would be facing come the regional scene which leaves more room for both of them to improve.

That being said, considering now there's two rookies in Team Avalon as opposed to just one in the original, I now wonder if this means both Robert and Leah will have their respective moments where they're put through a quote-on quote "trial by fire" and whether or not Team Avalon will actually have an alternate or not. Robert I guess in terms of his skill and Leah I guess with her resolve (as I mentioned above) because like Agatha said: What will happen when her "for fun" mentality gets put to the test in the wake of the grueling competition? Sounds like a potential character arc for Leah to have for her own right there hehehe. All the more I'm waiting to see what happens when regionals finally starts.

Cannot wait for next chapter, where the fight between the lovebirds from the original continuity ensures (yeah I just HAD to bring it up just this once lol, speaking of which I got to wonder if you're still going that direction with them here not...). Considering this fight is well entirely original as opposed to the Robert vs. Charles fight: I'm actually clueless as to how this will turn out if it will just be the exact same thing with the only difference being that Leah is just as much of a rookie as Robert (and is actually friends with him) or if the content will be entirely new since well...Leah being in the team is a major change from the original. There is also whether or not Robert will win this time around as it can be anyone's game (though personally I'm rooting for Leah lol).

P.S. On a side note: I do like how as opposed to the original (granted even the original had this), it seems like the different members of Team Avalon (save for Samuel for obvious reasons) have their own circle of friends: I mean there is Agatha of course with Richard, Oliver and Ruth and then there is Robert with Leah and Alice (with Seth being there as well, albeit mainly for Leah). The Robert/Leah/Alice one is especially nice as it serves as a nice expansion from the original fic.

And now I have finally caught up with this fic lol.

I actually reread the Robert vs. Alice fight from the original version, just to compare them side by side and I have to say: This version does a much better job emphasizing Robert and Alice's bond with how both of them think back to their younger years, which also shows the struggles Robert and his mother went through. Then to a lesser extent you have Alice recalling how she first met Leah which I guess you can consider as a (minor) overhaul to their relationship as in the original fic: They didn't really meet until they started being the cheering squad for their respective family members come regionals whereas here, Alice was Leah's first new friend after she and Samuel transferred.

I cannot say much about Alice's deck, aside from feeling bad she has to go with scraps seeing as Gabriel's the main Kagero user to the point she rides a non-Force G3 as her ace. Though with Gabriel being more Overlord-oriented, here's me having some small hope that if/when Alice fights again and/or has a larger role, she uses the other Kagero Force G3 cards unless another prominent Kagero player enters the scene. Maybe she could use Dragonic Blademaster or something? Just a thought lol.

Eeyup I so called Leah being the fourth team member over Charles, which I like a lot seeing as well...I like Leah lol. This is DEFINITELY going to make later scenes at the regionals a lot more interesting as Leah's dynamics will be different and she's actually close to Samuel, Robert and Agatha unlike with Charles. Consider me hyped for that.

Cannot wait to see how Robert vs. Agatha differentiates here compared to the original. As for the Wilson sibling fight: It's going to be amusing how their fight goes due to the "advantage" both have. While plot dictates Samuel is obviously going to win, in theory Leah should have something over him with how Promise Daughter screws over Shadows' "opponent chooses"-based retire skills and how they amass Protect Gifts to guard Phantom Blaster Dragon (oh how I remember those days lol). But seeing as Samuel is well...Samuel, I'm sure that alone won't stop him lol.

Consider me now (im)patiently waiting for next chapter to come out XD.

Well like I said in my past reviews: One of the things I am excited in seeing (and I'm sure the same goes for anyone else whose read the original) is the major changes to the characters/story this time around, especially since you've said yourself you've refined your writing since then so it will certainly be nice to see what you have in store here. Plus seeing majority of the familiar faces I liked/disliked and whether they're the same/different is always one of the fun parts of remakes/reboots lol.

And again if my previous reviews were any indication: One major change in this reboot I am really loving is Leah being bumped up to main character status right from the get-go with her interacting a lot more and earlier with the others, even being the fourth protagonist over Charles. I always did like her bump in role back in the original continuity when she created Team Excalibur with Alice, Richard and Oliver and was pretty bummed you never got to showcase more of that due to Midnight Sun's cancellation (along with Leah being used as a Sacrificial Lamb to showcase Melanie's power). So here's hoping you do some interesting things with her character/story-wise in this reboot, especially when part of me gets the feeling she's going to be part of Team Avalon this time around.

Then there is also what you said about Samuel and Agatha having more personal aspects that will drive further internal conflict down the road in tandem with their character arcs, hence why I said in the review last chapter that Robert doesn't feel like the "only" protagonist this time around and instead I'm looking at an ensemble cast this time around. That combined with Leah's enhanced role makes sense as to why you didn't feel Charles was needed anymore (assuming he even shows up/has a role in the story at all).

Robert vs. Daniel was nothing much to talk about, besides being a nod to the original barring card changes and stuff. Same goes for Agatha vs. Isaac (though I don't remember if they fought at all during the shop tourney) with the latter rocking Machinings like back then.

I don't remember if Kenneth was in the original (seeing as Narukami wasn't a thing in Blue Hour unless he used a different clan) but for the sake of this review, I'll treat him like a new character.

Anyhow this chapter was another nice one, being that I main Shadow Paladins in virtually anything Vanguard-related (Standard, Premium, Vanguard ZERO): I'm biased that I like seeing Samuel do his thing especially when I keep seeing my early Standard Shadows at work here lol.

Kenneth proved to be quite a handful here, especially when everyone (especially Agatha) felt like he was just trying to emulate Gabriel with his Vermillion, his ride chants, everything. Oh and speaking of the Gabriel subject: Holy damn did things get intense between him and Agatha. While I partially agree with Desgarroth in feeling like he's being shoved into everyone's business despite not even appearing in person (compared to the original fic where he was mainly just Agatha's issue contrast to here where she and Richard have haahrd feelings on him), at the same I do disagree with the feeling he's "taking away" from Robert's story seeing as well...I feel like this isn't just Robert's story anymore.

Heck I do not know if it is just me or it you intended it to be the case in this reboot, but as I just said: It seems like Robert isn't the's the "only" protagonist this time, as Samuel and Agatha clearly have their own agendas and inner turmoils that's likely to set up their character arcs in this continuity, with Leah possibly following suit (at least I'm hoping for her having her own agency in her own right, again personal bias lol). While I did say back in Chapter 1 that it seems like Samuel (and to an extent Leah with how much more prominent her appearance and dynamics with others are) is the actual protagonist this time around, perhaps it's more fitting to say you have an ensemble cast this time around: Robert, Samuel, Agatha and Leah being the "main protagonists" but everyone else around them are also just as relevant in their own manner (like Alice). I don't know, I'm just blabbering at this point as perhaps this is too early to assume anything yet.

Anyhow, on to next chapter!

Huh I guess Oliver's a Kamen Rider fan then? Yeah those shout-outs had me chuckling, on top of Oliver having a more quirky and geeky personality than in the original and in Setting Sun (at least that I remember). Speaking of Setting Sun: Like I said last chapter, the fight between him and Seth really did feel like a call back to how Oliver was his and Sophia's upperclassmen, and I liked how that is carried over in what looks to be their dynamic for this continuity. Him shifting to Dark Irregulars was a bit unexpected, as I partly expected him to still run some "Sacrifice-less" Shadow Paladin deck, perhaps featuring the Dark Dictator or something (especially as Samuel doesn't seem to run him as off this chapter) but considering V Series' more condensed card pool; I suppose this was for the better so as to now make him feel "Samuel-lite" or something.

And then there's Seth is running his usual Neo Nectars. Aside from part of me expecting him to use Sephirot (as a reference to his Setting Sun self) especially when I saw Ratoon as his starter: Nothing much to say on him save for the reasoning behind his deck choice regarding the G0 Plant Tokens.

Eeyup it really does feel like Leah has officially "replaced" Sophia as Seth's first friend, makes me wonder now if this will just be a rehash of Seth and Sophia's dynamic in Setting Sun or if you'll go for something different since Leah is well...Leah lol.

Seems like the shop tournament to determine the regional team is still a thing here, wonder what will be the same/different about it.

And now we move on to to the last of the Imaginary Gift mirror matches with Agatha and Richard lol. As expected: Agatha is still rocking Pale Moon, though like Leah is lacking the VR in Golden Beast Tamer as her deck seems more Workeroid-based than anything (maybe she'll run that other Nightmare Doll G3 lol). If anything: Besides Samuel for obvious reasons, I like how you're not automatically giving Robert, Leah and Agatha the VRs right away, as that way: It makes their fights feel more intense and leaves more room for them to strengthen their decks/cardfighting skills in the future. Unless I'm overassuming things here hahaha.

Richard is well Richard with his Tachikazes lol. On that note: I can't help but laugh my ass off at him getting anxiety over meeting Ruth's parents, poor dude XD. Additionally there's his and Agatha's close friendship which I can't help but get enough off, I do love me some sweet and platonic relationships hehehe!

When I said I wanted to see more changes, the major change I saw here is definitely a good start: From Agatha's distrust towards Samuel turning from worrying he's trying to take Gabriel's "place" in the shop to WORRYING he's just as bad as Gabriel. And speaking OF Gabriel: Damn talk about a major overhaul in how Agatha sees him from almost being lovestruck to her (and also Richard) being outright traumatized at the memory of him that his name isn't even used. Then you have the other related details such as her hand twitching repeatedly, and even what looks to be her lonely home life. Agatha wasn't really a noteworthy favorite of mine in the original (though in no ways did I actually hate her, far from it) but I did still like her arc so now I'm excited to see what direction you go with her.

And finally: Well I certainly didn't expect Seth to just show up this early or at all, especially with Robert still being around (still a shame about Setting Sun though). And it seems like he's not friends with Sophia this time around as I remember from Setting Sun: They met as children and he seems to be in his teens at the present. And speaking of Sophia: Ohoho I see what you did there with that scene with Leah confronting those bullies over Seth's bag, it's practically a play by play of what Sophia did in Seth's flashback which now makes me wonder if this means Leah has essentially "taken' Sophia's spot in in this dynamic unless Sophia is still part of Seth's background. Also is the "Nick" the same Nick who was obsessed with Jerk!Luke back in Fallen Sun? If so, then wow talk about your reboot easter eggs. It now makes me wonder about Luke and the rest of Team Bright Dawn but that's for another review or even in a PM.

On to next chapter then, and I'm already getting Setting Sun flashbacks lol.

P.S. Much liked Midnight Sun, I would like to see what your outline for Setting Sun's story could have turned out especially regarding the weird stuff you foreshadowed for Seth.

P.S.S. If you don't mind my slight fanboying: I kind off want to PM you as well some of my possible guesses regarding the characters from the original fic and what their decks/clans could be this time around hehehe!

And the nostalgia train continues lol. I got to say: It sure is nice seeing Leah back in action and this early into the reboot compared to the original story. I so called her using Oracle Think Tank again as I too imagined her using these back when the reboot in Vanguard started and I must say: Seeing the Victorious Deer combo gave me flashbacks to the early days of the reboot where OTT was meta, oh how much has changed since then lol. Granted I was expecting her to also bust out Imperial Daughter at the end but I guess that can happen later on when/if she upgrades her deck.

Character-wise: I also like you fleshing her more as a character compared to the original where despite having a somewhat increased role in Midnight Sun, she was still just nothing more than "Samuel's sister" or "Robert's crush/girlfriend" especially when Melanie targeted her to get to Samuel. Hopefully you continue fleshing her character out on her own right, especially when it's looking like she's more of a main character than in the originals. I get this chapter isn't enough to fully say this yet, but as someone who liked Leah from the originals; I'm liking what you have atm.

I'll be honest that I thought Ruth was a new character solely for this reboot, until I saw her using Granblue and realized: Wait a minute, she was that one-off character Samuel beat in one of the breather chapters of the original. Damn talk about a major role upgrade hehehe. As someone who plays Granblue myself irl, I sure won't mind if you feature her again sometime in the future lol.