Duel 42: The Rematch from the Rebellion

Hiroto was in the warehouse, waiting for a certain someone as Kazuto floated besides him. The Scar Lion user turned to the Synchro-Xyz user, who had his arms folded with his Duel Disk Pad attached to his left wrist.

"You sure you want to do this? I mean, I know you have a good reason on wanting to do this, but..." Kazuto started to say until Hiroto reminded him of what he really wanted.

"I know what I'm doing. This is probably the only way to prove whether I'm really ready to take on Academia or not. Your brother was a good Duelist, and so was Akaba Reiji... But those two alone doesn't seem to prove well." Hiroto explained seriously.

"So... you're dragging him into your situation? We've won plenty of duels, including against your friends. Isn't that enough to prove that you're ready to take on those Fusion users?" Kazuto asked seriously.

The Synchro-Xyz Duelist remained silent for a second before he made his answer to the Scar Lion user, almost immediately.

"Even if I did want to reconsider this option, I don't think I'll have the chance. He's here now." Hiroto said, before he pointed out to who was coming into the warehouse, causing Kazuto to turn and widen his eyes in recognition.

"Yuto..." Kazuto breathed out as the Phantom Knights user came in with the usual calm and cool expression he wore on his face.

"This place is... To think you'd challenge me here, Hiroto..." Yuto said as he looked around, recognizing the place on where he first met the Synchro-Xyz user.

"Where else would you think I wanted to Duel you in? My Duel School is off the list since my friends would realize you're the one that looks like my friend, Yuya. And out in the open doesn't sound safe, either." Hiroto said with a smile.

"That's true enough..." Yuto said simply, before his lips turned into a small smile as he revealed his Resistance Duel Disk. The two Duelists got ready as they were ready to let their cards do the talk and actions.

"Here I come, Hiroto!" Yuto called out.

"Bring it, Yuto!" Hiroto shouted back as the Duel began.

"DUEL!"

Hiroto LP 4000 x5

VS

Yuto LP 4000 x5

TURN 01

"I just know it... This was the right decision to make when I defeated Sawatari yesterday to help Reira..." Hiroto thought as he remembered yesterday night. It was the time when he returned home after Reiji had taken Reira back from him.

Flashback

"I can't believe I was nearly cornered by that hundredth rate Duelist... Did he improve his dueling skills ever since he lost to Yuto before LDS invaded You Show?" Hiroto groaned as he fell on his bed, exhausted with what took place earlier in the afternoon.

"Tell me about it... Your obnoxious opponent talked big, but he was able to back it up. You were even forced to summon out your new Xyz Monster to take him down... So he must've improved on his dueling at those times..." Kazuto reminded, causing Hiroto to sigh.

"This just proves that I'm hardly ready to take on a force like Academia..." Hiroto grumbled to himself before he sat up, thinking of what he needed to do to prepare for the upcoming battle that could come to the Standard Dimension.

As Hiroto thought of something, an idea came to his mind as he sighed, before he explained.

"Maybe... I could challenge Yuto to a duel..." Hiroto suggested, catching the Scar Lion user by surprise.

"Yuto!? Didn't you beat him in a duel once?" Kazuto asked, as he was surprised with the sudden suggestion Hiroto had come up with.

The Synchro-Xyz Duelist placed his Deck on his desk before he scattered the cards around, as he began to try and remake his Deck so they would be in good shape for another duel, in case if it were to be a strong opponent.

"That was your Deck. I want to test my Deck against Yuto. Since he saw me using my Deck against your brother, I'm sure he'll be wanting to take me on and see what my Deck is really made of when he faces against them for himself." Hiroto explained seriously.

"But Yuto is a formidable opponent! You can't expect him to just let you win, don't you...?" Kazuto asked, as he watched Hiroto continue to remake his Deck, while not answering his question.

"You're really willing to do this, don't you? No matter what I say, you won't change your mind about this..." Kazuto asked dryly, which Hiroto ignored as he continued on constructing his Deck to make sure he would be able to be good enough to face the Phantom Knights Duelist tomorrow.

Flashback End

"The first move is mine! My turn!" Hiroto called as he took a look at his hand before he began his turn.

"I set Scale 3 Dark End Chidori Beast (2500/1500) and Scale 5 Light End Cheer Elf (1300/1500) to set the Pendulum Scale! With this, I can Summon multiple LV 4 monsters simultaneously!" Hiroto called out as the two Scales were set to begin the summon.

Yuto watched carefully as Hiroto performed a Pendulum Summon.

"Swing, Pendulum of the Twilight! Guide us into the light and darkness, where our path to victory is revealed! Pendulum Summon! Appear, my monsters!" Hiroto called out as the portal opened to show two monsters appearing out to join their master.

"LV 4! Twilight End Lancer (1800/1000)! And LV 4! Twilight End Raptor (1400/1600)!" Hiroto called as the two Twilight End monsters took their place on the field, as the Phantom Knights Duelist noticed the similarities of the two monsters presented to him.

"Two LV 4 monsters... Is he going for it?" Yuto breathed out as the Synchro-Xyz Duelist continued on.

"Twilight End Lancer's effect! Once per turn, I can add a Twilight End Monster from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand! I add... Twilight End Guardna (0000/2200)!" Hiroto explained as he revealed a card he received from his Deck.

"I Overlay Twilight End Lancer and Raptor to build the Overlay Network!" Hiroto exclaimed as the Overlay Network revealed itself, allowing the two monsters to merge to reveal a new monster to take their place!

"Soar through the twilight sky! Embrace the light and darkness given to you and stand up against that stands against you! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 4! Twilight End Star Falcon (1500/1500)!" Hiroto chanted as he brought the falcon that defeated Sawatari yesterday.

Yuto eyed the monster carefully, before he realized that he couldn't recognize the monster that was presented to him just now.

"This is... Hiroto's new Xyz Monster?" Yuto spoke as the Synchro-Xyz Duelist reached the point to end his first turn.

"I set one card facedown! With this, I end my turn!" Hiroto explained as he set a set card to pass the turn to Yuto next.

TURN 02

Yuto LP 4000 x6

"My turn! Draw!"

Adding a card to his hand, the Phantom Knights user focused his eyes on the new Xyz Monster for a moment before he made his move.

"I summon The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak (0800/1000)!" Yuto called out as the ragged gloves of the Phantom Knights appeared, before the Phantom Knights user brought out an ally for the gloves to use and wear.

"Since I control a LV 3 or lower Phantom Knights monster on the field, I can also Special Summon The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots (0200/1200) to the field!" Yuto explained as the boots appeared to side with the gloves.

The Synchro-Xyz Duelist just watched with no words to say. He knew what was coming to him as he remained quiet.

"Now, I Overlay Ragged Gloves and Silent Boots!" Yuto called out as the two Phantom Knights monsters merged together in the Overlay Network.

"Souls of fallen warriors on the battlefield, revive now and become the light to rend the darkness! Xyz Summon! Rank 3! The Phantom Knights of Break Sword (2000/1000)!" Yuto chanted as the Xyz Monster confronted Star Falcon, who got ready to fight back.

"Battle! I attack Star Falcon with Break Sword!" Yuto called out as the Xyz Monster charged to slash apart the falcon, only for Hiroto to counter with the set card he saved on the last turn.

"I activate my Trap! Impenetrable Attack! With this, Star Falcon can't be destroyed by battle this turn!" Hiroto called as the Trap created a barrier to defend Star Falcon, only for the impact from Break Sword's sword to knock Hiroto a little back.

"Even if Star Falcon can't be destroyed, you still take damage!" Yuto reminded as a shockwave caused Hiroto to frown with the little damage he's taken right now.

Hiroto LP 3500 x1

"I set three cards facedown and end my turn!" Yuto said as three facedown cards appeared in front of him, ready to spring onto the Synchro-Xyz Duelist when he needed to.

TURN 03

Hiroto LP 3500 x2

"That was a little rough, but I'll turn this around! My turn!" Hiroto grunted as he drew before he gestured to his Star Falcon.

"Star Falcon's effect activates! Once per turn, by using one Overlay Unit, I can banish one card on the field! I banish Break Sword!" Hiroto exclaimed as he gestured to the Dark Xyz Monster, causing Yuto to blink before he countered.

"As if I'll let you! Continuous Trap, Phantom Knight's Fog Blade, activate!" Yuto called out as a fog-like sword covered Star Falcon, causing it to cry out in surprise. The Synchro-Xyz Duelist widened his eyes as the Phantom Knights user explained the effect of the Trap.

"As long as this card is on the field, Twilight End Star Falcon cannot activate its effect or even attack! However, in addition to this... I won't be able to attack Star Falcon." Yuto explained, causing the Synchro-Xyz Duelist to narrow his eyes.

"This is bad... I remember what Break Sword can do... By using an Overlay Unit, Break Sword can destroy one of the cards on Yuto's side of the field, which would also allow him to destroy one of mine..." Hiroto thought before he finished his turn.

"I end my turn..." Hiroto said grimly, allowing Yuto to make his move.

TURN 04

Yuto LP 4000 x2

"My turn! Draw!"

Yuto drew his card before he began his move by turning to Break Sword.

"Break Sword's effect activates! By using one Overlay Unit, I can destroy one card on my side of the field to destroy one of yours!" Yuto exclaimed, causing the Synchro-Xyz Duelist to take a step back.

(The Phantom Knights of Break Sword OU: 2 to 1)

"I knew he would try to destroy Star Falcon! But which card is he gonna destroy on his side...?" Hiroto thought as the Phantom Knights user declared the two cards that will be sent to the Graveyard.

"I choose to destroy... my own Break Sword itself and Star Falcon!" Yuto declared.

"What...!? Your own monster!?" Hiroto exclaimed as the two Xyz Monsters exploded, causing both sides to cover themselves before the Phantom Knights user explained for the reason of his own monster's destruction.

"But at this moment, Break Sword's effect activates! When this monster is destroyed, the Xyz Materials that were used to Xyz Summon it return to the field, with their LVs becoming 4!" Yuto explained, as Ancient Cloak and Silent Boots took Break Sword's place.

(The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak LV 3 to 4)

(The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots LV 3 to 4)

"Two LV 4 monsters... That can only mean...!" Hiroto grunted as he realized the Dragon that was about to come to his way.

"I Overlay Ancient Cloak with Silent Boots!" Yuto called out as his two monsters merged together in the Overlay Network.

"Fangs of pitch-black darkness... Rise up against the foolish oppression! Descend now! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 4! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon (2500/2000)!" Yuto chanted as his ace monster took the field, roaring at being sent out to battle.

Hiroto narrowed his eyes as he took a step back as the Phantom Knights user pointed directly at him!

"Battle! I attack you directly with Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon! Revolt of the Lightning, Disobey!" Yuto yelled as his ace monster charged to strike at the Synchro-Xyz user, forcing Hiroto to brace himself as he was smashed into the air by the direct attack!

"GAH!" Hiroto gasped as he fell onto the ground at feeling the attack knock him down. He coughed as he slowly sat up, feeling the damage he had taken just now from the attack.

Hiroto LP 1000 x2

"With this, I end my turn." Yuto stated plainly before he passed the turn to the Synchro-Xyz Duelist.

TURN 05

Hiroto LP 1000 x3

Hiroto struggled to stand as he placed his fingers on the top of his Deck, ready to draw in order to counter Yuto and his ace monster.

"That was... ugh... a hard blow. My turn! Draw!" Hiroto grunted as he drew his card. As he drew, he narrowed his eyes before he began his turn.

"I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed! With this, I draw two more cards from my Deck!" Hiroto explained as he drew his cards with the Spell Card's help. The Phantom Knights user watched carefully as the duel went on without any more problems.

"Next, I activate the Continuous Spell: The Start to the Light End! With this Spell's effect, I discard the Light End Wyvern (1800/1200) that was in my hand!" Hiroto declared as he activated a Spell that was all too familiar to him.

"Once that's done, I can draw a card! And if that card is a Light End monster, I can Special Summon it, but its effects are negated and it won't be able to attack! The first card... Draw!" Hiroto exclaimed as he drew his first card.

At seeing the card, the Synchro-Xyz Duelist smirked before he revealed it.

"The first card I drew was Light End Change Lizard (1000/1500)! With the Continuous Spell's effect, I Special Summon it to the field!" Hiroto called out as the lizard-like Tuner Monster crawled onto the field after being called out.

Yuto narrowed his eyes before he watched Hiroto continue on.

"Since I Special Summoned a Light End monster this way, I can draw again!" Hiroto called as he drew his next card.

"The second card is... Light End Wild Lion (1600/1200)! Come out! Wild Lion!" Hiroto exclaimed as the lion-like monster roared as it stood besides Change Lizard. At noticing the two monsters being out, the Phantom Knights user narrowed his eyes again.

"This formation... Could it be...?" Yuto started to ask before Hiroto continued with his draw.

"The third card is... a Spell Card." Hiroto called out as he revealed Card of Sanctity to the Xyz user, who recognized the card.

"Card of Sanctity... It's a card that can aid both players with replenishing their hands. Is he about to use it?" Yuto thought as he questioned of the next move the Synchro-Xyz user was going to play before Hiroto continued on.

"Now, I tune Wild Lion with Change Lizard!" Hiroto called out as the Change Lizard became three rings to surround the lion of light as a familiar Synchro Monster was about to take place to aid Hiroto in his fight.

"Guide us into the light! With your ancient powers of light, eliminate all those who oppose you! Synchro Summon! Come forth! LV 7! Ancient Sacred Wyvern (2100/2000)!" Hiroto chanted as his Synchro Monster descended down to face Yuto.

"That monster... What was the point of bringing it out now? Look at yourself! Your LP are only 1000 while my LP are 4000, making the difference 3000! Your Wyvern's ATK changes depending on the difference between our LP! Since my LP are higher than yours, Ancient Sacred Wyvern loses ATK instead of gaining them!" Yuto pointed out.

As he spoke, the Synchro Monster roared as the ATK power was drained from itself due to how weak the master has become against his opponent.

(Ancient Sacred Wyvern ATK: 2100 to 0)

"Ancient Sacred Wyvern's ATK was...!" Kazuto blurted out in shock as the Synchro-Xyz Duelist continued on, unfazed with how weak his monster had become.

"Now I activate Card of Sanctity! With this card's effect, we both draw until we have six cards in our hands!" Hiroto called out, as the Spell was activated. It allowed both Duelists to replenish their hands before Hiroto continued on.

"Alright! With this, it's set! With the two Scales set, I Pendulum Summon! Appear, my monsters!" Hiroto called as the portal opened up to reveal two new monsters joining in on the fun.

"LV 4! Light End Shield (0000/2000)! And LV 4! Twilight End Galaxy Wing (1400/1200) (PS: 9)!" Hiroto called out as the two monsters appeared onto the field before another Synchro Summon occurred.

"That shield is a Tuner Monster... Is he going for it?" Yuto asked himself as he watched to see himself correct.

"I tune LV 4 Galaxy Wing with Light End Shield!" Hiroto exclaimed as the shield became four rings to surround the monster with wings as a new monster appeared, revealing herself as one of Hiroto's ace monster.

"Synchro Summon! Appear now! Light End Dragon (2600/2100)!" Hiroto called out as the dragon of light appeared to fight alongside with Wyvern. Remaining unfazed, the Phantom Knights user got ready as the real duel began.

"Battle! Light End Dragon, attack Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon! Light End Strike Burst!" Hiroto yelled, ordering the dragon of light to attack hard. Light End gathered energy of light before she used them to blast at the Xyz Dragon as Hiroto continued on.

"And at this moment, Light End's effect activates! By reducing her ATK and DEF by 500, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon loses 1500 ATK!" Hiroto explained, alerting the Phantom Knights user of what was happening to his ace monster.

(Light End Dragon ATK: 2600 to 2100 / DEF: 2100 to 1600)

(Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK: 2500 to 1000)

"Continuous Trap, activate! Phantom Knight's Wing! It negates Dark Rebellion's destruction while allowing it to gain 500 ATK!" Yuto called as the Trap countered the attack from Light End as the Trap defended the Xyz Dragon from being destroyed.

(Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK: 1000 to 1500)

Yuto LP 3400 x6

The Phantom Knights user winced at the small hit he's taken right now as the Synchro-Xyz Duelist clicked his tongue before he finished his turn.

"I wasn't able to do much... I set two cards facedown and end my turn! At this moment, Light End Dragon's effect ends, returning Dark Rebellion's ATK to normal!" Hiroto explained as the Xyz Dragon regained his power.

(Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK: 1500 to 3000)

TURN 06

Yuto LP 3400 x7

"My turn! Draw!" Yuto called out as he drew his next card before making a good play to keep the advantage to himself so the Synchro-Xyz Duelist wouldn't be able to counter.

"I set two cards facedown..." The two set cards were set next to the already set card before Yuto continued on.

"Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon's effect activates! By using both Overlay Units, Light End Dragon's ATK is cut in half twice and Dark Rebellion gains those ATK! Treason Discharge!" Yuto explained as the Xyz Dragon did its work by stealing energy from Light End!

"AUGH! This feeling... I'm losing... more of my... power!" Light End shrieked as she was severely weakened by the energy drain, much to Hiroto's dismay.

"Light End!?" Hiroto exclaimed as he turned to see his opponent gain more power.

(Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon OU: 2 to 0)

(Light End Dragon ATK: 2100 to 1050 to 525)

(Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK: 3000 to 4050 to 4575)

"4575 ATK...!" Hiroto breathed out as the Phantom Knights user was ready to make the finishing move.

"Battle! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, attack Light End Dragon! Revolt of the Lightning, Disobey!" Yuto yelled as his Dragon charged before aiming to maul Light End Dragon down! Hiroto widened his eyes as the attack made contact, which knocked him back!

"AH!" Hiroto yelled as he was covered by the smoke, preventing Yuto from seeing if the attack was a success or not.

"Did it hit...?" Yuto asked himself until he blinked, feeling something amiss. As he watched closely, the dust cleared to show... Light End Dragon still alive despite of little power and Hiroto still standing!

Hiroto LP 5575 x2

"What!? How did you raise your LP so much!? Unless..." Yuto started to exclaim in disbelief until he noticed one of the set cards that his opponent had played just now as he recognized the card that saved Hiroto from defeat.

"Draining Shield... A Trap that not only negates attacks but also allow you to gain LP equal to the attacking monster's ATK..." Yuto grunted, causing Hiroto to nod as the Xyz Dragon flew back in frustration, frustrated to see that its attack had failed.

"Heh... Well, I guess it wouldn't be interesting if this duel ended already. I end my turn. At this moment, Dark Rebellion's effect ends, returning both its and Light End Dragon's ATK returns to normal." Yuto declared as the stolen power was returned to the Synchro Monster.

(Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK: 4575 to 3000)

(Light End Dragon ATK: 525 to 2100)

TURN 07

Hiroto LP 5575 x3

"My turn! Draw!" Hiroto called as he drew his card. Glancing at it, he placed it into his hand as Light End spoke to the Synchro-Xyz Duelist.

"At this rate, we're going to be knocked out... Even with the tremendous amount of LP you gained from that Trap Card, we're still at a disadvantage. Do you think you can counter this situation, Hiroto?" Light End asked, causing Hiroto to narrow his eyes.

"Let me ask you something, Light End... Was there ever a situation when I lost due to a tight situation? There's always an opening in a tight situation. I just have to find it and break through the situation I got myself in." Hiroto spoke, causing Light End to tense.

"Yes... That's true..." Light End admitted as Hiroto began his turn.

"I activate the Spell Card, Star Changer! It changes Ancient Sacred Wyvern's LV from 7 to 8!" Hiroto called out as the LV on the Synchro Monster was raised by one!

(Ancient Sacred Wyvern LV 7 to 8)

"Two LV 8 monsters... Is it coming?" Yuto grunted as Hiroto continued on.

"I Overlay LV 8 Light End Dragon with LV 8 Ancient Sacred Wyvern to build the Overlay Network!" Hiroto called out as the two monsters merged together to form an even stronger monster.

"Surrounded by light and darkness, mixed within the void! Embody yourself with this power of twilight, and serve as my faithful servant! Xyz Summon! Descend now! Rank 8! Twilight End Xyz Dragon (3000/2500)!" chanted Hiroto as his Xyz Monster appeared to face Dark Rebellion.

"That dragon... That was one of the dragons that gave Shun so much trouble... If I remember correctly, it has the ability to gain ATK equal to one of its opponents' monsters. Dark Rebellion has 3000 ATK... If he takes that effect to use it on him, then..." Yuto thought as he got ready.

"When Twilight End is Xyz Summoned using Synchro Monsters, he gains 500 ATK for every Synchro Monster used! Both Ancient Sacred Wyvern and Light End Dragon were Synchro Monsters, so Twilight End gains 1000 ATK!" Hiroto explained.

(Twilight End Xyz Dragon ATK: 3000 to 4000)

"4000 ATK..." Yuto breathed out before the real fun had begun with Twilight End's power.

"Twilight End Xyz Dragon's effect activates! By using one Overlay Unit, Twilight End gains ATK equal to Dark Rebellion's ATK! Twilight Charge!" Hiroto called as the Dragon roared, absorbing some of Dark Rebellion's ATK as its own.

(Twilight End Xyz Dragon OU: 2 to 1)

(Twilight End Xyz Dragon ATK: 4000 to 3500 to 6500)

"I use the remaining Overlay Unit of Twilight End! Twilight Charge!" Hiroto called out, causing the Xyz Dragon to absorb more of Dark Rebellion's power.

(Twilight End Xyz Dragon OU: 1 to 0)

(Twilight End Xyz Dragon ATK: 6500 to 6000 to 9000)

"9000 ATK!?" Yuto exclaimed in shock as Hiroto was ready to end the battle in one hit.

"Battle! Twilight End Xyz Dragon, attack Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon! Twilight Destruction Strike!" Hiroto yelled as his Xyz Dragon roared, before blasting its energy to where Dark Rebellion was! But Yuto had other plans instead of losing this already.

"Double Trap, activate! The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace!" Yuto yelled as his two Trap Cards revealed themselves, with two Trap Monsters appearing on the field.

"When these two Traps are activated, they can be Special Summoned as two Effect Monsters while lowering Twilight End's ATK by 600! Since there's two, that makes it 1200!" Yuto explained, as the two Trap Monsters made Twilight End a little weaker.

(Twilight End Xyz Dragon ATK: 9000 to 7800)

"Even if you did lower Twilight End's ATK, it's still not enough to save you from losing!" Hiroto pointed out until the Phantom Knights user had another option he could use right now to prevent his loss.

"That's why I activate my third Trap! The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnet Ring! By sending the second Silent Boots from my hand to the Graveyard, Twilight End Xyz Dragon's attack is negated, and this Trap is Special Summoned as a Trap Monster!" Yuto called out.

The new Phantom Knights Trap Monster appeared to block the Twilight Destruction Strike attack, causing the Synchro-Xyz Duelist to bite his lips in frustration before he continued his turn.

"I set one card facedown and end my turn. At this moment, Twilight End Xyz Dragon's effect ends, returning his ATK to normal." Hiroto grunted as his Dragon's power returned to normal, despite of it being weakened due to Yuto's Double Traps.

(Twilight End Xyz Dragon ATK: 7800 to 1800)

TURN 08

Yuto LP 3400 x5

"My turn!" Yuto called out as he drew. He stared at the field and checked the conditions of how the duel was going at the moment.

"Hiroto has 5575 LP, along with his Xyz Monster, with two set cards. I on the other hand have 3400 LP, with Dark Rebellion and my three Trap Monsters. With the way things are, I'm currently ahead. But there's no telling what Hiroto can do right now..." Yuto thought as he began his move.

"I Overlay my two LV 2 Lost Vambrace!" Yuto called out as his two Trap Monsters merged together in the Overlay Network, causing Hiroto to brace himself as he realized on what was about to come.

"Ten thousand warriors entombed forever in darkness! Pierce with the cursed spear of rebellion! Descend now! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 2! The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin (1600/0000)!" chanted Yuto as the cursed knight appeared.

"That monster...!" Hiroto recognized the new Xyz Monster as he braced himself for its effect.

"Cursed Javelin's effect activates! By using one Overlay Unit, it negates Twilight End Xyz Dragon's effect while reducing its ATK to 0!" Yuto exclaimed as the Cursed Javelin did its work to completely drain all of the Dragon's power!

Twilight End roared as it lost its ability to fly and fight as it fell on the ground, completely weakened by the effect.

"Twilight End!" Hiroto exclaimed in shock.

(The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin OU: 2 to 1)

(Twilight End Xyz Dragon ATK: 1600 to 0)

"Battle! I attack Twilight End Xyz Dragon with Cursed Javelin!" Yuto called out as the knight began to pierce its spear to where Twilight End was! But the Synchro-Xyz Duelist wasn't going to let Yuto destroy his dragon just yet.

"I won't let you! Trap, activate! Impenetrable Attack! With this Trap, I prevent my Dragon from being destroyed by battle this turn!" Hiroto declared as a small barrier defended Twilight End, only for the force of the attack to knock Hiroto back.

"Even if Twilight End isn't destroyed, you still take damage!" Yuto reminded as the force knocked Hiroto back a little.

Hiroto LP 3975 x1

"Next, is this! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, attack Twilight End Xyz Dragon! Revolt of Lightning, Disobey!" Yuto yelled as his ace monster smashed Twilight End away, while causing the Synchro-Xyz Duelist to tumble back from the huge damage!

"GAH!" Hiroto screamed as he tumbled on the ground, before slowly recovering from the heavy blow he had taken.

Hiroto LP 975 x1

"I set two cards facedown and end my turn." Yuto called as two set cards appeared in front of him before he faced his opponent once more. Judging by the looks of it, the Synchro-Xyz Duelist struggled to keep standing as he took his turn.

TURN 09

Hiroto LP 975 x2

"T-That was... brutal. My turn! Draw!" Hiroto called as he drew before he began to evolve his Xyz Monster.

"Here goes nothing... From my hand, I activate the Spell Card: Rank-Up-Magic: Twilight Force!" Hiroto called out, causing the Phantom Knights user to recognize the Spell Card as he got ready for what's about to come.

"By paying half of my LP, I can use this card and Twilight End Xyz Dragon to Xyz Summon an Xyz Monster that's one Rank higher!" Hiroto called out as his LP decreased more before the Spell and Twilight End merged together to create an even stronger monster!

Hiroto LP 487 x1

Yuto watched closely as he knew that the monster who defeated Shun was coming to face him this time.

"Dragon born from the majestic twilight... Evolve through your trials and become the strongest at dawn! Rank Up: Xyz Change! Come forth! Rank 9! Dawn End Xyz Dragon (4000/2500)!" Hiroto chanted as the new Dragon appeared to face Yuto and his monsters.

"This monster... It's the same one that defeated Shun..." Yuto breathed out before he turned to his Cursed Javelin.

"But that doesn't change anything! Cursed Javelin's effect activates! By using the remaining Overlay Unit, Cursed Javelin curses your monster for it to lose its ATK and negate Dawn End's effect!" Yuto called out, allowing the cursed knight to try and shock Dawn End down.

(The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin OU: 1 to 0)

"As if I'll let you! Dawn End's monster effect activates! By using one Overlay Unit, I draw a card! If that card is a Monster Card, then I discard it to the Graveyard and take damage equal to that monster's ATK! However, should it be a Spell or Trap Card, Cursed Javelin's effect will be negated and the drawn card's effect will be activated!" Hiroto explained.

Yuto remained calm as he watched his opponent slowly draw his card. The two Duelists took a moment to wait and see what the Synchro-Xyz Duelist had drawn before he looked at it and smiled.

"The card I drew... was the Spell Card: Smile World!" Hiroto declared. As Hiroto had drawn a Spell Card, the curse from the knight's javelin was cancelled out, before it was replaced by colorful faces and smiles!

The field was crowded with the same cheerful atmosphere as when the card is played as Yuto looked around to see... both Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon and Cursed Javelin looking quite bright and cheerful, much to his surprise. Even the Trap Monster was quite happy with this, too.

Dawn End was looking quite positive as well as Hiroto smiled, having the confident expression on his face, believing that he would fare well despite the LP disadvantage he had against the Phantom Knights user.

"This is... This is how Shun lost when a miracle was done." Yuto breathed out before he turned back to where Hiroto stood, as the Synchro-Xyz Duelist explained the effects of the Spell Card.

"Due to Smile World's effect, for every monster on the field, those monsters gain 100 ATK! There's four monsters on the field, so all of them gain 400 ATK!" Hiroto explained, as the Spell's effect made things more bright for all the monsters.

(Dawn End Xyz Dragon ATK: 4000 to 4400)

(Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK: 3000 to 3400)

(The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin ATK: 1600 to 2000)

(The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnet Ring ATK: 0 to 400)

"Battle! I attack the Wrong Magnet Ring with Dawn End Xyz Dragon! This is it, Yuto!" Hiroto declared as he pointed to where the Rank 2 Phantom Knights monster stood. Yuto widened his eyes as he got ready to counter the incoming attack.

"It's not over yet! Reverse Card, open! Phantom Knight's Sword! With this, my Trap Monster gains 800 ATK! Then, by destroying the Continuous Trap, the destruction is negated!" Yuto called out as the sword protected the Xyz Monster from being destroyed.

"Even if Wrong Magnet Ring can't be destroyed, you still take damage!" Hiroto reminded, as the force from the attack caused the Phantom Knights user to skid back as he winced a little in pain from the heavy damage he had taken just now.

"Ngh!"

Yuto LP 200 x3

"I only damaged him severely... nothing more." Hiroto thought before he finished his turn.

"There's nothing else I can do... I end my turn. At this moment, Smile World's effect ends, returning all of our monsters' ATK to normal." Hiroto called out as the colorful smiles and faces disappeared to let the duel continue on its own pace.

(Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK: 3400 to 3000)

(Dawn End Xyz Dragon ATK: 4400 to 4000)

(The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin ATK: 2000 to 1600)

(The Phantom Knights of Wrong Magnet Ring ATK: 400 to 0)

"But even if it didn't work, on the next turn... I should be able to wrap this duel up considering the LP Yuto has remaining left! I need to survive this one turn!" Hiroto thought as he was ready to take whatever's about to come to him.

TURN 10

Yuto LP 200 x4

"Here goes! My turn!" Yuto grunted as he drew. As he drew his card, he widened his eyes before he turned his eyes back to where the Synchro-Xyz Duelist stood.

"It's time that I showed you that Dark Rebellion has more power to show you... From my hand, I activate Rank-Up-Magic: The Phantom Knight's Launch!" Yuto declared as he revealed his own Rank-Up-Magic Card, catching Hiroto by surprise.

"Yuto can use Rank Up, too!?" Hiroto exclaimed as Kazuto watched in awe to see the summoning begin.

"Using this card and Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon as materials, I can Xyz Summon an Xyz Monster that's one Rank higher!" Yuto declared as a dark aura surrounded the Xyz Dragon to bring forth a new creature to overpower Dawn End.

"From the depths of purgatory... Sing the song of rebellion dedicated to the restless souls! Let it echo for all eternity and appear! Rank Up: Xyz Change! Come forth! Rank 5! Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon (3000/2500)!" Yuto chanted as Dark Rebellion's evolved form descended next to where he stood.

"This is... Dark Rebellion's new form!?" Hiroto breathed out in disbelief as Yuto was ready to end this duel with one more attack.

"Prepare yourself! From my hand, I activate the Spell Card, The Phantom Knights of Cursed Possession!" Yuto called as a new Spell Card revealed itself to target Dawn End Xyz Dragon.

"By targeting Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon and paying half of my LP, I can force an Xyz Monster to lose their Rank and gain LV equal to my Dragon's Rank! Dark Requiem is Rank 5, which forces Dawn End Xyz Dragon to become LV 5!" Yuto declared.

Yuto LP 100 x3

"What did you say!?" Hiroto exclaimed as the Spell sent a dark mist to surround Dawn End, who roared in anger and pain from the change it had to go through by losing its Rank and gaining Levels instead.

"I won't let you! Dawn End's effect activates! By using its remaining Overlay Unit, not only does it negate your Spell Card's effect... it also protects itself from any battle, or Spell and Trap Card effects! Furthermore, it gains 300 ATK!" Hiroto declared as he attempted to make a counter.

(Dawn End Xyz Dragon OU: 1 to 0)

"Trap Card, open! Fiendish Chain! Not only does it prevent your monster from being able to battle, it negates Dawn End's effect as well!" Yuto declared as chains binds the Xyz Dragon to prevent its powers from activating.

"He even negated the effect of Dawn End..." Hiroto watched in disbelief as the Spell began to make its work done as the Rank changed into a Level.

(Dawn End Xyz Dragon Rank 9 to LV 5)

"Dawn End's Rank was...!?" Hiroto exclaimed as Yuto turned to his Xyz Monster.

"Next, I activate Dark Requiem's effect! By using one Overlay Unit, it makes a LV 5 or higher monster's ATK to 0! And once that occurs, Dark Requiem gains the ATK that it stole from Dawn End! Requiem Salvation!" Yuto declared.

(Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon OU: 2 to 1)

Dark chains trapped Dawn End as the Rank 5 Xyz Monster absorbed all of Dawn End's power to gain it for its own!

(Dawn End Xyz Dragon ATK: 4000 to 0)

(Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon ATK: 3000 to 7000)

"7000 ATK..." Hiroto grunted as Kazuto gulped in fear.

"Is this it...?" Kazuto asked, only to get no response from the Synchro-Xyz Duelist. All Hiroto had in his hand was Twilight End Guardna, which could prevent his Dragon from being destroyed... but it wouldn't save him from taking damage this turn.

"There's... nothing I can do..." Hiroto breathed out, sweat dripping from his forehead as he clenched his fists. Kazuto widened his eyes at his Standard Counterpart before the final Battle Phase began.

"Battle! I attack Dawn End Xyz Dragon with Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon!" Yuto declared as his evolved Xyz Monster rose in the air before it spread its wings. Energy flew into them along on its jaw, as it was ready to deliver the final blow!

"This is the end! Requiescent Disaster Disobey!" Yuto yelled as Dark Requiem dove down to defeat the dragon of dawn. The two Counterparts only watched as everything seemed to go slow.

The attack struck Dawn End, causing it to be destroyed, while blasting the Synchro-Xyz Duelist away as he had his eyes widened in both shock and disbelief.

"I... lost..." Hiroto breathed out as he tumbled onto the ground, defeated by his Xyz Dimension comrade.

Hiroto LP 0 x1

WIN: Yuto

With the duel over, the monsters on Yuto's side disappeared as the Phantom Knights user walked over to where his defeated Standard comrade was, who lied on the floor on his defeat, with little scratches and marks on his body from the damage he had taken during the duel.

"I lost... Heh... I guess... we're even? I mean, despite of using Kazuto's Deck, I did beat you..." Hiroto chuckled, only to get a raised eyebrow from the Phantom Knights user before he gave a small smile back in agreement.

"Yeah... We're even. I guess the next time we duel, it determines on which of us is the true better Duelist than the other." Yuto agreed as he offered a hand for the Synchro-Xyz user to take, which Hiroto accepted as he was brought up to his feet.

"Well... What did you think about the Duel?" Hiroto asked sheepishly, while the Phantom Knights user raised an eyebrow again before he sighed, before making a small chuckle.

"I'd say... you're more than good enough to take on Academia... But still, there are still rooms left for improvement on your dueling and strategy." Yuto stated bluntly, causing Hiroto to sweat drop before he scratched the back of his head.

"I... see..." was all the Synchro-Xyz Duelist could say as he thought he heard something snickering at him from behind.

"He's got that right! You still have a long way to go if you want to become the best!" Kazuto snickered, only to get a sharp glare from his Standard Counterpart.

"You're one to talk since you don't always win your duels, either..." Hiroto grumbled with his eyes twitching. Noticing this, the Phantom Knights user watched in amusement as he knew that Kazuto was speaking to the Synchro-Xyz Duelist.

Then, clearing his throat, he caught the Synchro-Xyz Duelist's attention before he spoke.

"Anyways... I learned that you were entering that tournament, right? The Maiami Championships?" Yuto asked, earning a nod from the Synchro-Xyz Duelist.

"Right... You're not going to enter, Yuto?" Hiroto asked, only to get a shaking head from the Xyz user.

"I can't... If I participate, then there will be suspicions about me and Shun being the culprits of LDS' Duelists' disappearance. Besides, I'm sure you'll do fine without me around." Yuto assured, causing Hiroto to blink before he gave a small shrug.

"If that's what you say..." Hiroto grunted before he noticed Yuto starting to take his leave.

"Where are you going to go?" Hiroto asked, causing the Phantom Knights user to stop for a moment before he responded back with a complicated answer.

"Continue with my work... I still have to know whether this dimension would be alright with Academia or not, considering that the Fusion Dimension had declared a dimensional war on the Xyz Dimension." Yuto stated as he continued to make his leave.

Soon, the Phantom Knights user was out of sight, leaving Hiroto with his Xyz Counterpart's spirit.

"As always, Yuto is going off on his own... I wonder how nii-san is doing?" Kazuto asked, causing Hiroto to shrug before he began to make his leave out of the warehouse.

"Don't know... But if I know your brother, then he can handle himself pretty fine." Hiroto assured, causing the Scar Lion user to blink before he agreed slowly, understanding what his Standard Counterpart meant.

"I guess you're right..." Kazuto agreed as the Synchro-Xyz Duelist began to make his way back home. In a few days would be when the Maiami Championships start. And that... would be the time when the real duels would begin.

To be continued...

DM Stats:

Wins/Losses: 15/2

Next duel:

VOL. 2:

Duel 01: Enter the Arc League Championships!

Duel 02: Riley VS Allie! The Aqua Field!

Duel 03: The Brutal Dueling Path

Duel 04: Gem VS Melody! A Fusion Battle!

Duel 05: Gong VS Grizzlepike! A Hard Match!

Next chapter preview:

Skip: Alright, kids! Buckle up your seatbelts! Because we're headed for the Arc League Championships!

Zuzu: Hold on, Dad! Where's Yuya!? He said he would meet us inside, didn't he?

Sora: It couldn't be that he "ran away", like his Dad did once, right?

Tate: No way! Yuya is not the kind of person to run away, especially since he made it this far!

Hiro: Tate's right... I'm sure Yuya will come. He's not the kind of person to back down from a challenge like this.

Zuzu: I hope you're right, Hiro... Yuya, I hope you can make it right now... We need you for this!

OC Cards:

The Phantom Knights of Cursed Possession / Spell: Normal: Target one Xyz Monster on your side of the field and another Xyz Monster on your opponent's side of the field. Pay half of your Life Points to change the opponent's Xyz Monster's Rank to a Level that is equal to your Xyz Monster's Rank.