Several hours had passed since the champions of Cray arrived in the Standard Dimension, and the night air over Maiami City carried the weight of coming battles. The streets glowed softly under the city's neon lights as Ryuki, Ruri, and Rin made their way back to their apartment. The trio walked in comfortable silence, the events of the day replaying in their minds.
Ryuki's thoughts lingered on Barret. After handing over the Tachikaze deck—a symbol of Barret's chance at redemption—Ryuki felt a quiet satisfaction. He hoped that the former enforcer of Academia would walk his new path with pride.
Reiji had stayed behind at LDS, overseeing the accommodations for Aichi, Emi, and the other champions of Cray. Before Ryuki left, Reiji requested his presence at a crucial meeting the next day regarding the stipulations for the next round of the Maiami Championship. Ryuki agreed without hesitation. He knew that with the stakes higher than ever, he had to be part of the decisions shaping the tournament's future.
As Ryuki, Ruri, and Rin exited the LDS building, the rest of their allies had already dispersed to the lodgings Reiji provided. Emi lingered, catching Ryuki before he could leave. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she bid him goodnight. Then, on impulse—or perhaps something long held in her heart—she leaned in and kissed him softly on the cheek.
The moment froze. Ryuki blinked in surprise, while Rin and Ruri exchanged a glance, both feeling an unexpected twinge of annoyance at the gesture. Something stirred within them, a protectiveness—or perhaps something deeper.
The trio continued down the street, the kiss unspoken but not forgotten.
Finally, Rin broke the silence, her curiosity getting the better of her. "So... Ryuki. Emi, huh? What's the story there?"
Ryuki gave a small, resigned chuckle. "Emi's one of the few girls I'm close to, besides my mom. She's been like a steady companion during my time on Earth. Always supportive, always kind."
Ruri tilted her head, intrigued. "How did you two meet?"
Ryuki's gaze softened as he recalled the memory. "It was during a family vacation to Japan. My rival, Kai, introduced me to his former team—Team Q4. That's when I met Emi."
Both girls blinked. "Rival?" Rin echoed, surprised. "You never mentioned having a rival."
Ryuki smirked faintly. "Back in Europe, I was considered the top cardfighter. Until Kai came along. He defeated me and knocked me off the top spot. But that wasn't the end. We traded victories, pushing each other further every time. He's one of the reasons I kept striving to be better."
Ruri and Rin exchanged another look, admiration in their eyes. That Ryuki had faced such a blow and kept moving forward only deepened their respect for him.
"So... about Emi?" Rin pressed gently. "She seemed really... fond of you."
Ryuki sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. Emi's had a crush on me for a while. I've known. I always thought... maybe she'd confess before I left Earth. But she didn't. And now? I don't know where we stand."
Ruri and Rin fell silent for a moment, recalling the light in Emi's eyes when she looked at Ryuki. They understood now—Emi wasn't just fond of him. She adored him.
Rin, ever curious, shifted the topic slightly. "If she's Magallanica's representative, is she strong?"
Ryuki visibly shivered at the memory. Ruri noticed immediately. "You okay?"
He managed a sheepish grin. "Just remembered my first match against her. Let's just say... she humbled me. Badly."
Both girls stared at him, wide-eyed. "You lost to Emi?" Ruri asked in disbelief.
Ryuki nodded. "Yeah. She's got insane draw luck. She pulled off triple Heal Triggers to survive what should've been a finishing blow. Then, on the comeback, she hit me with triple Critical Triggers. I've faced champions, but Emi's luck is something else."
"Does she have PSYqualia?" Rin asked, eyes narrowing in thought.
"Nope," Ryuki replied. "Her brother Aichi does. And so does Chris. But Emi? It's all pure luck... or fate smiling on her."
They shared a laugh at the thought, the tension easing as they continued walking.
Ruri shifted the subject again. "I wanted to ask—why Tachikaze for Barret? Not Nova Grappler?"
Ryuki smiled thoughtfully. "I considered Nova Grappler, but Tachikaze fits Barret better. The clan's brutal style and militaristic edge mirror his own discipline. He tossed aside his old deck because he wanted to walk a new path, and I respect that. He deserves a deck that matches his resolve."
Before long, they reached their apartment. Ryuki opened the door to find Dran and Tigar fast asleep on the sofa, the two Zodiacs curled up like loyal hounds after a long day.
Ryuki's expression softened. He retrieved two blankets from his room and gently draped them over the slumbering forms. The sight filled him with a quiet peace.
He turned to Ruri and Rin, voice gentle. "We should call it a night. Tomorrow's going to be busy."
Both girls nodded, heading to their rooms. The soft sounds of the city filtered through the windows as Maiami settled into the quiet of night.
Left alone in his room, Ryuki pulled out his FICA—his Fighter's Card, the symbol of his past as one of the world's greatest cardfighters. He hadn't touched for a while, keeping it powered but dormant. But now, with the arrival of Aichi, Chris, and Cray's champions, the time had come to wield it once more.
The device felt familiar in his hand, like an extension of himself. Just as he was about to set it aside, it vibrated softly—an incoming call. The ID made him sigh: Emi Sendou.
Ryuki hesitated, then accepted the call. Emi's cheerful voice greeted him, a balm after the long day. They spoke quietly into the night, voices low and warm. The conversation meandered from light-hearted memories to hopes for the future. Laughter mixed with shared nostalgia.
When at last sleep called to both of them, they said their goodnights. Ryuki set the FICA aside, a small smile lingering on his lips as he stared at the ceiling. Tomorrow would bring new challenges—but for tonight, he let himself rest in the comfort of old bonds and new hopes.
-----
The night still blanketed Maiami City in silence, but within the realm of dreams, Ryuki stood wide awake—though not in the comfort of his apartment.
Before him sprawled the blistering canyons of the Dragon Empire, molten rivers threading between jagged cliffs, the very air humming with heat and power. The sky above was scorched red, rippling like a furnace.
And standing at the heart of it all, towering like a primordial god of flame, was the Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma.
Ryuki had heard from Ruri and Rin about their encounters with their respective Zeroth Dragons. According to Ruri, Megiddo had been curious, even nurturing in his demeanor. Rin described Ultima as strict and judicial—an impartial judge weighing the value of one's soul. Ryuki had been wondering what Drachma would be like.
Now he knew.
The dragon's presence was suffocating, his body radiating untamed heat and raw authority. And when he spoke, his voice rumbled like an explosion—deep, aggressive, and vaguely reminiscent of a delinquent.
"So you're the new punk who called me out," Drachma growled, folding his arms. "Not bad, pulling me out at half-power like that. I was startin' to think you cardfighters lost your edge."
Ryuki blinked. "Wait... half-power?"
The Zeroth Dragon snorted, the sound like steam erupting from a geyser. "Yeah. What you used before? That wasn't even close to my real strength. I held back. You couldn't have handled the real deal back then."
Ryuki frowned, both intrigued and slightly offended. "And what is your full power, then?"
Drachma's molten eyes narrowed, his tone serious now. "Stronger than Dust, even stronger than Ultima. When I go all out, nothing survives. But that kind of strength... it's not something just anyone can hold. My last partner, Fuchidaka Saori, tried. Guy got consumed. Couldn't even hold his spirit deck together."
Ryuki's expression hardened, and his eyes gleamed with unflinching resolve.
"I'm not Saori. My avatar isn't Dumjid... it's Dragonic Overlord himself."
That made Drachma pause. For a moment, silence reigned in the canyons—then the dragon erupted into boisterous laughter.
"You've got guts, kid! I like that!"
His claws clenched into a fist and extended toward Ryuki. Without hesitation, Ryuki stepped forward and returned the gesture, his own fist colliding against Drachma's in a solid bump that echoed through the canyon like a war drum.
"When you wake up," Drachma said, his grin baring fangs, "check your deck. I've unlocked your full potential. Let's see what kind of Vanguard you really are."
As Ryuki's vision began to fade, the world melting into light, Drachma unfurled his wings of fire. The heat around him intensified, lava boiling beneath his feet as he roared into the infernal sky—declaring his power had returned.
Ryuki jolted awake.
Sunlight spilled through his window, soft and warm—a sharp contrast to the searing dreamscape he had just left. He sat up, rubbing his face, the remnants of Drachma's words lingering in his mind.
"Full power..." he muttered.
Almost on instinct, Ryuki rushed to his deck box. He pulled out his cards and froze.
Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma – the card had changed.
Its artwork blazed with a new intensity, and its effect text shimmered with power. Ryuki's eyes widened as he read the updated ability. Drachma had been telling the truth—this was no mere upgrade. It was a transformation.
He quickly leafed through the rest of his deck. Several of his units now bore new keywords and upgraded stats. Then he checked the Extra Deck and nearly choked.
Perdition Dragon, Vortex Dragonewt,
Perdition Emperor Dragon, Dragonic Overlord The Great,
Dragonic Overlord "The X"—all of them had changed to full-art forms, radiating auras unlike anything he'd seen before.
His heart pounded. A new summoning method... a new strategy... a new tier of power.
He exhaled slowly, trying to collect himself. The timing isn't right yet. But when the moment comes... I'll unleash it.
Ryuki emerged from his room, finding the apartment eerily quiet. He glanced at the clock and winced. He had overslept.
On the living room table, he spotted a neatly folded note. Ruri's handwriting was easy to recognize.
"We're out watching Yuzu's duel. Your breakfast is in the microwave. —Ruri & Rin."
He opened the microwave and smiled.
French toast. Sweet, golden, and perfectly made. He sighed, shaking his head.
"They know my weakness..." he muttered. He brewed a cup of dark coffee to offset the sweetness and sat down to eat, the flavors grounding him after such a surreal morning.
As he finished, his Duel Disk pinged with a message from Reiji. Time for the meeting.
Ryuki picked up his GIRS Bracelet, slipped on his FICA, and secured his Duel Disk. He called out to Dran and Tigar, reminding them to watch over the place, and left.
LDS stood tall and imposing as ever. At the entrance, Nakajima greeted Ryuki and silently escorted him to the upper-level conference room.
Inside, Reiji waited alongside several tournament organizers. The atmosphere was formal, but not tense.
"You're right on time," Reiji said.
Ryuki nodded and took the seat beside him. The meeting began promptly.
For the next hour, Ryuki and Reiji outlined the proposed format for the next round of the Junior Youth Division: a Three-Team Battle Royal.
Ryuki explained the rules in detail:
Duelists would form their own three-member teams.
The battle would take place across the entire city, turned into one massive Action Field using advanced projection technology.
The match would last for three days, with duels occurring simultaneously across various districts.
A rescue mechanic would be implemented. If a duelist lost to an opposing team member, but their teammate defeated the opponent's teammate, the fallen duelist would be revived and allowed to return.
The organizers exchanged glances. It was ambitious.
"How will teams be selected?" one of them asked.
Ryuki replied, "They choose themselves. Alliances and friendships will determine who fights with whom."
Another organizer raised a concern. "Wouldn't the battlefield be too cramped for multiple duels?"
Reiji responded calmly, "The projection technology used to create Action Fields will span the entire city. Each duel will occupy a separate zone, seamlessly layered in real-time."
"Three days seems excessive," another remarked.
Ryuki countered, "It will test endurance, strategy, and adaptability. The deeper we get into the tournament, the greater the challenges should be."
Reiji nodded. "We also intend to introduce a new dueling format for this round—and beyond."
The room quieted.
Reiji continued, "Starting next round, all duelists will begin with 8000 LP instead of 4000. Additionally, the first turn player will draw."
This sparked a stir among the officials.
"But wouldn't that slow down the matches significantly?"
"It might," Reiji acknowledged, "but it also increases strategic depth. With higher LP, duels won't end on a single bad draw. Duelists can afford to take risks, recover, and engage in more dramatic reversals."
Ryuki added, "Longer duels also mean more Action Cards, more combo chains, and more crowd engagement."
After brief deliberation, the board agreed. The new format would be implemented in the next round of the Maiami Championship—and for all non-tournament duels, it would become the standard effective immediately.
As the meeting adjourned and the organizers filed out, Ryuki remained behind with Reiji. The executive glanced over.
"There's something I want to ask," Reiji said. "About the GIRS System—what was that Kazuma used in the duel against Serena?"
Ryuki leaned back in his seat. "The GIRS—short for Gears Interface Reality System—is the Real Solid Vision platform from our world. It's what we used in the pro leagues or any big Cardfight Tournaments. But it cannot be implemented in an Action Duel."
Reiji nodded slowly. "So its capabilities are limited?"
"Pretty much," Ryuki confirmed. "Using GIRS requires us to have a steady hand, but the upside is that we don't need to use a physical deck for that.."
Reiji considered that in silence. After a moment, Ryuki's FICA buzzed. A message had come through—Aichi.
"They want to talk," Ryuki said, showing the device.
Reiji gave him a small nod. "Go. We're done here."
Ryuki bowed and turned to leave. As he exited the conference room, he allowed himself a moment of thought.
The Battle Royal, the new LP format, the arrival of Cray's champions—and now, the full awakening of Drachma's power.
Everything is starting to align, he thought. But how long before the storm hits?
-----
After finishing his meeting with Reiji, Ryuki left the grand halls of LDS and made his way toward the food court where Aichi and the rest were waiting. As he walked through the campus grounds, the murmurs of excited students and spectators echoed around him. He picked up fragments of conversations—people praising the newly implemented duel format, marveling at the strategic depth and tension it brought. Smiles, discussions, and debates filled the air, and Ryuki allowed himself a small nod of approval. Reiji's decision was already bearing fruit.
When Ryuki arrived at the food court, Aichi was there alongside Emi, Chris, Kenji, and Satoru, all gathered around a circular table. Their eyes lit up the moment they saw him.
"There he is," Kenji greeted. "Took you long enough."
Ryuki smiled faintly as he took the seat beside Emi. "Where are Kazuma and Kazumi?"
"They went to get food," Satoru answered with a casual wave. "They said it wouldn't take long."
Ryuki nodded, then glanced at the others. "So, what's the agenda?"
Chris grinned as he pulled a card from his deck box. "This," he said, placing it face-up on the table.
The second Ryuki saw the card, his eyes widened in disbelief.
Zeroth Dragon of Death Garden, Zoa
Level 12 / WIND / Zeroth Dragon / Fusion / Effect
ATK: 5500 / DEF: 4500
"You... You have a Zeroth Dragon?" Ryuki asked, still processing the sight.
"Yeah," Chris replied with a shrug. "It just... appeared in my deck one morning. No idea how."
"That's not all," Aichi added. "Ultima's missing from my deck. And Leon-san said Megiddo vanished from his as well."
Ryuki's expression hardened slightly. "That's because both Ultima and Megiddo are in safe hands. I entrusted them to Ruri and Rin."
Kenji raised an eyebrow. "You're letting those two hold onto Zeroth Dragons? No offense, but... is that really a good idea?"
"They can handle it," Ryuki replied with firm confidence. "Trust me."
To prove his point, Ryuki pulled out his own card and placed it next to Zoa—Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma—revealing its upgraded effects. The new text glowed with arcane power, hinting at its devastating potential.
Chris gave a low whistle. "Damn. That thing's a beast."
Ryuki then shifted the conversation. "So, how are you all adjusting to the new reality of Duel Monsters?"
Chris leaned back in his seat. "It's been a ride. I'm still used to Vanguard mechanics, but I've run enough simulations with my Great Nature deck. Now, with Zoa added in, I've got to completely recalibrate."
Kenji chuckled. "Simulations? I'm just gonna wing it. Got my instincts and my partner—what more do I need?"
Aichi smiled. "Same here. Sometimes you've just gotta go with your gut."
Satoru was more methodical. "I've already got a full grasp of my deck. The mechanics translate well enough, and I've optimized around it."
Ryuki nodded in satisfaction. "Good. What deck types are you all using?"
Chris gestured toward himself. "I'm using Fusion. Kenji, Kazuma, and Kazumi too."
"Aichi and I are running Synchro builds," Emi added, flashing a wink.
"And I'm the lone Xyz user," Satoru said with a proud grin.
Just then, Kazuma and Kazumi returned, carrying trays stacked with food. As they approached, cheers suddenly erupted from the nearby crowd.
On the jumbotron above, Yuzu's latest match was being broadcast. She stood victorious, her Bloom Diva the Melodious Choir glowing behind her in triumph.
"Hey, Ryuki," Kenji said, noticing the subtle smile on Ryuki's face. "What's got you grinning?"
Ryuki looked at the screen. "Yuzu's one of my students. I teach at You Show Duel School."
Chris's eyes lit up. "Really? Then I wanna see your students in action! What kind of Duelists does the Flame Monarch train?"
The others quickly agreed, curiosity piqued. Ryuki laughed under his breath. "Alright, alright. I'll introduce them to you. Let me call Yuya for a moment."
As they shared their lunch, Ryuki tapped his D-Pad and called Yuya.
"Yo, Yuya. Where are you guys heading?"
"We're going back to You Show to celebrate qualifying for the next round!" Yuya's energetic voice echoed from the device.
Ryuki smiled. "Good to hear. I'll meet you there."
Later, at You Show Duel School...
The school's halls were alive with joy. Yuya, Yuzu, Ruri, and Rin had all made it to the next stage of the tournament, and the school burst into celebration. Students mingled, music played from speakers, and snacks filled every table.
Gongenzaka made his usual dramatic entrance, arms folded as he solemnly approved of the festivities. Ashley, meanwhile, had stepped away to handle some personal matters with his grandmother.
As the excitement continued, Yuzu looked around and frowned. "Hey, where's Ryuki?"
"He had a meeting with Reiji," Yuya said. "He should be here any minute."
And right on cue, the front doors opened. Ryuki stepped through, flanked by seven unfamiliar but impressive figures.
Shuzo looked up from decorating the snack table. "Ryuki! Welcome back. And... these are?"
"They're my friends from my home," Ryuki said. "They came to visit."
Shuzo beamed. "Then they're welcome here! Join the party!"
Introductions were quick, and soon enough, Ryuki's friends blended right in.
Chris gravitated toward Gongenzaka, intrigued by his deck filled exclusively with monsters. "No spells? No traps? That's so... Vanguard."
Gongenzaka placed a proud hand over his chest. "Such is the code of the Steadfast Duelist!"
Meanwhile, Kenji, Aichi, and Yuya engaged in passionate discussion about dueling to make people smile.
"So your goal is to make people smile?" Kenji said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "That's solid. You're on the right path, kid. Just remember, don't do what others want you to do, do what only you can do."
"Thanks!" Yuya said brightly. "I'll take that advice!"
Satoru found himself chatting with the younger students, taking mental notes on how the Duel Monsters learning curve affected newer players. Kazuma and Kazumi, ever the social butterflies, had already made friends as Kazumi is proud of his brother being sociable.
As Ryuki scanned the room, he noticed something. "Where are Emi, Ruri, and Rin?"
Shuzo blinked. "No idea. Haven't seen them in a while."
Elsewhere, in a quiet room within the school...
Ruri and Rin had brought Emi to a secluded space. The air was still, thick with an unspoken tension. Emi looked between the two girls.
"So... what's this about?"
Rin stepped forward without hesitation. "Emi-san, answer us this. Do you love Ryuki?"
Emi blinked in surprise. "What?"
But then she saw the solemn expressions on their faces. The way they looked at her—it wasn't hostility. It was earnest, emotional, and intense.
Emi's eyes softened. "Yes. I love him. I really do."
Ruri tilted her head slightly. "How did it happen?"
Emi took a breath, her voice steady. "It started during our first fight. Back then, I wasn't much of a fighter—just tagging along with Aichi and the others. But when I fought Ryuki-kun... it was like something woke up inside me. I felt the thrill, the fire, the passion of a real battle. I wanted to grow stronger. To fight again. To win and lose. To feel everything... with him."
She smiled softly. "And I swore I'd become strong enough to stand by his side."
Ruri and Rin listened silently, their expressions unreadable. Then, Emi added with a quiet smile, "And I know you're both his girlfriends."
Rin blinked. "You... know?"
Emi nodded. "I saw how you reacted when I kissed him on the cheek last night. It was obvious."
Ruri's eyes narrowed gently. "Then... what will you do now?"
Emi's eyes shone with resolve. "I won't back down. I love him, and I won't let that feeling be buried."
There was a long silence. Then, Emi stepped forward.
"Let's settle it the way Duelists do. I challenge both of you—to a 2-on-1 handicap duel."
Ruri and Rin's eyes widened.
"A duel?" Rin echoed.
"Yeah," Emi said. "It's the only way Duelists can truly understand each other. Isn't it?"
Her voice held no arrogance—only certainty.
"I'm strong. I can handle it. And besides, I learned from Ryuki-kun and Aichi."
Rin looked at Ruri. The two exchanged a glance, then looked back at Emi's determined eyes. Slowly, they nodded.
"Alright," Ruri said. "But don't blame us if we don't go easy."
Emi grinned. "Wouldn't want it any other way."
Back at the main hall...
The doors swung open again and the trio returned—Emi flanked by Ruri and Rin.
"We'd like to use the Duel Arena," Rin said confidently. "We're going to have a match."
Yuya blinked. "You three are going to duel? Why?"
Before anyone else could respond, Yuzu stepped forward. "Leave it to me. I've got this."
Shuzo rubbed his chin. "Eh, better to let the girls sort this one out."
The group made their way to the arena, murmuring in anticipation.
Emi walked ahead, gently touching a silver bracelet with a red gemstone embedded in it.
Ruri raised a brow. "Where's your Duel Disk?"
Emi gave a sly smile. She tapped the gemstone, and a rectangular holographic table materialized in front of her. Her deck and Extra Deck floated into place automatically.
The room gasped.
"What in the world?" Shuzo exclaimed. "Ryuki, what is that?"
"That," Ryuki said calmly, "is called a GIRS. It's only available where we're from—and only pros or high-tier tournaments use it as the maintenance for that is expensive."
Yuzu turned to the others. "Is this going to be an Action Duel?"
Rin shook her head. "No. Just a regular duel. But we'd appreciate it if you could activate a field."
Yuzu nodded and tapped the arena's field generator. In an instant, the environment shifted to a simple field of rolling green hills—Sogen, the most basic terrain.
Yuzu addressed the group. "Here are the rules: Ruri and Rin will each have 8000 LP. Since Emi is fighting both, she'll have 16,000. Also, you three can't attack until your second turn. Got it?"
All three Duelists nodded.
With dramatic flair, Ruri and Rin activated their Duel Disks in sync. Emi swiped her deck's top, and five cards shot into her hand from the floating table.
They all spoke as one:
"DUEL!"
Emi : 16000 | Hand: 5
Ruri : 8000 | Hand: 5
Rin : 8000 | Hand: 5
Turn 1 – Emi
"Since it's two-on-one, I'll go first," Emi declared as she swiped her deck, drawing her sixth card. A soft shimmer passed over the GIRS display as the drawn card hovered briefly before snapping into her hand.
From the spectator area, Yuya leaned over the railing, his expression concerned. "Is she going to be okay? That's Ruri and Rin she's up against."
Ryuki crossed his arms with quiet confidence. "She can handle herself."
Aichi chimed in. "If anything, Ruri and Rin should be the ones worried."
That statement drew a few raised eyebrows.
"You're serious?" Gongenzaka asked.
"Dead serious," Ryuki replied. "Emi's no pushover. And besides, she literally humbled me during our first match. Badly."
The revelation sent a ripple of surprise through the group.
"You lost to her?" Ayu asked, her mouth agape.
Ryuki gave a wry smile. "I underestimated her. Turns out she's got the kind of luck that can turn the tide of a war. Watch closely—you'll see."
Emi raised her hand. "Let's get started. I activate the Field Spell—Lyrical Monasterio!"
As she played the card, a radiant white light engulfed the entire arena. The scenery dissolved and reformed into a fantastical city floating atop a massive flying whale. Pink and white buildings shaped like harps and flutes lined the streets, and the sky shimmered with music-note patterns dancing across clouds.
Ruri looked around in stunned awe. "Where... are we?"
"It's beautiful," Rin whispered.
"Cute, isn't it?" Emi said with a grin. "I like cute things. And my deck reflects that. Let me show you."
She raised her hand. "I summon Dreaming Step, Shizuku!"
A ripple echoed across a crystalline pool behind Emi. From it emerged a mermaid with long blonde hair and a butterfly clip. Her tail shimmered in light blue hues, and she wore a dark green school uniform with a navy scarf.
Dreaming Step, Shizuku
Level 4 / WATER / Mermaid / Effect / Harmony
ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1400
Ayu squealed in delight. "A mermaid!"
She turned to Ryuki. "What kind of deck is she running, sensei?"
"A very tricky one," Ryuki answered. "Her deck is a mermaid themed deck—mermaids with the power to switch themselves with others from the deck, hand, or graveyard. It's deceptively cute. And dangerously tactical."
Shuzo narrowed his eyes. "That kind of playstyle would require photographic memory."
Chris nodded. "Exactly. Emi's deck is one of the few that demands mental perfection."
"I activate Shizuku's skill!" Emi continued. "When she's summoned, I can add one Level 4 or lower 'Harmony' monster from my deck to my hand."
GIRS responded with flawless precision. Her entire deck floated mid-air, every card visible and sorted. Emi calmly picked one.
"I add Novel Dress, Akari to my hand."
The rest of the cards instantly recompiled into her deck and reshuffled with a soft chiming sound. Even Ruri and Rin were impressed by how seamless the GIRS system worked.
"I set three cards face-down. That'll do for now."
Emi: 16000 | Hand: 2
Ruri: 8000 | Hand: 5
Rin: 8000 | Hand: 5
Turn 2 – Ruri
Rin leaned toward Ruri. "Let's not take this lightly. If what Ryuki said that he's that good—then we should be ready for anything."
Ruri nodded, her expression calm. "Got it. My turn—draw!"
She slid the top card off her deck.
"I activate the Spell—Call of the Blue Depths! I look at the top four cards of my deck and Special Summon one WATER monster among them. The rest go back and shuffle."
She quickly scanned the four cards and smiled.
"I Special Summon Battle Siren, Cloris!"
From the water fountain beside Ruri, a young mermaid yawned as she rose into view. She wore a naval uniform and gripped a trident lazily. Her pink hair flowed freely, matching her sleek, rose-colored fish tail.
Battle Siren, Cloris
Level 4 / WATER / Aqua / Effect / Wave 1
ATK: 1500 / DEF: 800
From the stands, Aichi's eyebrows lifted.
"Is that... Aqua Force?"
"It is," Satoru confirmed. "Specifically, the build that Jaime-kun uses."
Ryuki nodded. "Thavas reached out to Ruri himself when her old deck turned blank. He offered her guidance, so she formed a bond with the Aqua Force."
"No wonder Jaime's been all smiles lately," Kenji chuckled.
Ruri wasn't finished. "Next, I summon Battle Siren, Melania!"
Another splash signaled the arrival of another mermaid—this one with long lavender hair and a spear that glowed faintly with arcane runes. She landed with grace, stabbing her spear into the ground.
Battle Siren, Melania
Level 4 / WATER / Mermaid / Effect / Wave 1
ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1000
"Now, I overlay Level 4 Cloris and Melania! I build the Overlay Network!"
Both monsters turned into blue light, spiraling into a dark vortex.
"With blade drawn beneath the roaring sea, I carve open the path of conquest—Xyz Summon! Come forth, Supreme Ruler of the Storm, Thavas!"
The waters surged behind Ruri as a regal Aquaroid warrior emerged, sword in hand, cloak billowing like a tidal wave.
Supreme Ruler of the Storm, Thavas
Rank 4 / WATER / Aquaroid / Xyz / Effect / Wave 1-3
ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 | OU: 2
"You're using Jaime-kun's deck, huh?" Emi smiled fondly.
"Jaime?" Ruri echoed.
"Jaime Alcaraz. He's the original Thavas user. One of our friends—and the Spanish Champion."
Ruri stiffened at that. The title hit her like a wave. She'd borrowed Thavas during a dark time, using the deck to vent her anger towards Academia. And now she learned it belonged to a champion.
Shame threatened to overwhelm her.
Then a calm, comforting voice echoed in her mind.
"You did what you needed to do. Jaime would understand."
She turned to see Thavas gently nodding at her. A deep breath steadied her nerves. The guilt softened. She wasn't fighting for revenge anymore. She was fighting for clarity.
"I set two cards face-down. I end my turn."
Emi: 16000 | Hand: 2
Ruri: 8000 | Hand: 2
Rin: 8000 | Hand: 5
Turn 3 – Rin
"My turn!" Rin shouted. "Draw!"
As she drew, a light breeze swirled around the arena, stirring hair and scarves. Ruri and Emi both felt it—subtle but present. A shift in the tempo.
"I summon Knight of Discipline, Alectos!"
A white light burst on Rin's side of the field. Alectos emerged, clad in polished armor, brandishing a slim sword.
Knight of Discipline, Alectos
Level 2 / LIGHT / Warrior / Tuner / Effect / Brave
ATK: 700 / DEF: 1000
"Royal Paladin," Aichi muttered with a grin.
Kazuma blinked. "Wait... isn't that Shion's deck?"
"Shion?" Gongenzaka asked.
Ryuki nodded. "Kiba Shion, another friend of ours. And the deck Rin is using is originally his. But he entrusted it to me as I entrusted it to Rin."
(Though in truth, Ryuki had omitted a few details—but this was not the time to elaborate.)
"So you're using Shion-kun's deck~" Emi said with a smile.
"Shion... don't tell me he's another champion?" Rin asked nervously.
Emi nodded with a serene smile. "Shion-kun's the heir of the Kiba family. And he can be considered as a national-level champion."
The weight of expectation settled around Rin's shoulders, but rather than shrink beneath it, she grinned.
"Perfect. I'll take it to the limit!"
"If I control a 'Brave' monster, I can Special Summon Knight of Influence, Ornas from my hand!"
A second light shimmered. Ornas appeared, tanned and agile, wearing light armor with a short sword in hand.
Knight of Influence, Ornas
Level 4 / LIGHT / Warrior / Effect / Brave
ATK: 1700 / DEF: 900
"I activate Alectos' effect! Once per turn, I can change a monster's Level by 1 or 2. I target Ornas and increase his Level by 1!"
Knight of Influence, Ornas
Level 4 → 5
"Now I tune my Level 2 Knight of Discipline, Alectos and Level 5 Knight of Influence, Ornas!"
The two knights leapt into the air. Alectos transformed into two concentric rings, through which Ornas leapt, becoming a line of radiant energy.
"I call forth the trusted light that never wavers! Noble resolve and pure heart—answer the call of battle!
Synchro Summon! Shine, Level 7! Blue Sky Knight, Altmile!"
A knight in silver-blue armor descended with a brilliant glow. His sword gleamed like the morning sky, eyes calm and sure.
Blue Sky Knight, Altmile
Level 7 / LIGHT / Warrior / Synchro / Effect / Brave
ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000
"Altmile..." Emi whispered. She recognized the name—and knew the pressure it brought.
Rin beamed with pride. "I set two cards face-down and end my turn!"
Emi: 16000 | Hand: 2
Ruri: 8000 | Hand: 2
Rin: 8000 | Hand: 2