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Chapter Text

"Blue-Eyed Maiden" - Stardust Transmission Arc: Part 1
TURN-001: The Maiden of Blue Eyes

……We thirst for the seven wailings..
……We bear the koan of Jericho.

Riding Duel—a battle evolved in the world of speed.

Those who bear the legendary mark and stake their lives upon it are known as 5D's.

◆◇◆

"...It was my mistake."

Inside the white vehicle.

The cold morning air turned breaths white as the rising sun illuminated the interior. Through the window, the girl's shadow stretched across the seats.

A crimson stain bloomed across her chest.

A gunshot wound, perhaps. Blood flowed ceaselessly, dripping onto the floor in steady droplets.

"My choices... and all the consequences they brought."
"In the end, it took this outcome for me to realize... you were right all along."

Her eyes remained closed as she spoke.

Was that expression one of remorse? Or regret? Only she could truly know.

Her decisions, her conflict with Sensei—this was the crossroads of fate laid before her.

Who could blame her for straying, when her goal had always been to protect Kivotos and its students?

"...I know it's shameless of me to ask now, but... please, Fudo Yusei."

Kivotos, an unstable realm propped up by the myth of "superhuman" saviors—now rested upon godlike shoulders.

And within this girl's heart... lay hidden feelings.

She knew it was selfish. Yet, in this moment, she could see no other path.

"You'll probably forget everything I've said... but that's fine."
"Even if you remember nothing... I know you'd make the same choice again."
"So... what matters isn't experience. It isn't the choice itself."
"It's the bonds... that only you can forge."

What truly mattered wasn't the decision—but the connections leading to it. The gathered wishes.

Abydos, vanishing—leaving only a white wolf behind.

Millennium, reduced to ashes by its princess.

Trinity, where the cries of girls never ceased.

SRT, now mere puppets of self-righteous hands.

Kivotos, hurtling toward ruin.

And then...

The details of how it came to this remained unknown.

But the despair reflected in her frail form—that, he could never ignore.

"So, Yusei. If there's anyone I can trust... it's you. You'll find another path—one that doesn't lead to this twisted ending."
"That's why... please—"

"—Save us."

Hearing her quiet, sorrow-laden voice, Yusei nodded deeply.

...There was no mistaking it. That was his acceptance.

The last time he'd helped a suffering girl like this... had it been since Aki?

He could never turn away from anguished cries—whether they came from a girl branded a witch or one hiding behind a mask.

To save all he could reach—that was the essence of Fudo Yusei.

And so, he resolved himself.

To stand firm in his convictions—with courage and strength.

To protect this girl's wish—to safeguard the light of salvation.

...He would give it his all.

His vision blurred into white haze. Drifting between consciousness, Yusei realized—this was a dream.

Was it his mind organizing knowledge? Or a prophetic warning of the world's peril? He had no way of knowing.

"I am ○◯◯, president of the General Student Council. Yusei, I beg you..."

But one thing became clear: the premonition of a new battle.

As the world faded to white, Yusei let go of consciousness.

Chapter Text

TURN-002: Ghost Reawakened

Why is he here—?

Facing the familiar D-Wheeler speeding ahead, Fudo Yusei muttered under his breath.

◆◇◆

After defeating Z-ONE and saving Neo Domino City, Yusei had stepped back from the frontlines of dueling. Now, as a scientist, he worked to stabilize Momentum.

Though separated from Jack, Crow, Aki, Rua, and Ruka—each pursuing their own paths—their bonds remained unbroken. Gathered connections would always birth new stars.

While reviewing data and pondering the strange dream from earlier, Yusei received a call from Ushio, his former Security colleague now with Highway Patrol.

The news? The Ghosts were active again.

Those humanoid machines that once plagued Yusei’s team—created when Placido modified Security’s Riding Drones—were supposed to be decommissioned after Highway Patrol’s restructuring. Yet, due to some oversight, one had escaped.

"During the WRGP, those things hurt countless D-Wheelers. Before this escalates… Yusei, we need you to retrieve it."

Yusei agreed with Ushio’s concern, but couldn’t help wondering: Can’t Highway Patrol handle one unit? Sensing his hesitation, Ushio cleared his throat and laid bare the truth.

"Here’s the thing—we’re tied up with a bigger crisis. Something massive, drawn to Momentum’s energy, is targeting Neo Domino. A self-binding god-level threat. Sounds insane, but you know how it is—we can’t afford skepticism right now. Mayor Yeager wants this kept quiet. The city’s rebranding effort can’t handle outside backlash. So… you in?"

(I see. That’s why they came to me.)

Yusei nodded in understanding. That sounds exactly like something Yeager would do. While the earlier part of the conversation was far more concerning, he chose to remain silent for now.

"Yeah, in that case, I’m probably the best fit. It’s been a while since I last dueled—this’ll be a good warm-up."

"Really appreciate it. I’ll make it up to you. Counting on you, man."

"Got it."

The exchange felt almost like banter between old friends. Slowly, Yusei set the lab phone back in its cradle.

Just a while ago, we were practically enemies—a criminal and a cop. Life’s funny that way… A faint smile crossed his face.

"Alright, coordinates point to Sector B-52. Work’s wrapped up here anyway—might as well get this over with."

He swapped his lab coat for his riding suit, revved up his D-Wheel, and sped onto the highway toward the designated location.

◆◇◆

"Alright then... That must be it."

Late at night, the headlight of Yusei’s D-Wheel illuminated the back of a lone figure.

The target showed no reaction—no acceleration, no deceleration. It simply raced forward, mindlessly, as if unaware of Yusei’s presence.

According to the data, this Ghost unit hadn’t been reset for sampling—meaning it should remember Yusei.

Yet, its silence was unnerving. For someone who had once been screamed at with a blunt "DIE!", this indifference was eerie.

What’s its goal? Is it here to attack people again—or not?

Yusei closed the distance steadily.

"Ghost. Why are you here now? Iliaster, the ones who controlled you, are gone. There’s no reason for you to still be running."

No response. Not even a glance backward.

The machine kept moving forward, single-minded, as if driven by pure programming. But that didn’t make it any less unsettling.

Yusei eyed its profile and continued, calm but firm.

"Fine. You don’t have to answer. But if you’re planning to repeat what happened before—I will stop you. That’s all. Unless you speak up, I’ll keep chasing you. So... what’ll it be?"

His sharp gaze locked onto the Ghost.

The next move could mean an all-out battle.

Whether aware of this or not, the Ghost finally reacted—its lips curling into a defiant smirk, as if it had been waiting for this moment.

"So it is you!!!"

Instantly sensing hostility, Yusei shifted into duel stance. His opponent was a machine—incapable of fear. In a Riding Duel, there were countless ways to force a crash, from tackles to precision maneuvers.

"Fudo Yusei... I’ve been waiting for you." The Ghost’s voice was eerily calm. "I was tasked with bringing you here—for their sake. It seems I’ve succeeded."

"Their sake? Who’s ‘they’? Answer me!"

The Ghost responded by tapping its Duel Board lightly. A challenge. Duels revealed all truths. Yusei had no reason to refuse—no matter the stakes.

"Fine. We’ll duel under Speed World 3 rules. Starting LP at 4000. Agreed?"

"Indeed. If you’re truly the hero they claim, this battle will bridge our words. Just as they foretold..."

"Wait—you don’t even know me...?"

"Correct. But I know you’re my target. And I serve no ‘Iliaster’ of machine-men."

"...I see."

This was no mere malfunction. Yusei’s gaze flickered to his left arm—where the Crimson Dragon’s mark had once blazed. A new battle loomed.

With grim resolve, he reached for the duel ignition.

" "RIDING DUEL... ACCELERATION!!! ""

Chapter Text

TURN-003: Swift as Lightning

"Duel commencing. Duel commencing."
"All civilian vehicles, evacuate the route immediately."
"Repeat—"

As the announcement echoed, the highway cutting through the skyscrapers began transforming into a duel lane. Barriers marked "DUEL LANE" rose along the sides, diverting traffic with practiced efficiency.

"Lane selection: scanning for optimal route."
"Duel lane authorization requested—Central."
"AUTHORIZATION."

With their declarations, rippling white circles of light expanded from their D-Wheels. In that instant, the duel became governed by the laws of speed. The first to clear the initial corner would take the lead.

"Let’s go!"

Yusei slammed the throttle, surging ahead. Conventional wisdom dictated that controlling the lead meant controlling the duel’s flow. Yet the Ghost made no effort to match his speed—the gap between them widened unnaturally. Though unsettled, Yusei held his line and crossed the first corner’s threshold unchallenged.

《Speed World 3》 stood apart from its predecessors. In this realm, the first-turn draw and Speed Counters were abolished, rendering Speed Spells unusable while permitting standard Spell Cards. Field Spells became viable again, and starting Life Points could be set to either 4000 or 8000. In essence, it was a Standing Duel on wheels.

Speed Counters now accumulated during each player’s Standby Phase (1 per turn). While the first-turn advantage had once been pivotal—especially with Quick-Play Spells and Speed Spell Traps—its absence here seemingly minimized the risks.

"First move is mine. My turn!"

The Ghosts' decks historically fell into three categories:

1. "Meklords"—Specialized in annihilating Synchro Monsters.

2. "Ally of Justice"—Excelled against LIGHT attributes or face-down defenses.

3. Deck Mirror—Mimicked opponents' strategies (e.g., Fake Jack).

While the third type was unpredictable, Yusei’s hand held answers for any scenario.

"I summon the Tuner Monster Psi-Reflector!"

Psi-Reflector

★1 | DARK | Psychic | Tuner
ATK 400 / DEF 300

"When successfully summoned, I add a card with Assault Mode in its text from my Deck to my hand—Assault Beast!"
"Now, I discard Assault Beast to activate its effect—adding Assault Mode Activate to my hand!"
"By revealing Assault Mode Activate, I trigger Psi-Reflector's second effect! I Special Summon Assault Beast from the Graveyard with its Level increased by 3!"

Assault Beast

★★★★→★★★★★★★ | EARTH | Beast-Warrior
ATK 1900 / DEF 1200 (Defense Position)

The green mechanical lifeform raised its arms. A dark void swirled open, and out stepped a beast-warrior clad in armor.

"With the Level 7 Assault Beast and Level 1 Psi-Reflector, I tune them together!
"Clustering wishes will become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon!
Synchro Summon! Soar—Stardust Dragon!"

Seven stars aligned within a single ring.

The condensed light forged a radiant path.

With a beat of its white wings, Stardust Dragon took flight, scattering stardust across the sky—the soul monster that had always stood by Yusei’s side.

Stardust Dragon

★★★★★★★★ | WIND | Dragon | Synchro/Effect
ATK 2500 / DEF 2000

"Here it comes."

"Yeah, just as declared. Since I sensed hostility from you, I’ll go all out. I’ll set two cards and end my turn!"

Current Field

Yusei

• Hand: 2 cards

• LP: 4000

• Field: Stardust Dragon

• Spell/Trap: 2 face-downs

VS

Ghost

• Hand: 5 cards

• LP: 4000

• Field: Empty

• Spell/Trap: None

*(If he’s running Meklords, I can activate Assault Mode Activate to turn Stardust into a non-Synchro Assault form. Against Ally of Justice, this setup also lets me buff Stardust as a WIND attribute. No gaps here. Now—how will you move?!)

With an effect-negating monster on the field and two face-downs, Yusei’s formation seemed impregnable. The Ghost’s plans appeared thoroughly disrupted.

"Then it's my turn—Draw! From this moment onward, this duel will evolve to another level. Fudo Yusei, engrave this sight into your eyes! I activate the Spell Card—Time-Tearing Morganite!"

...While somewhat expected, it was clear this opponent wouldn’t falter so easily. The field was instantly bathed in a deep violet glow.

"This is...!?"

"This card grants me three new rules."

"Three rules...?"

"Indeed. Seeing is believing—allow me to demonstrate. First, I summon Denko Sekka! Next, I summon Thunder King Rai-Oh!"

Like Yusei, the Ghost wasted no time pressing its advantage.

A battle-ready female warrior clad in lightning and a mechanical beast crackling with energy locked onto Yusei.

Denko Sekka

★★★★ | LIGHT | Thunder | Effect
ATK 1700 / DEF 1000

 

Thunder King Rai-Oh

★★★★ | LIGHT | Thunder | Effect
ATK 1900 / DEF 800

"Two Normal Summons in one turn...?"

"Correct. The player who activates Time-Tearing Morganite gains an additional Normal Summon for the rest of this duel. In other words... my path to victory grows ever more certain."

(Of course... that’s not all it does.)

"Denko Sekka seals your Set Cards as long as I have none in my Spell/Trap Zone. Thunder King Rai-Oh restricts hand advantage outside of drawing, and by tributing itself, it can negate a Special Summon. Your Assault summoning and further Synchro plays end here."

"Tch... So this was your plan from the start."

"A bit naive of you. Did you truly think I wouldn’t account for Reflector? Had you activated it during the Standby Phase, things might’ve been different. Your mistake."

It was clear—the Ghost saw through everything. This wasn’t the rule-breaking, gang-up brawl of the past.

"Now, I activate the Spell Card Sinful Spoils of Subversion - Snake-Eye! Stardust Dragon is sealed into the Spell/Trap Zone!"

A crimson eye glared at the stardust-scaled dragon. Like a Gorgon’s petrifying gaze, Stardust turned to silent stone, locked away.

"Now then, let’s proceed to Main Phase Two."

"Countering Stardust, those monsters... It’s reading my strategy. And you’re saying there’s more...!?"

"Allow me. I activate Ties of the Brethren! This card skips my Battle Phase and costs me 2000 LP, but in return, I Special Summon two monsters from my Deck with the same Type, Attribute, and Level as a Level 4 or lower monster on my field—but with different names. I cannot Special Summon other monsters for the rest of this turn. Targeting Denko Sekka, I summon Raijin the Lightning Barrier and Zap Mustung—both Thunder, LIGHT, Level 4!"

Raijin the Lightning Barrier

Effect Monster
★4 | LIGHT | Thunder
ATK 1800 / DEF 100

 

Zap Mustung

Effect Monster
★4 | LIGHT | Thunder
ATK 1600 / DEF 1500 (Defense Position)

 

Ghost's LP: 4000 → 2000

The female warrior raised her sword to the heavens. Above, clouds began swirling violently, converging into a massive stormfront that crackled with lightning. From within emerged a skeletal monstrosity, while a horse wreathed in blue light galloped through the tempest, kicking off the air itself.

With this, Ghost's field now hosted four monsters. But this was...

"You've realized it, haven't you? This field is now a perfect cage designed specifically to counter you, Yusei."

• Denko Sekka: If no Spells/Traps are Set on field, both players cannot Set or activate Set Spells/Traps.

• Thunder King Rai-Oh: Blocks card searching and can Tribute itself to negate a Special Summon.

• Raijin the Lightning Barrier: Prohibits both players from using Spells during Main Phase 1.

• Zap Mustung: Cannot be destroyed twice per battle, and restricts Special Summons to the number of battles conducted that turn.

"You have no monsters. Your Set cards are useless. Effectively, you can't use Spells/Traps. Special Summons are nearly impossible. If you can break through this fortress, you're undoubtedly the real deal. Now then—entertain me. I end my turn."

A merciless declaration. The duel now stood at Ghost's overwhelming advantage.

Current Field

Yusei

• Hand: 2 cards

• LP: 4000

• Field: None

• Spell/Trap: 2 Set cards, Stardust Dragon (sealed)

VS

Ghost

• Hand: 1 card

• LP: 2000

• Active Effect: Time-Tearing Morganite

• Field:

  • Denko Sekka

  • Thunder King Rai-Oh

  • Raijin the Lightning Barrier

  • Zap Mustung

• Spell/Trap: None

Chapter Text

TURN-004: Signal Flare of Counterattack

If there was any hope of breaking this deadlock, it lay in Trap Cards that could activate without being Set—powerful options like Infinite Impermanence or Evenly Matched.

But all of them required an empty field to function.

That was precisely why he’d chosen to go second. By forcing Yusei to establish his board first, he’d intentionally narrowed his options. The only concern was something like Forbidden Droplet—but so far, Yusei had shown no signs of wielding such a card.

Even if he did activate them, Ghost still had Time-Tearing Morganite and Pot of Extravagance in hand. Those could refill his hand from 1 → 5 cards. His recovery routes were secure.

"Well then, Fudo Yusei—show me your potential."

The Ghost tailed him aggressively, hovering just shy of collision distance. With tactics like these, it could’ve easily overtaken him at the first corner.

So this was its plan all along. Yusei inwardly chastised his own lack of foresight. His skills had dulled. Just half a year away from dueling, and the rust was deeper than he’d thought.

Right now, his hand held no answers.

With Synchro Summons sealed and every path blocked… was defeat inevitable?

No—that wasn’t the case.
Yusei refused to surrender.
As long as he kept fighting, a path to victory would always reveal itself.

Hadn’t that always been true?

Against the Dark Signers…
Against Iliaster…
Even against Z-ONE…

If he believed in his own potential, the way forward would open.

...Facing this formidable foe, Yusei steeled himself with that conviction.

The duel transitioned to the Draw Phase. A fleeting moment stretched into eternity under the weight of tension.

"My turn... DRAW!!!"

Clang!

"...This card—!?"

The instant his eyes registered the drawn card, a white bolt of inspiration struck his mind. A vision of cards intertwining—a strategy so certain, he could declare it would work.

"...Got it!!!"

With a glance at the card in his right-hand socket, he seized it without hesitation and raised it high.

"From my hand, I summon Junk Breaker!"

Junk Breaker

★4 | EARTH | Warrior | Effect
ATK 1800 / DEF 1000

"...A desperate play, is it?"

(ATK 1800. It can destroy Denko Sekka or Thunder King Rai-Oh, but three monsters remain. My advantage stands firm.)

The Ghost wore a look of disdain, as if expecting some miraculous reversal. Yet he was the one who should’ve been humbled—forgetting that the man before him was no ordinary duelist, but a hero chosen by the Crimson Dragon, a savior of worlds.

"Let’s test that theory—I activate Junk Breaker’s effect! By tributing it during the Main Phase of its summon, I negate the effects of all face-up monsters on the field until the end of this turn!"

"What—!?"

"Go, Junk Breaker! Breaking Effect!"

The warrior raised its massive hammer and slammed it into the ground. The shockwave rattled the field, staggering every monster with ease as Junk Breaker vanished in the blast.

"Now, Ghost—the real duel begins!"

To think such a card existed—a strike from beyond his calculations. A true ambush.

As the Ghost faltered, Yusei’s deck roared to life.

"When only the opponent controls monsters, Unknown Synchron can be Special Summoned from my hand!"

Unknown Synchron

★1 | DARK | Machine | Tuner
ATK 0 / DEF 0

A mechanical monster, resembling something crafted by aliens, spun into existence with a whir.

"And with a Tuner on the field, I Special Summon Boost Warrior from my hand!"

Boost Warrior

★1 | FIRE | Warrior | Effect
ATK 300 / DEF 200

A red-haired warrior materialized beside Unknown Synchron, its fiery mane a stark contrast to the machine’s sleek form.

"With Level 1 Boost Warrior and Level 1 Unknown Synchron, I tune them together! Gathering wishes will call out a new speed's horizon! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! The power of hope—Formula Synchron!"

Formula Synchron

★★ | LIGHT | Machine | Synchro/Tuner
ATK 200 / DEF 1500

The key to Yusei’s ultimate evolution—a Synchro Tuner—descended. Its silhouette evoked a personified race car, but its effects were unparalleled in this world.

"When Formula Synchron is Synchro Summoned, I draw 1 card!"

"A Synchro Tuner...?! But Stardust is trapped in the Spell/Trap Zone! You’ll never pull off an Accel Synchro!"

"Not so fast! I activate the Continuous Spell Synchro Dilemma! By destroying 1 card on the field, I can Special Summon a ‘Synchron’ monster from my Graveyard. I choose Stardust Dragon! Now, Reverse Card Open! Back to the Front! This revives a monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position! Soar once more—Stardust Dragon!"

The card that had been set alongside Assault Mode Activate now shone with brilliant light.

Stardust Dragon broke free from its shackles, letting out a fierce roar as it returned to the field in a whirl of stardust. Despite the overwhelming disadvantage, Yusei had shattered the oppressive lockdown.

(I see... So this is the real deal. Accel Synchro—the power to surpass limits. ...Yes, this is exactly what I was waiting for.)

The Ghost still refused to falter—yet even so, a whisper of awe escaped its thoughts.

"A Synchro Tuner and a Synchro Monster, both on the field... This is—"

"That’s right, Ghost! Just as you imagined!"

Yusei’s D-Wheel roared as he twisted the throttle, surging forward with explosive speed. The wind resistance splintered into streaks of magenta, and the world around him began to blur at the edges.

"This is my ultimate state—Clear Mind! With Level 8 Stardust Dragon and Level 2 Formula Synchron, I tune them together!"

His speed surpassed light itself, warping the space around him into an unstable vortex. Yet Yusei felt no disorientation—Accel Synchro existed beyond limits, a realm only reachable when every nerve was honed to absolute focus.

"Clustering crystal dreams, open the door to a new evolution! Become the path its light shines upon!"

As Yusei and the Ghost dissolved into the radiance—

"ACCEL SYNCHROOO!!!"

—their figures vanished from the highway.

◆◇◆

This became known as the "Fudo Yusei Disappearance Incident." The first major crisis since Neo Domino City's rebirth.

Chapter Text

TURN-005: Stardust Mirage

Yusei's counterattack was nothing short of extraordinary.

With effortless precision, he dismantled what had seemed like Ghost's near-perfect duel strategy.

In that fleeting moment of becoming one with light, Yusei's mind raced through calculations to defeat Ghost.

But there was no room for error—Junk Breaker's negation would last only this turn. If he let Ghost take another turn, he’d lose his chance to reverse the tide.

This duel ends now!

His vision cleared as the world regained its color. One moment, he’d been trailing Ghost; the next, he’d somehow slipped behind him.

This was Accel Synchro—surpassing light, vanishing from sight with his D-Wheel. A phenomenon even Yusei couldn’t fully explain, bestowed upon him by his allies.

From his Extra Deck, he raised one card high. The monster he’d summon was one of his ultimate aces.

"Be born! Shooting Star Dragon!"

Shooting Star Dragon

★★★★★★★★★★ | WIND | Dragon | Synchro/Effect
ATK 3300 / DEF 2500

Retaining traces of Stardust Dragon's form, yet refined for aerial supremacy—its sleek silhouette embodied the pinnacle of evolution in the world of speed. A true "Accel Synchro Monster", breathtaking in its beauty.

"So this... is Fudo Yusei’s Accel Synchro..."

"That’s right. This is the proof of evolution—Shooting Star Dragon!"

The dragon soared alongside Yusei, its jet-like wings scattering particles of light that glittered like stardust.

"But Shooting Star Dragon’s ATK is 3300. My lowest-ATK monster, Denko Sekka, has 1700. My LP is 2000. You can’t finish me this turn. Once my monsters’ effects return next turn, I’ll destroy that dragon and lead you to defeat, Yusei."

Another cold declaration. A psychological ploy to corner him with relentless logic. But—

"—You sure about that?"
"What!?"
"I activate Shooting Star Dragon’s effect! Once per turn, it reveals the top 5 cards of my deck—then gains additional attacks this Battle Phase equal to the number of Tuners among them!"

"All I need to do is believe."

The path he had walked with Shooting Star Dragon demanded nothing less.

His fingers hovered over his deck. Though he’d done this countless times, this moment stretched longer than any other.

Meanwhile, the Ghost—processing Shooting Star’s multi-attack potential—glanced back as it closed in on Yusei and his dragon.

"But that effect requires two Tuners among the five revealed cards. Creating this situation was already a miracle. Do you truly think you can surpass even that?"
"I’ll surpass it! My potential—my limits!"

The Ghost, a machine at its core, was the ultimate realist. It likely viewed Yusei’s certainty with cold skepticism.

Yet his friends had taught him this: Believe in your potential, and you’ll shatter your limits.
...Everyone—lend me your strength!

Yusei closed his eyes. Even without the Crimson Mark, even when apart, their bonds endured. The instant he felt that connection, his eyes snapped open—

"First card—Tuner Monster, Effect Veiler!!!"

"!?"

A direct hit right from the start. The Ghost couldn’t suppress a sharp inhale.

"Second card...!"

Scrap-Iron Scarecrow—a Trap Card.

"Third card...!"

Quillbolt Hedgehog—a monster, but not a Tuner.

"Fourth card...!"

Synchro Rumble, a Spell...

"This is the last one—"

His fingers brushed the card.

Thud... Thud...

His heartbeat pulsed slowly in his ears, every ounce of focus poured into that single touch. A fraction of a second stretched into eternity.

—I will surpass it!!!—

"Fifth card──────!!!"

"───!"

Shooting Star Dragon—as if resonating with Yusei’s resolve—let out a piercing roar the moment the card was drawn.

The drawn card—was...

◆◇◆

"...Yes! The second Tuner—Stardust Synchron!!!"

"Wh—What!? You secured two attacks...!?"

Ghost’s face twisted in shock.

With this, Shooting Star Dragon split into crimson and azure duplicates, their limbs retracting into streamlined forms primed for assault.

"...To think it’d come to this."

Ghost had no Set cards to reactivate Snow Petal’s effect. Every monster was neutralized—utterly defenseless.

"Go, Shooting Star Dragon! Strike down Denko Sekka and Thunder King Rai-Oh!"

(Shooting Star Dragon ATK 3300 vs. Denko Sekka ATK 1700)
(Shooting Star Dragon ATK 3300 vs. Thunder King Rai-Oh ATK 1800)

"STARDUST MIRAGE!!!"

True to its name, the dragon’s attacks fell like twin meteors—piercing the warrior, the machine, and the enshrined deity. Each strike carved through Ghost’s LP in an instant.

"GUWAAAAAAAAHHH!!!"

Ghost’s LP: 2000 → 0

PSSHHH—

Duel terminated.

Defeat smoke billowed from Ghost’s D-Wheel as it lurched to a forced stop, its rampage finally quelled.

Though the duel had seemed hopeless at first, Yusei’s victory was decisive.

Braking hard, he turned toward Ghost.

Even in triumph, he knew—one unlucky draw, and the outcome would’ve been reversed.

Stunned by how formidable Ghost had become, Yusei slowly dismounted his D-Wheel.

Chapter Text

TURN-006: To a World Unseen

"...That was too close."

One misstep, and he would’ve lost.
But now, he’d fulfilled his promise to Ushio. Letting out a sigh of relief, he reached to contact Highway Patrol—only to find his D-Wheel’s comms completely offline. No signal. No connection.

Strange. This never happens.
He scanned his surroundings.
Skyscrapers loomed overhead. A place like this should have full coverage.
And then he saw it—a white, circular line etched across the sky.
This wasn’t where he’d been moments ago.

"Where the hell is this...!?"

Yusei found himself standing in the middle of a massive racetrack complex. Though the aftermath of Time-Tearing Morganite had bathed everything in a violet glow, he'd somehow been transported to an entirely unfamiliar location.

Since when was I here...?

The surroundings boasted spectator stands and multiple winding courses. What shocked him most was the sheer scale—this facility dwarfed even Neo Domino City's highways. A duel circuit grander than the sacred grounds of his home city. The sight ignited his soul as a Riding Duelist, whether he liked it or not.

I should move for now. Though the area seemed empty, lingering felt unwise. As he pondered how to transport the immobilized Ghost (along with his own stalled D-Wheel), a sudden announcement crackled through the speakers—

"Hey, you there—what exactly are you doing?"

A woman’s voice.
Yusei instinctively scanned the area, but no one was visibly nearby.

"Do you have an enrollment permit or facility access pass? Ah, digital copies are fine, of course."

Her tone was bureaucratic, not hostile—but Yusei had neither. Any explanation would mark him as a trespasser. Fleeing would only worsen things, so he opted for compliance.

"Sorry. I don’t have one on me right now."
"Hmm... I see. That makes you an intruder, then. Quite a feat, slipping through Veritas’s top-tier security net across Kivotos. Sigh... This is troublesome. I’d hate to call C&C for something like this. At least give me your name."

Veritas? Kivotos? C&C? None of these terms existed in Neo Domino City. But explaining that was impossible.

"I’m Fudo Yusei."

A simple, honest answer to avoid misunderstandings.

Yet the reaction was anything but expected.
The girl’s voice pitched upward sharply, her composure crumbling into palpable shock.

"Huh...? So that thing next to you billowing smoke... is it the 'Raiden-chan MK-G'?"
"MK-G? This is an android called a Ghost. The smoke is from our duel earlier."

Their conversation was going nowhere. But as a fellow engineer, Yusei recognized one thing—this girl wasn’t security. Her logical speech, gentle demeanor, and above all, her obsessive passion for machinery gave it away.

"Aah, what do I do!? It was my masterpiece after so long... Was it the riding machine’s tea-spitting mouth or Tabasco-shooting fingers that doomed it...?"

Yep. Definitely an engineer. Once machines entered the conversation, she stopped listening entirely. And apparently, she was also... eccentric.

"Alright, next time I’ll add flight functions! A bike that flies through the sky! Isn’t that the ultimate romance!?"

She cheered like a child. As someone who’d literally flown on a bike, Yusei felt oddly embarrassed.
With his conversation partner lost in her own world, all he could do was nod along.

◆◇◆

"My apologies. I got sidetracked."
"No problem. Please continue."

A few minutes later—perhaps having cooled her head—the runaway express of her curiosity finally screeched to a halt, and the interrogation resumed.

"So, your occupation?"
"I’d say ‘duelist,’ but technically, I’m a scientist. I lead Momentum research in Neo Domino City."
"Mhm, mhm... Any criminal records?"
"Used to. Though it’s been officially recognized as a false conviction now. This mark’s the proof."

He tapped the yellow line etched across his face.

"Mhm, mhm. No doubt about it. You seem... genuine."
"Look, I need to contact Highway Patrol. That ‘Ghost’ is an android that once terrorized my city. It needs to be secured immediately."
"Sorry, but that’s impossible. Because in this world, there’s no ‘Highway Patrol’—and no ‘Neo Domino City’ to begin with."
"What!? You’re serious!?"

Yusei reeled from the shocking revelation. One moment, he was simply fulfilling Ushio’s request—the next, he was thrust into a reality where his entire world didn’t exist. His mind struggled to catch up.

"Ah... It’s true. But there’s no need to worry. After all, the one who brought you here was none other than me. Welcome, Fudo Yusei—to the enigmatic city of Kivotos, where the General Student Council President has vanished."
"The... General Student Council President...!?"

That title rang a bell. In the dream he’d seen earlier—the girl who’d begged for help had introduced herself the same way.

"You... Who are you!?"

Yusei stood frozen. Whether it was her invisible presence or the sheer absurdity of the situation, an eerie chill crept down his spine.

"I’m Shiraishi Utaha, third-year at Millennium Science School. You want to understand your current predicament... don’t you? Then duel me. As a Meister of this world."
"!?"

A sudden duel declaration. Little did Yusei know—this was merely the prologue to a far greater upheaval.

Chapter Text

TURN-007: 'Meister': Proof of Her Mastery

After being told, "We’ll head over there, so find a way to kill some time for now," Yusei waited for a while. Then, from the entrance to the circuit on the other side, a lone girl appeared. Her purple hair swayed as she led several robots in tow. Spotting him, she slowly walked over and stood before Yusei.

"Well then, let me introduce myself properly. My name is Shiraishi Utaha. I serve as the Engineering Club president at this school."

With only a brief greeting, Utaha turned toward the Ghost. Removing the helmet from its motionless body, she connected one of the machines she had brought to a socket near its neck.

"I see… So this is your end, huh? I’d heard that overheating occurs upon defeat, but for not just your D-Wheel but even ‘Rai-chan MK-G’ to break down… Just what kind of duel leads to this?"

Muttering to herself, she checked some kind of data. The connected robot projected a hologram, replaying the android’s first-person perspective as video footage. The display showed Stardust Mirage landing a direct hit, causing the D-Wheel to swerve violently left and right.

"I see. I suppose this is what you’d expect from Fudo Yusei. To overturn that board state in an instant…"

She even referred to the Ghost by name, analyzing the situation calmly. Yusei had already guessed the truth, but he had no choice but to ask.

"...By any chance, were you the one who sent it?"

"Yep, that’s right."

"I see…"

Then, does that make her an enemy? Yet, judging by her demeanor, Utaha didn’t seem like one to Yusei. Every opponent he had faced so far—whether major or minor—had carried some hostility. So then, what was her goal? The only way to find out seemed to be through a duel.

"Alright, let’s get started. I can’t do Riding Duels, so we’ll duel standing. Starting Life Points at 8000—that work for you?"

"You’re going with 8000 Life Points?"

"I want the duel to last as long as possible so I can properly gauge your strength. Is this your first time dueling with 8000?"

"Yeah. Where I’m from, standard duels start at 4000."

"I see. Well, no need to tense up—I’m not here to chew you up and spit you out. This is just a little test."

Utaha spoke matter-of-factly, not a trace of hostility in her tone. She seemed genuinely interested only in Yusei’s skill. She then began equipping what appeared to be her Duel Disk—except, rather than strapping it to her own arm, she attached it to one of her robots.

"This thing’s way too heavy. If I wore it normally, I’d end up with muscle pain."

"I see… So, Utaha, is that Duel Disk a store-bought model? Though, if it is—"

It was huge—and covered in unnecessary embellishments. While not as massive as Z-ONE’s card-sized monstrosity, it was undeniably beyond standard specifications.

"Oh! Sharp eyes. This Duel Disk’s my own handiwork. For example, it can do… this."

She pressed a button, and seconds later, BGM began playing.

"I may be a mechanic, but I do enjoy a duel with passion. Atmosphere is important—it’s all about romance, you know?"

"Heh. Is that so?"

Yusei couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. He already felt like he’d get along with Utaha. Birds of a feather, as they say. It reminded him of his old teammate—the mechanic of Team 5D’s.

"I built my own Duel Disk too. I’m a researcher now, but back in the day, I dabbled in engineering."

"Oh? That’s good to hear. Next time, we should compete to see who’s the better mechanic."

As their casual exchange continued, Yusei activated his Duel Disk as well. The two took their positions.

"Now then, I’ll take the first turn. The data from MK-G was only from when I went first. I want to see with my own eyes what tactics you’ll show me when you’re second, Yusei."

"Yeah, that’s exactly what I want too. Let’s go, Utaha!"

The activation sound of the Duel Disks rang out clearer than ever.

It was the signal for battle.

"DUEL!!"

◆◇◆

"Now then, first…"

Utaha glanced at her hand, a faint smile playing on her lips. Then, she revealed a card with a decisive flourish.

"To bring new evolution to this duel—Spell Card, activate! Time-Tearing Morganite!"

Once again, a Normal Spell. Just like with the Ghost, the field was bathed in a violet light.

"No need to be surprised. I did say that android was my creation, didn’t I?"

Fair enough… Yusei analyzed the situation calmly. Who could guarantee that a superior wouldn’t use the same cards as their subordinate? What truly mattered was what came next—the color (the individuality) of Utaha herself. That was infinitely more important.

"Now, let’s begin! First, I Special Summon Hack Worm from my hand!"

[Hack Worm]

Effect Monster | ☆1 | DARK | Machine-Type
ATK 400 / DEF 0 (Defense Position)

A serpentine—no, centipede-like monster reminiscent of Meklord Astro Mekanikle appeared on the field. In a Riding Duel, it would slither forward, but in a standing duel, it coiled up by default.

"Next, I Special Summon a second one from my hand! Hack Worm can be Special Summoned if the opponent controls no monsters. By the way, this is a Rule Effect—just like Quickdraw Synchron’s material substitution—meaning it doesn’t start a chain, ignores negation, and isn’t affected by other effects. So even under Time-Tearing Morganite’s restriction, which prevents monster effects in the hand from activating, this still works."

Now, two copies of the same monster were on her field. Yet, Utaha hadn’t even used her Normal Summon yet.

"Special Summoning with 0 DEF… You’re planning to Tribute Summon a high-Level monster!"
"Exactly. As expected of Fudo Yusei. Then, allow me to show you—my ace monster! I Tribute both Hack Worms for a Tribute Summon!"

Though he’d guessed her move, he couldn’t predict what came next. Bracing himself, Yusei watched as the two monsters dissolved into particles of light, transforming into a massive dragon with a body of black steel, emerald energy pulsing through its form.

"Appear now! Cracking Dragon!"

[Cracking Dragon]

Effect Monster | ☆8 | DARK | Machine-Type
ATK 3000 / DEF 0 (Attack Position)

"─────!!!"

A powerful roar echoed across the battlefield - a high-pitched, grating sound distinctly different from Shooting Star Dragon's majestic cry.

"And thanks to Time-Tearing Morganite's effect, I Normal Summon the Tuner monster, Righty Driver! When this card is successfully Summoned, I can Special Summon Lefty Driver from my Deck! Come forth! Lefty Driver!"

[Righty Driver]

Tuner | Effect Monster | ☆1 | EARTH | Machine-Type
ATK 100 / DEF 300 (Attack Position)

[Lefty Driver]

Effect Monster | ☆2 | EARTH | Machine-Type
ATK 300 / DEF 100 (Defense Position)

The additional summon brought forth a blue, driver-legged robot, soon joined by its counterpart. The field was now perfectly set up for further plays.

"When Lefty Driver is successfully Special Summoned, I can change its Level to 3 until the End Phase! I tune Level 3 Lefty Driver with Level 1 Righty Driver!"

The two Drivers transformed into fragments of blue data, forming two large rings that momentarily combined before splitting into four smaller rings of light.

Between the rings appeared a rectangular tuning diagram - the numbers 1 and 3 displayed on either side, ultimately converging to 4.

"Gathered dreams reach out to new hope! Become the path of shining light! Synchro Summon! Seize victory! Armory Arm!"

[Armory Arm]

Synchro | Effect Monster | ☆4 | LIGHT | Machine-Type
ATK 1800 / DEF 1200 (Defense Position)

The silhouette of a massive arm materialized on the field.

Armory Arm - the very monster that had once helped Nitro Warrior achieve multiple One Turn Kills now stood as Yusei's opponent.

Chapter Text

TURN-008 Search for Victory

"Armory Arm—you know how this works. It can equip itself to one of my monsters. And the target, of course, is Cracking Dragon."

The mechanical arm pursued its target with precision. Though it lacked a proper hand, the multiple emerald orbs embedded in it began to glow. Guided by the light, Armory Arm positioned itself perfectly—floating slightly above Cracking Dragon's back, locked in place by energy. At this point, it resembled less of an arm and more of a mounted cannon.

"This boosts its ATK by 1000. And if it destroys a monster by battle, you'll take damage equal to its ATK. With that, I end my turn."

[Cracking Dragon]

ATK 3000 → 4000

As the turn passed to Yusei, he placed his fingers on his deck. But the situation was far from favorable. 4000 ATK—in Duel Monsters, that was power rivaling the Egyptians God Cards. And with added burn damage on top of its overwhelming strength, the threat was undeniable.

Yusei's current hand held no immediate answer to the dragon before him. If he didn't deal with it quickly, the combined force of 4000 battle damage and consecutive Synchro burn effects would spell certain defeat.

Utaha

• Hand: 1 card

• LP: 8000

• Field: Cracking Dragon (ATK 4000)

• Spell/Trap: Armory Arm equipped to Cracking Dragon

VS

Yusei

• Hand: 5 cards

• LP: 8000

• Field: None

• Spell/Trap: None

"My turn! Draw!"

Yusei pulled a card from his deck.

In the direst moments lies the greatest opportunity. To break through this deadlock, Yusei resolved to give it everything he had.

"I activate the Continuous Spell, Fire Formation - Tenki! Upon activation, I add Assault Sentinel to my hand. Then, I Normal Summon it! And with Tenki's second effect—since Assault Sentinel is a Beast-Warrior, its ATK increases by 100!"

[Assault Sentinel]

Effect Monster | ☆4 | DARK | Beast-Warrior
ATK 1600 → 1700 / DEF 800 (Attack Position)

Yusei wasted no time establishing his field. But Utaha wasn’t about to let him off easy.

"There it is. But I won’t make this simple for you! At this moment, Cracking Dragon’s effect activates! When a monster is Normal or Special Summoned to your field, its ATK decreases by 200 x its Level for this turn—and you take damage equal to the amount lost! Roar! Crack Fall!"

The emerald orbs flashed, and a sudden gale erupted. The violent winds forced Assault Sentinel to its knees, destabilizing its stance.

[Assault Sentinel]

ATK 1700 → 900

Yusei’s LP: 8000 → 7200

"Tch...!"

"How do you like that? This card is devastating against your Synchro-focused deck. And my dragon can't be destroyed in battle by monsters with a Level equal to or lower than its own. I won't make this easy for you."

Like the Ghost duel before, Utaha was methodically cornering him. But Yusei couldn't stop now—he had to keep pushing forward with his strategy, no matter what.

"...I activate Assault Sentinel's effect! By tributing it, I can Special Summon a monster with Assault Mode Activate in its text from my Deck! Come forth—Psi-Reflector!"

[Psi-Reflector]

Effect Monster | Tuner | ☆1 | DARK | Psychic
ATK 400 / DEF 300 (Defense Position)

"Still going? Then take this damage too! ...Crack Fall!"

The merciless winds howled once more, knocking Psychic Reflector off balance just as it had Assault Sentinel. Even knowing what was coming, Yusei had no choice but to endure.

[Psi-Reflector]

ATK 400 → 200

Yusei's LP: 7200 → 7000

"Ghh... But since I successfully Special Summoned it, I can add Assault Beast (which has Assault Mode Activate in its text) from my Deck to my hand. —I discard Assault Beast to activate its effect, adding Assault Mode Activate to my hand! Then, by revealing Assault Mode Activate, I trigger Psi-Reflector's additional effect—I can increase Assault Beast's Level by 3 and Special Summon it from the Graveyard!"

[Assault Beast]

Effect Monster | ☆4 → ☆7 | EARTH | Beast-Warrior
ATK 1900 → 2000 → 600 (after Tenki and Crack Fall) / DEF 1200 (Defense Position)

Yusei's LP: 7000 → 5600 (Crack Fall)

"...This makes a total Level of 8. Here it comes!"

"I tune Level 1 Psychic Reflector with Level 7 Assault Beast! Gathered wishes become a new shining star! Become the path of light! Synchro Summon! Soar! Stardust Dragon!"

[Stardust Dragon]

Synchro | Effect Monster | ☆8 | WIND | Dragon
ATK 2500 → 900 (after Crack Fall) / DEF 2000 (Defense Position)

Yusei's LP: 5600 → 4000

Though his Life Points were halved in the process, Yusei had finally managed to summon Stardust Dragon. But the situation was far from favorable—this would have to be a defensive turn.

"I set 4 cards and end my turn."

Against an overwhelming offensive, there were generally two effective strategies:

1. A combat trick for a sudden reversal, or

2. Pure effect removal.

Now, it was a matter of reading the opponent's moves while searching for an opening. This duel was shaping up to be a true test of Yusei's skill.

Chapter Text

TURN-009  Narrative Trick

"My turn! With the effect of Time-Tearing Morganite, I draw 2 cards!"

Utaha’s Cracking Dragon currently has 4000 ATK. In Yusei’s deck, only a few Limit Over Accel Synchro Monsters—such as Shooting Quasar Dragon—can surpass that number.

Furthermore, due to the effect damage from Armory Arm, if his combat trick fails, he’ll take 4000 damage and lose instantly. While Cracking Dragon’s effect ends during the opponent’s turn (reverting its ATK), recklessly summoning monsters is still too dangerous.

Yusei’s victory now depends on the four Set cards from his previous turn—and the two cards in his hand.

"At this moment, I activate my Trap Card—Assault Mode Activate! By tributing 1 Synchro Monster on my field, I Special Summon its corresponding ‘/Assault’ monster from my Deck!"

Standby Phase. He won’t repeat the same mistake from the Ghost battle. This time, he’ll show the true power of his deck.

"This is my… no, our bond, given form! Come forth—Stardust Dragon /Assault Mode!"

Stardust Dragon /Assault Mode

Effect Monster | ★10 | WIND | Dragon
3000 ATK / 2500 DEF (in Defense Position)

Normally, this would trigger Crack Fall, but it doesn’t activate this time.
Of course—the /Assault effect is an all-purpose counter that negates any activation and destroys the card. Utaha wouldn’t foolishly let Cracking Dragon be lost so easily.

"But even so, its ATK is still lower than Cracking Dragon’s. My advantage remains unchanged! Main Phase! I activate the effect of Lefty Driver in my Graveyard!"

As she declares this, the card of Lefty Driver emerges from the glowing Graveyard vortex.

"I banish this card from play to add Righty Driver to my hand! Then, I Normal Summon Righty Driver—and use its effect to Special Summon Lefty Driver from my Deck!"

Righty Driver

Tuner | Effect Monster | ★1 | EARTH | Machine
100 ATK / 300 DEF (Attack Position)

 

Lefty Driver (Special Summoned from Deck)

Effect Monster | ★2→3 (Level adjusted) | EARTH | Machine
300 ATK / 100 DEF (Defense Position)

Once again, the same monsters as the previous turn. Yusei, having used them himself, understood all too well. Lefty and Righty Driver strengthened each other’s effects, endlessly supplying Synchro Material. That was precisely what made them so formidable.

"So, you’re attempting another Synchro Summon?"
"Correct. But you’ve misunderstood one critical thing."
"What?!"

"Fudo Yusei… I imagine you’ve assumed this: that Cracking Dragon is my ace monster. That defeating it would clear your path to victory."

Her unsettling words pierced through him as if reading his mind.
Yusei frowned inwardly.

Don’t tell me… Is she implying that dragon isn’t her true ace?

"Oh, don’t misunderstand—I’m not lying. This dragon has dealt you 4000 effect damage and secured my dominance. —But… I never said it was my only ace."
"What?!"

"Then allow me to show you. My second ace monster!"

Utaha’s pressure shifted abruptly—
As if everything until now had been child’s play.

"I activate the Spell Card Instant Fusion! By paying 1000 LP, I can Special Summon a Level 6 or lower Fusion Monster with no effects from my Extra Deck! Sound the whistle! Fusion Summon—Steam Gyroid!"

Steam Gyroid

Fusion | ★6 | EARTH | Machine
2200 ATK / 1600 DEF (Defense Position)

Utaha’s LP: 8000 → 7000

With this, the total Levels on her field reached 18 (or 10 if excluding Cracking Dragon).

"I tune my Level 6 Steam Gyroid with Level 3 Lefty Driver and Level 1 Righty Driver!
Limiter release, Level 10!
Main booster control—ALL CLEAR! The world itself warps into the bizarre! Carve our intellect into this shifting era! Behold my second—and true—ace monster!
GO! Synchro Summon!
Raichan MK-III, reborn—‘A.O.J. Decisive Armor’!"

No mere metaphor like Cracking Dragon. This was an iron fortress wielding real artillery—

A.O.J. Decisive Armor

Synchro Effect Monster | ★10 | DARK | Machine
3300 ATK / 3300 DEF (Attack Position)

"A monster with 3300 ATK…?!"
"Correct. This is my ultimate monster—A.O.J. Decisive Armor!"

Utaha’s ace descended. Stardust Dragon /Assault Mode had no chance to interrupt the summon.
With attack power rivaling Shooting Star Dragon, the colossal machine shook the field, its shadow swallowing the arena.

"I still have my Normal Summon! I Normal Summon Machina Gearframe! With its effect, I add Machina Fortress to my hand!"

Machina Gearframe

Effect Monster | ★4 | EARTH | Machine
1800 ATK / 0 DEF (Attack Position)

"Machina Fortress…?! Not happening!
I activate Stardust Dragon /Assault Mode’s effect! By tributing this card, I negate and destroy your monster’s effect! Assault Sanctuary!"

Machina Fortress revives endlessly from the Graveyard and destroys all cards on the field when battle-destroyed... This situation would deteriorate fast. I absolutely can't let that summon happen!

As Stardust vanished from the field, Gearframe shattered into fragments, dissolving into a storm of pixelated debris.

"But now your field lies defenseless! Battle Phase! A.O.J. Decisive Armor, attack Yusei directly! Turret Cannon!"
"Not so fast! I activate Swift Scarecrow from my hand! It negates your direct attack and forcibly ends the Battle Phase!"

Yet this reprieve came at a cost. Had he lacked this one card, 7300 direct damage would have crushed him instantly.

"Thank you... Swift Scarecrow. Now, Stardust’s effect resolves! This End Phase, it returns to my field! Come back—Stardust Dragon /Assault Mode!"
"Tch. I’d normally deal 2000 damage with Cracking Dragon’s effect, but with Stardust back, that’s impossible. You bought yourself a turn. But next time, you won’t escape. I end my turn!"

Utaha | Hand: 1 | LP: 7000
Field:

• Cracking Dragon

• A.O.J. Decisive Armor
  Spell/Trap:

• Armory Arm equipped to Cracking Dragon

VS

Yusei | Hand: 1 | LP: 4000
Field:

• Stardust Dragon /Assault
  Set S/T: 3

Not a single misstep allowed. Yet he endured.

1. If Cracking Dragon activates its effect:
   → Stardust negates and destroys it, then returns in the End Phase.

2. If Utaha negates Stardust’s revival:
   → Still destroyed, but it immediately returns during the End Phase.

With this, Stardust completely walls Cracking Dragon’s effect. Utaha’s Time-Tearing Morganite locks her from using hand traps, and she has no Set cards left.

Yusei’s counterattack is all but guaranteed next turn.

"Now... the real duel begins!"

Chapter Text

TURN-010 A New Horizon

"My turn!"

Utaha’s deck was undeniably built to counter Synchros—that’s what made it so formidable. The risk of losing next turn was all too real.

But no monster, no matter how powerful, is without weakness. And right now, her field holds no destruction-proof monsters.

"But with my current hand… I can’t summon anything stronger than her monsters, nor do I have direct removal. What’s the play here?"

Only one card in hand. Three Set cards, but none could outright destroy her threats. Even with a normal draw next turn, he’d only have two cards—still at a crushing disadvantage.

He needed an opening.

A single crack in her ironclad defense.

Yusei scanned his hand again. And again. But no matter how many times he looked, no path to victory revealed itself.

Is this it…? He closed his eyes, shutting out distractions, focusing every ounce of his will.

There has to be a way… Some method to break through her near-invincible monsters…

◆◇◆

Let me assess the situation.

My deck is filled with Tuners—just as Utaha said, Synchro Summoning is its core.

She knew about me. Dragged me into this world, Kivotos, just to test my strength. And now, she’s throwing monsters at me that cripple Synchros at every turn.

But my ace monsters are Synchros. If I can’t summon them, I’ve already lost.

Then the answer must lie in the Tuners. The infinite possibilities sleeping in my deck—the monsters that have carved my path to victory time and again…

◆◇◆

Yusei wrestled with his thoughts, trapped in a labyrinth of strategy.

He tried working backward—reverse-engineering victory from the endgame. 

But nothing fit. No path opened.

Time slipped away mercilessly.

Is this it…? The thought of surrender flickered in his mind.

"No. I can’t. I promised her—that girl (GSC President)—that I’d save her."

Just as despair threatened to take hold, his father’s voice echoed in his memory.

◆◇◆

"Don’t give up, Yusei. You can do this."
"Dad… Stop saying whatever you want! I fought with everything I had. But this time… it’s impossible. I can’t win."
"Yusei."

Called by his father's voice, when he raised his head, something was being swung down. By the time his brain recognized it as being struck by a hand, he already felt the pain in his cheek.

"Yusei. Your duty isn’t over. Just like the bonds between particles—like Stardust itself—you must guide and connect hearts. Beyond that lies a new horizon."
"Guide hearts… Connect them…?"
"Yes. That is your role."

His father had always been harsh.

◆◇◆

Back during the fight against Z-ONE, when his spirit had nearly broken, his father had pushed him forward the same way.

Yusei envisioned himself rising to his feet.

Back then, he’d refused to surrender—even against Timelord, an "invincible" god. And because of that, Neo Domino City was saved.

He asked himself now:

Will you give up this time? Deny your own potential?

"No. I’ll never surrender! I’ll win this duel—no matter what it takes!"

Images of his friends flashed through his mind—Rua, Ruka.

Crow.

Aki.

Jack… And...

"Yusei… You’ll find it. Your own Accel Synchro…"

"Bruno! …I’ve got it!"

Their bonds—the very bonds that pushed him forward—were the key!

Suddenly, the ground trembled. No—not just the circuit. The entire Millennium shook, as if resonating with his resolve.

"What… is this?!"

Utaha, who’d been unshakable until now, staggered in shock. In a world ruled by science, an "unpredictable earthquake" shouldn’t exist.

After a few seconds, the earth behind Yusei split open. A geyser of white energy erupted, soaring into the sky.

"What are you planning?!"

The utterly unexpected turn of events.

Utaha's face, which had maintained a perfect poker face until just moments ago, now bore a stunned expression that refused to fade.

My deck… Answer me!

"DDRRAAAWWW!!!"

"This was supposed to be just a test duel… to measure Yusei’s strength. But this—"

Utaha let those words slip out unintentionally. And in that very moment—

◆◇◆

"……!"

The drawn card—"Debris Dragon."

—one of the monsters that had always stood by Yusei’s side.

The connection was made. Hope ignited.

A fire rekindled in Yusei’s eyes. Almost reflexively, his hand moved, slotting the card into his Duel Disk.

"Here we go, Utaha! This is the new horizon I’ll carve! I Normal Summon Debris Dragon from my hand!"

Debris Dragon

Tuner | Effect Monster | ★4 | WIND | Dragon
1000 ATK / 2000 DEF (Attack Position)

"When this card is Normal Summoned: I can Special Summon 1 monster with 500 or less ATK from my Graveyard. I revive Swift Scarecrow!"

The very card that blocked her direct attack now became the foundation for his counteroffensive.

"I tune my Level 1 Swift Scarecrow with Level 4 Debris Dragon! Gathered wishes shall become the vessel of new power. Become the path that shines through darkness!
Synchro Summon! Appear—Samsara, Dragon of Rebirth!"

Samsara, Dragon of Rebirth

Synchro Effect Monster | ★5 | DARK | Dragon
100 ATK / 2600 DEF (Defense Position)

A 2600 DEF wall—but Utaha scoffed.

"My monsters surpass even that defense! No matter how you stall, nothing changes!"

"Heh. Then I activate my face-down—Back to the Front! This Trap revives 1 monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Return—Psi-Reflector!"

The very monster that once guided Stardust back to the field. And now—!

"By Psi-Reflector's effect, I add Assault Mode Activate back to my hand! Then, by revealing Assault Mode Activate, I Special Summon Assault Beast from my Graveyard as a Level 7 monster!"

A blistering chain of summons—Psi-Reflector proves its worth as the single card that bridges to the /Assault Mode archetype. But this monster holds one more hidden power...

"I tune my Level 7 Assault Beast with Level 1 Psi-Reflector!
Gathered hearts inherit wills and guide souls forward. Become the path that shines through darkness! Synchro Summon! Rise from scrap iron—Scrap Dragon!"

"Two Synchro Summons in a single turn?!"

Scrap Dragon

Synchro Effect Monster | ★8 | EARTH | Dragon
2800 ATK / 2000 DEF (Defense Position)

Even without a /Assault Mode counterpart, this monster serves its purpose—the final piece has fallen into place!

"Now, Scrap Dragon's effect activates! I target 1 card on my field and 1 on yours—then destroy them both! I choose Cracking Dragon... and Scrap Dragon itself!"

Yusei pointed to the black dragon.

Scrap Dragon’s crimson eyes flashed as it slammed into Cracking Dragon—obliterating itself and Utaha’s unstoppable beast in a cataclysmic explosion.

"———!!!"

The dragons’ shrieks echoed like a battleship sinking into the abyss. The "unsinkable" monster had fallen.

"Cracking Dragon… is gone. But don’t celebrate yet. Your Stardust only has 3000 ATK—far short of my Decisive Armor’ 3300. This changes nothing!"

She expected desperation. But Yusei’s response defied all logic.

"You sure about that?"

"What?!"

With his last card in hand, Yusei raised it high—a light piercing the rubble.

"I activate Necroid Synchro from my hand! This Spell lets me Synchro Summon a ‘Stardust’ monster by banishing Tuner and non-Tuners from my Graveyard—their total Levels become its own! But its effects are negated."

"Graveyard Synchro…?! So your earlier plays were just setup for this?!"

"No! This is the power my friends entrusted to me—the power of bonds!"

"Bonds…?"

"Yeah. Even when someone falls, we lift each other up. That’s the strength of bonds!"

The white light intensified, forcing Utaha to shield her eyes.

"Guh—?!"

"Here I go, Utaha! My ultimate move— OVER TOP CLEAR MIND! I tune my Level 8 Scrap Dragon in the Graveyard with Level 4 Debris Dragon!"

The two dragons resurrected as light, merging into a radiant pillar that consumed the sky.

Even in a Standing Duel, surpassing limits was possible.

The light condensed—a celestial sphere—before revealing its true form.

"Stars of the ancient heavens… Become sacred rain and cleanse this world! LIMIT OVER ACCEL SYNCHRO!!! Transcendent Revelation—Stardust Sifr Divine Dragon!"

Stardust Sifr Divine Dragon

Synchro Effect Monster | ★12 | WIND | Dragon
4000 ATK / 4000 DEF (Attack Position)

A dragon clad in holy radiance descended, its wings painting the sky. Utaha swallowed hard—awestruck by its divinity.

"Utaha! This is the crystallization of my resolve. The evolution born from believing in bonds!"

Chapter Text

TURN-011 A Quiet Conclusion

A look of shock spreads across Utaha’s face. And for good reason—an Accel Synchro Monster is a Synchro Monster that specifically requires a Synchro Tuner and non-Tuner Synchro Monsters as its materials.

As proof, Sifr is described as requiring a Synchro Tuner + 2 or more non-Tuner Synchro Monsters.

"Necroid Synchro has an effect that ignores material requirements as long as the Levels are the same. This is the new realm I’ve created—Necro-Accel Synchro!"

"Necro-Accel Synchro…? N-No way! There was no data on something like that!"

She had heard of Necro Synchro before. It was a strategy once used by Crow, a member of Team 5D’s and an ally of Fudo Yusei, with the monster Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor. But to think—

"Ignoring even material requirements, huh? I’ll admit, you’ve surprised me. Fudo Yusei, is this the power that will carve open your future?"

"That’s right. And this is the final piece! I flip my Set card—World Legacy Clash! This card targets 1 of my monsters, banishes it until the End Phase, and reduces the ATK/DEF of 1 opponent’s monster by the ATK/DEF of the banished monster! I choose Stardust Sifr!"

"W-What?! Banishing an Accel Synchro Monster at this timing?!"

A warp hole-like void appears behind Decisive Armor. As if drawn into it, Sifr charges forward, turning into pure energy as it pierces through the steel fortress.

The impact causes Decisive Armor to lose most of its functions. Belching black smoke, its cannons droop downward before coming to a complete halt.

Decisive Armor

ATK 3300 → 0
DEF 3300 → 0

"Raiden-chan MK-III…! Tch, its ATK is zero! At this rate, it can’t even act as a wall monster—"

"Battle! Go, Stardust! Attack Decisive Armor—Assault Sonic Burn!"

"Guaaaaaaah!"

Utaha LP: 7000 → 4000

A heavy strike from Stardust. A beam of light erupts, forcing Utaha to reel back violently. The tables have turned—while Yusei’s field still has monsters, hers is now completely empty, not even a shield monster left.

"During this End Phase, Sifr returns to the field due to World Legacy Clash’s effect! With that, I end my turn."

Utaha
Hand: 1 | LP: 4000
Field: None
Spell/Trap: None

VS

Yusei
Hand: 1 | LP: 4000
Field:

• Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode

• Samsara Dragon of Rebirth

• Stardust Sifr Divine Dragon
  Spell/Trap: 1 Set

"It seems this is as far as I go."

Utaha lowers her head, accepting defeat—but she isn’t sad. If anything, she can’t hide her excitement at how Yusei overturned the situation. She takes a deep breath to steady herself. She still needs to determine—whether he is truly a hero or not.

Right now, Sifr is freed from Necroid Synchro’s restrictions thanks to World Legacy Clash. Sifr’s effect can negate a monster effect, then destroy 1 card on the field, while also being able to negate the destruction of its own cards once per turn. Combined with Stardust’s universal negation, that makes two disruptions. Even if she draws two cards with Time-Tearing Morganite, having both negated leaves her with no options.

"You’re amazing. Just as I’ve heard. With this, even he should be satisfied."

But a duelist must show basic respect. Only a small-time player would concede the moment defeat was certain.

Surrendering was never an option.

"My turn—Draw 2! I banish Lefty Driver from my Graveyard to add Righty Driver to my hand. I Summon it and activate its effect!"

"Sifr’s monster effect negates Righty Driver’s effect! Sonic Reverse! Then, destroy it—Sonic Shine Reverse!"

"Next, I activate the Spell Card, Machina Redeployment! By discarding Machina Megaform from my hand, I add 2 'Machina' cards to my hand!"

"Stardust's effect! I tribute this card to negate the Spell’s effect and destroy it! Assault Sanctuary! Then, it returns during the End Phase. Come back—Stardust!"

As expected, every possible move was blocked.

Her Drivers were destroyed, and her Spell negated.

Utaha
Hand: 1 | LP: 4000
Field: None
Spell/Trap: None

VS

Yusei
Hand: 1 | LP: 4000
Field:

• Stardust Dragon/Assault Mode

• Samsara Dragon of Rebirth

• Stardust Sifr Divine Dragon
  Spell/Trap: 1 Set

"Here I go—Battle Phase! Stardust Sifr, direct attack! Shooting Nova Blast!"

Yusei’s flawless finish. The shockwave from Sifr pierces Utaha, dealing 4000 damage. Taking such a massive hit head-on, there was no way she could withstand it.

Utaha LP: 4000 → 0

Chapter Text

TURN-012: "The Millennium Enigma"

"Aww, I lost. Totally crushed—no room for excuses. ...As expected of Fudo Yusei."

The shockwave from the direct attack sent Utaha tumbling backward. Strangely, her face looked oddly refreshed. Her earlier poker face must have been an act. She stared up at the blue sky, deep in thought.

"Phew... Sunbathing out in the open like this isn’t really my style... Up we go."

She quickly stood up, brushing off the dust without a trace of frustration. It really did seem like she had expected to lose from the start.

"Well then, as promised, I’ll tell you everything—where we are, who I am, and why I called you here. ...Follow me."

With that, she motioned for Yusei to head back inside. The topic must be too sensitive to discuss outside. After their duel, Yusei knew Utaha had no intention of deceiving him, so he complied without hesitation.

◆◇◆

"First, let me reintroduce myself. My name is Shiraishi Utaha. I’m an engineer. Nice to meet you."
"Yeah, likewise."

They exchanged quick greetings.

Right now, they were in some hallway.

Just like the circuit earlier, this facility was beyond standard specifications. Its scale rivaled—no, possibly exceeded—Security’s headquarters.

"Now then, as I mentioned before the duel, this is the Academy City of Kivotos."

It was massive, but the scenery itself wasn’t too different from Neo Domino City. If not for what happened at the circuit, Yusei might not have even realized he was in another world at first glance.

"An Academy City... meaning most of this place is made up of schools?"
"Bingo. You catch on quick. Now, onto the next topic—why I called you here. It’s because of a certain person’s recommendation."
"A certain person?"
"Yeah. Someone who never gives up, no matter what. Someone who believes in bonds and their own potential. When the question came up—'Is there anyone like that out there?'—your name was brought up."
"...I see."

Yusei couldn’t shake his unease. In other words, this world was abducting people from other dimensions for their own convenience. That alone should be malicious, yet he didn’t sense any ill intent. Maybe they considered it so normal they didn’t even think of it as a crime.

"Of course, we don’t normally do this. There’s a big reason behind it, but to explain that... I’d like you to meet someone first."
"...So this person knows everything?"
"Pretty much. Actually, I lied to you about one other thing besides the duel. I said I was the one who brought you to this world, but... well, it’s not wrong, but to be precise, it was me and that person who called you here. Does that make sense?"

Yusei nodded in understanding. During the duel, she had repeatedly referred to someone as "that person." Summoning someone from another world wasn’t something a student could do alone, no matter how large the school. This was likely part of a larger plan.

"Right now, we’re in Millennium Science School—a mammoth institution specializing in technology and infrastructure, supporting the entire city. Here, take a look at this."

Utaha pointed toward a group of students conducting test runs on machinery. Since they were on the first floor, this must be an underground testing area. Everyone was working with intense focus, their passion almost contagious.

"Right now, the school is preparing for the Millennium Prize—basically, a high-stakes science and tech competition. The difficulty level? Imagine a high school baseball player stepping into the Major Leagues. Half-hearted determination won’t even get you a foot in the door. That’s why everyone’s so on edge."

The students were hunched over electronic devices, staring intently at screens. It reminded Yusei of his own meticulous preparations for the WRGP, filling him with a strange nostalgia.

"Though, I’m competing too. And this year’s victory will be ours once again."

Utaha rested her chin on her hand, subtly bragging about her previous win. Come to think of it, had she mentioned being a third-year? At this scale, the competition must hold even more prestige than a national sports tournament. For her, about to graduate next year, the stakes were undoubtedly high.

"And you called me here in the middle of all this?"
"Huh!? W-Well, yeah! That just shows how urgent the situation is!"

Utaha leaned her face close to Yusei's. For some reason, the pressure she exuded was strangely intense. Combined with her refined features, it gave off a strong sense of "I'd prefer you not pry any further than this."

◆◇◆

"Alright, this is the place."

After some walking, the surroundings had completely changed. The clean white walls gave way to an exposed, factory-like space filled with half-buried machinery and flickering lights. Most of it looked like discarded junk with no clear purpose.

"Are you sure this is the right place?"
"Yep. Staying out of sight was the bare minimum requirement. You’re not from this world, after all. If regular students saw you, it’d be a huge hassle. This place is basically a graveyard for prototypes—a byproduct of the madness that comes with preparing for the Millennium Prize. Perfect for hide-and-seek."

They pushed through thick bundles of overhead wiring. Just as Yusei began doubting whether anyone could possibly be here, Utaha suddenly stopped. Ahead was a secured door with an authentication system.

"Shiraishi Utaha. I brought him."

Facial recognition. Fingerprint scan. Several seconds later - perhaps having verified her identity - the door slid open in four directions. Inside was oddly dim for some reason, with only the glow from an LCD screen in the back and the intermittent blinking of various electronic devices faintly outlining the room's contours.

"Coming in~"

Utaha entered the room without hesitation - naturally, since she wasn't using honorifics, this person was either her classmate or junior. At the very least, someone who knew about interdimensional existence and possessed the theoretical knowledge to make it happen had to be either extraordinarily brilliant and rational, or extraordinarily brilliant and downright strange.

"Pardon the intrusion." With this brief greeting, Yusei followed her inside.

◆◇◆

Perhaps because the awaited guest had arrived, the lights finally turned on.

Looking back, Yusei saw Utaha flipping the switch manually.

...Was this whole "mysterious figure" vibe just a spur-of-the-moment act?

Was she just a weirdo after all?

Just as Yusei started feeling a tinge of unease—

"...I’ve been waiting for you, Fudo Yusei."

A voice spoke up from behind him.

Blue hair. A white jacket.

Someone Yusei knew well.

"You’re……………………Bruno???"

Chapter Text

TURN-013 Antinomy

"...Bruno... It was you!?"

The words escaped his lips before he could stop them.

The man standing before him was unmistakably Bruno. Yet Yusei couldn't bring himself to trust his own eyes.

◆◇◆

Bruno. A seemingly unremarkable man who once lost his memories and was foisted upon Team 5D's by Security. His true identity was Antinomy—one of Z-ONE's comrades from Iliaster.

During the final battle at Ark Cradle, Bruno regained his memories and turned against Yusei. He transported them to a course simulating outer space, where only the victor could escape—a literal duel to the death.

However, after his defeat, Bruno—no, Antinomy—revealed his true feelings:

"As Bruno, I found hope in you and your friends. That’s why I fought—to teach you Delta Accel Synchro."

In the end, he had glimpsed the visage of a hero who believed in his friends.

With Accel Synchro that surpassed even light itself, he propelled Yusei out from within a black hole...

...and vanished without a trace.

Or so he should have.

◆◇◆

"Bruno...? Bruno. Is it really you...!?"

Overwhelmed with emotion, Yusei felt tears streaming down his face before he could stop them. To him—no, to all of Team 5D's—Bruno had been that special. Without Bruno, mastering Over Top Clear Mind and even Accel Synchro would have remained nothing but a pipe dream, and their WRGP victory would have been impossible.

Though Bruno had initially been driven by the mission given to him by Z-ONE, Yusei's relentless determination and refusal to give up had moved him—leading him to place his faith in their future.

What Bruno had built with Yusei and the others was no illusion crafted for betrayal. It was proof of trust and camaraderie—something he had chosen for himself. Above all else, that was the truth.

"Are you really... really Bruno...?"

Yusei clenched his fists tightly, desperately trying to hold back his tears. Watching Bruno get swallowed by that black hole had left him tormented by his own powerlessness and the cruelty of fate. While that moment may have pushed Yusei toward Over Top Clear Mind, it had also carved a deep trauma into his heart.

"Yeah, it's really me. It's been a while, Yusei."

Yusei couldn't find the words. A storm of emotions surged within him—joy that Bruno was alive, frustration over why he hadn't reached out, confusion over how he had escaped the black hole. And then—

"Bruno... are you really you?"

...the question of why he was here.

"That's right, Yusei. I'm not a hologram, not a remnant. I'm definitely Bruno—the same one who fought you as Antinomy."

"Bruno... So you're alive. That's... that's great. Really... really great!"

Bruno extended his fist—a gesture that once symbolized entrusting one's feelings to another. But this time, it was simply his way of expressing heartfelt joy at their reunion.

"It's good to see you, Yusei!"

"Yeah... you too, Bruno!"

"Mhm-mhm, what a touching reunion~... or so I'd love to say, but haven't you forgotten something? Like, say... me? Or perhaps... me?"

Utaha cleared her throat pointedly, dragging the two men—now completely lost in their own world—back to reality.

"So, Advisor Bruno. Don't you have something important to tell Yusei?"

Raising her voice slightly, she shot Bruno a meaningful look. His eyes widened in realization ("Ah—!?"), one hand flying to his mouth in a characteristically airheaded gesture before clasping both together in an apologetic bow.

"Right, right. Sorry about that. We really should've led with this... Well then, Yusei." Bruno straightened, his expression sobering. "To make a long story short—I'm here now. That's an undeniable truth. And as Utaha mentioned... the one who called you to this world was unquestionably me."
"I see... So it was you."
"Yeah."

Everything clicked into place for Yusei. Of course Utaha had known about him—Bruno must have told her. By some twist of fate, Bruno had transcended not just time, but now space itself. Yet this very impossibility had granted them a miracle: a second chance to meet, alive. The realization struck Yusei like lightning from a clear sky.

"And Yusei... There's something you must do."

Before the warmth of their reunion could fade, Bruno turned fully toward him, eyes alight with the same fiery resolve he'd once worn as Antinomy. It seemed this world had given him a new purpose.

"To save Kivotos... the General Student Council President... and Neo Domino City from destruction."

◆◇◆

"Bruno, what exactly do you mean by that?"

Yusei's expression turned grave as he pressed Bruno for answers. Hearing about Neo Domino City and the General Student Council President - he couldn't possibly remain silent after that.

"When I came to this world, I was helped by two girls - Kuzunoha and the General Student Council President. They told me about entities called 'Chromat' - calamities that erode and consume entire worlds... Yusei, I called you here because these Chroma are threatening both Kivotos and Neo Domino City. I need your help to stop them."
"...!"

Bruno's face was deadly serious. Kuzunoha... While that name was unfamiliar, Yusei could grasp the general situation.

"Right now, Security in your world - no, the Highway Patrol - is investigating a major incident. Are you aware of this?"

"Yeah, Ushio mentioned something about that."

"That's Chroma. The battles you fought - against the Dark Signers and our Iliaster - released massive energies that caught the attention of these distant monsters."
"Monsters...?"
"Exactly. Chroma aren't human or even creatures. They're calamities themselves - unstoppable disasters! That's their true nature!"
"What...?!"

The gravity of the situation hit Yusei. It reminded him of when Jose, leader of Iliaster's Three Emperors, revealed his true goal of destroying Neo Domino City to save the future.

"The General Student Council President... she held a position like Goodwin or the Chief Director in this nation. She'd noticed Chroma' threat and was investigating, but..."

"She was discovered and eliminated... just like Sherry's parents..."
"Sharp as ever, Yusei. Exactly right. Though... how do you know about the President?"

"I saw her in a dream... being shot... crying for help..."
"WHAT?!"

The unexpected revelation made Bruno exclaim in surprise. Clearly, the dream wasn't part of Bruno's plans... which could only mean one thing.

"Then it must have come from her directly. Yusei, I did tell her about you, but I never imagined she'd contact you like this..."

Bruno fell deep in thought. The President didn't possess any dream-manipulating abilities. So how exactly had she managed to establish this connection with Yusei...?

Meanwhile, Yusei recalled the strange premonition he'd felt ever since dreaming of the President - much like how Ruka had dreamed of the Signer-Dark Signer war before it began, he now sensed the approach of a new conflict.

"I see. At any rate, we understand the situation now. It seems we need to have a proper discussion about this."

"Yeah, you're right." 

The two nodded solemnly. This time, it wouldn't be Jack or Crow fighting alongside him - the time had come to stand with Bruno again. Yusei gazed at Bruno with deep emotion, meeting his equally intense stare before Bruno suddenly made a bold declaration.

"...Yusei! Duel with me! You must master what this world demands of you! This isn't like Z-ONE - we're facing true evil now! To save the General Student Council President... to gain the new power we'll need to win!"

"New power?"

"That's right! A power beyond even Accel Synchro - beyond Limit Over Accel Synchro! The power to defeat Chroma!"

"...!?"

New power. New trials ahead.

After the Dark Signers, after Iliaster - now they faced another formidable enemy. This truth weighed heavily on Yusei, his heartbeat pounding loudly in his ears.

"I know you still have countless questions. But we duelists have always found our answers through dueling. When lost or afraid of what lies ahead, the duel always shows us the way.... Let's begin! Our first duel since that fateful day!"

Chapter Text

TURN-014 The Origin of Beginnings - A Fierce Battle for the Future!

Yusei himself seems uncertain about what he must do next.

Thrown into an unfamiliar world and forced into back-to-back duels without understanding anything—frankly, the odds of him accepting my request were fifty-fifty at best.

But this is Yusei we're talking about. And just as I expected, he didn't let me down.

The circuit where Yusei had dueled before would once again become our battlefield. In this world, the concept of Riding Duels doesn't exist. There are no specialized highways built for dueling.

However, at Millennium, it is possible. This place houses multiple independent circuits—all we needed was to create an environment that could link them together.

Over Top Clear Mind. After witnessing his duel, I became certain all over again—Yusei's potential is limitless. I couldn't suppress my desire to duel him. A Synchro evolution surpassing even Delta Accel Synchro. A monster never before seen in history. I wanted to see more of that power—the very strength that defeated Z-ONE!

Chroma... From what Kuzunoha told me, they're an enemy I could never hope to face alone. That's exactly why Yusei must reach a new evolution—why he must cultivate the power to fight once more.

Yusei... I know you can do it. You'll forge your own path—your own new form of dueling!

◆◇◆

A blue sky, scattered with clear clouds.

Bathed in spring sunlight, the wind caressed their cheeks. In the far distance, the horizon stretched endlessly, unmistakably emphasizing the vastness of the course.

The sprawling road seemed infinite. No Riding Duelist could look upon this sight without their heart racing. To Yusei, who had chosen to remain in Neo Domino City, this landscape felt boundlessly expansive.

He took a moment to survey his surroundings. Though he'd experienced the Ghost duel and the battle against Utaha, actually riding across the entire course was an entirely different matter.

Utaha stood as their witness. According to her, they needed approval from Kivotos' student faction to use Millennium's facilities. Her poker face had returned, and she now quietly awaited the duel's commencement.

Yusei turned his gaze to Bruno at the starting line. Astride his cutting-edge D-Wheel, the Delta Eagle—designed to ride on its rear wheel alone—Bruno waited impatiently for the start. Though he didn't face Yusei directly, the intensity of his focus was palpable.

What exactly does Bruno intend to teach me? The fact that they could freely use the school's course meant he had connections with those in power. From the students preparing for the Millennium Prize, Yusei had vaguely deduced that Duel Monsters didn't exist in this world. How did he convince them? What does he want to convey so badly that he'd go to such lengths?

Perhaps these thoughts were written on his face. Bruno spoke softly:

"Yusei... Once the duel begins, I'll tell you everything. All that I've experienced. 'Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times.' I thought experiencing it firsthand would be quicker than just explaining... Though we've been through this before."

That's right. When they'd first met—when Bruno, or rather Antinomy, had sought to teach Yusei Accel Synchro—he'd said something similar.

"Hmph, true. But the Momentum system works in this world? Utaha told me this was another dimension."

"No issues there. It's small-scale, but I've already set up Momentum units. As long as we stay on the designated course, we can ride without problems."

But this time was different. They were no longer enemies. Bruno was facing the same direction as him. There was nothing to worry about—all he had to do was give this duel his all. As if to say "Exactly," Bruno flashed a bright smile.

"We'll duel using Speed World 2—" ...was what I wanted to say, but it seems the rules were updated after I disappeared. Since I also have reasons to use normal Spell Cards, let's go with Speed World 3 this time!"

Having likely observed Utaha's duel, his tone was gentle—completely unlike his former demeanor. Even as he changed into his riding suit, he wasn't approaching this as Antinomy, but purely as Bruno.

"Alright, here we go, Yusei. Ghost, Utaha, and now me! This is the true final duel!"

But that didn't mean he'd hold back. With the same resolve he'd once shown Yusei, he now stood before him.

"Yeah, Bruno—I wouldn't have it any other way!"

"Here we go! Speed World 3, set!"

━DUELMODE ON AUTOPILOT━

"RIDING DUEL... ACCELERATION!!"

With the starting signal, two D-Wheels roared to life. The first to clear the initial corner was Bruno—marking the true beginning of their Riding Duel.

◆◇◆

"I'll take the first move. My turn! I activate the Spell Card One-Time Passcode, Special Summoning 1 Security Token!"

Security Token

Token
⭐4 | LIGHT | Cyberse
ATK 2000 / DEF 2000 (Defense Position)

A sandstorm-like hologram flickers into existence. As the visual noise clears, a single path materializes—colored in azure, its surface emblazoned with the same sheep motif as the Sheep Tokens created by Scapegoat.

"Next, I Special Summon the Tuner monster Tenyi Spirit - Adhara! When I control no Effect Monsters, this card can be Special Summoned from my hand!"

Tenyi Spirit - Adhara

Tuner/Effect Monster
⭐1 | EARTH | Wyrm
ATK 0 / DEF 0 (Defense Position)

It resembles a natural phenomenon given form more than a dragon. A plume of dust erupts, coalescing into a skull-like shape at its forefront before a pair of piercing eyes snap open.

"A Cyberse and now a Wyrm...!? What are these monsters!?"

Yusei stiffens. He’s never heard of these Types. Having expected Bruno to use "T.G." monsters, this sudden deviation catches him off guard.

"Yusei... If this is enough to shake you, you’ll never save Neo Domino City—let alone defeat me here!"

"......!"

"Here we go! I tune Level 4 Security Token with Level 1 Adhara! Limiter release, Level 5! Regulator open! Thruster warm-up, OK! Uplink, all clear! GO! Synchro Summon! Come forth! T.G. Hyper Librarian!"

T.G. Hyper Librarian

Synchro/Effect Monster
⭐5 | DARK | Spellcaster
ATK 2400 / DEF 1800 (Defense Position)

Bruno seizes the moment to execute his Synchro Summon. The white-robed archivist—a formidable monster Yusei has faced multiple times in their past battles—materializes.

"Feeling a bit more settled now? But don’t get too comfortable—I’m not kind enough to let my opponent relax! I Normal Summon T.G. Cyber Magician from my hand!"

T.G. Cyber Magician

Tuner/Effect Monster
⭐1 | LIGHT | Spellcaster
ATK 0 / DEF 0 (Attack Position)

There’s no holding back. Not that Yusei expected any mercy. He knows this monster’s effect all too well.

"Cyber Magician can treat a monster in my hand as a Synchro Material when used for a 'T.G.' Synchro Monster! I tune Level 4 T.G. Rush Rhino in my hand with Level 1 Cyber Magician! Limiter release, Level 5! Booster launch, OK! Inclination, OK! Ground support, all clear! GO! Synchro Summon! Appear! T.G. Wonder Magician!"

T.G. Wonder Magician

Synchro/Tuner/Effect Monster
⭐5 | LIGHT | Spellcaster
ATK 1900 / DEF 0 (Defense Position)

"HRAAH!!" (A gruff shout)

Bruno methodically builds his field. With a Synchro Tuner and Synchro Monster now present, the foundation for an Accel Synchro Monster—the very strategy that once overwhelmed Yusei—is laid.

"Here it comes...! A Synchro Tuner Monster!"

"Correct! And since I performed a Synchro Summon, Hyper Librarian’s effect lets me draw 1 card! With that, I end my turn! Your move, Yusei!"

No Spells or Traps set. No mistakes here—Bruno is clearly baiting Yusei into revealing his strategy. Wonder Magician allows Bruno to Synchro Summon even on Yusei’s turn. If Yusei carelessly attempts a Synchro Summon, he’ll grant Bruno consecutive draws via Hyper Librarian. This is a critical juncture. A wall he must overcome.

Bruno
Hand: 2 | LP: 4000
Field:

• T.G. Hyper Librarian

• T.G. Wonder Magician

Spell/Trap: None

VS

Yusei
Hand: 5 | LP: 4000
Field: None
Spell/Trap: None

Chapter Text

TURN-015 Accel Synchro

As expected, Bruno was setting up for an Accel Synchro play.

Given that, the monster he would likely summon next was the Accel Synchro Monster T.G. Blade Blaster (ATK 3300), with the final goal being T.G. Halberd Cannon. For Yusei, this was as predictable as fire being hot.

"My turn!"

Yusei drew a card from his deck.

His plan was this:

First, avoid Synchro Summoning as much as possible to force Hyper Librarian into action. Then, anticipating Bruno would counter by using Accel Synchro to summon Blade Blaster, Yusei would be ready. He was confident this strategy would work.

"I discard Junk Breaker from my hand to Special Summon Quickdraw Synchron!"

Quickdraw Synchron

Tuner/Effect Monster
⭐5 | WIND | Machine
ATK 700 / DEF 1400 (Defense Position)

A gunslinger-style robot made a swift entrance. While Junk Breaker was powerful, its one-time Normal Summon restriction made it unreliable—especially against Accel Synchro, where its effect negation could be bypassed. Frankly, repeating his performance from the Ghost duel would be difficult.

"Next, I Normal Summon Tuningware!"

Tuningware

Effect Monster
⭐1 | LIGHT | Machine
ATK 100 / DEF 300 (Attack Position)

In its place, Yusei summoned a mysterious creature wearing a frying pan on its head beside the gunslinger. Though not a Tuner, this monster lived up to its name by providing strong Synchro support.

"I tune Level 1 Tuningware with Level 5 Quickdraw Synchron! Bonds gathered weave newfound strength! Become the path of shining light! Synchro Summon! Roar forth—Turbo Warrior!"

Turbo Warrior

Synchro/Effect Monster
⭐6 | WIND | Warrior
ATK 2500 / DEF 1500 (Attack Position)

The two monsters transformed into a path of light, summoning a red-armored robotic warrior. With its pompadour-like crest, sharp claws, and aggressive design, this monster radiated sheer offensive power.

"I draw 1 card due to Tuningware being used as Synchro Material!"

"And I draw 1 card too, thanks to Hyper Librarian's effect when a Synchro Summon occurs!"

Both duelists reinforced their hands—a perfect strategy to offset the heavy card cost of Synchro Summoning. This was a duel between masters, each anticipating the other's moves.

"Battle! Turbo Warrior attacks Hyper Librarian! Accelerate Slash!"

Turbo Warrior raised its signature claws and charged straight at its target. With Hyper Librarian's ATK at 2400, this should have been a straightforward destruction.

"Yusei! Did you really think such a basic attack would work on me? You've still got much to learn!"

But things wouldn't be that simple.

Bruno accelerated his Delta Eagle, the telltale sign of an Accel Synchro—exactly as Yusei had planned. Now, he just needed to wait for Blade Blaster to appear.

The futuristic D-Wheel, its air resistance minimized, began glowing red—the mark of Accel Synchro. Its speed climbed rapidly, nearing light speed in an instant.

"Limiter release, Level 10! Bonds gathered overlap with comrades' souls! Illuminate the path beyond our future! Accel Synchro! Come forth—Shooting Star Dragon T.G.-EX!"

Shooting Star Dragon T.G.-EX

Synchro/Effect Monster
⭐10 | WIND | Dragon
ATK 3300 / DEF 2500 (Attack Position)

By the time Yusei processed this, Bruno was already behind him. The expected Blade Blaster was nowhere in sight—instead, a radiant white dragon soared across the circuit.

"What...!?"

Yusei recoiled in shock.

The green-armored machine was gone, replaced by a gleaming dragon nearly identical to Shooting Star Dragon. Between the Cyberse, Wyrm, and now this, how many surprises did Bruno have? And what was this monster?

"Yusei, from here on out, this is uncharted territory for you—a trial by fire! If you can't overcome this, your chances of winning are less than 1%!"
"Tch! Bruno...!"
"Here we go! The attack rewinds due to the monster count changing. Your move, Yusei!"

"Turbo Warrior halves its ATK when attacking Level 6+ Synchro Monsters, but the attack continues!"

Disoriented by the Accel Synchro's burst of speed, Turbo Warrior hesitated before locking onto T.G.-EX and swinging its massive claw downward.

"Not so fast! T.G.-EX's effect activates! I can negate one attack per turn—and Turbo Warrior's the target!"

The moment the claw should have struck, Turbo Warrior froze mid-swing, blocked by a mysterious vibration emanating from the dragon.

"Khh...!?"

Yusei instinctively slowed his D-Wheel. The duel's momentum had swung entirely in Bruno's favor.

"I'll set 1 card and end my turn..."

Bruno
Hand: 3 | LP: 4000
Field:

• Shooting Star Dragon T.G.-EX
  Spell/Trap: None

VS

Yusei
Hand: 3 | LP: 4000
Field:

• Turbo Warrior
  Spell/Trap: 1 Set

"Then here I go! My turn! I Special Summon T.G. Drill Fish from my hand! When I control only 'T.G.' monsters, this card can be Special Summoned! ...Battle! Drill Fish can attack directly! Direct Attack on Yusei!"

T.G. Drill Fish

Effect Monster
⭐1 | WATER | Fish
ATK 100 / DEF 800 (Attack Position)

"Tch!"

Yusei LP: 4000 → 3900

"Now, Drill Fish's effect activates! When a 'T.G.' monster deals battle damage, I can destroy 1 monster you control! I'll destroy your Turbo Warrior!"

The fish monster, summoned in rapid succession, charged at Yusei without becoming Synchro Material, piercing through him. A brief flash of pain—but with only 100 damage, it was negligible.

"But Turbo Warrior is unaffected by monster effects from monsters with equal or lower Levels! Drill Fish's effect is negated!"

As Drill Fish turned to skewer the red mechanical warrior, Turbo Warrior's massive arm effortlessly swatted it away.

"I see, so it has that effect. Then, Battle Phase! EX attacks Turbo Warrior! Stardust Shot!"

EX's right arm—equipped with Blade Blaster's weaponry—fired a beam. But Yusei wasn't about to take it lying down.

"Trap Card activate! Scrap-Iron Scarecrow! Once per turn, I can negate an attack and reset this card!"

The Trap's illustration manifested as a scarecrow, intercepting EX's beam before the card reset itself face-down.

"Impressive, Yusei. But my turn isn't over yet! I end the Battle Phase and Special Summon T.G. Gear Zombie from my hand! This reduces EX's ATK by 1000!"

T.G. Gear Zombie

Tuner/Effect Monster
⭐1 | DARK | Zombie
ATK 600 / DEF 0 (Defense Position)

EX ATK: 3300 → 2300

"I tune Level 1 Drill Fish with Level 1 Gear Zombie! Limiter release, Level 2! Regulator open! Navigation, all clear! GO! Synchro Summon! Come forth—T.G. Recipro Dragonfly!"

T.G. Recipro Dragonfly

Synchro/Effect Monster
⭐2 | WIND | Insect
ATK 300 / DEF 300 (Defense Position)

"That monster...!"

"That's right, Yusei! By sending EX to the Graveyard, Dragonfly can Special Summon 1 set of Synchro Materials from my Graveyard! And I'm bringing back Wonder Magician and Hyper Librarian!"

T.G. Wonder Magician

Synchro/Tuner/Effect Monster
⭐5 | LIGHT | Spellcaster
ATK 1900 / DEF 0 (Defense Position)

T.G. Hyper Librarian

Synchro/Effect Monster
⭐5 | DARK | Spellcaster
ATK 2400 / DEF 1800 (Defense Position)

Guided by the dragonfly, EX returned to its original Synchro Materials. Now, all monsters on the field are Synchros—with a combined Level of 12!

"......Here it comes—Delta Accel!"

As Yusei braced himself, Bruno clenched his right fist in response and declared:

"Now, Yusei! Show me your true power! I'll set 1 card and end my turn!"

Chapter Text

TURN-016 Delta Accel Synchro

◆◇◆

The D-Wheels raced at blinding speeds—far beyond anything a normal motorcycle could achieve. Already, the massive circuit stretched to the horizon, with the turnaround point coming into view.

The duel was now entering its climax. Utaha, observing the battle through drone footage, calmly analyzed the two duelists' strategies.

"He managed to avoid the attack with Scrap-Iron Scarecrow... But what lies ahead is Delta Accel Synchro. Though, Advisor Bruno still hasn't used that yet, has he? If I recall correctly, showing Yusei that was supposed to be the main purpose of this duel..."

Utaha, strictly adhering to the mission, tilted her head in confusion at Bruno's seemingly deliberate hesitation. Of course, her mutterings wouldn't reach the two riders speeding into the distance. Trusting in Bruno's judgment, she refrained from contacting him.

◆◇◆

Bruno was more serious than ever. Though his speech patterns matched those of his amnesiac self, his demeanor was pure Antinomy—dismissing Yusei's moves as inferior and effortlessly countering them.

Yusei had been determined to stop him, but the unexpected monster lineup left him one step behind. As the Delta Eagle was once again engulfed in crimson light, Yusei could only watch helplessly.

"Yusei, behold! I tune Level 5 Hyper Librarian, Level 2 Recipro Dragonfly, and Level 5 Wonder Magician! Limiter release, Level Max! Regulator open, ALL CLEAR! Infinite power! Shatter time and space, and open the door to the unknown! GO! DELTA ACCEL! Come forth—T.G. Halberd Cannon!"

T.G. Halberd Cannon

Synchro/Effect Monster
⭐12 | EARTH | Machine
ATK 4000 / DEF 4000 (Attack Position)

"GRRAAHHH!!!"

A violent whirlwind erupted, nearly throwing Yusei off balance. Though he didn't crash, his D-Wheel wobbled dangerously. Meanwhile, Bruno's field now hosted a towering warrior clad in translucent light—Halberd Cannon, a halberd-wielding mechanized titan.

This was the Delta Accel Synchro Monster, surpassing even Accel Synchro. Its appearance mirrored their fateful duel from the past—a battle meant to convey something greater.

"Now, it's your move, Yusei! I'll set 1 card and end my turn!"

Bruno
Hand: 0 | LP: 4000
Field:

• T.G. Halberd Cannon
  Spell/Trap:

• 1 Set

VS

Yusei
Hand: 3 | LP: 3900
Field:

• Turbo Warrior
  Spell/Trap:

• 1 Set

"MY TURN, DRAW!"

If this was Bruno's challenge, then Yusei would respond with everything he had.

As Yusei's turn began, one truth remained clear—even against a Delta Accel Synchro Monster, there was only one path forward: break through Halberd Cannon's defenses. His entire focus narrowed to this singular goal.

Halberd Cannon was a monster capable of negating Summons themselves. Having witnessed its overwhelming power before, Yusei understood the sheer magnitude of this wall. Any attempt to outmaneuver it with monster effects would be instantly nullified—a brutal counter to his Synchro-centric strategy.

But surrender wasn't an option. If monsters wouldn't work, he'd wield Spell/Trap Cards instead.

Yusei's gaze locked onto one monster card in his hand.

"I Special Summon Assault Synchron from my hand! This card can be Special Summoned from the hand, but I take 700 damage!"

Assault Synchron

Tuner/Effect Monster
⭐2 | DARK | Machine
ATK 700 / DEF 0 (Defense Position)

Yusei LP: 3900 → 3200

"Bringing out a Tuner, I see. But my Halberd Cannon can negate any Synchro Summon you attempt. This is no threat at all!"

Bruno maintained his aggressive stance, clearly testing Yusei's limits.

Meanwhile, Yusei - the one being tested - noticed something unsettling. The effect text displayed for Halberd Cannon on his duel screen was completely different from what he remembered.

"Bruno! Halberd Cannon's effect to negate leaving the field is missing—what’s going on!?"

Yusei accelerated alongside Bruno, who responded with a knowing smirk.

"So you noticed. Truthfully... I don’t fully understand either. Halberd Cannon seems weakened in this world—its negation effect is diminished too. I have theories, but it’s undeniably strange."

"Theories...?"

Yusei quickly checked Turbo Warrior's text—its immunity had downgraded to mere targeting protection. The phenomenon wasn’t limited to Bruno’s cards.

"Exactly. And if my hypothesis is correct... the Chroma and the General Student Council President are undeniably connected to this. Unraveling this mystery is my mission now!"

"The General Student Council President...!? Bruno—who are they? What is this calamity that 'erodes worlds'!?"

Just as he’d once demanded answers about Z-ONE, Yusei pressed for the truth. He’d only met the President in a dream—no obligation bound him to save her. Yet—

"Saving everyone within reach... That’s what makes you a hero, Yusei. Then I’ll tell you! Everything I know about the Chroma... and the President!"

Facing forward again, Bruno took a breath—and began his revelation.

Chapter Text

TURN-017: Beyond Memories

◆◇◆

"Surpass the light, and carve open the future! Go—Yusei!"

The moment the Delta Eagle shoved Yusei's D-Wheel forward, its engine sputtered and died. It wouldn’t move another inch—but it didn’t matter. Bruno had delivered Yusei to safety. He was saved.

"BRUNO—BRUNOOOOO!"

As Yusei screamed, Bruno smiled—a look of utter fulfillment. There was no escape left for him. So instead of sorrow, he chose a final smile of entrustment. Yet Yusei kept screaming, voice raw with denial.

Bit by bit, Bruno's senses shut down. Sight, sound—everything faded until only perfect darkness remained. A void where nothing could escape.

(...Yusei.)

Black holes possess gravity so strong not even light can flee. Once past the Schwarzschild radius, salvation is impossible. My role ends here...

"And so, I died—ending the long, true battle. The battle to save the future. Yusei... I leave everything to you."

◆◇◆

"Oi, wake up... You mustn’t sleep in a place like this."

A voice? Someone—calling him.

"Heeey~, you awake~?"

A squishy poke to his cheek jolted his eyes open.

His vision filled with a girl—fox ears, snow-white hair—peering down at him with curious amusement. This wasn’t the black hole’s abyss, but a blank white void.

"Ugh... Where is this?"
"Good grief, what a troublesome one. Whatever brought you here, collapsing in such a place..."

Was she a Duel Monster spirit? Her animal ears twitched unnaturally as she studied him with pity. Bruno rubbed his eyes—once, twice—but the ears stayed. Reality confirmed, he whispered:

"You are—?"
"This one? This one is Kuzunoha. And thou art?"
"...Antinomy. No—Bruno."

He stood, dizzy from what felt like an eternity of sleep. Touching his own face, he confirmed it: I should be dead. Yet I’m alive.

"Thy senses seem intact... But tell me, air of nonchalance aside—knowest thou where this is?"
"...Not at all."
"Not at all, hmm? Judging by that vacant stare, thy soul must’ve tumbled loose en route to the underworld."
"The underworld...?"

Bruno laughed softly. So I did die. But this was no heaven or hell—just emptiness. Unless...

Kuzunoha’s expression shifted, like she wanted to say more but waited for him to process things.

"At least steady thy breath. Thy death was hardly peaceful, to wind up here... What a fate."

Bruno waved weakly, unsure of her meaning but recognizing her authority here. Listening was his best option.

"Hmm. Then, Bruno—what wert thou doing before arriving?"
"Before...? I was in a black hole—"
"B-Black hole!?" (Did the shock scramble his wits?)
"Yes. Crushed by gravity... or so I should’ve been."

Bruno was dead serious. Kuzunoha blinked, then shrugged. "Well, not the main issue, I suppose." But suddenly, her eyes sharpened. She leaned in, sniffing the air.

"Hold. Thy body... Thou’st encountered the Chroma."

An unfamiliar term—one she didn’t bother explaining. Her demeanor flipped from playful to urgent.

"Yet why hast thou not crumbled? ...Hmph. Let this one examine thee."

Her slit-eyed gaze pierced through him, unraveling his essence.

"Ah. The war between nethergods and Star People... time’s backlash from thy future-past journey. That must’ve drawn them here—tainting those involved."

Nodding to herself, she stared holes into Bruno. He edged back as she invaded his personal space.

"W-What is it...?"
"Thou’rt dying. Properly this time."
"—What?"
"Yet rebirth is possible. The choice is thine. Will thee try?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Knowing that... is also thy choice."

Smiling, she pointed at his heart—both literal and metaphorical—and declared:

"Thou must discard all thy memories. From this moment onward."

◆◇◆

"Discard...? How?"

In the white void, Bruno faced Kuzunoha. He didn’t understand—but knew this was dire. Her all-knowing expression made him press further.

"Hmm. To put it plainly: thy mind will shatter. This stops it."
"Eh—"
"Aye. Like venom from a serpent’s bite, the Chroma corrupts thee. The only antidote? Erasing thy memories. Were this a proper infirmary, informed consent would be ideal... but this one is no physician. The remedy is all I offer. So—what say thee?"

She watched him, tail swishing. Her tone danced between childish and ancient, but her eyes held no deceit.

"Yet thou’rt fortunate. To meet Kuzunoha, prophet of the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons—this one shall guide thee. The price is memory."
"Price..."
"Not that this one desires it. No ferryman’s toll here."

Bruno broke into a cold sweat. A price...? Would the Chroma steal his days with Z-ONE, with Yusei—his very essence?

"The Chroma distorts human nature. Inverts it, rather. Regardless, without intervention, thou’rt doomed. But pay the price, and the venom breaks. So choose, Bruno... nay, Antinomy."

The moment of decision weighed on him. Life versus memory. To live without memories was to become another person entirely. He knew that better than anyone.

Bruno hesitated—but time was venom in his veins. The clock ticked. Only one path remained.

"Then I—"

Chapter Text

Bruno's Recollection Arc
TURN-018: Summer Always Comes Suddenly

One midsummer day at the beach, a certain girl was secretly enjoying the ocean. She dipped her toes in the water, grinning like a child—an image utterly at odds with her identity as the supreme authority of Kivotos, the General Student Council President, a title that would make most tremble.

Kivotos, hailed as history's largest academy city, was also a place where every citizen openly carried firearms. Yet this chaotic metropolis was flawlessly governed by someone recognized as superhuman both within and beyond its borders—the General Student Council President.

That said...

Even superhumans suffocate under endless work. Work-life balance is essential—breaks are necessary for efficiency.

...In other words:

"Hurry up~! Over here~!"

Pure, carefree moments are equally vital.

At this corner of the beach, the President had discarded her white uniform for a black bikini, frolicking without a care. Beside her stood her right-hand woman—a sharp-eared, black-haired girl named Nanagami Rin.

"So, Rin-chan! I'm counting on you! With you here, the fun's multiplied a hundredfold—you're my An◯nman!"
"What exactly are you counting on me for?"

Rin looked thoroughly unamused. A true workaholic, she was out of her element at leisure spots. Unbeknownst to her, this outing was the President's ploy to force relaxation upon her overworked aide.

But—

"I still have pending tasks."

The President's intentions didn't register.

"Moreover, if the General Student Council President—who should exemplify discipline—plays on non-holidays, other academies will question our standards."

Rin's tone brooked no argument. (The President had at least succeeded in stuffing her into a white halter-neck swimsuit.)

This was their usual dynamic—the President being scolded by Rin. With no other council members present today, reinforcements were absent.

Having whisked Rin here without context, the President faced her aide's heightened irritation. Thus, she played her trump card:

"But Rin-chan, caring for subordinates' wellbeing is a superior's duty! It's crucial!"

Rin's expression darkened. She was weak to logical appeals—assuming they were logical, which this dubiously was.

Grudgingly—extremely grudgingly—Rin acquiesced.

"So, let's get started!"
"Where to?"
"That's a surprise! Come on!"

The real agenda began. With no prior briefing, Rin could only follow the President's lead—especially given her infectious enthusiasm. Dragged by the hand, Rin found herself heading to the docks.

"We'll board that boat and head out! Our mission... whale watching! Immersing ourselves in nature's grandeur will surely be fun—you'll see!"

The President's earnest gaze made Rin relent. She understood this was for her sake—which made refusal impossible.

"I see... I grasp your intent. Then I'll indulge you today."
"Yay! It's settled!"

And so, through the President's "request" (read: authoritarian strong-arming), the two set sail for leisure.

◆◇◆

Hours later, their boat returned under the scorching afternoon sun.

"So, Rin-chan! Did you enjoy it?"
"Yes, immensely. The humpback whale's tail was particularly awe-inspiring."
"Right?! This spot's charm is how close we get! Ordinary boats can't risk collisions, but Kivotos' tech makes it possible!"

The General Student Council President's excitement hadn't cooled in the slightest. Huffing and puffing with animated breaths, she passionately extolled the attractions. Seeing Rin enjoy herself had clearly delighted her beyond measure. Rin watched this display with an amused smile - until...

"Shall we return? I might still make some afternoon meetings."
"...Huh?"

Despite it still being early afternoon, Rin had already switched into "return mode." What kind of obsessive compulsion was binding her to work like this? The General Student Council President stared wide-eyed in astonishment.

"Wait just a minute, Rin-chan! We've still got a full schedule ahead! First we're going to that famous restaurant, then scuba diving next! This time we'll get to see all the little fishies up close!"

The General Student Council President yanked Rin back forcefully as she began walking away.

After all, Rin was stubborn. If she didn't drag her along by force, there was a real worry she'd actually leave.

"Listen, Rin-chan! This is paid leave! Everyone has already agreed to you taking the whole day off! So please accept their kindness!!!"

The President countered Rin's step-by-step retreat. The scene looked just like a mother ignoring a child begging for something.

Then—

SPLOOSH!

No sooner had they heard what sounded like something heavy hitting the water than a desperate cry for help rang out.

Noticing the noise, the two turned around to see a man—blue-haired, wearing a white jacket—struggling to stay afloat.

"Rin-chan! Stay here!"
"Wha—President!?"

What followed was swift action from the President. In the blink of an eye, she dove into the water and began swimming at incredible speed. Normally, they would have called a lifeguard, but she was the exception.

The President reached the drowning man instantly—her movements nothing short of superhuman.

What happened next was quick. While Rin alerted the lifeguards, the President pulled the man to shore and laid him on the sand. He didn't seem to have swallowed much water, and his heartbeat was steady.

"Are you okay?"
"Hah... hah! I... where am I?"
"Are you conscious!? What's your name?"
"I... I... who am I!?"
"Eh...?"

The President had only meant to ask basic questions to check his awareness. But the man's utterly bewildered demeanor left her at a loss for words.