Brinolovania Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 You're writing even more? ... I LOVE YOU Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted May 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2011 Yay, 7000 views and 300 replies. Going strong. [quote name='Kikoutei Penguin Infinity' timestamp='1305146052' post='5203325']You're writing even more? ... I LOVE YOU[/quote] [quote name='No. -1 Dr. Cakey' timestamp='1305077890' post='5202105']No...! NOT MORE EPIC STORY! ANYTHING BUT THAT!!!!!!![/quote] I'm glad this is getting positive reaction. I was worried that I might throw some people off with this late extension. [quote name='Psychic Almighty' timestamp='1305141301' post='5203119']This...is...good. Also, are Tech Genus gonna make a Debut?[/quote] Thank you. There were no plans for Tech Genus to make an appearance, but with this extension I have some space to work with, so if the need arises, I might include them. [quote name='Bahamut ZERO' timestamp='1305093066' post='5202492']That means there are thirty more chapters until we get all the answers and everything is settled? I don't know whether to be happy or frustrated by this. Well as long as you maintain your high standards of writing and continue to make it gripping reading (which every chapter has been so far) then I guess it's a good thing. I fear a bit its like once of those TV series that is dragged further and further out for money spinning reasons and gets progressively less good becuase of it (Lost and Prison Break, looking at you) but obviously all you have to gain is respect and stuff. I'm rambling but you probably know what I mean. I know you're not dragging it out for the sake of it, if you believe the story needs to be longer for everything to be resolved in a satisfying, not rushed manner then thats cool. Looking forward to more epicness.[/quote] There's a big difference, I think, and that's that, instead of extending the plot, I'm expanding it. The ending has been set in stone from the beginning, I just need to write out the things in-between in more detail than I had originally planned for. I really did have this extension as a last possible measure, and at this time I believe there's no other way to conclude this story in a satisfactory manner. Anyways... onto the next chapter. Took me a while to write the ending to this one. [spoiler=Chapter 43] [center][b][u]Chapter 43:[/b] Inferno[/u][/center] Adam Fergusson, mounted on the <Storm Blaze>, was rushing at unbelievable speeds through the Riding Field, <Road to Tomorrow>. It was an ironic name, though it fit this broad duel lane, that crisscrossed in impossible patterns a field smeared with all colors of the rainbow, assimilating the rider into a delirious kaleidoscope. As he leaned close to the front of his monstrous vehicle, he allowed his mind to be elated with exhileration. He had left them all behind now. He had left everything behind. Gregory Dunkan's team had, for a long time, been the only one researching the existence of other worlds. But, quite shortly after its official formation, it began splitting apart. Dunkan needed a strong, united core focused on its purpose. Therefore, the group of people fully aware of the team's purpose shrank from fifty to a mere twelve. Twelve, including the nine masterminds behind the creation of Duel International. The tenth was Kirizaki Ryouga, a man of the Japanese underworld who funded the company's plans for his own gains. Fergusson did not know who the final one was, but the eleventh person was a man who, in this virtual world, was called Ylaidus, and would later come to be known as the champion of the Japanese national tournament. Thomas Fergusson, Adam's older brother, had been a brilliant scientist at the time before Duel International's creation. His work had been fundamental in the development and perfection of the V-Spaces. But Thomas was not included in Dunkan's inner circle, and shortly after the facilitation of the corporation, he was fired. He had not thought much of it, back then - but shortly afterwards he received a message from the person who called himself Ylaidus. That message explained everything, from the year-long research Dunkan and his team had carried through, to the most questionable experiments performed for the sake of progress. Ylaidus was interested in Thomas' work, and asked for his help - not to unmask and condemn Duel International's true facilitators, but to use them for their own benefit. Thomas immediately saw the merits of such a plan. He managed to be hired again by a different name and occupation, via Ylaidus' help, and, working from the inside, they created a sub-network overlaying the main system, which they could use to subtly control the virtual world. The next step was to reach those final few areas accessible only to the topmost elite of duelists and employees of the company. For that purpose, Ylaidus became the Japanese champion, and Adam Fergusson also entered the continental nationals, seeking to aid his brother. Once they accessed the <Vision Cathedral>, they finally found what they had been looking for. Energy was fueled from the entire virtual world, filtered through the Cathedral's archives, and fed into a massive generator atop a separate, hidden area, which would eventually serve as the access gate to the Nexus. It was relatively smooth going, from there. Thomas and Ylaidus constructed an area similar in concept to the Vision Cathedral, the <Crimson Sanctum>. But, rather than focus the energy and store it, they followed a different principle. They kept it in constant movement, endlessly looping in the paradoxical field <Road to Tomorrow>. And in that difference lay the key which allowed Fergusson to have the upper hand now. This was called, in secret, <Project REVOLT>. Eventually, the plan was uncovered. Thomas and Ylaidus were hunted down as hackers. Ylaidus caused an implosion in the system, destroying the <Crimson Sanctum> entirely and erasing all trace that could lead to the <Road of Tomorrow> - but that resulted in his own disappearance. Adam did not know his fate for certain, but he could only presume him dead. His brother's fate was easier to confirm - without ever being able to log out of the system, his heart simply stopped. However, they had not managed to trace the plot back to him. And though, without the <Crimson Sanctum>, the energy flow to the Road had been halted, the amount they had gathered still looped continuously, rather than dissipating as it normally would have once the connection dropped. It took Fergusson three years to reestablish the access to the hidden Duel Field, but he had managed eventually. And though there was not enough energy in it to open a portal to the Nexus, reality was already distorting after the gateway in the <Aria Tower> was opened. With this <Road to Tomorrow>, Fergusson could create a 'shortcut', a more direct access leading directly to the core of the Nexus, te heart of chaos. It was called the <Road to Tomorrow>, but it was truly a road to the end. It did not matter that they had discovered him now. The Ghost that chased after him, allowed to slowly close the distance by Fergusson himself, did not matter. It was too late. Fergusson was a man whose path was guided by pride and honor alone. If a new horizon was opened, he would be the first to leap into it. With all frontiers broken, this would be his final act. And the people who had tried to use him like a puppet, the people who had murdered his brother - he'd use this opportunity to get rid of them. His plan was complete. He slowed down, bringing himself on even height with the Ghost. Time to see what they had in store for him. Wordlessly, both engaged into duel mode. [spoiler=Speed World 2][b]Speed World 2[/b] SPELL / Field If you activate a non-"Speed Spell" Spell Card, take 2000 damage. During each player's Standby Phase, place 1 Speed Counter on this card (max. 12). You can remove any number of Speed Counters from this card to activate an appropriate effect: • 4: Inflict 800 damage to your opponent for each "Speed Spell" Spell Card in your hand. • 7: Draw 1 card. • 10: Select and destroy 1 card on the field.[/spoiler] [center][i][b]Riding Duel - Acceleration![/b][/i][/center] The <Road to Tomorrow> was filled with abrupt corners and turns, so Fergusson simply rushed ahead. Ghost's machine was keeping up well, but it could not compete with his state-of-the-art vehicle. It was quickly established that he would be entitled to the opening move. [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] "I summon Jurak Velo to the field in attack mode!" Fergusson declared. True to the name of his virtual avatar, his monster array consisted of a series of fiery beasts. A dinosaur, whose body seemed to be made out of green scales whereas its head was red, and its limbs a deep blue, appeared beside him, roaring ferociously. [spoiler=Jurak Velo][b]Jurak Velo[/b] FIRE / Dinosaur Level 4 1700/1000 When this face-up Attack Position card attacks or is attacked, and it is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 "Jurak" monster with 1700 or less ATK from your Deck.[/spoiler] "With this, I'll set one card face-down. Turn end." "My turn." Ghost snarled, closing in. Fergusson glanced back, uneasily. There was something different about this guy, something he could not pinpoint. [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - SPC: 1[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - SPC: 1[/i][/center] "Your courage to continue fighting is commendable, considering you have noone left to rely on." Ghost commented casually. "REVOLT is over. All your plans lay in ruins, and I'm simply here to clean up the trash. I summon Grand Core in defense mode, then place two cards face-down. Turn end." [spoiler=Grand Core][b]Grand Core[/b] EARTH / Machine Level 1 0/0 ((When this card is destroyed by a card effect and sent to the Graveyard, destroy all monsters you control. Then, Special Summon 1 "Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity", "Grannel Top", "Grannel Attack", "Grannel Guard", and "Grannel Carrier" from your hand, Deck, or Graveyard.))[/spoiler] [i]Grand Core? What kind of monster is that?[/i] Fergusson felt a creeping fear reach up to his mind. He had guessed, of course, that now that Dunkan and the others must have realized the true extent of REVOLT, they would not hold back against him. At any rate, it was still a weak monster, even if he could not confirm its abilities. "Nothing is over yet, Ghost. You may have won a battle in the past, but the war will be mine in the end! My turn! Draw!" [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - SPC: 2[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - SPC: 2[/i][/center] "I'll also call Jurak Guaiba to the field." Another paleolithic creature, covered from head-to-toe in burning flames which left a few pieces of deep blue skin exposed, joined Velo on Fergusson's other side. [spoiler=Jurak Guaiba][b]Jurak Guaiba[/b] FIRE / Dinosaur Level 4 1700/400 If this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle, you can Special Summon 1 "Jurak" monster with 1700 or less ATK from your Deck. It cannot declare an attack this turn.[/spoiler] "Jurak Guaiba, attack!" He commanded. But a card shifted open on Ghost's side. "Destruct Potion activates." Ghost said calmly. "A monster on my field will be destroyed, allowing me to reclaim Life Points equal to that monster's attack. My target is Grand Core." [spoiler=Destruct Potion][b]Destruct Potion[/b] TRAP / Normal Select 1 monster you control. Destroy it, and gain Life Points equal to its ATK.[/spoiler] "But that thing has no attack points!" Fergusson exclaimed. "That may be so, but it has another useful ability. When it is destroyed by a card effect, all other monsters on the field are destroyed, and I can Special Summon, from my hand, Deck or Graveyard, these specific monsters. Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity, Grannel Top, Grannel Attack, Grannel Guard, and Grannel Carrier." [spoiler=Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity][b]Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity[/b] EARTH / Machine Level 1 0/0 ((This card cannot be Summoned except by the effect of "Grand Core". Other monsters you control cannot attack, except by card effects. Once per turn, you can select 1 Synchro monster on the field and equip it to this card. This card gains ATK equal to the ATK of all Synchro monsters equipped to it. When this monster is destroyed, destroy all other monsters you control. This card gains ATK and DEF equal to the ATK and DEF of all "Wisel", "Skiel" and "Grannel" monsters you control, except "Infinity" monsters.))[/spoiler] [spoiler=Grannel Top][b]Grannel Top[/b] EARTH / Machine Level 1 600/500 ((This card cannot be Summoned except by the effect of "Grand Core". Destroy this card if you do not control an "Infinity" monster. You can only control 1 "Wisel Top", "Skiel Top", or "Grannel Top" monster. "Machine Emperor" monsters you control gain ATK and DEF equal to half your Life Points.))[/spoiler] [spoiler=Grannel Attack][b]Grannel Attack[/b] EARTH / Machine Level 1 1600/0 ((This card cannot be Summoned except by the effect of "Grand Core". Destroy this card if you do not control an "Infinity" monster. You can only control 1 "Wisel Attack", "Skiel Attack", or "Grannel Attack" monster. During your battle phase, you can Special Summon a Synchro monster equipped to an "Machine Emperor" monster you control (a single monster can only be Special Summoned once per turn by this effect), ignoring your Monster Zone limit. Its effect(s) are negated. The Special Summoned monster can attack one monster your opponent controls during this battle phase. If the Special Summoned monster is still on the field after Damage Calculation, equip it to a Machine Emperor monster you control.))[/spoiler] [spoiler=Grannel Guard][b]Grannel Guard[/b] EARTH / Machine Level 1 0/1800 ((This card cannot be Summoned except by the effect of "Grand Core". Destroy this card if you do not control an "Infinity" monster. You can only control 1 "Wisel Guard", "Skiel Guard", or "Grannel Guard" monster. During your opponent's battle phase, if your opponent declares an attack, you can Special Summon a Synchro monster equipped to an "Machine Emperor" monster you control (a single monster can only be Special Summoned once per turn by this effect), ignoring your Monster Zone limit. Its effect(s) are negated. The Special Summoned monster must be the target of the attack your opponent declared. If the Special Summoned monster is still on the field after Damage Calculation, equip it to a Machine Emperor monster you control.))[/spoiler] [spoiler=Grannel Carrier][b]Grannel Carrier[/b] EARTH / Machine Level 1 800/200 ((This card cannot be Summoned except by the effect of "Grand Core". Destroy this card if you do not control an "Infinity" monster. You can only control 1 "Wisel Carrier", "Skiel Carrier", or "Grannel Carrier" monster. Once per turn, if a monster you control would be destroyed, it is not destroyed.))[/spoiler] Fergusson flinched, despite himself. He had expected the worst, yet this... constructed out of five pieces, representing the torso, head, right arm, left arm, and treads, a massive golden robot was now on Ghost's side of the field, a great black cavity in its chest concealing a blueish energy core. The 'Attack' part resembled a cannon shaped like the head of a shark-like creature, whereas the 'Guard' similarly seemed like the fossilized, hardened front of an aquatic beast. Grannel's body was supported on huge, solid treads. However... he frowned as he examined the cards. Overall, they seemed like a collection of weak monsters, much weaker than his own. There had to be a catch. He was afraid he'd find out soon enough. "Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity gains power equal to the combined power of its parts!" Fergusson started as the giant robot's attack rose to 3000, and its defense to 2500 in an instant. "And then, Grannel Top further increases its attack points by half my current Life Points!" Scores skyrocketing to 5000 and 4500 respectively, this left Fergusson with no room for error - no room for anything, in fact. However, there was one point he did not miss. The central monster's attack might be insurmountable right now, but the individual parts remained at their original scores. If he could destroy some of them, especially that Grannel Top, it would not be difficult to defeat it. "Since the monsters on the field have changed, I can redirect my attack." He stated. "Jurak Guaiba, attack Grannel Top!" "Trap, activate." Ghost said seamlessly. "Standing Before a Worthy Opponent! With this in play, I can select one of my monsters, and your monsters all have to attack it this turn! Naturally, my target is Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity! And since my Machine Emperor's attack, doubled, is more than enough to take down both of your monsters and all of your Life Points, this is the end of the line for you!" [spoiler=Standing Before a Worthy Opponent][b]Standing Before a Worthy Opponent[/b] TRAP / Normal You can only activate this card when your opponent declares an attack. Select 1 face-up monster on your side of the field. During this turn, your opponent can only designate the selected monster as an attack target and your opponent must attack the selected monster with all face-up monsters on his/her side of the field.[/spoiler] "Emissaries of Harmony!" Fergusson said desperately as his monster shifted to attack the core of the robot. Grannel raised its offensive arm and shot a huge golden stream that, though it completely enveloped the burning dinosaur, failed to eradicate it. Jurak Velo followed suit, but was left equally unharmed. [spoiler=Emissaries of Harmony][b]Emissaries of Harmony[/b] TRAP / Normal You take no Battle Damage this turn. Your monsters cannot be destroyed by battle this turn.[/spoiler] "So you made it through this turn. But, there won't be a next chance!" Ghost taunted him, racing ahead. Fergusson, still dizzy from the close call, considered the truth of these words. "I set two cards face-down." He said carefully. "With this, my turn is over." "Not just your turn." Ghost sneered, drawing. "Everything will be over after this!" [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - SPC: 3[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - SPC: 3[/i][/center] "I release Grannel Top to Special Summon Grannel Top 3!" Ghost said quickly. The head of the giant robot was replaced by a larger, more intimidating one. "Grannel Top 3 increases Machine Emperor Grannel's attack by the entire sum of my Life Points! Plus Grannel gains bonus attack damage from the upgraded part!" Fergusson felt like he was going to be sick, as he watched the opposing monster's attack power rise to 7200. [spoiler=Grannel Top 3][b]Grannel Top 3[/b] EARTH / Machine Level 3 800/700 ((You can Special Summon this card from your hand by Tributing 1 "Grannel Top" you control. Destroy this card if you do not control an "Infinity" monster. You can only control 1 "Wisel Top", "Skiel Top", or "Grannel Top" monster. "Machine Emperor" monsters you control gain ATK and DEF equal to your Life Points.))[/spoiler] "Battle! Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity, attack Jurak Velo!" The robot's cannon, armed and ready to fire another deadly stream of energy, pointed at his monster. But Fergusson wasn't about to go down so easily. "I activate the Trap card, Guard Block! Even if my monster is destroyed, battle damage is negated, and I can draw once." He [i]felt[/i] the impact from the giant shockwave, and understood full well that if he had taken the damage, he would have died instantly. [spoiler=Guard Block][b]Guard Block[/b] TRAP / Normal Activate only during damage calculation during your opponent's turn. The Battle Damage you would receive becomes 0. Draw 1 card.[/spoiler] "Furthermore, Jurak Velo's effect activates. When it is destroyed by battle, I can search my deck for a Jurak monster with 1700 or less attack and Special Summon it." That was strange. Ghost might have believed he could have won this turn, but why take the chance and attack Velo, rather than Guaiba? It made little sense. At any rate, he could use this to his advantage. "I Special Summon Jurak Garim!" An ostrich-like beast, ablaze like the rest of the Jurak dinosaurs, jumped to replace the velociraptor. [spoiler=Jurak Garim][b]Jurak Garim[/b] FIRE / Dinosaur / Tuner Level 2 1200/0 When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, destroy the monster that destroyed this card. Your opponent can discard 1 card to negate this card's effect.[/spoiler] "I'll set two cards, then." Ghost said with a peculiar smirk. "Turn end." "My turn." Fergusson snatched a card out of his deck. "Call of the Living Dead activates, reviving Jurak Velo!" Everything was set now. [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - SPC: 4[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - SPC: 4[/i][/center] [spoiler=Call of the Living Dead][b]Call of the Living Dead[/b] TRAP / Continuous Select 1 monster from your Graveyard and Special Summon it in face-up Attack Position. When this card is removed from the field, destroy the monster. When the monster is destroyed, destroy this card.[/spoiler] "I tune my Level 4, Dinosaur monster, Jurak Guaibo, and my Level 4, Dinosaur monster, Jurak Velo, to my Level 2, Jurak Garim!" The sky overhead that was a multitude of colors turned into a bright crimson. The very earth shook as a massive black object materialized above the Riding Field. It slowly descended, leaving behind a fiery trail across the heavens. And even though it was akin to a comet, it was clearly a living thing, roaring and writhing in its glorious descent, blazes firing up around its stone exterior. "Synchro Summon! Jurak Meteor!" The ground began shaking uncontrollably, the enormous dinosaur's fall heating the atmosphere to uncomfortable degrees. "When Jurak Meteor is Synchro Summoned, all cards on the field are destroyed!" [spoiler=Jurak Meteor][b]Jurak Meteor[/b] FIRE / Dinosaur / Synchro Level 10 2800/2000 1 "Jurak" Tuner + 2 or more non-Tuner Dinosaur monsters When this card is Synchro Summoned, destroy all cards on the field. Then, you can Special Summon 1 Tuner Monster from your Graveyard.[/spoiler] "Trap card, open!" Ghost exclaimed. "Prehistoric Living Graveyard will seal all monsters, if they are Level 6 or above and Special Summoned to the field!" A giant pillar of ice shot up from the ground, enveloping the burning Synchro monster and freezing it to its fiery core. Fergusson gritted his teeth - that was certainly unexpected. Thankfully, he had had the providence to summon Meteor in defense mode. His plan had been ruined, but at least he could use it as a shield, while he searched for a way to get around that troublesome Trap card. [spoiler=Prehistoric Living Graveyard][b]Prehistoric Living Graveyard[/b] TRAP / Continuous All face-up Level 6 or higher Special Summoned monsters on the field cannot declare an attack or activate their effects.[/spoiler] "I summon Jurak Ptera in defense mode." He still had an ace. Jurak Ptera would return the attacking monster to the hand if it was attacked. With the main monster gone, hopefully all the connected parts would disappear, or would at least lose their power. He might have lost his strongest Synchro monster, but he could still hold out. "And I'll set two more cards. Turn end." [spoiler=Jurak Ptera][b]Jurak Ptera[/b] FIRE / Dinosaur Level 3 800/1500 If this card is attacked, return the attacking monster to the hand after damage calculation and this card gains DEF equal to the returned monster's Level x 100.[/spoiler] "My turn." Ghost said gleefully. "You've held on well so far, but now you will witness the true terror of the Machine Emperors. Draw!" [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - SPC: 5[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - SPC: 5[/i][/center] "Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity, effect activate! Once per turn, a Synchro monster on the opponent's side of the field is absorbed!" Fergusson could only watch in disbelief, as tendrils of light sprang out of the suddenly enlarged hole in the robot's chest, wrapping around Jurak Meteor. The ice surrounding his monster shattered, and the behemoth, much larger than the entirety of Grannel, was slowly, painfully dragged across the sky into the robot's chest. There was silence. As soon as Jurak Meteor had been sealed within Grannel, the Machine Emperor's attack power rose to 10000. This was impossible. A creature that powerful shouldn't exist! He could only gawk at its towering might, hiding behind his defensive monster. How quickly until that, too, was annihilated? How could he continue to fight? His deck was strong because of the high attack power of the Jurak monsters, and their powerful Synchro monsters - but he could not even dream about summoning a monster that could match Grannel, and if he did Synchro Summon, that monster's effect and attack capacity would be sealed, and it would be absorbed. Was there nothing he could do? "I activate Speed Spell - High Speed Crash." Ghost said. "I can destroy a card on either side of the field. I will choose Prehistoric Living Graveyard on my side, and Jurak Ptera on your side." Fergusson cursed as his last defense was obliterated. [spoiler=Speed Spell - High Speed Crash][b]Speed Spell - High Speed Crash[/b] SPELL / Normal Activate only while you have 2 or more Speed Counters. Destroy 1 card you control and 1 other card on the field.[/spoiler] "Your struggle is as foolish as your Project REVOLT used to be." Ghost said. "Did you think you had any chance of succeeding, undetected? Do you think you have any chance of winning this duel? It's over for you." "It's not over until the last Life Point is gone!" Fergusson retorted stubbornly. He would [i]not[/i] lose to his brother's murderers. Until the very end, he would oppose them and beat them down at their own game. "And how long until that happens?" Ghost snarled. "Machine Emperor Grannel, direct attack!" "Reverse card, open! Break Tune!" Fergusson retaliated. "When an attack is declared, it is negated, and I can Special Summon a Tuner monster from my hand! I summon Jurak Auro in defense mode!" A little blue-skinned dinosaur, not fully out of its egg yet, leapt in the line of Grannel's attack, diverting it. Fergusson felt the air sweep right past his face as the attack ricocheted on the ground, leaving a massive crater, before jumping upwards once more, lost in the unfathomable distances of the <Road to Tomorrow>. [spoiler=Break Tune][b]Break Tune[/b] TRAP / Normal Activate only when an opponent's monster declares an attack. Negate the attack, and Special Summon 1 Tuner monster from your hand.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Jurak Auro][b]Jurak Auro[/b] FIRE / Dinosaur / Tuner Level 1 200/200 You can Tribute this card to select 1 Level 4 or lower "Jurak" monster in your Graveyard, except "Jurak Auro". Special Summon that monster from the Graveyard.[/spoiler] "For someone who puts up such a strong front, you certainly run a lot of cards to avoid battle." Ghost sneered. "When your brother died, did you feel glad that you had escaped? Did you feel relief that you had been allowed to live? Aren't you just a coward, hiding behind false bravado?" "What did you say?" Fergusson demanded angrily. "You're going to wish you hadn't hidden behind that one, though. I activate the effect of Grannel Attack! During the Battle Phase, I can select one of the Synchro monsters absorbed by my Machine Emperor, and have it attack one of your monsters!" The blazing tendrils emerged from Grannel's chest, and Fergusson watched in horror as Jurak Meteor, restrained by their might and roaring with rage, drew its arm back, unleashing a massive ball of flame at the miniscule dinosaur, which was instantly turned to dust. "One more of your defenses is torn down. You can't hide forever." Ghost said coldly. But, Fergusson was thinking. That was Grannel Attack's effect. If Grannel could use his absorbed monster for offense, then it stood to reason that he could use it for defense as well. That was probably dealt with by Grannel Guard. Grannel Carrier could protect that absorbed monster from being destroyed, once per turn. It was likely that only the main monster could attack directly, since Ghost hadn't used Grannel Attack's effect from the start, but only once a monster that could be destroyed was present. The key to defeating this 10000-point behemoth was understanding each of its individual abilities. "I'll end my turn with that." Ghost said. Fergusson nodded. Only one draw, and only his last remaining reverse card. He had to make this count. If he could drag it out, for one more turn... [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - SPC: 6[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - SPC: 6[/i][/center] His luck had not abandoned him yet. "I summon Jurak Stauriko in defense mode! Turn end." [spoiler=Jurak Stauriko][b]Jurak Stauriko[/b] FIRE / Dinosaur Level 2 500/400 If this card is destroyed by battle, Special Summon 2 "Jurak Token"s (Dinosaur-Type/FIRE/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position. These Tokens cannot be Tributed for a Tribute Summon, unless it is for a "Jurak" monster.[/spoiler] "Is this some sort of joke?" Ghost demanded. "Or is this truly the level you are capable of?" Fergusson said nothing. Depending on how this turn went, depending on what he drew next turn - everything would ride on those factors. [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - SPC: 7[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - SPC: 7[/i][/center] "By releasing Grannel Attack, I can Special Summon Grannel Attack 3." It seemed that this Machine Emperor could extend its power at will by replacing its parts. "How do you like it?" Ghost inquired as the cannon attached to the robot's arm was replaced by a much larger, four-barreled one. With the new, higher-caliber part, Grannel's attack rose to 10400. "This is the Machine Emperor, the power that killed your friend! That poor boy never knew what hit him!" [spoiler=Grannel Attack 3][b]Grannel Attack 3[/b] EARTH / Machine Level 3 2000/0 ((You can Special Summon this card from your hand by Tributing 1 "Grannel Attack" you control. Destroy this card if you do not control an "Infinity" monster. You can only control 1 "Wisel Attack", "Skiel Attack", or "Grannel Attack" monster. During your battle phase, you can Special Summon a Synchro monster equipped to an "Machine Emperor" monster you control (a single monster can only be Special Summoned once per turn by this effect), ignoring your Monster Zone limit. Its effect(s) are negated. The Special Summoned monster can attack one monster your opponent controls during this battle phase. If the monster attacking by this effect attacks a Defense Position monster whose DEF is lower than the ATK of that monster, inflict the difference as Damage to your opponent. If the Special Summoned monster is still on the field after Damage Calculation, equip it to a Machine Emperor monster you control.))[/spoiler] Fergusson clenched the handles of his D-Wheel, white-hot rage searing him to the bone. Mike had died to this? Facing a monster whose effects he could not know until they hit him, desperately fighting for survival? Used up and tossed aside, like so many others? "Battle. Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity, erase that monster from my sight." Ghost commanded. An energy beam four times the size of the previous one eradicated his blessedly defensive monster, leaving behind not even the slightest trace. Fergusson struggled to keep control of his D-Wheel as the shockwave threatened to knock him off-course - normally, that would be impossible, but here, being tossed into the chaotic maelstrom of energy that was the stage through which the Duel Lane had carefully been built - well, nothing good could certainly come out of it. "Jurak Stauriko's effect activates!" He said desperately. "Two Jurak tokens are Special Summoned to my side of the field in defense mode!" Twin eggs surrounded by fiery blazes appeared between him and Ghost, who was threatening to catch up. But Ghost's smirk only widened. "The true terror begins now. The effect of Grannel Attack 3 activates." Ghost said. "Once per turn, I can have the absorbed monster attack one of your monsters! And if that monster is in defense mode, piercing damage is inflicted!" Fergusson didn't even have time to be surprised. His strongest monster, true to its name, dove once more out of its mechanical prison and prepared to unleash its attack. A massive blaze hit one of the eggs with the force of a raging meteor. He screamed. Hellfire leapt around him, searing his very soul. An infernal blaze scorched his skin, dragging his very existence to the depths of the purgatory. He had always liked fire as a concept. Not now. The kaleidoscope-like world around him, hazily seen through a blinding veil of crimson and gold, spun uncontrollably. He tried to brace himself for the impact - but his body was not prepared to react. In a fraction of a second, he would disappear into oblivion. That instant never came, though. Something snatched his D-Wheel, dragging him out of the blazing hell. Blinking to clear his vision, he only barely caught a glimpse of a pitch-black D-Wheel, as large as his own, but more elegantly designed, speeding away. It had only been a single glance, but the eyes of the two riders had connected, and though it was a memory from three years ago, Fergusson instantly recognized the figure. "Ylaidus...?" He whispered to himself. The rider had already disappeared far beyond his line of sight, yet he thought he heard this single word echo in his mind. [i]Win.[/i] [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - LP: 1200[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] Ghost gave no indication whether he had seen or realized what had happened. He merely set a card on his field, and angrily signaled the end of his turn. "Then, I'll go." Fergusson muttered. Things were not looking good. With his single token, he couldn't do anything. He needed the perfect draw, not once, but twice. "Draw!" He glanced at his card. The mystery of Ylaidus reappearing - if that was really him - could wait. For now, he had to deal with this. [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - SPC: 8[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - SPC: 8[/i][/center] "I activate Speed World 2's effect, drawing once more." He added another card to his hand, slowing down to bring himself on level with his opponent. He examined his newly drawn card. Maybe, just maybe, this could work. "Permanent Trap card, Limit Rebirth. I will revive Auro from the Graveyard, and use its effect to release it immediately, bringing back Jurak Velo in attack position!" [spoiler=Limit Rebirth][b]Limit Rebirth[/b] TRAP / Continuous Select 1 monster with 1000 or less ATK from your Graveyard, and Special Summon it in Attack Position. If that monster is changed to Defense Position, destroy it and this card. When this card is removed from the field, destroy that monster. When that monster is destroyed, destroy this card.[/spoiler] "This Speed Spell can only be activated when the difference between our Speed Counters is 7 or more. Thanks to my removing almost every one of my Speed Counters to activate Speed World 2's effect, that condition is now met! Speed Spell - Gap Storm activates! All Spell and Trap cards on the field are obliterated! And that includes Jurak Meteor, which your Machine Emperor has absorbed!" [spoiler=Speed Spell - Gap Storm][b]Speed Spell - Gap Storm[/b] SPELL / Normal Activate only if there is a difference of 7 or more Speed Counters between you and your opponent. Destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on the field.[/spoiler] "Ghh..." Ghost grunted. "Still, Trap card, Grand G-3! I release Grannel Guard, to Special Summon Grannel Guard 3!" The Machine Emperor's mechanical shield-arm transformed into a broader, sturdier version. However, its overall attack swiftly dropped to 7600, as it lost the Synchro monster powering it up. [spoiler=Grand G-3][b]Grand G-3[/b] TRAP / Normal Tribute 1 "Grannel Guard" you control. Special Summon 1 "Grannel Guard 3" from your hand, Deck or Graveyard.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Grannel Guard 3][b]Grannel Guard 3[/b] EARTH / Machine Level 3 0/2200 You can Special Summon this card from your hand by Tributing 1 "Grannel Guard" you control. Destroy this card if you do not control an "Infinity" monster. You can only control 1 "Wisel Guard", "Skiel Guard", or "Grannel Guard" monster. During your opponent's battle phase, if your opponent declares an attack, you can Special Summon a Synchro monster equipped to an "Machine Emperor" monster you control (a single monster can only be Special Summoned once per turn by this effect), ignoring your Monster Zone limit. Its effect(s) are negated. The Special Summoned monster must be the target of the attack your opponent declared. If that monster would be destroyed by that battle, it is not destroyed. If the Special Summoned monster is still on the field after Damage Calculation, equip it to a Machine Emperor monster you control.[/spoiler] [i]This is where I'll have to gamble... hopefully, I figured out the effects of those parts correctly.[/i] Judging by the fuming expression on his opponent's face, he thought he just might have. "And last, but not least, I will Normal Jurak Protops to the field!" A bulky quadripedal dinosaur, a fiery mane raging along its spine, appeared on his field. [spoiler=Jurak Protops][b]Jurak Protops[/b] FIRE / Dinosaur Level 4 1700/1200 This card gains 100 ATK for each monster your opponent controls.[/spoiler] Fergusson grinned. He was in his element now, having regained control. All that remained was to execute his strategy. "Jurak Velo, battle! Your target is Grannel Attack 3!" "Are you out of your mind?" Ghost yelled. "My monster's attack power is stronger!" "No, that's what I was aiming for!" The giant cannon blasted away Velo with a stream of flame. This time, though, Fergusson was prepared. He had already accelerated out of the way of the scorching blaze, maneouvering through strands of liquid fire as he made away forward. [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - LP: 900[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] "Jurak Velo's effect activates. Since it was destroyed by battle, I can Special Summon another Jurak monster from my deck. I choose Jurak Monolov!" [spoiler=Jurak Monolov][b]Jurak Monolov[/b] FIRE / Dinosaur / Tuner Level 3 1500/1200 This card can attack all monsters your opponent controls once each.[/spoiler] "So that was your plan..." Ghost spat, racing ahead. "Do you think you can defeat me with such a strategy?!" "Probably. Jurak Protops gains a hundred points of attack, for every monster you control!" Fergusson exclaimed. "There are five - all five parts of your Machine Emperor! Jurak Protops, strike down Grannel Attack!" With a fiery charge, the beast impaled the war cannon, obliterating it instantly. Having lost its main attack part, Grannel's total power fell to 5600, and then further to 5400, as Ghost's Life Points dropped. [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - LP: 900[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - LP: 3800[/i][/center] "And now, it's this one's turn! Jurak Monolov can attack all your monsters! I'll have it start with Grannel Carrier!" Quickly, the small dinosaur rushed towards the behemoth's treads, letting loose a stream of crimson fire. They exploded, and Ghost grunted as he was struck by the blast. Grannel's attack power decreased, first to 4600 from the loss of its part, then further down to 3900. [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - LP: 900[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - LP: 3100[/i][/center] "Monolov, press on! Attack Grannel Top 3!" This time the dinosaur jumped to the robot's head, unleashing its fiery assault. The uppermost part of the Machine Emperor was blasted to pieces, and Ghost's Life Points, took a further drop. Having lost all his offensive parts, and the ability to gain attack based on its controller's Life Points, the once fearsome Machine Emperor's power dropped to 0. [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - LP: 900[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - LP: 2400[/i][/center] "There is just one monster left to attack... Jurak Monolov, strike down Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity!" Without resistance, the weakened shell of the Machine Emperor crumbled away before the dinosaur's fiery attack. Ghost screamed as flames wrapped around him, bringing his Life Points to the same level as Fergusson's. [center][i][b]Firesoul[/b] - LP: 900[/i] [i][b]Ghost[/b] - LP: 900[/i][/center] However, it soon became apparent that Life Points were no longer an issue. The huge bulk of Grannel, instead of disappearing, instead collapsed on top of the black-clad D-Wheeler. A huge explosion followed. Fergusson skidded to a halt, swiftly climbing down from his own vehicle and rushing to where his opponent had fallen. He cared little about Ghost's safety, of course, but if there were some answers to be had... Ghost's body was trapped under the black D-Wheel, looking ready to blow up at any second. Not so with the rider, who, under the debris, looked very much functional - for now. "Wouldn't you like to know?" Fergusson frowned. "About... the man that discovered and betrayed your little scheme? The man that killed your brother?" "What are you talking about?" Fergusson demanded. Someone had betrayed them? He had always assumed Dunkan and the others had found out by themselves, and had turned them into targets for his anger, but... "Heh..." Ghost chuckled. Its figure flinched, as if its program was struggling to remain functional. "He was but a simple employee of the company, the man who found out. He randomly stumbled across your handiwork one day, and promptly reported the irregularity... he never even found out what truly happened. And yet that man is responsible for the death of your brother." "Who was it?" Fergusson snarled, ignoring the scorching heat from the flames that had began to burn around the D-Wheel's debris and grabbing Ghost from the collar. The bot's helmet fell back, revealing a gaunt, lifeless face. "What was his name?" "Aizawa Taihito." --- Jacqueline had returned to the Aria Tower. The atmosphere was uncomfortable. Dunkan was standing close to a window. The view from these windows would change depending on the onlooker's mood, and Jacqueline did not feel that Dunkan was in a particularly pleasant mood at the moment. Lynette was simply sitting cross-legged on one of the cushions near the center of the room. That Nakahara girl were there as well, constantly pacing back and forth. Lee seemed to be out, and neither Takizawa nor Ross had returned yet. "They are taking much longer than they should." Nakahara said to the air. "Takizawa reported he met and dealt with Eizan, but We lost contact with him ever since. And we still haven't got anything from Ross. What could have happened to them?" Jacqueline knew that Takizawa's report was a lie, as Eizan had contacted her less than ten minutes ago, though she doubted that Takizawa himself was aware of that. He did not know the man's fate, and did not care about it - as long as Eizan lived to deliver his promise. "How many Ghosts are still operational?" Dunkan asked instead of replying. "Fifty three, excluding..." Nakahara started, but was interrupted by Dunkan's raised hand. "Retire them. Jacqueline, use their programs to make more Cataphracts. We'll accelerate the creation of the third Pylon, and stabilize the Nexus as soon as possible." "But, surely, we cannot move until Takizawa and Ross are - " Nakahara said hesitantly. Dunkan stared at her, long and hard. "Forget about them." He said quietly. "They are of no consequence. There can be no more delays now. Everything will be over, soon." --- The thing that once went by the name of Draco Ross wandered aimlessly along the corridors of the Arc Cradle. No, not aimlessly. Its prey was clear. The only question left was when to attack it. Ross had followed Ivory and the others when they unexpectedly left for the virtual world. This decision had proven fruitful - he managed to easily infiltrate the Arc Cradle, circumventing all the effort Moboro and the others had wasted, thanks to the residue of Ivory's portal. And thus he found himself inside the fortress, quietly observing the fight between Sanjou Kiishiro and the entity that called herself Ebony. When the battle concluded, though, and Ebony was attacked, Ross was unfortunate enough to be standing right in her chosen path of retreat. Enveloped by a gigantic force of darkness, a spiralling vortex between this plane of existence and the heart of the Zero Zone, his mind was instantly eradicated, the entirety of his self replaced by a beast of prey, a thing of chaos whose semblance of a life revolved around his last conscious thoughts. He had to hunt down and annihilate those three. Both Jinrei Yenma, whom he was chasing after when he descended into the Zero Zone, Bando Takechi, who had humiliated him. And Ivory, who had broken down the world he had created himself. Of course, there were no reasons left now, no reasoning to construct them. Only madness. All three of them were here. But there were more nearby, people he did not want involved, as they could interfere with his hunt. Thus he waited for his chance, lurking. [/spoiler] [spoiler=_]As I had said, the Machine Emperor has its anime effect, and altered to make it streamlined with the others. I believe it makes more sense this way. Let me know what you think.[/spoiler] Chapter 44 is ready, and will be posted tomorrow. I have also prepared a questionnaire that will be posted along with the next chapter, with various questions asked regarding the story. I'll be very grateful if you fill it (to some extent, at least, as it will be large), as it will greatly help me judge the direction this story is going, and work in some improvements, or at the very least give me some things to consider for a possible future rework. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 13, 2011 Report Share Posted May 13, 2011 Figured. That's cool dude, leaving plots hanging would be awkward, am looking forward to it. Anyway, chapter. Dunno why, but as soon as the duel started I thought 'OTK'. *shrugs* Anyway, two things that confused me -couldn't find prehistoric living graveyard on wikia -why would A.T. have anything to do with the American branch, or have I forgot something? Nice subplot with Ross, I like that idea a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted May 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2011 [quote name='Bahamut ZERO' timestamp='1305309276' post='5205660']Figured. That's cool dude, leaving plots hanging would be awkward, am looking forward to it. Anyway, chapter. Dunno why, but as soon as the duel started I thought 'OTK'. *shrugs* Anyway, two things that confused me -couldn't find prehistoric living graveyard on wikia -why would A.T. have anything to do with the American branch, or have I forgot something? Nice subplot with Ross, I like that idea a lot.[/quote] > Grave of the Super Ancient Organism. > REVOLT wasn't restricted to the American servers. It was an underlying network that encompassed the entirety of the system. He just stumbled across some part of it, found it weird and reported it. I should probably have explained it better, but you'll learn more in the immediate future anyway and I didn't want this chapter to be too infodumpish. Glad you liked it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexadin Posted May 14, 2011 Report Share Posted May 14, 2011 Using Monolov, that was actually quite brilliant. Even though Grannel was beaten, I quite liked this chapter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niv-Mizzet Posted May 14, 2011 Report Share Posted May 14, 2011 Wow. I have been a follower of this for a few weeks now, and this is, to me, the best duel I've seen here. Love Granel's new effect, much more interesting. Also, I lol'ed when Dunkan said "They are of no consequence. There can be no more delays now. Everything will be over, soon." I guess he doesn't know you have another arc planned... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted May 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2011 Welcome to the fold, Archmage. The timeframe of the story won't actually change, but yeah, it was rather lulzy given the circumstances. I'm glad you guys thought the duel was good and my Grannel version was ok as well. I was pretty worried about those. Without further ado, chapter 44 is now here. Please enjoy it - but don't forget to look at the questionnaire as well ~ [spoiler=Chapter 44] [center][b][u]Chapter 44:[/b] Thorn of Hatred[/u][/center] They were floating far above a void, broken world. The earth was shattered into pieces. The oceans were gone, having disappeared into the massive chasms between the shards of ground that floated, supported by what was left of the tectonic plates, in this sea of chaos. Immeasurably deep, even the planet's blazing core, unmasked by the devastation, writhed like a raging beast. The otherwise pitch-black sky was dominated by a sphere of white fire, larger than a sun that was no longer there, and still much farther. That was the Nexus. The white veil of flames was the Outer Sphere - the Nexus itself was a separate world just like any other. Around it, six small comets of various colors, leaving behind them a trail of light, were orbiting in irregular, elliptical courses. These were the Pylons, the phantasms Duel International had unsuccessfully tried to use to control it. And on its surface, a single black spot could be seen. A motionless abyss, both immeasurably small and infinitely large. It was called the Original Sin, and it was the form of the Gap, the point from which the Nexus had flowed into reality. ZONE let the vision dissipate as he finished his explanation. Reactions varied. Christina was wide-eyed with shock. Yuko and Sanjou Kiishiro seemed to be still mopping over their recent losses. Sugita was keeping his cool demeanor, and Yenma and Takechi seemed as if they would not be easily shaken any more. Regardless, everyone realized the meaning of what they had seen. This was how their world would end up, if it was touched by the Nexus. ZONE did not know for certain if Dunkan's company could control it, but he severely doubted they could. And at the same time, he did not know if, now that the portal had been opened, there was a way to prevent them from tapping into it without causing an even greater destruction. "You three should disconnect from the virtual world." ZONE told Yuko, Takechi and Sugita. "If Dunkan and the others know where you are, it will be dangerous. Should you decide to join us, I can make the necessary arrangements for you to access the system undetected, and be able to enter this place. If you wish to stay out of this, or continue as you were even after you have seen, that is fine, too - but in the latter case, you will be our enemies the next time we meet, and even if you choose to stay neutral, there is no guarantee of safety in your world now." "I've made my choice. I'll stand with this guy here." Takechi indicated Yenma. Neither had gone into details about what had occured in the Zero Zone, but it had done wonders for Yenma's morale. "I will stay as well." Sugita said firmly. "It seems we have been used and betrayed . I will help you get to the bottom of this." "I... I think I will stay out..." Yuko muttered, her voice trembling. ZONE had intended for her to take time and absorb what he had shown her, but his duel against Moboro had been too much of a shock for her. He shook his head, opening a few panels within his machine to make the necessary adjustments. "Very well. Go to a safe place, where you can log back in without danger." He addressed the two boys. "Be careful, all three of you. There's no telling what is happening out there." "We will." Sugita stated firmly. Takechi nodded, and all three dissolved into light, leaving ZONE alone Kiishiro, Yenma and Christina. "She had told me not to trust you." Kiishiro said suddenly, locking eyes with him. ZONE realized he must be talking about Ivory. ZONE was aware of her existence, and her nature, but little more than that. She had left the Arc Cradle before he could reach the place where they had gathered. "Was she right? Are you really here just to stop Dunkan and the others?" "I came here from a world not much unlike the one I showed you earlier." ZONE sighed. "Unlike your world, dominated by technology, the breaches in the Exterior - the Outer Sphere, as Dunkan and the others call it - happened solely through imagination. Duel International used this sub-realm as an intermediary to reach the Nexus, whereas my world opened up to it directly. Needless to say, the consequences were that much more severe. Chaos swept the entirety of that plane of existence, and many others. The Nexus itself grew to unbelievable proportions. Assembling the last technology of the dying planet, I created this fortress, the Arc Cradle, which was capable of traversing dimensions, and to some extent travelling through time as well. It was too late for my own world, so I navigated via the strands of chaos that separate and hold the multiverese together, travelling for what felt both an instant and an eternity until I found a place I could breach. I arrived at this world, this artificial reality constructed by people much like my own had been - only to find it about to be ruined by the same catastrophe that struck mine. But I also found potential here, potential to create powerful miracles. Miracles that could avert the destruction, rather than instigate it." "I am not a saint. I was responsible for a lot of the damage caused by the Nexus. I was the one who bound the ten angels of the kabbalah into machines. This Arc Cradle is a pillar of chaos, hovering in the multiverse. No, there is definitely merit in distrust. I have caused at least as much devastation as I am trying to prevent. I am a ghost of a long dead world, simply trying to prevent that fate from touching this realm - but to Ivory, who is a part of this world, I am nothing but a foreign, dangerous invader that has violated her domain." "Most beings, Transcendents, when they happen to cross the Outer Sphere of their world, tend to float, without even comprehending it, to a different one almost seamlessly. There, they exist for a short period of time, as high-level concepts on the same class as miracles, before their contradiction with the world that is, in the end, fundamentally different from their own annihilates them. A few, though, do not wander into another reality. Rather, they remain in the space between worlds, the endless black infinity that is the multiverse. These beings absorb the power of chaos from Nexi they encounter, far transcending any other form of existence. If normal Transcendents are materialized miracles, these are godlike phenomena that cannot even be measured on the same scale. Ultimately, though, like every other living thing, they are guided by their will and decisions. One such entity, which we called the Crimson Dragon, appeared in our world. Apparently it sensed the proximity to the Nexus and tried to safeguard us. For millenia it fought alongside us, helping us protect our world. Though they wield immense power, such creatures cannot directly influence an individual world, except by means of other Transcendent concepts. Those were the five Dragons, three of whom you now possess. In my world, select individuals could tame and wage war alongside them, both lending them support and harnessing their power. In the end, though, it was the very hand of those men and women called Signers, that brought about the final end." "Were you... a Signer, too, then?" Yenma asked, aghast. "Yes, long ago." ZONE agreed. "I managed to secure two of the five dragons, sealed within cards. When I reached this world, I felt the cry of the Crimson Dragon resonate across this space. I knew that, just like before, it would choose its intermediaries in this world to bear its marks. Those signs you carry - Kiishiro's right claw, Christina's left claw, and Yenma's wings - they are the beast's holy symbols. They are the proof that you have been singled out, and the proof that you have the right to wield these dragons - but they are not the guarantee of your victory. That depends entirely on you." "Then, the other two dragons - ?" Christina asked. Though she was obviously peeved, suddenly thrown into a world of chaos like that, she was slowly beginning to regain her composure - and with that, perhaps some part of her memory. The elemental spirit behind her seemed to be supporting her. "I do not know about them." ZONE said. "In fact, I did not know whether the Crimson Dragon would call upon the power of its servants across dimensions - that is why I considered it pure luck that I had brought two of the dragons here. But there is no luck, no chance in the grand design. Everything happens for a reason. We cannot rely on the last two dragons appearing, though. We must make our move before it's too late." "Then, what?" Kiishiro demanded. The edge in his voice betrayed his dark feelings. "You told me Dunkan and the others have walled themselves up in the <Aria Tower>, where the portal that leads to the <Original Sin> has been opened. We have three people here, maybe five if the other two come back. If we attack, we can keep them busy while you come up with a way to stop them." "That plan is already condemned to fail." ZONE said severely. "We cannot fight against the creators of this world on even grounds outside this sanctum. "At any rate, Christina is not currently an experienced duelist like you two. I believe some practice is in order for her. Kiishiro, why not have a duel with her? It will help her grasp the concept better." "Me?" Kiishiro asked, taken aback. "Look, we have no time for this! My mother - " "Patience." ZONE interrupted strictly. He knew exactly what was going on in the young boy's head. "If you don't pull yourself together, you won't be able to save anything - including your mother. The key to fighting in this world, to fighting in a reality that is always shifting, always changing, is a clear mind." Kiishiro stared at ZONE for a few, long moments. ZONE held his gaze - though Kiishiro would not be able to tell just by looking, he would feel ZONE's eyes on him. He looked as though he might explode. Then abruptly, he turned around and swiftly walked away. "Come with me." He addressed Christina darkly. "I will show you the ropes of this place." The girl followed quietly. ZONE could sense the presence of the spirit that had joined this girl. Yenma made as if to rush behind them, too, but ZONE stopped him. "I apologize, but I need to ask a favor of you. I need to deal with some other issues. Could you go to the Warp Chamber and wait for Takechi and Sugita? They should not be too long." He drew Yenma's attention to the portal that had opened directly to the right. He seemed a little taken aback, but nodded. "Of course. I'll wait for them. I'm sure Kiishiro will see your point soon." He said firmly. Indeed, that boy who had been even more timid than Kiishiro when he had first met him had changed to an extraordinary degree. ZONE knew full well, as he watched him depart, that he was sending him straight into a trap. But it seemed to be the only way to drag a rat out in the open, before it could do too much damage. --- "Do you know the basics of the game?" Kiishiro asked. Christina nodded. Bits and pieces from knowledge whose origin she could not pinpoint had been coming back to her all throughout Kiishiro's duel against Ebony, and even afterwards. They were standing a few feet apart from each other, armed with their Duel Disks. The room around them was a simple arena, which Kiishiro had called the training grounds. As soon as the indicator above their heads flashed to demonstrate their current Life Points, Kiishiro drew out five cards from his deck, and Christina followed suit. The randomizer designated that Kiishiro would take the first turn. He added a sixth card to his hand. [center][i][b]Thunderbolt Knight[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Nightshade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] "For my turn, I'll simply set a face-down monster. Turn end." A reverse image of a card appeared before him. "Then it's my turn. Draw." Christina said, a little flustered. She examined her cards. She was unfamiliar with them, but she recognized, at least, the different types. Two monsters she could summon. A third monster with the blue outline that indicated a Ritual Summon was required, two green-colored Spell cards, and one purple-colored Trap card. Through Dryad, she could already understand the basics. Though she could deal no damage by attacking defense position monsters, she should at least try to destroy whatever Kiishiro had on his field. Water Spirit Envoy - Eria was probably too weak for the job. But this card - "I summon Familiar-Possessed Hiita!" She exclaimed, placing a card vertically on her Duel Disk. A maiden with flaring red hair and a revealing outfit, wielding a stave and backed up by a large, blazing fox that hovered beside her, appeared on the field. [spoiler=Familiar-Possessed Hiita][b]Familiar-Possessed Hiita[/b] FIRE / Spellcaster Level 4 1850/1500 By sending 1 "Fire Spirit Envoy - Hiita" and 1 FIRE monster from your side of the field to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon this card from your hand or Deck. If you Special Summon this card in this way, this card gets the following effect: During battle between this attacking card and a Defense Position monster whose DEF is lower than the ATK of this card, inflict the difference as Battle Damage to your opponent's Life Points.[/spoiler] Hiita glanced at Kiishiro and smirked. "Yo. I was looking forward to taking a shot at you again." She said. If Kiishiro was surprised that the monster had spoken, he did not show. Christina recalled that she had met Fire Spirit Envoy Hiita back in the <Fairy Ring>. She looked at her, confused. [i]Don't worry about it.[/i] Dryad said in her mind. [i]More importantly, you should now declare your attack.[/i] "Alright." Christina drew a deep breath. "Familiar-Possessed Hiita, attack that reverse monster!" "You don't have to be so formal about it." Hiita grumbled, aiming at the hidden card with her staff. The fox beside her mingled with a stream of fire launched from the scepter's tip, which struck and set the creature ablaze. A small three-eyed hairy round creature materialized, grinning wildly before being incinerated. [spoiler=Critter][b]Critter[/b] DARK / Fiend Level 3 1000/600 When this card is sent from the field to the Graveyard, add 1 monster with 1500 or less ATK from your Deck to your hand.[/spoiler] "Then, when Hiita attacks with a superior attack compared to your monster's defense, she deals the difference as battle damage!" Christina felt slightly elated - there was a large difference between the destroyed Critter's defense, and her own monster's attack. But Kiishiro shook his head. "That effect will only be active if Hiita has been Special Summoned by her own effect. If you Normal Summon her, it will not activate. Instead, Critter's effect activates, letting me add Rose Fairy from my deck to my hand. And then Rose Fairy's effect activates, being instantly Special Summoned if she is brought to my hand by a card effect." A peculiar flying red fay appeared out of thin air, floating next to Kiishiro. She was in defense mode, but it did not matter, as Christina had no other monsters with which to attack. [spoiler=Rose Fairy][b]Rose Fairy[/b] WIND / Plant Level 3 800/1200 If this card is added from your Deck to your hand by the effect of a Spell, Trap, or Monster Card, you can Special Summon this card.[/spoiler] "Then... I believe I'll set this card face-down." She placed a card from her hand in the slot underneath her monster. "That's all." "My turn. Draw." Kiishiro said heavily. Christina couldn't help but feel for him. She had not known her biological parents, but she fully understood Kiishiro's feelings - she would be equally distressed, if something were to happen to her foster parents. She hoped that, with this duel, he might relax a little. The spirits beside her did not seem to share her views - Hiita regarded Kiishiro with a disdainful hostility, while Dryad stared at him blankly. "I release Rose Fairy to advance summon Gigaplant." He said listlessly. The small fairy was replaced by a larger, carnivorous plant. [spoiler=Gigaplant][b]Gigaplant[/b] EARTH / Plant / Dual Level 6 2400/1200 This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the Graveyard. While this card is face-up on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it be treated as an Effect Monster with this effect: • Once per turn, you can Special Summon 1 Insect-Type or Plant-Type monster from your hand or Graveyard.[/spoiler] "Gigaplant attacks Familiar-Possessed Hiita." Kiishiro said. Christina took a step back, unwillingly - there was something savage in his voice, as if seeking to exert his anger and frustration in that attack. However - "I activate Negate Attack! This trap card blocks your attack and ends the battle phase!" Kiishiro stared at the card for a few seconds, and it seemed as if he could not see anything beyond it. But he quickly dismissed it, and signalled the end of his turn. [spoiler=Negate Attack][b]Negate Attack[/b] TRAP / Counter Activate only when an opponent's monster declares an attack. Negate the attack and end the Battle Phase.[/spoiler] Christina sighed, drawing. Gigaplant had 2400 points of attack, which was not easy to defeat. She looked at the monster that had appeared in her hand, skeptically. That monster's attack did not even come close to beating Gigaplant. But, if she got its effect right - "I set a monster, and switch Hiita to defense mode. Turn end." She said. "Draw." Kiishiro's hand hovered over a card, as if he was deciding whether to play it. Finally, he clenched his teeth, and snatched a different card. "I summon Koa Kimeiru Gravirose in attack mode." Christina thought she liked this monster, beautiful in her own wild way, but her attack power drew her attention. [spoiler=Koa Kimeiru Gravirose][b]Koa Kimeiru Gravirose[/b] EARTH / Plant Level 4 1900/1300 During each of your End Phases, destroy this card unless you send 1 "Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru" from your hand to the Graveyard or reveal 1 Plant-Type monster in your hand. During each of your Standby Phases, you can send 1 Level 3 or lower monster from your Deck to your Graveyard.[/spoiler] "Battle. Gravirose, attack Hiita!" Kiishiro commanded. Entangled in a thorny vein, the fiery spellcaster writhed before she was annihilated, her pet fox howling in resonating agony. "And now, Gigaplant, attack her reverse monster!" But the monster's attacks only struck harmlessly against the soft surface of a mushroom-like monster featuring large eyes and a small mouth with sharp teeth. "When Marshmallon is attacked, it's not destroyed by battle, and will deal a thousand damage to the opponent!" Kiishiro grimaced as the small creature jumped up to him, biting his arm with its illusory teeth. [spoiler=Marshmallon][b]Marshmallon[/b] LIGHT / Fairy Level 3 300/500 The controller of a monster that attacks this face-down card takes 1000 damage after damage calculation. This card cannot be destroyed by battle. (Damage calculation is applied normally.)[/spoiler] [center][i][b]Thunderbolt Knight[/b] - LP: 3000[/i] [i][b]Nightshade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] "One reverse card, set. During the End Phase, I reveal this Plant monster, Grow-Up Bulb, to prevent Gravirose from being destroyed." Kiishiro said, annoyed. "Turn end." [i]I see now.[/i] Christina was rather absorbed in the game, so she nearly jumped as Dryad spoke to her. [i]The boy had a Level 1 Tuner monster in his hand. With it and Gigaplant, he could have summoned Black Rose Dragon. That monster's effect would eliminate your defense and deal great damage. If he is hesitating this much, he must be more affected than ZONE thought.[/i] He certainly did not seem the same person that Christina had witnessed during the battle with Ebony. Back then, he had turned despair to power and resolve. Now, despair had consumed him, and his power had been twisted by fear and rage. She turned her mind to what ZONE had said. Perhaps this game was for Kiishiro's benefit as much as for her own. "I draw." She said. Her card was another monster, but she felt slightly elated as she read through its effect. Combined with the other cards in her hand... "I summon Manju God." A demon with hundreds of arms appeared before her. "Manju God's effect activates, adding the Ritual Spell card, Dryad's Prayer to my hand." She carefully considered her cards. If she could play them just so - [spoiler=Manju God][b]Manju God[/b] LIGHT / Fairy Level 4 1400/1000 When this card is Normal Summoned or Flip Summoned, you can select 1 Ritual Monster Card or 1 Ritual Spell Card from your Deck and add it to your hand.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Dryad's Prayer][b]Dryad's Prayer[/b] SPELL / Ritual This card is used to Ritual Summon "Elemental Master Dryad". You must also Tribute monsters whose total Levels equal 3 or more from the field or your hand.[/spoiler] "I activate the Ritual Magic, Dryad's Prayer. I tribute the Level 3, Water Spirit Envoy - Eria from my hand, in order to Ritual Summon Elemental Master Dryad!" She felt an uncomfortable sensation as if something was being forcefully dragged out of her. Under a dome of golden light, the imposing priestess that had lent her her support materialized, elegant in her queen-like grace. [spoiler=Water Spirit Envoy - Eria][b]Water Spirit Envoy - Eria[/b] WATER / Spellcaster Level 3 500/1500 FLIP: Take control of 1 WATER monster on your opponent's side of the field for as long as this card remains face-up on the field.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Elemental Master Dryad][b]Elemental Master Dryad[/b] LIGHT / Spellcaster / Ritual Level 3 1200/1400 This card can only be Ritual Summoned with the Ritual Spell Card, "Dryad's Prayer". The Attribute of this card is also treated as WIND, WATER, FIRE, and EARTH while it is face-up on the field.[/spoiler] "We meet again, Sanjou Kiishiro." She said in her melodic voice. Kiishiro stared hard at her for a few seconds. He shook his head, as if trying to clear some unwanted memory. "Dryad can't defeat my monsters." He said sullenly. "I equip Dryad with Ritual Weapon." Christina said. A crossbow attached itself to the spirit's arm, dramatically raising her attack power. "And now, Elemental Master Dryad will attack Koa Kimeiru Gravirose!" Dryad aimed with her ballista, which magically shot out three bolts of silver-lined energy, which obliterated the female plant monster, bringing Kiishiro's Life Points down to almost half their original value. [spoiler=Ritual Weapon][b]Ritual Weapon[/b] SPELL / Ritual Equip only to a Level 6 or lower Ritual Monster. The equipped monster gains 1500 ATK and DEF.[/spoiler] [center][i][b]Thunderbolt Knight[/b] - LP: 2200[/i] [i][b]Nightshade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] "My battle phase is over." She said. She hadn't managed to get rid of Gigaplant yet, but that would suffice. She looked at the card left in her hand. It was a confusing card at first glance. But, as soon as she verified Dryad's effect, she understood its purpose. "I set a card. Turn end." "My turn." Kiishiro said, a little more forcefully. "During my Standby Phase, my reverse card, Call of the Living Dead activates, reviving Koa Kimeiru Gravirose from the Graveyard. And then Gravirose's effect activates, sending Spore directly from my deck to the Graveyard." [spoiler=Call of the Living Dead][b]Call of the Living Dead[/b] TRAP / Continuous Select 1 monster from your Graveyard and Special Summon it in face-up Attack Position. When this card is removed from the field, destroy the monster. When the monster is destroyed, destroy this card.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Spore][b]Spore[/b] WIND / Plant / Tuner Level 1 400/800 If this card is in your Graveyard, you can remove from play 1 other Plant-Type monster from your Graveyard to Special Summon this card from your Graveyard, and increase its Level by the Level of the monster removed from play to activate this effect. Each player can only use the effect of "Spore" once per Duel.[/spoiler] Christina frowned. He had sent his monster from the deck to the Graveyard? What was the point? But then she remembered that, during his duel against Ebony, Kiishiro had used a lot of monsters from his Graveyard, through their own, or other card effects. That move was not without purpose. "I summon the Tuner monster, Petit Tomabo." Kiishiro continued. [spoiler=Petit Tomabo][b]Petit Tomabo[/b] DARK / Plant / Tuner Level 2 700/400 When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon up to 2 "Tomabo" monsters from your Deck. The monster(s) Special Summoned by this effect cannot be used as Synchro Material Monsters this turn.[/spoiler] [i]Do it now![/i] Dryad's voice reached her, even though the spirit had materialized in front of her. Startled, Christina raised her hand. "I activate the Trap card, Wind-Forest-Fire-Mountain! This card can be activated when I have an Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water element monster on the field, and Dryad is - " "I know how it works!" Kiishiro snapped as all his monsters were obliterated in a multi-colored burst. [spoiler=Wind-Forest-Fire-Mountain][b]Wind-Forest-Fire-Mountain[/b] TRAP / Normal You can only activate this card when there are at least 1 monster each of WIND, WATER, FIRE and EARTH Attributes face-up on the field. Select and apply 1 of these effects: • Destroy all monsters on your opponent's side of the field. • Destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on your opponent's side of the field. • Randomly discard 2 cards from your opponent's hand. • Draw 2 cards.[/spoiler] [i]Why did I have to use it now? He was obviously going to summon something stronger, so why not wait until I could get rid of that?[/i] Christina thought at Dryad. [i]Because some monsters can activate their effects when summoned. If he had used Gigaplant and Petit Tomabo to Synchro Summon Scrap Dragon, he could have used his effect to destroy one card of his, along with Elemental Master Dryad. Even if your Trap card destroyed all of his monsters afterwards, you would have still lost your cards.[/i] "I'm not done yet." Kiishiro grunted. "I activate One for One, discarding Grow-Up Bulb to Special Summon the Level 1 monster, Evil Thorn, from my deck. And then I use its effect, releasing it to deal 300 points of damage to you as well as Special Summon two more from my deck. And then, by Spore's effect, I remove Gigaplant in my Graveyard from play to Special Summon it, and increase its Level by the Level of Gigaplant!" [spoiler=One for One][b]One for One[/b] SPELL / Normal Send 1 Monster Card from your hand to the Graveyard. Special Summon 1 Level 1 monster from your hand or Deck.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Grow-Up Bulb][b]Grow-Up Bulb[/b] EARTH / Plant / Tuner Level 1 100/100 You can send the top card of your Deck to the Graveyard and Special Summon this card from the Graveyard. Each player can only use the effect of "Grow-Up Bulb" once per Duel.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Evil Thorn][b]Evil Thorn[/b] DARK / Plant Level 1 100/300 You can Tribute this card to inflict 300 damage to your opponent and Special Summon up to 2 "Evil Thorns" from your Deck in face-up Attack Position. Those monsters' effects cannot be activated.[/spoiler] [center][i][b]Thunderbolt Knight[/b] - LP: 2200[/i] [i][b]Nightshade[/b] - LP: 3700[/i][/center] "I tune my Level 1, Evil Thorn, to my, now Level 7, Spore! Synchro Summon!" A pitch-black luster heralded the appearance of a mechanical monstrosity, fully covered in metal plates. [spoiler=Scrap Dragon][b]Scrap Dragon[/b] EARTH / Dragon / Synchro Level 8 2800/2000 1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters Once per turn, you can select 1 card you control and 1 card your opponent controls. Destroy them. When this card is destroyed by your opponent's card (either by battle or by card effect) and sent to the Graveyard, select 1 non-Synchro "Scrap" monster in your Graveyard and Special Summon it.[/spoiler] The dragon roared, and Kiishiro gave a wordless command. Twin lasers flew out of Scrap Dragon's eyes, obliterating Kiishiro's remaining Evil Thorn, as well as her own Elemental Master Dryad. She felt the spirit recede to her mind, her essence unharmed - but she could not pay attention. [i]"My turn!" The so-called Ghost snarled, his grin deepening as he glanced at the cards in his hand between his mask's slits. "I summon Black Dragon's Hatchling in attack mode!" A red egg, cracked on top to reveal an emerging infant black dragon, appeared in front of him. "Next I release this monster to Special Summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my hand!" The small dragonic creature disappeared, and a much greater darkness filled the arena, as a terrible dragon descended from the sky. Its whole lean body was pure black, filled with sharp spikes. Its eyes glowed red, as if resonating with the eyes of its master, which had also acquired a scarlet tint visible even through the mask.[/i] "W - wait..." She muttered, clutching her head. Everything was a blur. The mechanical figure of the dragon before her became a more sinister, living creature she had faced in the past, the distant past she could not remember... "Battle!" Kiishiro ordered. Scrap Dragon, attack Manju God!" The behemoth did not hesitate to obey, opening its mouth to unleash a stream of red light that slashed the air in its path. Her monster was incinerated, and she screamed as she was struck by the aftermath of the attack. [i]"I may not be able to attack on my first turn, but this card rectifies that." He went on mercilessly. "Black Flame Blast! By forfeiting my attack with that monster for this turn, I can deal damage to you equal to the attack of my Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" The behemoth opened its mouth, and a massive sphere of red-and-black fire burst forth from within. Reesha screamed - she really felt as if every fiber of her being was being scorched by that ferocious assault.[/i] [center][i][b]Thunderbolt Knight[/b] - LP: 2200[/i] [i][b]Nightshade[/b] - LP: 2300[/i][/center] Both duelists stood silent, panting slightly. Christina's head still hurt, trying to make sense of the images spinning in her brain. She had most certainly dueled before - and it had not gone well. Her body seemed to recall the brutal attacks, the pain felt by every one of the attacks delivered against her. That last impact had not, physically, hurt, but it had triggered a piece of her memory. She shivered. What had happened to her? Kiishiro looked dazed. He had more than evened the field - on Christina's side was only Marshmallon, which could easily be destroyed by Scrap Dragon's effect during the next turn. And their Life Points were even, and Christina had no cards in her hand. Kiishiro silently finished his turn - but he did not seem to be focused on the playing field. Christina knew, instinctively, that she still had a chance - it would all ride on the card she drew next. "Draw." She said, without hesitating. She had remembered at least one thing. She was strong. Strong, and had a powerful bond to her cards. Whatever she used, it would respond to her. "I switch Marshmallon to attack mode." She said, completely focused. "And then I activate the Magic card, Creature Swap. This allows each of us to select a monster on our field and change control of them - but we only have one monster each anyway." Kiishiro's eyes widened as his great dragon changed sides, flying over to hover behind Christina, whereas her own miniscule mushroom-like monster tried to put on a brave front against its overwhelming power. [spoiler=Creature Swap][b]Creature Swap[/b] SPELL / Normal Each player selects 1 monster they control and switches control of those monsters with each other. Those monsters cannot change their battle positions for the rest of this turn.[/spoiler] "Battle. Scrap Dragon, attack Marshmallon!" As obediently as if she were its legitimate wielder, the dragon opened its mouth, and black-and-crimson fire exploded with its violent roar. And though Marshmallon would not be destroyed, it still screeched as it was scorched, and the phantasmal flames enveloped Kiishiro as well, instantly finishing the duel. [center][i][b]Thunderbolt Knight[/b] - LP: 0[/i] [i][b]Nightshade[/b] - LP: 2300[/i][/center] Kiishiro listlessly fell on his knees as the holographic monsters dissolved into nothingness. Christina rubbed her temples. She was slowly remembering a few bits more. It was all too vague and confusing. But one face was clear in her mind. One face, and a name to go with it. Abraham Lee. Her eyes shone with anger. He was the man that had taken away her life, tossed her into this... this nightmare. She walked over to Kiishiro, leaning close to him and placing a hand on his shoulder. "We'll get our revenge on them." She whispered. "We'll make them pay." [/spoiler] Alrighty, it's been decided that there will be another arc in the story. We are officially approaching the end of this one, and 24 chapters aren't a lot. However, there's still a lot of room there for improvement, and as this story has matured quite a bit, I'd like to make a little poll, to single out its strengths and weaknesses, and find out what I should work on in the future. Also, here's your chance to get some of your ideas in. This poll is a little large (60 questions), but most of them can be answered in just a few words. I'd greatly appreciate and rep everyone who puts the work in to finish it, but I'd like you to answer as truthfully as you can, looking back at your whole experience with this story. Don't be afraid to point out earlier weaknesses, even if you feel they might have been rectified by now. I've already stated my intentions to rewrite this story from scratch, greatly improving the material that I have in my hands, and will do so sooner or later. There's also a chance for a sequel. So yeah, I'd be very grateful if you guys could help me out with that. To make it look neat, you can just take the segment within the following spoiler and fill your answers in. [spoiler=Questions] [code] [b][u]Characters[/u][/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite character? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite character? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has been portrayed the best? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has been portrayed the worst? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has developed best over the story's course (only choose a character that has had some form of development so far)? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has developed worst over the story's course (only choose a character that has had some form of development so far)? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel the characters are well-tied to the plot? Can you relate to some extent to the characters or do they feel disconnected? If so, how frequently? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient character development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the 'boss' characters (ZONE, Ivory, Ebony, Dunkan etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters that only make relatively brief appearances (Shugo etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: [b][u]Plot[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite chapter? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite chapter? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Moment(s) that surprised you in a good way? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Moment(s) that surprised you in a bad way? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Is it generally easy to understand what is going on? Do you feel that, more often than necessary, you're left with little idea of what is happening and why, until much later? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Is keeping track of different characters and events easy? Is it a problem that the plot jumps from one point to the other, thus leaving a plot thread hanging until sometimes much later? If so, how often? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient plot development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you get the feeling that the separate plot threads connect at some point? Do they feel too detached, or too random? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Do the Extra Chapters and Interludes help you in better understanding the plot, or enhancing some aspects of it? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Would you like everything to be explored by the end of the story, or would you prefer an open ending with some plot threads to be left hanging, leaving room for a possible sequel? [b]A[/b]: [b][u]Dueling[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Are the spoiler-tagged card descriptions useful? Would you prefer something else (eg hyperlinks)? If so, what? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: During a duel, is the constant tracking of Speed Counters and Life Points useful? Redundant? Distracting? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Conversely, can you keep track of things that are happening to a satisfactory extent? Would you suggest an improvement, such as a summary of each turn or a synopsis / breakdown of the duel at the end of each chapter? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think a characters' skill at the game is portrayed realistically and consistently? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters' decks generally reflect them to some extent? Most fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Likewise, least fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: [b][u]Details[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of the virtual reality system is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand its mechanics / technical specifics? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of separate realities is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand the mechanics involved, to the extent that they are described? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the metaphysical concepts of chaos and order and their conflict are appealing as plot elements? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Are the - real - names used for characters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for character avatars to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for chapters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use card names? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for story arcs to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use set names? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for the Duel Terminal's system's elements (outfits, Duel Fields, D-Wheels etc) to your liking, in general? [b]A[/b]: [b][u]Original Concepts[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Is the use of OCG card names confusing? Do you find it a problem to match the cards with the description / effect? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story, very rarely, as special occurences or for very specific occasions, such as support for some anime archetypes (Machine Emperors, Time Machine Gods etc)? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story at around the same ratio as real cards? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story almost exclusively, with OCG / TCG / anime cards making special / rare appearances? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: If some card effects were changed slightly from their OCG / anime versions, to make them more fitting, or simply better (for example changing the Machine Emperor cards to make them more playable) would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards which could have easily been real cards (for example additional /Buster forms, or Savior forms)? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Were there points in the story where you felt that the use of a TCG / OCG / anime card was unrealistic and detracted from the scene, whereas the use of a custom card, even specifically for that occasion, would have been better? If so, which ones? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom dueling rules? For example special duels with unique in-game rules enforced? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: How do you feel about battle royale / tag teams / other special duels? Are you satisfied with their design so far? Would you have more of them? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about the Riding duels? Do you think they are designed well? If some rules were to be changed, would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: [b][u]Your Own Ideas[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters in the story (regardless of affiliation or current status) to have a duel, which ones would they be? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters to have their background and past explored in one or more Extra Chapters (either together or separately), which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters to have a stronger connection, either in the form of a romantic relationship, friendship, or merely development together, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two OCG / TCG / anime cards to make a prominent appearance in a duel, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two archetypes / deck types to make an appearance, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two names for outfits, Duel Fields, D-Wheels, or any other items related to the virtual world, which ones would it be and for what? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two cards to have their OCG names featured as chapter names, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: If there was a Yugioh RPG based on the Duel Terminal world, directly or indirectly linked to this story, would you participate? Regardless of the previous answer, do you think it would be a good idea? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more characters to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more custom cards (assuming you endorse their use) to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: [/code] [/spoiler] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EndlessOcean Posted May 14, 2011 Report Share Posted May 14, 2011 [b][u]Characters[/u][/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite character? [b]A[/b]: Yemna [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite character? [b]A[/b]: ZONE [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has been portrayed the best? [b]A[/b]: Kiishiro [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has been portrayed the worst? [b]A[/b]: ZONE [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has developed best over the story's course (only choose a character that has had some form of development so far)? [b]A[/b]: Kiishiro [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has developed worst over the story's course (only choose a character that has had some form of development so far)? [b]A[/b]: Christina [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel the characters are well-tied to the plot? Can you relate to some extent to the characters or do they feel disconnected? If so, how frequently? [b]A[/b]: The characters are really tied to the plot, but the Charecters are a bit random, but work well together. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient character development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the 'boss' characters (ZONE, Ivory, Ebony, Dunkan etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters that only make relatively brief appearances (Shugo etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b][u]Plot[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite chapter? [b]A[/b]: Yemna [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite chapter? [b]A[/b]: ZONE [b]Q[/b]: Moment(s) that surprised you in a good way? [b]A[/b]: Very Start Chapter. [b]Q[/b]: Moment(s) that surprised you in a bad way? [b]A[/b]: God Mode in general. [b]Q[/b]: Is it generally easy to understand what is going on? Do you feel that, more often than necessary, you're left with little idea of what is happening and why, until much later? [b]A[/b]: It is quite hard to keep up with the plot, with all the different characters, but still manages to tie everyone to the plot. [b]Q[/b]: Is keeping track of different characters and events easy? Is it a problem that the plot jumps from one point to the other, thus leaving a plot thread hanging until sometimes much later? If so, how often? [b]A[/b]: Keeping track of the Characters is very difficult, and it is pretty easy to keep track of the plot, and quite frequently. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient plot development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: Do you get the feeling that the separate plot threads connect at some point? Do they feel too detached, or too random? [b]A[/b]: The plots do connect, but some are still unclear, like Christina, who is a bit random. [b]Q[/b]: Do the Extra Chapters and Interludes help you in better understanding the plot, or enhancing some aspects of it? [b]A[/b]: Enhance, yes, Understand, no. [b]Q[/b]: Would you like everything to be explored by the end of the story, or would you prefer an open ending with some plot threads to be left hanging, leaving room for a possible sequel? [b]A[/b]: Everything explored. [b][u]Dueling[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: Kiishiro's. [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: Christina's. [b]Q[/b]: Favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: ZONE's first 1. (Forgot who he was dueling, not Kiishiro) [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: Latest Duel. [b]Q[/b]: Are the spoiler-tagged card descriptions useful? Would you prefer something else (eg hyperlinks)? If so, what? [b]A[/b]: Hyperlinks are a yes. [b]Q[/b]: During a duel, is the constant tracking of Speed Counters and Life Points useful? Redundant? Distracting? [b]A[/b]: It's very useful. [b]Q[/b]: Conversely, can you keep track of things that are happening to a satisfactory extent? Would you suggest an improvement, such as a summary of each turn or a synopsis / breakdown of the duel at the end of each chapter? [b]A[/b]: Summary would be good. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think a characters' skill at the game is portrayed realistically and consistently? [b]A[/b]: Its actually very realistic. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters' decks generally reflect them to some extent? Most fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: Mara's (That how you spell it? Got a terrible memory) [b]Q[/b]: Likewise, least fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: Kiishiro's. [b][u]Details[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of the virtual reality system is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand its mechanics / technical specifics? [b]A[/b]: No./Yes. Somewhere in the middle. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of separate realities is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: Its okay. [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand the mechanics involved, to the extent that they are described? [b]A[/b]: Not really. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the metaphysical concepts of chaos and order and their conflict are appealing as plot elements? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: Are the - real - names used for characters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: Favorite - Kiishiro. Least Favorite - Yemna. They are mostly pretty good. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for character avatars to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: To my liking - yes. Favorite - Thunderbolt Knight. Least Favorite - Nightshade. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for chapters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use card names? [b]A[/b]: Not a good idea to use card names, not sure about my favorite. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for story arcs to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use set names? [b]A[/b]: Good idea for set names, great. Favorite - Crimson Crisis. Not really a least favorite. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for the Duel Terminal's system's elements (outfits, Duel Fields, D-Wheels etc) to your liking, in general? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b][u]Original Concepts[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Is the use of OCG card names confusing? Do you find it a problem to match the cards with the description / effect? [b]A[/b]: It can be very confusing, and yes, it is a problem. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story, very rarely, as special occurences or for very specific occasions, such as support for some anime archetypes (Machine Emperors, Time Machine Gods etc)? [b]A[/b]: That would be awesome. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story at around the same ratio as real cards? [b]A[/b]: See above. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story almost exclusively, with OCG / TCG / anime cards making special / rare appearances? [b]A[/b]: No. Too much. [b]Q[/b]: If some card effects were changed slightly from their OCG / anime versions, to make them more fitting, or simply better (for example changing the Machine Emperor cards to make them more playable) would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: No. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards which could have easily been real cards (for example additional /Buster forms, or Savior forms)? [b]A[/b]: Good, like the idea. [b]Q[/b]: Were there points in the story where you felt that the use of a TCG / OCG / anime card was unrealistic and detracted from the scene, whereas the use of a custom card, even specifically for that occasion, would have been better? If so, which ones? [b]A[/b]: No ones i can think of. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom dueling rules? For example special duels with unique in-game rules enforced? [b]A[/b]: Awesomeness. [b]Q[/b]: How do you feel about battle royale / tag teams / other special duels? Are you satisfied with their design so far? Would you have more of them? [b]A[/b]: More Battle royals. There awesome. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about the Riding duels? Do you think they are designed well? If some rules were to be changed, would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: There good, don't need changing. [b][u]Your Own Ideas[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters in the story (regardless of affiliation or current status) to have a duel, which ones would they be? [b]A[/b]: Mara and Kiishiro. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters to have their background and past explored in one or more Extra Chapters (either together or separately), which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Kiishiro and Yemna. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters to have a stronger connection, either in the form of a romantic relationship, friendship, or merely development together, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: See Above. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two OCG / TCG / anime cards to make a prominent appearance in a duel, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Formula Synchron, Junk Synchron. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two archetypes / deck types to make an appearance, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Dragunitys, Tech Genuss. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two names for outfits, Duel Fields, D-Wheels, or any other items related to the virtual world, which ones would it be and for what? [b]A[/b]: Duel Fields - Shadow Jungle, Mystic Rainforest. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two cards to have their OCG names featured as chapter names, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Tech Genus Warwolf, Tech Genus Wonder Magician [b]Q[/b]: If there was a Yugioh RPG based on the Duel Terminal world, directly or indirectly linked to this story, would you participate? Regardless of the previous answer, do you think it would be a good idea? [b]A[/b]: Yes, it would be awesome. [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more characters to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more custom cards (assuming you endorse their use) to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: Yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cakey Posted May 14, 2011 Report Share Posted May 14, 2011 I only answered questions I could pull an answer off the top of my head for. [b][u]Characters[/u][/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite character? [b]A[/b]: Hm...maybe ZONE for being ZONE...maybe Eizan...I like vaguely villain-like characters. [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite character? [b]A[/b]: I didn't like Hikari - even though she just appeared for like one chapter. [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has been portrayed the worst? [b]A[/b]: I don't know about [i]worst[/i], but Dunkan feels a little generic in the way he just lurks in the tower even if it would be more effective for him to do stuff himself. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel the characters are well-tied to the plot? Can you relate to some extent to the characters or do they feel disconnected? If so, how frequently? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient character development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the 'boss' characters (ZONE, Ivory, Ebony, Dunkan etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: I'm not 100% sold on Ivory and Ebony (not exactly sure why), but other than that, yes. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters that only make relatively brief appearances (Shugo etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: Yeah, I think so. [b][u]Plot[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Is it generally easy to understand what is going on? Do you feel that, more often than necessary, you're left with little idea of what is happening and why, until much later? [b]A[/b]: I'm satisfied with the amount of information I'm given. [b]Q[/b]: Is keeping track of different characters and events easy? Is it a problem that the plot jumps from one point to the other, thus leaving a plot thread hanging until sometimes much later? If so, how often? [b]A[/b]: I lose character names quite a bit...especially the names of the Duel International higher-ups. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient plot development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: Do you get the feeling that the separate plot threads connect at some point? Do they feel too detached, or too random? [b]A[/b]: I can feel they connect - this is a somewhat "loose" story because it's very large and also because it's basically a first draft, but the threads don't feel random. [b]Q[/b]: Do the Extra Chapters and Interludes help you in better understanding the plot, or enhancing some aspects of it? [b]A[/b]: Enhance, yes, understand, I don't think so. [b]Q[/b]: Would you like everything to be explored by the end of the story, or would you prefer an open ending with some plot threads to be left hanging, leaving room for a possible sequel? [b]A[/b]: Tie your threads up. You can make a sequel anyway, if you want to. [b][u]Dueling[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: Not sure... [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: Hm...maybe ZONE's, since it was so messy. I liked the TMG parts of it, but the rest seemed a bit random. [b]Q[/b]: Favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: Either ZONE vs. Moboro, or Eizan vs. Takazawa. [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: I may have to agree with Psychic Almighty - this most recent duel. [b]Q[/b]: Are the spoiler-tagged card descriptions useful? Would you prefer something else (eg hyperlinks)? If so, what? [b]A[/b]: Very useful. Hyperlinks or spoilers are probably about equally usable. [b]Q[/b]: During a duel, is the constant tracking of Speed Counters and Life Points useful? Redundant? Distracting? [b]A[/b]: Yes, very useful. [b]Q[/b]: Conversely, can you keep track of things that are happening to a satisfactory extent? Would you suggest an improvement, such as a summary of each turn or a synopsis / breakdown of the duel at the end of each chapter? [b]A[/b]: No. [i]Maybe[/i] you could also track cards in-hand, but I'm not sure. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think a characters' skill at the game is portrayed realistically and consistently? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters' decks generally reflect them to some extent? Most fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: Yes, they do. Takazawa's Genex deck was [i]very[/i] interesting, particularly how he progressed from Genex to Genex Allies to Real Genex Black Engine. [b]Q[/b]: Likewise, least fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: I may have to agree with Psychic Almighty again and say Kishiiro's. [b][u]Details[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of the virtual reality system is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: Yeah. [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand its mechanics / technical specifics? [b]A[/b]: I'm fine with all of it. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of separate realities is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: You mean like how ZONE came from another reality? Because that's a part I really don't like. [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand the mechanics involved, to the extent that they are described? [b]A[/b]: Yeah. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the metaphysical concepts of chaos and order and their conflict are appealing as plot elements? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: Are the - real - names used for characters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: I don't have a problem with them. Don't know about favorite/least favorite. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for character avatars to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: Same. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for chapters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use card names? [b]A[/b]: I think it's very fun. My favorite is probably [s]Shapesnatch[/s] ...I dunno...Mind Monster? [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for story arcs to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use set names? [b]A[/b]: Also fun, and they all fit. Maybe Crossroads of Chaos. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for the Duel Terminal's system's elements (outfits, Duel Fields, D-Wheels etc) to your liking, in general? [b]A[/b]: Yeah...one thing I've been meaning to ask though: Why are the virtual elements encased in <these>? It's...odd. [b][u]Original Concepts[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Is the use of OCG card names confusing? Do you find it a problem to match the cards with the description / effect? [b]A[/b]: I [s]like[/s] loooooooooooooooooooooooooooove it. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story, very rarely, as special occurences or for very specific occasions, such as support for some anime archetypes (Machine Emperors, Time Machine Gods etc)? [b]A[/b]: It's good. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story at around the same ratio as real cards? [b]A[/b]: Also good. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story almost exclusively, with OCG / TCG / anime cards making special / rare appearances? [b]A[/b]: That's probably too much, all though it can be done. [b]Q[/b]: If some card effects were changed slightly from their OCG / anime versions, to make them more fitting, or simply better (for example changing the Machine Emperor cards to make them more playable) would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: Not at all. Generally I'd be more okay changing anime cards than OCG cards. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards which could have easily been real cards (for example additional /Buster forms, or Savior forms)? [b]A[/b]: Also perfectly fine. [b]Q[/b]: Were there points in the story where you felt that the use of a TCG / OCG / anime card was unrealistic and detracted from the scene, whereas the use of a custom card, even specifically for that occasion, would have been better? If so, which ones? [b]A[/b]: Well, as I mentioned, there was your use of Scroll of Bewitchment (don't remember the OCG name) in Takazawa's duel. There have been other times, but I don't recall specifics. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom dueling rules? For example special duels with unique in-game rules enforced? [b]A[/b]: Fun. [b]Q[/b]: How do you feel about battle royale / tag teams / other special duels? Are you satisfied with their design so far? Would you have more of them? [b]A[/b]: Tag Duels aren't that great, but battle royales and free-for-alls I like a lot. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about the Riding duels? Do you think they are designed well? If some rules were to be changed, would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: Yes they're well-designed, and I don't think I would have a problem with changing Riding duel rules. [b][u]Your Own Ideas[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters in the story (regardless of affiliation or current status) to have a duel, which ones would they be? [b]A[/b]: ZONE and Eizan. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters to have their background and past explored in one or more Extra Chapters (either together or separately), which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Honestly? ZONE and Eizan. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two OCG / TCG / anime cards to make a prominent appearance in a duel, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two archetypes / deck types to make an appearance, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Karakuri, Clear, and (ninja third answer) Darkness. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two names for outfits, Duel Fields, D-Wheels, or any other items related to the virtual world, which ones would it be and for what? [b]A[/b]: Well, seeing as there's a Nexus and a Road to Tomorrow, gotta continue that opening song theme. So, how about...Freedom Bridge. And while we're on the subject of bridges, Rainbow Bridge Bifrost would be a cool place to duel, too. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two cards to have their OCG names featured as chapter names, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: I have a feeling there's got to be a chapter named Black Hole. And how about...Samsara Transmigration? Just 'cuz that sounds cool. [b]Q[/b]: If there was a Yugioh RPG based on the Duel Terminal world, directly or indirectly linked to this story, would you participate? Regardless of the previous answer, do you think it would be a good idea? [b]A[/b]: It would be probably be a cool idea, but I don't do RPs. [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more characters to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: Sure. [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more custom cards (assuming you endorse their use) to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: Sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted May 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2011 Thanks a lot, both of you, this was extremely enlightening. When I get a few more I'll compile all my comments to the points that were raised and hopefully clarify a few things, and post them probably along with the next chapter. I've already gotten quite a few ideas for things that should be improved, I need to work some ideas over in my head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 15, 2011 Report Share Posted May 15, 2011 Will comment on chapter now while it's fresh in my mind. Will do questionnaire later, when its not 2 in the morning and I'm very tired. Kindof disappointed Christina has not recovered her Crystal Beasts (are we both unconciously staying from archtypes that were common in the anime, unless used in your bonus chapters? i.e. E-Heros, C-Beasts, D-Heros, Cyber, Morphtronic, Warriors, etc) Three consecutive losses for Kiishiro, now to a (relative) amatuer, quite a rut to be stuck in at the worst possible time. Can't say this chapter was amazing but it did what it needed to. Can't have them all 100mph thrill a minute can ya? PS: looking forward to immeniant Yemna v Ross duel, not really formed any opinion on Yemna yet so looking forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Blaze Posted May 15, 2011 Report Share Posted May 15, 2011 [spoiler='Questionnaire'][b][u]Characters[/u][/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite character? [b]A[/b]: Yuusuke [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite character? [b]A[/b]: Kiishiro [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has been portrayed the best? [b]A[/b]: Maya [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has been portrayed the worst? [b]A[/b]: Yenma [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has developed best over the story's course (only choose a character that has had some form of development so far)? [b]A[/b]: Kiishiro [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has developed worst over the story's course (only choose a character that has had some form of development so far)? [b]A[/b]: Yenma [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel the characters are well-tied to the plot? Can you relate to some extent to the characters or do they feel disconnected? If so, how frequently? [b]A[/b]: I think that the protagonists are immature children that act too much like adults, while the antagonists are insane maniacs bent on destroying the world. I don't really relate to the characters, but they feel realistic enough to believe. I feel that there are too many names, most of which I can't recognize when I see them, and too many points of view. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient character development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: I like the character development, but I feel that the dueling strategies are more efficient than entertaining. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the 'boss' characters (ZONE, Ivory, Ebony, Dunkan etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: Though these characters all seem interesting, the fact that they are fighting against each other for the sole reason of stopping the other is rather disappointing. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters that only make relatively brief appearances (Shugo etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: I honestly don't even remember those characters. [b][u]Plot[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite chapter? [b]A[/b]: The one where ZONE killed Moboro. [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite chapter? [b]A[/b]: The one where Kiishiro lost to that guy at the Arc Cradle. [b]Q[/b]: Moment(s) that surprised you in a good way? [b]A[/b]: When Yenma summoned Blackfeather Dragon. [b]Q[/b]: Moment(s) that surprised you in a bad way? [b]A[/b]: When Kiishiro's mom lost against Ebony. [b]Q[/b]: Is it generally easy to understand what is going on? Do you feel that, more often than necessary, you're left with little idea of what is happening and why, until much later? [b]A[/b]: I can sort of understand the plot, but I don't understand the explanations of the Nexus, Pylons, Gap, etc. [b]Q[/b]: Is keeping track of different characters and events easy? Is it a problem that the plot jumps from one point to the other, thus leaving a plot thread hanging until sometimes much later? If so, how often? [b]A[/b]: While the characters are rather difficult to follow, the events are easily understood. I like the plot jumps because they add suspense to the plot. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient plot development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: Haven't you asked this question already? [b]Q[/b]: Do you get the feeling that the separate plot threads connect at some point? Do they feel too detached, or too random? [b]A[/b]: If not already, I feel that plot threads will soon connect at the climax. [b]Q[/b]: Do the Extra Chapters and Interludes help you in better understanding the plot, or enhancing some aspects of it? [b]A[/b]: Basically, they just give background information about some of the characters. Though I don't think they do anything for the plot, it is still nice to know exactly how those things happened. [b]Q[/b]: Would you like everything to be explored by the end of the story, or would you prefer an open ending with some plot threads to be left hanging, leaving room for a possible sequel? [b]A[/b]: I think that everything can be explored by others anyway, so I would definitely prefer hanging plot threads by the end of the story. [b][u]Dueling[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: Maya's Inca deck. [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: Kiishiro's [i]meta[/i] plant deck. [b]Q[/b]: Favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: ZONE vs. Moboro. [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: Yuusuke and Maya vs. Jacqueline (Sherry). [b]Q[/b]: Are the spoiler-tagged card descriptions useful? Would you prefer something else (eg hyperlinks)? If so, what? [b]A[/b]: I think that the spoilers are pretty much useless unless I want to confirm a card I might recognize by the TCG name. [b]Q[/b]: During a duel, is the constant tracking of Speed Counters and Life Points useful? Redundant? Distracting? [b]A[/b]: This method of keeping track of Speed Counters and Life Points is the best one I've seen so far. [b]Q[/b]: Conversely, can you keep track of things that are happening to a satisfactory extent? Would you suggest an improvement, such as a summary of each turn or a synopsis / breakdown of the duel at the end of each chapter? [b]A[/b]: No, the duels are great the way they are. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think a characters' skill at the game is portrayed realistically and consistently? [b]A[/b]: I think that the use of these [i]meta[/i] decks leave little room for real instinct and true skill. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters' decks generally reflect them to some extent? Most fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: I haven't actually thought about the characters' decks reflecting them until the duel between Takizawa and Eizan (it was those two as far as I understand). [b]Q[/b]: Likewise, least fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: I don't know. None of the protagonists' decks seem to fit their personality. [b][u]Details[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of the virtual reality system is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: Yes, I liked the originality in that. However, I failed to understand most of the vocabulary used to describe it. [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand its mechanics / technical specifics? [b]A[/b]: No. Just no. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of separate realities is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: Yes, because it adds some essence and meaning to duels. [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand the mechanics involved, to the extent that they are described? [b]A[/b]: No. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the metaphysical concepts of chaos and order and their conflict are appealing as plot elements? [b]A[/b]: Yes. [b]Q[/b]: Are the - real - names used for characters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: Yes, I like the use of Japanese names for characters with the occasional English names. Favorite - Yuusuke. Least favorite - Dunkan. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for character avatars to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: I guess they are okay, but it doesn't really matter to me, as long as I can recognize them. Favorite - Vortexflame. Least favorite - Galahad (X-Saber Galahad?). [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for chapters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use card names? [b]A[/b]: I don't really care about chapter titles unless they don't make sense. (Ex: "Buster Mode" for ZONE's Time Machine Gods vs. Moboro's Worms) [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for story arcs to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use set names? [b]A[/b]: I like these, as long as you don't use strange ones. (Ex: Duelist Pack, Premium Pack, Extreme Victory, etc.) [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for the Duel Terminal's system's elements (outfits, Duel Fields, D-Wheels etc) to your liking, in general? [b]A[/b]: Yes, but I have trouble imagining them. Maybe put up an image or two? [b][u]Original Concepts[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Is the use of OCG card names confusing? Do you find it a problem to match the cards with the description / effect? [b]A[/b]: No, I think OCG names are a lot cooler than TCG names. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story, very rarely, as special occurences or for very specific occasions, such as support for some anime archetypes (Machine Emperors, Time Machine Gods etc)? [b]A[/b]: I honestly wouldn't mind because a situation may arise where a custom/situational card may be necessary for a reversal. (Ex: Clustering Wishes) [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story at around the same ratio as real cards? [b]A[/b]: I'd prefer either a full deck of custom/situational cards or just 1 or 2 in a deck of real cards. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story almost exclusively, with OCG / TCG / anime cards making special / rare appearances? [b]A[/b]: I think that including TCG cards would confuse people. Custom cards, on the other hand, are absolutely fine. [b]Q[/b]: If some card effects were changed slightly from their OCG / anime versions, to make them more fitting, or simply better (for example changing the Machine Emperor cards to make them more playable) would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: No, I'd understand. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards which could have easily been real cards (for example additional /Buster forms, or Savior forms)? [b]A[/b]: There would be no dramatic effect without them, right? [b]Q[/b]: Were there points in the story where you felt that the use of a TCG / OCG / anime card was unrealistic and detracted from the scene, whereas the use of a custom card, even specifically for that occasion, would have been better? If so, which ones? [b]A[/b]: There are always points like that, but there is really no helping it. Unlike the anime, where every finishing move had some greater meaning, real cards don't exactly allow for these things to happen, unless an archtype has been made to let it happen. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom dueling rules? For example special duels with unique in-game rules enforced? [b]A[/b]: As long as you feel that they fit the plot and aren't too confusing/debatable, they are perfectly fine with me. [b]Q[/b]: How do you feel about battle royale / tag teams / other special duels? Are you satisfied with their design so far? Would you have more of them? [b]A[/b]: I don't really know much about those, but I really enjoyed watching the WRPG duels in 5d's, so I think tag teams might be a fun idea. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about the Riding duels? Do you think they are designed well? If some rules were to be changed, would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: As of right now, I am still pondering why the person with the first turn doesn't get a Spell Counter. I think that Riding duels have brought a revolutionary change in the way people view duels, so I love that you incorporated them in this story. If a few rules were changed, I wouldn't care very much. [b][u]Your Own Ideas[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters in the story (regardless of affiliation or current status) to have a duel, which ones would they be? [b]A[/b]: Yuusuke vs. Kiishiro. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters to have their background and past explored in one or more Extra Chapters (either together or separately), which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: ZONE [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters to have a stronger connection, either in the form of a romantic relationship, friendship, or merely development together, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Kiishiro and Christina, or Yuusuke and Maya. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two OCG / TCG / anime cards to make a prominent appearance in a duel, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Cyber End Dragon and Shooting Star Dragon. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two archetypes / deck types to make an appearance, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Voltic Bicorn Mill and Volcanic. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two names for outfits, Duel Fields, D-Wheels, or any other items related to the virtual world, which ones would it be and for what? [b]A[/b]: Dark Everglades and Force Berserker. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two cards to have their OCG names featured as chapter names, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: End of the World, and Infinity Force. [b]Q[/b]: If there was a Yugioh RPG based on the Duel Terminal world, directly or indirectly linked to this story, would you participate? Regardless of the previous answer, do you think it would be a good idea? [b]A[/b]: Yes, and yes. [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more characters to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: Yes, but I wouldn't want to cause any disruptions to your story if I don't fully understand it yet. [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more custom cards (assuming you endorse their use) to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: Oh, yes.[/spoiler] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cakey Posted May 15, 2011 Report Share Posted May 15, 2011 ^ Yeah, complain about that meta. It makes you look smarter. ... Except when you accuse non-meta decks of being meta. And Moboro used Worms - they're meta. What? They are? Yep, the deck has to be built COMPLETELY differently, and it requires W Nebula Meteorite, which I don't[i]think[/i] was used, but yes, they're meta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexadin Posted May 15, 2011 Report Share Posted May 15, 2011 Good chapter. And if you don't mind I won't be filling the questions, as I don't have strong oppinions on things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted May 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2011 Why does everyone keep spelling Yenma as Yemna? It's like the Pokemon, guys =/. [quote name='No. -1 Dr. Cakey' timestamp='1305465112' post='5209911']^ Yeah, complain about that meta. It makes you look smarter. ... Except when you accuse non-meta decks of being meta. And Moboro used Worms - they're meta. What? They are? Yep, the deck has to be built COMPLETELY differently, and it requires W Nebula Meteorite, which I don't[i]think[/i] was used, but yes, they're meta.[/quote] None of the decks I use are really meta. Some / most are based off relatively popular archetypes, out of which meta decks are constructed, but, as is almost obligatory in a fanfiction, most have their situational / symbolic / just plain out weird cards that add flavor at the cost of consistency. I think Kiishiro's is the most meta-ish >_>. [quote name='Bahamut ZERO' timestamp='1305421850' post='5209098']Will comment on chapter now while it's fresh in my mind. Will do questionnaire later, when its not 2 in the morning and I'm very tired. Kindof disappointed Christina has not recovered her Crystal Beasts (are we both unconciously staying from archtypes that were common in the anime, unless used in your bonus chapters? i.e. E-Heros, C-Beasts, D-Heros, Cyber, Morphtronic, Warriors, etc)[/quote] I'm not unconsciously staying from archetypes that were common in the anime. I'm consciously staying from archetypes that were common in the anime. Yeah, I didn't want to like, use much in the way of GX decks, like Hero decks and stuff, in the main story. 5Ds didn't really have archetypes, just mish-mash decks with cards pulled out of nowhere while riding flying motorcycles, so I was ok there. Christina will get her C-Beasts back, though. When she finds them. [quote name='Bahamut ZERO' timestamp='1305421850' post='5209098']Three consecutive losses for Kiishiro, now to a (relative) amatuer, quite a rut to be stuck in at the worst possible time.[/quote] He wasn't really going all-out, though. Black Rose Dragon would have ended it in his favor. [quote name='Bahamut ZERO' timestamp='1305421850' post='5209098']Can't say this chapter was amazing but it did what it needed to. Can't have them all 100mph thrill a minute can ya?[/quote] Well I wasn't exactly going for the AMAZING part... I think the main problem here is Christina, not the chapter itself... she was introduced too late, so she felt out of place in the main roster, even with her extra chapter. [quote name='Lexadin' timestamp='1305471720' post='5210120']Good chapter. And if you don't mind I won't be filling the questions, as I don't have strong oppinions on things.[/quote] Thanks. If that's your view, I don't mind. Needless to say, apart from the questionnaire, any other criticism is welcome as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Blaze Posted May 15, 2011 Report Share Posted May 15, 2011 [quote name='No. -1 Dr. Cakey' timestamp='1305465112' post='5209911'] ^ Yeah, complain about that meta. It makes you look smarter. ... Except when you accuse non-meta decks of being meta. And Moboro used Worms - they're meta. What? They are? Yep, the deck has to be built COMPLETELY differently, and it requires W Nebula Meteorite, which I don't[i]think[/i] was used, but yes, they're meta. [/quote] Wow, I'm amazed that you actually took your time to read my questionnaire. Well, I tend to hate meta decks because I always lose to them while trying to use a fun deck, and using them has never been too fun for me. And technically, when I say [i]meta[/i], I mean meta archtypes/cards. (Blackwings/Blackfeathers, Lightsworns/Lightlords, Gorz, D.A.D., etc.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 15, 2011 Report Share Posted May 15, 2011 Figured Glad to hear C-Beasts will return (kinda). More fool him then, boosting Christina's confidence is all well and good, but not by treating her with kid gloves, not now, and not at the cost of his own fragile confidence. Silly Kiishiro Anyway... can't say, given the length of time, I will answer this too well but will try. [b][u]Characters[/u][/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite character? [b]A[/b]: Maya (very complex girl) [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite character? [b]A[/b]: Takechi [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has developed best over the story's course (only choose a character that has had some form of development so far)? [b]A[/b]: Yuusuke has developed much [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has developed worst over the story's course (only choose a character that has had some form of development so far)? [b]A[/b]: Discounting Christina for now, I'd same Yenma (however Zone thinks) or Ebony have recieved too little coverage. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel the characters are well-tied to the plot? Can you relate to some extent to the characters or do they feel disconnected? If so, how frequently? [b]A[/b]: I emphatize with their individuals struggles, and feel sorry for them/hope they succeed, despite it being make believe. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient character development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: Yes [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the 'boss' characters (ZONE, Ivory, Ebony, Dunkan etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: Bit too vague, but it is diffiicult considering they are meant to be... hmmm.... [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters that only make relatively brief appearances (Shugo etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: They do their job. Hard to feel anything when Shugo, Nicholson died. [b][u]Plot[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite chapter? [b]A[/b]: Oh god, off my head, Maya v Klein, Yuusuke v Dread T, end of Arc Three [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite chapter? [b]A[/b]: Can't really say I have disliked one from memory. [b]Q[/b]: Moment(s) that surprised you in a good way? [b]A[/b]: Too many to mention [b]Q[/b]: Moment(s) that surprised you in a bad way? [b]A[/b]: - [b]Q[/b]: Is it generally easy to understand what is going on? Do you feel that, more often than necessary, you're left with little idea of what is happening and why, until much later? [b]A[/b]: Yes, everything is well explained when you want to reveal it. [b]Q[/b]: Is keeping track of different characters and events easy? Is it a problem that the plot jumps from one point to the other, thus leaving a plot thread hanging until sometimes much later? If so, how often? [b]A[/b]: This is fine. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient plot development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: Yes, THE WORLD IS IN CHAOS MAN AND YOU KNOW THIS!!! [b]Q[/b]: Do you get the feeling that the separate plot threads connect at some point? Do they feel too detached, or too random? [b]A[/b]: Most threads feel like leading to one point. [b]Q[/b]: Do the Extra Chapters and Interludes help you in better understanding the plot, or enhancing some aspects of it? [b]A[/b]: Interludes help explain actual plot, extras are just entertaining more than anything. [b]Q[/b]: Would you like everything to be explored by the end of the story, or would you prefer an open ending with some plot threads to be left hanging, leaving room for a possible sequel? [b]A[/b]: Answer everything here please. Pretty please. [b][u]Dueling[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: Dryad's or Yuusukes (chaos) [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: Zones is too random (I'll be called out for this next week but hey ho, Scrap Iron took it over) [b]Q[/b]: Favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: Either the ones from listed chapters, Kiishiro vs Sugita [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: Sanjou vs Ebony [b]Q[/b]: Are the spoiler-tagged card descriptions useful? Would you prefer something else (eg hyperlinks)? If so, what? [b]A[/b]: They do help me discover new cards / cards I don't recognise OCG names. [b]Q[/b]: During a duel, is the constant tracking of Speed Counters and Life Points useful? Redundant? Distracting? [b]A[/b]: Yes, useful [b]Q[/b]: Conversely, can you keep track of things that are happening to a satisfactory extent? Would you suggest an improvement, such as a summary of each turn or a synopsis / breakdown of the duel at the end of each chapter? [b]A[/b]: Hand management is covered enough in text. Don't need everything spelled out. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think a characters' skill at the game is portrayed realistically and consistently? [b]A[/b]: Given the amount of staples in everyone deck and god drawing, everyone seems to be a bit samey. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters' decks generally reflect them to some extent? Most fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: As explained really, but kinda so, esp Maya, Yuusuke, Takechi and Sugita. Most fitting, any of the directors. The decks of the ghosts have been nice and varied. [b]Q[/b]: Likewise, least fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: None really spring to mind. Wow this is taking some time --has a break-- [b][u]Details[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of the virtual reality system is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: It's a great alternative to a faraway land with duel spirits and duel schools. [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand its mechanics / technical specifics? [b]A[/b]: They were very confusing at first, but I've got the hang of it all. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of separate realities is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: Cliche but heck, why not it's YGO [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand the mechanics involved, to the extent that they are described? [b]A[/b]: Every time I think I got it, something new crops up. Which makes it fasinating and well detailed, and nothing seems to contradict itself. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the metaphysical concepts of chaos and order and their conflict are appealing as plot elements? [b]A[/b]: Yes, just yes. Especially the idea that order is not neccessarily better than chaos. [b]Q[/b]: Are the - real - names used for characters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: I don't have a great grounding in common Japanese/etc names. No-one seems to have an ironic real name (you have terminal names for that). Still don't like Neville though, due to assossiation with English footballers. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for character avatars to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: Don't really use them / refer to them that often. Probably Dread T and Styiel Chrystal are my favs. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for chapters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use card names? [b]A[/b]: Yes I like. Yes it's a good idea [s]that I may steal[/s]. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for story arcs to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use set names? [b]A[/b]: Yes, but I admit I haven't paid much attention, other than Crimson Crisis. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for the Duel Terminal's system's elements (outfits, Duel Fields, D-Wheels etc) to your liking, in general? [b]A[/b]: I had guessed you'd got them from the real Duel Terminal system, not made them up. [b][u]Original Concepts[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Is the use of OCG card names confusing? Do you find it a problem to match the cards with the description / effect? [b]A[/b]: Some OCG card names are better, some TCG are. That's just how it is. Don't mind it really when you have spoilered the (usually recognisable) effects. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story, very rarely, as special occurences or for very specific occasions, such as support for some anime archetypes (Machine Emperors, Time Machine Gods etc)? [b]A[/b]: Please don't, I know why you want to, but I'd personally prefer not. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story at around the same ratio as real cards? [b]A[/b]: Just confusing. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story almost exclusively, with OCG / TCG / anime cards making special / rare appearances? [b]A[/b]: No, just no. [b]Q[/b]: If some card effects were changed slightly from their OCG / anime versions, to make them more fitting, or simply better (for example changing the Machine Emperor cards to make them more playable) would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: Not really, I do it sometimes deliberately (usually by mistake). [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards which could have easily been real cards (for example additional /Buster forms, or Savior forms)? [b]A[/b]: Erm... don't know really... [b]Q[/b]: Were there points in the story where you felt that the use of a TCG / OCG / anime card was unrealistic and detracted from the scene, whereas the use of a custom card, even specifically for that occasion, would have been better? If so, which ones? [b]A[/b]: None come to mind, other than the aforementioned Time Gods. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom dueling rules? For example special duels with unique in-game rules enforced? [b]A[/b]: That however, would be cool. [b]Q[/b]: How do you feel about battle royale / tag teams / other special duels? Are you satisfied with their design so far? Would you have more of them? [b]A[/b]: More of this would also be good. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about the Riding duels? Do you think they are designed well? If some rules were to be changed, would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: Riding duels have been high paced and exciting affairs. Speed World 2 adds another strategic element to duelling. [b][u]Your Own Ideas[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters in the story (regardless of affiliation or current status) to have a duel, which ones would they be? [b]A[/b]: Zone vs Ivory [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters to have their background and past explored in one or more Extra Chapters (either together or separately), which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Yenma needs one, andddddd... the birth of the V.World, thus Ivory and Ebony. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters to have a stronger connection, either in the form of a romantic relationship, friendship, or merely development together, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Takechi and Sugita tag team, Christina and Dryad tag team... I'm not suggesting anything romantic... [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two archetypes / deck types to make an appearance, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: That haven't already, Gishki or other ritual deck for the variety, and a villian with an OTK deck of some sort for 2 duels (ala Lotten from 5D's) [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two cards to have their OCG names featured as chapter names, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Do [b]NOT[/b] use End of the World, I'm calling shots on that one. [b]Q[/b]: If there was a Yugioh RPG based on the Duel Terminal world, directly or indirectly linked to this story, would you participate? Regardless of the previous answer, do you think it would be a good idea? [b]A[/b]: No, don't have time and dislike RP'ing. RP's depend on the members somewhat. [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more characters to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: I can make crazt characters, that spit flies and have mechanical arms. [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more custom cards (assuming you endorse their use) to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: Nah. Hope this helps. PS: After a think, I don't think we've had a snow/ice field yet that I can think of, and maybe a race city speedway with loops, etc. Not amazingly creative but just ideas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cakey Posted May 15, 2011 Report Share Posted May 15, 2011 [quote name='Crimson Blaze' timestamp='1305495916' post='5211054'] Wow, I'm amazed that you actually took your time to read my questionnaire. Well, I tend to hate meta decks because I always lose to them while trying to use a fun deck, and using them has never been too fun for me. And technically, when I say [i]meta[/i], I mean meta archtypes/cards. (Blackwings/Blackfeathers, Lightsworns/Lightlords, Gorz, D.A.D., etc.) [/quote] The reason people accuse meta decks of requiring no thought is because against a 'fun' deck, they don't need to think. Against another meta deck, every option needs to be carefully considered. There are decks that require less thought and skill than others: Six Samurai, obviously, and Lightsworns (although they're not meta anymore). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiksilver Posted May 20, 2011 Report Share Posted May 20, 2011 [b][u]Characters[/u][/b]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite character? [b]A[/b]: Maya! [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite character? [b]A[/b]: ZONE. [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has been portrayed the best? [b]A[/b]: Yuusuke. [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has been portrayed the worst? [b]A[/b]: Tenma. [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has developed best over the story's course (only choose a character that has had some form of development so far)? [b]A[/b]: Yuusuke, again. [b]Q[/b]: Character you think has developed worst over the story's course (only choose a character that has had some form of development so far)? [b]A[/b]: Probably Christina, though she's starting to get better. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel the characters are well-tied to the plot? Can you relate to some extent to the characters or do they feel disconnected? If so, how frequently? [b]A[/b]: They are well-tied together, and at times seem almost human. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient character development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: Definitely. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the 'boss' characters (ZONE, Ivory, Ebony, Dunkan etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: Yes. I need to know more about Ivory and Ebony, however. They seem a bit...vague. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters that only make relatively brief appearances (Shugo etc) are portrayed well? [b]A[/b]: Yeah, most of them have left an impression on me. Except Shugo. His personality was so flat that if he hadn't been trapped in a false body and killed I would have completely forgot about it. [b][u]Plot[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite chapter? [b]A[/b]: Maya v. Klein. Definitely. [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite chapter? [b]A[/b]: ZONE's battle. [b]Q[/b]: Moment(s) that surprised you in a good way? [b]A[/b]: Eizan, and the Nexus. [b]Q[/b]: Moment(s) that surprised you in a bad way? [b]A[/b]: God Mode, and Project REVOLT. Both seem rushed and added at the last minute. [b]Q[/b]: Is it generally easy to understand what is going on? Do you feel that, more often than necessary, you're left with little idea of what is happening and why, until much later? [b]A[/b]: It's generally easy to understand. I like how you're not taking the Omniscient Council of Vagueness route, and still manage to add surprise and excitement to the plot. [b]Q[/b]: Is keeping track of different characters and events easy? Is it a problem that the plot jumps from one point to the other, thus leaving a plot thread hanging until sometimes much later? If so, how often? [b]A[/b]: It seems easy, and I do find it to help. Leaving plot hanging doesn't seem to be much of a problem. But, switching to the more supporting characters (Yenma, Sugita) every now and then would be helpful. [b]Q[/b]: Do you feel there is sufficient plot development compared to dueling action? [b]A[/b]: Yeah, definitely. [b]Q[/b]: Do you get the feeling that the separate plot threads connect at some point? Do they feel too detached, or too random? [b]A[/b]: Yeah, they do. The Nexus and the Virtual World are a bit detached, I find, however. [b]Q[/b]: Do the Extra Chapters and Interludes help you in better understanding the plot, or enhancing some aspects of it? [b]A[/b]: Yeah, they help me understand the characters better, usually. [b]Q[/b]: Would you like everything to be explored by the end of the story, or would you prefer an open ending with some plot threads to be left hanging, leaving room for a possible sequel? [b]A[/b]: Eh. I'm torn. Part of me wants it to be all tied up, but another part of me likes to left hanging, so...I don't know. Flp a coin, I guess? [b][u]Dueling[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: Dryad's. [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite deck? [b]A[/b]: ZONE's. [b]Q[/b]: Favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: Eizan v. Sannosuke, or, Kiishiro and Tenma v. Ghosts. [b]Q[/b]: Least favorite duel? [b]A[/b]: ZONE v. Moboro. [b]Q[/b]: Are the spoiler-tagged card descriptions useful? Would you prefer something else (eg hyperlinks)? If so, what? [b]A[/b]: I like the spoilers. They look professional, though that might just be my opinion. [b]Q[/b]: During a duel, is the constant tracking of Speed Counters and Life Points useful? Redundant? Distracting? [b]A[/b]: Useful, by far. I love it. [b]Q[/b]: Conversely, can you keep track of things that are happening to a satisfactory extent? Would you suggest an improvement, such as a summary of each turn or a synopsis / breakdown of the duel at the end of each chapter? [b]A[/b]: I can understand it perfectly by the end, and I don't think a summary is necessary. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think a characters' skill at the game is portrayed realistically and consistently? [b]A[/b]: Yeah. There are a lucky draws here and there, but those are needed to keep excitement high. And I understand that. You have included a good amount of mistakes and bad draws too, which is great. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the characters' decks generally reflect them to some extent? Most fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: Yeah, they do. The most fitting deck, I believe, is Yuusuke's. [b]Q[/b]: Likewise, least fitting deck? [b]A[/b]: ZONE. I know it's like how it is in the anime, but the Time Gods are just plain-out outrageous. And not in a good way. [b][u]Details[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of the virtual reality system is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: Indeed. [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand its mechanics / technical specifics? [b]A[/b]: Sometimes. A few things are vague. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the concept of separate realities is appealing as a plot element? [b]A[/b]: Eh. Not usually, but you're doing a good job with it so far, so...yes. [b]Q[/b]: Is it easy to understand the mechanics involved, to the extent that they are described? [b]A[/b]: To a point. Some parts, like the Original Sin and how it forms, needs to be explained a bit better, I feel. But most of it I can understand perfectly, which I applaud you for. [b]Q[/b]: Do you think the metaphysical concepts of chaos and order and their conflict are appealing as plot elements? [b]A[/b]: Yes. I think chaos v. order is a better term for the world than good v. evil. The fact that parts of chaos are good (freedom, for example) are good and their are some elements of order that are bad (control, for example) [b]Q[/b]: Are the - real - names used for characters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: Yes. I'm don't really understand Japanese names well, and I've had trouble differentiating them, what with them sounding so similar. However, you give each character a separate identity that helps keep each one apart. The American names, however, are a bit weird- they all seem to end with a -an or -son. A little strange, if you ask me. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for character avatars to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? [b]A[/b]: Eh, sometimes, yes. My favorite is Stiyel Crystal, least favorite, Thunderbolt Knight, actually. Just so...out of character for him. And a tad boring. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for chapters to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use card names? [b]A[/b]: Yeah, for the most part. Favorite- Snapesnatch. Or Ancient Forest. Least favorite- Justice World. I like the idea of using card names, helps tie the whole YGO fanfic thing together. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for story arcs to your liking, in general? Favorite? Least favorite? Is it a good idea to use set names? [b]A[/b]: Yes, they are. Favorite- Cybernetic Revolution, least favorite, none. They all fit pretty well, and I think it's a novel idea, using the set names. [b]Q[/b]: Are the names used for the Duel Terminal's system's elements (outfits, Duel Fields, D-Wheels etc) to your liking, in general? [b]A[/b]: Yep, pretty much. [b][u]Original Concepts[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: Is the use of OCG card names confusing? Do you find it a problem to match the cards with the description / effect? [b]A[/b]: Not really. I get a kick out of when I realize the TCG name from the effect, but that's just me. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story, very rarely, as special occurences or for very specific occasions, such as support for some anime archetypes (Machine Emperors, Time Machine Gods etc)? [b]A[/b]: Only in special occasions, like the one described four answers down. (Yes, I did answer this questionaire backwards.) [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story at around the same ratio as real cards? [b]A[/b]: No. Definitely not. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards being used in the story almost exclusively, with OCG / TCG / anime cards making special / rare appearances? [b]A[/b]: No. MOST definitely not. They detract from the story in my opinion. [b]Q[/b]: If some card effects were changed slightly from their OCG / anime versions, to make them more fitting, or simply better (for example changing the Machine Emperor cards to make them more playable) would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: Not at all. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom cards which could have easily been real cards (for example additional /Buster forms, or Savior forms)? [b]A[/b]: No, except in "one-in-a-lifetime" moments. Probably with Dunkan. He's the leader of a worldwide enterprise, he could pull off the whole Pegasus-esque "I have these cards just for me" moment. [b]Q[/b]: Were there points in the story where you felt that the use of a TCG / OCG / anime card was unrealistic and detracted from the scene, whereas the use of a custom card, even specifically for that occasion, would have been better? If so, which ones? [b]A[/b]: No custom cards. Nada. I don't really like the Time Gods, but a custom card- no. There's plenty of good cards in YGO that haven't been showcased enough- we should use 'em, like how you are currently doing. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about custom dueling rules? For example special duels with unique in-game rules enforced? [b]A[/b]: That would be pure awesomeness. [b]Q[/b]: How do you feel about battle royale / tag teams / other special duels? Are you satisfied with their design so far? Would you have more of them? [b]A[/b]: MORE PL0X. [b]Q[/b]: How would you feel about the Riding duels? Do you think they are designed well? If some rules were to be changed, would that bother you? [b]A[/b]: Most of the time, they aren't handled well in fanfiction, but you pull it off with flying colors. [b][u]Your Own Ideas[/b][/u]: [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters in the story (regardless of affiliation or current status) to have a duel, which ones would they be? [b]A[/b]: Ivory v. Maya [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters to have their background and past explored in one or more Extra Chapters (either together or separately), which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Yenma and Dunkan, separately. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two characters to have a stronger connection, either in the form of a romantic relationship, friendship, or merely development together, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Christina and Kiishiro. This last chapter I found very interesting in terms of their relationship... [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two OCG / TCG / anime cards to make a prominent appearance in a duel, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste or Exodia. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two archetypes / deck types to make an appearance, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Gladiator Beasts and Ice Barrier. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two names for outfits, Duel Fields, D-Wheels, or any other items related to the virtual world, which ones would it be and for what? [b]A[/b]: Duel Fields <Sky Harbor> and <Victory Chateau>. [b]Q[/b]: If you could choose any two cards to have their OCG names featured as chapter names, which ones would it be? [b]A[/b]: Er...Solemn Judgment (Declaration of God) and Allure of Darkness (Allure of Darkness). [b]Q[/b]: If there was a Yugioh RPG based on the Duel Terminal world, directly or indirectly linked to this story, would you participate? Regardless of the previous answer, do you think it would be a good idea? [b]A[/b]: Yes, to both, as long as it's made well. [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more characters to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: Most definitely. I would love to do so. [b]Q[/b]: If you had a chance to design one or more custom cards (assuming you endorse their use) to be part of this story, would you take the trouble to do it? [b]A[/b]: Don't endorse their use, so, no. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted May 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 After a short break, we're back. Awarded all reps to those amazing people who filled the questionnaire - it really helped me form a better image of things, and I have quite a few improvements in mind. This next segment will be dedicated to answering / commenting on some points of interest that were raised during this mini-survey. [spoiler=Comments]I kind of get the picture that people aren't too fond of Christina and Yenma. Probably because they were tossed into rather important roles, fairly quickly after their introduction. I'll probably end up smoothing their way into the plot earlier in the next version. I've been thinking about acronyming the TCG name on top of the OCG one for easier reference. Would that help with the discrepancy between the names? Dunkan actually stays in the Tower because he fears that if he leaves it, it might get raided by ZONE or someone else. I originally began encasing story-specific terminology in <> to emphasize and define it. After a short while it just became a thing for virtual world elements. It's nothing special, just... something to distinguish them, I guess. Specific to Crimson Blaze, plot development isn't the same as character development. If I had images on some of that stuff, I'd certainly put them up =(. Maybe I'll have to commission an artist some time in the - distant - future. I understand REVOLT coming off as a bit last-moment-y, since I, probably wrongly, decided to keep it under wraps for a long while, but God Mode has been hinted at since Chapter 5 =(. Now, opinions seem to be vastly divided as far as the use of made-up cards is concerned. My original intention was not to use any custom cards. Though I did ask this, I'd certainly never use as many custom cards as to outnumber the real-world cards in this story, however, I've sometimes been inclined to add a few, especially for very weakly-supported archetypes that I have used / may use. The reception on my slight customizations of the Machine Emperors and the Time Machine Gods was generally good, so I guess it wouldn't be that big of a deal in a few restricted cases. When I rewrite it, depending on the final decision, I may include a few more custom cards, but I still would like this story to generally stick to existing cards.[/spoiler] And now, as an added bonus, I'll combine your suggestions / guesses that I asked you to make, and comment on them! Warning: some future spoilers follow, but none of my answers are definitive. Some are a bit misleading, intentionally of course. [spoiler=Spoilers!] [b]Characters to have a duel:[/b] Maya and Kiishiro - hmm. ZONE and Eizan - oh u. Yuusuke vs. Kiishiro - hmm. Zone vs Ivory - hmm. Maya vs Ivory - I'm glad a lot of people are looking forward to Ivory's duels. [b]Characters to be featured in extra chapters:[/b] Kiishiro and Yemna - Yenma will certainly get his Extra chapter somewhere along the road. Kiishiro's already had half of one, he might get featured again. ZONE and Eizan - possibly. Ivory and Ebony - definitely. Dunkan - possibly. [b]Characters to form a stronger connection:[/b] Kiishiro and Yemna - will happen. Kiishiro and Christina - will happen. Yuusuke and Maya - will happen. [b]Cards to make prominent appearances:[/b] Formula Synchron - probably too spoilerific, but... it will have its moment. Junk Synchron - can't say it will be necessarily critical in a duel, but it has already made an appearance, and it won't be its only one. Cyber End Dragon - unlikely. Shooting Star Dragon - you can figure it out already. Dragon Knight Draco-Equiste - gonna happen. Exodia - don't think I'll be using another Exodia deck. [b]Archetypes to make an appearance:[/b] Dragunity - has been on the wings (pun intended) since arc 1. Tech Genus - not too sure about that. If the need arises. Karakuri - same as Tech Genus. Clear - not gonna be a full deck, but random appearances such as Dryad's Clear World may happen. Darkness - as above. Voltic Bicorn Mill - that's interesting. Volcanic - that's probably my least favorite of the fire decks, and I don't like any of them very much =/. Ritua - gonna happen. Gladiator Beasts - mhm. Perhaps. Ice Barrier - already there. [b]Virtual world element names:[/b] Shadow Jungle - hmm, sounds a little plain. Mystic Rainforest - quite nice. Freedom Bridge - noted. Rainbow Bridge Bifrost - you ninja. Dark Everglades - not bad at all. Force Berserker - what would it be, then? Sky Harbor - a smooth idea. Victory Chateau - as above, even better. I like it. [b]Cards to be featured as chapter titles:[/b] Tech Genus Warwolf - I tend to avoid archetype-specific cards, because they don't make much sense. Tech Genus Wonder Magician - same as above. Black Hole - very likely. Samsara Transmigration - not very likely. End of the World - the time will come. Sorry, Bahamut =/ Infinity Force - I'm iffy on that. Declaration of God - likely. Allure of Darkness - as above. [/spoiler] Tomorrow I'm going to post the next chapter. I'll see if I make it a double chapter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EndlessOcean Posted May 25, 2011 Report Share Posted May 25, 2011 Next chapter soon? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vector Nightmare Posted May 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2011 Well, this was more delayed than I expected, but at last the twin chapter release is up. I'll try probably finish this arc's last two installments relatively soon. Then, the series will be on hiatus until around the end of June, when I'm finished with my exams. I'll elaborate more when the time comes, though. [spoiler=Chapter 45] [center][b][u]Chapter 45:[/b] Subspatial Battle[/u][/center] During the second decade of the twenty first century, at the same time that Dunkan began forming his team and making the first breakthroughs in the research of alternate realities, many of the poorer regions of the world were enveloped in raging wars. The crisis that had been building up for decades exploded, and with natural resources rapidly depleting, bonds between nations were broken. The stronger countries fed off the weaker ones, and the weaker ones waged war against each other for survival. The Middle East, Eastern Europe, South America and Africa turned into constant warzones. In that chaotic environment, the twenty-year-old Draco Ross was growing up in a poor village in Hungary. His father had died in the war, and his mother could not raise enough money to feed her three children. With little else but what could fit in his backback, and a lot of willpower, Ross began the long journey westwards. Through untold dangers and hardships, travelling through the wartorn land, he finally arrived to the civilized world. The difference was massive. With his sharp intellect, he was accepted into a high-level economics university in Germany, where he got his degree with flying colors. He quickly established several contracts as financial advisor in many major corporations. When Dunkan approached him, he merely thought he was slated for a position in the then-upcoming arcade entertainment colossus, Duel International, but Dunkan was offering much more. A few years later, the wars in Eastern Europe finally died out, as the German war industry which was providing them with weaponry gave way to other forms of commerce, thanks no less to Ross' own efforts. For the first time in ten years, Draco Ross returned to his home country. He had expected his village to have changed, even for the worse. But what he found was not a village. It was a wretched ruin, with only a few houses here and there that seemed slightly suitable for living. His house was not one of them, but the house next door was, and when he went to knock over, where an old man with wrinkled skin and a warm smile, or his cheerful, ever-busy wife would open the door, a soldier with a glass eye, a missing arm, and a crippled leg opened him. When Ross asked for the old couple's whereabouts, the man, who couldn't be older than Ross himself but looked at least twice the age, pointed eastward, where the village graveyard lay. When Ross asked about his own family's whereabouts, the soldier simply pointed to the same direction again. Up till then, Ross had associated himself with Dunkan out of enthusiasm and interest, not really caring about where the whole project led to. But that was the instant that changed him. He became fervently devoted to Dunkan's ideals. He harbored no delusions - time could not be violated, and the dead would not be brought back. That had been established from the beginning. But, perhaps, with the Nexus, he could structure a world where tragedies like this were only a thing of distant memory. To that end, he became ruthless, even cruel. But he had always believed that every crime he committed, every life he destroyed, led to some greater purpose. All that was gone, now, completely and irreversibly replaced by the raw madness of the chaos in which he had once sought absolution. Of the personality of the human that was Draco Ross, only two things remained: a relentless force of will, and a blind hatred towards defeat. Those two now drove him on, dragged him through a self-destructive course. Two of his targets had disappeared, briefly. But now the third one was alone. He crawled towards him, tracking him by the hunter's instinct. And soon, an unbelievably pleasant event happened. The second of the three reappeared, in exactly the same spot as the first was. With the two less dangerous of his prey in one place, there was nothing else he could have wished for. Unconsciously, he engaged the <God Mode>. --- Five people were simultaneously alerted to this activation. Abraham Lee was in the outside world, observing a massive flock of birds fly past the window of his mansion - only those birds were as large as entire cars, and their flight shrouded the cracked sky from his eyes. Normally, the activation of one of the linked <God Modes> would not draw his attention from the virtual world - but reality was fading away, and the boundaries between the two worlds were loosened. He frowned. Another battle, another deathmatch was being fought. How many more until it was all over? Jacqueline was working on the Cataphracts. She could hardly believe she felt such self-accomplishment at those useless drones. Once she had seen Eizan's <Sabers>... she whipped her head around. That was, without a doubt, Draco Ross! That accursed man had left her alone to deal with Dunkan and his cronies, and now this - !! She tried to locate him. There was no doubt about it - he was in that fortress, the Arc Cradle. Cursing, she resumed her work. Why was everyone doing whatever they wanted at this crucial moment? That Eizan had given her no further instructions, other than to keep an eye on her former associates as well as she could. Dunkan was probably still holed up in the <Aria Tower>, safeguarding it against a possible sudden attack, and Lynette and Nakahara were most likely with him. Contrary to her predictions, though, Dunkan was alone. Inoue was researching the specifics of the third Pylon's structure in the laboratories hidden within the <Aria Tower>, and Lynette had taken her leave, visiting another area of the virtual world. Gregory Dunkan was standing in front of the portal, watching it writhe and expand, contract and surge. It was like a living thing, a thing of chaos, whispering to him, luring him in. This portal led through the Outer Sphere into the Original Sin. Once the third Pylon was complete, they would wrap the three Pylons around the Nexus in a nine-pronged star formation, and gently align it with this reality. Then this portal would become a physical doorway, from this realm of existence to the very heart of creation. It could have been done nine days ago, if Klein hadn't stolen the last Pylon. It could have been done three days ago, if Jacqueline had not proposed a successful plan for the restructure of that Pylon. There could be no more delays. Already the deadline for tomorrow was pushing it hard. Reality was already unstable enough - within 48 hours, there wouldn't [i]be[/i] a reality to align the Nexus to. It had to be done now. Now, if only there weren't so many uncertainties, so many things that could go wrong... Dunkan pursed his lips. That Fergusson boy now knew the truth. Dunkan couldn't help but smirk at how incredulous someone might find this series of coincidences. It was not incredulous, and it was not a coincidence. Fate had drawn everyone together. The same fate that was leading the multiverse to an end in oblivion. The same fate that he would surpass, against all odds. The Ghost project was over. Now it was time to set up the ultimate last line of defense. The true power of the Machine Emperors would be unleashed, the last safeguard between dominion and catastrophe. His enemies would not find him unprepared. --- "Was everything alright?" Yenma approached Takechi, who had just materialized from one of the portals in the chamber. "Yeah." The flame-haired teenager responded, a little unsteadily. "It didn't seem as if anyone had given any specific commands to watch us, and outside... well, it's [i]bad[/i]. Noone had any mind to pay attention to us, so we slipped out pretty easy. We snatched a car to drive home - it was a mess, but we managed. Sugita will get here a little later, he lives farther away - " Both of them paused simultaneously, whipping their heads around. Their time in the Zero Zone had increase their attunement to the volatile reality of the virtual world. They had learned to pick up on the signals transmitted through the network, which were responsible for everything in this reality. And now, something very powerful, very dangerous, and most certainly very hostile had appeared. It was a mass of black to their senses, a chaotic storm sweeping everything before it. When it came within their field of vision, it was shaped like a man, a monstrous, towering man fully covered in pitch-black armor carved with blood-red runes. His presence called forth a dark fog that surrounded them - the two instantly recognized this as <Isolation>, the creation of a Subspace. The creature's head was covered by a spiked helmet. The tracking system instantly picked up on this thing. Name, Abbadon. Rank, 100. But, physical appearances aside, the two could also easily identify the presence of someone in such close proximity to them. And this was certainly an entity they had encountered before. "No... way..." Yenma muttered, his eyes transfixed on the figure's plated face. "That's Draco Ross?!" Takechi exclaimed. "What the hell is this form - !!" The space around them shifted. It seemed impossible, but apparently whatever this thing that Draco Ross had transformed to was, it had some form of control even in this Arc Cradle. They were now in the edge of a huge riding circuit, spanning an endless distance towards a black horizon. Everything around them was darkness, with the only light produced by the bright lines denoting the boundaries of the lane. The largest D-Wheel either of them had ever seen was before the Abbadon, the size of a small tank, and as black as its rider. Wordlessly, he mounted it. Cursing, Takechi raised his arm, materializing his own vehicle. After a moment's hesitation, Yenma mimicked him. If that thing could use <Isolation> inside the Arc Cradle, it was unlikely that ZONE, or anyone else, could come to help them. They were on their own. A set of rules was established for this three-person Riding Duel, different from the Battle Royale rules, and different from the tag team fight Yenma had fought with Kiishiro. In this game, Yenma and Takechi would each fight with their own decks and hands, but everything on the field, Graveyard, or that was otherwise removed from play would be shared between them. Life Points and Speed Counters would be separate for the two of them. The opponent, taking them both on, would start with twice as many cards in his hand, namely 10, twice as many Life Points, namely 8000, and would gain two Speed Counters instead of one during each Standby Phase, and would take a turn between each of their turns. It might seem a fair fight at first glance, except there were a few crucial points - and Yenma did not miss whom those details favored. "I gotta take you down for good this time, it seems." Takechi growled, though the trembling in his voice betrayed the uneasiness Yenma felt. This would not be simple. They would have to fight with all their strength, if they wanted to win. They would have to win, if they wanted to survive. He clenched his teeth. His hands were trembling. The red mark was pulsing, but its glow seemed somewhat diminished here. He climbed on his D-Wheel, almost tripping over in the process. "Get your act together!" Takechi snapped. "We won't beat this guy if we lose our focus!" Yenma knew he was right. He could not afford to be distracted. This was a battle, a battle in a war, and it was a battle that had to be won. "Duel!!" [spoiler=Speed World 2][b]Speed World 2[/b] SPELL / Field If you activate a non-"Speed Spell" Spell Card, take 2000 damage. During each player's Standby Phase, place 1 Speed Counter on this card (max. 12). You can remove any number of Speed Counters from this card to activate an appropriate effect: • 4: Inflict 800 damage to your opponent for each "Speed Spell" Spell Card in your hand. • 7: Draw 1 card. • 10: Select and destroy 1 card on the field.[/spoiler] [center][i][b]Riding Duel - Acceleration![/b][/i][/center] Try as they might, they could never catch up to that behemoth. The black vehicle sped past them at unbelievable velocity, then settled to a more regular speed, keeping far enough from them that they could barely see it in the darkness. Yenma allowed Takechi to gain the lead, taking the second turn. After that, their enemy would be up again, and then it would be Yenma's turn, before the process started over again. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 8000[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] Almost instantly, a black armored creature appeared between them and their opponent, protectively guarding itself with its steel plate. Yenma hurried to verify its effect - it was an Inverz monster, like the ones Draco Ross had used, making it almost certain that they were, in fact, one and the same. Unlike the others, it was not restricted to 0 defense, though. [spoiler=Inverz Gatekeeper][b]Inverz Gatekeeper[/b] DARK / Fiend Level 4 1500/1900 While this card is face-up on the field, during a turn when an "Inverz" monster is Tribute Summoned, you can Normal Summon 1 additional time this turn.[/spoiler] Just as Yenma began wondering whether Ross, who was now holding 10 cards in his hand, would have to discard them at the End Phase, four face-down cards materialized behind the insectoid fiend, solving that issue - and creating a very real problem for them to overcome. Yenma frowned. They could not learn the effects of the monsters Ross played, and they had to contend with a bunch of Traps as well. Quickly, the terrifying enemy signaled the end of his turn. "Then I'm up." Takechi seemed reasonably confident. Yenma prayed he was not underestimating Ross, just because he had defeated him the last time. There was something different about this guy now. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 2[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 1[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 1[/i][/center] "I'll just call out Flamvell Paun in defense." Takechi stated. The fiery monkey was weak, but its effect was useful nonetheless. So either Takechi had nothing to take down that Gatekeeper, or he was holding back, biding his time. "I set two cards face-down. Turn end." They'd have to work together better than Yenma had done with Kiishiro, if they wanted to win this duel. Without any further prompt, the indicator passed the turn to Ross. [spoiler=Flamvell Paun][b]Flamvell Paun[/b] FIRE / Pyro Level 1 200/200 When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can select and add 1 monster with 200 DEF from your Deck to your hand.[/spoiler] [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 4[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 2[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 2[/i][/center] A bipedal black insect with butterfly-like wings appeared next to the gate watcher. Another monster Yenma and Takechi had not seen during their previous duel. [spoiler=Inverz Caller][b]Inverz Caller[/b] DARK / Fiend Level 4 1700/0 When a "Inverz" monster is successfully Tribute Summoned by Tributing this card, you can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Inverz" monster from your Deck.[/spoiler] Then, a Trap card flipped up, and horrified, Yenma understood why this setup offered a massive advantage to their opponent. Compensation of Blood would allow an extra Normal Summon, at the cost of 500 Life Points. With double the original Life Points, the significance of the cost waned to almost nothing, and with a deck based on Advance Summoning... [spoiler=Compensation of Blood][b]Compensation of Blood[/b] TRAP / Continuous You can pay 500 Life Points to Normal Summon or Set 1 extra monster. You can only activate this effect during your Main Phase or your opponent's Battle Phase.[/spoiler] Surely enough, five hundred points were deducted from their opponent's score, and Inverz Caller morphed into a gigantic demon with a cannon for an arm, that Yenma, to his horror, recognized. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 7500[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] [spoiler=Inverz Gilafer][b]Inverz Gilafer[/b] DARK / Fiend Level 7 2600/0 You can Tribute Summon this monster in face-up Attack Position by Tributing 1 "Inverz" monster. When you Tribute Summon this card with a "Inverz" monster as a Tribute, you can select 1 card your opponent controls and send it to the Graveyard, and gain 1000 Life Points.[/spoiler] "Hey, aren't you underestimating me?" Takechi said with a snicker. "I prepared my deck just for you, you know? Trap, activate! Tatami Flip! This card's effect is kind of situational, but it's perfect for your deck, at least!" [spoiler=Tatami Flip][b]Tatami Flip[/b] TRAP / Counter Negate the activation and effect of an Effect Monster whose effect activated when a monster was Normal Summoned (even itself), and destroy that Effect Monster.[/spoiler] Yenma allowed himself to feel elated, as he watched the gigantic demon shatter into pieces. He had not thought of altering his deck at all, but if his teammate had made suitable preparations for this battle - A new effect triggered, and Yenma felt his heart sink as he read through it. Inverz Caller would Special Summon another Inverz monster from the deck, if it was released for the advance summon of an Inverz monster. And though Gilafer's effect had been negated, its summon had not, so a new Inverz Caller appeared on the field almost seamlessly. At the same time, he was alerted to the effect of Inverz Gatekeeper. Since an Inverz monster had been advance summoned, their opponent was entitled to an additional Normal Summon this turn - and that could only mean that, with the new resources available, another monster was about to appear. Truthfully enough, Caller morphed into the familiar mantis with the bladed arms. Their opponent's Life Points took a further dive, only for Gilafer to materialize again, revived by Inverz Madith's effect, and a third Inverz Caller appeared next to it. [spoiler=Inverz Madith][b]Inverz Madith[/b] DARK / Fiend Level 5 2200/0 When this card is Tribute Summoned with an "Inverz" monster as Tribute, you can pay 1000 Life Points to select 1 "Inverz" monster in your Graveyard and Special Summon it.[/spoiler] [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 6500[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] However, the terror had just began. Yenma flinched as Compensation of Blood activated again, and the final Inverz Caller disappeared. Now Ross had expended 2000 Life Points to set up his strategy, but it was well worth it, because an black moth-like creature, called by releasing Inverz Caller, and then a small robotic insect, summoned by the sacrificed monster's effect, filled a five-monster-array on their opponent's side of the field. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 6000[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] [spoiler=Inverz Moth][b]Inverz Moth[/b] DARK / Fiend Level 6 2400/0 When this card is Tribute Summoned by tributing 1 "Inverz" monster, you can pay 1000 Life Points to select up to 2 cards your opponent controls and return them to their owner's hand.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Inverz Sentinel][b]Inverz Sentinel[/b] DARK / Fiend Level 3 1100/0 While this card is in face-up Attack Position, Level 5 or higher Special Summoned monsters on the field cannot activate their effects.[/spoiler] At this moment, yet another effect kicked into being. Inverz Moth, when it was summoned with the release of another Inverz monster, could return two of the cards on the field to the hand of their owner, though at a cost of another thousand points. Yenma's eyes opened with horror - that would leave them completely defenseless! [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 5000[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] "So you say, you bastard, but I've been waiting for you to gather up all these monsters!" Takechi called out. "Trap, activate! Torrential Burial!" Wordlessly, though, the rebuttal came once more. The Counter Trap, Overwhelm, flipped open on the opponent's side of the field, and thanks to the presence of the Level 7, Inverz Gilafer, which was Tribute Summoned, negated the effect of Takechi's trap. Gritting his teeth, Yenma's companion returned Flamvell Poun to his hand. [spoiler=Torrential Burial][b]Torrential Burial[/b] TRAP / Normal Activate only when a monster is Summoned. Destroy all monsters on the field.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Overwhelm][b]Overwhelm[/b] TRAP / Counter Activate only while you control a face-up Level 7 or higher monster that was Tribute Summoned. Negate the activation of a Trap Card, or an Effect Monster's effect and destroy that card.[/spoiler] On their opponent's field was Inverz Moth, with 2400 attack points, Inverz Madith, with 2200 attack points, Inverz Sentinel, with 1100 attack points, Inverz Gilafer, with 2600 attack points, and Inverz Gatekeeper, switched quickly to attack position, with 1500 attack points. Between those five monsters, there was more than enough power to annihilate both of them in one shot. There were no cards on their side of the field. At this moment, it should have been over. However, in Yenma's hand lay the one card that could initiate a reversal. He would neither run nor hide from Draco Ross' onslaught. He had prepared, too. Though their time in the Zero Zone was short, Takechi and Ivory had insisted on training. Yenma's composure, depth of thinking, and battle strategy were all on a different level than before. Therefore, when the first attack was declared, he was ready. "I activate the effect of Battle Fader in my hand!" He proclaimed. A pendulum-like creature appeared between his ally and Inverz Gilafer, its swinging producing an unearthly tone that stopped the demonic insect dead in its tracks. Battle Fader's effect would cancel the entirety of the battle phase, so no matter what Ross had gathered, it would be in vain. [spoiler=Battle Fader][b]Battle Fader[/b] DARK / Fiend Level 1 0/0 When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack, you can Special Summon this card from your hand and end the Battle Phase. If this card is Special Summoned with this effect, remove it from play when it is removed from the field.[/spoiler] "Nicely done!" Takechi applauded. "He won't get us so easily!" Yenma nodded. He did not know if the man who had encased himself in that black metal armor could feel dismay. His turn finally came to an end, and Yenma took a deep breath, drawing his card. He would have to launch an all-out counterattack here. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 6[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 3[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 3[/i][/center] His deck which was based on the Dark Simurgh card focused on monsters of the Dark and Wind elements, which enabled him to Special Summon his ace monster faster. His deck has received a small overhaul after his time in the Zero Zone, and he had included a few cards to serve special purposes. One of these cards was in his hand now, and would be critical in disrupting his opponent's strategy. "By sending the face-up Trap card, Compensation of Blood, to the Graveyard, I Special Summon the Tuner monster, Trap Eater!" He said. Almost the entire front of its grotesque dark purple body being a giant mouth, a fiendish creature appeared behind Ross' Trap card, devouring it whole before jumping over to Yenma's side of the field. Without that card, it was reasonable to believe that Ross would not be able to bring out his monsters at such an alarming rate. [spoiler=Trap Eater][b]Trap Eater[/b] DARK / Fiend / Tuner Level 4 1900/1600 This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card cannot be Special Summoned except by sending 1 face-up Trap Card your opponent controls to the Graveyard.[/spoiler] "Next, I summon Dragonfly." Generally, the insectoid monster was best suited to defense, but now Yenma had a different purpose in mind. "I tune my Level 4, Dragonfly, to my Level 4, Trap Eater! Synchro Summon!" Under these circumstances, bringing out his trump card, Blackfeather Dragon, would be pointless. But, he had another monster of almost equal strength. "Come, Mental Sphere Demon!" [spoiler=Dragonfly][b]Dragonfly[/b] WIND / Insect Level 4 1400/900 When this card is sent to the Graveyard as a result of battle, you can Special Summon 1 WIND monster with an ATK of 1500 or less in face-up Attack Position from your Deck. Then shuffle your Deck.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Mental Sphere Demon][b]Mental Sphere Demon[/b] DARK / Psychic / Synchro Level 8 2700/2300 1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters When this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, gain Life Points equal to that monster's original ATK. You can pay 1000 Life Points to negate the activation of a Spell or Trap Card that targets 1 Psychic-Type monster, and destroy it.[/spoiler] Yenma considered his chances. If his opponent had Mirror Force on the field, his attack could easily backfire. But, if he played conservatively, there was an equal chance that they would be wiped out before he had a chance to use any of his monsters. "I discard a card in my hand to the Graveyard, in order to Special Summon Quick Synchron to the field!" [spoiler=Quick Synchron][b]Quick Synchron[/b] WIND / Machine / Tuner Level 5 700/1400 You can send 1 monster from your hand to the Graveyard and Special Summon this card from your hand. You can substitute this card for any 1 "Synchron" Tuner for a Synchro Summon. This card cannot be used as a Synchro Material Monster, except for the Synchro Summon of a monster that lists a "Synchron" monster as a Tuner Monster.[/spoiler] A short cowboy-like mechanical warrior, armed with toy guns and wearing a wide-brimmed hat appeared on the field. "This Tuner monster can emulate the name of any other 'Synchron' monster, when it comes down to a Synchro Summon." Since there was, conveniently, a monster that was easy to summon with the Wind attribute Quick Synchron, Yenma had taken advantage by adding it to his deck. "I tune my Level 1, Battle Fader, to my Level 5, Quick Synchron! I activate Quick Synchron's effect, to have it be treated as Turbo Synchron instead! Synchro Summon!" Five neatly aligned circles of green light formed from the dissolved mechanical creature, while the pendulum demon transformed into a golden, shining orb. They converged to form the crimson metal plates of a robotic warrior, armed with giant claws in his hands that looked like they could tear steel apart with ease. "Come, Turbo Warrior!" [spoiler=Turbo Warrior][b]Turbo Warrior[/b] WIND / Warrior / Synchro Level 6 2500/1500 "Turbo Synchron" + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters When this card attacks a Level 6 or higher Synchro Monster, halve the monster's ATK until the end of the Damage Step. This card cannot be targeted by the effects of Level 6 or lower monsters.[/spoiler] This would have to do. The first move would be, of course to eliminate Inverz Gilafer. That would both destroy the greatest threat on the field and greatly boost Yenma's Life Points. "Mental Sphere Demon, attack Inverz Gilafer!" He commanded. The psychic demon hastened to obey, hurling a sphere of black flame towards the enemy. But at that moment, a spiralling vortex appeared between it and its target. Yenma blinked - Dimensional Imprisonment was certainly a dangerous card, but when used against Mental Sphere Demon, all it would cost was a thousand Life Points, and though Yenma was worried about losing Life Points in such a duel, it was certainly preferrable to wasting his monster. "I activate Mental Sphere Demon's effect!" He commanded. But soon enough, he saw that was not to be, because despite his effort, his monster was sucked into the black hole, vanishing into another dimension. Quickly enough, he realized what was at fault by glancing at his D-Wheel's display, which pointed out Inverz Sentinel's now revealed effect, which blocked the effects of all Special Summoned monsters that were higher than Level 5 from activating. [spoiler=Dimensional Imprisonment][b]Dimensional Imprisonment[/b] TRAP / Normal Activate only when your opponent declares an attack. Remove from play the attacking monster.[/spoiler] With only one attack left, the choice was obvious. He should get rid of that monster quickly. "Turbo Warrior, attack Inverz Sentinel!" He commanded, and obediently, the scarlet-plated mechanized soldier slashed down the target enemy, finally bringing their opponent's Life Points down to a manageable level. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 3600[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] "I set one card face-down, turn end." He played his last card. They had to make it through this turn. With only one monster, and one reverse card on the field, and their opponent still armed with four monsters, it would not be easy. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 8[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 4[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 4[/i][/center] Immediately upon the beginning of his turn, the final Trap card that had been set on Ross' field opened. Yenma read the description of the card, Invasive Ripples, which, at the cost of another 500 Life Points, revived one of the Inverz Callers in Ross' Graveyard. [spoiler=Invasive Ripples][b]Invasive Ripples[/b] TRAP / Normal Pay 500 Life Points and select 1 Level 4 or lower "Inverz" monster in your Graveyard. Special Summon it.[/spoiler] [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 3100[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] Yenma flinched - that monster's reappearance could only mean one thing. Indeed, both the Gatekeeper and the Caller dissolved into a huge black sphere, which slowly took form. Even more frightening than Gilafer, a gigantic insectoid demon, covered in black metal plates, with huge curved spikes protruding from its shoulders and legs. Inverz Caller's effect instantly triggered, and the Inverz Sharp that Yenma and Takechi were already familiar with joined the fray. [spoiler=Inverz Gasath][b]Inverz Gasath[/b] DARK / Fiend Level 8 2800/0 When this card is Tribute Summoned by Tributing 2 "Inverz" monsters, select and activate 1 of the following effects. • Destroy all other monsters on the field. • Destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on the field.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Inverz Sharp][b]Inverz Sharp[/b] DARK / Fiend Level 4 1850/0 When this face-up card you control is sent to the Graveyard, select 1 face-up Ritual, Fusion or Synchro Monster on the field and destroy it.[/spoiler] "That guy, he just won't let up..." Takechi gritted his teeth. At the same time, Inverz Gasath's effect activated. Ross selected the effect that would destroy all Spell and Trap cards on the field - with just Turbo Warrior in the way of monsters, that would certainly spell instant defeat, but... "Trap card, open!" Yenma retaliated in response. "Synchro Strike! I increase the attack power of one Synchro monster on my field by 500 points, for each of its Synchro material monsters! The monsters that were used to Synchro Summon Turbo Warrior are 2, therefore, for this turn, Turbo Warrior gains 1000 attack points!" Powered-up, Turbo Warrior was again the strongest monster on the field. Left without any other choice, Ross placed one face-down card, and ended his turn. Turbo Warrior's attack returned to normal. [spoiler=Synchro Strike][b]Synchro Strike[/b] TRAP / Normal Target Synchro Summoned monster gains 500 ATK for each Synchro Material Monster used to Summon it, until the End Phase.[/spoiler] "Finally, it's my turn again." Takechi said haughtily. Yenma sensed the guilt in those words. Because Takechi had not adequately prepared against the possibility of such a massive onslaught, the weight of defending had fallen heavily upon his teammate. Now Yenma was left with no other cards in his hand. He could only hope that, along with the Turbo Warrior he had left on the field, Takechi could manage a breakthrough. "Draw!" [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 10[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 5[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 5[/i][/center] "First of all, I activate the Speed Spell, Angel Baton! I draw twice, then discard one card." He exchanged his cards, frowning slightly. [spoiler=Speed Spell - Angel Baton][b]Speed Spell - Angel Baton[/b] SPELL / Normal Activate while you have 2 or more Speed Counters. Draw 2 cards. Afterwards, send 1 card from your hand to the Graveyard.[/spoiler] "Then, I'll activate another Speed Spell. This one's name is Vision Wind, and it will Special Summon a Level 2 or lower monster from my Graveyard - however, if it's still around during the End Phase, it is destroyed. I target the card I just discarded, namely Neo Flamvell Origin!" [spoiler=Speed Spell - Vision Wind][b]Speed Spell - Vision Wind[/b] SPELL / Normal Activate only while you have 2 or more Speed Counters. Select and Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower monster from your Graveyard. Destroy it during the End Phase.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Neo Flamvell Origin][b]Neo Flamvell Origin[/b] FIRE / Pyro / Tuner Level 2 500/200 If you control a face-up "Flamvell" monster, except "Neo Flamvell Origin", and your opponent has 3 or less cards in their Graveyard, you can Special Summon this card from your hand.[/spoiler] "I'm only just getting started." Takechi said. "I set a card, then activate the effect of Laval Lancelord in my hand! I can call him out without release, but he is also destroyed at the End Phase." Amazed, Yenma saw a bare-chested, archaic dark-skinned warrior armed with a massive lance appear from within a burst of flame. Takechi had generally used Flamvell monsters, but it seemed he had thoroughly reworked his deck. This just went to show how much he had prepared for this encounter. [spoiler=Laval Lancelord][b]Laval Lancelord[/b] FIRE / Warrior Level 6 2100/200 You can Normal Summon this card without Tributing. If you do, this card is sent to the Graveyard during the End Phase. When this card on the field is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, you can add 1 of your removed from play FIRE monsters to your hand.[/spoiler] "And now that it's all set, I tune my Level 6, Laval Lancelord, to my Level 2, Neo Flamvell Origin!" Blazing stars of light filed into two broad green circles, and a giant dragon that Yenma recognized appeared from within. "Synchro Summon! Scrap Dragon!" [spoiler=Scrap Dragon][b]Scrap Dragon[/b] EARTH / Dragon / Synchro Level 8 2800/2000 1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters Once per turn, you can select 1 card you control and 1 card your opponent controls. Destroy them. When this card is destroyed by your opponent's card (either by battle or by card effect) and sent to the Graveyard, select 1 non-Synchro "Scrap" monster in your Graveyard and Special Summon it.[/spoiler] "Scrap Dragon's effect triggers, destroying my face-down Flamvell Counter, to get rid of Inverz Gilafer." Yenma jerked his head - why had Takechi chosen this target? "Next will be yet another Speed Spell! Dead Synchron's effect lets me conduct a Synchro Summon with monsters from my Graveyard. So I'll tune them again, my Level 6, Laval Lancelord, to my Level 2, Neo Flamvell Origin! Synchro Summon! Gigantech Fighter!" As the futuristic clay golem appeared, Yenma finally realized exactly what Takechi had been aiming for, including the combination of Synchro material monsters. A perfect strategy to get rid of all four of the opposing monsters at once. [spoiler=Speed Spell - Dead Synchron][b]Speed Spell - Dead Synchron[/b] SPELL / Normal Activate only while you have 5 or more Speed Counters. Synchro Summon 1 Synchro Monster. (Remove from play the appropriate monsters from your Graveyard.) Remove it from play during the End Phase.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Gigantech Fighter][b]Gigantech Fighter[/b] DARK / Warrior / Synchro Level 8 2800/1000 1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters This card gains 100 ATK for every Warrior-Type monster in any Graveyard. When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 Warrior-Type monster from either player's Graveyard.[/spoiler] "I attack Inverz Gasath with Gigantech Fighter!" Takechi declared. The giant construct raised its fist overhead, whereas the wicked devil prepared its counterattack. A massive punch and a stream of black light struck their targets simultaneously, both monsters obliterated in an instant. "Now, when Gigantech Fighter is destroyed by battle, I can Special Summon any Warrior monster from the Graveyard, including itself!" Takechi did not mention the obvious - destroyed and revived, Gigantech Fighter would not have to suffer from Dead Synchron's adverse effect. "The battle phase continues! Gigantech Fighter, attack Inverz Madith!" This time, the difference in attack power was clear, and the insect monster was obliterated instantly. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 3000[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] "Scrap Dragon, your target is Inverz Moth!" Launching its ferocious attack from its abyssal maw, the dragon annihilated the much smaller dark creature. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 2600[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] "This will settle it! Turbo Warrior, attack Inverz Sharp!" Charging towards the wasp-like monster, the mechanized warrior slashed at it with its claws, dropping Ross' Life Points to less than a quarter of their combined, still untouched, score. However, Inverz Sharp's effect kicked in, and Scrap Dragon was struck by a poisonous bolt, writhing in agony for a few seconds before being blown to shreds. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 1950[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 4000[/i][/center] "With this, I set one card face-down." Takechi's last remaining card should be Flamvell Paun, for which he had no use right now. "Turn end." --- If conscious thought could still be formed in his mind, first ravaged by madness, and then restructured and compounded into that of a machine by the <God Mode>, what would Draco Ross think of this situation? The monsters that represented his world, vile envoys of destruction, feeding off the sacrifice of others to maintain their existence, yet lacking even the most basic defense? Fragile and twisted, those corrupted ideals were all that was left of a man who had once strived for a better future. One after the other, they were obliterated, vanishing from this world. But, the madness that had taken root in his mind would not go away. The space he had constructed was a path that led deep into the Zero Zone. Whoever won or lost, they would all tumble head-first into the core of chaos. There was no salvation, no escape. However, that was not reason enough for this creature to let up. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 12[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 6[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 6[/i][/center] He analyzed his cards with the clarity of the <God Mode>. Wordlessly - if any words could still be pronounced from the snarling mouth between the pitch-black helmet - he triggered Speed World 2's effect, removing all but two of his Speed Counters to annihilate Gigantech Fighter, which would only stand in his way. And then, he activated the reverse card, Call of the Living Dead, which brought back Inverz Gilafer. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 2[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 6[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 6[/i][/center] [spoiler=Call of the Living Dead][b]Call of the Living Dead[/b] TRAP / Continuous Select 1 monster from your Graveyard and Special Summon it in face-up Attack Position. When this card is removed from the field, destroy the monster. When the monster is destroyed, destroy this card.[/spoiler] It was time. A winged devil carrying a baton in one hand and a loudspeaker on the other appeared on the field. The appearance did not matter, of course, as long as the monster was of the right attribute. He raised his arm, and darkness raged around him. This monster would be the herald of his madness. [spoiler=Hell Security][b]Hell Security[/b] DARK / Fiend / Tuner Level 1 100/600 When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, Special Summon 1 Level 1 Fiend-Type monster from your Deck.[/spoiler] --- "Th - this is - !!" Yenma shouted, watching in horror as the massive shape of a dragon folded out of the pitch-black light. The myriads of eyes coating every single part of its body, the wretched, diseased skin emanating pure blackness - this was the monster that had appeared during Kiishiro's duel, an unnatural, black force of boundless power. A creature that fed on chaos. One-Hundred Eye Dragon. [spoiler=One-Hundred Eye Dragon][b]One-Hundred Eye Dragon[/b] DARK / Dragon / Synchro Level 8 3000/2500 1 DARK Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner Fiend-Type monsters Once per turn, you can activate this card's effect by removing from play 1 Level 6 or lower DARK Effect Monster from your Graveyard. Until the End Phase, treat this card's name as that monster's name and this card gains the same effects as that monster while face-up on the field. When this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, add 1 "Earthbound God" monster from your Deck to your hand.[/spoiler] The nightmare was just beginning. [/spoiler] [spoiler=Chapter 46] [center][b][u]Chapter 46:[/b] Contract with the Abyss[/u][/center] Twelve years ago, the base network that was soon to evolve into the fully-fledged Duel Terminal system was created by the corporation known as Duel International. At the time, the game of Duel Monsters was quite widespread, even if somewhat limited to younger audiences. The core group of the company, then consisting of only Dunkan, Ross, Klein, Takizawa and Lee, decided to build their ambitious project around that game, ideal grounds for their purposes of conceptual materialization, plus popular enough to attract a lot of attention. The network was a revolutionary combination of many virtual reality architectures developed up till then. It originated as a conglomerate of individual V-Spaces, connected via 'gates' that enabled passage from one to the other. Between and around these spaces, the vast Zero Zone existed, the Outer Sphere that connected and separated this reality from others. Just as Dunkan had hoped for, though it was an artificial world constructed solely out of data that could only be accessed by one's mind, which the then crude D-Tachers translated into the virtual world, it nonetheless functioned like a standalone universe. The boundary that surrounded the virtual dimension was much thinner than that the 'real' world's, and the Zero Zone was riddled with holes into the beyond. Of course, until they were ready, there was no profit and much danger in Dunkan allowing otherworldly phantasms to cross through this Gap. Therefore, insulating this world by using its Outer Sphere as a buffer, as was the usual case, was unreliable. Dunkan and the others isolated the Zero Zone itself, not allowing whatever happened there to cross into the central world. However, that also had its price, as they were unable to monitor what happened in that sealed off part of the virtual world. It would not be incorrect to think of a state of existence as a living organism. Without consciousness, it becomes the very embodiment of life that inhabits it. Even this artificial world was a creature driven by two instincts: the first was self-preservation, survival of itself and of the entities inhabiting it, maintenance of order and balance. The second was growth, expansion beyond its natural boundaries, the will to extend past what was predeterminedly allowed to it. Chaos. Normally, it would not be possible for immaterial concepts to take form. At best they could be described as natural phenomena, transmigrations into more tangible, more direct concepts that can be easily comprehended by a conscious thought process. In a world based entirely upon the materialization of phantasms, though, it's only natural that even abstract notions can assume a state of material, conscious existence. If one looked back far enough, to the days when the simplest V-Spaces were cutting-edge technology, they might be able to trace the origin of the two women that became the incarnations of those phenomena - though they were born much later, they were modelled after two girls who had been amongst the first to venture into a virtual reality, and had fallen victim to a malfunction, dying inside the V-Space. Due to the nature of the experiments, it was forgotten as yet another covered-up story - but their memory remained, and when those primitive V-Spaces slowly evolved into a fleshed-out reality, by sheer coincidence, that crystallized memory was restructured. Of course, nothing remained of the two but their appearance. In their stead, the white guardian of order, Ivory, and the black sorceress of chaos, Ebony, governed the dark depths of the Zero Zone. The pair, each one's existence contradictory to the other, soon came into conflict. It was a war without a reason or a purpose - only two conflicting concepts struggling against each other. Regardless, each one wielded power in this world beyond even its creators, and the battle raged for several years, until Ivory finally prevailed. It is unknown what would have happened if the outcome had been the other way around - probably, the world would be submerged into complete chaos long before the gate to the Nexus could be opened. In a sense, ironically, it was this prevelance of order over chaos that gave Dunkan the necessary footing to proceed with his plan. Since both Ebony and Ivory were evenly matched in their control of this world, they usually contested using phantasms from other realities. After the battle was settled, both turned their strongest servants into cards, binding them to this reality, in preparation of the day they would have to fight again. The monster that Draco Ross had now brought to the field was one of these cards. Though, as far as conceptual power was concerned, it was not comparable to the monsters that comprised the Pylons, such as the Devil Gods, and it was even slightly weaker than the servants of the Crimson Dragon, it had a powerful presence, and a piece of Ebony's soul had been embedded in it, overwhelming it with darkness. The space Ross had created was impenetrable even by ZONE, who controlled the Arc Cradle, but it did not stop the wicked pulse from resonating across the floating fortress. Kiishiro and Christina, who had just returned to the central control room, shuddered as it struck. They found ZONE and Ryusaki Sugita, carefully observing a screen that displayed nothing but black static. "What's going on?" Kiishiro demanded. "That monster - that was One-Hundred Eye Dragon! Who is dueling out there?" "It's your friend, Yenma, and Takechi." Sugita explained calmly, not taking his eyes off the screen. "It appears Draco Ross - Duel International's top financial consultant, and a close associate of Dunkan - has followed them here. Something is wrong, though. He has isolated them in some sort of space, and we can't penetrate it." "You knew about this." Kiishiro addressed ZONE, not bothering to hide the anger in his voice. "You couldn't have missed that guy coming here. You knew, and you still sent them out there. Why? What if they lose?" "It was the only way to drag Ross out." ZONE said, his tone not missing a beat. "He has apparently come in direct contact with some fraction of Ebony's power, and his mind has been destroyed. He is now relentlessly hunting Yenma and Takechi, who defeated him once in the past. They are the only ones who have the ability to confront him." "Damnit, ZONE!" Kiishiro screamed. "We're all just pawns to you, aren't we? Ivory was right - how can we trust you? Even if you really want to save this world, it seems you won't hesitate to sacrifice us in order to do it!" "Kiishiro..." Christina muttered, touching his arm. If Sugita was unnerved by this outburst, he didn't show. ZONE, however, turned his vehicle slowly around, facing the young man. "Then, what about you?" He asked severely. "Haven't you made your resolve, to sacrifice your life in order to save your world? Where is that resolve? Has it disappeared with your defeat? Is your courage so fragile, that can be shattered like that? Power is not drawn by hatred and anger, Sanjou Kiishiro. If you let revenge be your drive, in the end your victory may only bring about an even greater disaster." Kiishiro shuddered, remembering the visions he had seen when One-Hundred Eye Dragon appeared in front of him. Remembering his duel against Dryad, what had almost happened, what would have happened had she not been there to prevent it. He felt Christina next to him tense, too. Kiishiro wanted to hunt Ebony down and free his mother. Christina wanted to find the person that had been responsible for ruining her life and reclaim her lost memories. But deep down, both of them wanted revenge against those people. Clouded by that sentiment - they were missing both the greater purpose as well their very own goal. "I allowed this fight precisely because I want you two to see it. A different kind of resolve, a different kind of strength. If you are willing to put everything on the line, even miracles are well within your reach. Get your D-Wheels ready." Almost mechanically, Sugita and Kiishiro summoned the vehicles they were using. "Kiishiro, you can take Christina with you. You will witness their duel directly." He turned away, and a pitch-black hole in space opened before him, leading to the depths of the unknown. Kiishiro climbed on his D-Wheel, making room for Christina to sit behind him. Sugita mimicked him quickly. Without another word, they rode out into the madness. --- Yenma was the third child in a relatively well-off family. The youngest amongst three siblings, he was born at a time when both his parents had to work especially hard in order to sustain their ever increasing expenses, thus, his upbringing was heavily influenced by his older brother and sister. What would they be doing now? He had had no contact with them since he was trapped in this reality. Neither of his siblings was using the DUel Terminal system, as far as he knew. Was his real body in some hospital? Was everyone safe, with the world in such a chaotic state as ZONE described? He had no way of knowing. He did not know when it was that he had resolved to stay and fight, to protect what was important to him. Besides protecting himself, he did not even know why he was fighting. What qualified a person such as him to be a part of this war? Kiishiro was much stronger than he was, and Takechi and the others probably, too. When confronted with this crisis, what should - what could - he do? "Pull yourself together!" Takechi's strained voice snapped him out of his momentary stupor. Unwillingly, he gazed at the monstrosity that floated in front of them - its back was turned to Yenma and Takechi, but the dozens of eyes that permeated every inch of its body still seemed to be glaring directly at them. The ghastly visage of Inverz Sharp that had appeared before materialized inside One-Hundred Eye Dragon's central eye, indicating the activation of its ability to absorb that monster's effect. Yenma frowned - it seemed like a pointless maneouver. But there was probably a strategy involved. Clenching his teeth, he braced himself. Since Turbo Warrior had been summoned by him, he would be the one on the receiving end of the onslaught. It came without warning. All hundred eyes of the black behemoth suddenly flipped around, each one focusing on Yenma's monster. A hundred rays of dark purple light converged simultaneously on it. It did not last even one second. Turbo Warrior was erased as if it had never existed. ZONE had said that, the stronger the portal to the Nexus grew, the thinner the boundaries between realities would get, until the outside world was indistinguishable from the virtual system. Even if their opponents were not manually deactivating them, buffers against attacks would become meaningless. Moreover, since real phantasms would cross over between dimensions, the damage would be multiplied many times over, and they would feel every single point that was deducted from them. After having experienced Sinclair's direct, 3000-damage attack, Yenma had, somewhere deep inside, thought of it as an exaggeration. It was not, though. As soon as the rays of light touched him, he felt his mind be incinerated to a crisp, stripped away from logic and reasoning, leaving only an agonized, burning wreck behind. He had tried to convince himself that it would all be an illusion - but when an attack from a [i]real[/i] monster was translated into the [i]real[/i] world, what part of it was an illusion? No sooner had he thought that than his mind began to crumble. Slowly, he began losing consciousness. He felt his D-Wheel slip out of his control, and could not even summon the courage to prepare for the impact. He would die now. A sudden, violent impact from his right side knocked him into a semblance of awakening. Takechi was right beside him, having rammed his vehicle into Yenma's to prevent him from falling. Aghast, Yenma looked around him. Their field was empty, and One-Hundred Eye Dragon was still soaring in front of them. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 1950[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 4000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 3500[/i][/center] "That looked bad." Takechi said, a hint of worry in his tone. "At least that thing's attack seemed to only affect the mind... I think that, if it did physical damage, you would not be so lucky. It looks like we won't get past this so easily." "Yenma!!" Shocked, Yenma looked back. Two more D-Wheels had joined them in their chase. On one was Ryusaki Sugita, Takechi's companion. And on the other, Kiishiro and Christina were hot on their tail. Kiishiro had called out to him. "You can't let yourselves be drawn into that thing's illusion!" Kiishiro said imperatively. Yenma did not ask how they had found them, how they had come here. He was just grateful they [i]had[/i] come. "That guy... apparently, he came into contact with Ebony's power, and was reduced to... to this. He's insane, but not any less dangerous - combined with his <God Mode>, he's probably even more powerful. Be careful." Not showing any indication of a reaction towards the new arrivals, Ross placed the two cards in his hand face-down, and indicated the end of his turn. Yenma sighed, and drew, trying to control the shaking of his hand. The situation was not desperate yet. They were still ahead, and One-Hundred Eye Dragon was not undefeatable. He just had to think fo something, fast. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 4[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 8[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 8[/i][/center] He looked at his card - that was a key card to his deck that could initiate a reversal, but not quite usable yet. He'd have to gamble on another chance. "I activate Speed World 2's effect! By removing seven of my Speed Counters, I can draw one card." It would have to do for now, since he still had no way to get rid of that dragon. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 4[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 8[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 1[/i][/center] "I summon Necro Gardna in defense mode." The undead warrior appeared in front of him, its shield-like arms crossed defensively to protect them. "One card face-down, turn end." [spoiler=Necro Gardna][b]Necro Gardna[/b] DARK / Warrior Level 3 600/1300 Remove from play this card in your Graveyard to negate 1 attack this turn from a monster your opponent controls.[/spoiler] Seamlessly, Ross' next turn began. Knight of the End appeared, and immediately its effect triggered, dropping a monster from Ross' deck to the Graveyard. The ghostly figure of Inverz Gatekeeper disappeared into the malevolent dragon's eye. The warrior of darkness struck down Yenma's monster, leaving them defenseless once more - but, One-Hundred Eye Dragon's attack could be blocked by the effect of Necro Gardna. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 6[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 9[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 2[/i][/center] [spoiler=Knight of the End][b]Knight of the End[/b] DARK / Warrior Level 4 1400/1200 When this card is Summoned, you can send 1 DARK monster from your Deck to the Graveyard.[/spoiler] To Yenma's surprise, the fierce black dragon turned not towards him, but towards Takechi instead. Was Ross planning to shift the focus of his attacks? Even so, a direct attack from that monster could not be allowed. The eyes of the spectral monster began glowing with their dark luster, while Yenma prepared to activate his destroyed monster's ability. "Don't block it!" Takechi commanded. Yenma thought he must not have heard right. He could not possbly be planning to take on that attack. Yenma had suffered almost lethal shock from a mere five hundred points of damage. Six times as much would have obliterated him instantly. He turned towards his companion, bewildered - but Takechi was leaning forward on his D-Wheel, eyes transfixed on the monster facing him, steel-forged determination evident in his features. He had not gone mad. He had not given up. He very simply intended to take on that assault. Still caught up in his uncertainty, Yenma did not notice the monster begin its attack. Takechi sped up, the four exhaust pipes of his powerful D-Wheel blowing back a stream of blue light that illuminated even this absolute darkness. He shot straight through the attack, dodging the almost continuous stream of purple fire by a hair's width. Escape was not easy, though. The beam of light honed in from him, cutting down his path. At the last minute, Takechi jerked his hands upwards, while kicking back with his feet. The D-Wheel jumped into the air, passing harmlessly above the burning light. Finally, he launched himself forward, closing in on One-Hundred Eye Dragon as its attack dissipated. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 1950[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 1000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 3500[/i][/center] "I see." Kiishiro muttered. "If a monster is real, it will obey the rules of its reality as well. Even if the attack causes damage, if you physically dodge it, it will not directly affect you. However..." --- Yes. Even if that wave of madness had not touched him, Takechi still felt the tremendous mental strain from taking three thousand points of damage at once. However, he had not accepted this strike in vain. "You bastard, you told me last time that you can't gain without pain. I'll return those words to you, with this same card you used. If there's something left of you in there, see this! Damage Condenser, activate! By discarding Flamvell Paun in my hand, I Special Summon Goka, Soul of Malice from my deck!" At first glance, the monster that appeared was merely a nondescript, ornate, but rusted iron jar. But soon, it started glowing with a golden light, and a bright hellish flame sprang from within, sinister spirits of fire floating around it. [spoiler=Damage Condenser][b]Damage Condenser[/b] TRAP / Normal Activate only by discarding 1 card when you take Battle Damage. Special Summon, in Attack Position, 1 monster from your Deck with ATK equal to or less than the Battle Damage you took.[/spoiler] [spoiler=Goka, Soul of Malice][b]Goka, Soul of Malice[/b] FIRE / Zombie Level 6 2200/1900 You can Special Summon this card from your hand if you control a FIRE monster. When this card is Special Summoned this way, destroy 1 FIRE monster you control. During your Standby Phase, Special Summon 1 "Fireball Token" (Pyro-Type/FIRE/Level 1/ATK 100/DEF 100) in Defense Position. You can Tribute 1 other FIRE monster to have this card gain 500 ATK, until the End Phase.[/spoiler] From a young age, Takechi had pursued a career in baseball. However, an injury on his lower left arm during a game had made it quite clear that he would never be able to compete seriously. He tried to vent his frustration, as well as his competitive spirit, on other things, such as this game. When the Element Cycle challenge was announced, Takechi did not hesitate to join in with his Fire deck. After going through the preliminary rounds, and even defeating Sakakibara Danjuro, who used an Earth-based deck, in the semi-finals, he was defeated by Sugita in the last round. That wasn't enough to hamper his enthusiasm, of course. The finalists of the Element Cycle were automatically entered into the upcoming national tournament, an opportunity every devoted player of the game strived for. When he discovered his pride had been tarnished and he had simply been used as a pawn - that resentment drove him on, and he had not hesitated to join his newfound allies, once he discovered Duel International's true colors. "Draw!" He declared, once Ross was done with his turn. His Speed Counters rose to a level at which he could destroy that ridiculous monster. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 8[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 10[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 3[/i][/center] "During my Standby Phase, Goka's effect Special Summons a Fireball token to my field in defense mode." A smaller flame flew off from the jar, settling next to the hellfire monster. "And next I summon Flamvell Helldog, in attack mode!" The burning cerberus joined his monsters. "I'll start by activating Speed World 2's effect! By removing ten of my Speed Counters, I can destroy one card on the field. My target is One-Hundred Eye Dragon!" A bright crimson flare shot forth from the nose of his D-Wheel, enveloping the demonic dragon. [spoiler=Flamvell Helldog][b]Flamvell Helldog[/b] FIRE / Pyro Level 4 1900/200 When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 FIRE monster with 200 or less DEF from your Deck, except "Flamvell Helldog".[/spoiler] [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 8[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 0[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 3[/i][/center] He should have known it wouldn't be that simple. On Ross' side, one of his reverse cards flipped open, and One-Hundred Eye Dragon, wrapped in a deathly mist, emerged from the blaze unharmed. [spoiler=Phantom of Darkness][b]Phantom of Darkness[/b] TRAP / Counter Negate the activation of a Spell Card, Trap Card, or Effect Monster's effect that targets a face-up DARK monster, and destroy that card.[/spoiler] "So be it." Takechi gritted his teeth. "Flamvell Helldog, attack Knight of the End!" However, the spectre of Necro Gardna, presumably sent to Ross' Graveyard during the previous turn by his monster's effect, materialized to protect the death knight. So he was still concerned about Takechi's monsters enough to waste his Gardna in order to prevent the appearance of another Flamvell monster, even at the cost of more Life Points. That was a correct decision. If Helldog's effect had struck, Takechi would have Summoned Flamvell Magical, and used it, along with Helldog and the Fireball token, to bring out Mist Wurm during his second Main Phase and return One-Hundred Eye Dragon to the deck. "Still, Goka attacks as well!" Surging black flames devoured the black warrior, erasing him completely. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 1150[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 1000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 3500[/i][/center] Ross' field now only contained One-Hundred Eye Dragon, and one reverse card. If he did not manage to draw a high-power monster, then Takechi should be safe for this turn. Silent as always, Ross drew his card. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 10[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 1[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 4[/i][/center] One of the Inverz Callers appeared in One-Hundred Eye Dragon's central eye. It couldn't be - was Ross planning to sacrifice that thing? But he did not show any sign of it. He simply placed another card face-down, and declared the attack with his dragon. "Necro Gardna's effect activates, protecting Flamvell Helldog!" Yenma said quickly. Takechi nodded. He had originally thought Yenma as a weak amateur, getting involved in business way over his head. But when he saw just how over their heads everyone was, including himself, he gained a newfound respect for him. He was now satisfied to be able to fight alongside him in this life-and-death battle. However, Ross probably realized the danger of allowing his opponents' field to grow too large. He triggered Speed World 2's effect, removing all of his Speed Counters and targeting Goka. Takechi sighed - at the very least, he had managed to maintain some field presence for Yenma to use. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 0[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 1[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 4[/i][/center] Ross wrapped up his turn. Yenma drew, his face a mask of determination. Then he smirked, and accelerated forward, bringing himself on level with Takechi. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - SPC: 2[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - SPC: 2[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - SPC: 5[/i][/center] "By releasing Fireball Token, I Advance Summon Wind Emperor Raiza!" He declared. The small fire dissolved into a violent gust of wind, and from the middle of that cyclone, a huge cylindre-shaped mechanical construct in hues of grey and green. One of the six Emperors, this monster's effect, when it was Advance Summoned - !! [spoiler=Wind Emperor Raiza][b]Wind Emperor Raiza[/b] WIND / Winged Beast Level 6 2400/1000 When this card is Tribute Summoned, return 1 card on the field to the top of its owner's Deck.[/spoiler] "I activate Raiza's effect, returning One-Hundred Eye Dragon to the Extra Deck!" This time there was no counter - the black monstrosity was wrapped in a ferocious gale, safely removed from the field. With that thing gone, they could finally - Something was wrong. Takechi sensed it before he saw the pitch-black aura erupt around Ross. None of the five children present who were watching bewildered could guess it at the time, but the defeat of One-Hundred Eye Dragon had weakened the grip of darkness that had struck the mind of their opponent. The black-armored knight howled, a horrible sound. His mind could not be restored - it would never be restored - but, in that instant of relief, perhaps something, some small part of the once proud, once ambitious warrior, returned. "I switch Flamvell Helldog to defense mode!" Yenma said, urgency evident in his voice. It was best to deal with this match as fast as they could, but they could not afford to take risks. "Raiza, direct attack!" However, one of the reverse cards on their opponent's field flipped open. Holy Barrier - Mirror Force was activated, and repelled Yenma's attack with an illusionary barrier, reflecting the purging holy light right back at the wind emperor, annihilating it instantly. Takechi gritted his teeth - at this rate... [spoiler=Holy Barrier - Mirror Force][b]Holy Barrier - Mirror Force[/b] TRAP / Normal Activate only when an opponent's monster declares an attack. Destroy all Attack Position monsters your opponent controls.[/spoiler] However, at this instant, Yenma's reverse card also revealed itself. "This duel ends now!" Yenma declared. "Trap card, activate! Return from the Different Dimension! I may have to pay half my Life Points, but this will revive as many of our monsters that were removed from the game as possible!" [spoiler=Return from the Different Dimension][b]Return from the Different Dimension[/b] TRAP / Normal Pay half your Life Points. Special Summon as many of your removed from play monsters as possible. During the End Phase, remove from play all monsters that were Special Summoned by this effect.[/spoiler] "But, if he uses that card..." Sugita gave voice to Takechi's thoughts. They did not know what consequence 'paying Life Points' rather than 'taking damage' would have, but Takechi was not eager to try. With Helldog still on their field, there was a chance they would survive the next turn. He did not know if he would have pulled such a risky maneouver to try and finish the duel. Then, Yenma must have realized what Takechi was afraid to admit - this had to end, now. --- Yenma felt his life being sucked out of him. He had once been stung by a jellyfish while on the beach - the sensation was similar, except hundreds of times more intensive. As if venom was violating his body, he felt weakness overwhelm him. His eyes lost focus - he could barely discern the four portals that opened in front of him, each one heralding the appearance of a different creature. If this went on, he might lose consciousness before he could put those monsters to use. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 1150[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 1000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 1750[/i][/center] The winged psychic demon appeared to his left. Next to it, Laval Lancelord and Neo Flamvell Origin, removed from play by Takechi earlier, joined the fray as well. And on the other side, his own Necro Gardna materialized. But, it was no good. He was too weak now. His hands, trembling on the handle of his D-Wheel, could not move a finger. His mouth felt dry, his tongue stuck. His vitality had literally been drained out of him. [i]What qualifies a person such as me to be a part of this war?[/i] He did not know the answer to that, yet. But he knew the people who relied on him. Takechi, Kiishiro. ZONE. His own family, trapped outside in a nightmare probably worse than even what he was experiencing in this reality. All the people that had been harmed already in this insane plot. He could not betray their trust. "Battle!" He roared with his last strength. "Direct attack! Mental Sphere Demon!" Eyes widening with horror, he watched his last effort dissolve into nothingness. A reverse card he recognized revealed itself on his target's side of the field. Hopelessly, he observed Ross' Life Points drop down to half, as the same effect he had used activated for him as well. Inverz Sharp, Inverz Gatekeeper, Inverz Caller, as well as Necro Gardna were warped into this plane of existence, defending their owner. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 575[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 1000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 1750[/i][/center] "That guy - he had something like that still up his sleeve!" He heard Takechi exclaim next to him. Yenma fought the fatigue that was dragging him down. He couldn't finish it. Even if all his monsters attack, they would only be able to bring down the wall defending Draco Ross - no more. However... "Mental Sphere Demon, attack Inverz Caller!" He could not risk destroying Inverz Sharp, which had higher attack points by battle, due to its effect. But he could still recover some Life Points. A blessedly warm light surrounded him as his monster blasted away the opposing creature. He felt rejuvenated to his core, as his Life counter rose to almost double its value. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 575[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 1000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 3450[/i][/center] With a renewed focus, Yenma signalled the end of his Battle Phase. But, his turn was not over yet. "Takechi, lend me your strength for this! I tune the Level 6, Laval Lancelord, to the Level 2, Neo Flamvell Origin!" The wings engraved upon his arm began blazing crimson. He welcomed the mild, warm pain that accompanied it. The sensation connected him, to Kiishiro, and now to Christina as well. It restored his courage, and brought him faith that he would succeed. Because he was not alone, and he was not fighting for himself only. He had many people backing him up, and he was fighting for them just as they were fighting for him. "Synchro Summon!" The monster that appeared within a black gale, brandishing its bladed white wings, its clawed beak releasing a howl of defiance, was proof of those bonds. "Blackfeather Dragon!" [spoiler=Blackfeather Dragon][b]Blackfeather Dragon[/b] DARK / Dragon / Synchro Level 8 2800/1600 1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters. Whenever you would take damage from a card effect, place 1 Black Feather Counter on this card instead. This card loses 700 ATK for each Black Feather Counter on it. Once per turn, you can remove all Black Feather Counters on this card to have 1 face-up monster your opponent controls lose 700 ATK for each Black Feather Counter, and inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK lost by that monster because of this effect.[/spoiler] The sacred dragon spread its wings. Slowly, the mute, complete wall of darkness around them began stirring into spiral vortexes, drawn into Blackfeather Dragon's wings. One by one, the white feathers absorbed the essence of this separate dimension, turning bright scarlet. A tremendous quake followed, and as everyone braked in panic, skidding to a halt, the world began collapsing around them. Blinded by bright light, it took them a few moments to orient themselves, and when they did - "We... have not even moved an inch?" Takechi said in disbelief. Inside the Arc Cradle, they were in exactly the same spot that they had began their race from. Kiishiro and the others looked around, equally bewildered. It was true they had run what should have been several times the distance between the two farthest reaches of the Arc Cradle in a straight line - but space was twisted and turned in that bizarre world, and though their final destination was most certainly their demise, in the encasing reality that was the Arc Cradle, it was as if they had not moved at all. Draco Ross had also come to a halt in front of them. All monsters, save for Blackfeather Dragon and Flamvell Helldog on Yenma's and Takechi's side of the field, had vanished. Yenma's turn had ended without him even realizing it - everyone tensed. Was there a chance for reversal yet? One look at their opponent was enough to provide the answer. He was barely standing upright on his D-Wheel. His armor had cracked around his body, at places completely gone, replaced with charred, twisted black skin. His helmet fell off, revealing a face nothing like the one they had seen when he had trapped them in the Zero Zone. Dead eyes stared listlessly at them from a mask of madness. Lips twisted in a frozen, macabre smirk - this was less than a corpse, less than dead. What was left of Ross after his mind was destroyed, after <God Mode> took what was left of his self and reshaped it, after Blackfeather Dragon's strike had demolished the world he had constructed - only an empty nothingness. He mechanically dragged out a card from the top of his deck, his carcass still dragged along by the remnants of <God Mode>. But it fell from his hand, and Yenma and Takechi gasped in shock. "That monster..." Takechi quickly examined the card. "He was planning on using Return to summon [i]that[/i]?" Yenma felt his head numb as he tried to nod. That was what Ross had aimed for with One-Hundred Eye Dragon's effect. Perhaps, something of his pride still remained, refusing to be swallowed up by Ebony's madness. If it had not been so, this duel would have concluded in an entirely different way. "He is nothing now. Finish him off." A calm, commanding voice resounded through the abrupt silence. ZONE was behind them, floating in his mechanical vehicle. He was regarding what was left of Draco Ross, as well as Yenma's Blackfeather Dragon hovering overhead. Yenma bit his lip. To attack now would mean to kill. Even if what was left of their opponent was dead or worse... was that really the right thing to do? He was alone in that sentiment, it seemed. Takechi's and Sugita's faces, who had been exploited and used as pawns, were cold masks. Kiishiro was staring blankly at Ross - he seemed to be seeing something beyond him. Christina seemed to still be in shock, yet Yenma did not miss her hateful glance. She had reason to resent Draco Ross, as well as everyone else involved with Duel International. "I'll do it." Takechi climbed off his D-Wheel. They were doing him no favor, prolonging his existence. Yenma and the others followed Takechi's example, removing their helmets. "I switch Flamvell Helldog to attack mode." Yenma smiled softly - Takechi seemed to have read his mind. He would take it upon himself to deliver the finishing blow, not even using Yenma's monster. But, the time for hesitation was over. Yenma stepped forward, steeling his focus. "No, let's settle it with this." Takechi nodded, understanding. He would not disrespect the enemy he had fought against, even when he was reduced to this, by shying away from the final strike. The final message Draco Ross had conveyed to them had not been repentance or regret. It had been sheer, unyielding resolve, the will that would not waver even when shrouded by madness. Yenma would respect, and carry on that will that he had lacked, that he had now found. And, he did not know why, but... if it was Blackfeather Dragon that struck, a holy creature with powers beyond this world... maybe, in whatever afterlife awaited, the soul of the man who had been known as Draco Ross could be redeemed, even a little bit. "Blackfeather Dragon, direct attack!" Their voices called out in unison. The stream of black and crimson shot out slowly, almost gently, and another person who had had to be killed died. [center][i][b]Abbadon[/b] - LP: 0[/i] [i][b]Vortexflame[/b] - LP: 1000[/i] [i][b]Greyblade[/b] - LP: 3450[/i][/center] [/spoiler] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cakey Posted May 28, 2011 Report Share Posted May 28, 2011 I thought he was adjusting down the DARKs in his graveyard for DAD. And...I don't know, I was expecting moar Scout of the Inverz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bahamut - Envoy of the End Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 Really enjoyed reading that. Glad for the background of Yemna, Takechi and Sugita. However did I miss something revealing Ross' final card, or is it a plot device you don't want to reveal yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexadin Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 Yay, for using Abbadon's name. He's 1 of my fav demons. Erm, that sounded wrong. Also it's quite fitting name for Ross, who uses Inverz. Also I seemed to have missed the identity of Ross' final card aswell, care to elaborate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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