Phantom Factor

Navrin · Sep 1, 2025

Quillion9000 said:
"While that is one impressive dragon, attacking us with it will still leave us with 600 ATK." Elena informed.

I believe Elena means that they'd still have life points.

Well. I certainly find Elena and Nera vastly more respectable than canon!Shark at this time. They warned people away from challenging them rather than emotionally messing with them so they would, for instance, took their opponent seriously even if they underestimated him... They also had an arguably fair duel rather than one that truly rewarded them for outnumbering their opposition as is the norm for Arc-V. Also, it seems like they're Barians, so that's interesting.

Though, really, Yuto. Going to pick a fight with almost no information, no allies, or even anyone who knows where you've gone? That's reckless even by the standards of Yuma. I'm going to guess that his dragons were feeding him information subconsciously since he seemed to make some wild leaps of logic there about Numbers being involved. Still, fairly good dueling from the three of them.

Quillion9000 · Sep 1, 2025

Navrin said:
I believe Elena means that they'd still have life points.

Well. I certainly find Elena and Nera vastly more respectable than canon!Shark at this time. They warned people away from challenging them rather than emotionally messing with them so they would, for instance, took their opponent seriously even if they underestimated him... They also had an arguably fair duel rather than one that truly rewarded them for outnumbering their opposition as is the norm for Arc-V. Also, it seems like they're Barians, so that's interesting.

Though, really, Yuto. Going to pick a fight with almost no information, no allies, or even anyone who knows where you've gone? That's reckless even by the standards of Yuma. I'm going to guess that his dragons were feeding him information subconsciously since he seemed to make some wild leaps of logic there about Numbers being involved. Still, fairly good dueling from the three of them.

Fixed.

Something to think on. In theory, all Over 100 Numbers should feel roughly the same. There are certainly more powerful ones with likely a somewhat stronger aura, though in a general sense their feel should be somewhat the same. What was said only referenced Nera with her Over 100 monsters, nothing said about Kyoji or Elena.

As for Yuto's thought process here, Numbers in relation to this underground duel arena were actually brought up by the twins. Until that point, Yuto just assumed this was an arena which forced people to ante up their decks. He had a desire to stop that, and this version of him is looking for a challenge as a duelist. Granted, it is reckless. That said, his only real contact he's on good terms with would be Shark.

Given up until the point it was mentioned, Yuto didn't know Numbers were involved which are the main thing their current deal is based around. His only other potential allies would be Yuma and Tori. Things during duel period soured that potential ally in Yuma for the time being while comparatively Tori is the person he's spent the least amount of time with among these three.

Navrin · Sep 1, 2025

Quillion9000 said:
As for Yuto's thought process here, Numbers in relation to this underground duel arena were actually brought up by the twins. Until that point, Yuto just assumed this was an arena which forced people to ante up their decks. He had a desire to stop that, and this version of him is looking for a challenge as a duelist. Granted, it is reckless. That said, his only real contact he's on good terms with would be Shark.

Given up until the point it was mentioned, Yuto didn't know Numbers were involved which are the main thing their current deal is based around. His only other potential allies would be Yuma and Tori. Things during duel period soured that potential ally in Yuma for the time being while comparatively Tori is the person he's spent the least amount of time with among these three.

Ah, so they were the ones to bring it up first. I think I misread a line somewhere. Thank you.

And yeah, it makes sense that he doesn't have anyone he feels comfortable asking for help. Given his complete lack of backup he could have reasonably chosen to not charge in. Even if he wanted it addressed he could have asked more people questions, tried to find allies, etc. before going in. And maybe talked with the people there before challenging them to a duel. Luckily the operation was far, far more benign than it could have been and he was able to win. If he was up against, say, Academia he'd have probably gotten himself killed or kidnapped acting like that.

Quillion9000 · Sep 5, 2025

Heartland Academy
"Oh, Yuma…" Tori sighed as she walked onto academy grounds.

Her expression was saddened. After yelling at the onomat user and leaving him yesterday, everything that's happened recently kept playing through her mind. She didn't understand it. No one who'd been involved on any level seemed to. Still, things were more dangerous now.

If Yuma was meant to be at the center of it by being paired up with this Astral, she knew it wouldn't be in his nature to avoid whatever came his way. While she'd never want Yuma to change who he was as a person, improving his dueling was a necessity.

"TORI!" Yuma cried out.

The fairy user blinked in surprise as she turned to see the very boy on her mind sprinting towards her. As the onomat user stopped across from her, various students glanced at the pair as they walked by or stopped to stare. Her expression morphed into one of frustration.

"What do you want, Yuma?" Tori asked.

Even if the fairy user wanted everything to be good between them, she refused to pretend he was in the right. Standing by him at a time like this might feel good in the moment, but she'd only regret it later if someone were to hurt him.

"Tori…" Yuma didn't fully understand his friend's feelings, he was no mind reader, though he had the general idea. "Even though I didn't know it at the time, I've been lying to myself. I let my pride and ego lead me to believe no one could ever help in achieving my dream.

I conflated standing atop the dueling world with a solo journey, one where no one could possibly know better than me in dueling with my deck. That led to me letting everything build up until I let it all out on the people who never deserved it." He bowed deep. "I'm sorry I snapped at you!"

This was unexpected, though Tori knew the onomat user was genuine in his words. Still, she held off from immediately accepting. As tempting as it was to forgive him, she had to know if he'd take the steps needed to improve.

"Does this mean you're not going to be stubborn when it comes to taking advice?" Tori asked.

"I am willing and plan to speak with Yuto about his offer of help after I apologize to him." Yuma voiced sincerely. "I still want to be at the top of the dueling world, but I realized that will never happen if I'm stuck in my ways."

At that moment, Yuto walked out of the crowd. "If you're serious…" The two first years looked at him in surprise. "…my first piece of advice is that you actually read every card in your deck and extra deck." He walked by them. "Once you know what all your cards do, come find me."

"Yuto!" Yuma called out.

"I heard what you said to Tori, no need to repeat yourself." Yuto waved back without stopping or turning back. "Rather than an apology, let your actions speak for you. Like I said, come find me once you know what your cards do."

Yuma put a determined smile on his face. "Alright, I'll find you once I've done just that!"

Tori smiled at this development as she walked up to the onomat user. "Hey, Yuma, what do you say we get to class since you're actually on time for once?"

Yuma saw her smile, now knowing things were alright between them. "Yeah, let's go!" Suddenly, Astral appeared which drew the onomat user's attention, and he saw the blue being was looking after the phantom knights user. "Astral?"

Tori stopped upon hearing that and looked back, still unable to see him. "Astral's back?"

"Yuto has acquired at least one Number since last I saw him." Astral commented, stunning the onomat user. "He seems perfectly in control, just as you are with the Numbers you have. Even then, I need those Numbers."

"We'll talk with him at duel period." Yuma voiced, reasoning the two of them were back on talking terms. "Right now, Tori and I got to get to class."

"What's happening?" Tori questioned.

"I'll explain in class." Yuma replied.

Academy Roof: Just Before Duel Period…
"Though I follow how you came to such a conclusion, what you decided was uncharacteristically stupid." Shark voiced plainly, having heard what Yuto got up to yesterday coupled with seeing the twin Numbers he acquired. "That's even with things working out in the end."

"Yuma wouldn't have been in the mood to do me any favors yesterday." Yuto defended, knowing why the shark user said that. "I've also only known him and Tori a few days, not like I could have asked them to back me up. That's even excluding what happened between Yuma and me.

As for you, the Numbers didn't come into the equation until I'd pretty much accepted the challenge. Despite that, I had contemplated contacting you. Ultimately, I didn't want you to think I was using you given we've only known each marginally longer than I've known Yuma."

"When you put it that way, it sounds slightly less stupid yet still wasn't smart." Shark crossed his arms. "Still, I get where your head was at. It's because of that I see you need someone who has your back in anything dangerous; otherwise, you're liable to get in over your head."

Yuto recognized going to that warehouse alone was the most dangerous thing he's done. Almost any other oddity he's been involved in presented no danger to him, with Flip going off the deep end being the only other time. Even then, Yuma had stopped him.

"What I'm trying to say is, we'll extend what you asked me to include any dangerous situations that might crop up." Shark continued, uncrossing his arms. "Since we're adding to something you asked for, something I've agreed to, I don't want to hear any further excuses.

The only times it would be acceptable for you not to call is if the danger popped up suddenly or I'm indisposed. What I'm saying is, it'd do to have someone who at minimum knows you're in a potentially dangerous situation. Are we clear?"

"Yeah, I hear you." Yuto nodded. "Thanks, Shark."

Dueling Period
Yuto managed to get in a couple of duels before taking a seat on a bench. There he was approached by Yuma and Tori, with Astral appearing as well.

"Yuma, I get your passion for the game yet highly doubt it led to you learning what your cards do in mere hours." Yuto voiced. "If you've been spending all your time reading them during class, don't do that to your education."

"That's not what this is about." Yuma voiced.

"According to Yuma, Astral sensed you had at least one Number this morning." Tori added.

"Not only that." Astral voiced. "I can sense they are not in control of you, the difference stark compared to Frip and Mr. Kay."

"Hold on, Mr. Kay?" Yuto questioned. "Yuma, you dueled our math teacher, and he acted as unhinged as Flip?"

"It sounds like you both have something to tell the other." Tori voiced, having heard from Yuma what happened with Mr. Kay.

Both boys acknowledged she was right before going on to explain what happened to them after school. Either one would tell Tori what Astral had to say on any matter. The only thing Yuto omitted in the moment was that he had Shark backing him up.

"Given recent frictions, I think it's best I keep that close to my chest." Yuto thought. "Still though, to hear of another example like Flip…"

"How is Yuto capable of acquiring Numbers?" Astral muttered. "Furthermore, to think there'd be three others who aren't controlled by them."

"At this point, all I can do is theorize how it's possible I can take Numbers and not have them control me." Yuto shook his head. "I got even less to go off of when it comes to those twins I dueled."

Tori reasoned what Astral had said, given Yuto's response, before posing a question herself. "Why didn't you think to tell Yuma and Astral this yourself?"

"Yeah, that's a good point." Yuma realized.

"Did I really owe such an explanation?" Yuto question. "To my knowledge, Astral was still gone on top of the fact Yuma and I had friction after the events of yesterday's duel period. If I'm not mistaken, it's Astral who needs the Numbers."

Yuto had pretty much decided Astral was alright, even though he still didn't trust this mission the being had been sent on. Given the phantom knights user's ability to fight Numbers, he would feel alright giving what he had to Atral and simply preparing should he need to step in.

"If Astral needs the Numbers, coupled with the want for transparency given recent events, why not let Yuto help." Tori voiced.

"I wouldn't be opposed." Yuto noted, figuring this would keep him in the loop going forward. "Dark Rebellion can destroy them himself, every Number I collect would help in this endeavor, and I have the ability to acquire them from those I defeat."

"They raise a good point." Astral admitted. "Having help would be appreciated. Given what I've heard, Yuto far out paces you as a duelist Yuma."

"That's not cool, Astral!'' Yuma snapped.

Even if he's lost to Yuto, Astral didn't have to go saying that.

"Yuma's outburst withstanding, it seems we are in agreement." Yuto voiced. "From here on out, we'll keep each other updated any time we managed to collect Numbers or something happens in relation to that. In the spirit of transparency, you should know I've been confiding in Shark."

"You've been telling Shark everything!?" Yuma questioned.

"Yuma, you haven't strove for anonymity with Astral around." Yuto reminded. "Most people just write off what you say because they can't see him and conclude you got a screw loose. Even then, you confide in Tori, and you'll likely confide in anyone else you make friends with."

"Fair point…" Yuma relented.

"I would also like to say it should make sense why I would trust him more." Yuto shrugged. "Haven't been here a month, yet that doesn't change the fact I've known Shark longer than you three. He's rough around the edges but alright once you get to know him."

Yuto had overheard how people talked about the shark user prior to his arrival. His pal was a bully, someone who would force people to ante up their decks and seemingly had a worse rep than Flip. The phantom knights user didn't disbelieve it, but that wasn't who Shark was now.

Shark didn't own up to doing it, but people had received their decks back. Anything bad people had to say about him was old news or in relation to the fact they were salty he beat them in a duel. Just as with Yuto, those rumors were being shut down.

"Once you've read through all your cards, you should try challenging Shark." Yuto stood, putting his hands in his pockets as he walked off. "Dueling him will help you understand the shark user better than my words ever could."

"It's kind of strange to think Yuto is friends with Shark." Tori noted. "Even if the two of them are stoic, they just seem different in how they approach it."

"I think I get it." Yuma smiled, as Tori and Astral looked at him. "Remember, I dueled briefly with Yuto. From that, I can tell he's got the heart of a true duelist. Him speaking on Shark's behalf like this, I think it means he's got that same heart."

Heartland Central Park: After School…
Yuto was passing the park on his way home, only to stop upon hearing something of importance.

"Number 74: Master of Blades shall end this with a direct attack! Go, Psionic Blades!"

Yuto turned to see the conclusion of a duel. A duel monster wearing blue middle eastern styled garbs summoned forth blades with psychic energy and hurled them into a young child. He was knocked off his feet and sent skidding along the ground harshly.

"You're far too weak, kid." The kid's opponent voiced, dismissively. "Get lost."

The opponent was a third year male student, wearing the appropriate uniform. His hair was purple while his eyes were brown. The child he defeated ran away with tears falling.

This saw the third year scoff. "I swear, not a single decent challenge to be had."

"Did you ever think that's because you're going around picking on children?" Yuto questioned, as he sent a message to Shark.

"If it isn't our academy's new Number 1, Yuto Pharos." The third year noted before shrugging. "It's not my fault they're unskilled. If they were better duelists, it wouldn't turn out like this."

"As their seniors in this game, we should encourage rather than tear them down." Yuto retorted.

"If this turns the children I've beaten away from the game, they were never meant to be duelists to begin with." The third year retorted.

"This likely means he's been using that Number to beat down on more than just that one kid." Yuto shook his head. "You should step up to someone your own size rather than making yourself feel big by beating down on kids."

"Is that a challenge I hear?" The third year questioned, his tone hopeful for the affirmative. "Do you want to be my next victim?"

"You're overconfident for someone who's been beating down on children." Yuto retorted.

"No, this new card of mine gives me the right level of confidence." The guy voiced. "With it, the one who shall dethrone you is Theo!"

"Let's duel!"

(Yuto 4000/Theo 4000)

"I'll make the first move!" Yuto drew. "I summon The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 3/1000/500)." Light blue energy wearing worn gloves appeared. "Since I control a phantom knights monster, I can summon The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots(LV 3/200/1200)."

Blue energy contained within brown attire appeared. "Since a phantom knights monster was special summoned, I can summon The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves(LV 3/1200/600)." A suit of gray armor containing blue energy appeared.

"I now construct the overlay network with level 3 Ragged Gloves, Silent Boots, and Stained Greaves. Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche(R 3/O 3/2100/500)." A suit of black armor with purple accents appeared.

"Three materials, only for the monster to not even break 2500 ATK?" Theo questioned, unimpressed.

"It's the effect that matters, though the baseline of most monsters I Xyz summon can always be adjusted if they use the right material." Yuto retorted. "Since Ragged Gloves was one such material for this summon, Rusty Bardiche gains 1000 ATK upon his summon."

The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche(R 3/O 3/3100/500 effect)

"As for his effect, I can detach one material to do one of two things." Yuto continued. "The only viable one now is to send any one phantom knights card from my deck to the grave."

The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche(R 3/O 2/3100/500 effect).

"I'll finish out my turn by setting three cards." Yuto declared.

"My turn!" Theo drew. "Since I control no monsters, I can special summon Beast of Talwar - The Sword Summit(LV 7/2400/2150)." A green winged monster wearing blue armor appeared. "Next, I'll normal summon Fusilier Dragon, the Dual-Mode Beast(LV 7/1400/1000 effect)."

A red and white machine dragon on treads appeared. "Since I've normal summoned him without tribute, his ATK/DEF is halved. That hardly matters as I construct the overlay network with my two level 7 monsters."

"The ease with which he got out two Level 7 monsters for presumedly his Number…Can't really recall hearing about this guy around school, meaning he must have changed his deck to facilitate the Number born from his desires." Yuto reasoned

Theo began to laugh as a blue Number 74 appeared on his right cheek and glowed. "I Xyz Summon Number 74: Master of Blades(R 7/O 2/2700/2300)." The male figure wearing blue middle eastern styled garbs appeared.

"I'll be shutting your Number down for the time being with my first face-down, Phantom Knights' Fog Blade." Yuto interjected. "By targeting Number 74, I can no longer attack it while it can no longer attack, and its effects shall be negated."

"That trap of yours is worthless in the face of Number 74." Theo retorted. "Due to you targeting him with an effect, I can detach one material to negate it and destroy the card behind that effect. Then, I can destroy one card more. I select Rusty Bardiche. Go, Psionic Double!"

Number 74: Master of Blades(R 7/O 1/2700/2300) summoned forth two of its blades with his psychic energy before sending them thrusting through Fog Blade and Rusty Bardiche.

"With your field clear of monsters, I'll attack with Psionic Blades!" Theo declared.

Master of Blades then summoned forth more blades, sending them at the phantom knights user.

"You destroyed Rusty Bardiche, but that was after I used his effect to put The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil(LV 4/0/300) in my grave." Yuto declared. "This trap can special summon itself as a monster, since you've declared a direct attack, in face-up defense position."

A knight comprised of blue energy appeared atop a black steed, steeling itself as the blades pierced through and destroyed him. "The only caveat to this is that Shadow Veil is now banished due to having left the field."

"Alright, I set two cards to end my turn." Theo declared.

"My move!" Yuto drew. "I'll banish Phantom Knight's Fog Blade from my grave to revive The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves(LV 3/1200/600), but it'll be banished upon leaving the field. I'll then activate The Phantom Knights of Tomb Shield(LV 3/0/0) to special summon it."

A black shield radiating blue energy appeared. "I now use my level 3 Stained Greaves and Tomb Shield to construct the overlay network once more. Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Break Sword (R 3/O 2/2000/1000)." A black suit of armor atop a black steed appeared.

"I now detach 1 material from The Phantom Knights of Break Sword (R 3/O 1/2000/1000) to target 1 card you control and 1 card I control, both will be destroyed. I choose your face down on the left and my remaining face down."

"I'll chain the activation of my face down on the right, Xyz Block." Theo countered. "Since you've activated a monster effect, I can now detach Master of Blade's remaining overlay unit to negate your Break Sword and destroy him."

Number 74: Master of Blades(R 7/O 0/2700/2300)

"I'll utilize the effect of the Tomb Shield I detached from Break Sword." Yuto countered. "By banishing this trap, I can negate the effects of one face-up trap you control."

Since Xyz Block wouldn't be sticking around, it sparked red before shattering. Yuto's face-down Copy Knight and Theo's face-down Xyz Reborn were revealed before being shattered.

"Time to finish my board." Yuto declared. "First, I'll banish The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots from my grave to add any one phantom knights spell or trap I want from my deck to my hand." As the card slotted out, he snagged it. "Now, I set one trap before activating it."

"You can't activate a trap after you've just set it!" Theo declared.

"You'll find I can activate The Phantom Knights of Shade Brigandine(LV 4/0/300) the turn I set it if no other traps are in my grave. Given I've banished what was there, I special summon this trap as a monster in defense position." A chest piece containing blue energy appeared.

"Throughout this turn, I haven't once normal summoned, so I'll correct that now. Come forth, The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor(LV 4/1000/2000)." Purple armor containing blue energy appeared. Now, I construct the overlay network with my two level monsters.

Cloaked in shadows and relentless in its objective, I call upon the most dangerous of dragons. Xyz summon Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R 4/O 2/2500/2000)." A purple and black dragon appeared. "I now detach one overlay unit to cut the ATK of your Master of Blades in half."

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R 4/O 1/2500/2000) fired off purple lightning, which restricted Theo's monster. "Don't worry since that lost ATK goes to my dragon."

"I don't think so." Theo retorted. "Since this is still your Main Phase, I discard Effect Veiler to target your Dark Rebellion and negate its effects until the End Phase."

"He couldn't have been clued in on Dark Rebellion destroying Numbers, but that hardly matters when I'd have enough ATK between my two monsters to end it." Yuto nodded. "I end my turn."

"My draw!" Theo took the top card off his deck, only to laugh at what he got. "I'll take a mulligan through Magic Mallet, shuffling it and the other card in my hand back into my deck. Then, I get to draw two new cards."

Upon taking the top two cards from the top of his deck, he grinned. "These are perfect. First, I activate Raigeki to destroy all monsters you control." Storm clouds gathered overhead before both of Yuto's monsters were struck by lightning, destroying them.

"None of the monsters I have within my grave share a level, so I can't use Break Swords' effect to special summon two monsters." Yuto noted to himself.

"That's not all." Theo declared. "This last card in my hand is Axe of Despair, which I'll gift to Master of Blades and grant him 1000 extra ATK."

Number 74: Master of Blades(R 7/O 0/3700/2300 effect).

"All that is coming your way." Theo stated. "Go, Psionic Axe!"

The Axe of Despair was coated in Master of Blades' energy before he let it go. The weapon then flew at Yuto, hitting him head on and knocking the phantom knights user clean off his feet (Yuto 300/Theo 4000).

"With that, my turn is over." Theo declared. "At this rate, you might as well give up because everything is against you. I got a monster that can't be destroyed by battle, his ATK is over 3000, and you got roughly a handful of life points left with no field to speak of."

Just then, Shark arrived. "Yuto, stand up."

Yuto rose to one knee and looked back. "Shark?"

"If it isn't the former Number 1." Theo laughed. "You might as well stick around because this won't last much longer. I'd just love to cement my status as the new Number 1 by beating you once I'm done with Yuto."

"You're not currently looking like the guy who managed to beat me." Shark paid the third year no mind as he looked at Yuto. "Don't let some nobody wash you like this. All that'll do is embarrass the both of us."

"Can't go having that, can I?" Yuto gave a small smile as he stood and turned to his opponent. "You have a great deal of advantage on your side, Theo; however, my deck isn't done." He drew. "I'm about to prove it."

"By all means, try to overcome my Number." Theo laughed, unwilling to believe he could do a thing to beat him now.

"First, I'll banish The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves from my grave to send any Phantom Knights card I want from my deck to the grave." Yuto declared. "The card I sent was my The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak, which I'll banish to use his effect.

I can now take any Phantom Knights card I want, except another Ancient Cloak, and add it to my hand." As the card slotted out, he took it to bring his current hand up to 2. "Now I banish The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor and discard one card to draw once more.

Since you control a monster while I control none, I can special summon The Phantom Knights of Night Crown(LV 4/500/1500)." A suit of armor containing blue energy and wearing a crown appeared.

"I then summon a second The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 3/1000/500). I'll now utilize Night Crown's second effect, declaring a level of two and making my two Phantom Knights on the field that level."

The Phantom Knights of Night Crown(LV 2/500/1500 effect)
The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 2/1000/500 effect)

"With my Level 2 Night Crown and Ragged Gloves, I construct the overlay network. Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin (R 2/O 2/1600/0)." A skeletal warrior with a javelin appeared. "Since Ragged Gloves was used, this dark attributed Xyz gains 1000 ATK."

The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin (R 2/O 2/2600/0 effect)

"All that banishment, drawing, and expending of your hand to bring out a monster 1100 ATK shy of my Number." Theo laughed. "Even if Master of Blades had 0 ATK, you couldn't end this duel with that sorry excuse of an Xyz monster."

"Cursed Javelin is why I'll win this, though first I banish the Phantom Knights' Wing I discarded earlier this turn. Like Fog Blade, I can now revive any The Phantom Knights monster I want from grave with the understanding it'll be banished if it leaves the field.

With all the ones I've banished prior, I really only have two options; however, either are more than enough. For this duel, I 'll select my The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche(R 3/O 0/2100/500)."

"I still fail to see how you could hope to overcome my Master of Blades, let alone have any hope of victory." Theo retorted.

Shark crossed his arms. "That's because you're one of the students who care more about Yuto's flashy monsters, to the point you've ignored what his seemingly less flashy ones can do."

"Allow me to educate you with the final piece of this turn's puzzle." Yuto declared. "By detaching one overlay unit from The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin(R 2/O 1/2600/0). I target your Master of Blades to negate its effects and zero out its ATK until the end of this turn."

Number 74: Master of Blades(R 7/O 0/0/2300 effect)

Theo was finally shocked. "It's over for me..."

"It is." Yuto declared. "Cursed Javelin, destroy Number 74. Then, end this duel with a direct attack Rusty Bardiche."

Javelin threw its namesake at Number 74, piercing him and seeing the residual damage sending Theo skidding back (Yuto 300/Theo 1400). Rusty Bardiche then surged forward, swinging his weapon into the opposing duelist's gut and knocking him off his feet (Yuto 300/Theo 0).

As Theo lay there, Number 74 left him and entered Yuto's pendant, seeing Shark nod. "After seeing that, guess I got no room left to doubt him." He approached the phantom knights user. "Come on, I'll give you a ride home."

"I'd appreciate it." Yuto returned, following the shark user.

Both knew they didn't have to comment on what Shark had done for the phantom knights user. The two of them merely walked off together, leaving Theo behind.

I've turned the link monster, Rusty Bardiche, into an Xyz monster.

The Phantom Knights of Rusty Bardiche/Dark/Rank 3/Warrior/Xyz/ATK 2100/DEF 500

3 Level 3 monsters

You can detach 1 material from this card to activate one of the following effects:

Send 1 "The Phantom Knights" card from your Deck to the GY.
Target 1 card on the field and destroy it.

Numbers: 6/100

Yuma: 24, 34, 39

Yuto: 13, 31, 74

Navrin · Sep 7, 2025

Quillion9000 said:
"Yuma, you haven't strove for anonymity with Astral around." Yuto reminded. "Most people just write off what you say because they can't see him and conclude you got a screw lose.

Almost certain you want "loose" instead of "lose" here. (Loose is the opposite of tight, lose is the opposite of win)

Quillion9000 said:
"I then summon a second The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 3/1000/500). "I'll now utilize Night Crown's second effect, declaring a level of two and making my two Phantom Knights on the field that level."

You have three quotation marks here. You probably want to remove the middle one, or add in a fourth somewhere.

Quillion9000 said:
"Since Ragged Gloves was used, this dark attributed Xyz gains 1000ATK."

Do you want a space between 1000 and ATK?

Nice to see that they're patching up their relationships and growing closer.

I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of the time the people being ridden by part of Astral receive little in the way of answers and even less psychological support given Japan, which is rather unfortunate.

Quillion9000 · Sep 7, 2025

Navrin said:
Nice to see that they're patching up their relationships and growing closer.

I'm guessing the overwhelming majority of the time the people being ridden by part of Astral receive little in the way of answers and even less psychological support given Japan, which is rather unfortunate.

Fixed.

Yeah, things are on an upswing relation wise. As for the Astral thing...While I have changed things within this story, what I haven't changed is what generally seems to be the reaction of background characters/the duelist of the week. Most of the time, they seem to assume Yuma is a bit screwy given they just cannot see Astral. I could have changed that, though I think a psychological fanfiction is another writer's choice to make as I'm here for the card games.

Navrin · Sep 7, 2025

Quillion9000 said:
As for the Astral thing...While I have changed things within this story, what I haven't changed is what generally seems to be the reaction of background characters/the duelist of the week. Most of the time, they seem to assume Yuma is a bit screwy given they just cannot see Astral. I could have changed that, though I think a psychological fanfiction is another writer's choice to make as I'm here for the card games.

I actually meant themselves being influenced by their own Number cards. I am guessing most of them have very little context for what happened to them, nor much assistance helping them deal with things. Especially since they've probably hurt their relationships with others in the process.

Quillion9000 · Sep 7, 2025

Navrin said:
I actually meant themselves being influenced by their own Number cards. I am guessing most of them have very little context for what happened to them, nor much assistance helping them deal with things. Especially since they've probably hurt their relationships with others in the process.

Ah, yes. Honestly, it is a bit touch and go on who remembers what. There are instances where the people who were controlled by the Number have no idea what they were doing under its influence. Then, there are a few times where people seem aware of what was happening, though don't quite remember the Number itself in the equation.

Navrin · Sep 7, 2025

Quillion9000 said:
Ah, yes. Honestly, it is a bit touch and go on who remembers what. There are instances where the people who were controlled by the Number have no idea what they were doing under its influence. Then, there are a few times where people seem aware of what was happening, though don't quite remember the Number itself in the equation.

So long as the people around them remember them forgetting is almost certainly not going to help anything. So sucks to be the... 48? people in that unlucky position. (IIUC, 50 were lost back when the Barians were banished in the first place, Astral himself is Utopia, 100 is the Numeron Dragon, leaving 48 people to be possessed at random) Then there are the Over 100s which are completely different, of course.

Quillion9000 · Sep 7, 2025

Navrin said:
So long as the people around them remember them forgetting is almost certainly not going to help anything. So sucks to be the... 48? people in that unlucky position. (IIUC, 50 were lost back when the Barians were banished in the first place, Astral himself is Utopia, 100 is the Numeron Dragon, leaving 48 people to be possessed at random) Then there are the Over 100s which are completely different, of course.

Yeah, though ultimately some should end up fine in the end or were rather solitary to the point not much was noticed canon wise. Mr. Kay got off pretty easy, with the only consequence being the Yuma and his group coming back to him later in helping track down the pendant. Scorch and Chill ran away. Flip was only momentarily possessed by 17 & 39 in the show.

Now, someone like Flip in my story has it a little bit worse given he doesn't get to join the friend group and his crash out was a bit more shown off to his classmates with Number 24. Theo, a one off OC, dueled who knows how many younger children roughly. Beyond them, the potential other stories that might or might now be told of OC Number holders that might crop up.

Quillion9000 · Sep 10, 2025

Tsukumo Residence: Night…
A few days have passed since Yuma patched things up with Tori and Yuto. Currently, the onomat user was doing as the phantom knights user said by reading through the effects contained within his deck. He's done this a few times now, though figured he should make sure he has them down.

As for Astral, the blue being was watching a television program called The Sparrow. He didn't initially understand it, but eventually became engrossed with the show. Galaxy Queen was the villainess who held some side character intruders down with her powers.

Suddenly, the show's main character came charging through the glass ceiling. It was a boy, around Yuma's age, with lime-green eyes and silver hair. He wore a white spandex body suit with matching boots. He also donned a crimson mask, blue cloak, and belt with brown stripes in gold.

"I have journeyed through time and space, all to fight the forces of evil and bring justice to the galaxy." The hero declared. "I am the Sparrow!"

"How were you able to escape?" Galaxy Queen questioned. "Furious Max sealed you away in another dimension!"

The Sparrow smirked. "I escaped."

"Well, things have changed since you were sealed." Galaxy Queen declared. "Furious Max now rules over the entire galaxy."

"His reign is about to come to an end." Sparrow leapt towards her, his right fist extended. "Go, Mega Punch Surprise!" He caught sight of a figure in one of the crystals. "It can't be! Is that who I think it is?"

"Fool!" Galaxy Queen emitted power from her staff, using it to send him crashing to the ground. "Nobody can stop the Dark Emperor's curse. Now, you're my puppet like your precious Puma."

As she laughed, Astral turned towards the onomat user. "Yuma, this Sparrow is from a different dimension, like me."

That got Yuma to look from his cards to the blue being in confusion before remembering he didn't know much about this world. "It's just a show, Astral." He went back to looking at his cards. "None of it is real."

Astral didn't look convinced as he turned back to the TV.

Heartland Academy: After School…
"Man, I thought class would never end." As the bell rang, Yuma rushed out of his last class.

"We must now return to your house immediately." Astral voiced impatiently.

Yuma looked at him weirdly. "What for?"

"I must watch as the Sparrow's destiny continues to unfold." Astral informed, to the dismay of the onomat user. "The Sparrow is from a different realm, so he may have some clues I could use to figure out my past."

"I already told you that show isn't reality." Yuma groaned.

"Hey, Yuma, have you heard?" Tori questioned as she came out of the classroom.

"Heard what?" Yuma questioned.

"The Sparrow is down by the sea port." Tori explained. "They're building a set to shoot some scenes." She blushed and fangirled. "Point is, we must go meet him. Sparrow could save my day any day."

"Yeah, still got to read through my deck again." Yuma tried to walk away.

"You're coming with me." Tori declared, grabbing the onomat user by the back of his collar and dragging him.

Seaside Port
The port had plenty of people already there, with fangirls squealing. Tori joined in almost immediately, seeing Yuma facepalm over his friend's antics while Astral was curiously looking around for any sign of the Sparrow.

"What's the point of coming down here if we're never going to see the Sparrow?" Yuma muttered, grabbing his friend by the back of the shirt and dragging her off.

Yuma may not have wanted to come down here, but now that he was here, the onomat user wanted to at least see the guy from the show.

"Oh, I wish we could get in there to see him to!" Tori exclaimed, still in fan girl mode.

Yuma recognized this was likely why he was getting away with dragging her. He ended up bringing Tori around to the back of the building, only to see the guard stationed there sprinting in the opposite direction. He was in a hurry, likely meaning that crowd out front was getting rowdy.

"Yuma." Tori gasped. "This is our chance."

Yuma decided to go with it. "Alright, let's make a break for it."

The two of them silently rushed by behind the guard.

The Sparrow Stage
As they walked down the hallway, Yuma was starting to regret agreeing to this since Tori was fangirling more than she ever has. "Maybe I can slip away for a bit…"

Just before he could try, both students heard a familiar voice. "You lowly minions think you can beat me? Think again!"

The pair's eyes widened in surprise.

That's him!" Tori squealed. "It's Sparrow!"

The pair rushed into the room and hid by some costumes before staring out into a throne room set. It was brightly colored with blue crystals for added customization. The Sparrow was there, practicing with his whip.

"Oh, I need to get his autograph." Tori whispered excitedly.

"Dark Emperor, Furious Max!" The Sparow pointed. "Your reign of terror has come to an end!"

"Dark Emperor, Furious Max." Astral muttered. "Could he be who I was sent here to battle?" He then noticed something behind the onomat user. "Yuma, look out! One of the lowly minions is about to grab you!"

"You mean this?" Yuma gestured to the costume. "This is just a costume."

"Costume?" Astral had no clue what that was.

"If we're going to be partners, I clearly need to put more work in on that lack of knowledge about our world." Yuma noted, a touch exasperated as he moved the costume slightly.

He ended up moving the costume into a button, seeing it lift off the ground by a hook. In the moment, with his arms around it, Yuma ended up holding on at the sudden movement. This saw him clinging on as he was taken for a ride.

"Yuma, no!" Tori called out in worry.

Sparrow heard her and turned to see what the commotion was about.

"What's this?" Astral floated up to the onomat user. "How could you not tell me about your ability to fly?"

Yuma was far too concerned with his current predicament to correct him. "Get me off this thing!"

The onomat user was trying to hang on, but the costume started swinging which caused his deck to fall out of its holder. All of his cards landed on the floor near Sparrow, who was amazed to see them. Yuma ended up riding the costume towards a wall, crashing into and breaking it.

The commotion was enough to bring in a guard, who proceeded to reprimanded the two students. "You kids are trespassing on a closed set! We're now going to the security room where we'll be contacting your parents!"

The guard then began to escort the pair out, only for the Sparrow to suddenly land behind Yuma. "Not you. You're coming with me."

The Sparrow grabbed Yuma by the shoulder and used his whip to take them away.

The Sparrow's Dressing Room
Yuma and Astral found themselves in a dressing room surrounded by flowers and posters of the Sparrow.

Said guy's voice caught their attention as he held out Yuma's deck. "I believe this is yours."

"Nah, mine is here in this bag." Yuma checked, only to not feel his deck container within. "On second thought, those are mine." He accepted the container. "Guess I dropped it back when I was flying around."

"The heart and soul of a duelist, only for you to drop it." Astral voiced, disappointed. "Unbelievable."

Yuma ignored him. "Thanks, Sparrow!"

"No need to thank me." Sparrow replied, genuinely. "Though, I do have a request."

"What is it?" Yuma asked.

"I would love to challenge you to a lavish duel." Sparrow replied.

"You're a duelist?" Yuma asked, pleasantly surprised.

"When I'm not saving the universe, dueling is my passion." The Sparrow declared.

"Alright, I accept your challenge!" Yuma declared.

"You mean it?" The Sparrow sounded like an excited kid before he coughed and corrected his voice. "I mean, are you sure you want to do this?"

"Of course." Yuma pointed his thumb at himself. "By the way, I'm Yuma Tsukumo."

"We have more important matters to address." Astral voiced. "Find out what he may know of me."

"How many times do I have to tell you that show is fake?" Yuma whispered, frustrated.

In that moment, in front of the Sparrow, a tiny spider crawled down its web. "AAAAAAAAA!" He rushed to a corner of the room where he coward. "Please, get rid of that for me!"

"Come on, don't tell me you're afraid of a spider as small as this one." Yuma voiced.

"I have a case of arachnophobia." The Sparrow stated. "Just get rid of it for me."

Yuma grabbed the spider and threw it out the window. "It's gone now."

The Sparrow looked around to confirm whether or not the spider was gone.

He couldn't see it, making him sigh in relief. "Thanks for helping me out."

Yuma noticed him blushing and looking at the floor. "I wouldn't worry about it because even heroes are allowed to be afraid of something."

"I'm only a hero on TV." The Sparrow took off his mask with a sorrowful smile. "I'm actually just some middle school kid who likes video games, pizza, and dueling. The Sparrow is the intergalactic freedom fighter while I can't even talk to girls without getting nervous.

It's all about keeping the fans interested 24/7, so I have to keep up the act at all times. I mean, let's be honest. I doubt there's anyone who would want to know the real me when they could get to know the Sparrow instead."

"That's a real bummer since I think there are plenty of people who would like to know the real you." Yuma voiced confidently.

"You think so?" The Sparrow approached and shook his hand genuinely. "Thank you! No one has ever said that to me. Okay, wait, hang on. I should properly introduce myself. My name is Nelson Andrews, it's nice to meet you."

Astral was befuddled by this. "What is a Nelson?"

"That wasn't too hard, right?" Yuma smiled. "Now, what do you say to a duel to get to know each other better?"

Nelson was ecstatic and nodded.

Just then, the door to the dressing room swung open. "There you are!" Yuma, Astral, and Nelson turned to see a purple-haired woman wearing a blue dress standing in front of the open door with a frown. "I demand to know who this boy next to you is, Nelson!"

"Mom!" Nelson knew this was bad as his mother didn't like strangers snooping around.

Yuma's eyes widened in surprise since he could practically see no resemblance between these two. "That lady is your mom?"

While Nelson's mother was glaring at the boys, Astral saw her and the image of Galaxy Queen overlapping. "She's the Galaxy Queen."

"You know you're not to speak to anyone except authorized personnel." Nelson's mother swept the few strands of her hair covering her eyes.

"I know Mom, but I..." Nelson tried.

"But nothing." She cut him off. "The illusion of the Sparrow would be tarnished if people found out what kind of a kid you really are." Nelson widened his eyes before he stared at the floor in sadness. "It's not just about you.

Many people are depending on you being the Sparrow. I've worked so hard for us to get this far ever since we suffered the loss of your father. You're part of something bigger than yourself, Nelson. This is a sacrifice you must make for me, yourself, and the rest!"

"Why would you say something that?" Yuma questioned. "Nelson's life is his own!"

Nelson's mother was irked by his feeble attempt to reason with her. "I'm afraid I must ask you to leave, and if you tell anyone you met Nelson, I will make sure you never duel in this town again." She pushed Yuma out. "Get lost and never come back!"

"Forgive me, Yuma!" Nelson ran up to the door. "I didn't mean for things to turn out this way."

"Don't worry, Nelson!" Yuma declared, determined. "You and I are going to have a duel someday. Before that, you got to stop letting other people tell you who to be."

"I can't." Nelson shook his head as he looked away. "Nelson Andrews doesn't matter, only the Sparrow does."

His words made Yuma frown while Nelson's mother closed the door.

Heartland: Evening…
Yuma had walked out of the movie studio in frustration before punching a lamp-post. He hoped it would help him calm down because he wanted to stop replaying the words Nelson had said.

"Nelson Andrews doesn't matter, only the Sparrow does."

"I can understand what losing someone can do to you, but that's all the reason why those you have left should matter more." Yuma stated, frustrated.

Even knowing what missing someone could do to you, Yuma couldn't excuse what that woman was doing. She was no mother, not even close. Memories of the good times he had with his mother started flooding in his mind, making him smile.

Astral couldn't quite fathom what this was all about, though he could at least tell Yuma was in slightly better spirits. "Yuma, why was the Sparrow referring to himself as Nelson?"

"I'm going to try explaining this one more time." Yuma sighed. "The Sparrow is just a role Nelson plays in a fictional show. The space hero isn't real while Nelson is the real deal. It's as simple as that."

"So then, he does not know anything about me." Astral stated, disappointment in his voice.

"Sorry, you were constantly hitting up against a dead end." Yuma confirmed. "Still, it's not the end of the world. Yuto and I are on the case to collect these Numbers. I'm sure you'll remember who you are sooner than you think."

At that, Astral stared off into the distance with Yuma joining him. A long silence stretched between them.

…

"Yuma, would it be possible to help him?"

"Huh?" Yuma questioned, surprised since he never expected to hear this.

"He may not be the Sparrow or know anything about me; however, I can relate to him." Astral stated.

"Really?" Yuma inquired.

"Nelson feels he does not know who he is, yet is pressured to do what is expected of him." Astral replied. "I too have no idea who I really am, yet I am under a great deal of pressure to collect the Numbers. That is why I was wondering if we could help him."

"Honestly, I don't know if we can." Yuma sighed.

"Is there truly nothing we can do?" Astral asked.

"Perhaps we've helped him already." Yuma tried his best to sound optimistic. "We're likely the first ones to see the real Nelson in a long time. Maybe he'll feel more confident in showing the world who he is now that he knows he's got at least one real friend."

Andrews Residence: Night…
Nelson was out on a balcony, starring sorrowfully at the stars above. Currently, he was dressed casually in white trousers, brown shoes, and a grey long-sleeve shirt. Stargazing was something he always loved and would usually be out here for longer doing.

Given what happened today, he figured it was better to turn in early. Just before he could head back in, Nelson spotted a card on the floor. He picked it up and saw it was blank. Then, his eyes went blank as a soft, feminine voice called out to him.

"Nelson, I see what you desire." The blank card manifested, revealing Galaxy Queen. "After all, I'm your mother who loves you more than anything."

Initially, Nelson wanted to resist the hold this card had on him. Then, he heard the seemingly genuine affection, serving to remind him of simpler times as his eyes watered.

He couldn't fight the card any longer as the tears fell. "Mom…"

Heartland Academy: Next Day…
In their classroom, Yuma and Tori were watching the news from the onomat user's handheld computer. Reports were coming in that the Sparrow was assailing people. The press were questioning Nelson's mother, who denied all the accusations.

"This is awful." Tori voiced. "Someone's out there trying to make Sparrow look bad."

Yuma could only stare at his handheld computer, his grip tightening on the device.

Heartland Streets: Night…
Yuma, Astral, and Tori were roaming around Heartland in search of Sparrow's whereabouts. They didn't have to wait long before a scream could be heard ahead. The group ran up some stairs where they found a man tied to a lamp post.

"What happened here?" Tori asked, as she moved to help him.

"Some oddball wearing a cape came out of nowhere and assaulted me!" The man answered.

Astral managed to spot Nelson from the corner of his eye. "Yuma, he's over there!"

Yuma looked where the being indicated, just managing to catch sight of the Sparrow's outfit as he turned a corner. The onomat user sprinted after him until they reached a dead end. Before the actor could leap up the nearby wall, Yuma grabbed and turned him around.

"Nelson, I know it's you!" Yuma declared. "Why are you doing this?"

The Sparrow forced Yuma's arm off of him but kept hold of it before flipping the onomat user into the ground. "It's better for both of us if you don't get involved with me, Yuma."

Sparrow then jumped over the wall, leaving the onomat user in utter confusion.

"Yuma!" Tori rushed into the alley, noting her friend's current state and helping him up. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Yuma ignored her questions as he stared at the wall his friend jumped over.

Heartland Academy: Next Day, Evening…
As the sun set, Yuma and Astral were on top of the roof of the school's main building.

"Nelson is acting like Flip or Mr. Kay when it came to their innermost desires." Yuma noted, having recognized a pattern and unable to believe the guy would act like this without that influence. "He must have come across a Number sometime after I was forced out."

"If that is the case, I think you should keep the promise you made." Astral encouraged, getting Yuma to focus on him. "You pledged to face Nelson in a duel. As a duelist, honor that promise."

"Yeah, you're right." Yuma smirked as he looked to the sky. "Let's bring him back to his senses."

Seaside Port: Night…
An unmasked Nelson, wearing his Sparrow attire, was walking up the stairs in the throne room. He wanted to pick up his mask resting on the throne; however, he didn't expect the lights to be turned on the moment he picked it up.

He turned around to see Yuma. "Nelson, I won't let you lose yourself to your misery."

"Lose myself?" Nelson questioned. "Are you insinuating I don't know who I am, Yuma!? I warned you not to get involved with me any longer than you have. Now go. I have people to save as that's what mother expects from me."

"Your mother is the reason you ended up being this way!" Yuma yelled. "Do I have to knock some sense into you!?"

"Cease your lies or prepare for the consequences!" Nelson called out.

"I'm not going anywhere until we've dueled." Yuma grit his teeth. "Through it, I'll make you realize the truth."

"It appears Furious Max has control of you!" Nelson retorted. "Don't worry for I, the Sparrow, shall break his spell!" He put on his mask and activated his duel pad, prompting Yuma to do the same with his duel pad. "You can never stop a hero from saving others!"

"Let's duel!"

(Yuma 4000/Nelson 4000)

"Right, let's do this." Nelson drew, surrounded by a purple aura as a light-green-colored Number 83 glowed on his right wrist. "I summon Beast-Warrior Puma(LV 4/1600/1000)." A humanoid black panther appeared.

"It would appear his deck is based around characters from the show." Astral noted.

"I end my turn by playing one card face-down." The Sparrow concluded.

"My move!" Yuma drew.

Astral looked through Yuma's hand, quickly figuring it wasn't ideal though they were not without options. "There isn't much we can do with our current hand. You can summon Gogogo Golem but be cautious of his face-down."

"You got it, Astral." Yuma smirked. "I summon Gogogo Golem(LV 4/1800/1500)." A rotund, earthy golem appeared. "I'll have him attack Puma."

"You've walked into my trap!" Nelson declared. "I activate Trion Barrier. Since I have three Triple Star Trions in hand, I can force your Golem into defense. Then, I special summon all three Triple Star Trion(LV 1/100/100)!" Tiny figures wearing blue, green, and red appeared.

"Three cards at once!" Yuma exclaimed before firming his expression. "I set one card."

"My turn!" Nelson drew. "First, I'll release two Trions to summon D.D. Esper Star Sparrow(LV 10/3000/1500)." This new monster resembled him in appearance, though looked more mysterious.

"Great, that thing has 500 less ATK than Dododo Swordsman after he's been flipped, and I don't even have him in hand." Yuma groaned.

"Things only get worse from here." Nelson declared. "I activate my two Triple Star Trion(LV 1/100/100). When they're used for a Tribute summon, I can revive them to my field with their effects negated. Next, I'll play Space Ration to draw twice since I control Esper Star Sparrow."

He drew his top two cards. "With that, I overlay my three Level 1 Star Trions to build the overlay network. I Xyz Summon! Kneel before Number 83: Galaxy Queen(R 1/O 3/500/500)!"A tall woman wearing a deep-blue and violet gown appeared.

"You just summoned…your mom." Yuma voiced in dismay.

Sparrow chose not to respond to that, opting to continue. "Now, I detach one overlay unit from Galaxy Queen."

Number 83: Galaxy Queen(R 1/O 2/500/500)

"All monsters I control can't be destroyed by battle or card effect until my next Standby Phase." Sparrow declared. "Also, they deal piercing damage."

Galaxy Queen shot sparkles into the air which showered down on herself, Puma, and Star Sparrow.

"This isn't good." Yuma muttered.

"Beast-Warrior Puma, attack!" Nelson commanded.

Puma stabbed at the golem (Yuma 3900/Nelson 4000).

"Since Gogogo Golem is in defense position, he doesn't get destroyed by battle the first time!" Yuma informed.

"Then, Esper Star Sparrow shall finish what Puma started." Nelson declared. "I hope you enjoy his Mega Punch Surprise!"

Esper Star Sparrow flew across the field, fist at the ready.

"I'll protect my Golem once more with my face down Battle Rush." Yuma declared. "Not only does this trap prevent his destruction from battle, but you take any damage I would have."

As he landed a devasting punch on Gogogo Golem, the rock monster held his ground as the residual damage blew back at the actor (Yuma 3900/Nelson 2500). Nelson was knocked off his feet, ending up flat on his stomach.

"Er, you'll pay for that." Nelson voiced as he slowly rose. "No matter how you push, the Sparrow will not be beaten. This card I set shall make sure of it."

"Man, I don't think Flip or Mr. Kay were this delusional." Yuma noted, his mind turned to what happened days earlier. "It's because she's what this is all about. That Number wouldn't be messing with him like this were it not for his mom."

That gave him an idea.

Meadow's Residence
Tori's duel gazer was ringing, and upon seeing who it was, she answered it. "Do you have any idea what time it is, Yuma?"

"Tori, you got to listen." Yuma voiced. "You know that scary lady who produces the Sparrow's show, she's the mom of the main actor, Nelson Andrews. I'm currently in the middle of a duel with him at the set, and she needs to see this."

"Okay, Yuma." Tori may not have known what was going on, but she knew the onomat user well enough to agree. "I'll find her and see you soon."

Seaside Port
With Yuma's call having ended, Astral spoke up. "With Nelson's field steadily growing, Golem isn't going to cut it. What you need is Utopia."

"Good thing between my field and hand I can bring him out!" Yuma drew. "I summon Gagaga Magician(LV 4/1500/1000)!" A spellcaster in dark blue robes with maroon shoulder plates and chains wrapped loosely around his body appeared.

"Now, I overlay my level 4 Gagaga Magician and Gogogo Golem to build the overlay network. Xyz Summon Number 39: Utopia(R4/O 2/2500/2000)." A knight in shining armor with metallic angel wings appeared. "I'll attack Number 83. Go, Rising Sun Slash!"

"Not good enough because I play my Wings of Unity trap!" Nelson declared. "Since I control an Esper Star Sparrow, I can put a stop to your attack. It also lets me summon Phoenix Beast Gairuda(LV 6/2500/1200) from my Deck!" A large phoenix appeared.

"Er, that Gairuda looks like trouble." Yuma voiced.

"When Gairuda is Normal or Special Summoned, I get to draw one card!" Sparrow took the top card of his deck.

"Yuma, shore up your defenses before ending your turn." Astral voiced.

"I think I know what to do." Yuma nodded. "Since you control at least three monsters, I can activate the continuous spell Attraffc Control. With this in play, you can't declare an attack."

"Yuma, why must you stand in my way!?" Sparrow yelled in frustration.

"It's because I'm going to bring you back to your senses!" Yuma exclaimed. "To that end, I set one card before turning things over to you."

"It's my turn!" Nelson drew. "Since I have Esper, Gairuda, and Puma on the field, I can special summon another friend. Come on out, Ironhammer the Giant(LV 8/900/3500)!" A massive, towering robot with a bulky, industrial design appeared.

"Yuma!" Tori called out, making him turn to see his friend had arrived with Ms. Andrews. "I brought Ms. Andrews, though she's not exactly happy about it."

"What is going on?" Mrs. Andrews questioned while looking around, only to spot her son. "Nelson, what are you doing here past your bedtime?"

"Are you talking to me?" Nelson questioned, coldly.

Ms. Andrews frowned. "I hardly think that's an appropriate tone to take with your mother."

"I think you may be confused as my mother is here!" Nelson declared, gesturing to the Number.

"Nelson, have you forgotten the promises we made since it was just the two of us?" Ms. Andrews asked, hurt.

"My name isn't Nelson." The actor retorted. "I'm the one and only Sparrow!"

"I'm not playing, Nelson!" Ms. Andrews shouted.

Yuma grit his teeth, starting to think he'd been wrong to waste Tori's time on this. "Just how blind can you be?" Nelson's mother looked at him. "Can't you see your kid has been suffering? He's so lost he actually thinks he's the Sparrow."

"That is preposterous." Ms. Andrews looked away, not wanting to believe her son was harming innocent civilians. "There is no way Nelson would…"

"It's not too late." Yuma voiced. "We can save him, but you need to be the loving mother he expects you to be."

Those words struck a chord with her.

Flashback: 7 years ago…
Nelson was sitting on the window seal of his old bedroom where he cried while holding a picture of his father giving a cheesy grin just outside his big rig.

His mother entered with a sorrowful expression as she saw her son was still in pain. "Nelson."

"Mom, why did the world have to take him away?" Nelson cried.

"Oh, Nelson." She approached her son, wrapping him in her arms and pulling him into the room. "The world can be cruel and unfair; however, you're going to be okay. Just remember, your dad loved you to no end. Often, you were all he'd ever talk about."

"Mom, promise me you won't ever leave." Nelson hugged her. "I don't know what I would do if I lost you."

"For that to happen, you must do as I say from now on." Ms. Andrews reasoned. "It'll keep you safe, always."

"Okay, Mom." Nelson held onto her tighter. "I just wish Dad was still with us."

"I wish the same, Sweetie." Mrs. Andrews let him cry into her stomach. "What matters is we still have each other."

Seaside Port: Present…
"I didn't mean to control him like this." Ms. Andrews stared at the floor sadly. "Oh, Nelson…I've failed where I only wanted to ensure your safety.

Yuma felt sorry for her, but he couldn't worry about that right now. "Listen, I'm going to win and bring him back. Then, it will be up to you on what happens next."

"Let's us continue." Sparrow declared. "I'm activating the spell, Galaxy Queen's Light. It allows me to pick one monster on my field, and all other monsters I control will become the same level. I pick my Level 10, Esper Star Sparrow!"

Beast-Warrior Puma(LV 10/1600/1000)
Phoenix Beast Gairuda(LV 10/2500/1200)
Ironhammer the Giant(LV 10/900/3500)

"Four level 10 monsters!" Tori looked from them to the onomat user. "Yuma, stay on guard!"

"Now, I overlay my level 10 Beast-Warrior Puma, Esper Star Sparrow, and Ironhammer the Giant." Nelson laughed darkly as the three monsters converged within the network. "A colossus of destruction descends from beyond the galaxies.

Engines of annihilation, activate and obliterate all! Xyz summon Super Dimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer(R 10/O 3/5000/2000)!" A massive, mechanical giant that was designed for domination on a galactic scale appeared.

"5000 ATK!" Yuma was shocked. "This is going to get rough."

"If you're shocked by how powerful he looks, just see what his special ability does!" Nelson declared. "By detaching one overlay unit, my Galaxy Destroyer can destroy all spell/traps you control while denying your ability to respond with those very cards. Go, Galaxy Break!"

Super Dimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer(R 10/O 2/5000/2000) unleashed a wide, powerful red beam that annihilated Yuma's continuous spell and face-down, which was Courageous Heart.

"Nelson, that's enough!" Mrs. Andrews called out. "I'm sorry for everything. You don't have to be Sparrow. Let's just go home and get some ice cream."

"Silence!" Nelson yelled. "I must be the Sparrow because people are depending on me!" A dark aura enveloped him. "Now, I'll activate Galaxy Queen's effect. By detaching an overlay unit, my monsters are indestructible and can deal piercing damage.

Number 83: Galaxy Queen(R 1/O 1/500/500) once more shot sparkles into the air which then rained down on herself, Galaxy Destroyer, and Gairuda.

Now Galaxy Destroyer, I command you to attack Utopia!" Nelson commanded.

Galaxy Destroyer slowly lumbered towards Utopia while raising his right arm.

"By detaching one overlay unit from Number 39: Utopia(R4/O 1/2500/2000), he can negate your attack!" Yuma countered. "Go, Light Wing Shield!"

"I'll chain Furious Max's Curse." Nelson countered. "Whenever my opponent activates an effect, I can tribute one monster I control to negate every effect of that card until the end of the turn. I obviously tribute my Gairuda."

"Utopia!" Yuma shouted.

Utopia's wings retracted as he was afflicted by a purple aura before being obliterated (Yuma 1400/Nelson 2500). The onomat user was knocked off his feet, landing flat on his back.

"Now, Galaxy Queen shall attack you directly." Nelson declared.

Galaxy Queen pointed her staff at Yuma and fired energy, sending him skidding (Yuma 900/Nelson 2500). With his life points this low, Astral was starting to fade in and out.

"This is not good." Yuma noted, slowly rising to his feet.

"Agreed." Astral stated. "Come your next turn we must aim for victory, or I fear this is the end."

"As I now head into the End Phase, I'll activate the graveyard effect of Furious Max's Curse." Nelson declared. "By banishing it, I switch the battle position of any one monster I control, and I select my Galaxy Queen."

Number 83's attire changed to white as she knelt.

"Alright, it's all or nothing now!" Yuma drew. "This is it! First, I'll activate Monster Reborn to return Number 39: Utopia(R4/O 0/2500/2000) to my field. Then, I'll summon Ganbara Knight(LV 4/0/1800)." A red and yellow armored warrior wielding two shields appeared.

"Neither of those monsters can get over Galaxy Destroyer!" Nelson declared.

"Not as they are, but that's where this last card comes in." Yuma declared. "I activate the spell Mini-Guts. By tributing a monster I control, such as Ganbara Knight, I can target your Galaxy Destroyer and zero out his ATK until the End Phase."

Ganbara Knight turned transparent as he flew through Super Dimensional Robot Galaxy Destroyer(R 10/O 2/0/2000 effect).

"No, this cannot be!" Nelson shouted.

"It can!" Yuma and Astral declared as one. "Utopia, destroy Galaxy Destroyer with Rising Sun Slash!"

Utopia withdrew his blade, using it to cut the massive monster down the middle. While it weathered the attack due to Galaxy Queen, Nelson still took the damage (Yuma 900/Nelson 0). He was sent flying, his mask falling off before he crashed to the ground.

"Nelson!" Mrs. Andrews called out in concern.

Astral held his right hand out, extracting the Number and regaining a piece of his memory.

Ms. Andrews walked up the stairs and stopped next to her son's defeated form. "Nelson."

She kneeled and caressed his face, rousing the boy who stared at her in confusion. "Mom? I don't know what happened to me."

"Don't worry about that because it's over now." Ms. Andrews enveloped her son in a hug as her eyes watered. "I want you to be you, not the Sparrow."

Yuma couldn't help but think of his mom in that moment before smiling. "Ah, I'm getting all teary eyed!"

"Observation eight: The bond between a human parent and a human child is strong…very strong." Atral looked from Yuma to the mother/son pair. "The memory I've received is of my birth where I was entrusted with the future of my world…wherever and whatever it may be."

Heartland
Following his duel with Nelson, Yuma and Tori were now heading home.

"Man, I can't wait to crawl into my hammock." Yuma voiced, content with the results of tonight.

"Yuma, if you knew the truth of those attacks, why didn't you tell me sooner?" Tori asked.

"I figured finding out the truth would have made you sad." Yuma returned.

"Aww." Tori blushed slightly. "You care about my feelings that much?"

"What? No way!" Yuma exclaimed. "You're just annoying when your sad."

"I'm annoying?" Tori grew angry. "You should try talking to yourself, Yuma. Besides, when have you ever seen me sad?"

"Are you serious?" Yuma questioned, dismayed. "What about that time you tried to give Aston Williams that Valentines card, only for him to turn it down?"

"Ugh, let's just go!" Tori exclaimed, frustrated.

Heartland Academy: Days Later…
Yuma walked into his homeroom feeling rather cheerful. Last night, he saw the latest episode of the Sparrow where he resisted the Galaxy Queen's power and saved her. He quickly found himself stunned as standing next to Mr. Kay was Nelson wearing the first year's uniform.

The former actor smiled brightly at the onomat user. "Hey, Yuma!"

"Guess his mom is putting in the effort to let him be normal." Yuma smiled. "Yo, Nelson!"

I've decided to have Nelson join Heartland Academy and fulfill the 'best friend' role for Yuma given I've tossed out Bronk from that role. While you could say Tori fulfills that role here, I do think every guy needs at least one fellow guy they can connect with. While Caswell might seem like an option, I personally couldn't see him in the 'best friend' role. I also need Yuma to have at least three friends for something I'm planning.

Changed Furious Max's Curse, as this was an equip in the anime.

Furious Max's Curse/Quick-Play

Tribute 1 monster you control; you can then target 1 card your opponent controls and negate their effects until the End Phase. You can banish this card from your GY to change the battle postion of 1 monster you control.

Numbers: 7/100

Yuma: 24, 34, 39, 83

Yuto: 13, 31, 74

Quillion9000 · Sep 29, 2025

Heartland Academy: After School…
"I've been hearing rumors about the docks."

Yuto walked out of the academy with Shark, informing him of what he's overheard recently. The fact that nearly a week after his duel there was something happening back there of note, it was a touch suspicious in his opinion.

"Is it those twins you dueled?" Shark asked.

"They might be involved, given how recently that underground arena shutdown." Yuto replied, the place having gone quiet after his victory. "What I've overheard is some fishermen have been making noise, with two of them reported to have Numbers."

Given Yuto acquired Numbers himself, Shark wouldn't mind seeing how he stacked up. "Right, let's check it out."

Docks
Nearly the moment the pair entered the docks, they were surrounded by fishermen.

"What do you lot want?" Shark questioned.

"We want you two to tell us what you're doing here."

"We're here to have a look around." Yuto answered.

That was technically true, given he decided they should observe and see if they could spot anyone acting like past examples of people possessed by Numbers. If they didn't note anything like that, it'd be time to take a more direct approach.

"So long as we're here, this is our turf. Quite frankly, your reasons mean nothing in the face of that. You can leave your best cards, and we'll let you go. If you decide to make this difficult, we'll beat you both and claim your entire decks."

"No one is laying claim to any of my cards." Shark retorted.

"Same here." Yuto agreed.

"All of you need to stand down!" A gruff, older voice ordered. "These boys are right. You aren't laying claim to their decks or beating them up merely for stepping foot on the docks."

An older, broad shouldered man with gray hair yet bright blue eyes stepped through the crowd. His expression was one which conveyed absolute command. His attire was a captain's uniform with the matching hat.

"Captain, I just wanted…"

"…to claim more cards in the vain hope you'll acquire a Number like me?" The captain asked.

That caught the two second year's attentions.

"Well, I thought…"

"All of you, return to the ship and get cleaning." The captain pointed at the man who instigated this. "You will spend your time at the toilets, which I want spotless, before then recleaning the entire ship. Do something like this again, you're fired. Understood?"

"Yes captain!"

His men then ran to the nearby ship, hustling aboard.

"Sorry about them." The captain had turned to the boys. "I was called in recently to helm this crew, and their prior captain was a real piece of work. Doesn't help they're jealous of a couple of cards my boy and I happened to acquire recently."

"From what you said to them, those would be Numbers?" Shark questioned.

"Yeah, my boy and I happened upon them not long ago." Drake informed.

"Then, I have a proposition." Yuto removed his three Numbers, fanning them out to show the captain. "Shark and I will duel you and your son, each of us putting up two Numbers. I'll also put up my third Number in return for answers to some questions."

"You got a deal." Drake turned to the ship. "Francis, get out here!"

A boy disembarked, looking unmistakably like his father. Though his hair was black, and his attire was that of the other sailors.

"What do you need, Dad?" The boy asked, joining his father.

"We got a tag duel, with our Numbers on the line." The captain informed.

"They both seem in control of themselves." Yuto thought. "What is the thing keeping them from acting like the others who've held Numbers?" He shook his head before looking to the shark user. "You did agree to help me Shark, though I should still ask…"

"Quit saying stupid things." Shark interrupted. "It's beneath you."

Yuto chuckled. "Yes, I suppose it is"

"You two seem ready, so let us begin." Drake declared.

"Let's duel!"

(Yuto & Shark 4000 each/Drake & Francis 4000 each)

"I'll start!" Yuto drew. "I set three cards before calling my turn there."

"Just three set cards?" Francis asked.

"All decks are different, Boy." Drake reminded. "Don't get complacent."

"Of course." Francis returned.

"Now, my move." Drake drew. "I'll activate Water Hazard. Since I control no monsters, I can summon any one level 4 or lower monster from my hand. I choose Granadora(LV 4/1900/700)." An ugly reptile appeared. "Summoning it gives me1000 life points."

(Drake: 5000)

"The caveat is I'd take 2000 life points were this monster destroyed." Drake continued. "I'll circumvent that by sacrificing him to summon Shark Cruiser(LV 5/1800/2200). "A large blue and white shark with mini sharks under its fins appeared. "I'll end my turn with one set card."

"You're in my territory." Shark drew. "I summon Hammer Shark(LV 4/1700/1500)." A blue shark with a hammer head appeared. "I can reduce his level by one to special summon any level 3 or lower water attributed monster from my hand."

Hammer Shark(LV 3/1700/1500)

"I'll select Friller Rabca(LV 3/700/1500)." Shark declared, summoning a long, yellow monster. "Now, I overlay Level 3 Hammer Shark and Friller Rabca. Xyz summon Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O2/1900/1000)." Twin sharks bound by orange metal appeared. "By removing one overlay unit, an opponent takes 400 damage for every card in my hand."

Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O1/1900/1000).

"I have four, so that's 1600 life points coming your way, captain." Shark voiced, seeing the sailor was bombarded by torpedoes (Drake: 3400). "So much for those life points you got last turn, with a little extra taken for good measure. With that, I'll end my turn."

"My turn!" Francis drew. "I summon Lost Blue Breaker(LV 3/1400/0)." A twin headed, crustacean appeared. "I then discard Cartorhyn the Hidden Gem of the Seafront, allowing for the additional normal summon of a water or earth attributed monster.

I choose Atlantean Marksman(LV 3/1400/0)." A bipedal green fishman with a trident appeared. "Now, I construct the overlay network with my level 3 Marksman and Breaker. Xyz summon Number 17: Leviathan Dragon(R 3/O 2/2000/0)." A three winged blue dragon appeared.

"You got your Number out, though only for mere seconds as I activate Compulsory Evacuation Device." Yuto countered, flipping his first trap. "This card lets me target your Leviathan Dragon, returning it to the hand. As that is an extra deck monster, that's where it'll return."

"That device has happened upon rough seas." Drake countered. "I chain Xyz Reflect. Whenever an effect targets a face-up Xyz monster, this trap negates and destroys it. Then, my opponent loses 800 life points. I'll send that Shark's way, damaging him as he damaged me."

Leviathan Dragon glowed blue, only for that aura to be pushed off him and launched into the shark user, who was sent skidding back (Shark: 3200).

"As the one who activated that card in the first place, you can join your friend in the same boat." Francis declared. "I activate the spell Poison of the Old Man. This quick-play could give me 1200 life points, but it can also deal you the same damage Shark just took. That is my decision."

An old man appeared holding two beakers, green and purple. The green one faded away as the purple one remained before it was thrown over Yuto. He was sent skidding back to Shark's side as his life points fell (Yuto 3200).

"I then activate Sea Lord's Amulet." Francis continued. "This continuous spell sticks around until three of your End Phases pass, and protects my water attributed monsters from effect destruction. To end my turn, I'll detach one overlay from my dragon to boost his ATK by 500."

Number 17: Leviathan Dragon(R 3/O 1/2500/0 effect)

(Yuto & Shark 3200 each/Drake 3400 & Francis 4000)

"My move!" Yuto drew. "I'll activate my face-down The Phantom Knights of Tomb Shield(LV 3/0/0), special summoning it to my field." A black shield radiating blue energy appeared. "Since I special summoned a phantom knight, I can follow it up with one more.

To be specific, it's The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves(LV 3/1200/600)." A suit of gray armor containing blue energy appeared. "I now use my level 3 Tomb Shield and Stained Greaves to construct the overlay network.

Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Break Sword (R 3/O 2/2000/1000)." A black suit of armor atop a black steed appeared. "I'll detach 1 material from The Phantom Knights of Break Sword (R 3/O 1/2000/1000) to target and destroy 1 card you control and 1 card I control."

"Just remember, you can't use that effect on my Leviathan Dragon." Francis called out. "I mean, you could, but you'd only end up only destroying one of your own cards."

"I'm well aware, though your field isn't what I'm looking at." Yuto retorted. "I choose to destroy my remaining face down alongside your father's Shark Cruiser."

Break Sword raised his blade as a purple light consumed the selected cards. Yuto's set Emergency Provisions and Drake's Shark Cruiser shattered.

"You'd have been better off attacking." Drake called out. "Since you did destroy Shark Cruiser by card effect, I can special summon any 2 level 4 or lower water attributed monsters I want from my deck, and I'll summon what I have in mind in defense position."

As the cards slotted out, he took and played them. "I choose Atlantean Dragoons(LV 4/1800/0) and Stream, Dragon Ruler of Droplets(LV 4/1600/2000)." Fishmen atop sea steeds and a small, blue dragon appeared.

"So, that's what he was getting at with his last turn." Yuto noted.

"Not much to do now beyond not letting him keep two materials for his next turn." Shark voiced.

Yuto nodded before looking to the captain. "With both those monsters of yours in defense position, my Break Sword's only viable target is that Dragoon of yours." Break Sword lunged forward, slashing through the monster. "That ends my turn."

"Thing about your last turn, all I really needed was one level four monster on field come my next turn." Drake drew. "From there, I can build my board to bring about a devastating denizen of the deep. It all starts with Aspischool(LV 4/300/300)." A school of goofy looking fish appeared.

When I normal summon this monster, I can special summon any level 6 or lower fish type monster from my hand in defense position. I choose Minairuka(LV 4/1500/500)." A small, purple dolphin appeared.

"Three level 4 monsters." Yuto noted.

"It's clear to see where he's going." Shark added.

"Even if you know where I'm going, it's the result that counts." Drake declared. "I build the overlay network with level 4 Stream, Aspischool, and Minairuka. I Xyz summon Number 32: Shark Drake(R 4/O 3/2800/2100)."

A large, red shark with four fins appeared. "He'll destroy Aero Shark with Deep Sea Destruction." Shark Drake blasted Aero Shark, tearing him apart (Shark 2300). "I then activate Shark Drake's ability."

Number 32: Shark Drake(R 4/O 2/2800/2100).

"After it's destroyed a monster by battle, I can detach one material to summon that monster back to your field with 1000 less ATK." Drake stated.

Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 0/900/1000 effect).

"Then, Shark Drake can battle that monster again. Go, Deep Sea Destruction." Drake declared.

Aero Shark was once again blasted, the energy tearing him apart (Shark: 400). Whereas Shark stood his ground after the prior attack, this one launched him off his feet.

Yuto looked back at the shark user, concerned. "Shark!"

"Don't worry about me." Shark slowly rose back to his feet. "Just focus on the duel."

"You managed to get back up, though it really matters what happens after you do." Drake commented. "I end my turn by setting this last card from my hand."

"I'll show you what I'll do!" Shark drew. "I summon Armored Shark(LV 3/500/2000)." A red and gold armored shark appeared. "Through this card, I can send a water attributed Xyz monster from my extra deck to the grave. Then, I can special summon a fish type monster from my grave.

It's level merely needed to equal the rank of whatever monster I send. I'll send the Rank 3 Xyz Armor Torpedo to return my fish type Friller Rabca(LV 3/700/1500) to the field. I now overlay my level 3 Armored Shark and Friller Rabca.

Xyz summon Black Ray Lancer(R 3/O 2/2100/600)." A black sea dweller appeared. "I'll then detach one overlay unit from Black Ray Lancer(R 3/O 1/2100/600). Now, I can shut down all of Leviathan Dragon's effects this turn."

Black Ray Lancer fired purple energy, nailing Number 17: Leviathan Dragon(R 3/O 1/2000/0 effect).

"Shutting down every effect…" Francis looked at his Number. "That means any monster can destroy it by battle now."

"That's just what Black Ray Lancer will do with Shimmering Spear Slash!" Shark declared.

"I'll shield my son's Number with my face-down, Ice Barrier." Drake declared. "Since an attack involves your monster, this trap will zero out its ATK. You also won't be using that beast's effects or changing battle positions so long as it is on the field."

"I'll chain a trap from my grave, Tomb Shield." Yuto countered. "By banishing it, that trap you just played face-up is negated this turn." He looked to the shark user. "I got your back, Shark!"

"You herd him Lancer." Shark smirked. "Destroy that Number!" Lancer thrust his weapon through the opposing extra deck monster, destroying it as the trap Drake activated sparked red and shattered (Francis: 3900). "I'll end my turn with one set card."

"My move!" Francis drew. "I'll start by returning Number 17: Leviathan Dragon(R 3/O 0/2000/0 ) to the field through Monster Reborn. Then, I'll activate Fissure which destroys the monster my opponent controls with the lowest ATK. In this case, it's Break Sword."

A hole opened beneath the monster, sending him plummeting to his demise. "With your field cleared, Leviathan Dragon will bring your life points close to your friend's once more. Attack Yuto directly with Shock Stream Blast!"

The phantom knights user was blasted off his feet (Yuto: 1200), Shark glancing back as his body hit the ground.

"Your failure to beat him this turn means you've already lost." Shark voiced, drawing the pair's attention. "Between the two of us, I'm confident every piece is now in place."

"You're putting a lot of faith in someone with no field to speak of." Francis noted.

"Correction, we're both putting a lot of faith in one another." Yuto voiced, slowly rising to his feet. "After all, I don't know what my pal has planned. Still, doesn't mean I don't believe in what he said."

"Boy, end your turn." Drake crossed his arms. "Let's see what these two can do."

"Alright." Francis nodded. "My turn is over."

(Yuto 1200 & Shark 400/Drake 3400 & Francis 3900)

"I draw!" Yuto took the top card of his deck. "I'll begin by summoning The Phantom Knights of Fragile Armor(LV 4/1000/2000)." Worn, purple armor containing blue energy appeared. "Then, I'll banish The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves from my grave.

It lets me special summon The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak(LV 3/800/1000)." Blue energy cloaked in purple attire appeared. "Stained Greaves then allows me to increase its level by 1." The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak(LV 4/800/1000 effect).

"I use my level 4 Fragile Armor and Ancient Cloak to construct the overlay network. Cloaked in shadows and relentless in its objective, I call upon the most dangerous of dragons. Xyz summon Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R 4/O 2/2500/2000)." A purple and black dragon appeared.

"With the materials you had to work with, it's no wonder you didn't summon a Number." Francis voiced. "This does mean you can't destroy either of ours, nor can you come close to winning with an ATK that low."

"Both of those problems are sorted by my dragon's effects." Yuto informed.

"Before using them, I request my partner activate the spell I set last turn." Shark called out.

Even in a tag duel, no duelist could utilize another's hand. Once a card hit the field, they were fair game with people typically just leaving the activation of cards up to the individual duelist. Still though, activating them was well within your partner's reach.

"I'll activate Shark's face-down spell." Yuto called out.

"It's my Armored Xyz, which lets Yuto target his face-up Dark Rebellion and equip him with any Xyz monster from our graveyard." Shark informed.

"Keeping with the armored theme, let's go with that Xyz you sent for Armored Shark's effect." Yuto declared.

"That's my Xyz Armor Torpedo." Shark informed.

A transparent figure wearing a black body suit underneath red, gold, and white armor appeared. Said armor then left his body and became tangible before forming around Dark Rebellion.

"Armor Torpedo itself grants the equipped monster two effects. As Dark Rebellion is a Xyz monster, neither of you can target it with effects. If he does battle, neither of you can activate cards in response until the end of the damage step.

The spell itself bestows a few more effects. Dark Rebellion shall now have its ATK changed to Torpedo's along with taking on the water attribute. The last effect allows Yuto to send the equipped monster to the grave at the end of the damage step to attack once more.

"Even with all that card offers, your dragon still isn't enough to end this." Drake pointed out.

"That's because my dragon's effects haven't been revealed." Yuto declared. "First, he's able to destroy Numbers by battle. Secondly, I can detach one material to cut the attack of any monster in half and grant that lost attack to my dragon. I'll use this ability on both your Numbers once."

Dark Rebellion fired off purple lightning, which restricted the two water attributed Numbers.

Number 17: Leviathan Dragon(R 3/O 0/1000/0 effect)
Number 32: Shark Drake(R 4/O 2/1400/2100 effect)
Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon(R 4/O 0/4900/2000 effect)

"That's just enough to beat me and one hundred more than is needed to beat Dad." Francis voiced, stunned as he saw the combo they'd put together.

"That's exactly why this is the end." Yuto declared. "Dark Rebellion, start with Number 32. Go, Mauling Armored Charge!"

Dark Rebellion surged forward, the armor he wore sparking with electricity which coalesced within his maw. He bit clean through the opposing monster, the resulting damage knocking Drake off his feet as his life points fell (Drake: 0).

"Dad!" Francis yelled.

"As established, you'll be joining him due to the effect of Armored Xyz." Shark declared. "By Yuto removing the equipped monster, his Dark Rebellion can attack again. Since the equipped monster's ATK was equal to Dark Rebellion's, losing Torpedo won't lessen what comes."

Yuto did exactly as Shark voiced before pointing at Number 17. "Dark Rebellion, finish this by attacking Number 17. Go, Mauling Mandible Charge!"

Dark rebellion lost the armor as he turned on the remaining Number and bit clean through it with his sparking maw. Francis was flung back to his father's side as his life points fell (Francis: 0)

(Yuto 1200 & Shark 400/Drake & Francis 0 each)

With the duel's conclusion, the two water attributed Numbers floated free of their prior users. Only one of them ended up floating towards Yuto as Shark ended up subconsciously extending his right hand, from which shot forth a red colored hand that snatched one of the Numbers.

Yuma looked at Shark, having seen what happened. Rather than the Number appear within the shark user's extra deck, like they did for him and Yuma, the shark user held Number 17: Leviathan Dragon in the palm of his hand. He stared at it, now aware of what he'd done.

"Shark, are you okay?" Yuto asked.

Questioning how Shark did that was second far as the phantom knights user was concerned. His immediate concern was ascertaining whether the Number was now overwhelming him with his desire.

"I'm fine." Shark voiced, looking to the phantom knights user. "I don't feel different, which does go for what happened with that red hand thing." He looked back at the hand holding the Number, confusion etched on his face. "It felt natural, like it's something I could always do."

"The number of people who can use these Numbers without giving into their desires just keeps growing." Yuto contemplated. "Astral is solely connected to Yuma, meaning he only accounts for his usage of Numbers while the rest of us are just unexplained."

At this point, Yuto couldn't ignore the fact he was missing far too many pieces. Without them, he couldn't possibly figure out the mysteries brought on by all these subsequent days since the Numbers appeared.

"A deal is a deal." Just then, Drake approached with his son. "You two won the duel, meaning our Numbers belong to you now alongside answers to any questions you might have."

The two of them were reaching into their extra decks, only for Yuto to speak up. "My friend and I already have them."

The father/son pair realized their Numbers were in fact gone.

"How did you two manage that?" Francis asked, almost certain these two couldn't have approached them in the time they were down.

"We have our ways." Yuto alluded. "What I want to know is how were you two in control of your Numbers? It's not a strange thing, given certain people I've met. Still, there are those who've gone off the deep end, we'll say, upon finding them."

"That does ring a bell." Drake crossed his arms upon hearing that. "It's fuzzy, thought it was a dream actually, but I can confirm my son and I weren't exactly in our right mind upon first finding the Numbers. I was ready to come back to the ship and whip these boys into shape."

"Yeah, I think I remember that." Francis nodded. "You were talking unlike yourself. You can be a taskmaster; however, some of what you were saying sounded inhumane. For whatever reason, I was willing to go along with doing it alongside the crew."

"That's not who we dueled today." Shark pointed out.

"On our way back to the docks, there was this blue light that cleared our minds." Drake replied.

"Did you see anything after this light?" Yuto questioned.

"Now that you mention it, there was this girl around our age." Francis noted. "Her face portrayed a cold demeanor. Her white hair was in a pony tail while her yellow eyes were behind spectacles, and she dressed well."

"Elena." Yuto recognized.

"Are you asking because you think this Elena has something to do with why we weren't affected by the Numbers?" Drake questioned.

"Can't exactly say one way or another." Yuto returned. "The light could just be happenstance with her being in the area. Regardless of the answer, I think this is all I can really get from you two. Come on, Shark. Let's get out of here."

The two second years took their leave, the father/son pair letting them go given they hardly understood what was going on. What this conversation revealed did leave them relieved to be rid of the Numbers. On the students' front, coming down here had provided potential answers.

With various pieces still missing, it was hard to tell what had truly been answered. Not to mention further questions had been raised as well. Even though Yuto didn't understand how Shark was able to hold Numbers, he still reached into his extra deck before pulling out 32.

"Hey, Shark?"

"What is it?"

"Here." Yuto passed the Number to him. "You're deck is water attributed and mostly shark themed. Almost seems like this one was made for you, so you can hang onto Number 32."

"You're giving me the other Number?" Shark asked, stunned.

These Numbers, despite the ways in which a duelist could overcome them, were still rather powerful. Number 32 itself, in his opinion, was even the better Number between it and 17. For Yuto to just give it to him with no hesitation…

"Like I said, it's a card that fits you." Yuto voiced. "You've agreed to have my back, showed you do many times. If you're going to keep helping me with this whole Number business, you might as well have the one that'll likely fit you best out of the one hundred Numbers out there."

Shark looked at the Number before smirking as he slipped it into his extra deck. "Alright, I'll be sure to pay this back once I've acquired a different Number."

"Given your skills, I imagine it won't be long until you make good on that." Yuto returned.

Numbers: 9/100

Yuma: 24, 34, 39, 83

Yuto: 13, 31, 74

Shark: 17, 32

Quillion9000 · Apr 25, 2026

Heartland Hospital: After School…
Shark entered the hospital and walked up to the woman behind the reception desk. Unlike the prior times he's come in, this was someone new.

"Hello there. May I ask, who are you visiting?"

"Rio Kastle." Shark answered simply, signing his my name in the nearby book.

"Ah, you must be Reginald. Yes, looking over the former receptionist's notes, I saw you stopped in often to visit your sister. Rest assured, I'll recognize you from here on out."

She passed him a hospital pass, with Shark merely nodding before taking an elevator up. Upon arriving on his sister's floor, the shark user was greeted by her doctor. She was a woman in her thirty's with long brown hair done in a ponytail and matching eyes.

"Ah, hello Reginald." The doctor greeted. "You're visiting at a good time since Rio's improved recently. We managed to remove more of her bandages, and her hair has grown to its original length. She's still not too talkative and has been resting a lot lately."

Shark smiled slightly "It's still good to hear of any improvements, Doctor Kai."

"You're looking more positive since last you were here." Kai patted his shoulder. "From what little Rio has had to say, whether she's awake now or not, I'm certain she'll notice."

"Whatever." Shark returned, walking by her. "I guess I am reclaiming a little of who I was before everything went wrong…"

Flashback
"Weeks of watching duelists crush each other's dreams have led to this!"

"That's right Ron. The National Duel Finals are here, and the excitement…"

"I'm just one step more from making good on my promise." The words of those announcers faded as Shark became lost in thought. "If I win here, I'll have won like Rio wanted and can afford better care."

The door out of the waiting room opened, catching the shark user's attention. He was just able to see his opponent leaving before the door closed. This was followed by the sound of cards falling, drawing his attention next door where a deck had scattered on the neighboring table.

"Quatro's deck!" Shark was wide-eyed before he stood and walked over to the potted bush separating their areas.

Not too long after, their duel had commenced. Quatro had spiky maroon and yellow hair with red eyes. He had a purple duel gazer tattoo while his D-Pad has the appearance of a red blade on a gauntlet which separated into three sections.

(Shark 1700/Quatro 1500)

Quatro's Field
2 cards in hand

Shark's Field
2 cards in hand
Big Jaws(LV 3/1800/300)

The crowd was cheering Shark's name after he managed to destroy the only monster Quatro managed to get out with his set card.

"I got this." Shark muttered to himself. "Just one more turn."

"I place one card face-down and end my turn." Quatro declared.

"A face-down." Shark thought. "This late into the duel, it's got to be that card I saw. Mirror Force!" He looked at his hand. "I got Mystical Space typhoon in hand, meaning this duel is mine!" He prepared to draw. "My turn!"

Suddenly, an alarm blared as misconduct signs popped up across the duel field.

"Whoa, hold on ladies and gentlemen because Reginald Kastle has been disqualified! Security caught sight of the champion hopeful looking at his opponent's deck minutes before this duel!"

Heartland Hospital: Present…
"I was disqualified from that duel before then being banned from the duel circuits." Shark arrived at the door to his sister's room, catching his reflection in the glass section of it. "Things only spiraled from there."

Shark recognized his life had seen an upswing recently. While he couldn't reenter the duel circuit, the shark user had found someone who challenged him like those opponents had. It was with this in mind he finally opened the door.

Upon entering the room, Shark couldn't help but smile slightly. Rio was still laid out in the bed wearing the hospital gown but only her eyes were covered as opposed to most of her body. Her dark blue hair with light blue bangs were back as well.

Shark pulled up a chair, having a seat. "Hey Rio." He took his sister's hand into his own. "I've heard you've been improving lately, but not a day goes by that I haven't wished you weren't in here to begin with."

"Reginald…" Shark's head snapped up upon hearing his sister's voice, weak as it was, followed by feeling her grasp his hand. "…stay."

"Rio…" Shark grasped her one hand with both of his. "I won't go anywhere today, promise."

Unlike when gave his word to her in the past concerning nationals, this time he would not let her down. Shark eventually tracked down Doctor Kai, telling her he was staying the night. He was given blankets, which the shark user utilized while sleeping in the chair.

Early Morning…
Shark awoke when the sun was barely rising, seeing him rub his eyes. His gaze then turned to Rio, who was sleeping peacefully. The shark user proceeded to get up quietly, folding his blanket and setting it in the chair.

"I'll be back after school today, Rio." Shark whispered. "This time with a friend."

"Bye…Reginald." Rio voiced weakly.

Shark smiled before taking his leave.

Within the Emperor's Key
Astral found another part of the ship that had the Number '83' on it. He held out his right hand as a black portal appeared with the number '83' coming out of it, unleashing a golden wave that activated a little more of the ship.

"This gear puzzle appears to move every time I collect one of the Numbers." Astral pondered. "Could solving this also solve my amnesia?" He looked to the sky. "Why is something like this within Yuma's key?"

Heartland City: Morning…
Even though Yuma seemed to have his act together for a time, he was currently running late for school again. At this moment, he was waiting at a crosswalk for the lights to change.

"I'm going to be late for school!" Yuma cried. "Why do I have to run late at a crosswalk!?"

Just then, the traffic lights changed. With it being safe to cross, Yuma smirked as he dashed. He was nearing the other sidewalk, only to spot Shark sitting at the light aboard a red motorcycle. The shark user paid him no mind, even as he ended up tripping over his own feet.

Yuma was sent tumbling onto the sidewalk he was aiming for while Shark drove off with the flow of traffic as the lights changed once more. While the onomat user was dazed, someone ended up plucking him off the ground while riding by on a skateboard.

"What are you doing laid out on the ground, Yuma?" Nelson questioned, managing to plop him down behind him. "Is that something most normal kids do before school?"

"Well, not exactly." Yuma scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed. "Forget about that. I didn't know you could ride a skateboard."

"You pick up all kinds of things on the show I was part of." Nelson smiled. "From what I've gleamed, some of it is useful in your average kid's life. That said, are you going to help me out here? My mom has eased up, but I don't think she'll like hearing from the staff I was late."

"Right!" Yuma grinned. "Let's double time it!"

The two of them propelled the board forward, sending it right to the academy.

Heartland Academy
Yuma and Nelson made it to class with time to spare, only for Caswell to approach. "Yuma, let me look at your deck." The class rep took out the onomat user's deck, checking it out from his main deck to the currently vacant extra deck. "Where are the Numbers?"

"They're only here when Astral is." Yuma retorted, snatching his deck back.

"Who is Astral?" Caswell questioned.

"Astral is Yuma's friend, who only he and Yuto Pharos can see." Tori replied, joining them.

"I don't get why you're grilling Yuma." Nelson shrugged. "Even without the Numbers, his main deck has some decent cards."

"Yeah, why are you grilling me?" Yuma questioned, firmly. "I won that duel with Mr. Kay not too long ago using my main deck's boss monster, which you were there to see."

"Don't assume what my words mean." Caswell retorted. "I just wanted to take a look at them." He crossed his arms. "If you're this quick in leaping to a conclusion, maybe you only got lucky against anyone you've beaten lately."

"For your information, Yuto started helping me out not long ago." Yuma retorted, eyes narrowing. "Thanks to him, I've got a better understanding of my cards."

"Oh really?" None of this was Caswell's intention, but he considered this too deep to back out now. "If you got such an understanding of your deck, let's put it to the test. You'll duel someone of my choosing who you haven't dueled prior."

"I'll take on anyone." Yuma retorted instantly.

"Anyone, you say?" Caswell smirked. "Would you still agree if your opponent had to be Shark?"

"No problem." Yuma shuffled his deck before storing it. "Come duel period, we'll find him, and you'll see how much better I've gotten."

"Who exactly is Shark?" Nelson questioned.

"He used to be the best duelist in the school and a delinquent before Yuto Pharos started going here." Tori explained. "After losing to him, Shark's been a lot better and plenty have tried challenging both. Neither have been beaten, cementing themselves as number 1 & 2."

"I already thought Yuma was a good duelist but to hear these two have been on a dueling tear to cement their positions…" Nelson thought, now wanting to take a shot at the best duelists himself. "I'm still working on my new deck, so that'll have to wait."

Heartland Academy Roof: Duel Period…
"This is different…"

The past two times they've been up here, Yuto had been responsible, and it was just prior to duel period. Seems Shark had decided to take a page out of his book, bringing the phantom knights user up here for a talk. Well, the shark user hasn't actually talked since they got up here.

"He's just been staring at those two rings of his." Yuto noted, though opting not to say a thing since he figured it should be his friend who speaks first now.

…

"Yuto?" Shark eventually looked at him. "Your parents, they're not around anymore?"

"Which ones?" Yuto questioned, surprising his friend. "I don't know who my biological parents are. My mom and dad found me in a basket with Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon beside me. The two of them tried to look into it but nothing came of it.

Can't say I never wondered where I came from, but I wouldn't trade the parents who raised me for them. As for the two of them…Dad traveled quite a bit on expeditions that needed a doctor while mom stayed home. When he wasn't traveling, he worked at a local clinic.

My mom went to surprise him around lunch time, only for an electrical fire to break out. Their bodies were found in different parts of the clinic. Dad was in the children's wing, which would explain why there weren't any of them among the casualties. Mom was found in the cafeteria."

Shark looked down. "I'm sorry."

"I won't say it's alright, but I am doing okay." Yuto shrugged. "I assume you ask because it's something similar for you."

"My twin sister and I, we were initially pronounced dead within the hospital like our parents after getting into a car crash." Shark shook his head. "Upon waking, we couldn't remember anything prior to that moment."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Yuto shook his head. "What happened to your sister? If she's your twin, shouldn't she be here in our grade?"

"She's been in the hospital, recovering for quite some time after being pulled out of a fire at this factory." Shark replied. "I didn't bring any of this up out of the blue. Everything I've told you was to ask if you'd come with me to visit her after school today?"

Shark felt even more confident in asking this given Yuto could now empathize with him over merely sympathizing like he'd initially assumed.

The phantom knights user gave a small smile. "You could have just asked straight out, though I've learned it's good to talk about these things. Point is, I'll come with you to visit her."

Just then, the door to the roof was thrown open which drew the pair's attention. Yuma was behind the deed, walking out onto the roof with Nelson, Caswell, and Tori following.

When the onomat user spotted the shark user, he pointed. "There you are!"

"You're pointing at the wrong guy." Shark scoffed as he nodded towards the phantom knights user. "The guy taking time to mentor you is next to me."

"I wasn't looking for him, but since he's here, I can confirm I now know what every card in my deck does." Yuma grinned. "While it wasn't my intention to duel Shark today, I got something more to prove beyond that through a duel with you."

"You've just now figured out what your cards do?" Shark laughed. "Man, I kind of figured given how bad your loss to Yuto was." He shrugged. "To think you'd go around proudly announcing it when even kids who get new cards at least read them."

"Did you really just now read your cards, Yuma?" Nelson questioned, surprised.

That flustered the onomat user. "I was overconfident, but I'm better now!"

"I don't know about that, given we're here now." Caswell muttered.

Tori heard that, leading to her elbowing him. "We're here now because you presented this as a challenge." The class rep rubbed his side. "You have no room to be talking."

"Come on, Shark." Yuto gave a slight smile. "Even if you don't see Yuma as a challenge, you might still get the chance to test out one of your Numbers."

Aside from Shark and Yuto, Yuma was the only one to understand the full picture. That said, all four first years were stunned. Tori and Yuma even looked to Shark, only to recognize he was as himself as one would expect.

"Shark has Numbers?" Yuma questioned.

"Shark and I partook in a tag duel the other day, with both Numbers being a fit for him over me." Yuto replied.

He said it simply since it wasn't his place to fill in Yuma's friends.

"Yuto makes a good point." Shark smirked. "I can at least see about trying out my Numbers if you actually make me use either of them, Yuma."

"Use whatever you got Shark because I can handle it." Yuma retorted, having recovered.

With that, everyone else moved to one side of the roof while Yuma faced off with Shark.

Just then, Astral appeared and stared at Shark. "Yuma, there's at least one Number in Shark's possession now, yet he seems in control. What is going on now?"

To see another person in control of themselves where others had not been was contradictory to what he had assumed.

"We'll talk about this later, Astral." Yuma promised. "Right now, I have a point to prove." He looked to his partner. "To prove it, I can't have your help in this duel. No Numbers are truly on the line, meaning it shouldn't be a problem."

"Yuma…" Tori was unaware just how much Caswell had gotten to him until now.

"Alright, consider me a spectator." Astral voiced, backing away.

"If you really have improved, even a little from that duel you had with Yuto, I'm not about to underestimate you." Shark thought.

"Let's do this!"

(Yuma 4000/Shark 4000)

"Alright, I am feeling the flow!" Yuma drew. "I'll start by summoning Achacha Archer(LV 3/1200/600)." An archer in a yellow tunic appeared. "Upon being normal or flipped summoned, this guy deals you 500 life points worth of damage."

Archer fired off a few arrows at the opposing duelist (Yuma 4000/Shark 3500).

"That's not all." Yuma declared. "Since an effect was activated that inflicts damage, I can now special summon Achacha Chanbara(LV 3/1400/400)." A kabuki warrior decked out in red robes appeared. "When he's special summoned this way, you take 400 life points of damage."

Chanbara lept at the opposing duelist with twin, flaming blades (Yuma 4000/Shark 3100).

"I'll then set two cards to end my turn." Yuma finished.

"Look at you, coming up with a decent turn." Shark drew. "Let me show you mine. I summon Saber Shark(LV 4/1600/1200)." A purple shark with a saber atop its head appeared. "Since I now control a fish type monster, Shark Stickers(LV 3/200/1000) gets to come out!''

A long, blue fish appeared. "Up to twice per turn, Saber Shark can increase or decrease the level of any fish type monsters on my field by one up to twice per turn. I'm opting to decrease the level of Saber Shark by one."

Saber Shark(LV 3/1600/1200 effect)

"Two level 3 monsters." Astral thought, knowing what came next.

"That's Shark for you." Yuto commented.

The three first years looked towards him.

"What does that mean?" Nelson questioned.

Yuto gave a sly smile. "Just watch."

"I overlay my level 3 Saber Shark and Shark Stickers!" Shark declared. "Xyz summon Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O2/1900/1000)." Twin sharks bound by orange metal appeared. "By removing one overlay unit from this monster, I'll pay you back for that last turn."

Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O1/1900/1000)

"You're now going to take 400 damage for every card in my hand." Shark continued. "Since I have four, that's 1600 life points of damage coming your way."

Yuma was bombarded to the point of being knocked off his feet (Yuma 2400/Shark 3100).

"Next, I'll activate Mystical Space Typhoon and use it to destroy that face down on the right." Shark continued, seeing a vortex reveal the card was Battle Break before it shattered. "With that out of the way, my Aero Shark will attack your Archer!"

Aero Shark took aim at Achacha Archer.

"I reveal my remaining face down, Guts Guard." Yuma countered. "This allows me to swap your attack to my Chanbara, and while I'll still take the damage, the power of this trap prevents his destruction from this battle."

Chanbara crossed his blades as Aero Shark was forced to strike him, wreathing the barrage as the residual debris hit his duelist (Yuma 1900/Shark 3100).

"I'll set one card to end my turn." Shark declared.

"I draw!" Yuma took the top card from his deck. "I'll now sacrifice the two monsters on my field to set this one monster from my hand. "Simple as it may be, that's all I'll do this turn."

"My turn now!" Shark drew. "Since you didn't get rid of Aero Shark last turn, I'll detach his remaining overlay unit to use his effect once more. With three cards in my hand this time, that's 1200 more life points coming your way."

Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 0/1900/1000)

Yuma was bombarded, once again being knocked off his feet (Yuma 700/Shark 3100).

"Yuma's down to 700 life points in mere turns!" Caswell exclaimed, even as he knew what monster the onomat user had to have set.

"That is what happens when you don't neutralize a monster like Aero Shark, though I suspect Yuma just didn't have any way to do that." Nelson stated.

"Now, let's see you keep up with this." Shark declared. "I summon Armored Shark(LV 3/500/2000)." A red and gold armored shark appeared. "Through this card, I can send a water attributed Xyz monster from my extra deck to the grave.

Then, I can special summon a fish type monster from my grave whose level equals the rank of whatever monster I send. I'll send the Rank 4 Abyss Dweller to return my fish type Saber Shark(LV 4/1600/1200). I'll use his effect to increase the level of Armored Shark by one."

Armored Shark(LV 4/500/2000)

"Two level 4 monsters." Yuma noted. "Does this mean you're going to summon your Number?"

"With two level 3 monsters, I could summon one of the two I hold." Shark smirked. "I decided against that in favor of the one that fits my deck best. I just need one more monster, and I can special summon that out since I control at least one water attributed monster.

Special summon Silent Angler(LV 4/800/1400)." An angler fish appeared. "With these three level 4 monsters, I construct the overlay network. Xyz summon Number 32: Shark Drake(R 4/O 3/2800/2100)." A large, red shark with four fins appeared.

"That Number has 2800 ATK and three overlay unit!" Tori exclaimed.

"With at least two Xyz monsters on the field, I can activate Xyz Gift to draw 2 cards." Shark declared. "Now, I'll have Shark Drake attack that face down monster. Go, Deep Sea Destruction!"

As Shark Drake blasted the face down monster, it flipped face up to reveal a warrior wearing red and white with silver armor. He withdrew his blade, managing to stalemate the opposing monster and reflect bits of water back at the shark user (Yuma 700/Shark 2900).

"What!?" Shark exclaimed.

"You ran into the ultimate monster from my main deck, Dododo Swordsman(LV 8/0/3000)." Yuma grinned. "Upon being flipped Dododo Swordsman(LV 8/3500/3000 effect) gains 3500 ATK and can destroy two monsters on your field. You only have Shark Drake and Aero Shark."

Swordsman lunged forward, cutting down both of the shark user's monsters.

"You've only cleared my field for the moment." Shark declared. "I'll fix that now through Monster Reborn to return Number 32: Shark Drake(R 4/O 0/2800/2100) to the field, though in defense position this time. That's all for this turn."

"For as strong as Swordsman is, he can't conventionally destroy a Number." Yuma drew, knowing what he had to do. "I activate Dodododraw, sending Swordsman to the grave to draw two cards. I then summon Goblindbergh(LV 4/1400/0)." A goblin riding in a plane appeared.

"When Goblindbergh is normal summoned, I can special summon a level 4 monster from my hand. I'll choose Gagaga Magician(LV 4/1500/1000)." A spellcaster in dark blue robes with maroon shoulder plates and chains wrapped loosely around his body appeared.

"Now, I overlay my level 4 Goblindbergh and Gagaga Magician to build the overlay network. Xyz Summon Number 39: Utopia(R4/O 2/2500/2000)." A knight in shining armor with metallic angel wings appeared.

"I activate Splash Capture!" Shark countered. "Since you Xyz summoned, I can banish two fish type monsters from my grave to take control of that Xyz monster. I'll banish Silent Angler and Saber Shark."

Yuma went wide-eyed as his first Number shattered into yellow particles. "Utopia…"

"Don't worry, I'm not out to keep any of your Numbers long terms." The monster then reformed himself on Shark's field. "Since you summoned it, I might as well get my use out of him." He smirked upon looking at the effect. "I think I'll get plenty of use out of this guy."

"Shark is showing exactly why only one other person in this school has managed to beat him." Caswell voiced, stunned.

Tori looked to the onomat user worriedly. "Yuma…"

"Come on, Yuma!" Nelson cheered. "You still got two cards left in your hand, so there must be something more you can do."

"Nelson…" Yuma looked to his hand, though found himself blanking hard with the loss of Utopia. "I do have two cards, but what do I do with them?"

Seeing this, while accounting for Yuma's prior wishes, Astral decided to throw him a hint. "You still have three other Numbers in your extra deck, with only one of them being a viable solution. Fortunately for you, the cards in your hand are just what you need to bring it out."

"I can summon something like that?" Yuma took a good look at his hand one more time before seeing it. "Well, Shark, I'll admit you got me by taking what's quickly become my favorite card, but that doesn't mean I'm out of options. In fact, it's you who opened this path by taking him."

"Really, you can actually pull something off without normal summoning?" Shark questioned.

"Just watch." Yuma grinned. "Since you control a monster while I no longer do, I can special summon Gillagillancer(LV 6/2200/800)." A short red and silver armored warrior appeared. "Then, I'm taking a page out of your book by using Monster Reborn.

The monster I'll revive is my Gagaga Magician(LV 4/1500/1000). He has an effect I haven't used this turn. By declaring a level from one to eight, this monster takes that level on until the end of this turn. I'll declare six."

Gagaga Magician(LV 6/1500/1000)

"Now, I overlay my Level 6 Gillagillancer and Gagaga Magician." Yuma declared. "Xyz summon Number 24: Dragulas the Vampiric Dragon (R 6/O 2/2400/2800)." A black and white wyrm with scarlet wings appeared.

"That's the Number Yuma won off Flip." Tori recognized.

"Yuma is still rough around the edges, but this is impressive growth." Yuto thought.

"You actually did manage something; however, have you forgotten I'm now the one in control of Utopia?" Shark question.

"Checking Utopia's effect is exactly what this Number can do, provided I detach one overlay unit." Yuma retorted.

Number 24: Dragulas the Vampiric Dragon (R 6/O 1/2400/2800)

"I can now flip one monster summoned from the extra deck face-down." Yuma continued. "Even though Number 32 was revived from the grave, that leaves two viable targets. I choose to flip Utopia. Now, Dragulas will attack Utopia. Go, Sanguine Storm!"

Vampiric Dragon unleashed a blast of blood red flames, which washed over the face down monster to destroy him.

"With no further moves, that's the end of my turn." Yuma finished.

"I draw!" Shark took the top card off his deck before smirking. "Unless you got something in your grave, this is the final turn."

"How can you be sure?" Yuma questioned.

"It's all thanks to my Underwater Snow Prison, letting me banish your Vampiric Dragon." Shark retorted. "Don't try using its ability to evade because this quick-play doesn't care what way your monster faces."

"Even if I were to use Dragulas' effect on Shark Drake, Shark could just flip him faceup!" Yuma recognized, as a wormhole opened beneath his Number to leave him defenseless. "Nooooooo!"

"Try to refute it all you want, you're wide open." Shark declared. "I switch my Shark Drake to attack before launching a direct attack at you. Go, Deep Sea Destruction."

Shark Drake blasted Yuma, sending him flying (Yuma 0/Shark 2900).

"Even with his best combos, Yuma lost." Caswell noted, stunned.

"He was trounced." Nelson corrected, surprised.

Tori frowned. "Poor guy."

"I wouldn't necessarily say that." Yuto smiled slightly. "Yuma came up with a few good combos that really pushed Shark. He couldn't have done anything like this a few weeks back."

Shark stuck his hands in the pockets of his jacket before proceeding to walk over to Yuto. "Let's get out of here."

"Right." Yuto nodded before the two of them started walking towards the roof entrance. "We still on for after school?"

"Nothing here changed those plans, wouldn't have even if I lost." Shark replied.

"Yuto!" Yuma called out, getting the phantom knights user to look his way. "What am I supposed to do now?"

"That's right, he needs new instruction." Yuto recognized. "Take the next step by plotting out combos. Can't predict what hand you get, so start mapping what you can do with different cards. Also, in a roundabout way, you did provide me with a challenge."

He proceeded to count out some money, bunching it up and setting it on the roof. "I'll make good on my word by leaving this here. Take it and get yourself an Xyz monster." He waved it off. "Depending on what catches your eye and potential deals, maybe you can stretch it into more."

Yuto then walked into the academy alongside Shark.

Quillion9000 · May 4, 2026

Heartland Hospital: Lobby, After School…
Yuto walked in with Shark, staying back as the shark user stepped up to the receptionist desk.

"Welcome back, Shark." The receptionist smiled. "I must say, your sister is quite lucky to have a brother who visits often."

"I just hope she gets better." Shark replied, signing in at the nearby book.

"I hope so too." As the shark user took his pass and started walking towards the elevators, the receptionist looked towards the phantom knights user. "Now, who are you here to visit?"

"I'm here…" Yuto began.

"He's with me." Shark interrupted.

"I don't recall my predecessor leaving a note that you've come with someone before." The receptionist noted.

"First time for everything." Shark replied.

"Have a nice day." Yuto voiced, moving to join his friend.

Once they were in the elevator, Shark pushed the third floor button.

"So, what is your sister like?" Yuto asked.

"Currently, she doesn't talk much." Shark replied. "Prior to the fire, she had well-earned pride in herself since everything she became was through hard work. While Rio could be a bit childish, as well as me being thankful she's still here, I've missed who my sister was in her entirety."

"Sounds to me she's too stubborn not to recover eventually." Yuto assured.

Shark smiled slightly at that as stubbornness was another way you could describe her. The elevator opened soon after, seeing Shark step out with Yuto following.

Room 303
Shark stopped at the door to his sister's room, eyes widening upon staring through the glass.

"Shark?" Yuto questioned, concerned.

Shark suddenly threw open the door and rushed in. "Where is Rio?"

Yuto entered after him, now seeing what his friend saw. The bed was vacant while the nearby bathroom was unoccupied.

"Maybe she was taken somewhere for something urgent." Yuto suggested.

"No, I get everything sent to me if something like that is happening!" Shark shouted, distressed.

"Okay, wait here while I go ask the receptionist." Yuto voiced, rushing out of the room.

Lobby
Once the elevator doors opened, Yuto ran up to the receptionist.

"Hm, you seem to be in a rush." The receptionist voiced.

"I am." Yuto replied. "I went with Shark to the room where his sister was supposed to be, only to find no one there."

"Is that so?" The receptionist questioning, her face contorting into a malicious grin.

This was followed by the Number 28 appearing on her left cheek alongside a purple crest, which reminded Yuto of fire, showing up on the back of her right hand.

"A Number, with another difference." Yuto recognized.

"If you want to know where Rio Kastle is, you must beat me in a duel." The receptionist informed, standing.

"Shark is liable to turn this hospital upside down searching for Rio if I don't return soon." Yuto nodded. "Alright, I'll duel."

The receptionist walked past him. "Follow me to the parking lot."

Room 303
Shark was scouring the room for anything he might have missed, a clue as to where his sister might be. "Where is she?"

"Reginald." Doctor Kai greeted as she entered the room.

In the instance before he would speak, Shark noted Kai sounded a little too friendly. She was a good doctor who cared for her patients and the wellbeing of their loved ones; however, just the way she said his named sounded gentle in a level he hadn't come to expect.

Quite frankly, Shark could care less about this. "Where is my sister, Dr. Kai?"

"Oh, I moved her." Kai smiled. "While I could tell you, I think a duel to get that information from me is what's going to happen. Unless you don't want the information."

The Number 14 then appeared on her forehead while a green crest resembling a flower appeared on her left hand.

"She must be out of her mind right now with whatever this desire is." Shark stared at her. "Fine, I'll duel you for the information."

"Then, come with me to the roof." Kai replied, walking off.

Parking Lot
"Let's get started!" Yuto declared.

"Let me see what you can do." The receptionist replied.

"Let's Duel!"

(Yuto 4000/Receptionist 4000)

"The first move it mine!" The receptionist drew. "I'll set one monster and one card."

"My turn!" Yuto drew. "I'll start by activating Hand Destruction. Now, we each discard two cards before then drawing two new cards."

Yuto: The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak & The Phantom Knights of Torn Coat
The Receptionist: Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth & Ultimate Insect LV7

"I'll now set one card before activating it immediately due to having no other traps in my grave." Yuto declared. "Say hello to The Phantom Knights of Shade Brigandine(LV 4/0/300), which summons itself as a monster." An astral being within a brigandine appeared.

"I'll then summon The Phantom Knights of Night Crown(LV 4/0/0)." An astral being wearing a black crown appeared. "By declaring a level of seven, both my Phantom Knights currently on the field become that level."

The Phantom Knights of Shade Brigandine(LV 7/0/300)
The Phantom Knights of Night Crown(LV 7/0/0)

"I overlay my Level 7 Shade Brigandine and Night Crown." Yuto continued.

"I chain my face down, Overlay Deterioration." The receptionist countered. "Your Xyz summon goes through uninterrupted; however, every material attached to the monster at the time of its summon shall be sent to the grave."

"Er, my monster rendered nearly effectless before he hits the field." Still, Yuto pressed on. "I Xyz summon Number 74: Master of Blades(R 7/O 0/2700/2300)." A male figure wearing blue middle eastern garbs appeared. "Number 74 will attack your set monster. Go, Psionic Blades!"

Using his psychic energy, Number 74 flung his swords into the face down monster. It flipped face up to reveal a ladybug with a skull mark on its back before it was destroyed.

"You just destroy my Skull-Mark Ladybug(LV 4/500/1500)." The receptionist informed. "When it is sent to the grave, I gain 1000 life points."

Green energy flowed into the receptionist (Yuto 4000/Receptionist 5000).

"I set one card to end my turn." Yuto finished.

Roof
Shark faced off with Kai atop the roof. "This is your last chance to tell me where Rio is."

"Don't fool yourself, Reginald." Kai smiled. "You won't win against me."

"Let's Duel!"

(Shark 4000/Kai 4000)

"The first move is mine!" Kai drew. "I'll summon Elementsaber Makani(LV 2/1300/1200)." A boy with purple hair who wore green armor appeared. "By discarding an Elementsaber, Makani lets me add any one Elementsaber or Lord from my deck to my hand." The card she selected slotted out for her to snag. "I'll now end my turn with one set card.

"I'll end this duel quick!" Shark drew. "I summon Hammer Shark(LV 4/1700/1500)." A blue shark with a hammer for a head appeared. "I can reduce his level by one to special summon any Level 3 water attributed monster from my hand."

Hammer Shark(LV 3/1700/1500)

"I'll summon my Butterfly Fish(LV 3/700/400)." A bipedal blue and white fish with large fins appeared. "I'll follow up with the activation of Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy that one set card of yours."

A typhoon ran through the field, forcing Kai's set card to flip and reveal Mirror Force before it was swept away.

"With that card out of the way, Hammer Shark will destroy Makani." Shark voiced.

The shark rammed into the opposing monster (Shark 4000/Kai 3600).

"Butterfly Fish will compound on that damage with a direct attack." Shark ordered.

Butterfly Fish soared into Kai's gut, sending her stumbling back (Shark 4000/Kai 2900).

"I'll now build the overlay network with my Level 3 Hammer Shark and Butterfly Fish!" Shark declared. "Xyz summon Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 2/1900/1000)." The twin sharks bound by an orange flying contraption appeared.

"I now activate Aero Shark's effect!" Shark declared. "I can detach 1 material from this card to inflict 400 points of damage to my opponent for each card in my hand. Since I have three cards, you take 1200 points of damage."

Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 1/1900/1000) let loose three torpedoes that nailed the doctor with a barrage of explosions (Shark 4000/Kai 1700).

"I'll then set one card to end my turn." Shark stared his opponent down. "Just a tip for the future, don't go quitting your day job to be a duelist."

Parking Lot
(Yuto 4000/Receptionist 5000)

"I draw!" The receptionist took the top card off her deck. "Since I control no monsters, I can special summon Primitive Butterfly(LV 5/1200/900)." A butterfly with six-wings appeared. "Next, I activate Phantom Scales.

I now target Primitive Butterfly(LV 5/1200/900) to special summon a second one from my deck. I then activate the effect of both Primitive Butterflies, each one a soft once per turn that increases the level of all insect monsters on my field by one. It means both end up level 7."

Primitive Butterfly(LV 7/1200/900)x2

"I now overlay my two Level 7 Butterflies." The receptionist declared. "Xyz summon Number 28: Titanic Moth(R 7/O 2/2400/2200)." A giant moth with four wings and two arms appeared.

"So, this is her Number." Yuto sighed. "Why can't there be one that suits my Deck?"

"Since you asked such a question, you wouldn't mind me taking your Number." The receptionist retorted.

"Huh?" Yuto questioned.

"I activate Crest of Control!" The receptionist declared. "This can only equip itself to monsters my opponent controls, and you currently have just Number 74. Now, I get to take control of your monster, but I must discard a card from my hand during each of your Standby Phases."

"What!?" Yuto exclaimed.

A crest, similar to the one the receptionist had, appeared on the forehead of Number 74 seeing it walk over to her side. A Number 74 then appeared on the forehead of the receptionist as well.

"Now, Number 74 will attack you directly." The receptionist declared. "Go, Psionic Blades!"

Using his psychic energy, he coated his blades before hurling them at the phantom knights user.

"I activate The Phantom Knights of Night Crown(LV 4/0/0), summoning forth this monster from my grave to the field in defense position under the caveat it'll be banished upon leaving the field." Yuto countered.

"Then, Number 74 will destroy it." The receptionist stated.

The blades tore through Night Crown, destroying it.

"Next, Number 28 will attack you!" The receptionist declared.

Number 28 unleashed a fire tornado at Yuto.

"I reveal my face down, The Phantom Knights of Cracked Shield!" Yuto declared. "Any battle damage I take this turn is halved!"

Fragments of a shield appeared before Yuto, blocking the fire tornado to the point only the force of the attack got through and pushed him back (Yuto 2800/Receptionist 5000).

"Next, the effect of Number 28 activates!" The receptionist exclaimed. "When this monster inflicts battle damage to my opponent, I can detach 1 material from her to inflict 500 life points of damage to you for every card in your hand."

Number 28: Titanic Moth(R 7/O 2/2400/2200)

"I have two cards, so that means I take 1000 points of damage!" Yuto exclaimed.

The receptionist smiled. "Exactly."

Fire exploded around the phantom knights user (Yuto 1800/Receptionist 5000).

After the smoke cleared, Yuto could be seen kneeling on the ground.

"Already on your knees, I see." The receptionist smirked. "I set one card before ending my turn."

Yuto slowly rose to his feet, drawing the top card from his deck. "My turn!"

The receptionist discarded one card, her smirk turning to a look of confusion. "Why don't you panic in a situation like this?"

"Partially because I'm having fun, though mostly due to the fact this duel is for a friend who I refuse to let down!" Yuto retorted. "First, I activate Pot of Greed to draw 2 cards. Then, I banish The Phantom Knights of Torn Coat from my grave, letting me discard 2 cards to draw 2 cards.

Next, I banish The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak from my grave to add 1 The Phantom Knights card from my deck to my hand, except another of itself." As the card he wanted slotted out, he snagged it. "I now summon The Phantom Knights of Ragged Gloves(LV 3/1000/500)."

An astral being wearing two gloves appeared. "Since I now control a The Phantom Knights monster, I can special summon The Phantom Knights of Silent Boots(LV 3/200/1200." An astral being wearing boots appeared.

"I overlay my Level 3 Silent Boots and Ragged Gloves. Xyz summon The Phantom Knights of Break Sword(R 3/O 2/2000/1000)." An astral being wearing armor and riding a horse of steel appeared. "Since Ragged Gloves was used in this summon, Break Sword gains 1000 ATK."

The Phantom Knights of Break Sword(R 3/O 2/3000/1000 effect)

"I guess you really don't rely on Numbers." The receptionist stated. "Master won't like this."

"Master?" Yuto questioned. "What Master?"

"I said too much!" The receptionist exclaimed before covering her mouth.

"Tell me, who is this Master?" Yuto asked.

"I won't tell you!" The receptionist retorted.

"Then, I'll make you!" Yuto declared. "I set two cards before activating the effect of Break Sword. I can detach 1 material to target 1 card I control and 1 card you control, both will be destroyed. I target one of my face-downs and my Number 74 currently on your field!"

The Phantom Knights of Break Sword(R 3/O 1/3000/1000 effect) held his blade aloft to project purple energy outward which shattered both cards.

"Now, I attack Number 28 with Break Sword." Yuto declared. "Ordinarily, I can't destroy your Number with this monster, but by banishing Phantom Knights' Magic Circle from the grave, I can target one face-up effect monster you control and negate their effects this turn."

A purple circle appeared around Number 28, graying it out before Break sword came in swinging his sword through it (Yuto 1800/Receptionist 4400).

"My Number!" The receptionist exclaimed.

"With that, my turn is over." Yuto finished.

Roof
(Shark 4000/Kai 1700)

"It's too early for you to think you've won, don't you think?" Kai asked.

"You believe you stand a chance?" Shark questioned.

"Observe how much of a chance I stand." Kai drew. "First, my level 4 and lower Elementsabers house the ability to modulate their attributes while in the grave. The only one I'll have use said effect is the one I discarded last turn. Elementsaber Aina goes from earth attribute to fire.

Now, I banish the fire attribute Aina and wind attribute Makani to fulfill the requirements for the special summon of Loud Cloud Serpent(LV 5/2000/0)." A contained storm formed from which emerged a dark serpent with purple eyes.

I'll follow it up with the normal summon of Elementsaber Molehu(LV 4/1900/0)." A man in purple and gold armor appeared. "Now is the time for battle. My Loud Cloud Serpent will destroy Submersible Carrier Aero Shark!"

"I activate my face-down, Zeus' Breath!" Shark countered. "When an opponent's monster declares an attack, I can negate it. Since I control a water attributed monster during the activation of this trap, you take 800 life points worth of damage."

A god-like figure with glowing red eyes waved his staff to generate wind, pushing the monster back and sending the good doctor skidding (Shark 4000/Kai 1200).

"You have me on the backfoot now, but that'll change with the summon of my Number." Kai declared. "First, I activate Star Changer. By now targeting Molehu, I can raise or lower his level by one. I choose to raise it."

Elementsaber Molehu(LV 5/1900/0)

"I now overlay my Level 5 Serpent and Molhu." Kai continued. "Xyz summon Number 14: Greedy Sarameya(R 5/O 2/2500/1500)." A three-headed wolf-like creature with a burning mane appeared. "I now set two cards to end my turn."

"So, what if you have your Number on the field?" Shark drew. "You seem to have forgotten about my Aero Shark. I now detach his last material to deal you 1200 life points worth of damage since I have three cards in my hand."

Submersible Carrier Aero Shark(R 3/O 0/1900/1000) let loose three torpedoes, only for them to turn and hit Shark resulting in him being thrown back (Shark 2800/Kai 1200)."

"What happened?" Shark asked, shocked.

"It's one of my Number's effects." Kai replied. "With it on the field, you take any effect damage that would be dealt to me."

"Damn, I wanted to end this quickly to find Rio." Shark stated.

"Don't worry for she's in good hands." Kai replied.

"Like I buy that." Shark retorted. "I switch Aero Shark to defense and set one card."

Parking Lot
(Yuto 1800/Receptionist 4400)

"My move!" The receptionist drew. "I'll start with my Pot of Greed to draw two cards. I'll then draw one card more through banishing Crest of Control from my grave. Now, I reveal my face-down, Xyz Reborn. With its power, I can revive Number 28: Titanic Moth(R 7/O 0/2400/2200) and give it this trap as an overlay unit."

Number 28: Titanic Moth(R 7/O 1/2400/2200)

"Since I now control no other monsters, Titanic Moth can attack directly, but the damage inflicted through this will be halved." The receptionist declared.

The Number unleashed a fire tornado that bypassed Break Sword to hit the phantom knights user (Yuto 600/Receptionist 4400)

"I once again active the effect of Number 28." The receptionist exclaimed. "Since he inflicted battle damage to you, I detach his overlay unit and inflict 500 life points of damage for that one card resting in your hand."

Number 28: Titanic Moth(R 7/O 0/2400/2200)

Fire exploded around Yuto (Yuto 100/Receptionist 4400).

After the smoke cleared, Yuto could be seen laid out flat on his back.

"I couldn't quite finish you this turn, though I'm certain these three cards I'm setting will keep you from managing anything on your next turn."

"We'll just see about that." Yuto drew as he slowly rose to his feet, determined to keep going no matter the odds. "I activate The Phantom Knights of Break Sword to destroy my remaining face-down and your Number 28 once again!"

The Phantom Knights of Break Sword(R 3/O 0/3000/1000 effect)

"I don't think so!" The receptionist exclaimed. "I chain my quick-play, My Body as a Shield! Since you've activated an effect that would destroy a monster of mine, I can pay 1500 life points to negate it and destroy the card responsible.

The receptionist was struck by lightning, right alongside Break Sword who shattered into pieces (Yuto 100/Receptionist 2900).

The receptionist then gave a mocking grin. "What are you going to do now?"

"I'm going to utilize the second effect of Break Sword." Yuto retorted. "If he is destroyed, I can target 2 The Phantom Knights monsters with the same level in my graveyard and special summon them with one level more."

"You could do that, were it not for Soul Drain." The receptionist countered. "At the cost of 1000 life points, monsters within the banished zone and graveyard can't activate their effects."

Red particles spewed forth from the receptionist, wafting through the field as Yuto's duel pad sparked red (Yuto 100/Receptionist 1900).

"That makes many of my cards useless!" Yuto exclaimed.

"Since I already knew how your deck worked, it was only logical to put in a card like this." The receptionist stated.

"Figures this duel wasn't mere coincidence." Yuto thought. "Does this mean she works for whoever those twins I faced prior work for, or is this someone else pulling the strings?" He looked to his hand. "Beyond that, what should I do now?

With everything I can still play, I could get out Dark Rebellion or Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon. Depending on who exactly is behind this, the receptionist could have something face down to prevent either of them from hitting the field."

"Remember…"

???
Yuto Suddenly found himself on a balcony of a castle-like building wearing some kind of black armor. In front of him stood a girl with pale skin and dark blue hair with light blue bangs. She wore a long hood, white heeled sandals, a white dress, and three gold rings on her legs.

This girl was giving him a card with a dragon on it, a sincere smile on her face. "This card is a representation of our bond."

Parking Lot
Yuto found himself back at the duel. "What just happened?" Suddenly he heard a roar coming from his extra deck, followed by the visage of a dragon in front of him. "You want to help me?" Once more, he heard a dragon's roar. "Alright, let's do it!"

"If you would be kind enough to continue your turn, I have a job to get back to." the receptionist pointed out.

"Don't worry, I'll continue." Yuto replied. "I activate my face-down, Return from the Different Dimension. By paying half my life points, I can special summon up to as many of my banished monsters as possible. During the End Phase, monsters summoned with this effect are banished."

(Yuto 50/Receptionist 1900)

"Return, The Phantom Knights of Torn Coat(LV 3/500/500) and The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak(LV 3/800/1000." Astral beings within a torn black coat and purple cloak, respectively, appeared.

"Seems you intend to Xyz summon." The receptionist pointed out.

"You're right." Yuto replied.

"Then, I must disappoint you!" The receptionist retorted. "I activate my remaining face down, the continuous trap Rank Blockade. So long as this card remains on the field, no one may Xyz summon a monster whose rank is lower than the lowest ranked Xyz monster on the field."

"That means I can't summon an Xyz monster below Rank 7." Yuto noted.

"You're right." The receptionist smirked maliciously. "As far as I know, your only monster with a rank high enough was the first monster you summoned."

"Whoever this person's master is can't be in cahoots with those twins because I summoned my Cipher Dragon, one rank over the current limit." Yuto smirked. "You're wrong. I have two monsters with a high enough rank."

"You do?" The receptionist asked, shocked.

"Indeed, I do." Yuto replied.

"Even then, you must summon it and didn't opt to bring out Night Crown." The receptionist pointed out. "Without it, I don't see how you'll summon either of those supposed monsters you have with two level 3 monsters."

"If you think I'd remain stagnant, with only one option to get out higher ranked monsters, then perhaps your master concerned themselves with only half the equation that is my dueling." Yuto declared. "I activate Phantom Wave, letting me target an Xyz monster in my extra deck.

I select my new Level 7 dragon. Then, I can change the levels of up to two Phantom Knights on the field to have their levels mirror that rank. I change my The Phantom Knights of Torn Coat and The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak."

The Phantom Knights of Torn Coat(LV 7/500/500)
The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak(LV 7/800/1000

"With this, the conditions have been met." Yuto voiced. "I construct the overlay network with the Level 7 The Phantom Knights of Torn Coat and The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak. Blue dragon formed through the bond between two people.

Descend now to protect what is most important! Xyz summon Absolute Xyz Dragon(R 7/O 2/2800/2500)." A dragon with armor and four wings made of ice that together formed an X appeared on the field with a loud roar.

The receptionist was rendered speechless.

"Absolute Xyz Dragon will destroy your Moth!" Yuto commanded. "Go, Absolute Devastation!"

Absolute Xyz Dragon let loose a barrage of ice spikes that pierced the Number while ice that chipped off hit the duelist beyond (Yuto 50/Receptionist 1500).

"Before you call foul, this dragon shares the effect with my Dark Rebellion in that she can destroy Numbers through battle."

"What!?" The receptionist exclaimed as her Moth shattered.

"That's all for this turn." Yuto declared, smiling at his new dragon.

Roof
(Shark 2800/Kai 1200)

"My turn!" Kai drew. "I'll activate my left face-down, Force Xyz. I can now target an Xyz monster and force the activation of its effect without needing to detach a material. I activate your Aero Shark. Since my Number is still here, the 800 life points of damage I'd take is all yours."

Aero Shark lets loose two torpedoes, which turned midair and went straight for the shark user before exploding (Shark 2000/Kai 1200).

"Damn it!" Shark cursed.

"I now summon my Samurai Sword Baron(LV 4/1600/1200)." Kai continued, bringing forth a warrior in black robes with a green haori. "Through his effect, I swap your Aero Shark from defense to attack. "Now my Number will rip your Shark apart."

Number 14: Greedy Sarameya ran towards Aero Shark before all three of its heads bit into him, with residual flames from their carnage licking at the shark user (Shark 1400/Kai 1200).

"My Sword Baron will end you with a direct attack." Kai declared.

Sword Baron drew his blade before rushing down the shark user.

"There's nothing in my hand or grave that can stop this." Shark looked to his face-down, though knowing it couldn't do anything either. "Escape Lure doesn't do a thing for me, not now nor when I only have one monster on the field. I can't win…"

Suddenly, the world changed for Shark alone.

???
Shark found himself standing atop a balcony, looking down at a crowd wearing ancient clothing. He then looked at himself to see he wore golden armor, gauze on his left arm, silver pants, a blue cape, and a pendant. He then turned around to see two people behind him.

The first was his sister, only she wore a long hood on her head, white heeled sandals, a white dress, and three gold rings on her legs. The next person was Yuto, wearing armor similar to his just in all black with purple highlights and no cape. A matching sword was sheathed at his side.

"Rio? Yuto?" Shark asked.

Once Shark said the names he knew them by, each of them held out a Number towards him followed by the shark user suddenly holding a small pile of cards in his right hand.

Roof
Shark was back to reality, still being attacked. Suddenly, the card he had laid face-down began to glow alongside his extra deck, and he knew what to do.

"I activate my face-down, Barian Shield!" Shark declared. "At the cost of half my life points, I no longer take battle damage for the rest of this turn. Then, I get to add one Barian card from my deck to my hand, provided I banish this trap rather than send it to the grave."

Red energy flowed from Shark, generating a stylized blue fleur-de-lis with a cross-section that enclosed a red diamond-shaped gem at the center to repel the coming monster (Shark 700/Kai 1200). When the card he wanted slotted out of his deck, he snagged it.

Shark looked at the card he added to his hand. "What was that, and what are these cards?"

"I end my turn." Kai declared, reluctant though having no further cards to play.

"My turn!" Shark drew, deciding to worry about what happened later as he had a duel to win now. "I summon Big Jaws(LV 3/1800/300)." A blue shark with a large mouth full of teeth appeared. "Since I've summoned a fish, I can special summon Shark Stickers(LV 3/200/1000).

A shark with suckers on his head appeared. "Now, I overlay my level 3 Big Jaws and Shark Stickers. Xyz summon Number 47: Nightmare Shark(R 3/O 2/2000/2000)." A giant Shark with no eyes, wings, and blades for arms appeared.

"You have more than 2 Numbers!?" Kai exclaimed.

Shark decided to file that tidbit of information away rather than ask about it, given it wasn't impossible for anyone to know he had Numbers. It's been a while since they arrived in general, and he's had the two prior to this one for a little while now.

"That I do, with the intention to activate this one's effect now." Shark stated. "I detach 1 material from Nightmare to target himself. Now, no other monster I controlled could have attacked while this one gets to attack you directly this turn."

Number 47: Nightmare Shark(R 3/O 1/2000/2000)

"My Nightmare Shark will make your worst nightmares come true!" Shark declared.

The shark surged towards the good doctor.

"I reveal my face down, Fiendish Chain." Kai countered. "By targeting your Nightmare Shark, I can negate his effects, and he can no longer attack."

Dull gold chains caught Nightmare Shark, restraining and graying him out.

Shark grimaced. "Er, all I can do is set one card to conclude my turn."

Parking Lot
(Yuto 50/Receptionist 1500)

"I won't lose!" The receptionist drew. "I activate Monster Reborn to revive Number 28: Titanic Moth(R 7/O 0/2400/2200). This time, you have no traps that will save you. My Titanic Moth will attack you directly, through her effect, and finish you off!"

The Number once again unleashed a fire tornado, shooting it towards Yuto.

"I activate the effect of my Absolute Xyz Dragon." Yuto countered. "When any player's monster declares an attack, I can detach 1 material from him to negate it. Go, Absolute Defense!"

Absolute Xyz Dragon(R 7/O 1/2800/2500)

A wall of ice appeared in front of Yuto, protecting him from the flame tornado.

"Then, I can special summon any Phantom Knight from my hand or residing in my grave." Yuto continued. "Return to the field, The Phantom Knights of Break Sword(R 3/O 0/2000/1000).

"I can't do anything else…" The receptionist stated in disbelief. "I end my turn."

"My turn!" Yuto drew. "Absolute XYZ Dragon, it time to destroy that Titanic Moth for good. Go, Absolute Devastation!"

Absolute XYZ Dragon once again let loose a barrage of Ice Spikes that pierced the Number, chips of ice hitting the receptionist beyond (Yuto 50/Receptionist 1100).

"Break Sword will bring this duel to an end with a direct attack!" Yuto declared.

Break Sword rode forward, slashing his blade into the receptionist (Yuto 50/Receptionist 0).

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!" The receptionist exclaimed, flying back.

"Thank you." Yuto voiced, looking to his new dragon.

Absolute roared in response as she faded.

"Ugh, where am I?" The receptionist asked, slowly sitting up.

"Hey, tell me which room Rio Kastle is in." Yuto demanded.

"Uh, Rio Kastle was moved to Room 203, but…"

She didn't get to finish her sentence because Yuto was sprinting the second he heard the room number.

Roof
(Shark 700/Kai 1200)

"I draw!" Kai took the top card off her deck. "Greedy Sarameya will destroy your Number."

Just like with Aero Shark, Greedy Sarameya ripped Nightmare Shark into pieces with a few flames hitting the shark user (Shark 200/Kai 1200).

"Now, my Samurai Sword baron will end this with a direct attack!" Kai declared.

Sword Baron surged forward while drawing his blade.

"I reveal my face-down, Chosen Barian!" Shark countered. "I'm permitted to target an Xyz monster within my extra deck and special summon it. I choose Number 71: Rebarian Shark(R 3/O 0/0/2000) in defense mode." A long, blue dragon with that red jewel in his chest appeared. "Then, Chosen Barian becomes an overlay unit for the monster summoned through it."

Number 71: Rebarian Shark(R 3/O 1/0/2000)

"You got lucky, but you won't be next turn." Kai retorted.

"There won't be a next turn." Shark drew. "Since Rebarian Shark has material, I can revive any other Number that might be in my grave and transfer one of its material to it. The monster I choose is Number 47: Nightmare Shark(R 3/O 0/2000/2000)."

Number 71: Rebarian Shark(R 3/O 0/0/2000)
Number 47: Nightmare Shark(R 3/O 1/2000/2000)

"That means Number 47 can activate its effect once again!" Kai shouted, shocked.

"I'm immediately activating it, with itself as the target once more." Shark declared.

Number 47: Nightmare Shark(R 3/O 0/2000/2000)

"Nightmare Shark, finish this with a direct attack!" Shark ordered.

Nightmare Shark bypassed Kai's monster to bite her, depleting her remaining life points (Shark 200/Kai 0).

Number 14 then flew to Shark, who caught and put it away before moving to pick Kai up by her collar. "Now, where is my sister!?"

"Ugh, where am I?" Kai questioned, puzzled.

"Answer my question." Shark demanded. "Where is Rio?"

"Reginald, I thought you were getting better." Kai retorted.

"You were the one who dragged me onto the roof to a duel!" Shark retorted.

"I did?" Kai asked, surprised.

"You did, but that's not what matters." Shark stated. "I want to know where my sister is, now!"

"She was moved to Room 203." Kai replied.

Shark ran towards the door into the hospital without saying another word.

Room 203
Yuto and Shark arrived at the door to Room 203 at the same time. They looked at each other before the shark user threw it open to let them both rush in. Laying on the bed was a girl who looked identical to the one Yuto saw in his vision, except for the clothes.

"She is alright." Shark voiced, relieved.

Yuto patted his friend's back. "Glad everything worked out."

Shark turned to him. "Sorry, I dragged you into this."

"It's already establish that you would do the same." Yuto replied.

Shark nodded. "I know I invited you to come with me to visit her…"

"You want some alone time with your sister." Yuto nodded. "I get it. We'll talk later about everything that happened, and I'll see you at school tomorrow."

As Yuto closed the door to the room and started walking, he wondered what that vision was alongside why Shark's sister was in it. He hadn't seen her until just now and never knew anyone prior who looked remotely close.

On Shark's end, he was now sitting by his sister's bed with his mind turning to his own vision. Something like it has never happened to him. Then, there was the question of where these Barian cards and those two Numbers came from.

Numbers: 13/100
Yuma: 24, 34, 39, 83

Yuto: 13, 28, 31, 74

Shark: 14, 17, 32, 47, 71

OC Cards:
Absolute Xyz Dragon/Water/Rank 7/Dragon/Xyz/ATK 2800/DEF 2500
2 Level 7 Monsters
When any player's monster declares an attack: You can detach 1 material from this card; negate the attack, then you can Special Summon 1 "The Phantom Knights" monster from your hand or GY. If this Xyz Summoned card is sent to the GY: You can Special Summon 1 "Xyz Dragon" monster from your Extra Deck, except "Absolute Xyz Dragon". You can only use each effect of "Absolute XYZ Dragon" once per turn. This card is able to destroy Number Cards.

The Phantom Knights of Torn Coat/Dark/Level 3/Warrior/Effect/ATK 500/DEF 500
If you control a Dark attribute monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "The Phantom Knights of Torn Coat" once per turn this way. You can banish this card from your GY; sends2 cards from your hand to the GY, then draws 2 cards.

Crest of Control/Equip Spell
Equip only to a monster your opponent controls. Take control of the equipped monster. During each of your opponent's Standby Phases: You must discard one card from your hand if you can't this card gets destroyed. You can banish this card from your GY; draw 1 card.

The Phantom Knights of Cracked Shield/Normal Trap
Halve all Battle Damage you take this turn. When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack while this card is in your Graveyard: You can Special Summon this card in Defense Position as a Normal Monster (Dark/Warrior/ATK 0/DEF 200/LV: 2). (This card is NOT treated as a Trap Card.) If Summoned this way, banish this card when it leaves the field.

Phantom Knights' Magic Circle/Continuous Spell
Each time your opponent activates a card or effect, inflict 200 damage to your opponent immediately after it resolves. You can banish this card from your Graveyard, then target 1 face-up Effect Monster your opponent controls; that target has its effects negated until the end of this turn.

Overlay Deterioration/Counter Trap
When your opponent initiates an Xyz summon: All materials that would be attached to that Xyz summoned monster are sent to the grave instead.

Rank Blockade/Continuous Trap
As long as this card remains on the field, no player can summon an Xyz monster with a lower Rank than the lowest Ranked Xyz monster currently on the field.

Phantom Wave/Norma Spell
(This card is always treated as a "Phantom Knights" card)
Target an Xyz monster in your extra deck, then target up to 2 face-up monsters on the field; their levels become the same as the targeted Xyz monster's rank.

Force Xyz/Normal Trap
Target 1 Xyz monster on the field; activate its effect (if the effect targets a monster you get to choose it) without the need of an XYZ Material.

Barian Shield/Normal Trap
Pay half your Life Points. During this turn, Battle Damage done to you from battle is reduced to 0. You can then banish this card instead of sending it the grave: Add 1 "Barian' card from your deck to your hand.

Chosen Barian/Normal Trap
Target 1 Xyz Monster in your Extra Deck; Special Summon it ignoring it summoning conditions, and if you do, attach this card to it as material.

Quillion9000 · May 6, 2026

Heartland City: Day…
"Finally, I've got some Xyz monsters!"

Even though he did have the Numbers now, Yuma still held the three cards he recently bought aloft with a huge grin. The onomat user had managed to stretch what money Yuto left him on that roof into these monsters he's had his eye on practically since his dad left him this deck.

Nelson sat across from his friend at the table they ended up taking a break at, working to compile his latest additions into the new deck he was building. A smile graced his face as going out to buy cards with a friend was something he'd never been able to do until now.

"What do you say, Nelson?" Yuma turned to his friend, catching his attention. "Want to have a duel where we try our new cards?"

"While that shop had quite a few of the cards I was missing, my deck is still incomplete." Nelson rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry, Yuma."

"Well, what about your prior deck?" Yuma questioned.

"That deck was property of the studio, which they ended up donating to a museum alongside my costume." Nelson replied, tucking his deck away.

"Ah, man." Yuma lamented, slotting the Xyz monsters into his extra deck.

He didn't notice Astral appear, the being looking off to the right and gazing upwards towards the top of a building where some girl currently stood wielding a massive pink cannon. This girl was the same age as the two boys.

She has short red and orange hair, yellow eyes, and clear white skin. She wore a pink and white shirt, a black and red right fingerless glove, a wrist guard on the left hand, black compression shorts, and a pair of boots in the same color as her shirt.

She also had a white and light purple D-Gazer on her left eye, which locked onto the onomat user. "Good-bye Yuma!"

She fired on the onomat user, the sound of it going off catching the attention of Yuma, Nelson and Astral.

"Yuma!" Nelson exclaimed.

Astral flew into the air while Nelson lept over the table, tackling his friend to the ground just in time. The cannon shot hit right behind where they were a moment ago and caused an explosion on impact. Both teens shut their eyes as the force of the explosion hit them.

The unknown girl slightly lowered her cannon, irritation evident on her face as Yuma and Nelson were unharmed. "Er, just missed him."

"This augmented reality is getting a little too real if you ask me." Yuma commented.

"Yuma, neither of us are wearing duel gazers." Nelson retorted, to the shock of his friend. "I'm fairly certain this is real."

The unknown girl lifted her cannon, taking aim at Yuma. "One more time!"

She fired three shots rapidly, the pair noticing this just as they got back to their feet.

"This way!" Yuma exclaimed.

He booked it with Nelson immediately running alongside him. They were just fast enough to get out of the three cannon shots safely.

"Stay still, would ya!?" The unknown girl hissed, slightly lowering her cannon for a moment before taking aim again and firing.

"Astral, what do you see!?" Yuma exclaimed.

At this point, Nelson was hoping this Astral Yuma sometimes spoke with was real because neither of them were going to risk looking back.

"From what I can tell, you are under attack." Astral responded.

"What did I do to deserve this!?" Yuma exclaimed, exasperated.

"I take it he wasn't very helpful." Nelson thought, sweat dropping.

Just then, a single shot went off right behind them. The resulting small explosion had the pair stopping in their tracks as their hair blew widely from the wind pressure.

Once the wind pressure died down, Yuma turned to his fiend. "This way, Nelson!"

The onomat user took off to his left.

"Right behind you!" Nelson responded, following.

They turned a corner and continued running in hopes they've escaped their unknown attacker.

Speaking of who, the girl's D-Gazer kept track of Yuma even as he rounded the corner. "Don't underestimate me." The unknown girl lifted her cannon from her shoulder before kneeling and placing it on the rooftop. "You can't escape."

She lifted her right leg before placing it down on her cannon, hitting a switch in the process that saw hovercraft wings come out. The girl hopped onto her hovercraft cannon which let out a sound as it released a gust of wind and started to rise into the air slowly.

"We have lift off!" The girl declared.

It then went out of control, with her screaming in panic. The hovercraft flew back before going forward, only to start falling upon going past the rooftop's edge. Luckily for the young girl ridding atop it, her hovercraft pulled up just before falling into the lake.

The girl continued screaming, placing her legs in the stirrups as she tried to control her hovercraft. She was focused on regaining control to the point she didn't notice her hovercraft slowly rising nor the light post in her way until she slammed face first into it.

She then took hold of the joystick with both hands, taking control as she flew after her target. She came right up to a random building, but stopped herself from crashing by placing her right foot against it. She dug her foot in before pushing off with a battle cry, flying after the pair.

In no time at all, she was on their tail. "There is no escape!"

"This girl is more relentless than my former fan girls!" Nelson exclaimed. "What did you do to tick her off, Yuma!?"

"I've got no idea!" Yuma yelled.

Astral took that moment to float down to Yuma's left, facing the unknown girl's direction with both arms crossed. "I would suggest running faster."

This earned him an annoyed frown from the onomat user.

"I've got you now!" The girl screamed, firing another shot at the pair.

The force of it sent her hovercraft spiraling out of control, with her screaming in panic.

"Watch out!" Yuma exclaimed, grabbing Nelson before jumping out of the way.

They escaped in the nick of time as the cannon shot exploded where they were a second ago. Still, it didn't end there for the pair as the unknown girl continued chasing and trying to blast them. This was regardless of where they went.

They went to a shopping mall, only for her to find them. They went underground in a sewer, only to be found. They tried going up high in a building via an elevator, only to get spotted again. They tried blending in with a crowd of people on a rollercoaster, but that failed as well.

A Tower:Hours Later…
Even though both boys were fit, this was getting exhausting. Right now, the pair found themselves on a random tower with multiple levels and what seemed like multiple railways leading to other parts of the city. The two were currently climbing up a ladder.

"This is not how I thought today would go." Yuma let out a groan. "I just wanted to buy some cards and get in a duel, not be chased around by some girl with a cannon."

"You can say that again." Nelson agreed. "Do you have any idea who that was?"

"I'm pretty sure I'd remember ticking off someone with a cannon." Yuma answered upon them reaching the top. "Anyways, we should be safe since there's no chance she'll find us here."

The onomat user came to a stop before placing both hands on his knees and keeling over. Nelson soon tapped his friend on the shoulder, getting his attention before pointing to the sky wordlessly. Slowly starting to pale, Yuma looked up where he pointed.

Much to his dread, the unknown girl was there atop her hovercraft with both fists pressed against her hips . "Any last words because now's the time…"

The girl stopped as she lost her balance, letting out panicked cries and flailing before ultimately falling alongside her vehicle. Fortunately for the girl, she and her cannon fell to the tower's top. Yuma and Nelson stared at the unknown girl in silence while she didn't move in the slightest.

…

Eventually, Yuma broke the silence. "Uh, you okay?"

As quick as a flash, the girl grabbed hold of her cannon, got back up, and turned to face the pair. "Quiet, I'm taking you out!"

Yuma and Nelson finally got the chance to get a good look at the girl.

Nelson blinked, taking in how lean yet muscular this girl was. "Jeez, this girl is more muscular than I think any of my former fan girls were."

Yuma blinked at the sight of the girl, feeling like she looked familiar yet nothing came to mind.

He then shook his head a little to focus on the fact this girl was pointing a cannon at him. "Why are you trying to blast me!?" He lifted his right fist up slightly. "What did I ever do to you!?"

The unknown girl smirked, taking off her gazer and standing fully while lowering her cannon. "You're still clueless as always, aren't you Yuma Tsukumo!?"

With the girl's D-Gazer off, Yuma got a good look at her face. "Wait a second…" He blinked. "Aren't you that girl, Anna Kaboom?"

"Anna?" Nelson was taken aback. "You do know this girl?"

"Well, I wouldn't say I know her that well." Yuma replied. "She was in our former school a couple years ago before transferring." He turned back to Anna, who had a stern look. "Tori knew her better, but I remember what kind of reputation she had back then.

Anna would beat up bullies and protect bullying victims. You could say she was known for being the girl that stopped bullying." Anna grew a small blush on her face at hearing Yuma say those words. "She was also known for being a tomboy, with some kids thinking she had no appeal."

"No appeal?" The blush on Anna's face disappeared. "I have plenty of appeal!"

Yuma was taken aback, to the point he lost his footing and fell to his butt. He then paled upon seeing Anna standing in front of him, pointing her cannon at him.

"I didn't say I agreed!" Yuma panicked. "Anyways, what I meant to say was you were a hero to all the kids that got bullied!"

Hearing Yuma's change of tune, Anna lowered her cannon.

Off to the side, Nelson watched with a confused look. "This still doesn't explain why she was trying to blast us these past few hours."

Anna looked to him. "It's to get my revenge!"

This took the pair aback. "Revenge?"

"Got that right!" She started blushing while turning away. "Yuma Tsukumo, don't you know I..."

She started mumbling to herself, it being low enough that neither of them could hear what she was saying.

Yuma let out a confused, "Huh?"

That had Anna glaring. "I said, don't you know I…"

She turned away once more, blushing as she mumbled.

Growing more confused, Yuma let out an, "Eh?"

Anna was irritated again. "Whatever!"

She closed both eyes and frowned while Yuma instinctively clenched his teeth in confusion.

Watching all of this, Nelson realized what this was. "I think I know what's going on."

"You…You never noticed me." Anna blurted.

"What do you mean!?" Yuma exclaimed. "Why should I have noticed you!?"

"That's why I glued your shoes." She remembered watching a younger Yuma try to pull his shoes out of a locker, unaware that they had been glued. "I scribbled all over your D-Pad." Another memory where Yuma was looking over his scribbled on red D-Pad.

"I cut holes in your swim trunks." She remembered back to a swim class where a hole opened in the back of Yuma's swim trucks. "I even hid rocks in your Duel Fuel." Another memory where she watched Yuma crying with a tooth broken off from a rock in his mouth.

"Is this what normally happens when someone likes you?" Nelson contemplated, crossing his arms. "I guess some of my fan girls did similar, not that I ever had the courage to find out what any of it meant. I didn't even think about girls like that a few years back."

"You did all those things to me?" Yuma looked off to the side, confused. "You'd really think I'd remember."

"You're telling me." Anna blushed. "I'd fallen head over heels for you, which is why I asked you to meet me before I transferred." Her eyes conveyed such sadness. "I waited there for you, just to finally confess; however, you didn't come."

Her eyes started to water as that day ran through her mind. How she stood in a white dress, waiting for Yuma to meet her. Anna remembered perfectly, clutching her dress as her heart felt a suffocating pain at the realization Yuma wasn't coming to meet her.

Coming back to reality, Anna grew an enraged look. "You will pay for this!"

Anna reared her right fist back and thrust it into the ground beside Yuma's head, leaving a sizable crack in the roof. The onomat user inhaled in pure terror, his pupils staring at Anna's fist.

"Get ready Yuma Tsukumo because I'm here to collect." Anna declared, lifting her fist from the crack before holding her cannon up with both hands.

A shiver went down Yuma's spine at Anna's words, along with his terror increasing. Acting a bit on fear, Yuma placed both hands on the ground behind his head and started back flipping away to 5 feet before stopping.

"Just hold on a sec!" Yuma exclaimed. "I understand you're ticked off, but if you want revenge, let's have a duel!"

"A duel, huh?" Anna grinned, closing both eyes as she seemingly pondered the idea for a good 3 seconds. "Fine. I'll take you on." She let go of her cannon, letting it drop to the ground on her right. "Knowing you, I thought this might happen. If I win, I get to have you, cool?"

"No way you'll win, so that's fine by me." Yuma returned confidently.

The two of them then faced off.

"Let's Duel!"

(Yuma 4000/Anna 4000)

"Human love is such a peculiar thing." Astral muttered, shaking his head. "It also packs such serious firepower."

"Ladies first!" Anna drew. "For my first move, I summon Rocket Arrow Express(LV 10/5000/0)." A large locomotive fit with a rocket ship on top appeared.

"Gah, it's got 5000 ATK!" Yuma exclaimed, stunned.

"How is Anna able to summon such a strong monster as her first move?" Astral questioned.

"This card can only be summoned when I have no other cards on my field." Anna declared. "If I want to keep this monster around, I'll need to send whatever the current number of cards in my hand is to the grave during my Standby Phases."

"You're entire hand, every turn?" Yuma's eyes widened in disbelief. "Gah, I don't know what you're up to; however, I don't like it!"

"I also can't attack the turn Rocket Arrow Express was summoned, and while it's on the field, I can't put any other card face-down." Anna declared. "So, I end my turn! You're up, Yuma. Bring it on!"

"Right!" Yuma drew.

"Yuma." Astral voiced, getting his attention. "Rocket Arrow is too powerful to attack this turn."

"In that case, I'll set the stage for later." Yuma looked to his opponent once more. "I'll play one monster in face-down defense position before following it up with one set card. That's it from me, so it's your move!"

Anna made a sound of annoyance at her opponent seemingly holding back, though she was quick to shrug it off with a smile. "Playing hard to get, are ya? I'll fix that. I Draw!" She took the top card off her deck. "I choose not to discard my hand, which means Rocket Arrow's wrecked."

The massive locomotive exploded, much to Astral's mild surprise. "Oh my..."

"Next, I'll place five cards face-down before ending my turn." Anna finished.

"What!?" Yuma was dismayed. "Why did you get rid of that super powerful monster!?"

"I guess love does work in mysterious ways…" Astral muttered.

"I got a plan, which you don't need to concern yourself with beyond giving me your very best." Anna retorted

"If you want it, you got it!" Yuma drew. "First, I'll normal summon Dododo Warrior(LV 6/2300/900)." A red and black armored warrior wielding an axe and shield appeared. "I can summon him without tribute under the condition his original ATK becomes 1800."

Dododo Warrior(LV 6/1800/900 effect)

"Now, I'll launch a direct attack." Yuma declared.

"Wait, Yuma, what about the five face-downs!?" Astral questioned.

"I destroy all face-down cards on my field!" Anna declared. "Go on, get lost!"

"What!?" Astral was perplexed.

"Next, I'll summon Snow Plow Hustle Russel(LV 10/2500/3000)." Anna declared, summoning forth a red snow plow. "I'm allowed to summon it when you attack me directly, simply by destroying all my set backrow."

"That monster is 700 ATK more than my Warrior." Yuma noted. "I'll call off my attack."

"You're not getting off that easy, Yuma." Anna smirked. "Snow Plow Hustle Russel, I'm activating your special ability. Now, you take 200 points of damage for every Spell or Trap Card I destroyed in order to summon it."

"With five cards destroyed, that's 1000 points of damage!" Yuma exclaimed.

The train plowed through all five of the cards to gather power before sending a swirling snowstorm towards Yuma, who flinched back from the bitter cold (Yuma 3000/Anna 4000).

"Yuma!" Nelson called out, concerned.

Anna felt pumped. "1000 down, 3000 to go!"

"Anna planned this move from the very beginning?" Yuma questioned.

"That does seem to be the case." Astral noted. "You must be careful, Yuma. I have a hunch Anna is planning something far bigger."

"Yeah, can't deny that." Yuma looked to his hand. "The question is, what do we do?"

"Come on, Yuma!" Nelson cheered, getting his friend's attention. "I don't remember it too well, but I believed you when you talked about beating the deck I used as the Sparrow. You overcome my high level monsters, even my Rank 10. If you won that duel, you could win this one!"

"Nelson…" Yuma grinned. "Of course I can because I'm feeling the flow!"

"Moving on…" Anna brought their attention back to the action. "My draw!" She took the top card off her deck. "Just the card I was hoping for. Go, Special Schedule!" A railway stoplight appeared before switching from red to green.

"Thanks to this spell, I have the green light to summon one machine-type monster with 3000 or more Attack Points from my gin defense position. So, all aboard because Rocket Arrow Express(LV 10/5000/0) is back!"

"Two level ten monsters." Astral noted. "This is not good."

"In years past, I could never get your attention, but I have a hunch this next move will." Anna stated. "I overlay level ten Rocket Arrow and Hustle Russel. Xyz summon Superdreadnought Rail Cannon(R 10/O 2/3000/3000)!" A massive locomotive on three tracks appeared.

"Three thousand ATK!" Yuma exclaimed.

"So, this is what she's been angling for!" Astral noted.

"The best part of this locomotive is the change it undergoes when I activate its ability!" Anna declared. "By detaching one overlay unit, you take 2000 life points worth of damage."

Superdreadnought Rail Cannon(R 10/O 1/3000/3000) moved its bricks out of the way to reveal a cannon pointing at the onomat user.

"That is one cool Xyz monster, though it'd be cooler were it not pointing at me." Yuma noted.

"Go, Cataclysmic Cannon!" Anna exclaimed.

The cannon unleashed a powerful laser beam, nailing Yuma and sending him flying backwards (Yuma 1000/Anna 4000).

Anna was ecstatic. "Yeah, yippee! I'm winning, I'm winning, I'm winning! You're just 1000 points away from losing, Yuma. Once you lose, you're all mine! So whadda ya say, handsome? Let's make that dream come true! Go, Superdreadnought. Attack Dododo Warrior to finish this!"

The massive cannon-train began rolling forward with the intent of mowing down the golem.

"I reveal my face down, Guardraw." Yuma countered. "By now shifting Warrior into defense, this trap lets me draw one card."

While Warrior was still ran over, the change in position kept Yuma from losing more life points.

"Clever move, Yuma." Anna complimented. "You survive this turn, but I promise you won't survive the next."

"Were she to get a next turn, you'd lose." Astral noted, drawing the onomat user's attention. "I'm fairly certain she has no cards to stop you while your hand is brimming. If I were you, I'd consider what your new cards have to offer in conjunction with the old."

"My new cards…" Yuma looked to his hand. "I get what you're saying." He looked to his opponent. "Get ready Anna because I'm hi-fiving the sky!" He drew. "I summon Ganbara Knight(LV 4/0/1800)." A red and yellow armored warrior wielding two shields appeared.

"Then, I'll flip my face down Gogogo Golem(LV 4/1800/1500) into attack mode." The green golem appeared. "Now, I overlay my level 4 Gogogo Golem and Ganbara Knight. Xyz summon Gagaga Samurai(R 4/O 2/1900/1600)." A samurai in red and black attire appeared.

"Ha!" Anna crossed her arms. "He's only got 1900 ATK while my Rail Cannon has 3000!"

"Those are problems easily solved through a few effects strung together." Yuma declared. "First, I detach one overlay unit from Gagaga Samurai(R 4/O 1/1900/1600). Now I could choose any Gagaga monster on my field, and it'll get two attacks during the Battle Phase.

"Samurai is my only monster who fits the bill." Samurai crossed his blades as he glowed with a blue aura. "Then, I activate the spell Blustering Winds to raise his ATK and DEF by 1000 until my next Standby Phase."

Gagaga Samurai(R 4/O 1/2900/2600 effect) grew, nearly matching the opposing monster.

"You're one hundred shy from just tying Rail Cannon, Yuma!" Anna called out.

"That's because I have one final card to play before the Battle Phase." Yuma grinned. "The final piece to my winning combo. I activate the equip spell, Giant Hunter." Samurai was now awash with a red aura. "With this in effect, you couldn't activate spells/traps during the Battle Phase.

That's inconsequential to what happens during that phase when my life points are lower than yours. Through this card, by now attacking your Rail Cannon, its ATK is halved until the end of the Battle Phase."

"What!?" Anna exclaimed.

Superdreadnought Rail Cannon(R 10/O 1/1500/3000 effect) acquired the same red aura as it was reduced to halve its usual size before Samurai came in slicing it down the middle. The shockwaves had Anna skidding back (Yuma 1000/Anna 2600)

"You destroyed my Rail Cannon, but I'm still standing!" Anna exclaimed.

"You already forgot." Yuma smiled. "I used Samurai's effect, allowing him two attacks this turn. With him still powered up by Blustering Wind, he's three hundred more than is required!"

Anna's eyes widened. "No way…"

"Yes way!" Yuma declared. "Gagaga Samurai, wrap this up with a direct attack!"

Samurai surged forward before slashing into Anna, sending her flying back until she crashed down upon the top of the tower back first (Yuma 1000/Anna 0).

"That's the way, Yuma!" Nelson cheered.

"N-No way." Anna sat up from the ground, her face displaying disbelief. "I lost...BUT HOW!?"

"You played well, don't doubt that." Yuma voiced as he approached.

"Yeah, those cards of yours are something else." Nelson shrugged. "You simply couldn't account for Yuma having cards that contended with your own."

"I could have!" Anna exclaimed. "I've known Yuma more than anyone else possibly could have! For instance, I know he's afraid of heights."

"What are you talking about." That confused Yuma. "I'm not afraid of heights."

"Maybe not now, but you were two years ago." Anna retorted. "I know because of that time I took your card and told you to come get it back from me. You kept going about how you were afraid of climbing the tree because of your fear of heights."

"Even if Yuma got over his fear of heights, I'm almost certain there would have been something indicating he once was." Nelson thought. "With all those high ump challenges he does at school, I highly doubt he was afraid of heights…At least to the extent she implies."

Yuma was just as confused since his dad took him to all sorts of high places. Yeah, there was some fear there; however, nothing like how Anna was describing. Even if it were the case, he overcame any fear of heights he had well before starting school.

"The only person I could think of that was afraid of heights 2 years ago was…" Yuma sweat dropped. "Anna, did you mix me up with Kumo Tsuyuma?"

Nelson turned to his friend with a confused look while Anna blinked as her face formed into a look of realization and shock.

"Kumo Tsuyuma?" Nelson questioned. "His name sounds a bit like yours, but what does he got to do with this?"

"He was a kid in the same class as me, Tori, and Anna two years ago." Yuma replied. "The guy was a crybaby. I seem to recall Anna picked on him a lot for reasons I didn't know. After this, I think he was the one she liked."

"That would mean this all happened because Anna forgot the name of the boy she actually liked." Nelson noted, his expression stupefied.

The friends stared at each other in silence for a good 10 seconds before looking down at Anna, who was blushing in embarrassment. The faces of both Yuma and Nelson fell, both mentally exhausted after realizing this whole thing was a misunderstanding.

Anna's blush of embarrassment grew, only for her to stubbornly look away. "I-it is your for having a similar name!"

Yuma sighed before walking up to and taking a knee before the girl, getting her to face him. "Look Anna, I won't say this is all water under the bridge; however, what Kumo did or didn't do was terrible. Even if he was afraid, he should have had the courage to face you.

You had the courage to confess, but he turned out not to be as strong as you." The onomat user placed a hand on Anna's shoulder, a sign of comfort. "I don't really get all this feelings stuff, so I probably don't have the right to be saying any of this.

Still, you should forget Kumo and move on. Someone like him, who doesn't have the courage to face you, isn't worth your time. You're a strong person, and I'm sure you'll find the right person for you someday."

Yuma then dropped his hand. After listening to everything Yuma just said, Anna grew a healthy blush on her face directed his way.

"Oh boy…" Nelson thought, fairly certain this blush was actually meant for his friend.

"M-mind your own business!" Anna stuttered nervously.

She stood and turned away from him before walking back to her hovercraft. Upon boarding, she grabbed the joystick and took off. Yuma, Nelson, and Astral just watched her go.

"Well, this has been quite the adventure." Nelson looked to his friend. "I've come to recognize you aren't as normal as I first thought, Yuma. Given how you treated Anna at the end there, maybe you're even more abnormal than I'm currently thinking."

"What's that supposed to mean!?" Yuma exclaimed.

"Maybe you'll figure it out." Nelson started to walk away. "Anyways, all that running has me hungry. Let's get off this tower and find where we can order the largest pizza available."

"Nelson, explain what you mean!?" Yuma yelled, walking after his friend.

Astral shook his head at his partner.

Heartland
Flying through the air on her cannon/hovercraft, Anna blankly stared ahead while her thoughts were on the onomat user. "Yuma Tsukumo…"

She closed both eyes and grew a smile like a high school girl that just met her first love. This meant Anna wasn't looking where she was going and ended up flying into the bottom of one of the many high roads of Heartland City.

Anna let out a startled and pain filled cry, opening her eyes while gritting her teeth in anger. "That's was your fault, Yuma Tsukumo!"

Heartland Academy: Morning…
Yuma and Nelson both sighed as they walked with Tori towards the entrance to the academy.

"Was yesterday busy at the card shops or something?" Tori questioned, having not heard of any sales or promotions going on that would have brought in people.

"Yesterday was hectic." Yuma voiced.

Nelson shook his head. "It had nothing to do with shopping for cards."

Before either of them could explain, a familiar voice spoke up with an angry tone.

"There you are, Yuma Tsukumo!"

Yuma and Nelson looked at each other, their eyes widening.

"That voice sounds familiar." Tori noted.

They all turned to see Anna wearing the first year girl's uniform for Heartland academy.

"Anna, you're going here!?" Yuma exclaimed.

"Not important." Anna stormed up to the onomat user, pointing at him. "What is would be the fact I hit my head because you wormed your way into my thoughts."

"You can't blame me for that!" Yuma retorted.

"Yes I can, and I demand you make it up to me!" Anna retorted.

'What happening here?" Tori asked, uncertain.

"From what Yuma had to say, that's Anna Kaboom who you two went to school with two years ago." Nelson explained. "It's a whole mess but the short of it is Yuma dueled with her yesterday over some grudge. I also guess she's transferred back here."

That would explain what this girl was doing back in Heartland to being with.

"He did." Tori blushed slightly as she looked at the onomat user, a tad peeved. "Yuma, you didn't tell me about this."

"You're mad at me as well." Yuma tossed his arms up before walking over to Nelson. "Come on, we're leaving."

"I'm right there with you." Nelson agreed, not wanting to be alone with two angry girls.

"Yuma!" Tori and Anna yelled at the same time.

That only got the onomat user running with Nelson following, resulting in both girls running after him.

Quillion9000 · 2026-05-15T16:51:46+0100

Heartland Academy: Morning…
"Two different crests, neither necessarily granting control. It's more their desires were directed to target us. If we take into account what we heard from Drake and his son at the docks, applying what happened to be something the twins did, it is unlikely they're behind this."

Yuto was walking alongside Shark, the two of them conversing about the strange behavior of the doctor and receptionist. Despite seeing each other that next day, with Shark giving Number 14 to Yuto, they decided to hold off until the weekend passed to get their heads straight on everything.

"They seem to have been watching us, given your opponent had cards in an attempt to counter your plays while Doctor Kai mentioned the number of Numbers I had." Shark added. "We know it's not an immediate response given we both acquired new cards mid-duel that surprised them."

"Think that's a response to those crests being in play?" Yuto questioned.

"We can't rule it out." The shark shook his head. "I'm inclined to since I feel we would have seen something to do with those crests just prior to acquiring what new cards we did. Regardless, it looks like we have more to look into."

"We need to redouble our efforts into finding answers, given it's likely we now have two groups of Number Hunters to worry about." Yuto stated. "One potentially targeting both of us if they started watching me after our encounter."

"The other has been watching both of us for some time now." Shark nodded. "We still have to get through today; however, we can start looking for clues after school."

"We should each head out alone after school today." Yuto stated. "We'll look for Numbers in general, though pay close attention to those marked with a crest or in control of themselves. I'll also find Yuma some time today, tell him enough just to have the guy on the lookout."

"You want to split up and get Yuma in on this?" Shark questioned, incredulously.

"No matter what you think of Yuma, he was one of the first involved in this long term if we assume he was one of the first to get a Number." Yuto reminded me. "While not confirmed, he's likely a target too. As for splitting up, we're good enough to deal with almost any opponent."

"I guess we would cover more ground." Shark sighed. "Fine, to both points you brought up." Just then, the first bell rang. "Right now, we should head to our homeroom. No point risking trouble that'll cut into our time for finding answers."

Duel Period…
"Finally, some alone time!"

It's not like Yuma had anything against Nelson or Caswell, it's more he was relieved to be away from Tori and Anna after this morning. He still couldn't believe the latter blamed him when she hit her head while having no idea why the former was suddenly angry with him.

"It's a shame you are seemingly on the outs with those two, Yuma." Astral appeared, arms crossed. "After all, those who duel for love seem to duel with great passion."

"Keep your theories to yourself, Astral." Yuma was dismissed.

"Good, Astral is around." Yuto came up behind the onomat user, resting a hand on his shoulder. "We need to talk."

Yuma looked back at the phantom knights user.

Roof
"...You mean to tell us there is potentially another group after the Numbers?" Astral questioned.

Yuto had brought the onomat user to the roof, which meant the ethereal being was here by default. The only other place Astral could really be was within the key, which Yuto would have found slightly inconvenient.

"Potentially." Yuto replied. "Under the assumption the captain and his son were already affected by a minor encounter with one of the twins, it seems unlikely they'd be the master behind this crest. Whoever this master is, they know the game well."

Despite telling Yuma and Astral what happened, there were certain factors the phantom knights user was omitting. Primarily anything having to do with Rio alongside the sudden appearance of new cards. Even though two Numbers did appear within Shark's extra deck, it felt need to know.

"Like they'll be able to get a read on my deck." Yuma voiced, confidently.

"I'm not going to sugar coat this, Yuma." Yuto crossed his arms. "The twins were skilled enough, but whoever this master is appears to potentially be on another level. Quite frankly, I'm uncertain if they're going to bother trying to counter your deck."

"What do you mean?" Yuma questioned.

"You know what I mean." Yuto retorted firmly, seeing the onomat user look down. "There's proving to be little time for hurt feelings. The potential number of skilled duelists entering this hunt is on the rise, and you must be ready."

"What am I supposed to do?" Yuma questioned.

"Learn your deck in its entirety, continue ascertaining what combos are possible, and start drawing test hands as you play out faux duels." Yuto declared. "You can also look into every card you want and make a list. When you've made one, give it to me."

"You'd buy me more cards?" Yuma questioned.

"It's not like your deck is bad as is, but there are improvements which could be made to see you stand a better chance." Yuto shook his head. "I won't let your lack of an allowance be the reason you fall." He then started to walk away. "Oh, keep an eye out moving forward."

Yuma was a mixed bag of emotions, currently. He liked the sound of potential new cards, though still disliked being talked down to about his dueling. That latter emotion was dulled since he had been faced with the truth of it in ways he couldn't deny.

Even still, part of him was excited at the prospect of dueling a seemingly ever growing number of people hunting Numbers like he was. Astral, by contrast, was concerned. They had yet to encounter any Number Hunters, which meant they were likely overdue.

Heartland: Harbor, After School…
With school having ended, Yuto decided to begin his search where he's run into Number holders two times prior. As he was walking through said harbor, the phantom knights user was about to make that three times as he noticed everyone he could see was no longer moving.

"Given what I've seen since these Numbers appeared, this sort of thing tracks." Yuto noted.

For a brief moment, the phantom knights user wondered what it said about him that he was okay with time suddenly stopping. That thought was interrupted by the distant screech of a bird, one louder than anything naturally residing within Heartland could make.

"That has to be a duel monster." Yuto thought, running towards the sound.

The screech came from the other side of the harbor. Upon his arrival, Yuto found two people engaged in a duel. One of them was a mere street thug, though he had a Number as evident by the 52 imprinted on his neck. The thug's opponent was some tall guy.

He had straight, blueish-black hair that fell to his chin with light green bangs in the shape of a wing partially tucked under some strands on the left. His eyes were yellow-green. He wore a blue trenchcoat that was belted shut, grey pants, and brown shoes.

(Shun 2000/Thug 1500)

Shun's Field
2 cards in hand
Raidraptor - Force Strix(R 4/O 1/100/2000) defense position

Thug's Field
1 card in hand
Number 52: Diamond Crab King(R 4/O 1/0/3000) defense position
Fairy Meteor Crush(equipped to Number 52)

"Time for you to throw in the towel, hot shot." The thug declared. "With my Number on the field, you cannot beat me."

"All of you rely too much on those Numbers, making it easy to break them!" Shun drew. "I summon Raidraptor - Necro Vulture(LV 4/1000/1600)." A purple armored vulture exuding darkness appeared. "I'll then tribute him."

"Why would you do that?" The thug asked.

"By tributing 1 raidraptor, I can add 1 Rank-Up-Magic from my grave to my hand." Shun explained, seeing the thug slightly flinch. "I'll now activate the Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force I returned to my hand. With it, I can target my Force Strix to rebuild the overlay network.

I call upon the predator of blazing force with wings that slash and talons that tear. Go, Rank-Up Xyz Evolution. Descend, Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon(R 5/O 2/1000/2000)." A red and black armored falcon took to the field."

"To think, I was worried." The thug laughed. "That monster is nothing."

"Allow me to show you how right you were to be worried." Shun retorted. "Since Blaze Falcon has material, he can launch a direct attack."

The thug was blasted, though managed to remain standing (Unknown 2000/Thug 500).

"If that is all you can do, you won't beat me!" The thug exclaimed.

"Since Blaze Falcon dealt battle damage, he could destroy that Number of yours." Shun had narrowed his eyes. "Rather than utilize that effect, I'll move out of the Battle Phase and instead detach one overlay unit."

Raidraptor - Blaze Falcon(R 5/O 1/1000/2000)

"What is more important than destroying my Number?" The thug confidently asked.

"Destoying that number with the added 500 effect damage you're about to take because Xyz monsters also count as Special summoned monsters." Shun retorted, stunning his opponent. "In short, that Number is your downfall!"

Number 52 was blasted off the field, the residual shockwave enough to knock the thug off his feet (Unknown 2000/Thug 0).

"To the hunter go the spoils." Shun declared.

A glowing hand shot forth from the boy to enter the Number holder's chest. The latter groaned as the Number 52 on his neck burst into light. A wave of light pulsed past Shun, who now cradled a sphere of light in his hand.

Upon squeezing it, the sphere turned into Number 52. The boy looked to a nearby roof, seeing Yuto glance that way too. A relatively large, metallic white and black falcon was perched there with glowing red eyes.

"A successful hunt, Flacon." The boy stated.

Falcon's red eyes dulled as he screeched. Yuto then looked back at the thug, seeing he had quickly aged. His brown hair had gone white while his face was wrinkled and sunken. The phantom knights user knew this guy probably wasn't a good one. Still, this wasn't right.

"What did you do to him?" Yuto asked, stepping out of hiding.

Falcon turned its head towards him, screeching while the raidraptor user looked his way.

"If you're moving through slowed time, it means my hunt isn't over." Shun began to move across from the phantom knights user. "I'll be taking your Number, just as I did his."

"Is that all you took, his Number?" Yuto questioned firmly.

"No." Shun shook his head. "I capture the souls of my opponents when I defeat them."

"How could anyone do such a thing?" Yuto questioned, angered.

"That's none of your concern." Shun retorted.

"You made it my concern the second I saw you do it." Yuto readied his duel disk. "I'll stop you, here and now."

Before Shun could respond, Falcon swooped down from the nearby roof with a screech. The machine falcon then hovered beside his master as his eyes briefly glowed red, seeing the radraptor user's duel pad beep.

"Er, not enough power to keep time frozen for another duel." Shun looked Yuto's way. "Looks like today is your lucky day, but your time will come." He then looked at the metallic falcon. "Let's go, Falcon!"

Falcon attached himself to Shun's back before taking off into the sunset, casting a bird-like shadow as time resumed.

"I'm not sure if he works alone, for someone I know, or someone I don't; however, I'll put a stop to him." Yuto thought, staring after the retreating radiator user. "In the meantime, I should get help for his victim."

Heartland Shopping Mall
"We're here at the city's shopping centre where an unknown individual has blocked all access to the top floor." A news woman was on the scene, covering this event.

"Trash identified! Trash identi-'' A litterbot called out as it was pushed over the edge of the top floor and sent plummeting to the ground floor, landing in front of Yuma, Nelson, and Shark.

While Yuto was off at the harbor, Shark had ended up at the mall around the same time as Yuma and Nelson. The onomat user had been hanging out with his new friend, having been thankful for the distraction after having iced out the girls the rest of the day.

He was still unwilling to entertain their supposed nonsense, having been unwilling to even listen when both tried to speak with him. That had been pushed from his mind for the moment as all three boys were now among the crowd who were taking this situation in.

Speaking of said situation, a young adult male was on the top floor from which he glared down angrily at the litterbot while holding a baseball bat in his right hand. "Now you're trash, dumb Litterbot!''

Down at the bottom floor, the Litterbot's face was spinning. "Don't forget to recycle."

"Hey, watch it up there!" Yuma exclaimed.

"For once, I actually agree with something you've said." Shark commented.

The onomat user sent a glare the shark user's way while Nelson looked worried. Back at the top floor, there was a hostage situation going on. The same young adult that sent the litterbot over the edge had blockaded all access to the top floor and taken hostages.

"For the last time, make good on my demands or the hostages are gonna get it!'' The adult thug waved his bat, scaring the hostages. "I'm warning ya, I mean business! The clock's ticking!''

Back at the bottom floor, Yuma, Nelson, and Shark continued to watch as the standoff continued.

"I hope those people don't get hurt." Nelson voiced in concern.

Yuma then received a call from his D-Gazer, answering it revealed it was his sister.

"Yuma, Are you at the shopping mall right now!?" Kari questioned, looking a little angry.

"I am, actually." Yuma knew it'd be no use trying to get out of this. "I'm with a few friends. How do you even know about it?"

"Well, Yuma, it's because I'm seeing you live on television." Kari retorted.

That had all three boys looking up to see they were being filmed.

"Didn't expect to be on television so soon after leaving my show." Nelson muttered. "Something tells me mom won't be happy seeing me on this program."

"This is such a pain." Shark grumbled, having never liked the paparazzi.

"NOW, GO FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING SO I GET A SCOOP!'' Kari shouted, hurting the boy's ears before hanging up.

"What do you know, the first time I've felt bad for you too." Shark remarked, half genuinely. "For as annoying as Rio could be, I think I'm now more grateful for who she was."

Despite recognizing Shark had been half nice, it was drowned out by what his sister asked of him. "Why do I always have to help her with what she loves to do, yet she actively stands in the way of what I love to do?"

Yuma sighed as he put his gazer away before looking towards the screen. At the same time as the onomat user, Shark noticed the Number 56 imprinted on the guy's left muscle.

"Looks like there's something to this madness." The shark began pushing through the crowd, heading towards the top floor. "I'm putting a stop to this."

Yuma's Emperor Key glowed before Astral appeared. "Yuma, you should go after him."

"I was just thinking that." Yuma chased after the shark user.

This prompted Nelson to follow him. "Yuma, wait!"

Atop a Skyscrapper
Two figures stood atop a skyscraper near the mall with robot partners of their own. One was male while the other was a female. The male had light blue-grey eyes, pale skin, and blonde hair that curled up in a point with a dark green spiked front.

His attire consisted of a black trench coat with a high collar over a grey shirt, a finger-less black glove on his right hand, and white pants with black boots. He also has a belt with two purple deck boxes for his cards.

The female wore a brown cloak with a hood that covered her body. Behind the two were their robots, Orbital 7 and Orbital 8. Orbital 7 was a small white robot while Orbital 8 was a pink version of him.

"Number card confirmed." The male stated.

"Time to spread our wings, you two." The hooded figure voiced to the two robots.

"As you wish, Mistress." Orbital 8 returned with a salute, her voice feminine.

Both figures jumped off the building, falling to the ground with the two robots falling after them. Then, Orbital 7 and 8 changed into glider mode and attached to their respective person's back.

"Let the hunt begin!'' The male called out as they flew towards the mall.

Heartland Shopping Mall
Shark was currently running up one of the stopped escalators, with Yuma and Nelson chasing after him while Astral floated after them. Just then, multiple people were calling out something above, which drew their attention as well.

"Hey look up there!"

"It looks like some gliders or something!"

"Hey, time's up!" The thug called out. "Where's my helicopter!?"

Suddenly, the male and female smashed through the skylight of the mall while everything froze. The young man landed with a white robot by his side before walking towards the thug as he whistled. The hooded girl landed next to him with Orbital 8 changing back to normal.

Back with Yuma, Astral, and Shark, everything and everyone had frozen.

"What's going on?" Yuma looked at Nelson, who was frozen all the same. "Nearly everyone is frozen."

"No, time is frozen." Astral corrected.

"Whatever is going on, up there is where the answers are." Shark voiced, certain of it.

Yuma and Astral looked up toward the shattered skylight alongside the shark user while all three heard the whistling. Back on the top floor, the thug was just as surprised as Yuma.

"What the hell's going on!? How come nobody's moving!?'' The thug focused his attention on the male and female. "So, you are behind this!"

He pointed his bat at the pair, who stopped a few feet away from him.

"Such questions are irrelevant, you little punk." The young man retorted. "What is relevant would be what we do, and that's hunting numbers."

"So, you're some kind of accountant?" The thug asked in confusion.

"You thickheaded thug!" The young man called out. "Why don't I just demonstrate?"

Something caught Orbital 7's attention, seeing him extend his neck to look at the fallen Litterbot the thug bashed over the edge.

"This lowlife has no respect for machines." Orbital 7 commented. "D-Demonstrate all over the hothead!'' All his words got was Kite looking over his shoulder at him, firmly. "I-If that's what you want, Master Kite."

Kite smirked. "Oh, I want…"

The young woman placed her left hand on his shoulder. "I'll deal with this simpleton. Kite. You shouldn't waste your time on a common thug."

Kite looked at the female for a few seconds before nodding. "Very well." He stepped back. "Do as you wish, Luna."

Luna threw off her cloak. She had long hair that was pink closer to her head and purple further from it with green eyes and pale skin. She wore a white, sleeveless top with a skirt, elbow length gloves, and knee length stockings. A silver necklace with a green gem was around her neck.

"Prepare to duel!" Luna called out, placing her right hand on her hip.

"Are you serious girlie?" The thug questioned.

"Deadly serious." Luna smirked. "Once I defeat you, I'll be taking your Number."

"Well, come and get it because I got one right here!" The thug exclaimed, holding up Number 56: Gold Rat as he tossed his bat to the ground. "I'm sure you two have a few of your own, Luna and Kite. Whaddaya say you put one on the line too!?"

"Fine by me because I won't lose to the likes of you." Luna looked over her shoulder to her robot partner. "Orbital 8, prepare my duel pad."

"As you wish, Mistress Luna." Orbital 8 fired a duel pad into the air.

A white duel tattoo appeared over Luna's left eye as the duel pad landed in her left arm before expanding into a crescent moon shape. Back with Yuma and Shark, as the former had to leave Nelson behind, they were currently having trouble getting past two women on the escalator.

"This is the problem with stopping time." The shark grumbled.

"Well, looks like it's my turn to go on ahead!" Yuma called out.

He grabbed the edge of the escalator and swung himself over the two women before taking off.

Back with the duel, the criminal was on his butt as he trembled in fear.

(Luna 3500/Thug 1200)

Luna's Field
3 cards in hand
Lunar Hunter Artemis(R 7/O 2/2600/2100)

Thug's Field
2 card in hand
Number 56: Gold Rat(R 1/O 2/500/600)

The thug had out his Number, a large golden rat. Across from him stood Luna who had out a womanly figure whose features were obscured as the sunlight hit her just right to shadow her.

"No, this duel can't be over!" The thug exclaimed, fear evident in his voice. "P-Please spare me!"

"You agreed to this duel, so you forfeit mercy." Luna looked at her monster. "Aretemis, destroy his Number with the Lunar Light Arrow!" The woman shadowed by the light summoned a bow. "Even if your Number had a better effect, it's negated when I initiate an attack with her."

The woman nocked her bow before releasing an arrow made of pure light which pierced through the opposing monster, seeing the thug sent flying (Luna 3500/Thug 0).

"I'll be claiming my prize now!" Luna called out.

She held out her right hand, releasing an energy hand that went to the thug. He cried out in pain as the Number marking disappeared. The energy hand returned to Luna in the form of a sphere, which she crushed to reveal Number 56: Gold Rat.

"This hunt is a success." Luna informed me.

"Great job, little sister." Kite praised genuinely.

"Mistress." Orbital 8 addressed as she approached Luna, holding her cloak out to her.

"Thank you, Orbital 8." Luna voiced, taking the cloak and putting it on.

Back with Yuma, he made it to the top floor and ran past the blockade, only to gasp in shock upon seeing the thug now looked like he aged into an old man.

"What happened to you!?" Yuma asked, with Astral left just as shocked.

"The…Number…Hunters…" The thug managed.

"Number Hunters?" Yuma questioned. "Could this be one of the groups Yuto warned me about?"

Astral held out his hand, only for no Number to emerge. "His Number was taken!" It was one thing to hear about other groups going after Numbers, but to now be confronted by someone who lost a Number to another. "Dear me…"

Yuma looked up, seeing the two figures flying away with the help of their robot partners. Time then unfroze, which saw shattered glass rain down upon the onomat user who moved to avoid getting cut.

"Freeze!''

Yuma's eyes widened upon remembering what had been going on, his gaze turning to the police.

"Don't move a muscle kid!"

"Arrest that boy at once!"

The policemen charged.

"Get him!"

"Don't let him get away!"

"Close all the exits!"

"You're under arrest!"

???
Shun was leaning against the wall close to a door leading inside a room while Falcon stood beside him, his metal wings tucked in at his sides. Just then, Kite, Luna and the Orbital twins approached. The three humans merely nodded at one another before walking into the room.

Said room was full of computer screens while a green haired man wearing a matching business outfit and orange glasses sat at a chair. "Did you three retrieve the two Numbers?''

The three humans stopped a few feet away from the man, standing beside one another while their respective, robotic companions did the same behind them.

"This Number holder at least knew how to combine his Number with a decent spell, though there was nothing truly noteworthy." Shun informed me.

Luna sighed in disappointment. "At least your opponent could manage that much."

"Don't worry because there are plenty of Numbers still out there." The business man turned in his chair to face the Number Hunters with a smile, though one could see the fear in his eyes were they to look closely enough. "By the way, how many Numbers do you three currently have?"

"Orbital." Kite called, crossing his arms.

"Accounting for all Numbers currently in the possession of Shun, Luna, and Master Kite, they have 21." Orbital 7 informed, his left eye glowing as he created a screen that showed their slots lit up against the remaining 79.

These were just the cards the three of them kept for insurance, as a comparatively smaller number had been handed over and dispersed among others who happened to work for Heartland.

"Wonderful!" The man called out in amazement. "Combined with the eight cards we have spread around, that's 29 total, in mere weeks, between the three of you."

"If we're done with our report, we'd like to unwind as we see fit, Mr. Heartland." Luna voiced.

"Of course!" Heartland nodded. "You three can have the rest of the day to yourselves but remember what's at stake if you fail to acquire the Numbers."

"You would do well to remember the three people who nearly brought this tower down." Shun reminded, affixing the man with a glare that had him stepping back.

Kite, Luna, and Shay then left the room with their respective robotic partners following.

"Did you see the look in his eyes?" Luna smiled. "Very much like prey hoping to escape the raptor's ire."

"That's an apt description of Shun, dear sister." Kite chuckled.

"Heartland has been forgetting his place, to the extent we may need to remind him." Shun noted.

"You three took everyone down once already." Orbital 8 remarked. "If you must do it again, I suspect the new talent they've added to their ranks will only ensure this place is actually brought down should it come to it."

There came a point when an elder sibling could no longer take what was happening to their younger sibling. With the three of them being the most skilled in this tower and having bonded as fellow elder siblings, it was a recipe for disaster…were you against them.

The three of them had stormed the tower as a unified front, taking everyone down before getting their respective younger siblings. Both sets of siblings wanted to live how they once had. Dr, Faker, biological father to Kite and Hart and adoptive father to Luna, convinced them to stop.

That the three of them had to continue hunting Numbers to cure Hart and Ruri. While they had agreed, their assault left nearly everyone within Heartland Tower, even Dr. Faker, afraid of them. Only four people, two of which being their siblings, weren't."

"I'm going to head out and buy some treats for Hart." Luna informed me.

"Right, I'll be training if you need me." Kite looked at Shun. "Care to join me?"

Shun took out a money clip. "Only if Luna will pick up some of that tea my sister loves while she's out."

Luna smiled, taking the money clip. "Of course, Shun."

Tsukumo Household: Night…
Yuma was with Kari in her work room. Nelson had to return home, especially after such an incident, while Shark left since everything was handled as far as he was concerned. The older sister was looking at a screen which showed her brother getting captured by Heartland police.

"You were supposed to get the scoop, not be the scoop." Kari lamented, turning to her brother.

Yuma was left utterly dismayed. Even though a Number was involved, what had his sister thought would happen telling him to 'get her the scoop.' Were the police meant to be okay with that like they were okay with him getting in there during time being stopped?

"How else was I supposed to get the scoop?" Yuma questioned.

He was a touch more angry than he'd usually be given this was just another girl in his life having negative feelings towards him for reasons he failed to understand. It exacerbated how she got to be disappointed in him for messing up her dream yet he never got to show his disappointment.

"You shouldn't have done anything that would lose me the scoop." Kari retorted.

"You know what Kari, I'm done." Yuma stormed towards the door.

"Yuma…?" Kari began.

"No!" Yuma shouted, stopping in the doorway. "You're always asking me to help you with your journalism and yelling when I hesitate to do what you want. When I fail, you're disappointed. To some extent, I get it. You love journalism, and I always come around.

I do that because I understand what it means to love something. You do the exact opposite since I love dueling yet can't even bring it up around you. At the mere sign I might be mixed up in some dueling drama, you grill me. It got to the point you took away my allowance.

Even when grandma tries to repay me with the biggest piece of dinner, you more often than not take from me whenever a scoop comes along. Well, I'm done!" He ran out of the room. "I'm done with you restricting me from dueling!"

Kari blinked as she looked at the door before sighing and looking down. "That could have gone…"

Her head snapped up upon hearing the front door slam open, leading her to run out of her work space and down the stairs. Just as she heard, the door out had been thrown wide open with no sign of her brother.

Kari ran outside and frantically looked around in worry. "Yuma!"

Yuma heard his sister; however, he kept running without a care where he ended up tonight. All the onomat user knew was he couldn't stay there with his sister. He also knew he couldn't go to Tori. She might be his friend, but she was also just another angry girl in his life.

"I don't think it is wise to be out at this hour with Number Hunters about." Astral noted, appearing to float alongside him.

"I'll keep my guard up for them, but I can't go back tonight, Astral." Yuma shook his head. "Kari will just scold me for everything I said, and I don't need that."

Numbers: 34/100

Academy Hunters:

Numbers: 13/100

Yuma: 24, 34, 39, 83

Yuto: 13, 14, 28, 31, 74

Shark: 17, 32, 47, 71

Faker's Hunters:

Numbers: 21/100

Kite: 10, 20, 30, 42, 55, 60, 89

Shun: 27, 45, 52, 57, 68, 75, 78

Luna: 41, 51, 56, 63, 72, 76, 87

The other 8 Numbers Kite, Shun, and Luna collected currently lie with other Number Hunters associated with Heartland. Given these three don't currently have them, they are not represented here among those these three hold. Though, just note this does mean there are actually 42 Numbers accounted for in story, at this time.

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