A dense hush lingered in the forest just outside Maiami City. Shafts of sunlight filtered through the canopy, dappling the earth with golden patches. The air carried the scent of dew and bark, a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind in the Fusion Dimension. Among the trees, three figures paused beneath a twisted pine, their breaths measured, their movements careful.
Ryuki adjusted the strap of his duffel bag as he scanned the surroundings. The Kagero Clan Master's golden-red eyes flicked across the dense underbrush, not out of fear, but habit. Caution had been his companion far too long to cast aside. Beside him, Ruri and Rin stood shoulder to shoulder, their expressions a mixture of tension and resolve. All three bore the quiet weight of travelers from another world—strangers in a land that should've felt like home.
They had arrived in the Standard Dimension.
Despite the relief of a successful dimensional crossing, there was no room for complacency. Ryuki took a knee by a rock and unzipped his bag, his gloved hands methodically checking their gear. Inside were the essentials: rations packed by the resistance, sealed water capsules, clothing bundles, and an envelope tucked into an inner pocket—letters from Yusho Sakaki, the bridge between them and this dimension.
"Do we really need to check again?" Rin asked, crossing her arms. Her tone was light but edged with fatigue. "We've already confirmed everything back in the school."
Ryuki didn't look up. "Double-checking never hurts. One missed detail could compromise the whole mission."
Ruri, kneeling beside him, nodded in agreement. "He's right. Besides, sensei went through the trouble of preparing these documents for us. We owe it to him to be thorough."
Rin sighed but didn't argue. Her fingers idly touched the bracelet on her wrist—a new design, mysteriously changed before their departure. Its green gem gleamed faintly in the dappled light. The frame had changed from an airy, wind-based motif to a sleeker, blade-themed pattern—a quiet homage to the Royal Paladins, her clan of origin.
Ruri's bracelet, once adorned with angelic wings, now bore coral-like curves and sea-green accents—symbolic of the Aqua Force she now represented. It glinted under the light like ocean foam, subtle and serene.
Ryuki himself had changed from his signature coat into something more inconspicuous—a red polo shirt, crisp and untucked, paired with black pants and sturdy brown boots. Fingerless gloves remained, his ever-present reminder that battles came in more forms than one.
"I take it we're sticking to the plan?" Ruri asked, breaking the silence as Ryuki tucked the documents back into the envelope.
He stood, brushing dust from his knees. "Yes. We're sticking to the original plan. We blend in, stay out of trouble, and deliver Yusho's letters."
He turned to face the girls, his tone firm and composed.
"Step one: enter the city without drawing attention. Step two: secure temporary lodging. Step three: find Sakaki Yuya and Yoko, deliver their letters, and do not mention the war. If they ask about Yusho's condition, say he was injured. Nothing more."
Rin nodded slowly. "And step four?"
"We find a way to contact Akaba Reiji and deliver Yusho's final letter. Discreetly."
There was a pause. Then, as if remembering something important, Ryuki added, "One more thing. If anyone challenges either of you to a duel for no reason, you call me first. No exceptions."
Ruri gave a quick salute, smiling. "Got it, Commander."
Rin rolled her eyes playfully, but she smirked all the same. "Yes, sir."
Their moment of levity faded into focus as Ryuki slung his bag over his shoulder. The supplies Yusho and Asuka had provided were compact, designed to fit into slim travel packs. The girls each carried their own, slung like school satchels across their backs. They had opted to forgo the tactical gear, choosing instead to dress like locals to avoid scrutiny.
The forest trail wound gently downhill, transitioning from wild woodland into paved roads and fences. Signs of civilization became visible—a worn path marked by tire tracks, a distant hum of traffic, and the shadow of towering buildings far ahead. As the treeline thinned, the trio caught their first glimpse of Maiami City.
Glass and steel reached into the sky like silver needles, catching the sunlight with dazzling brilliance. Banners waved atop lampposts, depicting Duel Monsters in stylized poses. Children and parents strolled the sidewalks, unaware that war-torn refugees had just stepped into their world.
Ryuki took a steadying breath as they approached the security checkpoint at the city border. A pair of uniformed guards stood near a retractable gate. One of them, a young man with a skeptical squint, stepped forward and held up a hand.
"Halt. Identification, please."
Ryuki nodded calmly. "We've been out of the city for a while. We're returning to find a place to stay. Here's our paperwork."
He produced three documents, handed to them by Yusho and forged by Asuka with meticulous detail. Each contained falsified but convincing backstories—names, registration numbers, education histories, even minor dueling records. The guard took them with a raised brow, flipping through the files with practiced indifference.
Ruri and Rin stood silently behind Ryuki, trying to suppress their anxiety. Every second that passed under the guard's scrutiny felt like an hour.
After a long moment, the guard closed the folder and nodded. "Everything checks out. Welcome back to Maiami City."
The gate hissed as it retracted. Ruri exhaled, her fingers unconsciously gripping her bag strap.
"That... was easier than I thought," she whispered.
Ryuki tilted his head slightly. "Yusho did say these were good enough to fool anyone. Still... we should stay alert."
They crossed the threshold into the city.
Unbeknownst to them, eyes were already watching.
High above, nestled in the heart of the city skyline, stood a monolithic glass tower crowned by the letters LDS—LEO Duel School. Within its upper levels, a high-tech control room buzzed with silent activity. Holographic displays floated over polished consoles, relaying camera feeds, duel records, and citizen movement patterns.
Standing before the main screen was a young man of nineteen. Pale-skinned with soft gray hair, violet eyes, and a dignified aura, he cut a calm but imposing figure. His crimson scarf draped elegantly across a dark-blue sweater, the ends tucked neatly into white slacks that ended just above his tailored shoes. Atop his nose rested red-rimmed spectacles.
He was Akaba Reiji—the current President of the LEO Corporation.
By his side stood Nakajima, his loyal assistant. Slightly older, clad in a crisp black suit and glasses, Nakajima tapped on a nearby console as a trio of figures appeared on the screen: Ryuki, Ruri, and Rin.
"They've entered through checkpoint G-17," Nakajima reported. "They presented official documents. Nothing appears suspicious at the surface level."
Reiji didn't respond immediately. His gaze lingered on Ryuki's posture, the deliberate calmness in his stride, and the subtle alertness in his eyes. Not a typical citizen. And certainly not a tourist.
Nakajima turned. "Shall I dispatch a recon team? We can bring them in discreetly for questioning."
Reiji raised a hand. "No. Not yet. They'll come to us."
"Sir?"
"Observe. Do not engage," Reiji instructed, his tone absolute. "They're not hostile. But they are... not ordinary. I want to know what they're here for."
Nakajima hesitated, then nodded. "Understood."
-----
Several hours after arriving in the bustling city, Ryuki, Ruri, and Rin made their way toward a local apartment agency nestled within a commercial plaza. The mid-sized building had a welcoming front desk and a digital display rotating listings of available properties across the city. Ryuki stepped forward and spoke to one of the agents, requesting an apartment suitable for three occupants. It had to be affordable, reasonably close to the city center, and most importantly—safe.
To their fortune, they found one.
The agent guided them to a moderately sized, fully furnished unit on the 12th floor of a newly renovated tower. With two bedrooms, a modest but functional kitchen, and a living room that opened onto a small balcony overlooking the skyline, it was ideal. The place had an air of cleanliness and comfort. More importantly, it was within walking distance to several schools and popular neighborhoods.
Ryuki handled the paperwork with quiet efficiency. While he signed the lease, Ruri and Rin explored the unit with childlike excitement, marveling at the view and chatting about how they'd divide the rooms.
When the lease was finalized and the keys handed over, Ryuki let out a small sigh of satisfaction. Step two, complete.
After setting their few belongings down, the trio's stomachs reminded them they hadn't eaten all day. The streets below beckoned with glowing neon signs and the delicious aromas of evening cuisine. Following the scent, they wandered into a cozy restaurant nestled on the corner of the next block—a place with polished wooden tables and warm yellow lighting that gave off a comforting, homely aura.
They were seated by the window. As they waited for their food, Ryuki, ever practical, pulled out his phone and scrolled through a job application website. His expression was serious, his thumb pausing intermittently when something caught his eye.
Noticing this, Ruri leaned slightly over the table. "Looking for a job already?" she asked, her tone laced with quiet admiration but also concern.
Ryuki nodded. "Yeah. I need to handle the rent and cover our expenses. I'm technically the adult here, being 18." He gave a short chuckle before continuing. "Since you and Rin are still students, you won't be expected to work just yet. I also plan to find a school where you two can enroll—somewhere stable for now."
Rin, who had been sipping water, perked up. "What kind of job are you looking for?"
"Something related to motorcycle customization would be ideal," Ryuki replied, his eyes still on the screen. "Anything mechanical, really."
At that, Rin's expression lit up like fireworks on a summer night. Her eyes sparkled, and without warning, she reached across the table and grabbed both of Ryuki's hands in her own.
"Ryuki! Then... then can we build a D-Wheel together?" she asked, her voice trembling with excitement.
Time seemed to pause.
Rin blinked. She realized the gesture was far too intimate for a public setting. Her hands withdrew in an instant, and she pulled back into her seat, face flushed crimson. "S-Sorry! That came out weird..."
Ryuki smiled gently, not bothered at all. "It's fine. And yes... I promise, we'll make one together. I've wanted to build a D-Wheel since I got here."
Rin couldn't help but beam. For a brief moment, the weight of their cross-dimensional journey faded, replaced by the shared dream of building something tangible—something symbolic of their new life.
Minutes later, their food arrived. Plates of steaming rice, grilled meat, and vegetables were placed before them, accompanied by bowls of miso soup and side dishes. The trio clasped their hands together and said a quick "Itadakimasu" in unison.
This was their first real meal in this dimension. For all the strangeness of this world, the taste of warm food brought them a fleeting, grounding sense of normalcy.
When they returned to their apartment later that night, the sky was painted in hues of deep blue and violet. The city lights flickered below like a sea of stars.
The next morning, they were up early.
Their goal: locate Sakaki Yuya and his mother, Yoko, the proprietors of You Show Duel School. Fortunately, back in the Fusion Dimension, Sakaki Yusho had entrusted them with not just information—but the location of the school itself. That gave them a significant advantage.
The three set off, walking along the city's pedestrian-friendly roads. As they approached the district where the school was located, fate decided to play its hand.
Without warning, a boy came barreling down the sidewalk at full speed. His hair was a wild blend of maroon and green, resembling a tomato in hue. Dark yellow goggles sat atop his head, and a blue star marked the right lens. His uniform jacket flapped behind him like a cape, and his green pants—complete with oversized pockets—jostled with every frantic step.
He wasn't watching where he was going.
BAM!
The boy collided straight into Ryuki. To his credit, Ryuki remained upright, feet grounded like a mountain. The boy, however, was sent tumbling backward onto the pavement.
"Whoa—! S-Sorry!" the boy blurted as he sat up, dazed.
Ryuki extended a hand, offering to help. "You alright?"
The boy blinked, then accepted the hand gratefully. "Yeah. Sorry again, I wasn't looking."
"No harm done. Just be more careful next time." Ryuki smiled politely.
The boy dusted himself off. As he did, Ryuki and the girls got a proper look at him—and immediately recognized him.
"It's him..." Ruri murmured.
Yuya Sakaki. His photograph had been pinned to a corkboard back in Yusho's office. There was no mistake.
Ryuki leaned forward slightly. "Are you... Yuya Sakaki?"
Yuya blinked. "Yeah. How did you—?"
"I'm Himejima Ryuki," Ryuki said with a calm tone, then gestured to the girls beside him. "These are Kurosaki Ruri and Kazehaya Rin."
Yuya's eyes widened the moment he looked at them.
"Wait... Yuzu?" he muttered, staring at Ruri first, then at Rin. "No... there are two of you?!"
Both girls laughed softly.
"Yeah, we get that reaction a lot," Ruri said with a knowing smile. "You'll get used to it."
Just then, a female voice called out, "Yuya!"
A girl with dark pink hair tied into twin pigtails came running up the road toward them. Two lighter pink bangs framed her face, and she wore a sleeveless top adorned with a musical note on the collar. Her red tie flapped in the wind, and her skirt swayed as she ran.
Three children followed her: a plump boy with messy blond hair wearing a jumpsuit, a serious-looking boy with blue hair and a sweater vest, and a little girl with dark red hair tied in a single ponytail.
"Hey, guys!" Yuya waved at them. "Come over here! I want you to meet someone."
As the group arrived, he began the introductions.
"This is Hiiragi Yuzu—my childhood friend. And these are my other friends: Harada Futoshi, Yamashiro Tatsuya, and Ayukawa Ayu."
Yuzu came to a sudden halt, her eyes locking onto Ruri and Rin.
She gasped.
"There's... two of me?!" she exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it too," Rin said with a playful wink.
The two doppelgangers of Yuzu offered a polite reintroduction. Despite the uncanny resemblance, their personalities were clearly distinct from hers. Ruri exuded quiet confidence and grace, while Rin radiated energy and rebellious charm.
When the shock wore off, Yuzu chuckled. "Guess this city just got a lot more interesting."
"So," Yuya began, "are you three new around here?"
Ryuki nodded. "Yes. We just arrived yesterday. We're actually here to find You Show Duel School."
Ayu raised a brow. "You are? That's where we all go!"
That revelation simplified everything.
Futoshi perked up. "Are you planning to join too?"
"Ruri and Rin might," Ryuki said. "As for me, probably not."
"Why not?" Tatsuya asked.
"I'm already eighteen," Ryuki answered casually.
A collective gasp followed.
"What?! No way! You don't look it!" Futoshi exclaimed.
"Seriously, I thought you were like sixteen!" Yuzu added.
Rin smirked. "Yeah, everyone thinks that. But he's really eighteen."
Recovering quickly, Tatsuya asked, "Then... what's your business with You Show?"
Ryuki turned to Yuya and locked eyes with him. His tone shifted to something heavier—gentler, but clearly serious.
"We came to deliver something personal... to you, Yuya."
"Me?" Yuya blinked, clearly confused. "What would you want from me?"
Ryuki glanced around the busy street. "It's not something we can talk about here. Let's go somewhere private. It concerns your father." He leaned in to Yuya and whispered the last part to make sure only Yuya could hear it.
Yuya's expression hardened slightly at the mention of Yusho. The surrounding kids glanced at each other, sensing the gravity of the topic.
"Alright," Yuya said at last. "Let's head to You Show. We can talk there."
And so, the group began walking together, the energy around them quietly shifting. Fate, it seemed, had not only answered Ryuki's search—it had begun intertwining the paths of these kindred spirits from across dimensions.
-----
The city skyline gleamed under the late afternoon sun, casting a golden hue over the buildings. As Ryuki and the others stood outside the gates of You Show Duel School, the moment felt right. Yuya had reconnected with his friends, and Ruri and Rin were in high spirits, eager to explore the city's Duel culture. Everything was finally falling into place.
Until they were stopped.
A loud, grating voice rang out behind them. "Hold it right there!"
Everyone turned around.
Marching toward them with all the pomp of a self-entitled prince was a tall, overconfident boy wearing a dark school uniform with gold accents and a red scarf that fluttered unnecessarily in the breeze. Flanked on either side were two other boys—goons in matching LDS uniforms who carried themselves with all the arrogance of second-rate bullies.
Sawatari Shingo had arrived.
Yuzu's face visibly sank the moment she saw him. "Oh great, not him again..."
Yuya groaned. "What do you want now, Sawatari?"
The lead goon stepped forward with a smirk. "You can't just walk away after humiliating our boss like that, Sakaki. We're here to settle the score!"
"Yeah," said the second. "You think we'd let you walk off scot-free after that duel? Think again."
Sawatari crossed his arms and jabbed a finger at Yuya. "This time, I'll crush you and take back those Pendulum Cards!"
Yuya sighed, rubbing his temples. "I knew this was coming..."
Ryuki turned to Yuzu. "Who is that clown?"
Yuzu sighed with exasperation. "Sawatari Shingo. He's a student from LDS—Leo Duel School. Son of a politician. Thinks the world revolves around him."
That last word struck a nerve in Ryuki. "A politician, huh..."
There was an unmistakable edge to Ryuki's tone. Back in his original world, he'd dealt with enough corrupt political figures to last a lifetime—people who trampled others for their ambitions during his duties as a clan master. And here was once more.
But it wasn't Ryuki who reacted next.
It was Ruri.
She had remained silent, but as soon as Yuzu added, "And he stole Yuya's Pendulum Cards during their first duel," a flicker of something cold and sharp passed through Ruri's eyes.
That flicker turned to fire when Ayu stepped forward, her voice trembling with lingering fear. "And... and he put our lives in danger just to bait Yuya into a duel! The whole Duel Field was rigged so Yuya would lose!"
The silence that followed was deafening.
Ruri's breath caught. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, trembling—not with fear, but fury. Cold, righteous fury.
She took one step forward.
And another.
Without a word, she walked past Yuya and planted herself between him and Sawatari, her long hair swaying with purpose.
Rin's eyes widened. "Ruri...?"
She took a step to follow, but Ryuki gently raised a hand to stop her. "Let her go."
Rin turned to him. "But—"
"She needs this," Ryuki said softly. "I want to see how much she's grown."
In truth, he already knew Ruri had matured since their days of hiding and fighting back in the Fusion Dimension. But now, here she was—facing a challenge not out of survival, but out of conviction. And Ryuki wanted to witness it.
Sawatari raised an eyebrow. "Who the heck are you?"
Ruri stared at him, cold and emotionless. "You don't need to know my name."
"Huh?"
"I heard everything," she said flatly, her voice carrying with icy clarity. "From Yuzu. From Ayu. Everything you've done."
The two goons exchanged awkward glances. Sawatari tried to scoff, but Ruri cut him off before he could speak.
"You put innocent people at risk. You cheated. You manipulated the field, endangered children—all for your pride."
Her voice grew sharper with every word. "What would've happened if someone had died during that duel, Sawatari?"
That silenced everyone.
Even Sawatari's swagger faltered.
"If Yuzu or the kids died—would you have just shrugged and said 'it doesn't matter'? Is that what you were about to say?"
Sawatari blinked, stunned. "W-Well... I mean—"
Ruri's voice exploded with emotion. "Their blood would've been on your hands!"
That line landed like a lightning strike.
Sawatari flinched. His goons looked away awkwardly, suddenly unsure of where to stand.
And yet, in typical fashion, Sawatari's pride wouldn't allow him to back down. "Tch. Whatever. That didn't happen, so why does it matter?"
That was the final straw.
Ruri reached into her coat, pulled out her custom Duel Disk, and activated it with a swift flick of her wrist. The familiar hum of energy filled the air.
"I'm challenging you to a duel."
The goons burst out laughing. "You're joking, right?! You're challenging him?"
"She doesn't stand a chance!"
Ruri narrowed her eyes. "What's the matter? Afraid to duel someone you've never met before? Or is it because I'm a girl?"
Sawatari's pride snapped like a twig.
"Fine!" he growled. "You want a duel? You got it! Don't cry when you lose!"
Yuzu stepped forward quickly. "Ruri, wait! You don't have to—"
Ryuki placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let her handle it."
Rin nodded. "This is her choice."
Tatsuya looked nervously at the Duel Disk on Ruri's wrist. "Is she... strong?"
Ryuki smiled faintly. "She's more than strong. I helped train her and Rin in their new decks."
Futoshi and Ayu looked surprised. "New decks? What kind?"
Ryuki simply smirked. "Just wait and see."
Sawatari motioned for everyone to move toward the riverside—a large open space where they could duel without interference. Ruri stepped across to the opposite side of the river, her back straight, her expression calm and focused.
Sawatari raised an eyebrow. "Are you seriously standing on the other side of the river? Are you crazy?"
Ruri's eyes gleamed. "I like it better here."
The stage was set.
What no one noticed—at least, no one except Ryuki—was a subtle, almost imperceptible shift in the air. Someone was watching.
—
Far away, deep within the LDS Control Room, a dozen monitors lit up with activity. In the center screen, Ruri's image stood tall, the camera zeroed in on her face.
Reiji Akaba leaned forward in his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Who is she?"
His assistant, Nakajima, adjusted his headset and replied, "We're still analyzing the feed, but it looks like an unknown identity. No records in LDS or official duel registries."
Reiji narrowed his eyes. "Focus the riverside camera. I want full visual and audio."
Nakajima nodded and relayed the order to the monitoring team.
"What's your play, Ruri?" Reiji muttered under his breath. "And where did you get that Duel Disk?"
He leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable.
"Let's see what you're capable of."
—
Back at the riverbank, the duel was moments from beginning.
Ruri stood with the breeze fluttering through her hair, her Duel Disk lighting up in brilliant aqua blue.
Sawatari cracked his knuckles. "I hope you're ready to lose, girly. This is your first and last mistake."
Ruri didn't flinch.
Instead, she placed her deck in the Duel Disk and activated it.
"Duel Mode—Level Standard. Action Field on: Magallanica Training Grounds!"
A burst of energy surged out of her Duel Disk as the Action Field activated. Water surrounded the area in illusionary waves, creating an arena resembling a massive aquatic coliseum, with platforms of coral and sunken ruins forming the field.
Yuya blinked in surprise. "Whoa... what kind of field is this?"
Yuzu stepped forward. "That doesn't look like a normal Action Field..."
"Of course it's not," Ryuki said with a grin. "That's a custom Action Field tied to her deck."
Rin crossed her arms proudly. "She's going to wipe the floor with him."
"DUEL!" both Ruri and Sawatari shouted in unison, their voices echoing across the riverside.
All eyes were on the two duelists.
And deep in the heart of LDS, Reiji's interest was piqued.
Ruri Kurosaki was about to show the world that she was no longer just a background figure from the Xyz Dimension.
She was a duelist to be reckoned with.
And Sawatari Shingo... was in for the duel of his life.
-----
Ruri: 4000 | Hand: 5
Sawatari: 4000 | Hand: 5
Turn 1 – Ruri
"Since you're the one challenging me, I'll let you go first," Sawatari said with a smug grin.
Ruri met his gaze and gave a small nod. "Very well. I'll begin."
She glanced at her hand. She already had a plan, but it was too soon to reveal her hand outright. First, she needed to gauge his style—to see how much he had changed, if at all.
"I set two cards face-down. I end my turn." Her voice was calm and unwavering.
Gasps echoed throughout the audience.
"Did... did she just—" Yuya started in disbelief.
"—end her turn without summoning a monster?" Yuzu finished, equally stunned.
Even the children watching beside them fell into stunned silence. It wasn't often someone ended their first turn without putting up a field.
Meanwhile, at the LDS Control Room, Nakajima was just as confused as the rest. "President... did she really just—?"
Reiji narrowed his eyes. "She's testing him. She wants to observe how he plays before she retaliates. It's high-risk, high-reward... if she knows her cards well."
Nakajima nodded in understanding—until he noticed something strange on the screen. "President, her Duel Disk... it's not one of ours."
Reiji adjusted his glasses. The monitor zoomed in to display the customized device. He nodded. "Yes. She's from the Xyz Dimension. And... it seems she didn't come alone."
"You mean... they escaped from Academia?"
Reiji said nothing more, only confirming the implication with a sharp glance.
Back at the duel, Sawatari and his cronies were already laughing mockingly.
"Hah! Is that all you've got?" one of them jeered. "She didn't even summon a monster!"
Ruri: 4000 | Hand: 3
Sawatari: 4000 | Hand: 5
Turn 2 – Sawatari
"What kind of turn was that?! You did nothing but set a couple of cards!" Sawatari scoffed. "If you're that eager to lose, then fine—my turn! Draw!!"
He looked at his card, smirked, and began.
"Since you have at least two cards set, I can Special Summon Escher the Frost Vessel from my hand!"
Escher the Frost Vessel
Level 4 / WATER / Aqua / Effect
ATK: 800 / DEF: 1000
"I Tribute Escher to Normal Summon Mobius the Frost Monarch!"
Mobius the Frost Monarch
Level 6 / WATER / Aqua / Effect
ATK: 2400 / DEF: 1000
"I activate Mobius' effect! When it's Normal Summoned, I can destroy up to two Spell or Trap Cards on the field! And since you only have two... Say goodbye to them! Freeze Burst!!"
A violent snowstorm surged forward, shattering Ruri's set cards and leaving her field wide open.
"Oh no!! Ruri-onee-chan's totally exposed!" Ayu cried out.
Ryuki gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Ayu-chan. Ruri knows exactly what she's doing."
"But she has nothing on the field!" Tatsuya protested.
"She trusts her cards," Rin replied, her voice calm and confident. "Just watch... She's not the kind of duelist to be cornered so easily."
"Next," Sawatari continued, "I activate the Spell Card Double Summon! This lets me Normal Summon again this turn! I Tribute Mobius to Advance Summon—Mobius the Mega Monarch!!"
Mobius the Mega Monarch
Level 8 / WATER / Aqua / Effect
ATK: 2800 / DEF: 1000
Mobius shimmered, vanishing in a blizzard as a larger, more formidable version took its place.
"Normally I'd need two Tributes, but with its effect, I only needed one! Battle! Mobius, attack her directly! Glacier Knuckle!!"
Mobius raised its icy fist, preparing to crash it down on Ruri—
"Ruri has to do something!!" Yuzu shouted.
"She will," Ryuki said firmly. "Watch."
"I activate the effect of a monster in my hand!" Ruri declared. "When my opponent declares a direct attack, I can Special Summon Kelpie Rider, Nikitas, in Defense Position!"
Kelpie Rider, Nikitas
Level 6 / WATER / Warrior / Effect / Wave 1-2
ATK: 1000 / DEF: 2500
A swirl of seawater burst forth, revealing a young boy in a white naval uniform astride a kelpie—a horse-fish hybrid, adorned with fins and gills. In his hand, the boy held a glowing trident.
LDS Control Room
"President!" one of the analysts called. "There's something unusual about that monster's card."
"Bring it up," Reiji ordered.
The screen displayed a close-up of Kelpie Rider, Nikitas.
"'Wave 1–2'...?" Reiji narrowed his eyes. "Interesting."
Back in the arena—
"Special Summon or not, its DEF is still lower than my Mobius' ATK! Continue your attack!"
But Ruri was already acting.
"Let the tides of fate shift the course of this battle!" she cried. "I activate Nikitas' Wave 1 effect!"
Nikitas lifted his trident, glowing with marine light.
"Wave 1?" Yuya asked, puzzled.
"It's a unique mechanic exclusive to Aqua Force," Ruri explained. "Wave effects activate depending on the attack order in a turn. Since this is the first attack this Battle Phase—Nikitas' Wave 1 activates!"
Everyone was stunned by the explanation.
Ryuki caught a subtle glance from Yuya. His expression had darkened slightly, but Ryuki chose not to comment.
"No fair!! That's cheating!" Sawatari's goons protested.
Ruri calmly replied, "The Duel Disk recognized the effect without issue."
"That means—" Tatsuya began.
"—it's completely legal," Yuzu concluded. "Just like Yuya's Pendulum Summon."
"Nikitas' Wave 1! While in Defense Position, I can change one of your monsters to Defense Position as well! Crippling Neigh!!"
Nikitas' kelpie let out a piercing cry. Mobius staggered and dropped into a defensive stance, stopping its assault.
"No way... you stopped my attack?!" Sawatari gasped.
"And I'm not finished," Ruri continued. "I activate the Trap you sent to the Graveyard—Tidal Salvage Spot!"
Everyone stared in shock.
"A Trap... from the Graveyard!?"
"If this card is sent to the Graveyard by a card effect, I can activate it. I draw cards equal to the Level of the highest-level monster I control, minus three! Since Nikitas is Level 6—I draw two cards!"
She swiftly drew.
"But wait, there's more. I activate another Trap from my Graveyard—Tidal Distress Call! When a monster on my field is Special Summoned, I can Special Summon one WATER monster from my hand, with its ATK and DEF becoming 0!"
"Come to my aid—Battle Siren, Cressida!"
The river behind Ruri rippled. From beneath the waves emerged a beautiful mermaid wearing a naval uniform similar to Nikitas'. With dark violet hair, a flowing fish tail, and twin chained sickles in hand, she landed beside him in a splash.
Battle Siren, Cressida
Level 3 / WATER / Aqua / Effect / Wave 2
ATK: 1700 → 0 / DEF: 1100 → 0
"She's beautiful..." Ayu whispered in awe.
Sawatari clicked his tongue in irritation. "Che. I set one card face-down and end my turn. Consider yourself lucky you survived."
Ruri: 4000 | Hand: 3
Sawatari: 4000 | Hand: 1
Turn 3 – Ruri
"'Lucky'?" Ruri's eyes narrowed. "You think that was luck? I've spent weeks mastering this deck, and you call it luck?"
Sawatari flinched.
"You're one of the most disrespectful duelists I've ever met," she said, voice rising with intensity. "First, you stole Yuya-san's Pendulum cards and replaced them with ones you labeled as 'useless.' That insults every duelist who believes in their deck. Second, you dismissed those cards without trying to understand them. Every card has a purpose. And third—you put Yuzu-san and the children in danger... all because you were chasing glory?"
"You... what did you just say?!"
"I'm ending this. Now. My turn—Draw!!"
"First, I activate Cressida's effect! Once per turn, I can return one card from my hand to the deck, then draw a card. If it's a mosnter card, I special summon it to the field." Ruri declared, slotting a card into her Duel Disk. The device's core pulsed with light as her deck auto-shuffled.
She drew sharply, eyes focused. Then she revealed it.
"It's a monster card. I Special Summon Battle Siren, Janka!"
From the shimmering water that reflected beneath her feet, a powerful wave surged upward. A second mermaid leapt forth—short pink hair swaying, eyes glowing a vivid pink. A blue tail curled around her as she brandished a trident similar to Nikitas', water dancing at its edges.
Battle Siren, Janka
Level 6 / WATER / Aqua / Effect / Wave 2
ATK: 2300 / DEF: 1900
"Wow!! Another mermaid!" Ayu's face lit up in joy, clapping her hands as the second Battle Siren appeared beside Cressida. On the field now stood a trio of warrior mermaids radiating strength and grace.
"Because I summoned Janka using Cressida's effect, Cressida's Level becomes the same as Janka's until the end of the turn."
Battle Siren, Cressida
Level 3 → 6
"I then Normal Summon Battle Siren, Melania!" Ruri continued. Emerging in a splash of dark crimson, Melania materialized—her lavender hair tied neatly on the left side, a navy jacket flowing like a cape behind her. She spun her ornate spear before planting it against the watery terrain.
Battle Siren, Melania
Level 4 / WATER / Aqua / Effect / Wave 1
ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1000
"Now, I activate the Spell Card Wave Mastery Drill! I target Nikitas and modify his level by 2. I choose to decrease it!"
Kelpie Rider, Nikitas
Level 6 → 4
"And because I control another 'Battle Siren', I activate Melania's effect! I increase her Level by 2."
Battle Siren, Melania
Level 4 → 6
Sawatari's face contorted in confusion and annoyance. "What's the point of adjusting Levels like that? Are you just wasting time?"
Ruri's lips curled into a cold, confident smile. "You call yourself an LDS elite, yet you fail to see what's coming? Then let me show you."
A flicker of energy shimmered in her eyes—a faint white glow that caught Ryuki's attention.
"That aura... No doubt. She's awakened her PSYqualia," he thought silently, his eyes narrowing in understanding. He could feel it—her soul was fully aligned with her deck.
"I overlay my Level 6 Battle Sirens—Janka, Cressida, and Melania! I build the Overlay Network!" Ruri raised her hand to the heavens as a black vortex materialized in the sky. Her monsters transformed into radiant streaks of light, spiraling into the rift. A shockwave burst outward in a brilliant blue-white explosion.
Yuzu gasped, mouth agape. "No way! Ruri's—!"
"—an Xyz Duelist," Yuya finished, stunned.
"Currents of fate, gather and surge into a cyclone of steel!" Ruri chanted, her voice ringing clear as thunder over the field. "Crash your foes in their watery grave! Xyz Summon! Arise, Rank 6—Blue Storm Dragon, Maelstrom!!"
A roar echoed across the field as a titanic sea dragon descended—its serpentine form coiled in waves of azure. Spiked fins jutted from its sides, its eyes glowing with primal fury. Each beat of its wings sent ripples through the Duel Field's projections.
Blue Storm Dragon, Maelstrom
Rank 6 / WATER / Dragon / Xyz / Effect / Wave 1–2
ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2500 | OU: 3
In the LDS control room, warning lights flashed red. The Duel System buzzed wildly as readings spiked off the charts.
"President! We've detected a massive surge of Xyz energy—it's overflowing the system!" one technician cried, hands flying across the console.
"Engage emergency protocols. Keep output levels below seventy-five percent," Reiji calmly ordered. The system shifted to safety mode as containment seals activated.
But even Reiji couldn't ignore the sheer power Maelstrom radiated.
Back in the arena, Maelstrom's cry reverberated like a tsunami crashing into a cliff. More bystanders gathered, drawn by the spectacle of light and sound.
Ruri was not done.
"I now overlay my Level 4 Nikitas! And because I activated Wave Mastery Drill on him, he counts as two materials for this Xyz Summon!" Nikitas split into twin streams of energy as another black vortex opened. With a burst of light, the new summon began.
"With blade drawn beneath the roaring sea, I carve open the path of conquest!" she declared, her voice empowered by her will.
"Xyz Summon! Rise, my avatar! Rank 4—Supreme Ruler of the Storms, Thavas!!"
Supreme Ruler of the Storms, Thavas
Rank 4 / WATER / Warrior / Xyz / Effect / Wave 1–3
ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 | OU: 1
Yuzu's breath hitched. "Two Xyz Monsters... in one turn!"
"They look so cool!" Futoshi shouted in awe, eyes sparkling.
Ryuki and Rin stood at the edge of the crowd, sharing a look. There was no need for words—Ruri had transcended.
Ruri turned toward Sawatari, her voice like steel cutting through fog. "Let me end this. First, I activate one of Maelstrom's effect. If this card is Xyz Summoned with a monster that has its level increased. This card gets 1000 ATK!"
Blue Storm Dragon, Maelstrom
ATK: 3000 → 4000
Everyone gulped as the titanic dragon just got stronger than before.
"Battle! Maelstrom, attack Mobius the Frost Monarch! And now, I activate Maelstrom's Wave 1!"
Sawatari's eyes widened. "That thing has Wave too?!"
"All of my monsters have Wave," Ruri said flatly. "And Maelstrom's Wave 1 effect—when it attacks a monster, I can detach one overlay unit to target two cards you control. Those cards cannot be activated this turn. Maelstrom Glare!"
Blue Storm Dragon, Maelstrom
OU: 3 → 2
A pulse of oceanic light surged from Maelstrom's eyes. Mobius and Sawatari's set card turned dull gray—effectively sealed.
"Now go, Maelstrom! Tidal Barrage!!"
Missiles launched from Maelstrom's sides, slamming into Mobius and tearing the frost monarch apart in a shower of steam and shards. The battlefield cleared—Sawatari was wide open.
"Thavas, direct attack! OceanBlade!!"
Water trailed behind Thavas as he rode his steed toward Sawatari, slashing through his Life Points with a devastating aquatic strike.
Sawatari: 4000 → 1500
"Alright!! Ruri-nee-chan did it!!" Ayu cheered, fist raised. Futoshi and Tatsuya roared beside her in support.
"Gh-! I took that much damage in a single turn?!" Sawatari staggered, but he clenched his fists. "My next turn—!"
"There is no next turn," Ruri interrupted. Her tone was calm but final. "I activate Thavas' Wave 2!"
Yuzu's eyes widened. "Oh no—she has another Wave effect!"
"After Thavas attacks, I can detach one overlay unit to let him attack again! And he gains 500 ATK for each attack that has already done this turn!"
Supreme Ruler of the Storms, Thavas
ATK: 2500 → 3500 | OU: 1 → 0
The crowd was stunned. Even Reiji, who watched from the control room, narrowed his eyes. "Such pressure... from a Rank 4..."
As Thavas raised his sword, the roar of a tidal wave echoed behind him. The warrior rode forward, eyes locked on his prey.
Sawatari was trembling now. "W-Wait—!!"
Ruri closed her eyes. "It's over. Finish this, Thavas!"
With a final cry, Thavas cleaved through Sawatari's last defenses in a flash of brilliant blue.
Sawatari: 1500 → 0
Ruri: WIN
-----
When the Real Solid Vision dissolved into particles of blue light, the field quieted. The once-roaring waters and spectral storms faded, and Ruri stood there—silent, motionless—for a moment as the impact of her victory washed over her like a gentle wave. She looked down at the Duel Disk, eyes lingering on the glowing card still displayed: Supreme Ruler of the Storms, Thavas. A small, genuine smile formed on her lips.
She had done it.
Her first duel using the Aqua Force—and her first win.
A sudden squeeze from her side interrupted her thoughts. "You did it, Ruri!" Rin said with a gleeful grin, wrapping her arms tightly around her friend. "That was amazing!"
Ruri chuckled and returned the hug. "Thanks, Rin."
Ryuki approached them with his usual calm aura and gently patted Ruri's head. "Not bad," he said softly, but with clear pride. "You've come a long way."
Before Ruri could respond, a flood of voices approached them.
"Ruri-nee-chan, that was so cool!"
"Is Thavas really your ace?"
"How'd you summon two Xyz monsters in one turn?!"
Ayu, Futoshi, and Tatsuya swarmed her with questions, their eyes sparkling with admiration. Behind them, Yuya and Yuzu arrived as well, each wearing a smile.
"You were incredible, Ruri," Yuzu said. "That new deck really suits you."
Yuya nodded. "So you really are an Xyz Duelist, huh? You weren't kidding before."
Ruri gave a small nod, still catching her breath from the duel. "It's a new path for me, but... it feels right."
Meanwhile, at the Leo Duel School Control Room...
Alarms had settled, but tension still hung thick in the air. The lights dimmed as monitors displayed footage from the duel just moments ago. Reiji Akaba stood still, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the screen showing Blue Storm Dragon Maelstrom.
"President," Nakajima spoke up. "The energy signature from that monster... it caused a massive Xyz surge. Should we initiate countermeasures?"
Reiji didn't respond immediately. He studied the screen, then slowly allowed a faint smile to emerge.
"No," he finally said. "Do nothing."
Nakajima blinked. "But sir—"
"I've said before, haven't I? Ryuki... and the girl," Reiji said, his voice firm and quiet, "they will come to us of their own will. It's only a matter of time."
The staff exchanged uncertain glances, but no one argued.
Back at the Riverside...
As the crowd began to disperse and murmurs of awe still echoed, Ryuki's eyes followed Sawatari's battered form being carried away by his bodyguards. There was no need to rub salt in the wound; the duel had spoken for itself.
Yuya stepped beside him. "Hey, Ryuki... is it really true?" he asked, glancing back at Ruri and Rin. "Did you really teach them how to duel like that?"
Ryuki didn't answer immediately. His gaze remained calm.
"Yes," he finally said.
Yuya's eyes lit up. "Then... can you teach me too?"
The question lingered in the air, heavy with anticipation. Ryuki didn't respond right away. After a moment, he looked to the sky, thinking.
"We'll talk more when we get to You Show," he said.
Arrival at You Show Duel School
By the time they arrived, the sun was already beginning its descent. The warm colors of evening bathed the humble school in a nostalgic glow. Ruri stopped for a moment at the front gates, taking it all in.
"So this is sensei's school," she said with a gentle smile.
As they entered, they were greeted by a booming voice and a rather unique sight.
"Welcome to You Show—eh?!" Hiragi Shuzo, the principal, blinked at the group of new arrivals. Ruri and Rin stared at him, blinking in confusion. "That's... Yuzu's dad?" Rin whispered.
Ryuki nodded with a straight face. "Trust me, You'll get used to it. Sometimes you'll find people like him around."
Coincidentally, another familiar figure was visiting that day—Yuya's mother, Yoko. She greeted everyone cheerfully, clearly surprised to see such a large group.
After introductions were made, Ryuki pulled Shuzo aside and whispered something in his ear.
"...I have something that you might need to know, it's about Yusho-san."
The effect was immediate. Shuzo's expression dropped into stunned silence. "Y-you're serious?"
Ryuki nodded. "But I need a private room. Bring Yoko-san and Yuya as well. They need to hear this."
Both Yoko and Yuya looked confused, but Shuzo gave them a look of seriousness they rarely saw in him. "Come. You'll understand once we're inside."
Shuzo turned to his daughter. "Yuzu, keep an eye on the kids, will you?"
Yuzu blinked. "Uh... sure, Dad."
Inside the principal's office, the room felt colder somehow. There were no elaborate theatrics or overly dramatic pauses—Ryuki simply sat down, looked each of them in the eye, and dropped a single line that froze everyone to the core.
"Yusho-san sent us here."
To be continued...
Cards used in the duel:
Tidal Distress Call (Normal Trap)
This card can also be activated from the Graveyard.
When a monster on my field is Special Summoned, Special Summon one WATER monster from your hand, but its ATK and DEF are 0.
Tidal Salvage Spot (Normal Trap)
If this card is sent to the Graveyard by a card effect, you can activate it. Draw cards equal to the Level of the highest-level monster you control, minus three.
Kelpie Rider, Nikitas
ATK: 1000 / DEF: 2500
Level 6 / WATER / Warrior / Effect / Wave 1–2
If your opponent declares a direct attack: You can Special Summon this card from your hand in Defense Position and negate the attack. If you have more cards in hand than your opponent, you can Normal Summon this card without Tributing.
Wave 1-2: Twice per turn, if this card is in Defense Position and an opponent monster attacks, change that monster's battle position.
Battle Siren, Cressida
ATK: 1700 / DEF: 1100
Level 3 / WATER / Aqua / Effect / Wave 2
This card can be Special Summoned if you have a "Battle Siren" or "Kelpie Rider" on the field.
Once per turn: You can shuffle 1 card from your hand into the Deck; draw 1 card. Then, if it's a monster, you can Special Summon it, and this card's Level becomes equal to that monster's Level until the End Phase.
Wave 2: When your opponent declares an attack, you can Special Summon this card; it becomes the attack target, and cannot be destroyed by battle.
Battle Siren, Janka
ATK: 2300 / DEF: 1900
Level 6 / WATER / Aqua / Effect / Wave 2
If you control a "Thavas" monster: You can Special Summon this card from your hand, and it gains 300 ATK. You can discard 1 card; draw 1 card.
Wave 2 (Quick Effect): If a monster you control is targeted by a card effect, negate that effect. Then, this card's ATK becomes 0.
Battle Siren, Melania
ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1000
Level 4 / WATER / Aqua / Effect / Wave 1
If you control a "Thavas" monster: You can Special Summon this card from your hand.
Once per turn: You can increase this card's Level by 1 or 2 if you have a "Battle Siren" on your field.
Wave 1: This card gains 1000 ATK until the end of the Battle Phase if you control a "Thavas" monster.
Blue Storm Dragon, Maelstrom
ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2500
Rank 6 / WATER / Dragon / Xyz / Effect / Wave 1–2
3 Level 6 WATER Monsters
If this card is Xyz Summoned using monsters that's level is increased by card effect, this card gets 1000 ATK and draw 1 card.
Wave 1: When this card attacks, detach 1 overlay unit and choose 2 of your opponent's cards and those cards cannot be activated until the end phase.
Wave 2: When this card attacks, reveal the top 5 cards of your Deck. For each monster revealed, 1 other monster you control (except this card) can make an additional attack this Battle Phase. Add any revealed Spell/Trap cards to your hand. Return the remaining cards to the top of your Deck in any order.
Supreme Ruler of the Storms, Thavas
ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000
Rank 4 / WATER / Warrior / Xyz / Effect / Wave 1–3
2 Level 4 WATER Monsters
Once per turn: Detach one overlay unit and special summon 1 Level 5 or lower WATER monster from your deck, but it returns to the bottom of the deck at the end of the turn. This card cannot be destroyed in battle.
Wave 1-3: After the battle phase that this monster attacked, detach 1 overlay unit and this card can attack again. This card gets 500 ATK for every attack made during this activation.