Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V: The Flame Monarch

The warm scent of ramen lingered in the air as the group stepped out of the small eatery, bell chimes behind them marking the end of a pleasant lunch. Yuya wiped his mouth with a napkin, smiling brightly as he turned to Ryuki and the girls.

"So, what are you all doing next?" he asked, eyes hopeful.

Ryuki glanced at Ruri and Rin. "We're free for the moment," he replied casually. "No plans, really."

Yuya's smile grew wider. "Then come watch Gongenzaka duel! Nico Smiley helped arrange six duelists for him to face in a set of back-to-back duels."

Ryuki raised a brow in mild surprise. "He found opponents that fast?"

"Well," Yuya chuckled, rubbing the back of his head, "not really on his own. Nico kinda pulled some strings. Gongenzaka's really excited for this challenge."

"Ooooh, I wanna see this," Rin chimed in. "I want to know if Susanowo's the only Synchro ace he's got, or if he's hiding some big guns."

Ruri nodded. "Might as well tag along. Someone's got to keep an eye on you."

Ryuki smiled at their enthusiasm. "Alright, you three go on ahead," he said, turning to Ruri. "But I need a moment with you before I join."

Yuya, Gongenzaka, and Rin exchanged glances but didn't argue, heading down the street with a wave. Ruri tilted her head, watching them go, then looked back to Ryuki.

"So? Why the secrecy?"

"I won't be joining you," Ryuki said quietly, his expression unreadable.

Ruri frowned. "Why not?"

"My PSYqualia flared up a few moments ago." His voice grew distant, and his eyes took on a steely glint. "I saw something. A vision—of me dueling your brother. I defeated him with a dragon...a blue one. But I don't have any such dragon in my Extra Deck."

Ruri tensed at the name. "Nii-san?"

Ryuki nodded. "Something's about to happen. I have to check it out. Trust me on this."

There was silence for a heartbeat. Then Ruri stepped forward and gently placed her hands on his cheeks. "Be careful, okay?" she whispered before leaning in and kissing him softly on the lips. "For luck."

Ryuki blinked as she stepped away with a wink and turned to catch up with the others. He touched his lips for a moment before exhaling, his thoughts sharpening once more.

"Dran," he said, and the chibi dragon emerged from his Duel Disk in spirit form, chirping curiously. "Lead me there."

Dran gave a confirming growl and took off into the sky, with Ryuki sprinting in pursuit. His instincts were on high alert. That vision—it wasn't just a warning. It was a summons.

He followed Dran through winding streets, eventually reaching a narrow alley tucked behind one of the LDS satellite buildings. He slowed, hugging the wall as he peered around the corner—and his eyes widened.

Just as his vision had shown, Shun Kurosaki stood at the far end of the alley, his Duel Disk active. Surrounding him were the fallen forms of Yaiba, Hokuto, and Masumi. Their cards were scattered, and their duel disks sparked faintly. Shun's eyes glowed with unrelenting fury, and standing behind him was a towering monster—Raidraptor - Rise Falcon, its wings spread wide and menacing.

Ryuki's breath caught. ATK: 11,000. That wasn't just overkill—that was punishment.

He pulled out his Duel Disk and tapped in a quick message:

To: Reiji Akaba

"I found the culprit. He's engaging the LDS's top three. Bring reinforcements, but be cautious. Will intercept."

He sent it, then looked back.

Shun raised his hand. He was about to finish what he started.

"Not today," Ryuki muttered, just as a blur of white and red streaked through the alley.

BAM!

Chrono Tigar struck Shun squarely in the gut, sending him skidding backward across the pavement with a surprised grunt. Ryuki stepped into the alley, his coat fluttering behind him as he knelt beside the fallen trio. A quick scan confirmed they were unconscious—but breathing.

"Dran, Tigar," he called. "Get them to safety. But not too far—I may need backup."

The two Zodiac spirits nodded and carefully lifted the duelists one by one, placing them near a side wall shielded from the coming clash.

Shun groaned, slowly getting to his feet. His glare could burn steel. "You...!" he spat. "You Fusion dog!"

Ryuki sighed. "Not even close."

"Why did you interfere? They were enemies."

"They're duelists," Ryuki shot back. "Same as you. Same as me. Innocent kids who just happen to go to LDS. They didn't deserve whatever you were about to do."

"You're protecting Fusion Scum! That makes you the same!"

"No," Ryuki said, activating his Duel Disk with a sharp snap. "It makes me human."

Shun narrowed his eyes. "Then tell me who you are."

"You don't deserve to know my name." Ryuki's voice was icy. "I know yours—but calling it might only fuel your rage."

"I don't need to know who you are," Shun growled, raising his Duel Disk. "If you won't move, I'll go through you!"

Just before they began, Ryuki slid a ring onto his right middle finger—ornate, with a red gem embedded in it. He tapped it once, and the jewel flared to life.

Then, in a deep, resonant voice, he chanted:

"Let these purgatorial crimson flames be the arbiter of your actions...

Blaze forth, and incinerate all to ash—

Perdition Blaze Prison!"

He snapped his fingers.

In an instant, the alley was engulfed by a dome of searing crimson flame. Shun flinched as the barrier sealed around them, cutting off all noise, all signals—everything. They were in total isolation. The ring that Ryuki used is one of the rings that Olivier Galliard gave to Ryuki when Galliard was once a part of the Quatre Knights. Galliard thought that Ryuki could use it if the situation is needed.

"What... what is this!?" he demanded.

"A barrier," Ryuki answered coolly, shadows dancing across his face. "While we're in here, no one interferes. No one escapes. Just you and me."

"Tch... fine by me! I'll beat you and drag your secrets out myself!"

Duel Disks ignited.

DUEL!

Ryuki: 4000 | Hand: 5

Shun: 4000 | Hand: 5

Turn 1 – Ryuki

A wave of intense heat pulsed through the air, trapped within the scarlet dome of crackling fire that Ryuki had summoned. Its oppressive warmth bore down on the two duelists, warping the alley's shadows into dancing silhouettes. Neither could escape, and neither seemed willing to. This was more than a battle of cards—it was a clash of convictions.

Ryuki stepped forward calmly, flames glinting off his duel disk. His crimson coat fluttered lightly as a heated breeze passed by.

"I'll start this duel," he said in a cool, controlled tone. "Atashi no turn."

Sliding a card into his Spell & Trap Zone, Ryuki's gaze flickered briefly to Shun, reading the edge in his stance. There was no mistaking it—Shun was hunting, not dueling. And right now, Ryuki was the one in his sights.

"I activate the Continuous Spell—Hand of Midas."

A golden glyph appeared behind Ryuki, rotating slowly as it radiated a warm light that contrasted eerily with the hellish dome they stood within.

"With this card, by either discarding one card from my hand or destroying a card I control, I can search my Deck for any one card of my choosing. But—I can't activate that card this turn or the next."

Shun narrowed his eyes. A card that allowed free searching? Dangerous. But the restriction was clear.

"Next, I activate another Continuous Spell—Multi-Cast."

As Ryuki played his second card, a holographic tower of arcane runes appeared beside him. The structure pulsed each time a Spell or monster effect was used.

"This card responds whenever I use a Spell or monster effect. It doubles the effect. And once per turn, I roll a dice—if it lands on an odd number, it triples the effect. If it's even... it quadruples."

"You're kidding..." Shun muttered. He could feel it—this wasn't going to be a conventional duel.

Ryuki rolled the dice.

5.

The runes on the Multi-Cast tower flashed with golden light. The effect of Hand of Midas was amplified threefold.

"The die landed on 5," Ryuki said smoothly. "That triples the effect of Hand of Midas. So I discard three cards—"

Three cards launched into the graveyard tray, each one neatly sliding into place.

"—to add three cards of my choosing from my Deck to my hand."

The Duel Disk ejected three cards with a mechanical hiss, and Ryuki calmly accepted them. His hand glowed with opportunity.

"And now, I activate Pot of Greed."

The familiar, grinning jar materialized briefly.

"And thanks to Multi-Cast, its effect doubles. I draw four cards."

Four swift draws. Shun clenched his jaw. Ryuki had burned half his hand to turbocharge his engine, but in the blink of an eye, he was back in control.

"I set one monster face-down, and three cards to my back row. That ends my turn."

As his field locked in, Ryuki stared at his opponent through the haze of the flames.

This won't be like before, he thought. That vision... the blue dragon... I don't have it yet, but if fate's guiding me, it'll appear when the time is right.

Ryuki: 4000 | Hand: 2

Shun: 4000 | Hand: 5

Turn 2 – Shun

"My turn!" Shun growled. "Draw!"

He snapped his card from the deck and glared at Ryuki, his expression filled with distrust and fury. The fire reflected in his eyes, mirroring his inner rage.

He didn't flinch... Not even once. Doesn't feel like Academia... but I can't take any chances. I won't let him protect Fusion trash.

"From my hand, I summon Raidraptors – Vanishing Lanius!"

A flurry of feathers burst onto the field as the black-armored raptor landed with a screech, ready to take flight.

"When Vanishing Lanius is Summoned, I can Special Summon another Level 4 or lower 'Raidraptors' from my hand. I call forth—another Vanishing Lanius!"

A second raptor soared into view beside the first, its screech echoing within the dome.

"I activate the Continuous Spell—Raidraptors – Nest. When I control two 'Raidraptors' with the same name, I can add another from my Deck to my hand."

Shun plucked a third Vanishing Lanius from his deck.

"And I activate my second Vanishing Lanius' effect—Special Summon the third one!"

Three dark-winged raptors now flanked Shun's field, their eyes glowing crimson under the flames of the dome.

He's swarming fast, Ryuki thought. A textbook opening—he's trying to pressure me immediately.

"Battle!" Shun declared. "Vanishing Lanius, attack the face-down monster!"

One of the raptors launched into the air and dove toward Ryuki's hidden card with a cry. The card flipped—

A sleek, crimson dragon burst forth in a torrent of spiraling wind and fire. Its body glowed with silvery white scales, its wings crackling with flame and gale alike.

Perdition Dragon – Whirlwind Dragon

FIRE / Dragon / Level 4 / Blaze

ATK: 2100 / DEF: 900

"I activate my Trap—Flame Guard!" Ryuki countered.

A blazing shield surrounded Whirlwind Dragon, bolstering its defenses.

"When a monster in Defense Position is attacked, I can activate this card to increase its DEF by 1000 until the End Phase."

Perdition Dragon – Whirlwind Dragon

DEF: 900 → 1900

Vanishing Lanius crashed against the fiery barrier and was thrown backward, stunned by the force.

"And Flame Guard's secondary effect activates: All battle damage becomes 0—but you take 500 damage instead."

Shun shielded his face as a burst of backlash energy struck him.

Shun: 4000 → 3500 LP

"Tch...!" Shun growled.

"You were lucky," he hissed. "But don't think that dragon can save you for long."

"You're the one who should be careful," Ryuki replied coolly, crossing his arms. "There's more to this field than fire and fury."

Shun's glare deepened. The heat from the dome flickered around them, almost reacting to the tension.

"I set one card face-down. Turn end."

Ryuki: 4000 | Hand: 2

Shun: 3500 | Hand: 2

Turn 3 - Ryuki

The flames of the crimson dome roared louder, licking at the air with growing ferocity. The battlefield had turned into a hellish arena—isolated from the outside world, where the line between hologram and reality had been blurred. Every heartbeat echoed with tension, every draw felt like fate taking shape.

Ryuki's hand hovered above his deck.

"Atashi no turn... Draw!"

The card he drew slid into his hand with a clean motion. The moment he saw it, he didn't hesitate. There was no room for pause now—not in this place.

"I activate the Spell Card—Blaze Draw!"

A fiery symbol manifested overhead, radiating with infernal heat.

"When I control a monster with the Blaze trait, I can draw 1 card for every 2 Levels that monster has. Whirlwind Dragon is Level 4, so I draw 2 cards!"

Two cards shot out of Ryuki's deck. He drew them quickly, scanning them. One of them made him visibly grimace.

"Of all the cards I could've pulled... I get this?" he muttered to himself, scratching his head in mild disbelief. Then, with a half-laugh, he shrugged. "You know what? Fuck it."

He slapped a card down into his Spell Zone with finality.

"I activate Kagero Fusion from my hand!"

Shun's body stiffened the moment the word Fusion left Ryuki's mouth.

"Using this card, I fuse Perdition Dragon, Whirlwind Dragon on the field with Dragon Knight, Shakur from my hand!"

Two beams of red and gold energy spiraled into the sky, swirling together in a searing spiral. Shun's eyes widened with fury, the crimson reflection dancing in his irises.

"The eye of the inferno twists all into oblivion... Let time itself collapse in the storm of perdition!"

A swirling vortex of flame surged from above, devouring both monsters and roaring with destructive force.

"Fusion Summon! Descend from the flames, Level 8! — Perdition Dragon – Vortex Dragonewt!"

Perdition Dragon – Vortex Dragonewt

Level 8 / FIRE / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 3200 / DEF: 2300

The fusion dragon descended with a thunderous cry. Its body gleamed with silvery white scales, refracting the firelight into countless shards of red and gold. Its wings unfurled in a wide sweep, igniting the prison's flames until they blazed brighter than ever before.

"Tch...!" Shun hissed, shielding his face from the heat. "As expected from the bastards of Academia! You're a Fusion user!"

But Ryuki didn't even flinch. He didn't look at Shun. He didn't dignify him with an answer. His focus was solely on the duel.

"I activate Shakur's skill from the Graveyard. When this card is used as Fusion Material, I draw 1 card."

He swiftly drew a single card, his eyes flicking toward Vortex Dragonewt. A faint glimmer of anticipation flashed behind them.

"Vortex Dragonewt... Seek the Mate!"

The air shimmered. A pulse of white light burst above the dragon, and five of Ryuki's cards from his graveyard glowed—then returned to the deck in a spiraling trail of sparks.

A card ejected from the deck and into Ryuki's waiting hand.

"Its roar opens a path where none exists! Those flames burn everything into nothing! Stand in line—Perdition Dragon, Whirlwind Dragon! Legion Summon"

The battlefield trembled as the second dragon burst into view beside Dragonewt, answering the Legion call.

Perdition Dragon – Whirlwind Dragon

Level 4 / FIRE / Dragon / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 2100 / DEF: 900

Both dragons let out a thunderous roar. Their synchronization caused the flames in the dome to swell—rising higher, hotter, hungrier.

"Legion Summon?!" Shun shouted in disbelief. "You bastards created another summoning method?! Another tool to destroy our world?! ANSWER ME!"

But Ryuki remained silent. He didn't need to answer—not with words.

"Whirlwind Dragon's skill! When summoned by Vortex Dragonewt's skill, you send the top two cards of your deck to the Graveyard."

Shun's deck glowed. The top two cards ignited with scarlet flames, disintegrating into ash as they were banished from his strategy.

"Then," Ryuki continued, "I activate Vortex Dragonewt's skill. Once per turn, by choosing not to attack, it destroys 1 monster, 1 Spell or Trap, and then deals 1000 damage to you."

Shun's eyes widened in horror. "YOU WHAT?!"

The two dragons raised their heads in unison, their auras now dyed in deep crimson, darker and more wrathful than before.

"Reduce that savage soul to ash with your swirling purgatorial flames—Trinity Crimson Flame!"

"One!" Whirlwind Dragon released a spiraling fireball that tore through one of Shun's Vanishing Lanius with violent force.

"Two!" Vortex Dragonewt conjured a fireball in its claw and hurled it toward Raidraptors – Nest, reducing it to ashes.

"Three!" Both dragons exhaled a searing breath of deep crimson fire directly at Shun.

Shun: 3500 → 2500 LP

Shun screamed as he stumbled backward, clutching his chest. The heat, the force—it wasn't illusion. It hurt.

"How... how did I feel real damage?" he rasped, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Because this arena isn't normal," Ryuki said coldly, his voice echoing against the dome. "Anyone who fights within this prison will feel real pain. The lower your Life Points drop, the more the flames will burn you."

He raised his hand toward the sky. "And when one loses... they face judgment."

Shun gritted his teeth. This wasn't just a duel. This was punishment.

"Vortex Dragonewt's Blaze effect. For every card destroyed by its skill, I draw 1 card. Since I destroyed 2—" Ryuki drew two more cards. "I draw 2."

But Shun wasn't finished.

"Trap Card open! Call of the Haunted!"

Dark chains erupted from the ground, dragging a card back from the shadows.

"I Special Summon Vanishing Lanius from my Graveyard!"

Raidraptors – Vanishing Lanius

Level 4 / DARK / Winged Beast / Effect

ATK: 1300 / DEF: 1600

As the bird of prey screeched its return to the battlefield, Ryuki glanced at the scene silently, calculating.

Three Vanishing Lanius on his field. That means an Xyz Summon is coming. But I made sure to destroy his Spell instead of that other Set card... I'm guessing it has an effect from the Graveyard.

His eyes swept over his own field.

Hand of Midas will be usable next turn, and Multi-Cast still boosts my spells. I've got two traps ready—one for monster effects, another as countermeasure...

He turned toward Shun, whose body was still scorched from the crimson flame blast, barely standing but filled with fury.

"I end my turn."

Ryuki: 4000 | Hand: 5

Shun: 2500 | Hand: 2

Turn 4 - Shun

The flames around the duel arena surged once again, pulsing in rhythm with Shun's anger. The scent of smoke thickened, curling in the air like serpents. His Duel Disk gleamed with renewed purpose.

"My turn!" Shun roared, the anger in his voice now edged with vengeance. "Draw!"

He looked at the card he drew. His teeth clenched. His wings of rebellion would not be clipped by fire. Not now.

"I overlay my three Vanishing Lanius!"

The three birds of prey flared in violet auras, screeching as they were drawn into the swirling vortex of shadow—a black portal that warped space with its gravity. It pulsed like a beating heart in the air.

"And I build the Overlay Network!"

The crowd of flickering flames seemed to quiet for a moment—drawn to the rising surge of energy that gathered above Shun's field.

"Obscured falcon, raise your sharpened talons against adversity! Spread your wings of rebellion and tear the skies asunder! Xyz Summon! Descend now—Rank 4! — Raidraptors – Rise Falcon!!"

Raidraptors – Rise Falcon

Rank 4 / DARK / Winged-Beast / Xyz / Effect

ATK: 100 / DEF: 2000 | OU: 3

A massive raptor erupted from the portal. Its obsidian wings cut through the air like blades, its predatory gaze locking onto Ryuki with a searing, unrelenting hunger. The battlefield quaked as it hovered above the flames, wings spread wide as if blotting out the light.

Ryuki narrowed his eyes.

"Here it comes..."

Shun raised his arm high, fury radiating off him in waves.

"I activate Rise Falcon's effect! I detach 1 Overlay Unit!"

One of the black spheres was absorbed into Rise Falcon's core, and in that instant, its talons ignited with cruel red sparks.

"This card gains ATK equal to the total ATK of all Special Summoned monsters you control! And it can attack all of them—every last one!"

The infernal battlefield responded. A gust of wind erupted from Rise Falcon's wings, lifting burning cinders as it glared down at Ryuki's twin dragons—Vortex Dragonewt and Whirlwind Dragon.

Raidraptors - Rise Falcon

ATK: 100 → 5400 | OU: 3 → 2

Ryuki's expression hardened. 5400 ATK.

Shun's voice now carried the sound of thunder.

"Battle! Rise Falcon! Shred that Academia scum with your vicious talons! — Brave Claw Revolution!!!"

The raptor shrieked, talons glowing with violet flame as it dove with breakneck speed. Its target: Vortex Dragonewt.

"Trap open!" Ryuki shouted. "Perdition Blow!"

A crimson sigil glowed beneath his field.

"When a FIRE monster I control is targeted for an attack, I take only half the battle damage until the End Phase!"

Rise Falcon's talons slammed through Vortex Dragonewt, its roar cut short as the dragon was torn apart by aerial might. Without pause, the bird of prey looped into the air again and descended in a second strike, rending Whirlwind Dragon to cinders.

The battlefield detonated in a shockwave of heat and smoke as Ryuki staggered backward, his arm raised to shield himself from the impact.

Ryuki: 4000 → 1750

He gritted his teeth, the burning sensation in his chest tightening like a vice. The flames around him lashed out more violently now, responding to his lower Life Points. Scorched air pulsed in time with his heartbeat.

But even through the pain—Ryuki's focus never wavered.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell from my hand—Roar of the Overlord!"

The earth beneath him cracked open, and a fiery pillar of flame burst forth, roaring toward the heavens.

"When a Dragon Fusion Monster is destroyed in battle, I can Special Summon one Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, ignoring its summoning conditions!"

The flames erupted in a spiral—then parted to reveal a crimson-armored dragon stepping forward, wreathed in fury. Its twin blades gleamed, and its eyes blazed with contempt for all before it.

"Burn anew—Dragonic Overlord!!!"

Dragonic Overlord

Level 8 / FIRE / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2500

The moment the Overlord emerged, Rise Falcon stopped midair—its wings beating hesitantly. The sheer presence of the Overlord was enough to give even the predator pause. Ryuki's Fusion Dragon extended its blade-like wings with a howl, daring the falcon to come closer.

Shun narrowed his eyes.

"Hmph. You never stay down, do you?" he muttered, clearly irate. "But even if you rise again, I'll just bring you back down."

With a snap of his fingers, a new card shimmered onto his field in a flash of violet.

"I set 1 card face-down... and end my turn."

He looked away for a brief moment, his hand trembling slightly from the backlash of the prison's flames. His LP may have been higher, but he now understood just how merciless this prison truly was.

Ryuki: 1750 | Hand: 4

Shun: 2500 | Hand: 2

Turn: 5 - Ryuki

The battlefield, now scarred by flame and talon, crackled in eerie silence. Ash drifted down like snow, remnants of the earlier clash still smoldering. Just before Ryuki could declare the start of his turn, Shun's voice cut through the embers.

"From all the duelists that I've faced..." Shun said, almost to himself, "...you are the first one who survived Rise Falcon's attack."

The flames flickered in acknowledgment. That admission held weight.

Ryuki offered a half-smile.

"I'll take that as a compliment," he said calmly. "Though... your ferocity does remind me of someone I used to fight. But he was a lot calmer than you."

Shun scoffed and turned his head slightly, hiding the surprise on his face.

"Tch. I don't need flattery from an Academia scum like you."

"Sigh... Again with this," Ryuki muttered, shaking his head. "You're not the only one fighting against Academia, you know. Some of them are fighting within."

Shun narrowed his eyes. His hostility gave way to curiosity.

"What... do you mean?"

Ryuki stepped forward, voice steady.

"Not all duelists in Academia follow Akaba Leo's path blindly. Some of them rebelled. And in doing so, they've been delaying their conquest. Sabotaging patrols, disrupting supplies, erasing data. They're the reason you've had peace in Heartland for weeks."

Shun's breath caught. It was true—there had been fewer attacks, fewer patrols, fewer threats looming over their heads before he and Shun got to Standard. He looked at Ryuki, realization dawning.

"If there really is a rebel force inside Academia... why haven't we, the Resistance, heard anything?"

"Because many of those rebels have been captured and turned into cards. The few that remain? They're waiting. Biding their time." Ryuki clenched his fist. "you could say that I'm one of them. And my mission? Reach Akaba Reiji, and deliver the truth about his father's plans."

Shun's eyes flared.

"You know Leo Akaba's true plans?! TELL ME NOW!!"

Ryuki's expression darkened.

"That depends on how the duel goes."

"...What?"

"I don't need to see you win. I need to see that you're resolved—willing to see this to the end, no matter how bitter. Because if you lose yourself to rage, if you rush without thinking, you won't survive long enough to learn the truth."

Silence.

The smoke curled between them as Shun lowered his clenched fists. He exhaled slowly—long, deep—and let his shoulders drop. He stared into Ryuki's eyes. No longer just a target. A fellow soldier. A flame in the dark.

"...Fine," Shun muttered, his voice calmer now. "I'm listening."

Ryuki gave a small nod.

"Then let's duel properly."

The flames around them stirred again.

"Atashi no turn. Draw."

He drew his card with a smooth motion, but didn't even glance at it.

"I already know what I need to play."

With unwavering focus, he slammed a spell card into his Duel Disk.

"First, I activate the Spell—Blaze Sacrifice! By destroying two Spell or Trap Cards I control, I can revive a 'Blaze' monster from my Graveyard!"

Hand of Midas and Multi-Cast burned away, crumbling into glowing embers as a roaring flame surged behind Ryuki. From the pyre emerged a figure clad in reddish-brown armor, riding atop a scarlet-scaled dragon. He raised a blazing javelin, ready for battle.

"Return to me—Dragon Knight, Mbudi!"

Dragon Knight, Mbudi

Level 4 | FIRE | Warrior / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1200

The knight's dragon snarled beside him, eyes fixed on Shun.

"Now I activate Overlord Rebirth! I Fusion Summon using materials from my hand, field, or graveyard! I fuse Dragon Knight, Mbudi with Dragonic Overlord!"

The two leapt skyward, swirling into a spiral of crimson light. The vortex twisted into a blinding storm of flame.

"When the will of flame refuses to fade, a new power is born from the ashes! By your blade, cut through the fools and turn them to ash! Fusion Summon! Rise—Level 9! Dragonic Overlord 'The X'!"

Dragonic Overlord "The X"

Level 9 | FIRE | Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 3100 / DEF: 2600

The new Overlord descended in a thunderclap of flame, armor gleaming like molten gold. Its eyes blazed with fury. Even Shun's Blaze Falcon shifted in midair, feeling the pressure of the evolved dragon's presence.

Shun muttered under his breath, almost impressed.

"So your dragon evolved."

"Yes," Ryuki replied. "And there's more."

"When 'The X' is Fusion Summoned, I activate its skill! I destroy up to two Spells or Traps you control!"

The Overlord drove its sword into the scorched ground, summoning two immense fire pillars that scorched the battlefield and annihilated Shun's set cards.

Then Ryuki discarded a card from his hand and held up two fingers.

" I activate "The X's" skill! Once per turn, I discard 1 card—'The X' gains 1000 ATK and can attack twice this turn!"

Dragonic Overlord 'The X'

ATK: 3100 → 4100

"Battle!! 'The X'—slash down Rise Falcon! — Flame Xross Slash!!!"

The evolved Overlord's blade surged with flames, shaped like a burning cross. It streaked through the air, cleaving through Rise Falcon in a single, decisive strike.

"Not so fast! I activate my Trap from the Graveyard—Raidraptors – Readiness!" Shun countered.

"A Trap from the grave?" Ryuki noted. "A smart insurance."

"I banish it, and reduce my LP to 10, and I take no damage this turn!"

Shun: 2500 → 10

The flames still lashed at Shun's body, but he stood his ground. Smoke trailed from his shoulders. He fell to one knee... then rose again.

Eyes fierce.

"Who would've thought..." Ryuki murmured, "...you'd still be standing. I apologize for the fire though."

"Tch. I don't need your apology," Shun spat. "I started this... and I'll finish it."

He raised his Duel Disk high as energy surged from his Graveyard.

"When a Raidraptors Xyz is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can activate my Quick-Play Spell—Rank-Up-Magic Raptor's Force!"

A vortex of shadow and wind consumed Rise Falcon's remains.

"I revive Rise Falcon and immediately perform a Rank-Up Xyz Summon into a monster 1 Rank higher!"

The overlay network reformed, spinning with lethal intent.

"Ferocious falcon! Break through this battlefield of flame and burn through your enemies! Rank-Up Xyz Change—Emerge! Rank 5! Raidraptors – Blaze Falcon!!!"

Raidraptors – Blaze Falcon

Rank 5 / DARK / Winged-Beast / Xyz / Effect

ATK: 1000 / DEF: 2000

A phoenix-like silhouette burst from the shadows—wings wreathed in searing flame. Its eyes reflected a warrior's will.

"So that's how Rank-Up works," Ryuki said, genuinely intrigued. "Well then... I set 1 card and I end my turn."

Ryuki: 1750 LP | Hand: 1

Shun: 10 LP | Hand: 1

Turn 6 - Shun

The atmosphere of the prison burned with intensity, flames rising like pillars in anticipation of the coming clash. Ryuki stood still, his breath low, his eyes focused. But across from him, Shun raised his hand—his eyes sharp with intent, his voice loud and resolute.

"I will end this duel right now! My turn—Draw!!"

The single card drawn felt like destiny. The moment Shun saw what it was, his grim expression broke into a determined scowl. He raised the card high for Ryuki to see.

"I activate the Spell—Rank-Up Magic Raid Force!"

A sharp gale burst from his field, dark violet feathers scattering into the air. "I target my Rank 5 Blaze Falcon and use it to perform a Rank-Up Xyz Summon!"

Blaze Falcon's wings expanded in a blazing burst before it transformed into a streak of pure dark energy. A black vortex opened in the skies above the prison—twisting with force like a storm made of shadows.

"Prideful falcon! Spread your wings dyed in the blood of heroes! Advance through the path of revolution—Rank-Up Xyz Change!"

The swirling black storm parted as a massive shadowy figure emerged, wings wide and eyes glowing.

"Come forth—Rank 6! Raidraptors – Revolution Falcon!!"

Raidraptors – Revolution Falcon

Rank 6 / DARK / Winged Beast / Xyz / Effect

ATK: 2000 / DEF: 3000 | OU: 2

The entire battlefield rumbled from its arrival. Revolution Falcon hovered silently, its crimson sensors focused directly on Ryuki's Dragonic Overlord "The X."

Ryuki narrowed his gaze. "So he ranked up again..." he muttered, bracing himself.

"I activate Revolution Falcon's effect!" Shun declared, pointing directly at Ryuki's field. "Since it was Xyz Summoned using a Rank 5 or lower monster, I can target one Special Summoned monster you control—destroy it! And if I do, you take damage equal to half its ATK!"

Revolution Falcon's wings locked into place. From its chest compartment, a salvo of energy missiles emerged—each one flashing crimson before firing directly toward Dragonic Overlord "The X."

"Damn—he's aiming to burn me out!" Ryuki raised his arm.

"Trap open—Linken's Sphere! When a card effect that targets a monster is activated, I negate that effect! And instead of sending this card to the Graveyard, I can set it again—but I can't activate it again this turn!"

A glowing blue orb enveloped "The X" just as the missiles struck. They detonated harmlessly against the sphere's shield, flaring into light and smoke that dissipated without leaving so much as a scorch mark.

Shun clicked his tongue. "A one-use negation trap, huh... Tch. Then I'll just go for the kill!"

He raised his hand once more—his voice loud and merciless.

"Battle!! Raidraptors – Revolution Falcon! Attack Dragonic Overlord 'The X'!"

A storm brewed in the prison. Dark clouds began swirling as the falcon's engines ignited, preparing for a full-force assault.

"And now, I activate Revolution Falcon's second effect!" Shun roared.

"When this card battles, the ATK and DEF of the opposing monster becomes 0! Now fall—Revolution Air Raid!!"

Dragonic Overlord "The X"

ATK: 3100 → 0

Flames dissipated from Ryuki's dragon as if drained of all power. Its sword drooped low. The mighty warrior, once wreathed in searing heat, now stood motionless, unable to defend.

"Damn it, not now!" Ryuki hissed.

As Revolution Falcon soared toward "The X," unleashing a flurry of precision bombs from above, Ryuki swiftly countered.

"Trap Activate—Blaze of Valor! When a monster with Blaze is targeted for an attack, I gain LP equal to 100 times its Level!"

Ryuki: 1750 → 2650 LP

Flames surged around him, forming a shield of heat that absorbed some of the pressure. But even so, the bombardment landed—directly. Dragonic Overlord "The X" was consumed in the explosion, and Ryuki was blasted backward.

BOOM!!

He skidded across the scorched ground, coughing smoke. The flames singed his coat, his fingers twitching from the pain.

Ryuki: 2650 → 650

The impact echoed throughout the prison.

"...I really felt that blow," Ryuki muttered, rotating his shoulder and shaking off the sparks. "Tch... brutal."

On the other side, Shun slowly lowered his hand. Despite his near-total depletion, he stood tall.

"To think that you survived that attack..." he murmured.

His voice had lost much of its venom, now replaced with the weight of grudging respect. He exhaled heavily, the adrenaline still coursing through him.

"If you hadn't told me about the rebel faction within Academia, I might have dismissed you as another pawn. But surviving Revolution Falcon's assault... that deserves some praise."

Ryuki rose to his feet, dusting off the ash from his coat with a slight wince.

"Appreciated... though next time, try not to kill me in the process."

"Hmph," Shun grunted. "Don't get used to it."

Then, with practiced motion, he set the last card in his hand onto the field.

"I set one card face-down... I end my turn."

As his words echoed into silence, the flames in the prison briefly calmed. The battlefield was scorched. Cards were few. And yet... both duelists were still standing.

Ryuki: 650 LP | Hand: 1

Shun: 10 LP | Hand: 0

Turn 7 – Ryuki

The battlefield was silent.

Smoke lingered in the air. The remnants of the last attack still flickered in glowing embers around Ryuki's feet. His breath was ragged. His coat was torn. His partner was gone. Yet in his eyes—fire still burned.

"Atashi no turn... Draw!"

His voice echoed like thunder through the charred ruins of the prison. The card slid from his deck with a distinct shimmer, and as it touched his fingers, a sudden flare of red energy surged from his heart.

His PSYqualia—his very connection to destiny—awakened.

And in that moment... he saw it.

A blue dragon rose in the depths of his vision, roaring to the heavens, its wings of water casting storms over a battlefield of fire and steel. It was not just calling out to him—it was waiting for him.

Ryuki's eyes widened. "So this is your will..."

He clenched the card tightly, the truth burning within him.

"Very well..." he whispered, his voice steady. "I'm summoning you right now."

He raised his arm, revealing the Spell that would defy the ashes of defeat.

"I activate Spell—Monster Reborn! Return from the grave, my partner—Dragonic Overlord!!"

A portal of searing flame burst open behind him. From its heart emerged the crimson form of Dragonic Overlord, roaring like a demon reborn, its wings cracking the scorched air. Its eyes met Ryuki's with fierce loyalty.

Dragonic Overlord

Level 8 / FIRE / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2000

Shun narrowed his eyes, his stance unwavering despite the pressure.

"I'm starting to see a pattern... you always bring that dragon back."

Ryuki smirked, brushing soot from his coat. "That's because Dragonic Overlord... is more than just a card."

He placed his hand on his chest. The PSYqualia flared red once again, and Dragonic Overlord let out a deep growl—low and resonant—as if in agreement.

"This dragon has fought beside me since I was young. Through every trial, every loss... every victory. And now... we take the final step together!"

With a roar of power, Ryuki pointed to the sky.

"I overlay my Level 8 Dragonic Overlord—and build the overlay network!"

Shun's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! You only have one monster!"

But Ryuki's answer came with thunder.

"True. But when I Xyz Summon this monster using Dragonic Overlord, that dragon is counted as two materials!"

A beam of red light split Dragonic Overlord in half as two blazing orbs spiraled upward. The battlefield darkened. Then—a torrent of cascading water burst from the clouds above, crashing into the ground like a waterfall made of the heavens themselves.

A portal opened at the heart of the surge—blue and divine.

Ryuki reached toward the falling sky.

"Raging inferno, meet the flowing tide! The dragon's flame surges through the current, carved in valor and forged in resolve!

O twin souls of battle and serenity—unite in a cascade of blazing retribution!

Xyz Summon!! Descend, Rank 8—Dragonic Waterfall!!!"

The waters parted, and from the spray emerged a regal dragon with glimmering white-blue scales, gliding with divine grace. It bore a massive crimson blade, glowing with enchanted tides. Flames swirled behind it—not as its enemy, but as its kin.

Dragonic Waterfall

Rank 8 / WATER / Dragon / Xyz / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 3500 / DEF: 2900 | OU: 1

Shun took a step back. Even with his stoicism, the power before him demanded awe.

"An Xyz Summon... using a Fusion Monster..." he murmured. The magnitude of Ryuki's bond with his dragon—its evolution, its rebirth—left him speechless.

But Ryuki wasn't finished.

"When Dragonic Waterfall is Xyz Summoned using Dragonic Overlord as material—my opponent cannot activate Spell or Trap Cards until the End Phase!"

The single face-down card on Shun's field—his last line of defense—dimmed to gray. Powerless. Sealed by a surge of tidal flame.

Shun's jaw tightened. "So... it's truly over."

Ryuki took a step forward.

"Battle!" he roared, his coat billowing from the wind of his dragon's flight.

"Dragonic Waterfall—attack Raidraptors – Revolution Falcon!!"

The blue dragon raised its sword—water spiraling upward as if summoned from the depths of the sea.

"And when Dragonic Waterfall battles a monster—

that monster cannot activate its effects!"

Revolution Falcon locked eyes with the oncoming tide. But it could not move. It could not retaliate. Its wings trembled, its systems locked by the divine code of Ryuki's dragon.

Shun closed his eyes, letting out a slow, resigned breath. "Tch... guess I'm done flying."

"WATERFALL BASIN!!"

Dragonic Waterfall raised its blade with both claws. A massive surge of water exploded around it, empowering its crimson sword with glistening torrents. Then, in a single motion, it descended—slicing through Revolution Falcon like a guillotine forged by the sea and sealed by flame.

Shun: 10 → 0 LP

Winner: Ryuki

-----

The last echo of clashing roars faded into the dusk, and silence fell like a curtain.

The duel had ended. The crimson glow of Ryuki's Perdition Blaze Prison still burned faintly around the battlefield, its embers simmering with ominous intensity. Shun stood in the heart of the arena—wounded, battered, and unmoving. The once-proud duelist was now breathing heavily, his body swaying under the weight of exhaustion and pain. Yet more than the physical toll, it was what came next that truly shook him.

He already knew what was coming.

His eyes locked with Ryuki's—calm, unwavering, and piercing. The blaze within Ryuki's eyes still shimmered faintly with the light of PSYqualia. And as the remnants of the prison began to circle tighter, Ryuki raised a hand and slowly snapped his fingers.

"As promised," Ryuki's voice rang through the still air, neither cruel nor compassionate, "whoever loses within this prison must receive judgement."

His tone grew colder. "Let these crimson flames burn your sins... and repent in scarlet fury—Judgement!"

At his word, the remaining flames roared to life like a beast roused from slumber. The arena ignited once more, circling Shun in a vortex of punishing fire. He staggered back, screaming, not just in pain but in shock at the intensity. The flames licked at his body, searing cloth and skin alike—not enough to kill, but enough to scar and force repentance. As they consumed his defiance, Shun fell to one knee, the last of his strength leaving him. Ryuki stood silently, watching—not as a tormentor, but as an executor of discipline. The scarlet glow cast long shadows behind him, like wings of flame.

And then... silence again.

The flames vanished, the prison dissolved into embers that fluttered gently into the wind, and Shun collapsed to the ground—scorched, broken, and unconscious.

Moments later, the clatter of footsteps echoed down the alleyway.

"Shun!" a familiar voice cried. Yuto rushed to the scene, his eyes wide with horror at the sight of his fallen comrade. But before he could get close, Ryuki's eyes flashed. A faint pulse of PSYqualia flickered again, like a command sent directly into the mind.

"Sleep."

Yuto froze mid-step. His body went limp, and with a gentle sigh, he fell unconscious—peaceful, like someone gently laying down to rest.

More time passed.

Then came the sound of polished shoes striking the ground with measured pace.

Akaba Reiji entered the alley, flanked by Nakajima and several of LDS's private security. The second he saw the scene before him—two unconscious Resistance duelists, one burned and one asleep—his brows narrowed.

"Explain," Reiji ordered, voice as sharp and cold as ever.

Ryuki turned to face him, his tone composed. "I caught Shun attempting to card three of your students. Masumi, Hokuto, and Yaiba. I intervened and challenged him to a duel."

Reiji glanced at Nakajima, whose face betrayed no emotion. "Go on."

"He lost," Ryuki continued. "And, as I warned him beforehand, I passed judgment on him. He's still alive—just a little... scorched. As for Yuto, he arrived and tried to take Shun away. I had to put him to sleep before he could cause trouble."

Reiji narrowed his eyes. "And the fire?"

"I have my ways." Ryuki offered no more detail.

There was a long silence between them. Finally, Reiji turned to Nakajima.

"Get both of them to LDS's private medical ward. Ensure the doctors treat them without delay—but under supervision. I want constant monitoring on both."

"Yes, sir." Nakajima signaled the guards, who swiftly and carefully lifted Shun and Yuto onto stretchers and began moving out.

As they left, Ryuki and Reiji remained alone in the now quiet alley.

"You must've deduced by now why Shun was targeting your students," Ryuki said, arms crossed.

"I had my suspicions." Reiji folded his hands behind his back. "But I want to hear it from you."

Ryuki nodded. "He thought Maiami City had ties to Academia—because of you. And since your father is the leader of Academia, he assumed this city was just another puppet state. Carding Fusion duelists was his way of baiting you into appearing. He planned to take you hostage."

Reiji scoffed, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Then he overestimated my importance to my father. Leo Akaba doesn't see me as anything more than a failed prototype. Ray is the only one he ever truly cared about."

A beat of silence.

"What will you do with the LDS students?" Ryuki asked.

Reiji's eyes grew colder. "I have my ways."

There was nothing else to be said. Ryuki turned to leave, but paused before walking away.

"When Shun wakes up, make sure to contact me. I want to be there."

"I'll consider it."

Without another word, Ryuki stepped into the fading sunlight, his coat fluttering behind him as he disappeared into the streets.

The moment Ryuki turned the corner, his Duel Disk vibrated. A message.

He opened it and smirked.

From: Rin

Guess who just won their duel without losing a single Life Point?

Attached Image: Gongenzaka standing triumphantly, fists in the air, opponent in shock, scoreboard reading 4000 to 0.

Ryuki chuckled softly, whistling low.

"Damn, that was fast. The man leveled up again."

Another message came in—this time from Ruri.

From: Ruri

We're home now. Rin's setting the table. Come back soon. Oh, and bring something sweet. You owe me dessert.

Ryuki allowed himself a rare, genuine smile.

He closed the messages and looked up at the sky, the sun now a deep orange on the horizon. The day had been long, heavy with conflict and judgement—but the warmth of that message was enough to melt even the hardest edges of the day.

And there was one more thing he had to do.

He tapped his Duel Disk, displaying a holographic image of his newest ace. Dragonic Waterfall. A majestic white-and-blue dragon holding a crimson blade covered in flowing energy. Calm. Resolute. Pure.

"I want to show them you," Ryuki whispered to the dragon's image. "They'll like you. Especially Ruri."

With that, he turned toward home, the fading embers of judgment behind him, and a new chapter waiting ahead.

To be continued...

Cards used in the Duel:

Blaze Draw (Normal Spell)

Target 1 Monster in your field that has "Blaze", and draw 1 card for every 2 levels.

Multi-cast (Continuous Spell)

When this card is on the field, all effects are doubled when a spell, trap or monster effect is activated.

Once per turn: You can throw a dice. If the dice lands on an odd number, the effect triples. If the dice lands on an even number, the effect quadruples.

You can only use this effect once every 2 turns.

Flame Guard (Normal Trap)

When a FIRE Monster in defense position is attacked, that monster gains 1000 DEF. All battle damage is negated and inflict 500 damage to your opponent.

Kagero Fusion (Normal Spell)

Fusion Summon 1 FIRE Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters from your hand or field as Fusion Material.

If you control no monsters: You can also use monster from your deck, but the summoned monster has to be summoned in defense position.

Overlord Fusion (Normal Spell)

You can only activate this card by discarding 2 cards in your hand. Fusion Summon 1 "Dragonic Overlord" Fusion Monster by Special Summoning the required monsters from the deck, graveyard or Extra Deck. But their ATK and DEF turns to 0 and their effects negated.

You can only use "Overlord Fusion" once per duel.

Manta Style (Quick-Play Spell)

When a monster is targeted for an attack, reduce that monsters ATK in half and negate 1 attack.

Perdition Blow (Normal Trap)

When a FIRE Monster is targeted for an attack, until the end phase, you receive half the battle damage.

Roar of the Overlord (Quick-Play Spell)

When a FIRE Fusion Monster is destroyed in battle, Special Summon 1 Fusion Monster from the graveyard or Extra Deck, ignoring the Summoning Conditions.

Blaze Sacrifice (Normal Trap)

Release 2 spell or trap cards in your field and Special Summon 1 monster with "Blaze" in your graveyard.

Linken's Sphere (Normal Trap)

Once per turn, when your opponent activates a Spell/Trap or monster effect that targets 1 card you control: You can negate that effect.

Set it face-down instead of sending it to the Graveyard. You can only use this effect of "Linken's Sphere" once per turn.

Blaze of Valor (Normal Trap)

When a monster with "Blaze" is targeted for an attack, you gain LP equal to targeted Monsters level x100.

Dragonic Overlord "The Legend"

Level 10 / FIRE / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 3300 / DEF: 2700

Dragonic Overlord + 1 FIRE Monster

Send 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck to the GY; this card's ATK is doubled this turn.

Once per turn: Reveal 7 cards from the top of your Deck; destroy opponent's cards up to the number of monsters revealed. For each card destroyed, this card gains 500 ATK. Return the cards to the deck in any order.

Blaze: During your End Phase, if you control more cards than your opponent: Draw 3 cards.

Dragonic Overlord "The X"

Level 9 / FIRE / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 3100 / DEF: 2600

Dragonic Overlord + 1 FIRE Monster

When this card is Fusion Summoned, Destroy 2 Spells/Traps your opponent controls. If none are destroyed, draw 2 cards.

Once per turn: Discard 1 card from your hand and this card gets 1000 ATK and can attack twice during each battle phase.

Blaze: If you control more FIRE monsters than your opponent, this card can activate its effect twice per turn.

Dragon Knight, Shakur

Level 4 / FIRE / Warrior / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 2000 / DEF: 1000

If a FIRE Fusion Monster is on the field: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. And this card gets 400 ATK.

When this card is sent to the GY for a Fusion Summon: Draw 1 card.

Blaze: If you control 2 or more FIRE monsters than your opponents, draw 2 cards instead.

Dragon Knight, Mbudi

Level 4 / FIRE / Warrior / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1200

When this card is Normal Summoned: You can discard 1 FIRE monster; return 1 "Dragonic Overlord" card from your graveyard to your Extra Deck.

Blaze: If you control 2 or more FIRE monsters than your opponent, you can discard any card instead of a FIRE monster.

Supreme Heavenly Emperor Dragon, Dragonic Overlord "The Purge"

Level 12 / FIRE / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 5000 / DEF: 4000

3 "Dragonic Overlord" monsters

When this card is Fusion Summoned and your LP is less than 1000, destroy all spells and traps in the field, and all monster effects are negated.

Once per turn: If your LP is lower than your opponent's, inflict 1000 damage to them. This effect cannot be negated.

When this card attacks and destroys a monster, this card gets an additional attack for every "Dragonic Overlord" Fusion Monster in the graveyard.

Blaze: If there are at least 5 "Dragonic Overlord" Fusion Monsters in the graveyard, this card cannot be destroyed and unaffected by card effects.

Dragonic Waterfall

Rank 8 / WATER / Dragon / Xyz / Effect / Blaze

ATK: 3500 / DEF: 2900

2 Level 8 Monsters

This card can be Xyz Summoned by using "Dragonic Overlord" as it will be counted as 2 Xyz materials.

If "Dragonic Overlord" is used to Xyz Summon this card, your opponent cannot activate spells or traps until the End Phase.

This card is treated as a FIRE Monster at all times.

Once per turn: detach one overlay unit and this card gets 1000 ATK, and this card can attack twice this turn.

If this card attacks a monster, that monster cannot activate its effects.

Blaze: If this card attacked and your LP is less than 1000, discard all cards in your hand and this card can attack again.