Yu-Gi-Oh!: This isn't a duel!

Accompanied by a violent eruption of unusually dense white steam, exuding a chilling and inexplicable sense of unease, the very center of that icy blue energy network was suddenly replaced by a churning, pitch-black mist.

A strange, large bird, its body slightly twisted, draped in a tattered, dark raincoat that constantly emitted eerie, high-temperature steam, and its face shrouded in heavy shadows, slowly emerged from the surrounding steam.

A chilling killing intent flashed in its crimson eyes, deeply hidden within its tattered hood, and a pair of mechanical wings covered in a cold metallic sheen appeared and disappeared in the swirling steam.

[Blackfeather - Stealth of the Cloak] [Level 3] [Dark/Tuner/Bird Race] [Attack Power: 800]

Before the light summoned in mid-air had even dissipated, a low buzzing sound accompanied You Yang as the connection circuit was activated once again.

His eyes sharpened, and his long, slender fingers suddenly pointed at the field: "Next, I will also use the last remaining [Shadow Derivative] on the field as a link material and set it as a link marker!"

"Link Summon! Link-1!"

"Show yourself in the data deluge! [Connect Kuriboh]!"

Om-!

Accompanied by a high-frequency sound of electronic data flowing, a small, black, furry, yet cyber-mechanical-looking chestnut-shaped ball joyfully leaped out from the deep vortex of data.

Its enormous eyes were flashing with lively electronic light effects, while its short tail trailed a shimmering data chain, making it float lightly in mid-air.

[Connect the Kuriboh] [Link-1 [↓]]

[Dark/Connection/Cybernetic] [Attack Power: 300]

You Yang's movements were as smooth as flowing water; with a flick of his wrist, another beam of light shone forth!

"The springboard is set up. Next, I'll use the [Crystal Machine - Inherited Fiber] monster on the field as a separate connection material and inject it back into the circuit!"

"Continue the Link Summoning!"

"Link-2! Descend, [Link Cross]!"

A burst of brilliant yellow starlight erupted in mid-air like a supernova, and a cross-shaped metal object, resembling a starfish or the core of some ancient machine, landed steadily on Youyang's field amidst the dazzling starlight.

Its entire body exudes the unique cold luster of metal, and its four vertices continuously radiate a dazzling halo.

[Connecting Cross] [Link-1[↓]]

[Light/Connection/Cybernetic Race] [Attack Power: 900]

"Heh... So, the trump card you just boasted about ending all this, is it this deck that specializes in Link Summoning?"

In the howling wind, Gu Qingyuan crossed his arms, a contemptuous sneer appearing on his pale face.

If he were to face monsters like Xyz, Synchro, Pendulum, or Fusion, he might still feel a sense of uncertainty and apprehension.

However, now that he has mastered half of Maris's core power, he knows this so-called Connecting Monster inside and out.

Want to end this endless, multi-dimensional battle?

A mere summoning link is far from sufficient!

"Is it just about connectivity?"

Faced with the enemy's undisguised mockery, You Yang simply raised his head slightly.

His eyes, reflecting the shimmering light, remained completely still, his expression retaining that detached indifference that transcended all things.

But upon closer listening, the icy indifference in his originally cold tone seemed to have softened somewhat, replaced by a touch of composure and confidence befitting a duelist.

"It is, and it isn't."

"On this battlefield, when exactly did you begin to have the illusion that I only know how to use one type of summoning technique?"

Before Gu Qingyuan could react, You Yang suddenly swung his arm, pointing directly at the metal cross in mid-air: "I'll activate the [Connecting Cross] entrance effect immediately!"

"This effect can only be triggered if this card is successfully Link Summoned."

"Special Summon up to the number of Link Tokens that the Link Material Monster has on your field!"

"However, as a restriction, after this effect is activated, you will not be allowed to use any 'Link Tokens' as Link Materials until the end of this turn."

You Yang's voice suddenly rose, revealing an undeniable authority:

"Since the [Crystal Machine - Inherited Fiber] that I just used as material has two Link Marks, I can Special Summon two [Link Tokens] on this field!"

hum!hum!

As Youyang announced this, two pure beams of light suddenly shone on the scorched earth. Two gray-white [connection derivatives], constructed from pure photon energy, descended silently onto Youyang's defense line like two beacons of light.

[Connect Derivative] [1 Star] ×2

[Cybernetic/Light/Derivative] [Attack: 0 / Defense: 0]

"Another derivative product!"

Gu Qingyuan watched coldly, intending to continue his sarcastic remarks, but when he heard the phrase "restriction of the oath," his eyelids twitched suddenly:

"However, the only restriction on the summoned derivative this time is that it cannot be used as a connection material?!"

Gu Qingyuan's venomous gaze swept rapidly across You Yang's arena, and soon he fixed his gaze on [Black Feather - Stealth of the Cloak], who had been lying in wait in the mist for a long time and was emitting eerie steam.

A flash of inspiration struck him, and he exclaimed as if struck by lightning, "Wait... your black-feathered monster, it's a modifier monster?!"

"Could it be that your real purpose in going to all this trouble is to perform a Synchro Summon?!"

"That's right!"

Meeting Gu Qingyuan's astonished gaze, You Yang finally smiled and smiled brightly.

He suddenly raised his palm, like a god directing the trajectory of the stars, and pure and dazzling white starlight burst forth and bloomed at his fingertips!

"I'm using my Level 3 Tuner monster, Blackwing - Stealth the Cloaked, and two Level 1 Link Tokens to adjust its Level!"

The three monsters transformed into three pillars of light shooting into the sky amidst the starlight.

Two green starlight halos rippled in mid-air, completely enveloping the star that was one dark and one bright.

Youyang's soaring chant resounded through the sky:

"A cradle weaving starlight, nurturing the divine child who will guide the future!"

I call for your arrival!

"Summon Synchro Summon! Descend, Level 5!"

"【Eve, the Divine Child of the Star Cup】!"

Before the dazzling light of the Synchro Summoning Circle in mid-air had faded, a graceful young woman had already descended lightly from the vortex of stardust falling from the sky.

Her long, smooth, light purple hair was like a mysterious nebula gently blown away by a breeze, drifting and dancing slowly behind her.

The pure white priest's robe she wore was exceptionally well-tailored and form-fitting, revealing her slender yet rounded shoulders perfectly.

The sleeveless design made her appear exceptionally light and agile in the wind.

On her slender arms, she wore a pair of pure white long gloves, the edges of which shimmered with a faint blue halo, looking from afar like a carefully inlaid circle of cool moonlight fragments.

At her slender waist, a mysterious deep blue jade quietly emitted a soft glow.

Although the light was not dazzling, it possessed a clarity that went straight to the soul, making its presence impossible to ignore.

However, what is most eye-catching is the sacred staff that she holds tightly in her right hand.

The staff is pure and flawless silver-white, with a dazzling golden ring quietly encircling its exquisite head.

At the very center of that ring, a deep blue energy core was firmly embedded. The profound blue color resembled a dazzling aurora borealis that had been magically solidified within it.

As her feet gently touched the scorched earth, the tip of her staff also lightly touched the ground.

"Ding--"

A clear, crisp sound, like the dripping of an icy spring, echoed across the noisy battlefield.

She didn't make any unnecessary defensive movements, but simply stood quietly in place, slowly raising her clear, watery eyes to look directly at Gu Qingyuan, who was radiating endless malice.

His gaze wasn't particularly sharp or intimidating, but it conveyed a tenacious spirit that was unyielding and showed no sign of backing down.

That profound gaze, unwavering even in the face of a storm, was exactly the same as that of You Yang, who stood behind her at this moment!

【Eve, the Divine Child of the Star Cup】【5 stars】

[Mage/Water/Synchro/Tuner/Effect] [Attack: 1800 / Defense: 0]

You Yang's eyes blazed, and his slender fingers suddenly pointed at the star-studded figure in front of him: "I activate the entrance effect of [Eve, the Divine Child of the Star Grail]!"

"This effect can only be triggered if this card is successfully Synchro Summoned."

"Add 1 'Star Relic' card from your deck to your hand."

"I've chosen to add [Guardian Dragon of Star Relics] to my hand from my deck!"

"Next, I'm going to lock the effect of [Eve, the Divine Child of the Star Cup]!"

"Activate the effect of [Black Feather - Stealth of the Cloak], which is slumbering in the graveyard!"

Yu Yang's voice echoed in the storm, "Activate when this face-up card leaves the field."

Special Summon 1 "Steam Token" to your field!

As a gentle breeze carrying moisture rose leisurely across the scorched battlefield, a byproduct rapidly condensed from grayish-white mist drifted lightly down onto Youyang's defensive line.

[Steam derivative] [1 star]

[Aquatic/Wind/Token] [Attack: 100 / Defense: 100]

At the same time, You Yang's fingertips swept across the top of the deck, and he smoothly pulled out a card that emitted a faint glow, and steadily held it in his palm.

"Star Cup Series?"

"Or perhaps their so-called advanced form—the Star Relics series—that claims to control destiny?"

Standing opposite, Gu Qingyuan narrowed his eyes, watching You Yang's smooth and effortless movements, and a meaningful sneer curled at the corner of his mouth.

As a transmigrator from another world who constantly longs to return home, Gu Qingyuan has always instinctively developed an extraordinary concern and obsession with those legendary gods and the "cup" that can grant any wish over the long years.

But he quickly gave a disdainful snort, his eyes revealing a cruel mockery:

"Unfortunately, no matter which one you pull out, none of them have the ability to end everything that you just boasted about!"

Faced with Gu Qingyuan's sarcastic remarks, You Yang did not give any verbal response.

His face was cold and stern, and he didn't even lift his eyelids. He simply waved his arm again.

As he gave the order, the hazy cloud of [Steam Derivative] on the field began to shake violently and uneasily.

"I activate another effect of [Blackwing - Stealth of the Cloak] in the graveyard!"