Author's Side-Note: I realise I forgot to mention it in my last chapter, but I decided that when Jack is in the Link Vrains as Shadow Breaker, I'll normally refer to him outside of a pov as Shadow Breaker, with maybe the occasional mention of his non-avatar name here and there. 

Also, this chapter will be longer than most chapters I have done, for any of the stories I've made for that matter, but I hope you enjoy it anyway, and that I helped clear a little confusion, if there was any.

We join the chapter as Playmaker and Shadow Breaker battle each other, both for the information that they each seek from one-another, and also I suppose for some small measure of pride...

Playmaker's Field: "Encode Talker" (2300/↑↓↘), "Data Token" (0/0/1), "Link Streamer" (1600/1800/4) - 3000 LP - 2 cards in his hand.

Shadow Breaker's Field: 2 cards face-down and the "Boot Sector Launch" field spell card - 4000 LP - 1 card in his hand.

Playmaker may have had the advantage in terms of monsters and cards on the field, as well as in his hand, compared to Shadow Breaker...but Shadow Breaker knew something that his foe did not: he had been hoping for Playmaker to take out all of his monsters earlier in the duel. 

Because now was the time that Shadow Breaker "got serious", as he put it...and he had every plan on doing so!

TURN 6: Shadow Breaker 4000

"Time for me to get serious...DRAW!!!" he stated as he drew his card, briefly glancing at it and briefly allowing himself a minor smirk as he added it to his hand before making his move. "I activate "Background Dragon's" effect from my graveyard!" That name sounded familiar to Playmaker and Ai, with the latter of the two speaking up at that.

"Hey, isn't that the name of one of the cards he got rid of earlier?" Shadow Breaker simply nodded before responding and clarifying. "Yes. I discarded "him" earlier with "Quadborrel Dragon's" effect...However, I can only use "Background Dragons" effect when "he's" in the graveyard!

"Once per turn when I have no monsters on my field and "Background Dragon" in my graveyard: I can special summon "him" from the graveyard, as well as any Level 4 or below Dragon-type monster from my hand, to my field in defense mode, at the cost that "Background Dragon" will be banished when "he" leaves the field."

This surprised Ai, though Playmaker remained neutral as he observed Jack's moves to see what he is planning, despite how infuriatingly difficult it was for Playmaker to plan with this guy. 

"Background Dragon's" card can out of the graveyard slot of Shadow Breaker's duel disk, then he took both the aforementioned card and the "Sniffer Dragon" he added to his hand earlier in the duel, showed both of them briefly to Playmaker, and placed them on his duel disk as he spoke.

"So with this effect in mind: I special summon both my "Background Dragon" (1600/1800/5) from my graveyard, and my level 2 "Sniffer Dragon" (800/400/2) from my hand, to my field in defense mode!"

Both dragons soon appeared on his field in defense mode, and then "Sniffer Dragon" briefly began to glow with a dark purple aura. "Then, with "Sniffer Dragons" effect: as I either normal or special summoned "her" to my field; I get to add another "Sniffer Dragon" from my deck to my hand."

As Shadow Breaker explained his "Sniffer Dragons" effect: the third of his 3 "Sniffer Dragons" was soon added to his hand from his deck, which he briefly flipped to reveal it to Playmaker before flipping it back so only he can see it and placing it in his hand, grabbing and activating another card from his hand in the process.

"Next up, I reveal my face-down quick-spell card, "Quick Launch"! With this card, I can special summon a "Rokket" monster from my deck to my field; however, the summoned monster can't attack, and it's destroyed when the turn ends." he said as the spell appeared on his field, a card slipping out of his deck in the process which he grabbed and placed onto his duel disk whilst explaining.

"Appear, "Metalrokket Dragon" (1700/1400/4)!" soon, the dark blue bullet dragon appeared on his field in attack mode, and was momentarily surrounded by a green aura. "Also, less we forget, due to "Boot Sector Launch's" effect: as my "Metalrokket Dragon" is a "Rokket" monster, "he" gains 300 ATK and DEF points (1700/1400 - 2000/1700).

"Then I play the spell card, "Duel", from my hand: with this, we each draw cards from our decks until we each hold 6 cards in our hand." As Jack played this spell card, he drew 5 cards from his deck, whilst Playmaker himself drew 4 cards from his. 

Upon seeing his new hand, Shadow Breaker immediately took one of the newly drawn cards and played it without a moments thought.

"Next, I play the quick-spell, "Squib Draw", from my hand! With this, by targeting and destroying 1 of my "Rokket" monsters; I get to draw 2 more cards from my deck." As soon as the card appeared on his field, which showed what looked like a "Shelrokket Dragon" exploding, Jack's "Metalrokket Dragon" was destroyed in seconds, and Jack then drew 2 more cards from his deck - having a total of 7 cards in his hand!

He then revealed a monster in his hand and immediately used it. "Now I special summon "Gateway Dragon" from my hand in attack mode (1600/1400/4)!" 

A gateway-like door appeared out of nowhere seemingly, opening up in 3 different directions before the dragon who owned it appeared from within the gateway, swooped over it, and then landed in front of the gateway.

"I can special summon "Gateway Dragon" from my hand when you control a Link monster on your field, which you did in the form of your "Encode Talker". Then, with "Gateway Dragons" second effect: once per turn I can special summon a Level 4 or below DARK attribute Dragon-type monster from my hand to the field. Appear, "DMZ Dragon" (0/2000/4)!"

"Gateway Dragon" swooped behind "his" gateway portal and opened it up in the same directions that it opened moments before "Gateway Dragon" appeared moments earlier: and as soon as the portal opened, "DMZ Dragon" appeared on Jack's field in defense mode.

"His field is overloading with monsters again!" Ai began panicking as Shadow Breaker' field was filling up with more dragons by the minute, and even Playmaker had to admit: he was a little worried as well.

"And I have a feeling that he's not done yet either." Playmaker agreed, though he at least was a lot more calmer than Ai was, at least appearance and voice wise. Mentally, he was a bit worried. And his worry was about to amplify as Shadow Breaker raised his arm in the air.

"Appear, now, my circuit!" As soon as he said those words, a link circuit appeared above both duelists. "The summon conditions for this summon are 2 Level 4 or below Dragon-type monsters that aren't Tokens! So I'll set my Level 4 "Gateway Dragon" and Level 2 "Sniffer Dragon" into the Link Arrows! Go circuit, combine!"

Soon both "Gateway Dragon" and "Sniffer Dragon" vanished into energy and shot straight towards the center right and bottom center Link Markers before the circuit opened up and revealed the monster from inside the circuit. And all too familiar dragon, at least for Skye...or "he" would be if she were here to see it...

"LINK SUMMON!!! Appear, Link-2... "TWIN TRIANGLE DRAGON" (1200/↓→)!!!"

""Twin Triangle Dragons" effect now activates! As "he" was link summoned, by paying 500 LP: I can target and re-summon a Level 5 or above DARK attribute monster from my grave to my field in a monster zone next to 1 of "his" Link Markers! So I'll bring back my Level 5 "Vice Dragon" in defense mode (2000/2400/5)! "TRIANGLE REVIVAL!!!"" 

As soon as Shadow Breaker said those words, moments after his Link dragon appeared, his "Vice Dragon" from his first turn appeared back on his field...though it did cost Jack some LP in the process...

[Shadow Breaker 4000 - 3500]

"I'm assuming a monster summoned by "Twin Triangle Dragon" has more than a life point cost?" Playmaker asked, sensing that there was something else to this summon besides filling up his field more. 

Jack simply nodded his head a bit. "Any monster summoned via "Twin Triangle Dragons" effect can't attack during the turn it's summoned, and its effects are negated as well. So think of it as more of a small benefit for you..."

"Some benefit..." Ai said in mild annoyance. And it was about to get much worse.

"I use "Boot Sector Launch's" effect: with it, I can special summon up to 2 "Rokket" monsters with different names from my hand to my field in defense mode. So appear my "Shelrokket Dragon" in defense mode (1100/2000/2 - 1400/2300/2)!"

Soon, a more bulkier and yellow "Rokket" monster appeared onto Shadow Breakers field, powering up in points moments after being summoned. And then...

"As a reward for bringing out your "Encode Talker"...I'm going to bring out two of my favourite monsters to fight you at full force! Appear, once again, my circuit of destruction!" Soon, the link circuit appeared once again above both players...only this one felt different...darker...

"The summon conditions for this monster is at least 2 or more monsters with different names! So I'll set my "Background Dragon", "DMZ Dragon" and Link-2 "Twin Triangle Dragon" into the Link Arrows! Go circuit, combine!"

As this was being said: a spectral form of "Twin Triangle Dragon" appeared next to the aforementioned Link monster, before both versions of "Twin Triangle Dragon", along with "DMZ Dragon" and "Gateway Dragon", were all absorbed into the Top Center, Bottom Left, Bottom Center, and Bottom Right Link Arrows.

"No way!? A Link-4 monster!?!" Ai said in shock, panic beginning to take over as he watched this taking place, and as a number of chains began to descend from the circuit and smash into the ground, dragging something down with them!

"Dragon that once soared through the graveyards of countless battles! Break free from your chains that hold back your power, and cast your judgment on all who dare oppose you!" 

As Shadow Breaker began to chant, a new dragon covered in skulls of god only knows what creatures or beings, and wrapped tightly in numerous chains that kept it binded together, began to appear as the chains pulled it down onto his field with a soul-shaking howl.

But this new dragon would not be confined to being bound to the chains stuck in the ground, as before too long: the dragon broke the chains free from the ground, spreading its wings apart as it freed itself from the binding position the chains held it in, even if they remained a part of its terrifying form.

"LINK SUMMON!!! Link-4..."SARYUJA SKULL DRAGON" (2800/↙↑↓↘)!!!

Playmaker and Ai, shockingly, were left speechless at both the sight of this new dragon, and the fact that a Link-4 monster had just been summoned to the field! Link-4 monsters were a rare occurrence in the Link Vrains, and were the highest form for Link monsters to aspire to. 

No Link monsters ever ascended past Link-4, at least not yet that anybody knows, and to see a Link-4 monster in action was a sight to behold. 

And yet, the owner of this terrifying dragon was not quite done yet...

"I normal summon my third and final "Sniffer Dragon" in attack mode (800/400/2)." Shadow Breaker said as his final "Sniffer Dragon" appeared before him. Then, he raised his arm into the air once more. "Appear, once more, my circuit!" The link circuit appeared once more, only this time it felt less demonic. 

"The summon conditions are 3 monsters with different names. So I use my "Sniffer Dragon", "Vice Dragon", and "Shelrokket Dragon"!!! Circuit combine!" All 3 monsters vanish towards the Link Markers as they turn into energy, all 3 of them being absorbed into the Top Center, Bottom Left, and Bottom Right Link Markers.

"Soldier of Chaos! Awaken from your slumber and protect the innocent! LINK SUMMON!!! COME ON, LINK-3..."BLACK LUSTER SOLDIER - SOLDIER OF CHAOS" (3000/↙↑↘)!!!

And so appeared, Shadow Breaker's most prized Link-Warrior monster, landing next to "Saryuja Skull Dragon" as the former lifted his sword into the air defiantly. 

Moments after "Black Luster Soldier" had landed on the ground though: both of Shadow Breakers Link monsters began emitting differently coloured auras, something that "their" owner explained.

""Saryuja Skull Dragon" gains a number of effects depending on how many monsters were used to link summon "him". Since "he" was summoned using 3 monsters, I get to use 2 out of "his" abilities! And the first has been triggered with "Black Luster Soldier - Soldier of Chaos's" summoning!

"As 2 or more monsters were used to link summon "Saryuja Skull Dragon": any monsters that are normal or special summoned next to 1 of "his" Link Markers; the summoned monster gains 300 ATK and DEF points." he explained, with Playmaker grumbling a bit as this occurred.

"Since "Soldier of Chaos" was link summoned next to 1 of "Saryuja's" Link Markers, and a link summon is a form of special summoning monsters: "Saryuja" gives my "Black Luster Soldier" 300 more points!" Jack stated as "Black Luster Soldier - Soldier of Chaos" powered up (3000 - 3300).

"But there's more! With "Saryuja Skull Dragon's" second effect: as 3 or more monsters were used to summon "him"; I can special summon a monster from my hand. Doesn't matter if it's next to one of "his" Link Markers or not."

Shadow Breaker held up a single card between 2 of his fingers as he explained, though he didn't yet show the card. "I'm sure you remember this monster very well...in fact, you both should do!" As soon as he said that, he flipped the card round to show it, before playing it seconds later...only to give Ai and, to a lesser extent, Playmaker a bit of a surprise and shock when the monster appeared.

"That's that "Cracking Dragon" that those Knights of Hanoi use!?!" Ai said in hysterical panic, and even Playmaker was a little taken aback by this, soon asking "Why do you have a "Cracking Dragon" if you oppose the Knights?"

Shadow Breaker simply shrugged a bit, stating simply "What better way to fight a poison like the Knights is there than to use their own weapon against them. Besides, your questioning why I have "Cracking Dragon" in my deck when I have a Warrior monster like "Black Luster Soldier - Soldier of Chaos" in my extra deck?"

That was a good point made, though Jack suspected that it wasn't the best argument to make involving his "Black Luster Soldier", but he didn't care. 

"Since I summoned "Cracking Dragon" in a monster zone where 1 of "Saryuja Skull Dragons" Link Markers points to: "Cracking Dragon" gains 300 ATK and DEF points." As he said that: "Saryuja" and "Cracking Dragon" both began to glow in differently coloured auras, before "Cracking Dragon's" began to power up (3000/0 - 3300/300).

"Time to battle..." Shadow Breaker finally said, as he finally entered his Battle Phase: his monsters preparing themselves for the battle that was about to take place!

""Black Luster Soldier - Soldier of Chaos", deal with that "Encode Talker" first! Go "CHAOS BLADE SLASH!!!"" As the command was issued: "Black Luster Soldier" launched "himself" into the air, raising "his" blade high above "his" head before slashing it downwards towards his ill-fated foe! 

And despite "Encode Talkers" attempts to defend "himself" with his shield: the "Code Talker" monsters shield was soon split completely in two, and mere moments later "he" fell to the ground before being destroyed. 

[Playmaker 3000 - 2000]

As soon as "Encode Talker" had vanished, "Black Luster Soldier - Soldier of Chaos" briefly raised "his" sword in the air before jumping into the air, "his" sword then beginning to glow...before "he" began to point "his" sword at "Link Streamer".

"When "Black Luster Soldier - Soldier of Chaos" destroys a monster by battle, I can activate 1 of 3 effects that can be triggered immediately afterwards. I think I'll use effect number 3: with it, I can banish 1 card on the field. And I think I'll get rid of that "Link Streamer" of yours! Go "Chaos Banishing!""

As soon as that was said: the energy that was being emitting from "Black Luster Soldier's" blade soon turned into blue lightning as "he" swung his blade briefly over "his" head and then downwards towards "Link Streamer", sending the lightning straight towards "Link Streamer" and banishing "it" from the field instantly!

"Now we've only got the "Data Token" left!!" Ai began to panic, but even the aforementioned Token wouldn't be around for long. 

""Cracking Dragon", take that "Data Token" out with "TRAFFIC BURST!!!"" As Shadow Breaker commanded that: "Cracking Dragon" launched a powerful blast of energy from "his" jaw directly at the "Data Token", easily obliterating it in seconds!

"Too bad...I was hoping for more..." Shadow Breaker mumbled to himself, before pointing towards Playmaker as his final monster prepared to battle. ""Saryuja Skull Dragon"! Attack Playmaker directly and finish this! "SKULL MIASMA BURST!!!"" 

His dragon began to starting glowing a demonic dark purple colour as "he" charged a tremendous amount of miasma energy from "his" jaw, before launching an enormous burst of energy straight towards Playmaker, engulfing him in an explosion!

And yet....

As the smoke and miasma energy began to clear: Playmaker could be seen standing completely unharmed within a smoking barrier, most likely what the attack had hit, and then when the smoke and energy completely vanished: 3 strange looking circular devices where hovering just in front of Playmaker as well. 

Shadow Breaker became curious at this, raising an eyebrow behind his mask. "So...you survived, did you?" was all he asked, to which Playmaker nodded his head in confirmation as a spell card appeared on the field.

"When you attacked me with your "Saryuja Skull Dragon", I activated my face-down card: the quick-spell card "Spool Code". It only works when I have 3 or more Cyberse monsters in my graveyard and your attacking me. It stopped your attack, and then I got 3 "Spool Tokens" on my field in defense mode as well (0/0/1 x3)." Playmaker explained, filling in the blanks before his spell vanished.

"Huh. Not bad...It would have been dull if you'd lost so easily I suppose..." Shadow Breaker simply said, a little impressed, before taking 2 cards from his hand and placing them in his back row.

"I'll place a card face-down to end my turn. But don't get too comfortable, because this then triggers the effect of the "Metalrokket Dragon" that was destroyed earlier..." he said, as the spirit form of "Metalrokket" briefly appeared on the field.

"As "Metalrokket Dragon" was destroyed and sent to the graveyard: I can special summon another "Rokket" monster from my deck to take "his" place other than another "Metalrokket Dragon". So I choose "Exploderokket Dragon", and summon "him" in attack mode (2000/2000/7)!"

Soon, the, arguably, strongest "Rokket" monster in Jacks deck appeared on his field in attack mode, roaring as "he" appeared, and soon "he" was glowing in two differently coloured auras. 

"Due to "Boot Sector Launch's" and "Saryuja Skull Dragons" effects: "Exploderokket Dragon" gains 300 ATK and DEF points from each of the two cards; 1 because "he's" a "Rokket" monster, and the other because "he's" in a monster zone next to one of "Saryuja's" Link Markers."

"Exploderokket" roared as "he" felt the power of 2 cards coursing through "him" whilst powering up (2000/2000 - 2300/2300 - 2600/2600)! "Turn end. Your move, Playmaker."

TURN 7: Playmaker 2000

"We survived...barely..." Ai complained as he fell flat on his front on Playmaker's duel disk...or as best as he could with half of his body showing out of the duel disk eye. "Yes, but now he's got the advantage..." Playmaker said allowed, not even bothering to sugarcoat the situation that they were currently in. 

"His Link monsters are bad enough, and that's not even taking his "Cracking Dragon" into account..." he continued with his observation, looking towards the Machine in question. "Yeah, I remember...If we summon a monster, it loses ATK equal to its level, then we take whatever it lost as damage." Ai agreed, soon looking to Playmaker as he asked "So how do we get around this!?" 

Playmaker thought for a bit...then he thought of something as he checked his hand and graveyard. "I have a plan." was all he said before drawing his next card, now holding 7 cards in his hand. 

[Note: Play this when you are ready to, if you want to]

https://youtu.be/8UZbFn1Tm4Q

"I play the spell card, "Monster Reborn", from my hand! With this card, I target my "Cyberse Wizard" in my graveyard and special summon "him" in attack mode (1800/800/4)!" As soon as the spell appeared on the field, his trusty "Cyberse Wizard" returned to the field once again. 

This confused Ai a bit, but Shadow Breaker merely assumed it was a part of Playmaker's plan...since he heard every word the two had said to each other, because they weren't even remotely subtle...

""Cracking Dragons" effect activates!" Shadow Breaker soon announced as his "Cracking Dragon" roared in anger, sending a powerful blast of wind straight at "Cyberse Wizard" and Playmaker. 

"When my opponent summons exactly 1 monster: that monster loses 200 ATK points for every level it has; then you take whatever it lost as damage. "CRACK FALL!!!""

The violent winds crashed into and bounced off of "Cyberse Wizard" at high speeds, draining "him" of some of "his" ATK strength before slamming Playmaker with the same amount as damage...yet, unlike with the Knights of Hanoi, even for such a small amount of damage sent towards Playmaker: he was still forced to a knee temporarily just from how vicious the wind was!

Cyberse Wizard: (1800 - 1200).

[Playmaker 2000 - 1200]

"That stung...!" Ai complained in mild pain, and Playmaker managed to get back to his feet as he said in response "I believe that that's the idea." Shadow Breaker neither confirmed nor denied it: he just stood where he was, watching with an emotionless yet calculating look. 

Playmaker soon looked to his field, and knew that the pieces were in place. "Appear! The circuit that leads to the future!" Soon the circuit appeared above them once again, and Playmaker quickly got to work. 

"The summon conditions for this monster is 1 Normal Monster. And since Tokens are treated as Normal monsters as well: I'll set 1 of my "Spool Tokens" into the Link Arrow! Circuit Combine!" With that, 1 of the 3 Tokens was soon absorbed as energy into the Bottom Center Link Marker as "its" true form began to vanish.

"Link Summon! Appear, Link-1..."Link Spider" (1000/↓)!"

The mechanical spider appeared onto Playmaker's field in his Extra Monster zone, and whilst Jack was confused at first as to what Playmaker was getting at with this move: he soon found out when Playmaker held his hand up with 2 fingers up briefly (not in a swearing motion!), signalling that he wasn't done yet!

"But I'm not done just yet! Appear! The circuit that leads to the future!" As soon as he said that: the link circuit once again appeared. "The summoning conditions this time are at least 2 or more monsters. So I'll set my "Cyberse Wizard" and 2 of my "Spool Tokens" into the Link Arrows! Circuit combine!"

"Cyberse Wizard" and the remaining 2 "Spool Tokens" soon vanished into energy towards the circuit, before being absorbed into the link markers in the circuit: Left, Right and Bottom Center. And soon, a new monster that even Ai hadn't known about began to appear from the circuit.

"Link Summon! Appear, Link-3..."Cyberse Enchanter" (2400/←↓→)!" 

What appeared looked like "Cyberse Wizard" with a new getup and a new weapon, but even Jack had to admit that this monster looked impressive...then he realised where the new Link Monster had been summoned next to.

"Cyberse Enchanter" wasn't in the monster zone beneath "Link Spiders" Link Marker..."he" was in the monster zone where Jacks own "Saryuja Skull Dragons" Top Center Link Marker was pointing!

"So...you're using my own Link monster to your advantage, are you..." he said aloud to nobody in particular, impressed a bit at something few would dare to do...well, with the exception of a few, perhaps...

"Because I summoned "Cyberse Enchanter" next to your "Saryuja Skull Dragons" Link Marker: your dragons effect works in my monsters favor, because now my "Cyberse Enchanter" gains 300 ATK points just for being summoned next to your dragons Link Marker!" Playmaker explained, which is exactly what happened: as "Cyberse Enchanter" was powered up by "Saryuja's" own effect (2400 - 2700)!

"Nice one Playmaker!" Ai cheered, before he suddenly thought of something that stopped his cheers mind thought. "Hey, wait a minute...where did you get "Cyberse Enchanter" from anyhow?" he asked, to which Playmaker did respond without even looking at the AI.

"I did some research after acquiring you. Turns out that this deck already had a few Link monsters before you arrived. "Cyberse Enchanter" was one of them. You just never bothered to check." 

Ai fell back in comedic anime style after hearing that, wondering how he never noticed this or bothered to check in the first place. But he didn't have long to contemplate this, as Playmaker himself continued on with his turn.

"I activate "Cyberse Enchanters" effect! As "Cyberse Wizard" was used to link summon "him", I can target a monster on your field and switch it to defense mode: then for the rest of the turn, that monsters effects are negated as well." he explained, before "Cyberse Enchanter" began to spin his weapon in his hand as a magical aura surrounded him.

"So I'll target your "Cracking Dragon" and switch "him" to defense mode! "CYBERSE ALGORITHM!!!"" With that: "Cyberse Enchanter" swung "his" weapon in the air, before smashing it into the ground - sending a shock-wave that hit "Cracking Dragon" and forced "him" into defense mode, whilst also short-circuiting "his" effects as well [ATK/3300 - DEF/300].

"Impressive..." Shadow Breaker commented as he looked to his "Cracking Dragon", but Playmaker merely continued on with his turn. "Now I use my "Link Spiders" effect! Once every turn, I can special summon a Level 4 or below Normal monster from my hand to the field next to "its" Link Marker. Appear, "Bitron" in defense mode (200/2000/2)!"

Soon the rather cute Cyberse monster appeared just behind "Link Spider", and "he" wouldn't be alone. "Next up, since I have a Cyberse-type monster on my field: I can special summon my "Backup Secretary" from my hand to my field in defense mode (1200/800/3)!"

The female Cyberse monster appeared next to "Bitron" and then Playmaker extended his hand up towards the air again. "Appear! The circuit that leads to the future!" A third circuit appeared upon that command.

"The summon conditions are 2 Cyberse Monsters. So I use my "Bitron" and "Backup Secretary" into the Link Arrows! Circuit Combine!" And soon "Bitron" and "Backup Secretary" were absorbed into the Link Arrows. 

"Link Summon! Link-2..."Honeybot" (1900/←→)!"

"Honeybot" soon appeared from the circuit just behind "Link Spider", but Playmaker wasn't done there. "Appear! The circuit that leads to the future! Summon conditions are at least 2 or more Effect Monsters. So I'll set my Link-1 "Link Spider" and Link-2 "Honeybot"! Circuit combine!"

Similar to "Twin Triangle Dragon" earlier: a spectral form of "Honeybot" appeared next to the real one, and then the both of them along with "Link Spider" transformed into energy and were absorbed into the link circuit that appeared above them...and soon, Playmaker's ace monster began to descend from the circuit itself!

"Link Summon! Descend, Link-3..."DECODE TALKER" (2300/↙↑↘)!!!" 

Shadow Breaker smirked a bit when he saw "Decode Talker" appear. To be honest, he'd wanted to fight "Decode Talker" as much as he had wanted to fight "Encode Talker" earlier.

"I play the field spell card, "Cynet Universe", from my hand!" Playmaker said as he continued on with his turn, the field spell appearing on the field. "With this card: "Cynet Universe" increases the ATK points of all Link monsters I control by 300..." 

As this occurred, both "Decode Talkers" and "Cyberse Enchanters" ATK points increased by 300 (2700 - 3000, 2300 - 2600), before he continued as he used "Cynet Universe's" second effect. "...Also, once per turn, I can target a Cyberse-type monster in my graveyard and shuffle it back into my deck. So I'll shuffle "Backup Secretary" back into the deck."

His "Backup Secretary" card slipped out of his graveyard slot from the duel disk, and then Playmaker shuffled "him" back into his deck, before taking a card from his hand and placing it on his field. 

"Next up, since I have a Link monster on my field: I special summon my "Link Infra-Flier" from my hand next to 1 of "Decode Talkers" Link Markers (0/1800/2)! But it won't be out for long: because I'm tributing my "Link Infra-Flier" to advance summon the level 5 "Capacitor Stalker" in attack mode (2000/1000/5)!"

"Link Infra-Flier" briefly appeared to the left of "Decode Talker", but vanished not too long afterwards, only to replaced by a mechanical scorpion-like monster. Then "Decode Talker" began glowing, which to be fair: "he" had been since "Link Infra-Flier" had appeared.

"Due to "Decode Talkers" effect: for every monster in a monster zone that his Link Markers points to; "his" ATK points increase by 500 per one." As this took place, "Capacitor Stalker" began to glow as well, which Playmaker explained. 

"Also, as "Capacitor Stalker" was normal summoned: I can target a Cyberse monster on my field and increase its ATK points by 800 as long as "it's" on my field. So since "Capacitor Stalker" is linked with "Decode Talker" and was normal summoned: "Cyberse Enchanter" gains 800 ATK points, whilst "Decode Talker" gains 500 ATK points. "POWER INTERGRATION!!!""

"Capacitor Stalker" jumped up into the air, and its tail jabbed into the back of "Cyberse Enchanter": increasing "his" ATK points by 800 before jumping back next to "Decode Talker" as the latter gained 500 ATK too (3000 - 3800, 2600 - 3100)!

"Yes! Now our Link monsters are stronger than his!" Ai cheered, mostly to himself, however Playmaker couldn't smile, as he looked to his opponents field and at the 2 face-down cards on his field. 

'I've got a bad feeling about those face-downs...' he thought to himself, but he knew that he'd have to take a chance. 

""Cyberse Enchanter", attack his "Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of Chaos"! "ILLUSION STRIKE!!!"" Soon "Cyberse Enchanter" jumped into the air, swinging his weapon in his hand before attempting to strike at "Black Luster Soldier"...unfortunately, Shadow Breaker had that covered...

"Trap card open, "Impenetrable Attack"!" soon, his face-down was revealed, causing Ai to be concerned. "When activated, I can activate 1 of 2 effects that either let me protect 1 of my monsters from being destroyed by battle or effects during this Battle Phase, or prevent me from taking battle damage. 

"So I'll use the effect that prevents my "Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of Chaos" from being destroyed in this Battle Phase!" A shield surrounded "Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of Chaos", which absorbed "Cyberse Enchanters" attack...however, Jack still took the damage...

[Shadow Breaker 3500 - 3000]

"Damn it! He had this planned." Ai said in a bit of despair. Playmaker ignored him though. "Well, at least I can take out his other monsters. "Capacitor Stalker", attack "Cracking Dragon"!" The scorpion-like Cyberse monster charged up energy in "its" claws, before launching it at "Cracking Dragon", causing the latter monster to explode and be destroyed. 

"Without "its" effect: "Cracking Dragon" can be destroyed in battle by monsters with a lower level than its own." Ai observed, but Shadow Breaker didn't seem at all concerned...which was actually quite concerning...Oh he cared about his cards, no doubt about it, especially "Cracking Dragon" despite facing other enemy versions many times; but the fact he was so calm didn't seem very comforting.

""Decode Talker", attack his "Saryuja Skull Dragon"! "DECODE END!!!"" As soon as Playmaker said that: "Decode Talker" jumped up into the air, raising "his" sword into the air in an attempt to slash "Saryuja" in half...but again, Jack had a counter!

"Trap card open, "Shift"!" he declared as another older trap card revealed itself. "Another trap card!?" Ai said, concerned. "With "Shifts" effect: since one of my monsters is the target of an attack, or would be destroyed by an effect; this card redirects what is going on to another monster on my field."

Mere moments before "Decode Talker" could destroy "Saryuja Skull Dragon": "Exploderokket Dragon" jumped in the way as the Cyberse monster slashed downwards, separating the intercepting dragon and destroying "Exploderokket" instead!

[Shadow Breaker 3000 - 2500]

"Damn it! We were so close to taking out all of his best monsters!" Ai complained, his hands grasping his head tightly in annoyance. Even Playmaker was getting a little frustrated at this. Shadow Breaker was like no other duelist he'd faced before. Even more so compared to The Gore or Blue Angel.

"I end my turn..." Playmaker stated, not being able to come up with anything else to do...Jack on the other hand, did.

"During the End Phase of the turn, the effect of my destroyed "Exploderokket Dragon" activates: allowing me to special summon my "Magnarokket Dragon" from my deck to the field in "Exploderokkets" place (1800/1200/4 - 2100/1500/4)." Shadow Breaker said as the latter dragon slipped out of his duel disk and appeared on his field.

"I'll admit, you've impressed me Playmaker. Rarely do I get a chance to fight someone who challenges me, or who isn't as dull and boring as the Knights of Hanoi..." he praised, which was a rare thing in terms of Jack or Shadow Breaker and their opponents.

"Likewise..." Playmaker said, surprising Ai that Playmaker could actually compliment another duelist that he's facing against. "However...I'm afraid that this is where this duel comes to an end..." he stated as he began his next turn.

TURN 8: Shadow Breaker 2500

As soon as he looked at the card he drew, he smirked a bit. "Looks like it's time to bring you out, huh...?" he said to himself, before activating a card in his hand. "I play the spell card, "Foolish Burial", from my hand: with this card, I can send a monster from my deck to the grave. So I'll send "Defrag Dragon" to the grave."

This move did confuse his opponents, but his reasoning soon became clear when moments later...

"Next, I use the effect of the "Defrag Dragon" I sent to the grave: by banishing 3 monsters from my graveyard with the same name that aren't named "Defrag Dragon"; I can special summon this card from my graveyard to the field."

"3 copies of the same monster?" Ai asked confused, before continuing with "Does he even have 3 monsters with the same name in his graveyard?" "You're an AI, and yet you can't even remember things that have occurred in the duel?" Playmaker countered, meaning what he said. Shadow Breaker continued as if what was being said wasn't happening. 

"I banish the 3 "Sniffer Dragons" in my grave from play in order to re-summon my "Defrag Dragon" in defense mode (1000/600/3)!" 

As he explained this, the 3 copies of "Sniffer Dragon" appeared from his graveyard briefly in spiritual form before being removed from play, being replaced by "Defrag Dragon" in the process...however, this also powered up "Decode Talker" in the process as the newly summoned dragon was in the monster zone in front of "Decode Talker's" Top Center Link Marker (3100 - 3600).

"Don't get used to your "Decode Talker's" little power up at my "Defrag Dragon" being summoned, Playmaker...because my "Defrag Dragon" won't be here for long, as this card will show you..." And with those words, he showed the card that would bring this duel to an end...

"Spell card, "Polymerization", activate! With this, I fuse together my DARK attribute monsters on my field, "Defrag Dragon" and "Magnarokket Dragon", in order to summon a Fusion monster from my Extra Deck!"

"A Fusion monster!?" Ai said in surprise as the two DARK Dragons began to merge together with each other in a multi-coloured spiralling vortex behind Shadow Breaker.

"Dragons of darkness who fly within the shadows of the corrupted network, and unload from the hidden weapons! Now become one, and awaken a new terrifyingly toxic terror! FUSION SUMMON!!!" 

The vortex was soon engulfed in light...and a new dragon began to appear from the like...a dragon from a time long since past...

"Appear, dragon of poison! Level 8..."STARVING VENOM FUSION DRAGON" (2800/2000/8)!!!"

"What the hell is that thing!?" Ai said, completely terrified of this newly summoned dragon, but Playmaker did not answer. 

"Since "Starving Venom Fusion Dragon" was summoned next to 1 of "Saryuja Skull Dragons" Link Markers: "he" gains an additional 300 ATK and DEF points..." Shadow Breaker began to declare as he continued on with his turn, both extra deck monsters glowing the same coloured aura as the Link dragon powered up the, no pun intended, Fusion dragon (2800/2000 - 3100/2300).

"...Then I used "Starving Venom Fusion Dragons" effect! As "he" was fusion summoned, I can make "him" gain ATK points equal to the ATK points of a special summoned monster that my opponent controls! And I choose for my "Starving Venom" to 'steal' your "Cyberse Enchanters" 3800 ATK points! "POWER SNATCHER!!!""

Both Ai and Playmaker were shocked as they watched "Starving Venom" steal the ATK points of their "Cyberse Enchanter", and even more so when it looked like the dragon in question seemingly enjoyed the power "he" stole (3100 - 6900)!

What went unsaid however was the fact that "Decode Talker" had lost some points after "Defrag Dragon" had left the field as well (3600 - 3100)...but then again, I suppose that was all a mute point as this moment...

"Time to end this! "Starving Venom Fusion Dragon", destroy "Decode Talker" now and end this duel! "TOXIC ROOTS BURST!!!"" 

Vine-like roots appeared from "Starving Venom", spreading in all directions as "he" charged up "his" attack, before unleashing all of the charged up energy directly at the "Code Talker" monster, destroying "Decode Talker" instantly and engulfing the field in a massive explosion...and yet all Playmaker could see through the explosion...was Shadow Breaker standing completely serious among the field of battle without emotion or care...

Just what had been unleashed and had been hiding in the shadows amongst the Link Vrains...?