Episode 58

"Invitation to the Dark Duel" (デュエルへの Yami Dyueru e no Shōtai) is the fifty-eighth episode of the Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V anime.

Synpsis
A mysterious and shady man named Gallager appeared before Gongenzaka and Dennis. While Gongenzaka was filled with suspicions toward the man, Dennis was enthusiastic as they followed Gallager to an underground Duel arena. Much to their surprise, Shun was participating in a Duel there, while the crowd cheered him on! In spite of Gongenzaka's objection, Dennis challenged Shun to a Riding Duel!

Summary
Gallager gets out of his limousine, followed by Dennis and Gongenzaka. When he walks through the alley, however, Gongenzaka stops short, refusing to go any further, reasoning that they should be looking for Yūya and the others, not some unknown Duelists. Dennis points out that the mission of the Lancers is also to find strong Duelists in the Synchro Dimension, so maybe Yūya has heard of this place and come here. Gongenzaka expresses skepticism that strong Duelists are in a place like this, much to Gallager's irritation. Gallager asks if they think that he, the great promoter Gallager, is spouting nonsense. He promptly grabs them by the collars and drags them into a building.

Gallager opens a panel and enters a code into an elevator, revealing a new floor on the display. As the door opens, Gallager tells them to see for their own eyes whether or not he's telling the truth. The two Lancers look in shock at a huge arena packed to the brim with people, with a track in place. Gongenzaka asks what this place is, and Gallager drapes his arms over the Lancers' shoulders, explaining that it's the largest Underground Dueling Arena in City, a social gathering of darkness where illegal gambling Duels take place. Gongenzaka is incensed that Gallager brought them to such a place, calling it outrageous. Dennis gasps, pointing to the Duelists down below – Shun is displayed on the screen. Down in the arena, both Shun and his opponent are riding D-Wheels, and Shun chants "Xyz Summon! Appear now! Rank 4! Raid Raptors - Rise Falcon!" His opponent, Mukuro Enjō, comments that he was curious to see the legendary Xyz Summon, but mocks the 100 ATK monster. Shun smiles, activating the effect of "Rise Falcon". By using one Overlay Unit, it gains ATK equal to the total ATK of all Special Summoned monsters his opponent controls. "Rise Falcon" uses its single Overlay Unit, and purple flames rise off Mukuro's "Speed King ☆ Skull Flame" and "Burning Skull Head" as Mukuro asks what he said. Flames surround "Rise Falcon" and it rises to 3700 ATK. Shun declares his Battle Phase, attacking with "Rise Falcon", declaring, "Rend and tear all of our enemies! Brave Claw Revolution!" "Rise Falcon" swoops down and destroys the two monsters, reducing Mukuro's LP to zero and causing him to decelerate, while Shun speeds past, the crowd cheering his name.

Shun meets up with Dennis and Gongenzaka, explaining that he came here to look for strong Duelists. Dennis comments that he knew it; it's easier to find strong Duelists in an arena like this than it is out on the streets. Shun gets up, explaining that he heard that in the Underground arena, people fight seriously using all of their skills, but it's been boring so far. Everyone here is all talk and not bite and no-one has given him a serious challenge. Gallager laughs and he explains that Shun uses an astonishing Summoning method called Xyz, and has clinched nine consecutive wins so far. Dennis comments that it's not so surprising for them, and Gallager comments that they and Shun seem to be old pals. Shun snorts, and calls the Xyz Summoning that Dennis learns at LDS to be a fraud. Dennis asks if that's right, pointing out that Shun's Xyz Monsters aren't that strong either. Shun angrily turns and asks Dennis what he said, but Gongenzaka steps in and tells them to stop fighting. Gongenzaka asks Shun where the other Yūya and the others are, and Shun offhandedly replies that he doesn’t know. He arrived in the Synchro Dimension by himself, and he assumed that they were lost between dimensions, so he started looking for strong Duelists by himself. Gongenzaka is furious that Shun didn't look for their comrades, but Shun reminds him that their mission is to look for strong Duelists. Gongenzaka yells that looking for the other Lancers should have been the priority. Gallager asks what the Lancers are, and Gongenzaka begins to explain that they came from the Standard Dimension, but Dennis elbows him in the stomach, reassuring Gallager that it's nothing. He whispers to Gongenzaka that talking about other dimensions is bound to be trouble. Gallager is suspicious, but Dennis shrugs his questions off and asks if he called them here because of Shun's strength. Gallager agrees, explaining that he found them while looking for Duelists that don't use cheap tricks. Especially Dennis, who Gallager believes to have the qualities of a star. Taking off his glasses, Gallager explains that he's been in this business for a long time and his eyes are never wrong. Dennis modestly and politely claims that he's happy to hear Mr. Gallager say that. Gongenzaka angrily tells Dennis not to tell him that he's going to Duel, and Dennis replies that he is, it's fine to give it a try. Gongenzaka calls the gambling Duel outrageous. Dennis point out that the Duels here are different, since they ride that motorcycle thing. Gallager puts his glasses back on and explains that they're called D-Wheels, asking if this is their first time seeing a Riding Duel. Dennis and Gongenzaka repeat the name in surprise.

Frank explains to Yūya and Shingo that Riding Duels started out as a game among the Commons. "Game?" Yūya asks. Frank explains that Crow told them that it kicked off because of some rascals Dueling while racing down the streets. Tanner adds that not long after that, people took to the highways and Dueled right in the middle of City as if they owned the place. The Tops who look down on them were shocked and awestruck. Shingo comments that Dueling at high speeds certainly sounds exhilarating. Frank states that Riding Duels are a symbol of freedom, which is why they became a huge fad so quickly. Amanda sits down beside Reira and asks him if he wants to go over and chat with everyone else, but Reira turns away. Serena is also waiting impatiently on the couch. Frank explains that the other side didn't stay quiet either; if a Riding Duel starts in City, Duel Chasers are sent out. Yūya repeats the term and Frank explains that they are the Security who ride D-Wheels. If you lose a Duel, you get taken to the Facility. Shingo is surprised that Security won't allow a trial, and he comments that Security are quite the nasty bunch. Crow's voice comments that Security aren't the only nasty ones out there. The kids greet him as Crow puts down his shopping and begins unpacking, explaining that the Tops stole Riding Duels from the Commons. Shingo asks if the Commons aren't allowed to do them anymore, but Crow explains that they're forced to as entertainment for the Tops. If a Riding Duel starts on the highways, Security and cameras are sent out and the Duel is broadcast over the City. Riding Duels started as a way to outwit the Tops, but now they're just entertainment to them. He adds that if Yūya gets caught, that will happen to him too, so if he doesn't want that, he shouldn't move just yet. Crow tells Serena that the same goes for the rest of them. Serena gets up, observing that with Security all over City, Crow returned with his tail between his legs. Crow isn't happy to be called a coward, and Yūya protests that Crow's done so much for them. Serena replies that any effort is meaningless if no results are achieved, and she begins to head for the door. Yūya asks where she's going, and Serena replies that it's obvious; she'll search for Yuzu herself. Crow snorts, telling her to do what she wants. Shingo gets up, asking Crow to let him do what he wants as well, since he's tired of waiting around and they need to search for Reiji Akaba. Hearing his brother's name alerts Reira, who gets up and begins heading out with them. Yūya tries to protest, but he's only able to stop Reira from leaving as Serena and Shingo leave. Yūya bemoans the situation as he holds onto Reira, wondering what he should do.

Dennis snaps his fingers, commenting that you ride a D-Wheel and Duel at high speeds, admitting that it sounds interesting. Gongenzaka angrily asks what is interesting about it; this is no time to get involved in gambling Duels. Dennis turns to the window, admitting that his entertainer's blood is stirring, and he'll make the cheers for Shun turn into cheers for Dennis. Gallager laughs, congratulating Dennis and commenting that his eyes weren't wrong after all. He slaps Dennis on the back, knocking him next to Shun, and asks if they should get this underway; Dennis's Duel with Shun. Gongenzaka tells Shun not to tell him that he's going along with this too. Shun explains that winning ten Duels in the arena automatically qualifies one for the Friendship Cup. Gongenzaka asks what the Friendship Cup is, and Gallager explains that it's the largest Duel tournament in the City. As a banner of harmony between Tops and Commons, the gather the toughest Duelists through a selection process, and the winner of this annual festival gets the honor of facing the Duel King, Jack Atlas. He slaps his hand down on a poster of Jack, and Dennis asks if Jack is the strongest. Gallager replies that Jack is the strongest ruler in the City, no, in the world. Dennis replies that it's settled then; they'll enter the Friendship Cup and meet tons of strong Duelists and then Duel the King at the end; it's one of their goals as Lancers. Shun interrupts, claiming that he will be the one that Duels the King. Dennis replies that they'll see about that; they won't know until they do this, right? The two Xyz users stare each other down as Gongenzaka groans in exasperation.

Later, Gongenzaka sits in the commentary box with Gallager, asking how things got to this. Gallager laughs, and tells the crowd that if they are looking to make big money, today the great promoter Gallager will help make their dreams come true. He explains that it's finally time for Shun's tenth match. If he wins this one, his entry into the Friendship Cup will be confirmed. But it won't be easy for him; since standing in his way is a promising newcomer that he's had his eye on. His name is Dennis Macfield. Dennis enters the arena on a D-Wheel and wearing a Riding Duel outfit, and he sits up on his D-Wheel and removes his helmet, calling "Yes! I'm an entertainer!" in English. He comments that he'll be their tour guide through this magnificent show, and takes out flower bunches from his helmet with a declaration of "Let's enjoy! Showtime!" before tossing them into the air. Next, Shun enters the arena, and Gallager states that the Duel will follow the Underground Arena's unique handicap rule. Their newcomer, Dennis, will start off with 4000 LP, while Shun, who has nine consecutive wins… Geysers of steam erupt around Shun and rock his D-Wheel, and Gallager explains that Shun will start with just 1000 LP. But even in the face of this challenge Shun does not waver, Gallager explains. However, he, the great promoter Gallager, vouches for Dennis's skills. If the crowd want to make money, betting on Dennis will sure make them some big bucks. A woman yells that she'll bet all of her money on Dennis, while a man declares that he'll do the same for Shun. Gongenzaka is furious; all of these people are consumed by greed, and he calls it outrageous. Dennis and Shun reach the starting line, and Dennis tells Shun that even with that handicap, he's not going easy on Shun. Shun replies that Dennis doesn't have to worry. Gallager declares that now it's time to get this underway, and he declares the activation of the Field Magic Card, "Speed World - Neo". Pink light suffuses the arena, and both D-Wheels declare, "Duel Mode: On, Autopilot: Standby". A holographic countdown appears above Dennis and Shun, and Gallager declares, "Riding Duel…Acceleration!" as the counter reaches zero. Shun and Dennis take off with a cry of "Duel!"

Shun takes the first corner and the first turn. He Summons "Raid Raptors - Skull Eagle" from his hand. Then he activates the Magic Card, "Raid Raptors - Call", allowing him to Special Summon a monster with the same name from his Deck, thus Special Summoning another "Skull Eagle" from his Deck. He overlays the two Level 3 monsters to Xyz Summon the Rank 3 "Raid Raptors - Devil Eagle". Shun explains that the effects of the "Skull Eagles" that were used as Xyz Material will increase the ATK of "Devil Eagle" by 300 each. "Devil Eagle" rises to 1600 ATK, and then Shun activates its effect, detaching an Overlay Unit to inflict damage equal to the ATK of a Special Summoned monster on the field. He targets "Devil Eagle" itself, and "Devil Eagle" bombards Dennis with purple light, reducing his LP to 2400. Dennis comments that that was sudden. Setting a card, Shun ends his turn. Gallager narrates the turn; an Xyz Summon and in a surging development, he depleted Dennis's LP by 1600 in a heartbeat. Will Dennis be overwhelmed just like that?

Of course not, Dennis comments. The real fun's just getting started. Gongenzaka is furious at Dennis using Yūya's catchphrase, calling it outrageous. Dennis declares his turn and draws. Since his opponent controls a monster and he controls no monsters, he can Special Summon "Entermage Wind Sucker" from his hand, and when he does, its Level can be reduced by 1. Its Level falls from 5 to 4. Next, Dennis Normal Summons "Entermage Ball Rider" from his hand. He overlays his two Level 4 monsters, chanting "Show must go on! Artisan of the stage, swoop down from the sky! Xyz Summon! Appear now! Rank 4! Entermage Trapeze Magician!" The crowd are shocked and impressed at the sight of and Xyz vs. Xyz match. Shun activates the effect of "Devil Eagle" again, detaching an Overlay Unit to inflict damage equal to the ATK of a Special Summoned monster on the field. This time he targets "Trapeze Magician" in an attempt to wipe Dennis out, as Gallager and Gongenzaka narrate the twist. Dennis replies that the effect of "Trapeze Magician" will negate any effect damage equal or lower than its ATK, and the energy that has surrounded it dissipates. Then Dennis detaches an Overlay Unit from "Trapeze Magician" to allow it to attack twice. It attacks and destroys "Devil Eagle", reducing Shun to 100 LP. Gallager comments that the tables have turned, and now Dennis has cornered Shun. The crowd believe that Shun is about to lose, as Dennis declares a direct attack. Shun activates a Trap Card, "Necro Raptors", which negates a direct attack and Special Summons a "Raid Raptors" from his Graveyard. He revives "Devil Eagle" and the attack is negated. Dennis comments that the Trap Card for Shun's niche is a little annoying, and he Sets a card to end his turn. Gallager describes the Duel as if both players have blades drawn at one another's necks; a splendid display of offense and defense. Gongenzaka however muses that for Dennis to go this far, should he say that it's as expected of LDS?

Shun has noticed the aggressiveness of Dennis's Dueling as well, surprised that he could learn Dueling so combative at LDS. In that case, it's his turn. Shun draws, and he immediately activates the Magic Card "Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force", allowing him to Rank-Up the Rank 3 "Devil Eagle" to a "Raid Raptors" monster that is one Rank higher; the Rank 4 "Raid Raptors - Force Strix". He activates the effect of "Force Strix", detaching an Overlay Unit to add a Level 4 DARK Winged Beast-Type monster from his Deck to his hand, and he adds "Raid Raptors - Necro Vulture", which he promptly Summons. Then Shun activates the effect of "Necro Vulture", Releasing it to add a "Rank-Up-Magic" card form his Graveyard to his hand. He returns "Raid Force" to his hand and activates it again, this time Ranking-Up the Rank 4 "Force Strix" to a "Raid Raptors" monster that is one Rank higher. He chants, "Ferocious falcon. Break through this fierce battle and spread your wings. Destroy our gathering foes! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear now! Rank 5! Raid Raptors - Blaze Falcon!" Shun activates the effect of "Blaze Falcon", detaching an Overlay Unit to destroy all Special Summoned monsters on the field and inflict 500 damage per monster. "Blaze Falcon" disgorges its four red devices that destroy "Trapeze Magician" with green laser fire, and Dennis cries his monster's name as he falls to 1900 LP. Shun comments that soon he'll have Dennis chasing after his back too, as he equips the Equip Magic Card, "Raptor's Ultimate Mace" from his hand to "Blaze Falcon", increasing its ATK by 1000. "Blaze Falcon" glows purple and rises to 2000 ATK. Declaring his Battle Phase, Shun attacks directly. Gallager comments that Dennis has 1900 LP; will he be defeated this time?

Dennis explains that when a Special Summoned monster declares an attack, he can Special Summon "Entermage Ball Rider" from his Graveyard. "Ball Rider" revives in Defense Position, but "Blaze Falcon" bypasses it since it can attack directly even when Dennis controls a monster. Dennis activates a Trap Card, "Pinch Breaker", making the ATK of one monster his opponent controls equal to his monster's DEF. "Blaze Falcon" falls to 1800 ATK as it swoops down, reducing Dennis to 100 LP as well. Gallager declares that Dennis has done it, but an unfazed Shun activates the other effect of "Blaze Falcon" since it inflicted damage to his opponent; allowing him to destroy a monster his opponent controls. "Blaze Falcon" fires its gas-powered missiles, destroying "Ball Rider". Dennis explains that the effect of "Pinch Breaker" ends and now the ATK of "Blaze Falcon" will return to normal. Shun Sets a card, ending his turn.

Shun drops back beside Dennis, and he asks if Dennis is really from LDS. Dennis replies that he is, and he asks why. Shun scoffs, and Gallager explains to the crowd that both Shun and Dennis only have 100 LP each. Dennis comments that he's not sure what Shun's suspicious about, but let's liven things up even more. He accelerates, and declares his turn, drawing a card. Then he uses the Scale 2 "Entermage Water Dancer" and the Scale 6 "Entermage Fire Dancer" to set the Pendulum Scale, and explains that he can simultaneously Summon monsters from Levels 3 to 5. He declares a Pendulum Summon, and brings out two "Entermage Wing Sandwichman" and revives "Entermage Ball Rider" from his Extra Deck. The crowd are shocked that Dennis can Summon three monsters at once without using Releases for Level 5 and higher monsters. Gallager laughs, calling the Pendulum Summon a Summoning method akin to magic that leaves anyone who sees it awestruck. It's name is…

"Pendulum Summon?" the Director asks. One of his aides confirms it; the Summon was detected in the Underground Dueling Arena. The Director orders that men be sent out ASAP, as they may have concealed themselves there, and he places a white knight down.

Shun Kurosaki vs. Mukuro Enjō
At the start of the Duel, the Field Magic Card "Speed World - Neo" is activated, as per the rules of a Riding Duel.

Duel is shown from an unknown turn. Mukuro has 3000 LP and controls "Speed King ☆ Skull Flame" (CG Star 10/2600/2000) and "Burning Skull Head" (CG Star 3/1000/800).

Shun's turn

Shun Xyz Summons "Raid Raptors - Rise Falcon" (Rank Star 4/100/2000/1 ORU) in Attack Position. He activates its effect, detaching an Overlay Unit to increase its ATK by the total ATK of all Special Summoned monsters his opponents controls until the end of this turn ("Rise Falcon" 100 → 3700). The other effect of "Rise Falcon" lets it attack all Special Summoned monsters his opponent control once each. It attacks and destroys both "Speed King ☆ Skull Flame" and "Burning Skull Head" (Mukuro: 3000 → 0 LP).

Shun Kurosaki vs. Dennis Macfield
At the start of the Duel, the Field Magic Card "Speed World - Neo" is activated, as per the rules of a Riding Duel. Since, Dennis is a newcomer to Riding Duels; Shun, who is the current Champion is given a handicap and starts with 1000 LP, while Dennis starts with 4000 LP.

Turn 1: Shun

Shun Normal Summons "Raid Raptors - Skull Eagle" (CG Star 3/1000/500). He activates "Raid Raptors - Call", which lets him Special Summon a monster from his Deck with the same name as a "Raid Raptors" monster he controls. He Special Summons a second "Skull Eagle" (CG Star 3/1000/500). He then overlays his two Level 3 monsters to Xyz Summon "Raid Raptors - Devil Eagle" (Rank Star 3/1000/0/2 ORU) in Attack Position. As they were used as Overlay Units, the effects of both "Skull Eagle"'s activate, increasing the ATK of the Xyz Summoned monster by 300 each ("Devil Eagle": 1000 → 1600. Shun activates the effect of "Devil Eagle", detaching an Overlay Unit during either player's turn to inflict damage to his opponent equal to the ATK of a Special Summoned monster on the field. Shun chooses "Devil Eagle" (Dennis: 4000 → 2400 LP). Shun Sets a card.

Turn 2: Dennis

As his opponent controls a monster and he does not, Dennis Special Summons "Entermage Wind Sucker" (CG Star 5/2100/0) from his hand in Attack Position via its own effect. Since "Wind Sucker" was Special Summoned, Dennis activates its effect, reducing its Level by 1 ("Wind Sucker": CG Star 5 → 4). He Normal Summons "Entermage Ball Rider" (CG Star 4/1000/1800). Dennis overlays his two Level 4 monsters to Xyz Summon "Entermage Trapeze Magician" (Rank Star 4/2500/2000/2 ORU) in Attack Position. Shun activates the effect of "Devil Eagle", detaching an Overlay Unit to inflict damage equal to the ATK of "Trapeze Magician", but the effect of "Trapeze Magician" prevents damage lower than or equal to its ATK. Dennis activates the other effect of "Trapeze Magician", detaching an Overlay Unit to allow a monster to attack twice during his Battle Phase this turn. Dennis targets "Trapeze Magician". "Trapeze Magician" attacks and destroys "Devil Eagle" (Shun: 1000 → 100 LP). "Trapeze Magician" attacks Shun directly, but Shun activates his face-down "Necro Raptors" as he is about to take battle damage from a direct attack. This lets him Special Summon a " Raid Raptors" monster from his Graveyard, while reducing the battle damage to 0. He Special Summons "Devil Eagle" (1000/0). Dennis Sets a card.

Turn 3: Shun

Shun activates "Rank-Up-Magic Raid Force", Ranking Up "Devil Eagle" and performing a Rank-Up Xyz Change to Xyz Summon "Raid Raptors - Force Strix" (Rank Star 4/100/2000/1 ORU) in Attack Position. He then activates its effect, detaching an Overlay Unit to add a Level 4 DARK Winged Beast-Type monster from his Deck to his hand. Shun's hand contains "Light Speed Attack" and "Raptor's Ultimate Mace" and he adds "Raid Raptors - Necro Vulture" which he immediately Normal Summons (CG Star 4/1000/1600). He then activates its effect, Releasing it to add a "Rank-Up-Magic" Magic Card from his Graveyard to his hand. He adds "Raid Force" and immediately activates it, Ranking Up "Force Strix" and performing a Rank-Up Xyz Change to Special Summon "Raid Raptors - Blaze Falcon" (Rank Star 5/1000/2000/1 ORU) in Attack Position. He then activates its effect, detaching an Overlay Unit to destroy all Special Summoned monsters his opponent controls, and then inflict 500 damage to his opponent for each monster destroyed by this effect. "Trapeze Magician" is destroyed (Dennis: 2400 → 1900 LP). Shun equips "Blaze Falcon" with "Raptor's Ultimate Mace", increasing its ATK by 1000 ("Blaze Falcon" 1000 → 2000). "Blaze Falcon" attacks directly. As the opponent's Special Summoned monster declared a direct attack, Dennis Special Summons "Ball Rider" (CG Star 4/1000/1800) in Defense Position from his Graveyard via its own effect. A replay occurs, but the effect of "Blaze Falcon" still allows it to attack directly. Dennis activates his face-down "Pinch Breaker" as his opponent's monster declared an attack, letting him change an opponent's monster's ATK to the same value as the DEF of a monster Dennis controls until the end of the Battle Phase. The ATK of "Blaze Falcon" changes to the DEF of "Ball Rider" ("Blaze Falcon" 2000 → 1800). The attack continues (Dennis: 1900 → 100). As "Blaze Falcon" inflicted battle damage to his opponent, its effect lets Shun destroy a monster his opponent controls. Shun destroys "Ball Rider". Shun Sets a card.

Turn 4: Dennis

Dennis activates "Entermage Water Dancer" (Right Pendulum Scale 2) and "Entermage Fire Dancer" (Left Pendulum Scale 6) in his Pendulum Zones. He then Pendulum Summons two copies of "Entermage Wing Sandwichman" (CG Star 5/1800/2100) from his hand and "Entermage Ball Rider" (CG Star 4/1000/1800) from the Extra Deck, all in Attack Position.

Duel continues in the next episode.

List of Featured Cards
The following cards appeared in this episode. Cards in italics debuted here.