Chapter 016: Dark Abyss

Dark Abyss is the sixteenth chapter of the Cardfight!! Vanguard Manga, first published in Kerokero Ace magazine and later collected in Volume 4.

This chapter was adapted into episode 21 of the Cardfight!! Vanguard V Series anime.

Plot[]

Kai and Ren begin their cardfight, Ren seemingly totally relaxed. Tetsu once again reminisces about about the time a young Ren first showed up at his father's card shop. Ren was always bruised, apparently being beaten by his own father, and used Vanguard as a way to escape. At that shop, Ren had first met Kai, and soon grew to idolize his strength, eventually awakening to PSY Qualia after Kai told him that "images" were what gave him power.

As Ren rides Blaster Dark, Kai wonders if this is what lies within Ren's heart. Ren attacks, checking a critical trigger, and Kyou remarks that it must be his PSY Qualia at work. Tetsu warns him not to misunderstand it - simply drawing a trigger is not the extent of PSY Qualia, rather it is a much deeper connection to the cards themselves.

Recalling the way Ren began to act after his awakening, denouncing other fighters as weaklings and becoming obsessed with power, Kai tells him that even back then, they never shared the same outlook. Kai was seeking true battles, but Ren was only interested in victory at any cost. Kai rides Dragonic Overlord and attacks, but is unable to break Ren's guard, as Ren is able to foresee his trigger checks and use the precise amount of shield required.

Claiming that Kai's strength is no longer enough to overcome him, Ren rides The Dark Dictator.

Featured Units[]

Shadow Paladin[]

Kagero[]

Featured Cardfight(s)[]

Fighters	Outcome
Toshiki Kai vs Ren Suzugamori	Ongoing