Varis Ryoken Kogami ( , " Kōgami Ryōken " ) , also known as Varis ( Revolver ( リボルバー , " Riborubā " ) in the Japanese version ) , is the leader of the Knights of Hanoi and the main antagonist in the " Yu - Gi - Oh ! VRAINS " anime . Design . Appearance . While in LINK VRAINS , Varis is a man with dark crimson hair and red highlights . His ears are pierced with Egyptian - style earrings with a blue diamond and a gold bullet " token " . Varis wears a tan - colored visor giving him yellow featureless eyes , designed with a white casing and a diamond - shaped pattern of white dots with red centers , linked together by a white circle that surrounds a white dot in the center of Varis ' forehead that suggests the barrel of a gun . The visor of his mask can be covered with a dark lens to protect him from bright lights . Varis wears a white jumpsuit with a black elongated " T " shape tracing to the bottom of his chest , red ovals overlaying black ovals on the sides of the torso , and a v - shaped line of green where a belt would be . He wears a white trench coat lined with green with golden lines patterning both the inside and the outside of the coat . The sleeves are green white shoulder - pads and red diagonal bands on the bicep , making it unclear whether or not they are part of the jumpsuit or the coat . Varis also wears a small white mantle with a black line tracing around the middle , and a green ornament attached at the front on either side of his neck and at the back by red gems . Varis wears white - elbow length gloves with red diamond shapes on his forearm , and black boots with green heels and red patterns on the front that may be part of his jumpsuit . In real life , Varis is a tall young , fair skin man with light - blue eyes and has white hair that spikes backwards at the sides , with purple - blue highlights . On his right hand , he has a tattoo of a red triangle . He has at least two outfits , the first consisting of a white buttoned shirt and black trousers , while the second consists of a pink v - neck shirt underneath a light grey suit jacket , with black trousers that ends above his ankles . As a child , he wore a grey hoodie over a dark pair of pants . Personality . Much like the other Knights of Hanoi , Varis is a ruthless individual that seeks Ai . He bears a great hatred towards Ai and the Cyberse world considering them a threat to the real world , a notion he developed from his father ' s research into AI - human interactions . His resolve to rid the world of Ai leads him to take drastic measures , including endangering the entire VRAINS networks and many human lives . However , Varis claims that his actions are so that he can fulfill his promise to his father to save humanity . He shows his strong resolve numerous times during the show , notably his willingness to plunge into a Data Storm far out of his league to activate " Storm Access " to compete against Playmaker during their Duel at the Tower of Hanoi , which would have severely wounded him if it had not been for his father ' s assistance . Unlike most hackers , Varis distrusts LINK VRAINS and the people that , to him , are dedicating their lives to it and make false relationships with other people . He values a person ' s life more . He distrusts Artificial Intelligence , to the point where he does not have one installed into his Duel Disk . Due to that , he looks down as on the internet world as false . Despite his hatred towards VRAINS , Varis isn ' t against using the Cyberse for his own benefit . When Ai called him out on that , Varis described it as " counteracting poison with poison " . Varis shares Yusaku ' s habit of listing out three reasons for his observations , although he doesn ' t do it as frequently as Yusaku . As he mentions during Yusaku ' s confrontation , Varis was the voice that taught Yusaku the three reason method . While Dueling , he shows loads of confidence and plans ahead well , often confusing his opponents with a seemingly inefficient strategy . Varis tends to belittle ' unworthy ' opponents at times , which Gore noted as arrogance . When pushed into a corner , Varis pushes himself to his limits only to win , even if that harms him . Abilities . Varis can summon Data Storm s at will . He is also a professional hacker and can even infiltrate the system of LINK VRAINS , stating he could even destroy it . He shares the same Skill as Playmaker , " Storm Access " which allows him to add a random Link Monster from a Data Storm to his Extra Deck when his LP are 1000 or less . Varis is also a cunning person , being able to predict his enemy ' s movements and lead them into a trap and counter them . Varis can also regenerate his body inside LINK VRAINS . Etymology . Varis ' first name , Ryoken 「 」 , means " idea " . It can also be translated to " discretion " or " forgiveness / tolerance " . His dub name , Varis , is an allusion to the word " virus " , hence his status as a hacker . Biography . History . Ryoken lived with his father , Dr . Kogami , at Stardust Road . The two occasionally watched the phenomenon , when the light of the plankton shined in the sea . Ryoken was a friend to Baira and Faust , and the latter considered Varis as his younger brother . When he was eight years old , Ryoken watched the progress of the Hanoi Project . He did not understand much about it , but Ryoken trusted his father ' s research . He even helped a boy , Yusaku , gain his confidence by telling him about finding three points to continue fighting . However , Ryoken was overwhelmed by the pain of the children , and reported the project to the authorities , thus stopping it . In doing so , Ryoken ' s father was imprisoned . Ryoken waited for three years for his father to return . His father was infected with a virus and fell into a coma , but during that time , he finished his project , and created the AI with free will , Ignis . Some time after , with the help of his subordinates , Varis saved his father , Dr . Kogami , from a comatose state , after he was infected by a virus from SOL Technologies following the Hanoi Project , by recreating his father ' s mind and placing it within the network . Kiyoshi formed the Knights of Hanoi , with the intent of eradicating all the Ignis within the network , believing that they were savage creatures with the intent of destroying the world , rather than saving it . At one point , after the Hanoi Project , Varis , as a child , met Spectre at the site of the Lost Incident , and recruited him into the Knights of Hanoi . Unfortunately , Kiyoshi told Ryoken that Ignis , who would progress , would eventually destroy the world . He believed Ignis would improve humanity ' s lives , and instead , he saw the AI would eventually supervise humanity . He feared the humanity would see AI as an enemy , a life - form they would want to conquer , and this would also make the humanity as Ignis ' enemy . Kiyoshi told Ryoken SOL Technologies knew of this threat , but they only infected him with a virus . Together , Varis and the Knights of Hanoi worked to find Ignis , who became a threat to the world , once they found out the AI learned how to lie . Thus , Varis aimed to find Cyberse World and eliminate the Ignis that created it . Varis launched an attack to Cyberse with three of his " Cracking Dragons " . The entities of Cyberse were sealed off and could not retaliate , except for Ai . Ai claimed he was their " savior " , noting others have been trapped . Regardless , he claimed being hated had its uses , but promised to save all of them . Varis and the " Cracking Dragon " chased Ai , who escaped Cyberse and severed the connection with that place . Others realized he wanted to hide Cyberse at the price being unable to return . Just as Ai succeeded and gloated , Varis ' " Cracking Dragon " ate him , though his eye was lost in the network . Varis had his team search for Ai ' s remains , for only he knew the location of Cyberse . Hanoi . Five years later , SOL Technologies ' security were searching for Ai . Varis smiled , seeing he could exploit this situation . He summoned a Knight of Hanoi , ordering him to capture Ai before the SOL Technologies could . He watched the situation and was intrigued how the Playmaker arrived to challenge the Knight of Hanoi and bet Ai for the Duel . After Playmaker had won the Duel , Varis admitted he didn ' t expect his opponent to be that strong . Spectre arrived , explaining it was still better to let Playmaker have Ai than to be in possession of SOL Technologies . Varis knew they were going to unmask Playmaker soon , noting Playmaker hated the Knights of Hanoi , was one of few people that had Cyberse monsters and eventually would come and seek him , as the leader of the Knights of Hanoi , out . Varis was nevertheless pleased , and actually wanted to prepare himself for the battle against Playmaker . Later , as Yusaku and Koulter were looking at Ai ' s memories , Ai started to malfunction . Varis sensed his location , while Koulter turned the electricity of the van they were in . Yusaku went outside , and watched as Varis flew on a gigantic dragon to find Ai . While Varis did not find the AI , Yusaku felt that Varis saw him . Ai explained Varis was the leader of the Knights of Hanoi . Varis returned to his base , displeased that he could not find Ai , as the connection was severed in the last moment . He was approached by Dr . Kogami , who promised to make a new program , but needed more time . Varis stated that the ones holding Ai could not decipher him properly , but didn ' t want to give them too much time . Dr . Kogami said that they had to draw Playmaker out once more and defeat him properly . Varis heard an alarm , and logged off . In the real world , Varis , a young man , approached his father , who was resting inside a pod . Varis promised he would make his father ' s wishes come true and touched his arm , revealing a red triangle symbol on his right hand . Seeing how Blue Angel wanted to challenge Playmaker , Varis was amused by her . Spectre claimed they could use her , and went off to give her a special card . During her Duel against Playmaker , Blue Angel fell in a trance and Varis told her she was a Knight of Hanoi , prompting her to activate " Dark Angel ' s " effect . When Blue Angel was defeated , Varis was certain that Playmaker would have to comply to his demands . Dr . Kogami said Ai had to be destroyed and Varis was concerned about Kogami since he designed Ai . Kogami told Varis it was a painful decision to destroy the AI , while Varis reminded the importance of destroying Ai and Cyberse . When Akira Zaizen and Ghost Girl captured and interrogated Playmaker , Varis appeared before them and demanded him to be freed , as he was challenging him to a Duel . When Akira refused , Varis showed his power by summoning a Data Storm and obliterating the place . He also threatened to destroy LINK VRAINS , but stated that was not his intention , since he was interested in Ai that Playmaker had in his possession . When Akira refused to hand over Ai , Varis revealed they placed a computer virus inside Blue Angel as a hostage and only they had the ability to reverse it . Varis admitted they could ' ve placed the virus into anyone , but Blue Angel was the most efficient target to draw Playmaker out . Varis also knew that Akira , as the Security - in - Chief , had to take Ai back , but doing so would make Blue Angel - Akira ' s sister - under permanent effect of the virus . Thus , he promised to hand over the program if Playmaker defeated him . Hesitant at first , Akira freed Playmaker while Varis left to wait for Playmaker to come and Duel him . As the two rode off on the Data Wind , Varis reminded Playmaker he interfered a lot of times in the Knights of Hanoi ' s plans . Playmaker promised to defeat him and uncover their identities while Varis didn ' t care much for Playmaker ' s since they had many enemies . He declared their mission was to retrieve Ai and was surprised that Playmaker had no knowledge of Ai as an AI . Ai promised to eat Varis ' program and reclaim his body back , while Varis stated if he were to win , Ai would be his own . Varis admitted he didn ' t have an AI for his Duel Disk , as he didn ' t trust them , claiming the internet was but a fiction . He valued the personal values of man , and didn ' t trust the fake relationships and dedications over LINK VRAINS ; in his words , such ignorance would destroy the world , as would Ai and declared Playmaker as his enemy for helping Ai . Before the Duel began , Varis waved his hand causing the current LINK VRAINS environment to be crushed and replaced with lava rivers and fiery lakes . Taking the first turn , Varis used " Dragonoid Generator " to Special Summon two " Dragonoid Tokens " and Tribute Summon " Cracking Dragon " . He then summoned the " Dragonoid Tokens " on Playmaker ' s field and used " Cracking Dragon ' s " effect to deal him damage . Despite this , the Playmaker managed to turn around the tables by Link Summon ing three monsters and destroying " Cracking Dragon " with " Decode Talker " , lowering Varis ' LP to 1400 . Despite having the advantage , Playmaker noted that Varis was vigorous and would not give up . Varis thanked Playmaker for clearing his field , as he brought out " Twin Triangle Dragon " and revived " Cracking Dragon " back , at cost of it unable to attack and losing 500 LP . Varis sensed a power inside the network and , summoning a Data Storm , showing off the same Skill Playmaker had , " Storm Access " . With this skill , Varis obtained " Topologic Bomber Dragon " and promptly used all of his monsters to Link Summon it , amused at the fact of his using a Cyberse monster against other Cyberse monsters . Using " Dragonoid Generator " , Varis had " Bomber Dragon " use its effect to destroy a " Dragonoid Token " and Playmaker ' s " Capacitor Stalker " . Despite the latter ' s effect causing Varis ' LP to be lowered down to 100 , " Decode Talker ' s " ATK was lowered as well and Varis had " Topologic Bomber Dragon " destroy it . " Topologic Bomber Dragon ' s " effect then activated , which would cause Playmaker to take damage equal to " Decode Talker ' s " ATK . Varis claimed that Playmaker lost the Duel and smiled as his dragon executed its effect . To stop the effect , Playmaker activated " Link Restart " , and even revived " Decode Talker " . Varis noted how tough Playmaker was to avoid this situation , as " Dragonoid Generator " summoned another Token to Playmaker ' s field . As Playmaker had Ai conjure a Data Storm , Varis was glad they did that , since he expected them to do that . He mused how his goal for the Speed Duel was completed . After Playmaker used Storm Access , Varis was impressed , considering how mighty the Data Storm was . Playmaker went to Link Summon , but Varis stopped that with " Remote Rebirth " , summoning a monster from Playmaker ' s field to one of zone s " Topologic Bomber Dragon " pointed to , with the intention of using his dragon ' s effect to destroy every monster in the Main Monster Zones . " Capacitor Stalker ' s " effect once again dealt 800 Damage to both , causing both Varis and Playmaker ' s LP to fall to 0 . Ai suspected Varis wanted the Duel to end in a tie , but Varis denied this , declaring he could predict their every move . Suddenly , Varis and Playmaker were pulled to the Data Storm , as the latter realized Varis actually planned this . Varis and Playmaker were separated from their D - Boards , and entered the center of the Data Storm - a calm place , filled with floating rocks . Varis declared the place to be their new stage of battle , as a shining card Dr . Kogami sent to LINK VRAINS was added to his Deck . Varis explained they would have a Master Duel that had more Monster and Spell & Trap Zones , fitting for them to show off their Link Monsters ' prowess . Having the first turn in the Master Duel , Varis took on defense by playing " Fire Prison " , " Twin Triangle Dragon " and " Linkbelt Wall Dragon " to make it harder to Link Summon and attack . Playmaker was worried about these defenses , and suspected it could be a part of Varis ' plan . Instead , Playmaker summoned " Encode Talker " and had it attack " Twin Triangle Dragon " . Due to " Linkbelt Wall Dragon ' s " effect , the attack was redirected to itself , making Playmaker ' s attack nullified . However , he did summon " Interrupt Resistor " ; Varis realized Playmaker was preparing for a new Link Summon , but swore that strategy would cost Playmaker dearly . Varis Link Summoned " Three Burst Blast Dragon " , surprising Ai , since Varis could ' ve summoned " Topologic Bomber Dragon " instead , and was even more surprised he targeted " Backup Secretary " instead of " Encode Talker " for an attack target . Since " Three Burst Blast Dragon " negated " Encode Talker ' s " effect , Playmaker had " Interrupt Resistor " boost the DEF of " Backup Secretary " to take less damage from Varis ' dragon ' s piercing effect . Playmaker sensed that Varis would bring out a different monster than " Topologic Bomber Dragon " . To stop that , Playmaker summoned " Decode Talker " to take out " Linkbelt Wall Dragon " . Varis anticipated this , and used " Fire Prison ' s " effect to negate every Cyberse card as if it didn ' t exist , causing " Encode Talker " and " Decode Talker " to vanish , and even make Ai disappear . Varis told Playmaker it was his fault for listening to Ai that made Cyberse cards unusable . Since Playmaker did not know about Ai , Varis told how there were tests to create life forms inside the network , but most attempts lacked free will . However , there was one person that succeeded , and that product was Ignis , the first AI with free will . Playmaker did not believe in this story , but Varis ignored him . He stated the most important thing was to capture and destroy Ai , who had created the Cyberse and wanted to conquer the network . On his next turn , Varis used " Three Burst Blast Dragon ' s " effect to summon more Dragons , all to bring out his ace , " Borreload Dragon " . Playmaker recognized it as the same dragon Varis rode on when he was searching for Ai when Yusaku and Koulter hacked it . Varis , who placed a safety mask on , declared a direct attack with his dragon , causing 3000 points of LP damage to Playmaker , even causing the blast to come out of the Data Storm . Since Playmaker was knocked out , Varis smiled , seeing the match had ended . However , Playmaker stood up , and Varis saw he failed to crush his confidence . As Playmaker played " Cynet Universe " , Varis claimed it was a pointless move , since there were no Cyberse monsters . Playmaker denied this , since he could sense their pulses ; Varis was greatly displeased , and shocked how he used two of his ace monsters to Link Summon " Firewall Dragon " . Varis realized that was the card Playmaker had obtained from the Data Storm , and with its summoning , " Fire Prison " vanished . " Firewall Dragon " destroyed " Linkbelt Wall Dragon " , which frustrated Varis , as Playmaker ' s " Parallel Port Armor " made his dragon untargetable and indestructible by battle . He took the next turn , replenishing his hand and bringing back " Anesthrokket Dragon " and " Autorokket Dragon " . He then used " Borreload Dragon " and " Autorokket Dragon ' s " effects in concert to send the latter to the GY to destroy " Firewall Dragon ' s " defenses . He then attacked , surprising Ai and Playmaker with " Borreload Dragon ' s " effect causing " Firewall Dragon " to switch over to Varis ' field . Varis , intending to have Playmaker ' s own Cyberse card defeat him , had " Firewall Dragon " attack directly , but the attack was canceled by " Cynet Refresh " . Still , Varis boosted his defenses by reviving two of his " Magnarokket Dragon s " . Playmaker brought back his " Encode Talker " and " Firewall Dragon " , declaring the true fight had only begun . When Playmaker ' s " Firewall Dragon " used its effect to return " Borreload Dragon " from the field to the hand , Varis informed him that it couldn ' t be targeted by effects . Playmaker targeted " Magnarokket Dragon " instead , prompting Varis to activate its effect and attempt to destroy " Firewall Dragon " . Playmaker responded with " Cynet Refresh " to protect his dragon from destruction . Varis was amused , and ended his turn . Much to Varis ' surprise , Playmaker had " Firewall Dragon " , protected by " Encode Talker " , attack " Borreload Dragon " , who had more ATK . Playmaker used " Battle Buffer " to raise " Encode Talker ' s " ATK , a strategy that impressed Varis . To counter it , Varis targeted " Encode Talker " with his dragon to reduce it ' s ATK , causing " Encode Talker " to be destroyed and Playmaker ' s strategy to backfire . While " Firewall Dragon ' s " ATK was raised by " Battle Buffer " , Varis ' " Rokket " dragons regained their effects . Varis claimed the match was over , as Playmaker could not attack anymore . The latter made him doubt that , since he could not use " Magnarokket Dragon ' s " effect . Using " Recoded Alive " , Playmaker revived " Decode Talker " , whose ATK was boosted up to destroy " Borreload Dragon " . However , Varis used " Borrel Cooling " to activate " Magnarokket Dragon ' s " effect to destroy " Decode Talker " . Varis smiled , seeing how close he was to his victory , with Playmaker having no cards nor attacks to execute . Playmaker refused to lose , and claimed he wanted to uncover the events that had happened 10 years ago , to recover the time he had lost and to save the person that saved him . Varis was surprised that what happened 10 years ago involved Playmaker , who replied he was " that emissary of revenge " . Varis claimed Playmaker was a fool to help SOL Technologies out without knowing the truth . Playmaker refused to listen and , using " Parallel Port Armor " , he had " Firewall Dragon " attack once more to perform a One Turn Kill . The attack destroyed " Borreload Dragon " , and Varis was slammed into a rock as his LP fell to zero . He then lost his avatar ' s arm when Ai became vicious and tried to devour Varis . Varis was pulled up to be logged out , but as promised , he threw a card that would remove Blue Angel ' s virus . Before leaving , Varis stated as long as Playmaker had Ai , their Duel would continue on . Varis returned to his base and Dr . Kogami was surprised how Varis let his guard down , seeing it was about that incident Playmaker spoke of . Varis apologized to him as his father , and as his hand recovered , claimed that next time would be different . His father stated that Varis didn ' t need to think of that , and seeing how they could not retrieve Ai , he went to execute the other plan , and needed time to make preparations for that . Varis nodded , and recalling Playmaker ' s speech pattern of three points of analysis , he wondered about his connection to him . Varis and Kogami went to a deep pit , where Kogami showed him a seed shaped like a cube , which would grow into a " fruit " that would destroy the whole network , including LINK VRAINS . Varis watched Kogami release the seed , which fell into the pit . Varis was still at the pit , with his father absent . He remarked that the battle for humanity would begin soon enough . Another . As the Another victims were being infected , Varis was worried if the Hanoi program was activated , the Lost Incident records would be deleted , and he ' d never uncover Playmaker ' s identity . He was contacted by his father , who reported the Hanoi program would soon be finished . Varis was still sad , as he wished to settle things with Playmaker . He told he wouldn ' t move on until he defeats Playmaker , and his father permitted him the rematch , as long as it didn ' t take too much time . Later , Varis watched as the Knights of Hanoi forced people to Duel , preventing them from logging out . Varis was unamused , considering a thousand people that joined the Knights of Hanoi were mere grunts , who wanted self - promotion by opposing LINK VRAINS . He was visited by Faust and Baira , who informed him Dr . Genome was making his move , and gave him the Data Gale . After Baira released the virus - removal program and logged out , she appeared next to Varis , who punished her . With all three of his subordinates - Genome , Baira , and Faust - defeated and resting inside pods , Varis left his headquarters in LINK VRAINS . In the real world , at Kyoko Taki ' s apartment , Varis removed a flashdrive from its hiding place and looked at the video recording on it - Yusaku and Koulter in Baira ' s room witnessing Blue Angel defeating Baira . Ai appeared in the video and Varis smiled , as he learned that Playmaker was Yusaku . Varis was at the pit , and proclaimed the time has come that he would risk the fate of the humanity on the Tower of Hanoi . Varis was at Stardust Road , ordering food from the Café Nagi food truck , his face still hidden . He told Koulter , who was still unaware of his true identity , that this would be the last time he would order from him . Koulter asked him if he was moving away ; Varis replied that his reason was something like that before leaving . Varis returned to LINK VRAINS where he met up with Spectre , lamenting the loss of Dr . Genome , Baira , and Faust . He explained he was too focused on Playmaker . Despite this , Varis told the three were the core for his plan . Spectre asked if Varis was fine with the fact that they still didn ' t know Playmaker ' s identity . Varis proclaimed the plan had to resolve , even if it cost him his life , promising to defeat anyone that stood in his path . Later , he met Ghost Girl at the reprocessing plant , and was surprised to find her there . Varis noted Ghost Girl was snooping again , who promised to leave . However , Varis raised the barrier , stating he can ' t let her leave this place . Ghost Girl used the rope to reach a different exit , but Varis barred her . Ghost Girl questioned Varis what would he do with her after she would be captured , suspecting she would be in trouble . Varis offered her a Duel to shape his Deck out , allowing her to leave if she would win . Ghost Girl attempted to leave , but Varis pointed out logging out was disabled . Thus , being forced to fight , Ghost Girl initiated her first turn in the Speed Duel . Varis applied his swarming tactics to bring out monsters to his field . Ghost Girl noted Varis did not bring an AI for his Duel Disk , as Varis stated trusting an AI is foolish . Ghost Girl remembered Varis spoke that Ignis would destroy the world , but Varis ignored her , considering her as a mercenary that would not understand that . Ghost Girl reminded herself of Varis ' ace , and noted the longer the Duel lasted , the more she would be at a disadvantage . Varis quickly brought out " Topologic Bomber Dragon " , as Ghost Girl sensed Varis wanted to quickly end the Duel . Varis ' dragon attacked Ghost Girl ' s " Altergeist Marionetter " . To prevent this , Ghost Girl played " Altergeist Kunquery " , and sealed off the dragon ' s effects . Ghost Girl questioned Varis about the energy sphere , and Varis simply replied something unimaginable was bound to happen . Ghost Girl brought out " Altergeist Primebanshee " and Kidolga " . Her " Altergeist " monsters attacked Varis directly , dropping his LP to 400 , and even took Varis ' " Twin Triangle Dragon " to defeat him . Ghost Girl gloated in her victory , but Ghost Girl gloated in her victory , but Varis called her a fool . Playing a Trap Card , Varis negated the attack and destroyed all of Ghost Girl ' s Link Monsters . Ghost Girl realized Varis could ' ve simply played his card earlier to avoid damage , and all of that was just so he could activate his Skill . Varis mocked her for not being able to predict that , while Ghost Girl returned her " Altergeist Marionetter " to her hand . Playing a Trap Card , later revealed through similar visual effects to be Mirror Force , Varis negated the attack and destroyed all of Ghost Girl ' s Link Monsters . To prevent Varis from using his Skill , Ghost Girl activated her , Skill , Secret Cure , to at least raise Varis ' LP . Much to her displeasure , she drew the 0 ATK " Altergeist Kunquery " . Varis continued mocking her , stating luck has abandoned her . Ghost Girl planned her strategy to deal with Varis ' effects and attacks , by using " Altergeist Protocol " . Varis simply set Ghost Girl ' s card off with " Red Reboot " , at the cost of halving his LP for using it from his hand . He also let Ghost Girl set a Trap Card from her Deck , but she was unable to play any Trap Cards during his turn . Ghost Girl still hoped in having the LP and field advantage , but Varis mocked her , claiming only darkness awaited her , from which she could not escape from . Varis , after bringing out three dragons , used Storm Access , taking out a Link Monster from the Data Storm , emitted from the purplish sphere . Varis Link Summoned his new monster , " Topologic Trisbaena " , and revived " Defrag Dragon " at the position of former ' s Link Arrow . " Topologic Trisbaena " banished away all of Ghost Girl ' s Trap Cards and dealt her 1500 LP damage , and attacked her directly . Ghost Girl screamed , as she was defeated . Varis confronted Playmaker , who demanded to know about Ghost Girl ' s whereabouts . Varis simply proclaimed she became a foundation for the Tower of Hanoi , which was activated . He stated should Playmaker wish to stop it , he ' d have to confront him . With the purplish sphere emitting tentacles that destroyed the place , Varis jumped away . Varis responded to Kitamura ' s calling , who asked to speak with the Knights of Hanoi ' s leader . Kitamura was startled to meet Varis , who threatened to erase Kitamura if he wasted his time . Kitamura pointed out there was no media reporter around , and since they were alone , he wanted to propose a secret deal . Kitamura proposed an alliance to rule LINK VRAINS , amusing Varis . Kitamura knew the Knights of Hanoi have the control of LINK VRAINS , and he explained he would maintain their domain , thinking they could even earn a fortune . Varis was intrigued , but in order to have Kitamura join them , he had him undertake a test . Varis went away , leaving Spectre to face Kitamura in a Master Duel . Varis , at his headquarters , approached his unconscious subordinates , who were lying on pods . Varis praised Spectre ' s hard work , and said that his defeat would not be in vain . He noted the tower was getting closer to completion , but knew Playmaker would arrive to face him . He believed this fight started ten years ago , when he launched the attack on Cyberse . He remembered the attempts of acquiring Ignis , even using Blue Angel to do their bidding , and he personally went to face Playmaker , forcing their battle to continue into the Data Storm itself . He noted Playmaker was the enemy that did not forget a single day for ten years , and noted he was his destined opponent . Varis wanted to find Playmaker ' s identity , even after his father planted the seed to erase all data . Due to that , Varis ' subordinates have gone to fight off Playmaker and his allies , all to prevent Varis from becoming the biggest criminal in history , who was too focused on Playmaker . Dr . Kogami approached Varis , asking if he uncovered Playmaker ' s identity . Varis denied , even though he did see Yusaku ' s face in footage . Kogami noted ever since the tower was in place , Varis ' interest in Playmaker ' s identity vanished . Regardless , he reminded Varis that even if the world would see them as criminals that took revenge against SOL Technologies , even with all the victims that would soon be erased , he thought one day they would learn the truth of the danger an AI with free will imposed . Varis noted that they were prisoners of destiny , and the fated , final Duel against Playmaker would commence soon , one he intended to win . Gore was near the Tower of Hanoi , and remembered his promise to his manager . In front of the tower , Gore was confronted by Varis , who came to stop him , and the two noted each other ' s names . Gore noted Varis would use the tower to destroy the data , and questioned his Goreals . Varis smiled , doubting Gore would understand the Knights of Hanoi ' s Goreals . Gore confirmed this , since he did not wish to listen gibberish from a " villain " , and would never forgive Varis these actions . Varis wondered why Gore came , since Blue Angel has been absorbed already . Warning the same would happen to Gore , Varis let him retreat . Gore was surprised to hear Blue Angel had been defeated , as Varis noted Spectre defeated her , but lost to Playmaker . Varis pointed out his enemy was Playmaker rather than Gore . Gore swore to stop Varis , just like Playmaker did to Spectre . Varis noted Gore did defeat one of his subordinates , and accepted the challenge . Gore remembered Playmaker ' s warning about Varis ' powerful card , and hoped his refined Deck should suffice . Gore started the first round by Link Summoning " Gouki Thunder Ogre " and supplying his field with three " Gouki " monsters as backup . When Playmaker arrived , Gore claimed he would be the one to defeat Varis , who was unamused Gore was distracted by a bystander . Varis ' swarming tactics let him Link Summon " Triple Burst Dragon " and draw two cards with the effect of " Arrow Charge " . To belittle Gore , Varis used Gore ' s " Gouki Thunder Ogre " for the additional Normal Summon of " Triggering Wurm " , and use it to Link Summon " Topologic Bomber Dragon " . " Triggering Wurm " was revived from the GY , and Varis used his Dragon ' s effect to clear everyone ' s Main Monster Zones . To minimize the damage , Gore tributed " Gouki Twistcobra " to increase the ATK of " Gouki Thunder Ogre " to 4500 , and its effect increased its own ATK by 400 . Varis boosted his Dragon with " Link Protection " and attacked " Gouki Thunder Ogre " , which triggered his Dragon ' s effect to destroy the ogre and inflict 2200 LP damage to Gore . Gore discarded " Gouki Octostretch " to halve the damage . Varis complimented Gore for this tactic , but wondered how long would that last . Thinking of the children , Gore swore to restore LINK VRAINS . Gore Link Summoned " Gouki Shadow Ogre " next to the link of " Topologic Bomber Dragon " . The latter ' s effect was triggered , but " Shadow Ogre " negated its effect and destroyed the Dragon . Gore pointed out he also used Varis ' monster to his advantage , which made Varis smirk . Varis banished " Link Protection " and " Topologic Bomber Dragon " to prevent Gore from attacking , unless he had four Link Monsters . Gore made progress by reviving " Gouki Jet Ogre " and bringing out " Gouki The Great Ogre " . Gore swore to stop Varis , who admitted his admiration for Go ' s passion . However , he reminded he was ruthless , and used a flashing " Mirror Force " to destroy all of Go ' s monsters , thus intentionally cancelling his efforts . Gore realized that was the card Playmaker warned him about , making Varis laugh . Varis offered Gore to surrender . However , instead of his confidence crushed , Gore became more determined to win , to use everything he had to stop Varis . He played " Gouki Trainer " to resurrect his " Gouki The Great Ogre " that Varis had destroyed . Varis promised to " honor " his opponent by obliterating him . He played " Boot Sector Launch " to summon " Shelrokket Dragon " and " Metalrokket Dragon " , using them to Link Summon " Booster Dragon " . Varis targeted the effect of " Booster Dragon " to " Shellrokket Dragon " , firing the missile to destroy Go ' s " Gouki " monsters . With no monsters left , Gore took the attack of " Booster Dragon " , lowering his LP to 1000 . Gore had " Gouki Moonsault " return his " Gouki Jet Ogre " to his Extra Deck , only to Link Summon it later on . He destroyed it to force Varis ' monsters in Attack Position , preparing them for battle . He revived " Gouki Jet Ogre " with " Gouki Grit " , and used all of his monsters to Link Summon his new monster , " Gouki The Giant Ogre " , which sparked Varis ' interest . Go ' s ogre , whose ATK became 5000 , attacked " Booster Dragon " , reduced Varis ' LP by 3100 points , as a " payback " for Varis ' actions . While Varis Special Summoned " Triple Burst Dragon " from his GY , Gore claimed he was always improving himself . Varis summoned a " Magnarokket Dragon " , and targeted it with the effect of " Booster Dragon " . Varis targeted " Gouki The Giant Ogre " as his target for destruction , who was unaffected by that effect , and the missile bounced off it . Varis became displeased his effort were in vain , claiming Gore was stubborn . Gore reminded he always Dueled in public , and many children were looking up to him . However , he noted currently there was no fan cheering on for him , and now was fighting only for himself . He wanted to prove his strength , and dared Varis to show his own , who creepily smiled . Varis proceeded by summoning " Borrelsword Dragon " , surprised Gore actually forced him to summon this monster that would mark his enemy ' s end . Varis admitted he did not care for whom he fought , for he was just carrying on his goal . The dragon and the ogre clashed , with neither side being indestructible in battle . " Borrelsword Dragon " gained half the ATK that was cut off from " Gouki The Giant Ogre " , increasing its ATK to 4500 . Varis switched the position of " Metalrokket Dragon " to destroy " Gouki The Giant Ogre " . The attempt failed , for the latter ' s ATK increased by 1000 when its ATK was reduced , thus becoming immune to " Metalrokket Dragon " . This , however , allowed " Borrelsword Dragon " to attack once more , and slashed Go ' s " Gouki The Giant Ogre " and defeating Gore himself . After Gore faded away , Varis reminded Playmaker they were the two last people in LINK VRAINS . Playmaker nodded , for it was time for a final confrontation against Varis . To stop Varis , Playmaker and his opponent went on their D - Boards to have a Speed Duel around the tower . This displeased Ai , since they were Dueling in a dangerous area . Playmaker reminded Varis about his goal to destroy Ignis , and pointed out he would throw the world into chaos by destroying the network . Varis explained he would not have been forced to do this if Ignis was given him from the start , and would not have anyone stop his plan . Varis promised to destroy Ai , who was feeling unpleasant . Since Varis defeated many people , Playmaker swore to stop him through this Duel . Ai motivated Playmaker , who took the first turn by summoning " Decode Talker " . Ai was glad the monster was summoned , though Varis simply smiled . Playmaker used " Stack Reviver " to bring back " Backup Secretary " and boost the ATK of " Decode Talker " for a bit . Ai warned Playmaker about the floating debris , which nearly hit them . Ai was nevertheless enthusiastic , believing that his teamwork with Playmaker would prove no match against Varis . Ai started to practice punching , which made Varis remark what an arrogant AI it was . Varis gave Playmaker a question why Ai was running away from the Knights of Hanoi . Ai reminded it was its existence on the stake , while Playmaker remembered Ai had few memories when he first found it . Varis explained Ignis was coded by Dr . Kogami , and since Playmaker could not decode it , he only believed what Ai told him . Varis explained through the data he acquired , Ai still had memories of its past . He claimed that Ignis ' ID was " IGN006 " , an AI linked to the sixth test subject , shaped after Playmaker itself . Varis continued , explaining six test subjects were used for Dueling to create six artificial intelligence units , which was the goal of the Lost Incident project . He told Ai learned through Playmaker ' s actions ; its original goal was to save humanity , but they evolved quickly , to the point of creating the Cyberse World , which Ai hid to protect other Ignises . Varis pointed out Ai , in fact , was misleading Playmaker , lying that it lost its memories . Due to the fact it could lie , Varis branded Ignis as a threat to humanity , and why the Knights of Hanoi were determined to hunt it down . Varis questioned Playmaker would he continue trust Ai , who tried to explain when he saw Playmaker , Ai knew it was the same person he observed during the Lost Incident . However , he claimed he had been trying to escape , and could not trust anyone . Varis was angry Ai continued lying , but Playmaker reminded this had no bearing on their Duel . Ai feared what would happen to his friendship with Playmaker , who brushed him off , reminding Ai was just a hostage , and felt no friendship towards him . Varis swore to defeat Playmaker and crush Ai , who warned them about another debris . Drawing " Mirror Force " , Varis set it and summoned " Spin - Headed Behemoth " . Ai pointed out how suspicious it was that Varis summoned a low - ATK monster , but Playmaker shushed him . Playmaker , per Ai ' s warning , dodged a debris , which scratched a part of his face , which quickly regenerated . Looking at Varis ' set card , he remembered Gore and Ghost Girl ' s sacrifices , knowing that card must be " Mirror Force " . Thus , his Defense Position " Foal Tolelancer " protected his Attack Position monsters from being destroyed by such cards . Varis showed it , indeed , was " Mirror Force " , but " Spin - Headed Behemoth " shifted all of Playmaker ' s monsters to Attack Position . Without the protection of " Foal Tolelancer " , all of Playmaker ' s monsters were destroyed , too . In addition , Varis Special Summoned " Overflow Dragon " and summoned an " Overflow Token " . Despite the lack of trust , Ai reminded he would be destroyed if Playmaker lost , who simply ignored Ai . Going on offense , Varis Link Summoned " Flash Charge Dragon " and Normal Summoned " Blast Powder Dragon " , who boosted the former ' s ATK by 800 . Playmaker took a direct attack , falling to his knees as his LP dropped to 900 , which concerned Ai . Ai still reminded Playmaker would be at least down to 100 , until Varis ' " Blast Powder Dragon " had its ATK doubled . Varis proclaimed Playmaker ' s doom , as , once more , his dragon attacked him directly . Remembering his promise to his father , Varis ' " Blast Powder Dragon " attacked Playmaker directly . Ai feared this would be the end , but Playmaker used " Spool Code " to stop the attack and summon three " Spool Token s " . Varis was nevertheless persistent , using " Flash Charge Dragon " to destroy one Token and inflict 500 LP damage to Playmaker . In order to get out of this predicament , Playmaker Link Summoned " Link Disciple " and " Security Dragon " by linking them . The latter ' s effect attempted to return " Flash Charge Dragon " to Varis ' Extra Deck , who instead tributed " Blast Powder Dragon " to prevent that effect from occurring . Ai was disappointed the strategy failed , and upon counting 400 LP that Playmaker had , realized he could activate his Skill . The rubble started hitting Playmaker , as Ai noted that was a dangerous move . Playmaker sensed a lot of density in the Data Storm , and there was no other way to defeat Varis , who thought Playmaker would destroy himself with that move . With Ai ' s help , Playmaker took out the Link Monster , " Transcode Talker " , which surprised Varis . Playmaker Special Summoned " Decode Talker " next to the Link Marker of " Transcode Talker " . Their ATK was further boosted with " Cynet Storm " . " Decode Talker " slashed " Flash Charge Dragon " , and " Transcode Talker " fired out a blast from its cannon to attack Varis directly . Varis Special Summoned " Chobham Armor Dragon " to protect himself , though he took 1650 LP damage . Playmaker gritted his teeth , as Varis reminded him not to underestimate him . When Varis started his turn , Ai came out of Playmaker ' s Duel Disk , but became smaller , since he recovered from the damage it took . Varis reminded he still had the same Skill Playmaker has , and remembered with the help of his father , he should succeed in taking out a monster from the Data Storm . He proceeded to use his Skill , but was nearly harmed from the density . Knowing Playmaker succeeded in using the Skill , Varis stuck his hand , only to get harmed by the energy . Varis was taken aback from the damage . He still went to use his Skill , as Playmaker and Ai noted he still wanted to win at any cost . Suddenly , the Data Storm stopped , as Dr . Kogami appeared to his son , Varis . Dr . Kogami admitted he was not a good father to let his son suffer , referring to him as Ryoken , who never complained . He explained he didn ' t want Varis involved in any of this , but reminded without him , the world would be in chaos . While Playmaker and Ai were wondering about Dr . Kogami ' s words , the latter decided to lend his strength in helping Varis to win , all to protect the humanity . Dr . Kogami ' s essence passed onto Varis , who noticed a glitter in the Data Storm , much like the light of the Stardust Road . Varis went through the Data Storm and obtained a new Cyberse monster , but noticed Dr . Kogami ' s heart was damaged . Varis muttered " Stardust Road " , which Playmaker heard of . Varis used " Link Recovery " to recover his " Flash Charge Dragon " and let Playmaker draw a card , with the cost of unable of opening the Battle Phase . Varis used his monsters to Link Summon the new monster he obtained , " Topologic Gamble Dragon " . Noticing Dr . Kogami ' s heart stopped beating , Varis explained he can ' t continue the Duel . To wrap things up , he summoned " Drop Draco " , triggering his " Topologic " dragon ' s effect to destroy it and every card in Varis ' and Playmaker ' s hands . For each card destroyed , " Drop Dragon " inflicted 300 LP for each card destroyed , thus causing Playmaker and Varis ' Duel to end in another DRAW . Playmaker and Varis were blown away , but the former was more worried about his father . Varis , having logged out to the real world , was at his father ' s bed . Yusaku and Koulter drove to his place at Stardust Road , and approached him , with the former mentioning he was Varis . Varis noted Playmaker has found this place . He already knew Yusaku Fujiki ' s name , and that of Jin Kusanagi ' s brother , Koulter . Ai shouted he was present , too , but Varis simply stated " Ignis " . Varis introduced himself as Ryoken Kogami . Koulter noted Ryoken was Dr . Kogami ' s son , but the latter explained his father has just passed away , which made Koulter curse he could not reach to him earlier . Yusaku asked Ryoken , referring to him as Varis , for more information that they had the right to know about . Ryoken confirmed that , so Yusaku asked the reason behind his actions , if the Lost Incident had been about creating Ignis . Ryoken explained his father wanted to create a successor , should the humanity be destroyed , for even if it was to evolve and rise , it was still under threat of extinction . He told it is why his father created Ignis , since they did not have limitations the humanity had . Ai claimed he was not an enemy , but Ryoken did not trust it . Yusaku pointed out Kiyoshi based his views on simulations , and it had no reason to be true . Thus , he asked Ryoken to turn off the Tower of Hanoi to " walk down a new path " . He reminded Ryoken about pointing out the three reasons behind actions was Ryoken ' s idea he passed onto Yusaku during the project . Yusaku admitted he thought that voice had been trapped by the Knights of Hanoi , and wanted to save him . In a way , Ryoken encouraged Yusaku to step forward , an idea the former found ironic . Regardless , Ryoken refused to turn off the Tower of Hanoi . Ai reminded the sixth level of the tower was to be completed soon , and asked of Yusaku to force Ryoken into LINK VRAINS and stop him . Ryoken admitted he was going back to LINK VRAINS , for the sake of his friends , who believed in Ryoken and his father . Ryoken declared the only way to stop the tower was to defeat him , which made Yusaku hesitate a bit . Without further ado , the two guys logged into LINK VRAINS , to the top of the Tower of Hanoi . Varis admitted he would enjoy Dueling against Playmaker , and the two started their final Duel . Varis immediately mass - summoned his Dragons to Link Summon " Voritcular Drumgon " , and Tributed it for " Link Coin " . Ai wondered if that was a move worth using , until he saw Varis picked " Mirror Force " from his Deck . Playmaker summoned " Linkslayer " and sent a card from his hand to destroy " Mirror Force " . Varis smirked , for the card was actually " Mirror Force Launcher " , which allowed Varis to set that card back and " Mirror Force " , too . Ai sensed Varis researched Playmaker ' s Deck thoroughly to have anticipated this move . Playmaker Link Summoned " Restoration Pointguard " , a move Ai questioned , due to " Mirror Force " . Playmaker proceeded to Link Summon " Excode Talker " , and have it attack directly , ignoring Ai ' s warnings . Varis activated " Mirror Force " to destroy the attacking monster . In return , Playmaker used the monster ' s Link Material , " Restoration Pointguard " , to Special Summon it on the field and attack Varis directly . The attack pushed Varis away to 3000 LP . Regardless , Varis was amused , knowing he would enjoy this Duel with a worthy opponent . Relationships . Yusaku Fujiki ( Playmaker ) . When first informed about a hacker named " Playmaker " who was defeating Hanoi members , Varis initially suspected Playmaker was an agent from SOL Technologies but rejected the idea because SOL would act more publicly and dismissed Playmaker . It wasn ' t until Playmaker captured Ai that Varis became interested in him . Varis then switched all his efforts into defeating Playmaker before SOL did , as doing so was the only way to capture Ai . Playmaker , on the other hand , hates Varis for being Hanoi ' s leader and vowed to defeat him and discover his true identity . During their first Duel , Varis claimed that he wasn ' t interested in Playmaker ' s identity and considered him to be just another of the many people who hates Hanoi . However , during second Duel , Varis recognized Playmaker ' s speech pattern of listing out three reasons and was disturbed when Playmaker mentioned about a certain incident that happened ten years ago . He chides Playmaker for siding with SOL Technologies without knowing the truth and , after the Duel , is eager to uncover Playmaker ' s true identity , to the extent of requesting more time from his father before the completion of Hanoi ' s program . After learning about Playmaker ' s identity , he strangely does not reveal this fact even to Spectre or his father , instead lamenting that he was too preoccupied in searching for his identity that his three lieutenants were defeated whilst he was doing so . After defeating Ghost Girl , Varis eagerly tells Playmaker to defeat him if he wanted to stop the Tower of Hanoi . Dr . Kogami . Dr Kogami is Varis ' father . He cares for him as he tends to him while he is comatose and promises to complete his ambition . It is later revealed that it was Varis who saved his father from death , after SOL Technologies turned on Dr . Kogami , and infected him with a virus in order to cover up for the Hanoi Project . Spectre . Varis and Spectre met in person after the Lost Incident , after which Spectre joined the Knights of Hanoi and eventually came to be Varis ' assistant . Varis trusts Spectre strongly as a comrade and believes in his skill as a Duelist , sending him after Blue Angel and Playmaker during the preparation of the Tower of Hanoi . Despite Spectre ' s faith in Varis being seemingly unconditional and without end , he does not seem to exploit this in any malicious way . After Spectre ' s defeat and comatose state following his defeat at Playmaker ' s hands , Varis praised him for his excellent work and promised him it would not be in vain , showing honest grief at Spectre ' s demise . Deck . Varis uses a Power / DARK Dragon deck , also including " rokket " monsters . His overall strategy centers on swarming lesser monsters in order to bring stronger monsters and overwhelm his opponents through sheer force or mass destruction , while controlling the field . Varis is also a flexible Duelist who can shift strategies between duels , making him an unpredictable opponent . He uses cards like " Dragonoid Generator " to generate Tokens for a Tribute Summon or for other utilities , as well Dragon monsters such as " Gateway Dragon " and " Sniffer Dragon " in order to gather Link Material quickly . Even after his initial play is interrupted , Varis has shown he is capable of rapidly recovering . For example , after " Cracking Dragon " is defeated , he can use " Twin Triangle Dragon " to reutilize it as material for his stronger Link Monsters like " Topologic Bomber Dragon " , whose destructive effects can allow him to defeat his opponents after having their LP depleted by " Cracking Dragon " . During Master Duels , where the extra Zones allow for a more complex set - up , Varis uses his ace monsters prominently . These LINK - 4 " Borrel " Link Monsters , " Borreload Dragon " and " Borrelsword Dragon " , both utilise his " Rokket " monsters as literal cannon fodder , using their self - destruction effect in tandem with the " Borrels " ' targeting effects to punch holes in his opponent ' s field . " Booster Dragon " serves the same purpose , albeit in a more modest , less versatile manner . For Speed Duels , Varis instead uses many DARK Dragon monsters to set up Link Summons for various Dragon Link Monsters , such as " Triple Burst Dragon " and " Flash Charge Dragon " , and the Cyberse " Topologic " Link Monsters he obtains through his Storm Acces Skill . This difference in strategy between Speed and Master Duels is more noticeable with him than with other characters in the series that have Dueled in both formats . Example is the difference in strategy between his successive Duels with Gore and Playmaker ; in the Master Duel with Onizuka , the " rokket " monsters were an almost exclusive focus to his strategy , while in the following Speed Duel with Playmaker , not a single " rokket " was used . In addition to " rokket " - and Dragon - specific support cards , Varis skillfully techs in several more generic cards , such as " Mirror Force " , which counters Link Spamming after baiting his opponents into bringing multiple Monsters , as well as " Fire Prison " to counter Playmaker ' s Cyberse monsters .