Chapter 346: Way the Force Be With You
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Mystical Space Typhoon]! I choose to destroy the Set Card on your right side, Hayato!"
As Yugi activated the [Mystical Space Typhoon] he had just drawn, a tornado rose from his Backrow and swept towards one of the two Set Cards on Hayato's Backrow.
Yugi had no way of knowing what the two Set Cards Hayato had Set were, which one was a greater threat, or which one was more suitable to destroy. He left everything to his "Duelist's Intuition."
As the tornado approached, Hayato's Set Card was lifted, revealing its true form. Seeing the destroyed Card, Yugi couldn't help but smile.
[Absorption Shield].
The Card Hayato had Set on his right side was [Absorption Shield], which could negate one Attack and recover Life Points equal to the attacking Monster's Attack.
Seeing [Absorption Shield] destroyed, Hayato sighed. "You just had to destroy this specific Card. Yugi, your Intuition really is accurate."
"Then, I'll enter my Battle Phase! I'll use [Dark Magician] to launch a Direct Attack on you, Hayato!"
Last Turn, in order to deal as much damage as possible, Hayato had attacked [Dark Magician Girl], who had lower Attack on Yugi's Field at the time. But because he was greedy for that mere 200 points of damage, he just happened to meet the Activation Conditions for [Supernutrient Z - Superzex] that Yugi had Set.
Although he successfully destroyed [Dark Magician Girl], because of that, Yugi's Life Points were greatly recovered, and now, Yugi would use [Dark Magician] to get revenge for his destroyed disciple.
"Dark Magic Attack!"
The Spellcaster wearing a magnificent black robe raised his emerald staff. He didn't choose to use flashy magic attacks, but instead directly enveloped Hayato's entire body with Dark Magic. With a crisp snap of his fingers, the air around Hayato suddenly shattered due to the pressure of the magic, and the damage was inflicted upon Hayato.
But just then, Yugi heard a voice.
"Kuriboh~"
Just as [Dark Magician]'s Attack was about to connect, a seven-colored light suddenly leaped out from the Graveyard Zone of Hayato's Duel Disk, blocking in front of Hayato and shielding him from that Damage!
"That's [Rainbow Kuriboh]!? [Rainbow Kuriboh] jumped out on its own!" Joey Wheeler in the audience seats exclaimed in surprise.
After blocking [Dark Magician]'s Attack, [Rainbow Kuriboh]'s form gradually became transparent and dissipated. Hayato watched its Card, put it into his pocket, and explained, "When I receive a Direct Attack, [Rainbow Kuriboh], which exists in my Graveyard, can be Special Summoned to my Field."
"If [Rainbow Kuriboh], Summoned by this Effect, leaves the Field, it is banished."
"Thank you, Aibo."
Seeing [Dark Magician]'s Attack blocked by [Rainbow Kuriboh], Yugi subconsciously thought of Kaiba, who was watching the Duel from the audience seats. He had always been the one to use [Kuriboh]'s Effect to block the Attacks of other people's powerful monsters. This was the first time since he started playing Duel Monsters that his Attack with a powerful monster was blocked by [Rainbow Kuriboh], which was also a [Kuriboh].
"My Turn ends here."
Yugi, with an empty Hand, had no more moves he could perform now that [Dark Magician]'s Attack didn't go through, so he could only End his Turn.
[Yugi: 3300LP, Hand 0]
[Dark Magician] [ATK2500]
Taking a deep breath, looking at [Dark Magician] on Yugi's Field, Hayato, however, smiled.
Even though the Duel was already nearing its End, and the resources they could use from their Decks were dwindling for both Hayato and Yugi, Hayato felt more and more clearly what the "Fun of Duel Monsters" was.
"My Turn, Draw Card."
Although the situation on the Field was a bit tense, Hayato felt completely relaxed and drew the Card from the top of the Deck.
Coincidentally, the Card he drew was [Pot of Avarice], which Yugi had used once before.
Now that [Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon] had left the Field, even Yugi was no longer restricted and could freely use Cards with the same name as the banished Cards, let alone Hayato.
"I activate the Spell Card [Pot of Avarice]! From my Graveyard, I return five Monsters to the Deck and Shuffle it. Then, I Draw two Cards from my Deck."
[Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight], [Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon], [Armed Dragon LV3], [Ojama Blue], and [Armed Dragon LV10] were returned to the Deck and Shuffled. Hayato drew two Cards.
"I Set one Card. I activate the Effect of a Monster in my Hand."
Hayato first Set a Card, reducing the number of Cards in his Hand to just the last one. The Card in his Hand was flipped over, revealing the Monster's true form. It was none other than [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight], which had just been returned to the Deck and Shuffled by [Pot of Avarice].
And its Effect, having been seen used by Hayato so many times, could even be recited by others.
"When [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] is the only Card left in your Hand," Hayato said with a smile, looking at the card in his Hand, "[Gaia] can be Normal Summoned without any Tributes. From another perspective, [Gaia] is like the lone knight often seen in medieval knight movies, fighting alone without any reinforcements."
Looking at [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] in his Hand, Hayato said with a smile, then placed it on his Field: "Go forth with the swift wind, my most loyal subordinate, come before me! [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight—]"
"Gaia—!!!"
Holding a heavy and sharp lance, riding a steed swifter than the wind, [Gaia] stood in front of Hayato in Attack Position. Even when facing [Dark Magician], whose Attack was higher than its own, [Gaia] showed no fear.
[Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] [Level 7/DARK]
[Warrior-Type/Effect]
[2300/2100]
"[Gaia]'s Attack still can't compare to [Dark Magician]'s. However, although [Gaia] is a lone hero, I won't let him fight alone." Hayato said, revealing the Set Card in his Backrow. "Activate the Trap Card, [Spiral Rebirth]!"
"You can only activate one Card with this Card Name per Turn. From my Graveyard, Target one Dragon-Type Monster with Level 7 or lower and Special Summon it."
Although the Card Art of [Spiral Rebirth] depicts [Gaia the Dragon Champion] shining brightly and soaring with spread wings, from the magic circle released by the Card, the Monster Special Summoned from Hayato's Graveyard was [Armed Dragon LV5].
[Armed Dragon LV5] [ATK2400]
Although [Spiral Rebirth] was a Card Hayato had already Set last Turn, when Yugi used [Dark Magician] to launch a Direct Attack earlier, Hayato hesitated for a moment and didn't activate it.
On one hand, it was because Hayato's Graveyard contained [Rainbow Kuriboh], which could block one Direct Attack, protecting him. On the other hand, [Dark Magician]'s Attack wasn't fatal. Rather than using it to shield himself to reduce the Battle Damage taken, it was better to save the opportunity for a counter.
As for why [Armed Dragon LV5] was revived, the answer is, of course, because although the usual Fusion Materials Hayato used were [Curse of Dragon] and its derivative series, in reality, one of its Fusion Material requirements was simply a Level 5 Dragon-Type Monster.
"Roar!" Revived from the cold Graveyard, [Armed Dragon LV5] shook off the dust from its body and let out a long roar towards the sky, seemingly in rage, but Hayato knew it was actually just yawning because it had just woken up.
"Furthermore, I will now activate the Effect of [Ojama Magic Remodeling] in my Graveyard," Hayato continued. He reached into his pocket and fumbled around for a moment, then took out [Ojama Yellow], [Ojama Black], and [Ojama Green], which had been banished earlier to Summon the three Monsters [X], [Y], and [Z].
"Huh, we're out?!" "Hahaha, they're definitely going to use us to End this Duel." "We really are Aniki's Tamashii!"
With the three [Ojama] brothers' expectant gazes, Hayato stuffed them into his Deck. While waiting for the Deck to automatically Shuffle, Hayato explained:
"By banishing [Ojama Magic Remodeling] from my Graveyard, I can then activate its second Effect by Targeting the three banished [Ojama] Monsters. I add the Target Monsters to my Deck and Shuffle it. Then, I Draw one Card from my Deck."
Drawing a Card, Hayato shouted to [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] and [Armed Dragon LV5] on the Field, "Here we go, [Gaia], [Armed Dragon], Are You Ready?"
"We've been ready, Master."
"Roar."
Receiving energetic replies from his Monsters, Hayato nodded in satisfaction and inserted the Card in his Hand into the Spell & Trap Zone, saying, "Then, I activate the Spell Card [Fusion]!"
"[Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] and [Armed Dragon LV5], O noble and great power, the blazing fire of courage! Awaken, and guide us to the promise of victory!"
Within the Fusion Vortex, the sacred dragon knight with an imposing aura appeared.
"My Ace Card, my final full power! Come forth, [Gaia the Dragon Champion]!!!"
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [Level 7/Wind]
[Dragon-Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2600/2100]
"Enter Battle Phase! Take this, Yugi!" After Summoning [Gaia the Dragon Champion], Hayato eagerly gave the Attack command. "[Gaia the Dragon Champion], Attack [Dark Magician]!"
"Golden Spinning Energy!"
Yugi didn't want to be outdone. Although Hayato's [Gaia the Dragon Champion] had higher Attack, he wouldn't lose in aura. Even if he was destroyed, he would have spirit.
Facing [Gaia the Dragon Champion] as it spun and dove down from the sky, [Dark Magician] chanted spells to cast strengthening magic like 'Stone Skin' and 'Giant Strength' on himself, and swung the staff in his hand like a club, meeting the attack.
No matter how high his will, it couldn't change the combat power that had become fixed data. [Dark Magician], who held the belief that 'true magic masters all have a heart for close combat', was destroyed by [Gaia the Dragon Champion] and sent to Yugi's Graveyard, and Yugi consequently took Battle Damage.
[Yugi: 3300→3200LP]
"When [Gaia the Dragon Champion] destroys an opponent's Monster by Battle, I activate one of its Effects," Hayato said, watching [Gaia the Dragon Champion] return to his Field after defeating a Monster. "[Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Attack increases by 2600 points. Then, I End my Turn."
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK2600→5200]
"It can increase its Attack even more? That's strong." Although it wasn't the first time Hayato had used [Gaia the Dragon Champion], the ability of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] to increase its Attack by such a large amount still quite surprised Joey Wheeler and Mai Valentine.
Monsters that can increase their own Attack after being destroyed by Battle aren't unheard of. For example, Chikuzen Ohoka, one of The Big Five who had already become [Super Polymerization] fodder, really liked the Monster [Sword Hunter] precisely because [Sword Hunter] had the Effect of turning a Monster it destroyed by Battle into an Equip Card that increased its own Attack by 200 points.
But compared to [Gaia the Dragon Champion], which could increase its Attack by a full 2600 points in one go, and didn't have the Equip Card restriction of Attack increasing limits, [Sword Hunter] was directly pressed to the ground and rubbed.
Kaiba was expressionless as he already knew because Hayato often summoned it out and used it with the ability to grant it piercing when they were hunting members of the Gurus Organization in Domino City to completely wreck them. Furthermore, Kaiba was very clear that other than increasing Attack, [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s other effect was the most troublesome.
'Yugi, can you capture the effect of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] that Hayato concealed from the negligence in Hayato's words just now? Let me see where your limit is, Yugi!'
Kaiba's heartfelt words naturally didn't reach Yugi's ears.
[Hayato: 3300LP, Hand 0]
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK5200]
[Set Card]
Different from how relaxed Hayato was when he drew a Card just now, Yugi's mood right now was quite heavy.
The oppression given off by [Gaia the Dragon Champion], whose Attack was as high as 5200 points, was too strong. Even though [Gaia]'s gaze was half covered by the helmet, just [Curse of Dragon]'s gaze under [Gaia]'s crotch was full of aggression.
However, what made Yugi's mood heavy wasn't [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s stare, but that at this moment, he really couldn't think of what Cards were left in his Deck that could defeat [Gaia the Dragon Champion].
The desire for victory, the inexplicable urgency in his heart to retrieve his lost memories, and the distress of not being able to find a path to victory no matter how hard he searched. Under the conflict of the three, Yugi's thoughts were extremely chaotic.
Just then, the Pharaoh, who was currently in control of the body, heard a voice from inside the [Millennium Puzzle] on his chest.
"The other me, are you feeling alright?"
Although the memories and thoughts of the two sides of Yugi weren't shared, only each other's moods had always been conveyed to each other's hearts without hindrance.
Feeling Yugi's concern for him, Yami Yugi helplessly said: "I'm really sorry, Aibo, I'm afraid our Duelist Kingdom journey will end here."
"It's not fear of battle, or avoiding Dueling. I remember every card in the Deck, and I've thought about countless combinations. However, I can't find a way to defeat [Gaia the Dragon Champion]."
"I see." Yugi inside the [Millennium Puzzle] was silent for a moment, then continued, "However, that's not all, do you remember, I also modified the Deck."
"In response to Hayato's [VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon], I added a card to your Deck. Although it's not [VWXYZ] that we have to deal with now, it's quite appropriate to use that card."
"Are you saying, that card?" Yami Yugi was also stunned, recalling the last card that Yugi had added to the Deck before the Duel started. At that time, he seemed to have said this—
"[VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon], I decided that Hayato, who is going all out in this Duel, is very likely to use this monster. A powerful attack, an effect that turns attack and defense statuses, and of course, a powerful effect that banishes a card once per turn. It would be bad if Hayato banished some key cards. So, I think it's necessary to bring this card."
——
"I remember, the card Aibo added to the Deck was——" Light bloomed in Yami Yugi's eyes. In his mind, the cards that were originally separated by darkness and could not be approached were reunited. After recalling the card that Yugi added, it was as if a missing power gear had been added to the gear set, the darkness was dispelled, and he thought of the possibility of victory!
Looking down at the Deck, Yugi reached out his hand and placed it on it, closing his eyes. At the same time, Yugi in the [Millennium Puzzle] made the same move in sync.
'Please, Aibo, everything depends on this draw!'
"My Turn, Draw!"
Like a divine sword in the hands of an unparalleled sword saint being unsheathed, Yugi suddenly drew the card from the top of the Deck. His and Yugi's beliefs were not betrayed, and he did draw the card that was enough to penetrate his Deck!
"I activate the Spell Card, [Card of Sanctity]!" Displaying the card in his hand, Yugi took out the cards that had been banished by [Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon] in batches, "Target one Spell Card that is banished from the game, and add that card to my hand!"
"The Spell Card I choose is, [Pot of Greed]!"
The most powerful draw card Yugi possessed came into his hand once again. Under Hayato's dumbfounded gaze, Yugi activated this card for the third time in this duel.
Both duelists, who also had nothing in their hands, simultaneously drew six cards to replenish their hand to the limit. At the same time, both duelists' decks also only had a few turns left before being completely depleted due to being consumed in large quantities in the previous duels.
Hayato made up his mind in his heart. I heard that Pegasus has recovered from his injuries and been discharged from the hospital? After this Duelist Kingdom ends, I must organize Kaiba and Pegasus, the leaders of these two duel monsters, to hold a meeting, and slowly implement other rules, but first, let's get the Forbidden and Limited Card List out.
It's a pity for Hayato to ban [Pot of Greed], which is so powerful that it's over the top, but it must be limited to one - but then I thought that in this duel, Yugi used the same card three times. [Pot of Greed] is actually the same card, Hayato was a little impressed by Yugi's ability to recycle cards and reuse them.
After drawing six cards, Yugi seemed to be satisfied with the card he drew. Having seen the opportunity to win, his thinking was clear and his IQ was back on top. He recalled what Hayato had said last turn.
"Hayato, you did say last turn that [Gaia the Dragon Champion] increases attack after destroying a monster in battle, is his 'one of the effects', right?" Yugi said, playing a card, "That is to say, in addition to this effect, [Gaia the Dragon Champion] should have other effects."
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Forbidden Chalice], which increases the ATK of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] by 400 until the end of the turn, and negates its effects."
A golden goblet suddenly appeared on top of [Gaia the Dragon Champion], and although [Gaia] noticed its existence immediately and raised the lance in his hand to complete the blocking action, the red liquor overflowing from the goblet seemed to not exist in the world, but only a phantom penetrated the lance in [Gaia]'s hand.
But when it touched [Gaia the Dragon Champion], the scarlet liquor became substantial again, and the strong alcohol intoxicated [Gaia the Dragon Champion] in an instant, whether it was the knight or the dragon.
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK5200→5600]
"You increased [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s attack again? Have you given up on defeating [Gaia], Yugi?" Kaiba murmured in confusion, but he still agreed with Yugi's actions of blocking the effect of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] in advance, even though he didn't know the actual effect.
Although they were far apart, Yugi spoke as if he could hear Kaiba's soft murmur in the audience, and the words he said could just be used as a reply: "Although [Gaia]'s attack has been increased, Hayato, if it were you, you should know very well that some things have the ability to become stronger when they encounter the strong, right?"
"But before that, let me summon the monster I used to defeat you."
As he spoke, Yugi played a card: "I activate the Spell Card [Fusion Deployment], and after showing a Fusion Monster to the opponent, I Special Summon a Fusion Material Monster from my hand/deck."
In front of Hayato, a Fusion Monster card appeared, but what surprised him was that the Fusion Monster Yugi showed was actually the predecessor of Joey's current ace monster, [B. Skull Dragon], the powerful Vanilla Monster [Summoned Skull] that was fused with two vanilla monsters!?
"N-No way!" When Hayato saw the card Yugi showed, and thought about what Yugi had said before, it was difficult for Hayato not to recall the first duel he had with Yugi after traveling to the world of "Yu-Gi-Oh!", "The monster you're going to summon wouldn't be!"
"Although I exchanged one with Joey, this monster is so cost-effective that I naturally have more than one." Yugi said, searching from his deck for a [Archfiend of Lightning], whose level was only 6 stars, but whose attack was the same as [Dark Magician]!
"The skeleton demon who controls thunder, appears here! Come out, [Archfiend of Lightning]!"
Amidst the lightning and thunder, a towering demon-type monster appeared on Yugi's field. Underneath the pale bone armor, pale pink and strong muscles were exposed. On the top of his head were curved horns like bull horns, and the dark blue wings behind him seemed to cover the sky and the sun.
Although it only had 2500 attack, the appearance of [Archfiend of Lightning] awakened Hayato's PTSD.
[Archfiend of Lightning] [6/DARK]
[Fiend/Normal]
[2500/1200]
With 2500 attack equal to Yugi's ace card [Dark Magician], it was enough to be proud of a large number of ordinary duel monsters, and because its level was 6 stars, the cost of its appearance was only one tribute. [Archfiend of Lightning] did have a very high cost performance in this era, and its only flaw was its 1200 defense.
What exacerbated Hayato's PTSD was the card Yugi played next.
"Normal Spell Card, [The Forceful Sentry], activate." Yugi played a card that Hayato was very familiar with, "[The Forceful Sentry], activate its effect by targeting two monsters on the field, reduce the attack of one monster to half of its original attack, and increase the changed value to the attack of the other monster."
"I choose to reduce the attack of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] to half, and then increase the attack to [Archfiend of Lightning]!"
As [The Forceful Sentry] activated, the [Archfiend of Lightning] on Yugi's field raised its hand and aimed it at [Gaia the Dragon Champion] on Hayato's field, who was sealed with its effect, and clenched its palm. A white light flew out of [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s body and poured into [Archfiend of Lightning]'s body.
As [Gaia]'s aura declined, the dark magic on [Archfiend of Lightning]'s body expanded even more.
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK5600→2800]
[Archfiend of Lightning] [ATK2500→5300]
The attack and defense were reversed, and the identities of the strong and weak were swapped by a card.
Seemingly wanting to end the duel in this turn, Yugi did not keep the idea of the last three cards in his hand, and played them one by one.
"Equip Spell Card [Mage Power], so that [Archfiend of Lightning] gains the effect of inflicting damage equal to half of the attack of the destroyed monster after destroying a monster in battle!"
"Continuous Spell Card [Mystic Box], when a card on my field is destroyed by battle or the opponent's effect, I can destroy [Mystic Box] as a substitute for a card."
"And for the sake of insurance, paying 1000 Life Points, I activate the Spell Card [Confiscation] to confirm your hand, Hayato, and then choose a card to discard."
[Yugi: 3200→2200LP]
It can be seen that Yugi was quite cautious, fearing that Hayato's hand had cards like [Rainbow Kuriboh] that could save his life.
Then he saw Hayato's six cards, which were - [Emergency Provisions], [Reversal Quiz], [Goblin Thief], [Spiritualism], [Red Reboot] and [Super Polymerization].
If these cards in Hayato's hand were used to launch an attack proactively, it could be said to be invincible, but now it was Yugi's turn, and if he didn't set them in advance, even if Hayato had a "pseudo-four-speed" [Super Polymerization] in his hand, he could only watch Yugi operate.
"The card I choose to discard is your [Super Polymerization], Hayato." Yugi, who deeply understood that Kangkang's hand was such a pleasant activity, chose to discard the most dangerous [Super Polymerization] in Hayato's hand. After confirming that there were no cards in his hand with the ability to counterattack, Yugi confidently ordered:
"[Archfiend of Lightning], attack [Gaia the Dragon Champion], the final, Magic Descent Thunder!"
"This is the final ending of this duel, Hayato!"
Cautious Yugi defended against almost all possible counterattacks.
Because of the effect of [Forbidden Chalice], [Gaia the Dragon Champion], who originally had the effect of reducing attack and directly destroying a card, had its effect sealed;
[Confiscation] confirmed that there were no cards in Hayato's hand that could be used to block this attack.
Even the possibility that the card on Hayato's field was [Blast Armor] was taken into account by Yugi, and [Mystic Box] was specially activated as a substitute for [Archfiend of Lightning].
Watching the skeleton demon raise its arms high and control thunder and lightning with its terrifying dark magic, Hayato smiled.
"Yes, this duel should indeed end."
"But Yugi, I don't like this ending now, because I want to win, there is no other reason, I want to win!"
"My ending is a replica of your and my initial defeat? No, the outcome of the duel is up to me to change!"
Hayato waved his hand forward and activated the card he had set last turn in order to activate the effect of [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight]: "Quick-Play Spell Card [Duel Fusion]!"
An extremely thick beam of lightning fell from the sky, but as Hayato's Set Card activated, a sky-blue light wrapped around the weapon of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] in a weak state. Facing the tall [Archfiend of Lightning], [Gaia], who was fighting alone, gently tugged the reins, bravely facing the attack of [Archfiend of Lightning]!
"This card can only be used once per turn, only when a Fusion Monster on my field is battling an opponent's monster's attack declaration can it be activated!"
"My monster's attack increases until the end of the damage step, rising to the attack value of the opponent's monster it is battling!"
"Take back your power, and win victory for me, [Gaia the Dragon Champion]!"
Yugi watched Hayato's [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s spear thrust straight up, and the lightning of [Archfiend of Lightning] fell on his lance and failed to bring him any damage. Instead, it merged with the swift wind and raging fire on the lance.
"This is the perfect cavalry spin, let's go [Gaia], Dragon Slaying Mystery, Modified, Crimson Explosive Lightning Blade!"
[Gaia] dived down from the high altitude, accompanied by Hayato's second-year-old attack name, Yugi couldn't help but sigh, but then, he also showed a smile: "What an interesting duel, Hayato."
"Boom!"
As [Mystic Box] shattered, [Archfiend of Lightning] was not destroyed in battle, but the excessive battle damage cleared Yugi's Life Points in an instant.
[Archfiend of Lightning] [ATK5300]
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK2800→8100]
[Yugi: 2200→0]
Chapter 347: Kaiba and Joey
The exaggerated Battle Effects stunned everyone watching. Iso, the sole Referee on the Judge's Stand, held his sunglasses with one finger to maintain his image, watched as Yugi's Life Points were Reduced to Zero on the Scoreboard, and calmly announced, "The outcome has been decided!"
"I announce that the Victor of the first Duel City Semifinals match, the Duelist advancing to the Finals is,"
"Kobayashi Hayato!"
The images of the Duel Monsters slowly disappeared from the Field. As Hayato collected his Cards and put them back into his Deck, he noticed that the Card on top of his Deck, which he would have drawn in just one more Turn, was The Winged Dragon of Ra - Sphere Mode.
Even though it had actively used Card Creation, it still couldn't help in Hayato's Duel, not even managing to Brick his Hand. The Winged Dragon of Ra completely lacked any divine majesty in front of Hayato, whimpering and acting cute to seek comfort.
After comforting The Winged Dragon of Ra, which was one of the strongest Cards in Hayato's Deck but was unusually clingy, Hayato saw Yugi walking towards him from the opposite side of the Field, taking a Card from the Graveyard Zone on his Duel Disk.
"Yugi."
"Congratulations, Hayato. You're one step closer to the ultimate Victory you desire," Yugi held his Slifer the Sky Dragon in his Hand and extended it towards Hayato. "This is the Prize for the Victor of this magnificent Duel. Take Osiris, Hayato."
"The Other Me..." Original Yugi's Phantom Image appeared beside Dark Yugi, softly calling out to his friend who was one in heart and mind with him.
"Don't mind it, Aibo." Although he lost this Duel, Dark Yugi took it quite well, a frank smile on his face. "I gambled and I lost. If even Marik can do it, letting go isn't as difficult as you might think. Besides, isn't it fine for us to stay the way we are now?"
The reason Yugi participated in this Duel City Tournament was because he learned from Ishizu that the Three Egyptian God Cards were a necessary requirement to recover Dark Yugi's Lost Memories. Duel City, with its Card Betting Rule, was the most suitable Battlefield for competing for the Three Egyptian God Cards.
But now, Yugi had suffered his first defeat in his Dueling career where he gave his Full Power, and he had also lost the Slifer the Sky Dragon he won from Marik, almost completely cutting off the possibility of recovering Dark Yugi's Lost Memories.
"The Other Me..."
Hayato silently accepted Slifer the Sky Dragon, the Traitor Dragon. He didn't add it to his Deck but instead stuffed it into the Card Box on his waist used for his Side Deck, letting it keep company with Raviel, Lord of Phantasms and Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder, which he had swiped from Dark Marik earlier.
Honestly, while Thunder Force's Suppression Power was strong and its Protection was quite sturdy in the Anime version, unlike the real card version, none of this could change the reality that Slifer the Sky Dragon had the worst track record among the Three Egyptian God Cards.
Looking at the "two" Yugis, whose moods were understandably a bit low, Hayato raised an eyebrow and said helplessly, "Seriously, why are you two acting so down, like Italians who arrived at the supermarket at the last minute of a discount event only to find that the freezer section only had Hawaiian pizza left?"
"Even though I won, it's not like you have no way to gather all three God Cards?"
"Huh!?"
As Yugi looked completely bewildered, Hayato spread his hands and smiled, "Yugi, your purpose for wanting the God Cards is nothing more than to use the Power of the Three Egyptian God Cards to complete the Ritual for recovering your Memory. The God Cards themselves won't suffer any damage. In that case, all I have to do is defeat Kaiba and obtain the last Card, Obelisk the Tormentor."
"Then you can take the Three Egyptian God Cards first to use for recovering your Memory, and just return them to me when you're done, right?"
There's such a method?
The "two" Yugis clearly hadn't thought that such a method existed. Dark Yugi's eyes also regained the look called "Hope" because he saw the possibility of recovering his Memory.
However, the people who heard this weren't just the "two" Yugis. The other two who walked onto the Duel Field also clearly heard Hayato's Declaration that he would "defeat Kaiba and get Obelisk the Tormentor."
"I can't just pretend I didn't hear that, Kobayashi Hayato." Kaiba glared at Hayato and said coldly, "Just because you defeated Yugi, you think you can defeat me, who possesses the Invincible Obelisk?"
"Hmph, since you defeated Yugi, that's perfect. Now, if I defeat you, it means I've defeated both of you at the same time, right? After this warm-up Duel, wait for me to settle the score for everything you've done before, Hayato!"
Kaiba's tone was anything but friendly. Clearly, Hayato's words about planning to take Obelisk from him before the Duel even started made him quite annoyed. Moreover, he hadn't forgotten the incident in the Virtual World where Hayato "played with" his Blue-Eyes White Dragon right in front of him.
And the other person walking onto the Duel Field was also very annoyed.
"What do you mean 'warm-up Duel', Kaiba, you bastard, stop right there and explain yourself, don't look down on people!" Joey, not wanting to fall behind Kaiba, also stepped onto the Duel Platform right after Yugi and Hayato's Duel ended.
At the same time, Joey also complained to Hayato, "Also, Hayato, why don't you have confidence in me either? Although I don't know what Yugi needs that Obelisk for, maybe the person you face in the Finals will be me."
In fact, in the Audience Seats, Joey didn't receive much encouragement.
"Although Joey and I have a good relationship, and it's not really appropriate to say discouraging things before the Match," Tristan stroked his chin, observing Joey, who had a distinctly commoner Aura compared to the rich and handsome Kaiba. "But no matter how I think about it, I can't imagine a scene where Joey defeats that guy Kaiba."
His good friend Tristan thought so, and Mai Valentine, whose relationship with him was developing in a somewhat ambiguous direction, also didn't think highly of Joey. "It's not just the Aura, there's also a certain Gap in the Quality of their Decks."
"Archfiend Dragon - Black Skull Dragon is probably the strongest Monster in Joey's Deck, but even so, once Kaiba Summons the highly resistant Obelisk the Tormentor, there's absolutely no way in his Deck to defeat a God."
Among the Top 4 Duelists of Duel City, if you were to ask who was the strongest, it couldn't be confirmed yet, but if you were to ask who was relatively the Weakest in Strength, everyone present would probably think of Joey immediately.
When Yugi is mentioned, Dark Magician and Slifer the Sky Dragon are brought up; when Kaiba is mentioned, it's Blue-Eyes White Dragon and Obelisk the Tormentor; Hayato's Deck system is complex, but Gaia the Fierce Knight and The Winged Dragon of Ra are also highly representative.
Only Joey is hard to find a Core Monster that serves as the main force of his Deck. Instead, Coin and Dice are more likely to be the first impression people have of him.
The spirited Joey and the calm-faced Kaiba stood opposite each other on the Duel Field. Hayato and Yugi also returned to the Audience Seats, waiting for the start of this Duel.
Looking at Joey's profile, Hayato also estimated the possibility of Joey defeating Kaiba in his heart, but unfortunately, he also didn't think that Joey at Full Power could defeat Kaiba at Full Power. However, this was based on the premise that both sides were at "Full Power."
Kaiba, when facing Hayato or Yugi, would indeed use his full Strength to Battle and would be somewhat wary of Traps. But if his opponent was a Duelist he didn't recognize, Kaiba wouldn't easily use his Full Power.
And coincidentally, Joey, this "guy who only got this far by Luck," was the Duelist Kaiba looked down on the most.
If he were Careless in his Duel against Joey, it wasn't impossible for Kaiba to Upset.
Meanwhile, Yugi, standing nearby, was a little confused by something Hayato reminded Joey when cheering him on before stepping off the Duel Platform.
"Hayato-kun, why did you suggest that Joey save De-Fusion in his Duel against Kaiba?"
Hearing Yugi's confusion, before Hayato could answer, Ishizu, who had come from the Infirmary to the side of the Duel Field, suddenly covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, as if she had seen something Interesting through her Millennium Necklace.
"Looks like you already know?" Hayato imagined the comical expression that might appear on Kaiba's face if the Strategy he arranged for Joey came into play, and he couldn't help but smile, asking Ishizu.
Ishizu smiled and nodded, saying, "Hayato-kun, I have to say, the advice you gave Jounouchi Katsuya is truly too much. President Kaiba's expression will truly be..."
Meanwhile, Yugi, with a head full of questions, watched Ishizu and Hayato speak in Riddles. "So what exactly is De-Fusion?"
"It won't be too long. Anyway, that guy Kaiba always uses those few Cards glued together. You'll know soon enough," Hayato pointed towards the Duel Field.
Although theoretically there should be an interval between the first and second Semifinals matches, how could Kaiba's Dueling Addiction wait that long? As long as the Live Broadcast Signal was delayed for a while, it would be fine. He was impatient to get rid of Joey, who was blocking his way, and then compete with Hayato for the King of Games Throne.
After the Staff Members performed a simple repair on the Duel Arena after the previous Duel, before Referee Iso announced the start of the Duel, Kaiba and Joey entered the "Pre-Duel Trash Talk Segment," a convention that seemed like established practice among Duelists.
"Hmph, Mediocrity, it's truly a pity. Your Good Luck won't protect you to continue your Journey in Duel City," Kaiba said arrogantly, tilting his head slightly as if trying to glare Joey to death with his nostrils. "It's time to let you know your Worth!"
Joey manually shuffled the Cards given to him by the Staff Member, which belonged to Kaiba. After a few simple shuffles, he replied annoyed, "Cut it out, Kaiba. Just so you know, I'm very strong!"
"If you want to Duel Hayato, you'll have to Defeat me first."
Each receiving their Decks that had been shuffled by their opponent, Joey and Kaiba's gazes met, their fighting spirit high. After Iso confirmed that Both Duelists were ready, he raised both hands in a French military salute and announced, "Both Duelists are ready."
"Then I announce, the second match of the Duel City Semifinals, Player Seto Kaiba versus Player Jounouchi Katsuya."
"Now, let the Match begin!"
"Duel!" X2
[Joey Wheeler: 4000 LP]
[Seto Kaiba: 4000 LP]
"I'll take the First Turn! My Turn, Draw!" Excitedly drawing a Card before Kaiba, Joey gave Kaiba a provocative look and said, "I've been waiting for this Opportunity to teach you a lesson for a long time."
"I'll use this Combo to show you my strength!"
Joey inserted a Card from his Hand into his Duel Disk: "Activate the Spell Card Foolish Burial! Send one Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. The Monster Card I'm sending to the Graveyard is this one, Red-Eyes Black Dragon."
"Then I Activate Premature Burial! I pay 800 Life Points to Special Summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my Graveyard in Attack Position, and Equip this Card to it!"
[Joey Wheeler: 4000 → 3200 LP]
At the cost of two Cards from his Hand and 800 Life Points, on Joey's Field, the ground cracked open, revealing a scorching red light. Accompanied by a clear Dragon Roar, the slender, elegant, and bony black Fiend Dragon—Red-Eyes Black Dragon—appeared on Joey's Field on the first Turn.
[Red-Eyes Black Dragon] [7 Star/DARK]
[Dragon-Type/Normal Monster]
[2400/2000]
However, others might be shocked by Joey Summoning Red-Eyes Black Dragon on the first Turn, but Kaiba was indifferent. "Hmph, just a mere Black Dragon, not worth mentioning at all."
Anyway, in Kaiba's eyes, the only Dragon-Type Monster he would acknowledge was Blue-Eyes White Dragon, at most adding Blue-Eyes White Dragon wearing different Variants. Other Dragon-Types, even Five-Headed Dragon, he wouldn't pay attention to.
"Not yet, I haven't performed a Normal Summon this Turn!" Joey flipped a finger and played another Card from his Hand. "Summon Gearfried the Iron Knight in Defense Position!"
Beside the sinister black Fiend Dragon, the Steel Knight, covered in heavy Set Cards, silently appeared. The Knight, unable to use other weapons, stood empty-handed, taking a defensive stance against Kaiba.
[Gearfried the Iron Knight] [4 Star/EARTH]
[Warrior-Type/Effect Monster]
[1800/1600]
"Set two Cards from my Hand, I End Turn." After looking at the Cards in his Hand, Joey had a smug smile on his face as he Set two Cards, said provocatively, "If you dare, come and defeat me, Kaiba!"
[Joey Wheeler: 3200 LP, Hand 1]
[Gearfried the Iron Knight] [DEF 1600]
[Red-Eyes Black Dragon] [ATK 2400]
[Set Card] [Set Card]
Chapter 348: De-Fusion
Kaiba looked at the two Monsters on Joey Wheeler's Field, the corner of his mouth slightly turned up. "You said you'd show me what you've got, but it turns out you're just a Mediocrity who can't do anything but make noisy Boasting. Are those Lackey-like Monsters on your Field your Full Power?"
"Don't make me laugh!" Kaiba said, drawing a card from his Deck. "My Turn, Draw!"
"Watch closely, Mediocrity, this Monster is the last Monster you'll ever see!"
"Engrave the Majesty of the Blue-Eyes into your memory!"
Saying this, Kaiba revealed the four Cards in his Hand.
One Fusion Spell Card, and three Blue-Eyes White Dragons. For anyone else, this would probably be a perfect opening hand, but for Kaiba, it was just basic play.
"I Activate the Spell Card, Fusion! I fuse the three Blue-Eyes White Dragons from my Hand as Fusion Material! Oh, strongest Dragon, come to my side!" Sending the four Cards from his Hand to the Graveyard on his Duel Disk, Kaiba slammed a Monster onto the Monster Zone. "Let me show you the strongest, most ultimate Dragon in history, one that transcends the boundaries of time and space! Descend!"
"Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!"
The Vortex of Fusion appeared, merging the three Blue-Eyes White Dragons. The Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, with three heads and an Attack that stood at the apex of conventional Monsters, appeared from within and let out a roar at the Red-Eyes Black Dragon on Joey Wheeler's Field!
"Roar!!" X3
The Red-Eyes Black Dragon was also a little annoyed by the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon's roar. Although it really wanted to yell back, "Why are you roaring so loudly?", after looking at the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon's Attack and then its own, the Red-Eyes Black Dragon chose to remain silent.
[Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon] [Level 12/LIGHT Attribute]
[Dragon-Type/Fusion Monster]
[Attack 4500/Defense 3800]
The strongest White Dragon, at Level 12, the apex of Duel Monsters, stood behind Kaiba, giving Joey Wheeler a cold glance. Kaiba declared: "Battle Phase! Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, Attack that eyesore Black Dragon on the Mediocrity's Field!"
"Ultimate Burst Stream!"
The three heads of the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon opened their mouths one after another. Three white orbs filled with destructive aura gathered in their mouths, then were fiercely spat out, assaulting the Red-Eyes Black Dragon, the only Monster on Joey Wheeler's Field in Attack Position. Seeing this, Joey Wheeler subconsciously wanted to use the Card he had Set in his Backrow, but remembering Hayato's instructions, he held back.
"Red-Eyes, we can't lose in spirit! Counterattack! Black Flame Bullet!" Joey Wheeler shouted.
Hearing the command, although it knew it couldn't win, the Red-Eyes Black Dragon still obeyed Joey Wheeler's command and opened its mouth, spitting out a Black Flame Bullet to meet the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon's Attack.
However, the outcome was predictable. Although its spirit didn't lose, in terms of actual power, the Red-Eyes Black Dragon was completely crushed. The Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon's Attack, after crushing the Red-Eyes Black Dragon's Attack, directly hit the Black Dragon.
"Boom!"
"Ugh!" Joey Wheeler also took considerable Battle Damage as a result.
[Joey Wheeler: 3200 LP → 7200 LP → 5100 LP]
"Hmm?"
Kaiba had been paying attention to the changes in Joey Wheeler's Life Points. Seeing his Life Points first increase and then decrease, he couldn't help but frown. "This change in Life Points is..."
"Nutrient Z. That was quite a fierce offensive, Kaiba." As the smoke and dust gradually dissipated, accompanied by Joey Wheeler's voice, Kaiba saw the revealed Set Card on his Field. "When I take 2000 or more Battle Damage, I Recover 4000 Life Points."
"Heh heh, Kaiba, your Strategy has barely changed over the years. I already predicted you would Fusion Summon Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon on the first Turn."
It was clear that Joey Wheeler was very excited about successfully predicting Kaiba's Strategy.
But looking at Joey Wheeler, whose face was full of triumph, Kaiba sneered. "My Strategy hasn't improved? To be looked down upon by a nobody Duelist like you... it really makes me angry, Commoner!"
"Since you say you predicted the Strategy I would use on the first Turn, did you predict this Card?"
"During the Battle Phase, I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, De-Fusion!"
Kaiba played the De-Fusion from his Hand. On his Field, the form of the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, which had been Summoned via Fusion, began to distort. It looked like it was about to be De-Fused and revert to the state of three Blue-Eyes White Dragons.
If De-Fusion is Activated during Battle, the three Blue-Eyes White Dragons Special Summoned to the Field can continue to Attack. Three Attacks with 3000 Attack, Kaiba could easily inflict 6000 Battle Damage to Joey Wheeler, wiping out his 5100 Life Points in one go, after Destroying the Gearfried the Iron Knight on Joey Wheeler's Field in Defense Position.
Joey Wheeler, in great danger?
In the audience seats, Serenity Wheeler, Mai Valentine, Tristan , and the others worried about Joey Wheeler, but Ishizu Ishtar and Hayato wore smiles. Joey Wheeler himself also smiled. Wasn't this the moment Joey Wheeler had been waiting for?
"You fell for it, Kaiba! I already predicted you would Fusion Summon Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, so how could I not have thought you'd bring De-Fusion? Everything is according to plan!" Joey Wheeler triumphantly revealed his other Set Card in his Backrow. "The other Card I Set is..."
"The same Quick-Play Spell Card, De-Fusion!"
"Nani?!"
Kaiba looked at the De-Fusion Joey Wheeler Activated and couldn't help but widen his eyes in disbelief. "You mean you're going to...!"
In the past, the Effect descriptions on Duel Monster Cards were somewhat vague and undefined. For example, the description for Cards like Magic Mist was "enhances conductivity." Following the suggestion proposed by Hayato, Maximillion Pegasus, who wanted to "Make Duel Monsters Great Again," revised the Effects of many Cards.
Previously, the description for De-Fusion was a simple "Release Fusion State." But now, after being modified, the specific Effect of De-Fusion is: "Target 1 Fusion Monster on the Field; return that Monster to the owner's Deck. Then, if the Fusion Material Monsters used for its Fusion Summon are all in your Graveyard, you can Special Summon that set to your Field."
Duel Monsters Chains resolve in reverse order of activation. Although Kaiba Activated De-Fusion first, the one that resolved first was Joey Wheeler's De-Fusion. The Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon mysteriously vanished from Kaiba's Field and returned to his Deck. However, since Joey Wheeler's Graveyard did not contain the three Blue-Eyes White Dragons used for its Fusion Summon, the subsequent Effect was not applied.
When it was Kaiba's turn, because the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon had already been returned to the Deck by Joey Wheeler, looking at his empty Field, the expression on Kaiba's face at that moment could only be described as dumbfounded.
Kaiba: ???
Where's my Blue-Eyes? Why is my wife gone?
Mokuba's actions were extremely skilled. After taking a screenshot of Kaiba's dumbfounded close-up, he removed this section from the Recording, but kept a backup for himself. He had already thought about it; if Older Brother ever got married, this Recording might appear at the wedding due to an "Unexpected" circumstance.
One could only say that Hayato had completely led Mokuba astray.
But Kaiba's dumbfounded state didn't last long. Being intelligent, after a brief thought, he figured out the specific Effect of the modified De-Fusion. Although in normal use, the Effect shown by De-Fusion before and after the modification was the same, Kaiba truly hadn't expected that such a bizarre usage was hidden within the new version of De-Fusion.
And this usage of De-Fusion, along with predicting that he would Summon Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon and use De-Fusion... Kaiba could swear on his future Card luck that this was absolutely not something an idiot like Joey Wheeler could do!
The person who would do this...
Kaiba turned his head and glared at the Audience Seats. "Hmph!"
"Oh, right, Ishizu Ishtar, how is Marik?"
"The Doctor said his vital signs are stable, and his condition is quite good aside from malnutrition; he's just a bit weak. He should wake up after sleeping for a while."
"That's good. Oh, speaking of which, the weather today is really quite nice."
"Hayato-kun, President Kaiba is looking at you."
"Ignore him. He's Dueling, why is he looking at me?"
Looking at Hayato, who had turned his head and was casually chatting with Ishizu Ishtar, Kaiba coldly snorted again before turning his head back to look at his empty Field.
With an opening Hand of three Blue-Eyes White Dragons, plus Fusion and De-Fusion, Kaiba could deal a terrifying 13500 points of full Damage in one Turn without any obstructions. However, this terrifying Combo also came with a large cost in hand cards.
Just like now, Kaiba's Combo was interrupted by the De-Fusion that Joey Wheeler suddenly Activated. All five Cards were used, but he couldn't clear the Monsters on Joey Wheeler's Field. Instead, his own Field became empty, and he only had one Card left in his Hand.
"To think I'd be threatened by a character like you," Kaiba glanced coldly at Joey Wheeler and played the last Card in his Hand. The only thing to be thankful for now was that the three Blue-Eyes Fusion Combo didn't use up Kaiba's Once per turn Normal Summon Opportunity, and his last Hand Card was indeed a Monster that could be Normal Summoned.
"I Attack Position Summon Spear Dragon, then I End my Turn."
He Summoned a Winged Dragon with a sharp and slender mouth onto his Field, glaring menacingly at the Gearfried the Iron Knight on Joey Wheeler's Field in Defense Position.
[Spear Dragon] [Level 4/Wind]
[Dragon-Type/Effect Monster]
[Attack 1900/Defense 0]
Spear Dragon's appearance and Name were quite fitting with its Effect, as it possessed the Piercing Battle Damage ability, which inflicts Damage to the opponent's Life Points equal to the amount its Attack exceeds the Defense of a Defense Position Monster it Attacks. Moreover, it had a quite powerful Attack of 1900 among Level 4 Monsters.
Its only Weakness was that Spear Dragon's Defense was 0, and each time it Attacks, it changes to Defense Position at the end of the Damage Step, exposing its Weakness. However, standing on the Field like this, Spear Dragon's 1900 Attack was barely enough.
[Kaiba: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[Spear Dragon] [ATK 1900]
Joey Wheeler wiped his finger under his nose. "Heh heh, it's my Turn again! Draw!"
After drawing a card, Joey Wheeler didn't play it. Instead, he chose to change his Gearfried the Iron Knight from Defense Position to Attack Position. "Hmph hmph, Kaiba, watch this! Next, I'll use the Gearfried the Iron Knight to defeat that Spear Dragon of yours!"
"Tsk, idiot." Kaiba coldly snorted. "Although Gearfried the Iron Knight has a quite powerful Attack among Level 4 Monsters, Spear Dragon's Attack is higher than his. Moreover, Gearfried the Iron Knight cannot Equip Cards, so you can't strengthen it."
Joey Wheeler just smiled. "Who told you I was going to Equip Cards to Gearfried the Iron Knight? I don't need to make Gearfried the Iron Knight stronger than Spear Dragon, I just need to make Spear Dragon weaker than the Knight, wouldn't that be enough?"
"Quick-Play Spell Card, [!card:Demons Dice] , Activate! I roll a Dice targeting your Spear Dragon on the Field! Spear Dragon's Attack is reduced to one-nth of its original Attack, where n is the number rolled, until the end of the Turn!"
Seeing that the Card Joey Wheeler used was Demon's Dice, Kaiba seemed somewhat angry. "To entrust your Future to this kind of Gambling Card, you Mediocrity!"
Amidst Kaiba's annoyance, a Little Devil holding a Dice appeared on Joey Wheeler's Field. It forcefully rolled the Dice in its hand. After rolling a few times on the Field, it stopped. The Roll wasn't large, it was just 2.
"Yoshi! Then, until the end of the Turn, Spear Dragon's Attack becomes half of its original Attack!" Joey Wheeler wasn't troubled by the Roll not being large enough, because he hadn't expected a large Roll from the very beginning. As long as it wasn't 1, anything was fine. Six or two, the result was the same.
Perhaps it was precisely this mindset that allowed Joey Wheeler, despite using a Deck full of Gambling Cards, to repeatedly receive the favor of the Goddess of Fortune?
[Spear Dragon] [ATK 1900 → 950]
"Enter Battle Phase! Gearfried the Iron Knight, Attack Spear Dragon! Heavy Metal Impact!"
"Tsk, Spear Dragon, hit back! Dragon Twister!"
The Knight, covered in heavy armor, brought its hand blade down. The Spear Dragon in its weakened state spat out a sound wave to Counter, but it was blocked by the high-quality armor. And the Knight's hand blade also cut off the Spear Dragon's head.
[Kaiba: 4000 LP → 3150 LP]
Chapter 349: Disciplining Joey Wheeler
Although the Battle Damage was only a negligible 850 points when his Spear Dragon on the field was destroyed by Joey Wheeler's Gearfried the Iron Knight, Kaiba felt he had suffered a tremendous insult.
Who was Kaiba? The president of KaibaCorp, a genius inventor, and most importantly, the strongest Duelist in the world, who he believed was most worthy of becoming the King of Games.
And what kind of person was Joey Wheeler in Kaiba's eyes? A classmate he happened to be assigned to the same class with, a noisy punk who constantly spouted "Friendship," "Belief," and "Bond," and a mediocrity Duelist who entrusted his future to vague luck.
To Kaiba, who advocated for taking complete control of his own future, Joey Wheeler was his polar opposite in terms of intelligence, way of thinking, Dueling strength, and even origin. Even though Joey Wheeler had helped him more than once in the past, Kaiba still didn't approve of Joey Wheeler's way of life.
And now, this minor character he couldn't stand the sight of had actually achieved a comeback and dealt him damage?
"...Truly unforgivable, mediocrity. To think you've come this far." His face darkened, and Kaiba's gaze towards Joey Wheeler was icy. "To deal with someone as stubborn as you, I must inflict upon you what is called complete defeat!"
Facing Kaiba's gaze, Joey Wheeler showed no fear and glared back. "Like I said before, if you can do it, then come and defeat me, Kaiba!"
"I Set a card from my hand. My turn ends."
Setting the card from his hand on the field, Joey Wheeler looked at the difference in Life Points and the field for both players, full of confidence. No matter how he looked at it, he had the advantage now. Besides, there weren't many monsters with ATK that could surpass Gearfried the Iron Knight. Joey Wheeler didn't think Kaiba could Draw and Summon any powerful monster.
Joey Wheeler: 5100 LP, Hand 0
Gearfried the Iron Knight ATK 1800
Set Card
"My turn, Draw!" Looking at the card he drew, Kaiba couldn't help but sneer. "To deal with a mediocrity who can't recognize his own limits, I must indeed use intelligence to completely crush you and your Warrior-Type monsters."
"I Summon Cipher Soldier in Attack Position, and then I'll use it to attack your Gearfried the Iron Knight!"
On Kaiba's field, a monster appeared, its entire body encased in artificial muscle and alloy armor. As it turned its head and noticed Gearfried the Iron Knight on Joey Wheeler's field, countless green data streams flashed in Cipher Soldier's visor, and the shoulder cannon mounted on its shoulder began to charge energy.
Cipher Soldier 3 Star/EARTH
Machine/Effect
1350/1800
Seeing Cipher Soldier appear, Joey Wheeler was also taken aback. "Kaiba's Deck actually has monsters with a Level less than 4 Star, and even with an ATK of less than 1500 points?"
"What the heck? You talk big every day about looking down on weak monsters, but it turns out even your own Deck carries cards like this!" Seeing that Cipher Soldier's ATK was only 1350 points, and confirming that Kaiba had no other cards in his hand, Joey Wheeler's confidence swelled immensely. "I don't know where you get the confidence to attack Gearfried the Iron Knight with Cipher Soldier,"
"Go, attack! Gearfried, Heavy Metal Impact!"
Seeing that Joey Wheeler didn't take Cipher Soldier's attack seriously at all, Hayato and Yugi Mutou's actions were perfectly synchronized; they both covered their foreheads with a hand and sighed helplessly.
"That guy Joey Wheeler, he doesn't even know Cipher Soldier's effect? How exactly does Grandpa Solomon train him normally?"
"It seems Solomon Muto is really just training Joey Wheeler's ability to Draw?"
"After this Duel City ends, let's make Joey Wheeler memorize more Duel Monster effects. At least he should remember the effects of monsters that significantly counter his Deck."
Gearfried the Iron Knight, receiving Joey Wheeler's command, looked at Cipher Soldier's shoulder cannon that was continuously charging energy. Although it felt a threat, it still charged forward bravely. In just a few breaths, it rushed in front of Cipher Soldier, raised its hand covered in steel protection, and chopped down fiercely with a hand blade!
But watching Gearfried the Iron Knight's attack, Cipher Soldier's visor displayed the computer's predicted attack strategy of Gearfried the Iron Knight. With a slight side step, Cipher Soldier's body actually just grazed past Gearfried the Iron Knight's hand blade, dodging its attack?!
Then, under Joey Wheeler's astonished gaze, Cipher Soldier's shoulder cannon suddenly fired! A terrifying laser beam, completely unlike something a Level 3 monster could unleash, was released. Accompanied by Cipher Soldier's ATK suddenly soaring to a full 3350 points, it engulfed Gearfried the Iron Knight, whose face was practically pressed against the shoulder cannon!
"Gah!"
The impact of the attack, after destroying Gearfried the Iron Knight, struck Joey Wheeler, who was still looking bewildered and hadn't figured out what had happened. The unexpected impact made Joey Wheeler cry out in pain.
Joey Wheeler: 5100 → 3550 LP
"Wh-What just happened?" Watching his Gearfried the Iron Knight's counter-attack not only fail to destroy the Cipher Soldier with only 1350 ATK, but instead get instantly defeated by its ATK suddenly skyrocketing to 3350 points, Joey Wheeler couldn't help but ask Kaiba, "Hey, Kaiba, what kind of trick did you just pull?!"
"Hmph, don't mistake me for a mediocrity like you, Jounouchi Katsuya. The fact that you, who don't even know the effects of common Duel Monsters, could reach the Top 4 of Duel City makes me suddenly wonder if the other Duelists are too weak, or if I am too strong."
After first mocking him, Kaiba said coldly and arrogantly, "Cipher Soldier's database contains the battle data of all Warrior-Type monsters. Any physical attack is within its calculations, making it impossible to defeat."
"During damage calculation when battling a Warrior-Type monster, Cipher Soldier's ATK and DEF only increase by 2000 points during damage calculation. In other words, although it's a weak monster with only Level 3 Star, it's perfect for defeating your fourth-rate Deck, which mostly consists of Warrior-Type monsters."
"My turn, end."
Kaiba: 3150 LP, Hand 0
Cipher Soldier ATK 1350
It was Joey Wheeler's turn, but he still wore a look of disbelief.
"My turn, Draw."
Drawing a card, Joey Wheeler stared intently at the expressionless Cipher Soldier on Kaiba's field and muttered to himself, "ATK/DEF increase by 2000 points? How can there be such an outrageous monster? Don't tell me you just printed that card on the spot?"
As Joey Wheeler spoke, he looked towards the audience seats, but only received synchronized headshakes from Hayato and the others. Although the Cipher Soldier card wasn't used much in regular Duels, it wasn't a particularly rare card; at least they knew of its existence.
Although Cipher Soldier's effect is quite powerful, its limitation is that its effect is only applicable to Warrior-Type monsters. If the opponent uses other monsters, then Cipher Soldier is simply a vanilla monster with 1350 ATK.
Instead of betting that the opponent has put a large number of Warrior-Type monsters in their Deck, wouldn't it be better to use that card slot for other monsters with higher ATK?
This meant that Kaiba, who knew in advance that his next opponent was Joey Wheeler and that most of the monsters in his Deck were Warrior-Type, would include this card in his Deck. And just as Kaiba had thought before the Duel began, Joey Wheeler truly had no way to deal with Cipher Soldier at this moment.
The card he had just drawn this turn was Warrior Lady of the Wasteland, which was also a Warrior-Type monster and was countered by Cipher Soldier's effect.
However, what gave Joey Wheeler a little comfort was that Warrior Lady of the Wasteland was a monster with an effect that activates when destroyed by battle. Before finding a way to break through Cipher Soldier, he would Summon it in Defense Position to block an attack.
"I Summon a monster in face-down Defense Position. My turn ends."
Seeing Joey Wheeler Set the monster in face-down Defense Position, Kaiba couldn't help but sneer, "Has the mediocrity realized the gap between us so quickly and curled up in fear?"
"Then, my turn, Draw." Looking at the card he drew, which was a card he couldn't use yet, Kaiba held it between his fingers and commanded the Cipher Soldier on the field, "Battle Phase! Cipher Soldier, attack that face-down monster! Data Impact!"
Since it hadn't confirmed what card Joey Wheeler had Set, Cipher Soldier didn't immediately fire its shoulder cannon this time. Instead, it maintained its charge energy as it approached Joey Wheeler's Set card, and its fist, covered in armor, smashed down heavily.
And just then, Warrior Lady of the Wasteland, hidden beneath the Set card, suddenly drew her long sword and burst out from under the card, thrusting a sword strike at the nearby Cipher Soldier. But unexpectedly, Cipher Soldier once again anticipated her sudden attack. Bringing its hands together in a "Catching a White Blade with Bare Hands" move, a shoulder cannon shot, already prepared, sent the unwilling Warrior Lady of the Wasteland away.
Warrior Lady of the Wasteland 4 Star/EARTH
Warrior/Effect
1100/1200
Cipher Soldier's effect to increase its ATK/DEF by 2000 points was simply unreasonable. The only thing Joey Wheeler could be thankful for was that since Warrior Lady of the Wasteland was in Defense Position, he didn't take any Battle Damage this time. Furthermore, because Warrior Lady of the Wasteland was destroyed, her effect could activate.
"When Warrior Lady of the Wasteland is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, I activate her effect. I can Special Summon one EARTH Attribute, Warrior-Type monster with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck." As Joey Wheeler spoke, he searched his Deck for a monster and placed it on his field in face-up Defense Position. "I Special Summon Marauding Captain in face-up Defense Position."
At the location where Warrior Lady of the Wasteland was destroyed, a squad of fully armed warriors appeared, looking less like an "army" and more like "yakuza" thugs. Although their equipment was fine standard issue gear, this rabble wore it haphazardly, revealing inner shirts printed with strange phrases.
Kaiba saw words like "Yoroshiku," "Buchigiri," and "Kenka Jōtō," which would only appear in gangster organizations, and couldn't help but show a disdainful expression. "To actually use such lackeys, even more inferior than rat droppings in a gutter... mediocrity, you seem even more pathetic than I imagined."
"Huh? What are you talking about, kid?" "How dare you look down on us?" "I know where you live, wash your neck and wait!" "We'll be at your doorstep soon!"
The Marauding Captain were boasting, but they only earned Joey Wheeler Kaiba's increasingly disdainful gaze.
Marauding Captain 4 Star/EARTH
Warrior/Effect
1000/1000
"I Set a card. My turn ends." Glancing at Marauding Captain, Kaiba, who was clearly aware of the monster's effect, smirked, entertaining the idea of playing a trick on Joey Wheeler.
Seeing Kaiba act as if he didn't know Marauding Captain's effect, Joey Wheeler couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. He eagerly drew a card, then said smugly to Kaiba, "Heh heh, Kaiba, you just mocked me for not knowing monster effects, but aren't you the same?"
"Marauding Captain might look like a weak monster, but its effect is very powerful!" Joey Wheeler said, giving the command, "I'll use Marauding Captain's effect! I can activate it by Tributing this card."
"Select one monster on the field and destroy it!"
Hearing Joey Wheeler's command, the rowdy Marauding Captain stirred up a commotion. They grabbed their gear and swarmed towards Cipher Soldier on Kaiba's field. "We've been annoyed with you, you arrogant guy, for a long time!"
"This territory in Causeway Bay is ours!"
"I'm gonna kick your XX with my thick, log-like thighs!"
Looking at the excited expression on Joey Wheeler's face, Kaiba said coldly, "You didn't realize at all that I was just playing with you? A mediocrity is truly just a mediocrity. It's so easy to trick you, I'm almost bored."
"I activate my Set card, Interdimensional Matter Transporter!"
"This card can be activated by targeting 1 face-up monster on your field. That monster is banished until the End Phase," Kaiba explained. "That means your Marauding Captain's effect is negated because it has no target!"
Watching the swarming Marauding Captain, Cipher Soldier snapped its fingers, and an ejection capsule suddenly appeared around its body, protecting it. No matter how the Marauding Captain attacked, they couldn't break through the capsule's defense.
Immediately after, a black spot suddenly appeared on Kaiba's field. With a flash of light, the capsule encasing Cipher Soldier vanished from the field like a phantom. Along with it, the Marauding Captain that Joey Wheeler had just Tributed also disappeared.
But seeing Kaiba banish Cipher Soldier from the game, Joey Wheeler also smiled. "Gotcha! You fell for it, Kaiba! This is my true attack strategy!"
"I activate the card in my hand!"
There's an update! Yes, there's an update, even though it's really late.
Also, missed update count: 2
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 350: Shabadobie Touch Henshin
Joey Wheeler played a Card from his Hand: "Spell Card, [Bitter Decision]! I Send to the Graveyard 1 Level 4 or lower Normal Monster from my Deck, then Add to my Hand 1 Monster with the same name."
"I will Send the Monster **"Gil Garth the Magical Knight"** to the Graveyard, then I Add another **"Gil Garth the Magical Knight"** from my Deck to my Hand."
Joey Wheeler Searched two Cards from his Deck, Revealed them to Kaiba, then Sent one of them to the Graveyard and held the other in his Hand. Then, he flipped up his Set Card on his Backrow: "Alright, with this, the combination to Defeat **"Cipher Soldier"** is complete!"
"Trap Card [Soul Release Fusion] Activate! From my Graveyard, I Banish **"Gearfried the Iron Knight"**, which is EARTH Attribute, and **"Gil Garth the Magical Knight"**, which is LIGHT Attribute and was just Sent to the Graveyard, from the game face-down, to Fusion Summon one Monster!"
A Fusion Vortex appeared, its color much dimmer than a normal [Fusion], even somewhat grayish. **"Gearfried the Iron Knight"** and **"Gil Garth the Magical Knight"** were drawn into it.
Although after becoming a physical card, **"Gil Garth the Magical Knight"** is a Level 5 Fusion Monster, the one Joey Wheeler possesses is the Normal Monster version. Therefore, it could be Sent to the Graveyard by Joey Wheeler using [Bitter Decision] and used as Material for [Soul Release Fusion].
Due to its low ATK/DEF and being essentially a vanilla monster that requires a Tribute, **"Gil Garth the Magical Knight"** is basically unused by anyone except Joey Wheeler. However, seeing that the Fusion Material were **"Gearfried the Iron Knight"** and **"Gil Garth the Magical Knight"**, Hayato somewhat guessed what Monster Joey Wheeler intended to Summon.
"Two Warrior-Type Monsters with different Attributes are being Fused. Although it's not a Fusion performed on the Field, so it can't display its full power, if it's used to defeat **"Cipher Soldier"**, that Monster's ATK is more than enough. The only pity is that the Monster Summoned by [Soul Release Fusion] cannot Attack this turn."
Hearing Hayato's muttered analysis, Yugi Mutou turned his head, somewhat puzzled: "Hayato, do you know what Monster Joey Wheeler is going to Summon?"
"Hmm, I have a rough idea. The only thing I'm not sure about is whether Joey Wheeler is Summoning the Level 7 version or the Level 8 version."
Under Kaiba's heavy gaze, **"Gearfried the Iron Knight"** and **"Gil Garth the Magical Knight"**, Fused together, emerged from the [Fusion] Vortex, revealing their form.
The Armor on the Iron Knight and the Magic Armor of the Magical Knight were merged together. While their strength soared, due to the condensation, they couldn't cover the entire body as before. Magic fabric had to be used to fill and conceal the exposed parts of the body, and the excess Armor was added to the long Staff in the Magical Knight's hand, transforming it into a great blade.
Exaggerated shoulder armor, Orbs filled with surging Magic Power covering the entire body, and an arrogant hairstyle that clearly belonged to someone good at Dueling – the combined Gearfried and Gilthia completely shed the low-key characteristics common to both Monsters before, looking incredibly flashy.
But first, he should now be called—
"The indomitable Warrior's Soul intersects, Steel Magic, overflowing Passion, Touch Henshin!" Joey Wheeler shouted excitedly, "Avatar of the last hope, the strongest Gem Warrior!"
"It's your Show Time, **"Arcana Knight Joker"**!"
[Steel Magical Knight Gilthia-Fried][Level 8/LIGHT Attribute]
[Warrior-Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2700/1600]
The [Steel Magical Knight], with its long and tongue-twisting Name, lifted its robe along with Joey Wheeler's Summoning chant. The proof of a powerful monster fluttered in the breeze. Along with its cool Pose, Kaiba also saw the [Steel Magical Knight]'s ATK/DEF.
"Hmph, you just Summoned a monster I've never seen before, and that gets you excited, Mediocrity?" Kaiba snorted coldly. "A Monster Summoned by [Soul Release Fusion] cannot Attack this turn. You say you'll use it to Defeat me?"
What surprised and then angered Kaiba was that Joey Wheeler actually put on a shocked expression: "Huh?! How can that be?"
"Even though I Banished **"Iron Knight"** and **"Magical Knight"** from the game face-down, it still can't Attack?"
Clearly, Joey Wheeler hadn't read the full Effect of [Soul Release Fusion] at all; he had just seen that it could use Monsters from the Graveyard as Fusion Material and added it to his Deck.
In other words, the big talk he had just said to Kaiba was simply empty talk. It was precisely because of this that Kaiba, feeling indignant that he would temporarily be at a disadvantage in a Duel against an idiot like Joey Wheeler, became furious.
"How could it have such an Effect? In that case, I can't possibly Tribute [Steel Magical Knight], right?" He glanced at the Level 5 Normal Monster **"Gil Garth the Magical Knight"** in his Hand. Its Attack of only 1850 was completely insignificant. Joey Wheeler didn't think he was foolish enough to Tribute the [Steel Magical Knight] on the Field just for that little bit of Damage.
"My Turn, End Turn."
In awkwardness, Joey Wheeler ended his Turn.
[Joey Wheeler: 3550 LP, Hand 1]
[Steel Magical Knight Gilthia-Fried][ATK 2700]
After all that big talk, Joey Wheeler just Summoned a new Monster and then ended his Turn. It wasn't just Joey Wheeler who was awkward; even Tristan found it hard to come up with anything to praise Joey Wheeler about, to tell Serenity Wheeler who was waiting for his explanation.
Because of her past eye condition, Serenity Wheeler's understanding of Duel Monsters was almost completely incomprehensible to her. Although she could tell which Monster had higher Attack or Defense, anything more specific relied on Tristan 's explanation.
Meanwhile, Yugi Mutou looked worriedly at Kaiba's Field. Because Joey Wheeler had declared his End Turn, **"Cipher Soldier"** was Returned to the Field by [Interdimensional Matter Transporter]. "This is bad," Yugi Mutou said. "Joey Wheeler finally managed to lure Kaiba's **"Cipher Soldier"** off the Field using [Rogue Mercenary Force], but he couldn't seize the great opportunity to reduce Kaiba's Life Points while his Field was defenseless."
"Now **"Cipher Soldier"** is back, and although its Attack is higher, [Steel Magical Knight] is also a Warrior-Type Monster. Joey Wheeler is in danger."
But Hayato, standing next to Yugi Mutou, patted Yugi Mutou's shoulder and said with a smile, "My thoughts are different from yours, Yugi. [Steel Magical Knight] isn't just for show. The moment I saw its Level was Level 8, I knew that at least for now, it's Joey Wheeler's Advantage."
"Because, the Effect of [Steel Magical Knight] is—"
"My Turn, Draw!" Kaiba didn't hear what Hayato told Yugi Mutou from the Audience Seats. Unaware of the Effect of [Steel Magical Knight Gilthia-Fried], he pondered for a moment, then ordered, "Although I'm not entirely sure what Effect that Monster has, the fact that its Attack is only 2700 is a clear reality."
"And as long as it's a Warrior-Type Monster, **"Cipher Soldier"** is their absolute Nemesis!"
Swinging his Hand sharply forward, Kaiba loudly declared: "**"Cipher Soldier"**, Attack [Steel Magical Knight Gilthia-Fried]! Data Calculation Cannon!"
Countless data flashed in its Visor. After calculating the possible Attack trajectory of [Steel Magical Knight], **"Cipher Soldier"**'s Shoulder Cannon began to Charge Energy. And because the Target of the Attack was a Warrior-Type Monster, its Attack began to soar.
[Cipher Soldier][ATK 1350→3350]
But watching **"Cipher Soldier"**, which had already defeated several of his Monsters and delayed his offensive for a long time, Attack again, Joey Wheeler didn't feel nervous at all. Instead, he showed a relaxed smile: "Heh heh, Kaiba, there's no doubt that [Steel Magical Knight] is a Warrior-Type Monster whose Attack data is included in **"Cipher Soldier"**'s Database."
"But don't forget, the Power he wields isn't just the force of a Warrior-Type; it also includes mysterious Magic Power!"
"Because [Steel Magical Knight] is Battling an opponent's Monster, once per Turn, I can Activate its Effect during Damage Calculation!" A green Light shone from Joey Wheeler's Graveyard, illuminating [Steel Magical Knight] like the Light of Hope. The red Magic Orbs on its body flashed with a Light.
Before Joey Wheeler, phantoms of several Cards appeared—[Foolish Burial], [Premature Burial], [De-Fusion], [Bitter Decision]—all Spell Cards that Joey Wheeler had used since the start of the Duel and discarded to the Graveyard!
"By Banishing 1 Spell Card from my Graveyard, [Steel Magical Knight] can use the Power of Magic to Increase its Attack by half of its Defense!"
Joey Wheeler casually tapped on [De-Fusion]. As [De-Fusion] was sent to the Graveyard, the Attack of [Steel Magical Knight Gilthia-Fried] also began to soar. Although the Increase wasn't as exaggerated as **"Cipher Soldier"**'s, based on its original Attack being twice that of **"Cipher Soldier"**'s Attack, its current Attack is—
[Steel Magical Knight Gilthia-Fried][ATK 2700→3500]
Facing the bombardment fired by **"Cipher Soldier"**, [Steel Magical Knight] calmly Cast a spell and deployed a shield in front of itself. The Laser beam bombarded the shield, but not only did it fail to cause even a ripple on the shield, the shield's shape changed, becoming arc-shaped, and Reflected the beam back, hitting **"Cipher Soldier"** along the route it came from!
**"Cipher Soldier"**, which had never expected the final outcome to be "I killed myself," was met with Instant Destruction. The Attack Point Difference between it and [Steel Magical Knight] also dealt a certain amount of Battle Damage to Kaiba.
[Kaiba: 3150→3000 LP]
Kaiba's Life Points dropped to 3000. His expression, however, was cold.
Being Attacked and having his Life Points Deducted again and again by a "third-rate Duelist using a fourth-rate Deck" like Joey Wheeler made Kaiba quite furious. And when **"Cipher Soldier"** was Destroyed by [Steel Magical Knight Gilthia-Fried], his patience reached its Apex.
"Joey Wheeler, I have to say, you've pushed me too far. Deducting my Life Points again and again, heh heh, well done." In his anger, a cold sneer appeared on his face. "Then from now on, I'm going to get serious."
"Activate Spell Card [Card of Demise]! I Draw Cards from my Deck until my Hand becomes five Cards. Then, starting from the Standby Phase of the fifth Turn after this Card's activation, I Send my entire Hand to the Graveyard."
He Drew five Cards in one go. After glancing at his Hand, Kaiba Activated another Card: "Next is Spell Card [Pot of Avarice]! I Return five Monsters from my Graveyard to my Deck and Shuffle, then Draw two Cards."
Three [Blue-Eyes White Dragon]s, [Spear Dragon], and the recently Destroyed **"Cipher Soldier"** were Returned from the Graveyard Zone to Kaiba's Deck. After Shuffling, Kaiba Drew two Cards, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.
"Normal Summon [Azure Dragon Summoner]! Then, I Equip him with [Magical Wand]."
On Kaiba's Field, a stylishly dressed Spellcaster appeared, holding a Staff specifically for Spellcaster Type Monsters, the [Magical Wand]. Beside it was a humanoid figure, like a doppelganger, whose movements synchronized with its own, with a strange posture and odd appearance. If you added "ゴゴゴゴゴゴゴ" subtitles, you might even mistake yourself for having wandered onto a different set.
[Azure Dragon Summoner][Level 4/WIND Attribute]
[Spellcaster Type/Effect]
[1500/600→2000]
However, the calm expression on [Azure Dragon Summoner]'s face didn't last long, because it was obvious that Kaiba's Deck contained either powerful Beast-Warriors or ferocious Dragon-Types. Spellcaster Types were always just cannon fodder for Kaiba, even if [Azure Dragon Summoner]'s Attack was Increased to 2000.
The tragic experience of the Spellcaster Type Monster Kaiba used most often before—[Dark Clown Zaki]—was right there. It was basically just a tool used to release [Deck Devastation Virus]. And [Azure Dragon Summoner] quickly followed in its predecessor's footsteps, especially now that it was Equipped with [Magical Wand].
"Using the Effect of [Magical Wand], I Send [Azure Dragon Summoner] to the Graveyard and Draw two Cards from my Deck. Also, when [Azure Dragon Summoner] is Sent to the Graveyard, I can Add to Hand 1 Dragon-Type, Warrior-Type, or Spellcaster Type Normal Monster from my Deck." Without even looking at [Azure Dragon Summoner] on his Field, which gave him the middle finger before disappearing, Kaiba Searched a Card from his Deck and Revealed it.
"The one I Add to Hand is [Blue-Eyes White Dragon]."
At this moment, Kaiba's Hand, which had only one Card before the Turn began, became a terrifying total of seven Cards.
And then, under Joey Wheeler's astonished gaze, Kaiba Played a [Fusion].