## Chapter 401: Warrior Mashup? It's a Gemini Deck!
So-called Gemini Monsters are a special type of Monster. They are not independent of other Monsters; rather, they are like Spirit Monsters, a sub-category of Monsters.
When a Gemini Monster exists on the Field or in the Graveyard, it can be treated as a Normal Monster, and used with cards like (Soul Resurrection), (Dark Factory of More Production), or (Amulet of Ambition). However, only when they are on the Field and Summoned a second time can they unleash their true Power.
Just as LV Monsters can Evolve when their conditions are met, a Gemini Monster's second Summon is their Evolution, whether it's gaining stronger Attack and DEF or acquiring new Effects. In essence, Gemini Monsters are this type of Monster.
And the [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier] that Rex Summoned at this moment also belongs to the Gemini Monster type, and with the help of the (Double Summon) that Rex Activated from the very beginning, it immediately gained its Released Power!
As Rex Summoned [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier] for the second time, the flames that had gathered behind it like a cape flared brightly, covering [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier]'s limbs as if to engulf it. Having mastered even greater fiery Power, [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier] swung its long blade a second time.
The scorching heat, despite being merely a false image created by the Virtual Projection, genuinely made Mai Valentine's breathing heavy from the warmth.
"After [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier] is Summoned a second time, its true Power is Released," Rex, enveloped in flames, spoke with an air of relaxed ease, as if unaffected by the scorching heat. "I can send 1 Equip Card from my Field to the Graveyard, then Target 1 Card on my Opponent's Field and Destroy it."
As he spoke, a few beads of sweat appeared on Rex's forehead.
Did he truly not feel the heat, or had he simply grown accustomed to such temperatures?
Rex raised his hand and snapped his fingers. The flames raging on Rex's Field intensified, even scorching the (Marauding Captain), which was extremely close to [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier], forcing it to abandon the shield in its hand, (Spikeshield with Chain).
(Marauding Captain) [1700/400 → 1200/400]
The metal shield, once released by the (Marauding Captain), was engulfed by the flames, instantly melting into a puddle of scorching molten iron. Controlled by [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier], it was flung outwards with the swing of its blade!
"I Send (Spikeshield with Chain) from my Field to the Graveyard to Activate [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier]'s Effect. The Card on your Field I Target to Destroy is—" Rex smiled faintly, his finger pointing not at Mai Valentine's [Amazoness Fighter] or the (Swords of Revealing Light) locking down his Field, but rather one of the two Set Cards in Mai Valentine's Backrow. "—The Set Card on your left!"
The scorching molten iron, carrying terrifying heat, was instantly flung by [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier] onto Mai Valentine's Backrow. The moment the liquid iron touched the Card, it rapidly released its heat and solidified. The immense heat immediately incinerated Mai Valentine's Set Card, revealing the true identity of the Set Card beneath—(Mirror Wall)!
"He actually Destroyed that Card, damn it!" Mai Valentine was quite displeased to see Rex, with his keen intuition, immediately find her biggest Trump Card on the Field and Destroy it.
(Mirror Wall) is a Card with a considerably powerful Effect. It can reduce the attacking Monster's Attack Points by half. Even a Monster as strong as (Blue-Eyes White Dragon), after being Weakened by (Mirror Wall), would be evenly matched with [Amazoness Fighter], only capable of Mutual Destruction.
Although its Effect cannot be Activated during the Attack Declaration, simply having such a high reduction rate for Defense made (Mirror Wall) an almost invincible Card.
Furthermore, this (Mirror Wall) that Mai Valentine possessed did not require paying 2000 Life Points every Turn as a Cost. It was a Continuous Trap Card that remained active once Activated.
Of course, no matter how powerful (Mirror Wall)'s Effect was, it was still a Card that could only be Activated in response to a Monster's Battle. In the face of [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier]'s Effect, (Mirror Wall) truly was just a fragile mirror wall, instantly Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard.
"Phew, what good luck I have," Rex said, seeing Mai Valentine's helpless expression after losing (Mirror Wall). "Even though it was just my intuition, I still managed to correctly guess your Set Card, didn't I? Looking at your face, that other Card isn't some useless Card meant for a smokescreen, is it? I've already said it, but I truly am lucky."
"Don't get carried away, you jerk!" Mai Valentine's impression of Rex, who repeatedly claimed he had good luck, worsened. No matter how good your luck is, can it possibly be better than that blockhead Joey's?
"If you've got the guts, then Attack! My Set Card is completely useless, you know."
Mai Valentine was actually telling the truth about this, because the Card she Set was the (Elegant Egotist) she drew last Turn. The most awkward thing about using a dual Archetype Deck is precisely this: if you get a Heart of the Cards, having everything you need is certainly satisfying, but if you're not careful, you could easily end up in an awkward situation where the Monster you draw is an Amazoness, but the supporting Card is for (Harpie Lady).
Mai Valentine, in for a penny, in for a pound, simply Set (Elegant Egotist) alongside (Mirror Wall), thinking it might confuse him somewhat, but it turned out to be completely useless.
Now, Mai Valentine could only hope her acting skills were decent enough to bluff Rex with a feigned display of strength, deceiving him until her Next Turn when she could figure something out.
Mai Valentine's idea was a good one, and her acting was indeed excellent. Anyone who observed the subtle expressions on her face would undoubtedly believe that Mai Valentine heavily relied on her other Card in the Backrow, and thus would proceed cautiously.
The problem, however, was that Mai Valentine's Opponent this time was Rex. It wasn't that Rex lacked careful thought; it was just that for him, rather than second-guessing his Opponent's intentions, it was better to simply Attack based on his own intuition.
"In that case, let's Attack, [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier]!" Rex looked at the fully armored [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier], rubbed his palms as if itching for action, and commanded with a raised fist, "Explosion Punch—no, wait, Explosion Slash!"
Realizing belatedly that [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier], wielding a sword, should be attacking with a blade, not a punch, Rex corrected his command.
Under Mai Valentine's displeased gaze, [Amazoness Fighter] failed to parry the blade barehanded due to the flames on [Evolution Armor Knight - Chevalier]'s sword, and with its burnt hand, was Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard.
(end of chapter)
Chapter 402: Harpie Lady's Backrow Destruction
A fiery slash, as substantial as reality itself, one-shot Mai Valentine's (Amazoness Fighter), destroying it and sending it to the Graveyard. However, thanks to (Amazoness Fighter)'s Effect, Mai Valentine once again took no Battle Damage, saving a total of 1000 Life Points.
"So (Amazoness Fighter)'s Effect prevented Battle Damage?" Rex observed Mai Valentine's unchanged Life Points, as he inserted a Card into his Duel Disk. "Then I Set one Card, and End Turn."
[Rex: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[(Marauding Captain)][DEF400]
[(Evolved Armored Knight - Chevalier)][ATK1900]
[Set Card] X2
After a round of Attack and Defense, Rex's Field didn't seem to change much, as only one (Marauding Captain) was replaced by (Evolved Armored Knight - Chevalier), but in Duel Monsters, these subtle differences are what truly matter.
Mai Valentine closed her eyes, took a deep breath to calm herself, and drew a Card from the top of her Deck. "My Turn, Draw!"
As Mai Valentine drew a Card, one of the three colossal black light swords surrounding Rex's Field shattered, transforming the once stable triangle into only two independent supports.
'(Swords of Revealing Light) is only active for three Turns. It will self-destruct during my second Standby Phase after its Activation. By then, this guy's Monsters will be able to Change Battle Positions again.'
Thinking this, Mai Valentine glanced at the Card in her Hand, 'Then I'll build up enough advantage this Turn! With this Card!'
"I Activate the Spell Card (Heaven's Treasure Card)," Mai Valentine said, drawing six Cards from her Deck. "This Card's Effect allows both Players to draw until they have six Cards in their Hand! Since my Hand size is 0, I can draw six Cards."
"But my Hand size is also 0, so I can draw six Cards as well." Rex spread his empty palm, then drew six Cards from his Deck and said with a chuckle, "While the number of Cards we drew is the same, my Field advantage is much greater than yours. Is it really wise to recklessly Activate a Card that could accidentally help your Opponent snowball?"
"Stop prattling on endlessly!"
Rex's words, seemingly advising but actually mocking, only worsened Mai Valentine's mood and once again ignited her competitive spirit. "That's my freedom! If you keep questioning me, I won't hold back!"
Mai Valentine might have said that, but she was already past the point of being polite.
"I Activate the Effect of (Harpie Queen) in my Hand, by discarding her from my Hand, to Add (Harpie's Hunting Ground) from my Deck to my Hand." Sending one Card from her Hand to the Graveyard, Mai Valentine searched her Deck for a Card, and instead of Adding it to her Hand, she placed it directly into the Field Spell Zone of her Duel Disk.
"Then, I Activate the Field Spell Card, (Harpie's Hunting Ground)!"
The air grew dry, the ground within the Duel Field rapidly cracked into fine sand, and the Field was replaced by the environment most familiar to (Harpie Lady)s — a vast desert plain.
In this desert, even (Evolved Armored Knight - Chevalier) would be disoriented by the uniform environment; only (Harpie Lady)s could fly on the currents, surveying the land and freely choosing their hunting Targets.
"As a Field Spell Card, (Harpie's Hunting Ground) can unleash the full Power of my elegant Ladies — the (Harpie Lady)s! Its first Effect is to increase the Attack and Defense of all Winged Beast Monsters on the Field by 200 points."
Mai Valentine explained, drawing a Monster Card from her Hand. "And its second Effect is: each time a (Harpie Lady) is Normal or Special Summoned successfully, you can Target one Spell/Trap Card on the Field and Destroy it!"
Despite having boasted last Turn about showing Rex, who looked down on her, her true Power, her Strategy had been repeatedly thwarted. Mai Valentine was now fully bringing out her true abilities, intending to unleash the (Harpie Lady) offensive from this point.
"I Normal Summon (Harpie Perfumer) in Attack Position, and Activate her own Effect: when she is successfully Normal or Special Summoned, I can Add one Spell/Trap Card from my Deck that specifically lists 'Harpie Lady Sisters' to my Hand. The Card I will Add to my Hand is (Cyber Shield)."
On Mai Valentine's Field, a (Harpie Lady) with long, sensual lavender hair, clad in an alluring hip-hugging leather bodysuit, appeared, holding two bottles of colorful potions.
The potions in her Hand slowly poured out onto the sandy ground, and as the moisture was absorbed by the dry sand, a strange, captivating fragrance bloomed. Even Rex, who wasn't particularly fond of perfume, was momentarily entranced by the scent, and unconsciously praised, "How fragrant."
"Your compliments are useless, hmph." Mai Valentine wouldn't give Rex a pleasant look just for a single compliment. She searched her Deck for (Cyber Shield), this (Harpie Lady)-exclusive Equip Spell Card, then waved her hand. "What comes after fragrance isn't delicate petals. Taste the sting!"
"As long as (Harpie Perfumer)'s Card name exists on the Field or in the Graveyard, it is treated as (Harpie Lady). Therefore, (Harpie's Hunting Ground)'s mandatory Effect is Triggered! I Target the Card on the left of your Backrow and Destroy it!"
Despite (Harpie Perfumer)'s seductive and delicate appearance, she curled her lips into a mischievous smile and tossed another perfume bottle from her Hand, bewildering Rex's (Marauding Captain) on the Field. Caught off guard, he stumbled back a step, and coincidentally stepped on the Card Rex had Set behind him.
"Crack."
A cracking sound echoed, snapping (Marauding Captain) back to his senses. With a look of annoyance, he Flipped over the Trap he had just stepped on, revealing the shattered and unusable (Sakuretsu Armor).
(Sakuretsu Armor) once again upheld its strange Setting, Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard without having had any Effect. Mai Valentine couldn't help but wear a smug expression.
Rex, however, remained nonchalant: "So you've switched to (Harpie Lady)s, who are weaker in Battle, but have strong targeting capabilities for Backrow Cards? But a single (Harpie Lady) won't make a difference."
"I still have one Set Card, and unless you Destroy (Marauding Captain), you can't Attack my (Evolved Armored Knight - Chevalier)."
"Hmph, that's just nonsense. Don't you know (Harpie Lady)s are pack hunters?" Mai Valentine sneered, Flipping her Set Card on the Field. "I Activate the Spell Card (Elegant Egotist)! When there is a (Harpie Lady) on my Field, I can Special Summon other (Harpie Lady)s from my Deck or Hand!"
"It's time for a party, My Ladies!"
(end of chapter)
"It's showtime, My Ladies!"
"From my Deck, I Special Summon (Harpie Channeler) in Attack Position! Because while she is on the Field, her card name is treated as (Harpie Lady), the Effect of (Harpie's Hunting Ground) Activates again!"
Mai Valentine's finger pointed sharply at the last Set Card on Rex's Back Row: "Your last Set Card is Destroyed!"
With her orange hair tied up in an intricate knot, the alluringly dressed (Harpie Channeler), in a white, cleavage-baring bodysuit, appeared on Mai Valentine's Field, holding a Staff and an empty, chained pet collar. She spun gracefully and charmingly in place, her long white stockings revealing a beautiful "absolute territory". The only regrettable thing, perhaps, was that the (Harpie Channeler)'s short skirt was inexplicably covered up with those detestable "safety shorts."
After all, the (Harpie Lady)'s prototypes were the mythological Harpie (mythological creature) who lured unsuspecting travelers with their beauty. The effort Pegasus put into designing them was evident even to casual passersby who weren't particularly interested in Duel Monsters, each one excessively beautiful, making everyone stare fixedly.
Even Mokuba saw Tristan and Duke Devlin, those two perverts, covering their noses with their arms, raising their heads in strangely synchronized movements, frantically pulling tissues from their pockets to stuff their nostrils.
Even Yugi couldn't help but blush at the (Harpie Channeler)'s attire, but he barely managed to maintain his composure under the watchful gazes of Téa on his left, Rebecca on his right, and Yami Yugi from within the (Millennium Puzzle).
Joey, on the other hand, was utterly unmoved by the (Harpie Channeler)'s appearance. Instead, he intently watched Mai Valentine's actions: "That's incredible, Mai is completely serious now. She easily dealt with that guy Rex's two Set Cards."
Although she was Dueling, Mai Valentine had actually been keeping an eye on the Audience Seating. While she couldn't hear Joey's words due to the crowded Venue, she could tell that Joey was looking at her, not the newly Summoned (Harpie Channeler). She couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.
What she didn't know was that Joey's indifference to the (Harpie Channeler)'s appearance was purely because his preference wasn't for white stockings, but rather for thigh-high boots, and he also had a hair color preference, only being attracted to black and blonde hair.
However, all of these factors coincidentally pointed towards Mai Valentine.
The (Harpie Channeler) raised her Staff, uttered a couple of incantations, then slyly put the Staff down and suddenly swung the chain of the collar she was holding. She forcefully threw the metal collar, startling the two Monsters on Rex's Field, who quickly dodged, but this resulted in Rex's last Set Card being Destroyed.
The card he had Set was (Time Machine), which had the ability to revive a Monster Destroyed by Battle to the Field.
Watching Mai Valentine's actions as she successively Destroyed two cards from his Back Row, Rex, who had maintained a casual attitude until now, couldn't help but seriously look at the now grave and determined Mai Valentine and Sent his (Time Machine) to the Graveyard. "Oh, so you're getting serious now?"
"Serious? It's not over yet, I still have cards to use." Mai Valentine raised a delicate eyebrow. After gathering two (Harpie Lady) on her Field, she Activated another Card. "Continuous Spell Card, (Hysteric Sign)! When this Card's Effect is Activated, I can Add one (Elegant Egotist) from my Deck or Graveyard to my Hand! Then I Activate (Elegant Egotist) again!"
"My third (Harpie Lady)! (Harpie Harpist)!"
With her orange-red hair neatly tied back by a black hairband, in stark contrast to the alluring (Harpie Perfumer) and the mischievous (Harpie Channeler), the gentle (Harpie Harpist) appeared, cradling a large harp, her talons softly plucking its strings.
Another (Harpie Lady) Monster was Summoned to Mai Valentine's Field. And this time, even without Mai Valentine explaining, Rex already anticipated it: "If I'm not mistaken, this (Harpie Harpist) also has the Effect of being treated as (Harpie Lady) while on the Field or in the Graveyard, right?"
"You haven't forgotten the Effect of (Harpie's Hunting Ground) that you just Activated, have you? Its Effect isn't like other Cards; it should be mandatory."
As he spoke, Rex looked at his now empty Back Row: "There are no Cards left on my Back Row! Are you going to Destroy your own Back Row?"
Rex expected to see a frustrated expression on Mai Valentine's face, like a spoiled woman realizing she'd made a mistake. But to his surprise, Mai Valentine merely smiled confidently: "Don't underestimate me! What if I do Destroy my own Back Row?"
"Because of the Effect of (Harpie's Hunting Ground), when (Harpie Harpist) is successfully Special Summoned, I Target the (Hysteric Sign) that I just Activated on my Back Row and Destroy it!"
The gentle (Harpie Harpist) plucked a string, and the seemingly invisible sound waves suddenly transformed into tangible blades, which flew across the Field, abruptly curved, and tore apart the (Hysteric Sign) that Mai Valentine had just Activated.
At this moment, Mai Valentine had cleared both her and Rex's Back Rows, leaving only one (Swords of Revealing Light) Set Card. While also Summoning three (Harpie Lady) Monsters to her Field. The Field was also (Harpie's Hunting Ground), the most familiar to the (Harpie Lady). Even so, she still had four Cards in her Hand.
(Harpie Channeler) [Level 4 / Wind]
[Winged Beast-Type / Effect]
[ATK 1400 / DEF 1300 → ATK 1600 / DEF 1500]
(Harpie Harpist) [Level 4 / Wind]
[Winged Beast-Type / Effect]
[ATK 1700 / DEF 600 → ATK 1900 / DEF 800]
(Harpie Perfumer) [Level 4 / Wind]
[Winged Beast-Type / Effect]
[ATK 1400 / DEF 1300 → ATK 1600 / DEF 1500]
Among Mai Valentine's four Cards in Hand, there was also a (Cyber Shield) that had been Added to Hand earlier by the Effect of (Harpie Perfumer). It could be Equipped to a (Harpie Lady) or (Harpie Lady Sisters) to increase their ATK and DEF by 500.
And she indeed Activated it.
"I Activate the Equip Spell Card (Cyber Shield), and Equip it to (Harpie Channeler), whose card name is treated as (Harpie Lady), to increase her ATK and DEF by 500."
(Harpie Channeler) [ATK 1600 / DEF 1500 → ATK 2100 / DEF 2000]
Equipping the Equip Spell Card to the (Harpie Channeler), who had the lowest stats on her Field, Mai Valentine waved her hand forward: "Enter Battle Phase! Initiate Total Attack, My Ladies!"
"Don't forget my (Marauding Captain)!" Rex interjected as a reminder. "Because of his Effect, all of your Attacks targeting Warrior-Type Monsters will be redirected to him."
Mai Valentine glanced at Rex, a little puzzled, not quite understanding why he would remind her. While Mai Valentine remembered this Effect, if someone with a poor memory were to Attack with the (Harpie Channeler), who had the highest ATK, that Attack would be wasted, being redirected to the (Marauding Captain) in Defense Position.
Rex could have simply let that situation happen, as taking less Damage would benefit him. Why would he do that?
Despite her confusion, Mai Valentine still gave her next command: "In that case, I'll first Attack the (Marauding Captain) in Defense Position with (Harpie Perfumer), who has the lowest ATK!"
"Perfume Strategy!"
The (Harpie Perfumer), who had discarded both bottles of perfume she had upon her Summon, reached behind her back and, from who knows where, produced another bottle of strangely colored perfume, resembling polluted river water murky with oil, and threw it towards the (Marauding Captain)'s position.
The (Marauding Captain) repeatedly reminded himself mentally not to be entranced by the perfume again, but the moment he caught its scent, he was once again robbed of his senses. It wasn't until a sharp pain flared in his chest that he saw the (Harpie Perfumer) had already completed her Attack.
"Thump!"
The (Marauding Captain) was Destroyed by the sharp talons of (Harpie Perfumer) and Sent to the Graveyard, leaving only one (Chevalier de Fleur) in Attack Position on Rex's Field. Ignoring his Effect as a Gemini Monster that could be Tributed after a second Summon, his 1900 ATK alone made him a decent opponent.
Mai Valentine still had two Monsters that hadn't Attacked, namely (Harpie Harpist) with 1900 ATK and (Harpie Channeler) with 2100 ATK. Theoretically, Mai Valentine could now first Destroy (Chevalier de Fleur) with (Harpie Channeler), then use (Harpie Harpist) for a Direct Attack. This would yield maximum advantage and keep her losses at zero.
But to Rex's surprise, Mai Valentine unhesitatingly made the 'incorrect' choice: "For my second Attack, I'll use (Harpie Harpist) to Attack (Chevalier de Fleur)! Since both Monsters have equal ATK, they will be Destroyed together!"
"You chose to have your Monster go down in Mutual Destruction?"
While Rex was surprised, the (Harpie Harpist) executed Mai Valentine's command without hesitation. Her sharp talons continuously plucked the harp strings, like a chef's knife shaving hair, sending wave after wave of sonic blades towards (Chevalier de Fleur).
(Chevalier de Fleur) was not to be outdone. Flames suddenly extended, covering its blade, and with continuous swings, fiery slashes intercepted the sonic blades in mid-air.
However, despite their best efforts, a slight oversight occurred. The stalemate between their Attacks didn't last long. A sonic blade pierced through the fiery slashes' defenses and struck (Chevalier de Fleur). But at the same time, a fiery slash successfully cut through the sonic blades, Destroying the (Harpie Harpist) who didn't have time to take flight with her harp.
Mai Valentine's face showed a trace of regret, as if she felt a pang of guilt for Destroying a Monster that trusted her and Sending it to the Graveyard like that. After Sending (Harpie Harpist) to the Graveyard, she once again raised her head, her gaze firm, and said: "Then this is my third Attack, (Harpie Channeler), perform a Direct Attack on the Opponent's Duelist!"
The (Harpie Channeler), adorned in the strangely shaped (Cyber Shield) that resembled a fetish costume more than Armor, this time didn't even bother to conceal her movements. She directly took flight, swinging a metal-collared chain, and swooped down towards Rex, throwing the collar, imbued with sufficient Power, like a meteor hammer. The Phantom Image of the Attack passed directly through Rex's body!
[Rex: 4000 → 1900 LP]
"Ow! Ah, ow, ow, ow!" Rex said, touching the spot where he had just been hit by (Harpie Channeler) with one hand. Though he claimed it hurt, his facial expression was too exaggerated for anyone to believe he was truly in pain.
"You're truly impressive, Mai Valentine." For the first time, Rex called out Mai Valentine's name and looked at her with a serious gaze, saying, "That last Attack was truly simple and direct. Now that's what I call an Attack."
"I really should take back what I said at the start of the Duel. You're a formidable Duelist, worth me getting serious for."
Rex wasn't joking. Mai Valentine's Dueling style, which involved clearing all Cards from the Back Row and letting Duel Monsters clash in direct physical combat, was perfectly to Rex's taste. He was truly fired up and ready to unleash the true power of the Deck he was using.
The Deck he normally used was, of course, not this one, but another. That Deck's Dueling style was "slightly" unique. Its Battle Effects were very peculiar, and it also had an Effect that could inflict Damage to a Duelist's Vitality. It wasn't very suitable for use in places like the KC Cup, which was why Rex had switched to his current Deck.
But Mai Valentine didn't know any of this. She thought the Deck Rex was using was his Main Deck. And hearing Rex say he hadn't gone all out yet truly annoyed her.
"Go all out? Then by all means, do it! The stronger, the better. Anyway, I'll definitely defeat you and show you what I'm capable of, hmph!" Mai Valentine let out a cold snort, then, with three Cards between her fingers, she swiftly swiped them across her Duel Disk, skillfully inserting all the Cards into her Spell & Trap Zone. "I Set all three Cards from my Hand, then End my Turn."
"During my Standby Phase, this Turn, the Effects of (Hysteric Sign) and (Harpie Harpist) that were Sent to the Graveyard can Activate."
Rex revealed an understanding expression: "I see, so they have Effects that Activate when Sent to the Graveyard? This Duel is truly getting more and more interesting."
"The Effect of (Harpie Harpist) is to Add one Winged Beast-Type, Level 4 Monster with 1500 ATK or less from my Deck to my Hand. Then, (Hysteric Sign) can Add up to three "Harpie" Cards with different names from my Deck to my Hand, with a maximum of one of each name."
The Effects of both Cards Activated simultaneously. After Mai Valentine had emptied her Hand of Cards, which she had replenished via (Card of Safe Return) earlier in this Turn, she surprisingly replenished four more Cards from her Deck!
[Mai Valentine: 4000 LP, Hand 4]
(Harpie Channeler) (Equipped with (Cyber Shield)) [ATK 2100]
(Harpie Perfumer) [ATK 1600]
(Swords of Revealing Light) [Set Card] x3
Field: (Harpie's Hunting Ground)
Rex placed his finger on his Deck, a smirk playing on his lips: "The upcoming Battle might be a bit rough, but are you ready for my fiery passion, Mai Valentine?"
"My Turn, Draw!"
(end of chapter)
Chapter 404: Raging Fire Draw, (Gearfried the Iron Knight)?!
"My Turn, Draw!"
"Then, I activate the Spell Card (Graceful Charity)! I draw three cards from my Deck, then choose two cards from my Hand to discard."
After the cards were sent to the Graveyard, Rex seemed to have drawn good cards, a smile appearing on his face: "I can feel it, the winds of victory are blowing behind me."
"I activate the Continuous Spell Card (Adamantite True Power)!" Rex played a Card. The Card Art showed (Evolutionary Armored Knight - Chevalier) controlling flames and forming a barrier—the same Monster that had just been destroyed and sent to the Graveyard. "The Effect of this Card is: if there is a Monster on my opponent's Field and I have no Monsters on my Field, once per turn, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Gemini Monster from my Hand!"
"From my Hand, I Special Summon (True Evolution Guardian - Bishop), and then Double Summon it!"
From the blazing flames emerged a Monster, its appearance quite similar to the (Evolutionary Armored Knight - Chevalier) Rex had previously Summoned. The only differences were that its skirt had been replaced with a cape, and its sword with a flail.
(True Evolution Guardian - Bishop) [Level 4/FIRE Attribute]
[Warrior-Type/Gemini/Effect]
[1500/1000]
Although its Attack was only 1500, facing (Harpie Perfumer) with 1600 Attack and (Harpie Channeler) with 2100 Attack, (True Evolution Guardian - Bishop) still exuded a powerful aura.
"After being Normal Summoned a second time, (True Evolution Guardian - Bishop)'s Effect is released and activated simultaneously," Rex said, pointing to his Graveyard.
"Once per turn, if (True Evolution Guardian - Bishop) is successfully Summoned or Special Summoned, I can Target one Warrior-Type, FIRE Attribute Monster or Gemini Monster from my Graveyard, other than (True Evolution Guardian - Bishop), and Special Summon it."
As (True Evolution Guardian - Bishop) on Rex's Field chanted a spell, a ball of blazing fire surged from his Graveyard and landed on Rex's Field. Within the raging flames, a humanoid shape could barely be discerned.
Mai Valentine frowned: "Warrior-Type, FIRE Attribute Monsters, and Gemini Monsters... Rex's Graveyard should only contain one (Evolutionary Armored Knight - Chevalier). But why does this Monster look a little different?"
Although (Evolutionary Armored Knight - Chevalier) had also appeared enveloped in flames during its first appearance, those flames had raged uncontrollably. This current mass of fire, however, was so contained it barely resembled fire at all.
Moreover, this mass of fire was considerably larger. Mai Valentine could swear on Joey's future dating life that this Monster was definitely not (Evolutionary Armored Knight - Chevalier)!
"Clang!"
With the sound of a sword being drawn, a heavy sword wreathed in flames emerged from the fire, cleaving it apart. The blazing inferno split into two, spreading like the outstretched wings of a Phoenix, revealing a tall figure clad in white armor, holding a sword and shield within the flames.
"Raging Fire Draw! When the eternal Immortal Phoenix and the blazing sword intertwine, all evil will be rendered to nothingness!"
"This is the strongest Monster in my Deck, (Phoenix Gearfried)!" Rex declared, his hands itching as he looked at the fully armed (Phoenix Gearfried).
This wasn't the kind of Duel he typically enjoyed; he had only chosen this Deck because fully armed Warrior-Type Monsters suited his preferences. However, though Rex's fighting spirit was ignited, this Deck not only failed to satisfy his craving but instead made him even more excited and restless.
What Mai Valentine cared about wasn't the strength or coolness of the Monster Rex had Summoned, but its name: "(Gearfried the Iron Knight)?"
Musing, Mai Valentine turned her head slightly and immediately spotted Joey in the Audience Seating, his face equally surprised.
When (Gearfried the Iron Knight) was mentioned, Mai Valentine's first thought was Joey's (Gearfried the Iron Knight) and the unbound (Gearfried the Swordmaster). But she hadn't expected to see a brand new (Gearfried the Iron Knight) here today.
(Phoenix Gearfried) [Level 8/FIRE Attribute]
[Warrior-Type/Normal Monster]
[2800/2200]
"Attack, 2800 points?" Mai Valentine's expression turned serious. While she had seen Monsters with higher Attack, most of the time, Mai Valentine didn't have to face those (Monster Cards).
The biggest feature of the (Harpie Lady) Deck was its proficiency in Destroying the Backrow, but its weakness lay in generally low Attack, requiring Card support and not excelling in direct Attack confrontations.
Furthermore, the way (Phoenix Gearfried) appeared, almost in the same vein as (Evolutionary Armored Knight - Chevalier) and (True Evolution Guardian - Bishop), made Mai Valentine suspect that it was also a Gemini Monster.
The only thing to be thankful for was that Rex's Normal Summon for this Turn had already been used on (True Evolution Guardian - Bishop). Even if (Phoenix Gearfried) truly was a Gemini Monster, its Effect couldn't be used until the Next Turn.
"Even if (Phoenix Gearfried) is a Gemini Monster, I'd have to wait until the Next Turn to use its Effect. Miss Mai Valentine, that's what you're thinking, isn't it?"
As if seeing through Mai Valentine's Mind, Rex smiled confidently and drew a Card: "In some ways, yes. After all, I no longer have a Normal Summon opportunity this Turn, and I don't have the (Double Summon) Card in my Hand either."
"However, without boasting, I'm actually quite skilled at using various armors and Equipment to Enhance my combat."
The Card in Rex's Hand was inserted into the Spell & Trap Zone: "Your (Harpie Lady) has its exclusive Equip Spell Card (Cyber Shield). Similarly, Gemini Monsters also have their exclusive Equipment! I Equip (Phoenix Gearfried) with the Equip Spell Card (Super Double Summon)!"
"Only a Gemini Monster can Equip (Super Double Summon). It allows a Gemini Monster to be treated as having been Normal Summoned a second time. Therefore, (Phoenix Gearfried)'s Power is released!"
With that command, the flames that had been restrained behind (Phoenix Gearfried) suddenly surged, then broke free from its body, transforming into a gigantic Phoenix made of fire!
"Now, Enter Battle Phase!" Rex clenched his fist and swung it forward vigorously, then, realizing something, changed it to a hand-chop motion. "(Phoenix Gearfried), Attack (Harpie Channeler)!"
"Phoenix Cross Slash!"
(end of chapter)
Chapter 405: The Invincible Barrier's Super Double
"Phoenix Gearfried, attack Harpie Channeler!"
"Phoenix Cross Slash!"
Holding a giant shield and heavy sword, and clad in thick armor, Phoenix Gearfried began to move. His speed was nothing like what one would expect from someone bearing such a heavy burden; before anyone could even blink, Phoenix Gearfried appeared before Harpie Channeler as if teleporting, about to swing his greatsword.
Harpie Channeler had no time to take flight from the ground. Just as she was about to be destroyed, Mai Valentine reacted in time and pressed the activation button on her Duel Disk: "Don't think you'll succeed, look over here!"
"I activate the Trap Card Sakuretsu Armor, chaining to Phoenix Gearfried's attack declaration to destroy it!"
Following Mai Valentine's words, one of the three Set Cards in her backrow was flipped up. A laser beam shot out from the card art of Sakuretsu Armor, heading towards Phoenix Gearfried. If hit by this laser, no matter how powerful Phoenix Gearfried's ATK, he would be utterly destroyed.
Mai Valentine was feeling proud, but saw that the momentum of the greatsword falling from Phoenix Gearfried's hand had not slowed at all. It struck heavily upon Harpie Channeler, piercing and tearing through her Cyber Shield, sending her to the Graveyard.
Facing the incoming laser, he didn't even furrow his brow. He simply raised his flame-wreathed shield and performed a shield bash, actually blocking the laser!
Seeing the bewilderment on Mai Valentine's face, Rex explained with a smile, "Don't forget, Phoenix Gearfried is already in its Gemini Summoned state. Although I didn't activate his effect during the Main Phase, as long as the conditions are met, he can use special abilities even during the Battle Phase!"
"Phoenix Gearfried can, by sending one Equip Card from my field to the Graveyard as a cost, negate and destroy the activation of a Spell or Trap Card that targets a monster on the field!"
"Haaah!"
Raising his shield, Phoenix Gearfried forcefully pushed with it. The laser beam that was held at bay by his shield was forcibly pushed back, returning along its path and striking the Sakuretsu Armor card itself.
The Sakuretsu Armor card was destroyed by its own reflected attack. Simultaneously, the battle damage from when Harpie Channeler was destroyed was settled onto Mai Valentine.
"Ugh!"
[Mai Valentine: 4000 → 3300 LP]
Having completed an attack and perfectly defended against the destruction effect, Phoenix Gearfried returned to Rex's field. The only cost was that the fire phoenix that had awakened due to the effect of the equipped Super Double Summon burned out as Super Double Summon vanished.
The Equip Card that Rex had just sent to the Graveyard to activate Phoenix Gearfried's effect was Super Double Summon. Because he lost Super Double Summon, Phoenix Gearfried reverted to its Normal Monster state from before being Gemini Summoned, its flames receding onto its back to form a cloak.
However, this was only partial flame. Where the fire phoenix dissipated, another ball of flame was still burning fiercely, even starting to spread and expand.
"If a face-up Super Double Summon is sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one Normal Monster from my Graveyard, by targeting it." Rex said, retrieving a card from his Graveyard and showing it to Mai Valentine. "The monster I am summoning is the previously destroyed Evolution Armored Knight - Chevalier!"
"Since he has appeared, for my second attack, I will use Evolution Armored Knight - Chevalier to attack Harpie Perfumer!"
A figure emerged from the burning flames. Evolution Armored Knight - Chevalier, wielding a sharp blade, returned from the Graveyard and pierced Harpie Perfumer's chest with a single strike, showing no distraction by her beauty.
Its cold gaze seemed to say, "Women only slow down my sword-drawing speed."
[Mai Valentine: 3300 → 3000 LP]
Mai Valentine suffered battle damage once more, her Life Points dropping by a cumulative 1000 points. Although her Life Points appeared higher than Rex's, the Harpie Ladies on Mai Valentine's field had all been destroyed, including the last one. Meanwhile, Rex still had a True Evolution Guardian - Bishop with 1500 ATK on his field that had not yet attacked.
"This will be the third attack, Miss Mai!" Rex shouted excitedly, pumping his fist. "If there are no monsters to block my attack, True Evolution Guardian - Bishop, launch a direct attack on the Duelist!"
The flame-wreathed flail was swung by True Evolution Guardian - Bishop. Due to the nature of the whip-like weapon, the ball at the end was continuously accelerated. Swinging the flail, True Evolution Guardian - Bishop stepped forward, preparing to launch a direct attack on Mai Valentine.
From the audience seating, Joey watched Mai Valentine, who was in crisis, with extreme anxiety. Excited, he grabbed Tristan's thigh and leaped to his feet, shouting loudly into the arena, "Don't lose, Mai!"
The venue was so noisy. Theoretically, with so many sounds interfering, no matter how loud Joey's voice was, Mai Valentine's attention would be scattered by the noise and she wouldn't be able to hear clearly what he was saying.
But for some inexplicable reason, Mai Valentine heard Joey's shout.
Without turning to look at Joey, who was pushed back into his seat by Tristan and was apologizing to the audience behind them, Mai Valentine retorted, "Idiot Joey, just getting hit by an attack wouldn't cause me to lose! You really think I'd lose just like this? You're underestimating me too much!"
Her words were quite arrogant, but Mai Valentine's lips unconsciously curled into a smile.
"Rex, you did say you were going for a direct attack, right?" Mai Valentine's finger pressed the button to activate a Set Card. One Set Card on her field flipped up, revealing a semicircular barrier. "You've already destroyed all my monsters and gained a significant advantage, yet you don't know when to quit."
"Then don't blame me for using this card. I have Joey to thank, who recently drew this card and gave it to me. I promised him we'd settle things in the upcoming group finals!"
"Activate the Trap Card, Drowning Mirror Force!"
"What!?"
In front of Mai Valentine, a faint blue, transparent barrier silently unfolded. As True Evolution Guardian - Bishop's flail struck heavily, it only caused slight ripples on this seemingly fragile shield, leaving no indentation.
At the same time, as if triggered by True Evolution Guardian - Bishop's attack, the barrier protecting Mai Valentine suddenly unleashed itself, transforming into compressed floodwaters that surged out. In an instant, the entire field became a vast ocean, swallowing all of Rex's monsters within the torrent and making them disappear!
"Drowning Mirror Force seems to be a derivative card of Mirror Force, possessing a similar effect that can return all monsters in Attack Position on your field to the Deck. It's not destruction, but returning to the Deck, which means even cards like Monster Reborn won't be able to revive monsters that left the field. Thus, I think its effect is even stronger."
"However, powerful effects naturally come with strict limitations. Mirror Force only requires an attack declaration to activate, while Drowning Mirror Force requires a direct attack."
Mai Valentine paused and looked at the receding floodwaters. "Meaning, Rex, it was your excessive desire to attack that led to all your monsters being cleared."
As soon as she finished speaking, Mai Valentine saw, beneath the gradually receding water, a golden spear planted in the sand, creating a very narrow space for a humanoid flame behind it that was not submerged by the water.
Rex said helplessly, "To be lectured that it's due to my excessive desire to attack? I felt like I was restraining myself quite a bit to be a calm person. Besides, not all monsters left the field."
"The Quick-Play Spell Card Forbidden Lance, chaining to your Drowning Mirror Force effect, Miss Mai, I activate this card from my hand." Rex said, showing the card. "By reducing its ATK by 800 points as a cost, I grant Phoenix Gearfried the ability to not be affected by Spell/Trap Card effects other than this card's."
"However, for him, who has already attacked, the cost of lowering his ATK is practically non-existent, and it only lasts until the end of the turn."
Rex paused, glanced at the three cards in his hand, and Set all of them in his backrow. "However, that was quite an excellent counterattack, Miss Mai. If it weren't for luck, my monsters might have been completely wiped out by you."
"Since there's nothing else to do, I'll Set three cards and end this turn."
As Rex spoke, he looked at Mai Valentine, suddenly filled with anticipation for her next move.
He had to retract his initial impression of Mai Valentine when he first saw her. Mai Valentine was not the loud, delicate, and pretentious woman he thought; on the contrary, she possessed a firm will and tenacious fighting spirit, unfazed by any difficulty or challenge.
Honestly, even though Rex believed he wouldn't fall for a woman, his heart raced more than ever before when facing Mai Valentine. It wasn't the influence of adrenaline from exciting duels, but hormones.
Come on, Miss Mai, I look forward to your next battle.
Show me your strength as a Duelist, and your tenacious fighting spirit that has moved me!
[Rex: 1900 LP, 0 Hand]
[Phoenix Gearfried ATK 2800]
[Adamantite True Strength (Set)] x3
Once again, Mai Valentine's turn arrived. Drawing a card, she calmly declared, "My turn, draw."
With the drawing of the card, the second Standby Phase after its activation began, and the previously activated Dark Binding Circle was completely shattered, entering the Graveyard.
Glancing at the five cards in her hand, the one Set Card in her backrow, and Rex's Phoenix Gearfried on the field, Mai Valentine took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and focused her intense gaze on Rex: "You are a powerful Duelist, Rex."
"I am honored by your praise, Miss Mai."
Hearing Rex's flattery, Mai Valentine shook her head. "I don't need those verbal compliments."
"I am a Duelist. My goal is to prove that female Duelists are not necessarily weaker than male Duelists. Honor and praise mean nothing to me; all I need is strength and victory!"
"To that end, I activate the Set Card on my field, Hysteric Party!"
The last Set Card in Mai Valentine's backrow was flipped up, revealing Hysteric Party. On its card art, Harpie Lady monsters gathered together.
Discarding one card from her hand into the Graveyard, Mai Valentine explained the effect of Hysteric Party: "Harpie Ladies are social animals and excel at teamwork. This card is designed to summon as many Harpie Lady monsters as possible."
"Activate by discarding one card from hand, Special Summon as many Harpie Ladies as possible from my Graveyard."
Mai Valentine waved her hand towards the sky. "Return to my field, my Harpie Ladies!"
"Harpie Queen!"
"Harpie Channeler!"
"Harpie Harpist!"
"Harpie Perfumer!"
"And, Harpie Dancer, which I sent to the Graveyard just now!"
[Harpie Queen ATK 1900 → 2100]
[Harpie Channeler ATK 1400 → 1600]
[Harpie Harpist ATK 1700 → 1900]
[Harpie Perfumer ATK 1400 → 1600]
[Harpie Dancer Level 4 / WIND]
[Winged Beast / Effect]
[ATK 1200 / DEF 1000 → ATK 1400 / DEF 1200]
Accompanied by a loud hawk cry, within Harpie's Hunting Ground, Harpie Ladies appeared en masse, circling high in the sky, menacingly eyeing Phoenix Gearfried below, who stood prepared for the army of Harpie Ladies.
"To summon a full five monsters in an instant!"
Rex was also stunned by the appearance of the Harpie Lady army in the sky. However, at the same time, he knew that the Harpie Ladies could only rely on their numbers at this moment.
"Although there are many, Miss Mai, even the highest ATK Harpie Queen is only 2100, which is not enough to defeat Phoenix Gearfried."
Mai Valentine wasn't angry, but simply replied with a confident smile, "That remains to be seen. Now, because of the Special Summon of the Harpie Ladies, the effect of Harpie's Hunting Ground is forcibly activated. Although there are five monsters, as they were summoned in the same instance, I choose to destroy one Spell/Trap Card on the field."
As she spoke, Mai Valentine pointed towards the very center of Rex's backrow, directly behind Phoenix Gearfried, indicating a Set Card. "I choose to destroy that middle Set Card!"
"Although I don't know what that Set Card is, my intuition tells me it's dangerous!"
Harpie Queen, flanked by the other four Harpie Ladies, fixed her pale yellow, amber-like eyes onto Rex's Set Card. She flapped her wings, unleashing several Feather Arrows, about to pierce the Set Card.
Seeing this, Rex somewhat helplessly pressed the button to activate the Set Card. "I didn't expect your intuition to be so sharp, Miss Mai. Then, I'll chain to the effect of Harpie's Hunting Ground and activate this 'dangerous' Set Card!"
"The Trap Card Gemini Booster! Activate by targeting one Gemini Monster on my field, equipping Gemini Booster to that monster as an Equip Card that increases its ATK by 700 points!"
Rex's move was rather strange. Even though Gemini Booster became an Equip Card after activation, the effect of Harpie's Hunting Ground wouldn't be negated just because it changed from a Set Trap Card to an Equip Card equipped to a monster. Gemini Booster would still be destroyed, and the effect of increasing Phoenix Gearfried's ATK would disappear with Gemini Booster's departure.
On the surface, Rex's move seemed like a futile effort? Did he activate his card for nothing?
Before being hit, a machine emerged from Gemini Booster and equipped itself onto the back of Phoenix Gearfried, which looked completely out of place stylistically. But before it had been on his back for three seconds, the feather arrows shot by Harpie Queen, rotating and changing trajectory mid-air, accurately hit Gemini Booster and detonated it!
[Phoenix Gearfried ATK 2800 → 3500 → 2800]
Mai Valentine frowned. Although she had destroyed Gemini Booster, the sense of crisis in her heart not only didn't subside but instead grew even stronger.
Her confusion didn't last long. The situation on the field informed Mai Valentine where her sense of crisis was coming from.
As seen from the explosion site of Gemini Booster, Phoenix Gearfried, engulfed in smoke and flames, dragged his greatsword on the ground and slowly emerged from the smoke. Behind him, a fire phoenix, identical to when he was equipped with Super Double Summon, also revealed itself!
"How can this be!?" Mai Valentine exclaimed in surprise. "Don't Gemini Monsters need to be Summoned a second time to activate their effects? Moreover, Phoenix Gearfried isn't equipped with a card like Super Double Summon!"
Rex smiled. "The answer is Gemini Booster, which you just destroyed, Miss Mai."
"If destroyed in its state as an Equip Card and sent to the Graveyard, Gemini Booster can target one Gemini Monster on the field, causing it to assume its Gemini Summoned state."
Upon hearing Rex's explanation, Mai Valentine understood; she had been manipulated.
Originally, Gemini Booster could indeed raise Phoenix Gearfried's ATK by 700 points, but that was all. Such a Phoenix Gearfried would merely be a powerful monster with 3500 ATK, but without its effect.
Ironically, Mai Valentine's Harpie Ladies were adept at destroying backrow cards, and she happened to destroy Gemini Booster. This, however, played into Rex's hands, allowing Phoenix Gearfried to regain its power once more.
"Tch, using the Harpie Ladies' characteristics, I've been outplayed," Mai Valentine grumbled. She then added, "Now, I'll continue processing the previous effect."
"When Harpie Perfumer is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add one Spell/Trap Card from my Deck to my hand that lists 'Harpie Lady Sisters' in its card text."
After retrieving a card from her Deck and replenishing her hand to five cards, Mai Valentine pointed at Harpie Dancer on her field. "Next, I activate the effect of Harpie Dancer!"
Hearing Mai Valentine's words, Harpie Dancer, who had been flying around Harpie Queen in mid-air, detached from the group and approached Mai Valentine. With a slight nod, she began to spin and leap with her eyes closed, dancing without a moment's hesitation, as if from an Indian film set.
Mai Valentine took Harpie Dancer, the monster with the lowest ATK on her field, from her Duel Disk. "Harpie Dancer's effect can only be used once per turn. From my field, I return one WIND Attribute monster to its owner's hand. Then, I can Normal Summon one WIND Attribute monster."
Mai Valentine drew a monster, the highest Level she had played in this duel. "The monster I am summoning is this one, Tribute Summoned by Tributing Harpie Perfumer and Harpie Harpist!"
"It's time for your appearance, Harpie's Pet Dragon!"
Harpie Perfumer and Harpie Harpist vanished from the field together. In their place appeared an orange-red flying dragon with a chained collar around its neck, letting out a deafening roar at Phoenix Gearfried:
"ROAR!!!"
Harpie's Pet Dragon appeared, injecting new vitality into Mai Valentine's Harpie Ladies on the field. Harpie Channeler replaced her own collar with the one around Harpie's Pet Dragon's neck, leading it with borrowed might, while Harpie Queen proudly stepped onto Harpie's Pet Dragon's head, head held high.
"Harpie Ladies possess sufficient intelligence. Although not skilled in combat, they have tamed flying dragons as their fighting force," Mai Valentine explained. "Harpie's Pet Dragon has the ability to increase its ATK based on the number of Harpie Lady monsters on the field."
"Each Harpie Lady increases Harpie's Pet Dragon's ATK by 200 points!"
[Harpie's Pet Dragon Level 7 / WIND]
[Dragon / Effect]
[ATK 2000 / DEF 2500 → ATK 2400 / DEF 2500]
Harpie's Pet Dragon is Level 7, requiring two Tributes. As a result, the number of Harpie Ladies on Mai Valentine's field decreased to two, bringing only a 400-point ATK boost.
However, Mai Valentine's offensive had not yet fully unfolded.
"Just two Harpie Ladies isn't enough. Then, Harpie Channeler, start calling the other Harpie Ladies!"
"Once per turn, I can discard one 'Harpie' card from my hand to activate this effect." Mai Valentine sent the Harpie Dancer she had retrieved into her hand to the Graveyard. "I Special Summon one 'Harpie' monster from my Deck, other than Harpie Channeler, in Defense Position!"
Slapping a card down, Mai Valentine said, "I Special Summon Harpie Oracle, then activate her effect. When Harpie Oracle is Normal or Special Summoned, at the end of this turn, I can add one card from my Graveyard to my hand that lists 'Harpie Lady Sisters' in its card text!"
Yet another Harpie Lady monster was summoned to Mai Valentine's field. Although it was in Defense Position and unable to attack, and its effect was a delayed activation that could only be used at the end of the turn, any Harpie Lady was considered a contribution.
In addition to increasing Harpie's Pet Dragon's ATK, the effect of Harpie's Hunting Ground was forcibly activated once more. Mai Valentine could choose to destroy one Spell/Trap Card.
Before Mai Valentine could explain anything, Rex calmly spread his hands and pointed to his field. "I still have these two Set Cards in my backrow. Do you want to destroy them, Miss Mai?"
"Hmph, do I need to ask?" Mai Valentine snorted displeasantly. "Then this time, I choose to destroy the Set Card on your left!"
Harpie Oracle held a delicate stargazing instrument in its hands, its eyes carefully examining the internal display. After seeing something, Harpie Oracle suddenly, like a shot-put athlete, threw the stargazing instrument, smashing it onto Rex's second card.
This time, Rex didn't chain to the effect of Harpie's Hunting Ground to activate the soon-to-be-destroyed Set Card. But before Mai Valentine could rejoice, she heard Rex chuckle softly.
"What a shame, Miss Mai. The card you destroyed this time is this one." Rex revealed the card he had Set in his backrow. "The Trap Card, Security Orb. Its direct effect is to change the Battle Position of an attacking monster when an attack is declared."
"However, when a Set Security Orb is destroyed by an opponent's Spell/Trap Card effect, another effect can be activated. I can target one monster on the field and destroy it directly."
Rex's hand pointed towards Mai Valentine's field. "Although it's a bit regrettable to extinguish your hopes like this, duels are about giving your all. I choose to destroy your Harpie's Pet Dragon, Miss Mai!"
A laser beam shot out from the remains of the destroyed Security Orb, piercing through Harpie's Pet Dragon's body on Mai Valentine's field in an instant, detonating and destroying it, sending it to the Graveyard.
This is bad.
Mai Valentine's expression turned grim. Thanks to Harpie Dancer, she still had a chance for a Normal Summon after summoning Harpie's Pet Dragon, and she indeed had a monster in her hand that could be Normal Summoned.
In her original plan, she could use her three summons of Harpie Ladies in succession to destroy Rex's three Set Cards in his backrow one by one. Then, after summoning a total of four Harpie Ladies, Harpie's Pet Dragon's ATK would increase to 2800, enough to destroy Phoenix Gearfried in battle, followed by the direct attacks of her Harpie Ladies.
However, the most crucial part of this plan was gone. Without Harpie's Pet Dragon, even if Mai Valentine summoned another Harpie Lady, it would be useless; she still had no monster capable of contending with Phoenix Gearfried.
She still had four cards in her hand, none of which offered any hope, except for Magical Mallet, which she had drawn during her Draw Phase this turn.
So, should she Normal Summon a Harpie Lady from her hand to play defensively, or use Magical Mallet to reshuffle her hand entirely and take a gamble?
Mai Valentine's answer was clear. She had never been a truly calm person; her emotions always outweighed her rationality.
"I activate the Spell Card Magical Mallet. This card allows me to shuffle itself and my hand into the Deck, then draw the same number of cards." Mai Valentine put all her cards into the Deck. "I place my hope in this draw; respond to me and create hope!"
"Draw!"
Upon seeing the drawn cards, Mai Valentine's face broke into a smile. "Yes! With this, I feel it's possible!"
Rex didn't know what cards Mai Valentine had drawn, but he declared, "It seems you've drawn some good cards? In that case, I'll activate the effect of Phoenix Gearfried."
"If the opponent activates a Spell Card, I target one of my Gemini Monsters in the Graveyard and Special Summon it. I Special Summon Gemini Soldier in Defense Position."
Phoenix Gearfried plunged the shield in his hand into the ground, gripped his sword with both hands, and powerfully slashed a cross in the air, forcefully cleaving space open. Then, a monster Mai Valentine had never seen before emerged from it.
That was probably the monster Rex sent to the Graveyard last turn using Graceful Charity?
[Gemini Soldier Level 2 / WIND]
[Warrior / Normal]
[ATK 500 / DEF 300]
"Summoning a monster in Defense Position? I thought you'd only summon monsters in Attack Position. However, even defense is useless." Mai Valentine drew three cards from her hand. "Because I have completed everything needed for victory!"
"Activate the Spell Card Fusion. I will use Amazoness Tiger and Amazoness Trainee from my hand as Fusion Materials!"
"Come forth, Guardian of the Amazoness, Amazoness Tiger Lion!"
After the Harpie Ladies lost their chance at victory, Mai Valentine, using Magical Mallet, successfully created a miracle and summoned the strongest monster in her Amazoness Deck: Amazoness Tiger Lion!
The muscular yellow lion-tiger, like a sovereign surveying its territory, paced onto Mai Valentine's field. It didn't need a blustering roar; simply standing there and staring at its target was enough to bring a terrifying sense of pressure.
[Amazoness Tiger Lion Level 7 / EARTH]
[Beast / Fusion / Effect]
[ATK 2500 / DEF 2400]
"An Amazoness? But even this monster's ATK is still no match for Phoenix Gearfried," Rex commented. "Although Phoenix Gearfried's effect has no 'once per turn' limit, since I no longer have any Gemini Monsters in my Graveyard, I won't be able to Special Summon any more monsters even if you activate a Spell Card."
Mai Valentine raised an eyebrow, displaying a smug expression. "In that case, I won't hold back. I activate the Spell Card Fusion Recycling, retrieving Amazoness Tiger and Fusion that were used for the Fusion Summon. Then, I Normal Summon Amazoness Tiger!"
A tiger beast, much smaller in size than Amazoness Tiger Lion, appeared on Mai Valentine's field, forming a defensive line on the ground alongside it.
[Amazoness Tiger Level 4 / EARTH]
[Beast / Effect]
[ATK 1100 / DEF 1500 → ATK 1500 / DEF 1500]
"Amazoness Tiger's effect is that each Amazoness monster on the field increases its ATK by 400 points, and the opponent cannot attack other Amazoness monsters."
"And Amazoness Tiger Lion also has the same effect of drawing attacks."
Saying this, Mai Valentine smiled. "In other words, you cannot destroy my Amazoness monsters. This is my return gift!"
Rex chuckled wryly. "You really hold a grudge, don't you."
By "return gift," Mai Valentine was naturally referring to the Double Marauding Captain tactic Rex used at the start of the duel. Her current tactic was virtually identical.
However...
"So, does that mean your tactic is defense, Miss Mai?"
Hearing Rex's words, Mai Valentine tidied her bangs, full of spirit. "No, as I said, I have already seen the path to victory, and it is completely unobstructed!"
"Enter my Battle Phase!"
"I will use Amazoness Tiger Lion to attack your Phoenix Gearfried," Mai Valentine smiled slyly. "When attacking voluntarily, Amazoness Tiger Lion's ATK can be increased by 500 points!"
"Defeat Phoenix Gearfried and win me the victory, Amazoness Tiger Lion!"
"Hunting Rhythm!"
Amazoness Tiger Lion opened its massive maw and lunged at Phoenix Gearfried. With the explosive power in its muscles, its ATK increased by 500 points, enough to rival Blue-Eyes White Dragon!
[Amazoness Tiger Lion ATK 2500 → 3000]
If Phoenix Gearfried were destroyed by this attack, Rex's field would only have the weak Gemini Soldier left, which would be unable to protect Rex from the attacks of Mai Valentine's other monsters.
"So strong, truly so strong!" Facing such a desperate situation, Rex felt no sense of crisis at all; instead, he was captivated by the aura of Amazoness Tiger Lion's pounce. "Such perfect muscles, such a powerful aura, it's so beautiful!"
As he spoke, he looked at Mai Valentine. Seemingly because she saw the hope of victory, a confident smile appeared on Mai Valentine's face, her golden hair swaying in the wind, which made Rex stare blankly for a moment, his cheeks flushing slightly.
However, he quickly regained his senses and pressed the button to activate a Set Card, quite conflicted.
"My name is Rex, I am 25 years old, unmarried, currently traveling the world without a fixed residence, I enjoy swimming and long-distance running, and I exercise for thirty minutes every night before resting, always getting a steady eight hours of sleep like a baby."
"I am not introducing myself; I am merely explaining that I am someone who yearns for a peaceful life and does not have an obsessive pursuit of Duel Monsters. However, I do not wish to lose this duel."
The card in Rex's backrow was flipped up, revealing a Trap Card that bore a closer resemblance to the one Mai Valentine had activated earlier—
The ultimate attack declaration Trap known as the "Sublime Power of Hanoi," Mirror Force!
"Na-Nani?!" Mai Valentine exclaimed, utterly shocked.
"BOOM!"
An unparalleled might erupted, and a dazzling light burst forth. First, Amazoness Tiger Lion, the closest, then Amazoness Tiger, and even Harpie Channeler and Harpie Queen in the air could not escape, being destroyed in succession.
Only Harpie Oracle, in Defense Position, as if it had calculated this situation long ago, survived by "Defense Descent" behind Harpie Queen.
In an instant, Mai Valentine's once-filled field was cleared. She looked at the sole Harpie Oracle on the field with disbelief, letting out a wry smile.
"How unbecoming."
"I end my turn."
Mai Valentine truly had no choice but to end her turn. She had placed all her hopes in the previous battle, her hand and Set Cards completely depleted.
"If I had known, I should have summoned the Harpie Ladies first before activating Magical Mallet." Mai Valentine felt annoyed and regretful, but there's no such thing as a regret pill.
So, in the end, it was another failure...
Mai Valentine felt quite dejected, her feelings directly showing on her face as she looked crestfallen.
Again and again, while Chumley, Yugi, and Joey surged forward towards the peak, she always found herself left behind.
It was like this during Duelist Kingdom, and also during Battle City. By the time of the KC Cup, she had even lost to someone who wasn't even in the top 8 of Duelist City.
How much further would the gap between herself and Joey grow...
Rex couldn't see Mai Valentine's inner thoughts, but he could sense her mood to some extent.
Truthfully, Mai Valentine was very skilled. Rex also had to admit he was attracted to her and wanted to pursue her. Seeing Mai Valentine's expression, she seemed troubled by her lack of strength? As he drew a card to start his turn, Rex made a decision in his heart.
The True Evolution Guardian - Bishop, which had been returned to the Deck earlier, reappeared. The flail destroyed Harpie Oracle, sending it to the Graveyard, followed by the direct attacks of Gemini Soldier and Phoenix Gearfried.
The flame-wrapped greatsword struck down, Mai Valentine's Life Points were completely depleted, and the duel was decided.
[Mai Valentine: 3000 LP → 2500 LP → 0]
(end of chapter)
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