# Chapter 406: End of Day One
Hayato, returning to the Kaiba Dome competition venue from KaibaLand, just caught Rex's [Phoenix Gearfried]'s direct attack on Mai Valentine.
After the Duel, Rex seemed to say something to Mai Valentine, but because the microphone on the Duel Field automatically shuts off after a Duel ends, Hayato only saw Mai Valentine's face show some hesitation before she firmly refused.
"Rex actually dueled Mai Valentine, huh? Should I call it fate or coincidence?" Hayato somewhat guessed what Rex had said that wasn't broadcast—it was probably just about gaining power by joining Doma.
"However, he's actually using a FIRE Attribute Warrior-Type Gemini Monster. In some ways, it really suits him."
Mokuba asked, a little puzzled, "Brother Hayato, do you know that person?"
Hayato shook his head.
"I wouldn't say I know him; I've just seen him a few times."
The two returned to their seats. Not long after, Mai Valentine, who had been eliminated after her defeat, also returned to the Audience Seating, looking somewhat dejected.
In such a situation, if Joey were replaced by almost any other man, they would likely show concern for Mai Valentine, comforting her not to be sad about her loss in the recent Duel. But Mai Valentine had her heart set on Joey.
This blockhead, upon seeing Mai Valentine approach, actually started praising how strong and cool Rex's Gemini Monster was, especially [Phoenix Gearfried]. He'd never imagined that [Gearfried the Iron Knight] could have such a form, with fierce flames, a giant sword, and a giant shield—it perfectly suited his aesthetic.
Hayato could tell that Joey was actually well-meaning, and somewhat wise despite his foolishness. He knew Mai Valentine was a strong-willed person, and comforting her in an ordinary way would only hurt her pride. So he figured that instead of saying Mai Valentine did well enough, he should say Rex was too formidable, subtly consoling Mai Valentine.
However, intentions were one thing, and the ability to achieve that effect with words was another.
Joey's relentless praise of how cool and powerful Rex's Monster was resulted in Mai Valentine giving him the "two-finger zen"—pinching the soft flesh of his waist and then performing a "death roll" like a crocodile, twisting 180 degrees. Joey, thick-skinned as he was, gasped in pain, hunching his waist and shutting his mouth.
But at the same time, some of Joey's intentions were realized. Mai Valentine successfully emerged from the shadow of her duel loss; not only was she no longer dejected, but she had also found an outlet for her frustration and returned to being her proud self.
Her expression had returned to normal, but whether Mai Valentine's thoughts had changed in her Mind remained unknown to anyone.
Among the group, the duelists scheduled for today were Joey and Mai Valentine. With both their duels concluded, tomorrow would be Hayato's and Yugi's turn.
However, the end of Mai Valentine's and Joey's duels didn't mean there were no more duels on the Field. The ticket prices for the Kaiba Dome, where the KC Cup was being held, were by no means cheap. While Hayato and his friends were freeloading off the wealthy Kaiba, they couldn't waste the cost of their seats.
Because the duelists who made it into the main tournament had gone through rigorous screening, the preliminaries had already weeded out most of the mediocre normal duelists. The remaining duelists were rarely weak, and their clashes were intense and produced many high-quality duels.
Among them, Hayato also saw Raphael's and Alister's duels. Just as Rex used a Gemini Monster Deck, and Alister used a [Machina] Deck, Raphael's Deck was not the [Guardian] Archetype Hayato remembered, but a Fairy Type Deck.
Although Hayato was keen to see what brilliant plays Raphael could make with this Fairy Type Deck, unfortunately, his opponent's skill wasn't quite enough. Raphael defeated and eliminated him in just three turns.
Yugi, meanwhile, noticed that among the matches today, there were several young children, appearing to be under ten years old, with the oldest looking only eleven or twelve.
"I never thought these kids nowadays were so amazing! They actually had the ability to participate in the main tournament of the KC Cup, and they even won!" Joey exclaimed in surprise, his gaze fixed on the black-haired boy on the Field who had just defeated his opponent and was proudly accepting the audience's cheers. "But that guy looks so familiar."
Tristan instinctively cracked his knuckles, making a "click-clack" sound. "Yeah, and I don't know why, but seeing that guy just makes me want to punch someone."
The KC Cup was held in America, and English was considered the most common language. Although the black-haired boy's name was displayed on the KC Cup's screen, unfortunately, academic slackers like Tristan and Joey had no idea who he was. They just felt like they'd seen him somewhere before.
Yugi and Hayato exchanged glances, smiling helplessly, clearly having both realized that Joey and Tristan didn't recognize the English name. Téa, however, bluntly retorted, "And here you are, Joey, still using his brother's Duel Disk that you won in a Duel!"
As she spoke, Téa pointed to the winner's name displayed on the large screen, "That kid's name is Chazz Princeton."
"Chazz Princeton?!"
Joey looked astonished. "Who's that?"
"Idiot, that's Chazz Princeton's younger brother!"
Tristan clapped Joey on the back, having clearly remembered where he had seen Chazz Princeton after Téa's reminder.
"Before Battle City started, didn't Hayato win your Duel Disk from Chazz Princeton?"
"Oh, I remember now," Joey clapped his hand, but still seemed puzzled. "Chazz Princeton's younger brother can make it to the Top 64 of the KC Cup? His brother Chazz Princeton wasn't even that strong."
Hayato sat by, smiling and saying nothing. In fact, Chazz Princeton's participation was something he had facilitated.
That day, after a call from Kaiba, he learned that Chazz Princeton and Jaden both wanted to participate in the KC Cup. Since neither of their families were ordinary, they both came to America with their parents to compete.
Jaden seemed quite compatible with his [E-HERO] Cards. Although his Deck was full of [Normal Monster]s, he always managed to draw their complementary Cards, such as [Elemental HERO Bubbleman] and [Bubble Blaster], [E-HERO Sparkman] and [Spark Blaster]. He climbed all the way to 30th place in the preliminaries.
Chazz Princeton's luck, however, was somewhat worse. Although not weak, he constantly ran into troublesome opponents, encountering Sheppard and Marik—those who reveled in 'Shadow Realm-style' Duels—no less than three times. Through endless torment, he stumbled and scraped his way into 64th place, qualifying for the main tournament.
It's worth noting that Chazz Princeton's last Duel in the preliminaries was his third Duel against Marik. Although Chazz Princeton had [Light and Darkness Dragon], the 'Panda Dragon' that could negate any effect, Marik, being utterly unscrupulous, just Set five Cards in his backrow. After [Light and Darkness Dragon] countered one of his activations, he immediately chained a [Solemn Judgment], annoyingly dragging the Duel out for nearly thirty turns.
In the end, a satisfied Marik chose to concede, preserving his 65th place rank and allowing Chazz Princeton to advance. However, according to Marik, despite being the victor, Chazz Princeton's expression at the time was utterly foul, not only annoyed but also aggrieved.
It made sense, though. No matter how he tried to combo/board development, his opponent would interrupt him. No matter how he attacked, he couldn't even touch his opponent. He finally summoned a second powerful Monster, only for his opponent to gift him a "big baby" bound by [Nightmare Wheel], and then his opponent surrendered, leaving him no chance for retaliation.
That feeling was truly... Suddenly, Hayato remembered that he seemed to be the only one who gave others that feeling, and he himself had never encountered such a situation. So, no problem.
Besides Jaden and Chazz Princeton, Hayato also saw Adrian Gecko, whom he had met during the preliminaries. His [Cloudian] monsters, which could not be destroyed by battle, were quite troublesome even for professional duelists. After a bitter struggle, he reluctantly lost, becoming another duelist defeated by a child.
Honestly, many of them came for the champion's prize money and glory, but most also knew it wouldn't be them. Gaining recognition and receiving investments in the main tournament was enough. Even if they were defeated in the first round, it didn't matter, as long as they could showcase their strength.
The problem, however, was that no matter how strong the displayed ability, when your opponent was an underage child, the more seriously you took it, the more embarrassing it became—let alone losing.
Although the KC Cup didn't have a "registration fee" for participants because Kaiba intended it as an event to promote Duel Monsters, meaning there was no concept of profit or loss regardless of winning or losing, duelists who lost to kids like Jaden, Chazz Princeton, and Amon were utterly devastated.
They did gain fame, but it was the fame of "a professional duelist who can't even beat a kid." In this case, not to mention attracting new investors, even retaining existing ones became a question.
At the same time, one person was in a rather good mood.
Sitting in front of the television, Chazz Princeton watched Chazz Princeton, who had just defeated a professional duelist on screen. His frustration about his entire family going to America and leaving him behind completely vanished. He proudly boasted and showed off in online chat rooms.
Maybe some girls would be interested in this, he thought.
Clearly, this guy's intentions were not pure at all, but online, who knows if the person on the other side is human or ghost?
(end of chapter)
Chapter 407: Alright, This Time Our Opponent is Playing Cyber Style
The first day of the KC Cup passed just like that. According to Mokuba, Kaiba had made the KC Cup's television broadcast free on the first day; any TV station, media outlet, or video platform could broadcast it if they wished.
However, starting from the second day, Kaiba would begin charging a fee, and it was an outrageously arbitrary price hike, with broadcast fees determined by the previous day's viewership ratings.
The result was a massive profit. However, Chumley estimated that the TV stations that paid wouldn't actually lose money. After all, these capitalists were very shrewd; any money lost would quickly be recouped through the broadcasts.
Mokuba, on the other hand, was quite relaxed. After all, as a participant in this KC Cup himself, he had dumped all the responsibilities onto Kaiba, even though he had already been eliminated. He thought to himself that he wanted Kaiba to understand just how many things needed to be managed when organizing an event.
It was unclear whether it was due to too many responsibilities or some other reason, but when Chumley saw Kaiba early in the morning, Kaiba didn't look well. Even after receiving the broadcast fees, his expression was grim, making one wonder if he was experiencing early menopause.
Standing on the stage and surveying his surroundings, Kaiba, who also had a Duel today and needed to preserve his voice, uncharacteristically chose not to show off in a helicopter. Instead, he stood "down-to-earth" on the Duel Arena in the center of the Kaiba Dome.
Noticing Chumley's subtle gaze, Kaiba snorted coldly and announced, "Today is the second day of the official KC Cup matches. In yesterday's sixteen Matches, thirty-two Duelists have completed their debuts on this stage."
"Then today, the remaining thirty-two Duelists will continue their respective Duels, including myself, Seto Kaiba, as well as the renowned Duelist Yugi, and," Kaiba glared at Chumley, a cold sneer on his lips, "certain Duelists of 'little renown' but considerable strength."
"Now, let them present a splendid Duel Monsters performance. Today's winners will join yesterday's Top 32, and tomorrow, an Ultimate Melee will commence."
"Look forward to it!"
After finishing his statement, Kaiba's gaze lingered on Chumley, giving Chumley a sudden ominous feeling.
However, Chumley didn't pay it too much mind.
Although Kaiba also had a Duel today, he and Chumley weren't in the same group. Even if he wanted to manipulate things, he'd have to wait until the Semi-finals for the Top 4, not now.
But Chumley clearly underestimated Kaiba's vengeful nature, as well as the displeasure simmering within him.
Yesterday, Kaiba had dispatched Croquet to apprehend the audacious hacker who had infiltrated Kaiba Corporation. However, an accident occurred halfway, and Croquet and the other security personnel in his car were all admitted to the hospital. Although they had recovered, Kaiba adamantly demanded that they remain in the hospital to recuperate, "lest dragging their bodies around tarnish Kaiba Corporation's image."
It was for this reason that Kaiba took over the task originally belonging to Croquet, becoming the host for the opening ceremony. Of course, there were still Judges during the Duels, so Kaiba didn't need to worry about that.
What truly displeased Kaiba was the person he encountered yesterday after arriving at the scene of Croquet's accident. Suspecting that the man held the truth behind Croquet's mishap, Kaiba engaged in an intense Duel with the man who called himself "Raphael."
He had initially thought that dealing with such a shady character, hiding his identity behind an obvious alias, would be effortless. However, during their Duel, Kaiba discovered that the man named Raphael possessed extremely powerful Dueling skills, not only able to block Kaiba's fierce offensives but also repeatedly launch brilliant and potent counterattacks.
On the surface, such an opponent should have satisfied Kaiba's Duel Addiction, right?
Not at all. Kaiba discovered that Raphael was actually holding back repeatedly during the Duel. He could have turned the tide of battle and secured victory, yet time and again, he chose not to Attack because he wanted to keep his monsters on his Field from being Destroyed.
How could anyone abandon an easy victory just because they didn't want their monsters Sent to the Graveyard? Having Dueled with Chumley many times, Kaiba's mindset had accepted "sacrificing old friends for victory" as a perfectly normal thing. Thus, he was exceptionally infuriated by Raphael's actions, believing Raphael was looking down on him.
Anger aside, what truly annoyed Kaiba was that even while repeatedly holding back, Raphael was still able to block the offensives of (Blue-Eyes White Dragon) time and again, even turning the tables on him. This was true even when Kaiba, during their Duel, successively unleashed (Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon), (Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon), and even his Trump Card.
In the end, Raphael, seemingly having achieved his goal of stalling for time and testing abilities, directly terminated the Duel and departed. He even left behind a "magic circle" that trapped Kaiba, much to the extreme displeasure of the Kaiba who believed solely in science. It was a long time before it dissipated with the arrival of the ambulance.
Upon returning to Kaiba Corporation, Kaiba launched an investigation into the man who called himself "Raphael." Utilizing the data collected by Kaiba's specially designed Duel Disk for comparison and analysis, Kaiba discovered that the man named "Raphael" was highly likely the legendary figure known as "Guardian" within the circle of American Duel Monsters Professional Duelists.
He was considered legendary because the "Guardian" never appeared in public and never participated in any Matches. However, many within the American Duelist community had Dueled against him and lost, with no one ever having defeated him, earning the "Guardian" the title of "Uncrowned King."
To gain the recognition of American Duelists, even becoming an All-American Champion like the former Bandit Keith or the current Rebecca was insufficient. Only by defeating the "Guardian" could one truly be considered the strongest in all of America.
When Kaiba Corporation organized the KC Cup, considering the rumors of the "Guardian," they naturally extended an invitation to him. However, it was like a stone sinking into the sea, with no reply whatsoever. Kaiba never imagined he would encounter this "Guardian" under such circumstances, and that the man would participate in the KC Cup using the name "Raphael."
Having been invited previously but not showing up, only to participate now under an alias, Kaiba was convinced there was some secret hidden behind this. He then conveniently located Raphael's registration form on the list of participants.
Upon seeing and checking it, Kaiba was amused.
One registration form could register six Duelists. On the form where Raphael was listed, the names of five people couldn't be found in Kaiba Corporation's data reports: "Raphael," "Rex," "Alister," "Zigfried von Schroeder," and Chumley's alias, "Dan Kuroto."
Aside from a person named "Sheppard," who had verifiable entry records and whom Kaiba had heard of, the other five names were highly likely aliases. Kaiba was truly amused.
Alright, apart from "Dan Kuroto," all four other individuals were to be closely monitored.
After issuing such orders to the furious Security Department, whose boss had been attacked, Kaiba also "casually" made "arbitrary" adjustments to the KC Cup's second-day Duel schedule.
The Duels of Raphael, Rex, and Alister had already taken place yesterday, and Kaiba couldn't possibly arrange an extra Match for them today. However, Zigfried von Schroeder's Duel had not yet happened, and he coincidentally was in the same group as Yugi. So, Kaiba decided to have Yugi test that guy out for him.
This left only "Sheppard" and "Dan Kuroto" on the list. And look how coincidental it was: the two of them were in the same group. And so—
"Yesterday's opening Duel was Joey's, and today it's me? I don't believe Kaiba didn't manipulate things," Chumley muttered to himself as he walked out of the Duelist Prep Room and stepped onto the Duel Arena.
Although Yugi and the others knew his identity, Chumley actually still had the ability of the (Millennium Rod) active. This meant that only Mokuba, Joey, and others on Chumley's whitelist could recognize him; other spectators, no matter how they looked, wouldn't connect "Dan Kuroto" with Chumley.
Thus, Chumley naturally chose to continue embodying his "Game Master" persona.
Sheppard's movements were a little slower. Only after Chumley stepped onto the stage did Sheppard walk up the Stairs from the opposite side, holding his Deck, which had been Shuffled by the Judge, and looked at Chumley with a slightly hesitant expression.
"My name is Dan Kuroto, and regrettably, your KC Cup journey will end at my hands." Chumley placed his Deck into the slot of his Duel Disk. As the Duel Disk "clacked" and transformed, deploying itself, Chumley revealed a healthy smile. "So, enjoy this Game I've provided."
Hearing "Dan Kuroto's" words, Sheppard merely chuckled. "My apologies, but although the philosophy of 'Cyber Style' is to respect the Opponent, I don't intend to leave the KC Cup just yet."
He activated his Duel Disk by placing his Deck into it. "My name is Sheppard, Cyber Style Mastery License holder, and current Master."
"I've heard before that you also use a Cyber Style Deck. Although I don't know the origin of your (Cyber Dragon), I believe a Duel that embodies the Heart will provide the answer. Therefore, I will use my utmost effort in this Duel."
"I await your challenge!"
Chumley's smile grew even brighter. "Cyber Style versus Cyber Style, is it? Very well, as you wish. The theme for this Game shall be 'Ultimate Cyber Style.'"
"Then..."
"Duel!" x2
[Dan Kuroto: 4000LP]
[Sheppard: 4000LP]
"I'll take the First Turn! Draw!" Sheppard snatched the First Turn, Drawing a Card from his Deck.
After glancing at his Hand, Sheppard Declared: "I Activate the (Spell Card), (Time Capsule)! I Banish one Card from my Deck, and during my second Standby Phase after its activation, I will add it to my Hand."
"Then, I Activate the (Spell Card), (Graceful Charity)! I Draw three Cards from my Deck, then select two Cards from my Hand to Discard."
After playing two Cards from his Hand consecutively, Sheppard didn't disappoint Chumley, executing the move he expected: "I Summon a monster in face-down Defense Position! I Set all four Cards from my Hand. End Turn."
Cyber Style rushing for First Turn and a T-Set-up, that's classic, Sheppard!
(end of chapter)
Chapter 408: Cyber Style? And Cyber Style?
Sheppard: 4000 LP, Hand 0
Face-down Defense Position Monster
Time Capsule, Set Cards x4
Complaints aside, the five face-down cards on Sheppard's Field were quite intimidating. At the very least, they were far more dangerous than Joey's frequently empty Back Row, forcing Chumley to be cautious.
"Alright, my Turn, Draw!" Chumley drew a Card and added it to his Hand. The Card he drew was Pot of Greed, a divine artifact for drawing cards without Cost. It's always right to prioritize drawing more cards, no matter the situation.
"I Activate the Card I just drew, Pot of Greed." Chumley placed the Pot of Greed Card into his Duel Disk, his hand reaching for his Deck to Draw a Card.
Just then, Sheppard activated his Set Card: "Then, I Chain to your Pot of Greed, I Activate my Set Card, the Continuous Trap Illusion of Desire!"
A Card in Sheppard's Backrow Activated. Before Chumley's Pot of Greed could take Effect, some rather ominous-looking green spores were already inserted into the pot, and the two Cards Chumley drew were stained with green bacteria.
"Illusion of Desire is a Card specifically for drawing actions outside of the Draw Phase. At the End Phase of the Turn in which either Duelist draws cards via a Card Effect, they will take 500 Effect Damage for each Card drawn."
"Unrestricted desire can lead people into Darkness, Dan Kuroto."
"Only the weak are controlled by mere desires. My talent is far more terrifying than you imagine. Also, it's not Dan Kuroto, it's Dan Kuroto, King!" Chumley said, drawing a Card. "Sheppard Iemitsu, a Cyber Style Duelist, surely you're familiar with this Monster, right?"
"I Activate the Spell Card Power Bond! With this Card's Effect, the ATK of the Machine-Type Fusion Monster Fusion Summoned by it will increase by its Original ATK!"
"However, powerful Cards often come with risks. During the End Phase of this Turn, I will take Damage equal to the ATK increase of that Fusion Monster."
"Could it be?" Sheppard's eyes narrowed. "He's Summoning it on the very First Turn!"
Chumley revealed three Cards: "The Fusion Materials I'm using are three Cyber Dragon from my Hand! There are three Level 5 Monsters, I'll use them directly!"
"Witness my talent, and the abyss of despair, the perfect, ultimate Cyber End Dragon!"
With the Activation of Power Bond, the three Cyber Dragon in Chumley's Hand were projected onto the Field, moving closer to each other, and were enveloped in a light resembling arc welding. For a moment, even Chumley's eyes were filled with "a craving for arc welding."
After the light dispersed, under the gaze of everyone in the Kaiba Dome, the three-headed Machine-Type Dragon spread its metallic wings. Its three distinct heads slowly rose, letting out a roar as they overlooked Sheppard.
Cyber End Dragon [Level 10/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Fusion/Effect]
[4000/2800 → 8000/2800]
Compared to Rex's absurdly large Ultimate Conductor Tyranno, Summoned in yesterday's opening Duel, the size of Cyber End Dragon could only be described as moderate. Many other Duelists had also Summoned large Monsters yesterday.
However, when comparing ATK, "Dan Kuroto's" Cyber End Dragon was undoubtedly in First Place, and it would be difficult for any Monster in subsequent Duels to surpass this number.
As the one facing Cyber End Dragon directly, Sheppard also knew that while Cyber End Dragon's ATK was boosted by Power Bond, its Piercing Effect—"When this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict the difference as Battle Damage"—was also retained.
This meant that even keeping a Monster in Defense Position was useless against Cyber End Dragon. Unless the DEF of the Monster Sheppard had Set exceeded 4000, "Dan Kuroto's" Cyber End Dragon would guarantee his defeat if its Attack went through.
"It would be bad if Cyber End Dragon attacked me," Sheppard frowned, probably because his Backrow didn't contain an invincible Sakuretsu Armor or similar Attack Declaration Trap. "In that case, it's a good thing I Set this Card..."
"From now on, it's my Battle Phase, Sheppard Iemitsu!" Chumley pointed at Sheppard. "Do you dare defy me, who wields Cyber End Dragon?"
"Attack that Face-down Defense Position Monster, Cyber End Dragon! There's no room for cheaters hiding their identity in this Game!"
"Perfect Conclusion Shock!"
Hearing Chumley's Attack command, Sheppard immediately pressed the button to Activate his Set Card: "Before that, I Activate this Card, the Trap Card Feint Plan!"
"The Effect of this Card is that neither player can Attack Face-down Position Monsters this Turn!"
Sheppard smiled faintly: "You can't Leave the Field so early; I haven't even seen the limits of your Cyber Style yet, Dan Kuroto."
Sheppard's words made Chumley frown. Hearing Sheppard, it felt like he was hinting at something. Could he have recognized him?
As Sheppard's Set Card Activated, a circle of barricades appeared around the Face-down Position Monster on his Field. It didn't look very sturdy, but it effectively prevented "Dan Kuroto's" Cyber End Dragon from launching an Attack.
Due to the restriction of "unable to Attack Face-down Position Monsters," Cyber End Dragon, despite being ready to Attack, could only reluctantly close its mouths and extinguish the lasers glowing within them.
"Tch, to think he'd find such a roundabout way to avoid Battle," Chumley grumbled, displeased. "He kept saying he wanted to see my limits and give it his all, and this is the result?"
"After all, Dan Kuroto, you Summoned the Ultimate Secret Technique of Cyber Style, Cyber End Dragon, and its ATK has increased to 8000. Only someone not thinking straight would try to go head-to-head with it."
Sheppard, however, was not at all embarrassed; he had his own reasoning. Changing his Duel style just because of "Dan Kuroto's" words to clash head-on with Cyber End Dragon? Sheppard wasn't that kind of person. Having a good mindset is a basic quality for players of a Trap-heavy Strategy.
Furthermore, Sheppard avoiding Battle had its benefits: "Dan Kuroto," unable to finish him in One Turn, would now have to face the Cost of pursuing a One-Turn Kill—not only the 4000 Effect Damage caused by Power Bond, but also the 1000 Effect Damage caused by Sheppard's previously Activated Illusion of Desire.
Chumley, of course, was aware of Sheppard's calculations. The phrase "powerful Cards often come with risks" wasn't just empty words. Not everyone was like Kaiba, constantly using Cards that seemingly had drawbacks but effectively had none, such as Card of Demise, Card of Demise, and Card of Demise.
But, as everyone knew, if one Card were to summarize Chumley's basic Strategy, then it would surely be—
"In that case, there's no helping it. Although it's a bit regrettable, there's no need for a Monster that can't advance the Game to the next version." Chumley sneered, playing a Card. "Become the foundation for my entry into the next expansion, Cyber End Dragon."
"I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, Mysterious Chinese Pot! I Release my old friend Cyber End Dragon to regain Life Points equal to its ATK!"
Dan Kuroto: 4000 LP -> 12000 LP
Cyber End Dragon was silently Sent to the Graveyard by Chumley. It wasn't its first appearance, and almost every time it appeared, it was bound to Power Bond, either achieving a One-Turn Kill or failing and being "cooked for dinner." It was used to it.
As the 8000 ATK Cyber End Dragon vanished from the Field like a fleeting moment, "Dan Kuroto's" Field became empty, and he was left with only two Cards in his Hand.
"He Sent his own Monster to the Graveyard..." In the Audience Seating, Raphael frowned slightly, but didn't think much of it. Sacrificing one's Monster temporarily for ultimate victory was a common practice for many Duelists. He wouldn't forcefully demand others to abandon the pursuit of victory and fully protect their Monsters like him.
Kaiba, who had returned backstage, also saw Chumley's play through the camera and snorted coldly.
Kaiba thought, See, how normal it is to sacrifice Monsters for victory. That 'Raphael' guy is definitely looking down on me!
"I Set both Cards from my Hand." Chumley emptied his Hand. Although it was clear Chumley was at a disadvantage on the Field, judging by his expression, others might have thought he was the one with the upper hand. "Mhm, he successfully weathered the first wave of trials. Looks like a decent challenger."
"Then, Dan Kuroto, King's Turn ends here. Show your fangs to the Throne, Sheppard Iemitsu."
Dan Kuroto: 12000 LP -> 7000 LP, Hand 0
Set Cards x2
When "Dan Kuroto" declared his End Turn, the Effects of Power Bond and Illusion of Desire simultaneously Activated, inflicting a total of 5000 points of high Damage to "Dan Kuroto's" Life Points. However, thanks to the "great tonic" that was Cyber End Dragon, "Dan Kuroto's" Life Points still remained high at 7000 after enduring such Damage.
However, as soon as Chumley's Turn ended, Sheppard drew a Card and immediately Activated a Set Card.
"My Turn, Draw, then I Activate the Spell Card The Gift of Greed."
On Chumley's Field, a wooden box appeared, containing the Pot of Greed he had used in the previous Turn.
"This Card's Effect is the same as Pot of Greed; it allows you to Draw two Cards, but not me—it's for you, Dan Kuroto." Sheppard said, Summoning a Monster. "Now, I will Flip Summon the Monster on my Field."
"My Monster is, Dark Grepher."
"What the hell, is this Cyber Style?!"
Chumley didn't want anything else right now; he just wanted Sheppard to explain where exactly his "Cyber Style" was.
The Dark Grepher that appeared on Sheppard's Field, from head to toe, looked nothing like a "Cyber Style" Monster to Chumley. Besides the iron weapon in its hand, there were no other metallic objects on it at all.
And even though Sheppard had Flip-Summoned it, Dark Grepher didn't Trigger any Flip Effects.
After seemingly needlessly Flip-Summoning Dark Grepher, Sheppard played the Card he had drawn this Turn: "I Tribute the Flip-Summoned Dark Grepher on my Field to Tribute Summon Cyber Dragon."
"Then, when the Flip-Summoned Dark Grepher is Sent to the Graveyard, its Effect Activates." Sheppard's voice held a hint of triumph. "Both Players can Target one Monster in their respective Graveyards and Special Summon it to the Field in Face-up Attack Position or Face-down Defense Position."
"Both can Summon?" Chumley was a bit puzzled. Sheppard shouldn't have forgotten that his Graveyard contained Cyber End Dragon, after all, it had just been Sent to the Graveyard last Turn.
"The only Monster in my Graveyard that I can Special Summon is Dark Grepher. I'll Special Summon it in Face-down Defense Position. So, what about you, Dan Kuroto?" Sheppard asked with a smile. "Your Graveyard contains both Cyber Dragon and Cyber End Dragon. Which do you choose?"
To Sheppard's question, Chumley answered without hesitation: "Normally, if I could freely choose a Monster from my Graveyard to Special Summon, without any special Effects, I would probably choose Cyber End Dragon, which has the highest ATK."
"But I refuse! Because my Divine talent cannot be seen through by ordinary people's thoughts, I choose to Special Summon Cyber Dragon in Attack Position!"
Although he didn't know what kind of Graveyard benefit Sheppard intended by specifically Flip-Summoning Dark Grepher to Activate its Effect, Chumley felt he couldn't let Sheppard have his way.
Pillars of light simultaneously illuminated Chumley's and Sheppard's Fields. Dark Grepher, which Sheppard had just Released and Sent to the Graveyard, returned to the Field in a Set state, while Chumley's Cyber Dragon stood in opposition to Sheppard's Cyber Dragon.
Cyber Dragon [ATK 2100]
Seeing that Chumley had Summoned Cyber Dragon instead of Cyber End Dragon, Sheppard couldn't help but show a surprised expression.
"An unexpected choice, but it doesn't matter, even a Cyber Dragon is fine." Sheppard said, waving his hand forward. "Enter my Battle Phase. I will use Cyber Dragon to Attack your Cyber Dragon, Dan Kuroto."
"Evolution Light Blast!"
"Attacking a Cyber Dragon with a Cyber Dragon? A death wish!" Chumley also waved his hand, ordering, "Retaliate with 100,000 Volts!"
The Cyber Dragon, identical in appearance as if carved from the same mold, attacked each other. Since their basic stats were exactly the same, the inevitable result was Mutual Destruction; both were Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard simultaneously.
"Painless, not at all like a Cyber Style Attack. It's terribly weak, Sheppard Iemitsu," Chumley commented, looking unconcerned.
Sheppard merely smiled, offering no rebuttal: "No, this way my Graveyard is complete."
"Then, I Activate the last Set Card on my Field." Sheppard pressed his finger on the Duel Disk, playing a Card that made even Chumley widen his eyes in surprise. "What I'm Activating is the Quick-Play Spell Card Scrap Fusion!"
"This Card's Effect is different from other Cards: I can Banish Monsters from your Opponent's Graveyard to use as Fusion Material!"
Chumley suddenly looked down, just in time to see his Duel Disk's Graveyard Zone light up. The two Cyber Dragon that had been Sent to the Graveyard earlier, along with the Cyber Dragon that had just been Destroyed, a total of three Monsters, were ejected.
Sheppard drew a Card from his hand: "Since your assessment, Dan Kuroto, was that the Attack was 'not good enough,' then using this Monster should suffice, right?"
"By Fusion Summoning with three Cyber Dragon, appear, my Cyber End Dragon!!"
The scene on the Field made almost everyone's eyes widen.
Behind Sheppard, as if a replica of the Summon "Dan Kuroto" had performed in the previous Turn, an identical Cyber End Dragon stretched its Machine-Type body in the same posture. This time, the person being glared at by its three heads was "Dan Kuroto" instead of Sheppard.
Cyber End Dragon [ATK 4000]
Honestly, throughout yesterday's KC Cup, the audience had seen plenty of strange plays, such as using Higher-Level Cards to "Stargaze" and then Special Summoning the top Card of the Deck three Turns later, or being defeated by a "Fatal Five-Strike" from five Piercing Monsters while in Defense Position.
After all, it takes all kinds, but they had genuinely never seen a scenario where an Opponent Summoned a Fusion Monster in one Turn, only for an identical Fusion Monster to be Summoned again in the next Turn.
"Damn it, how dare he touch my Monsters without the Game Administrator's permission!"
Chumley was annoyed, and at the same time, he understood what Sheppard's previous Strategy was all about.
The existence of Scrap Fusion meant that Sheppard could Banish Chumley's Cyber Dragon from his Graveyard at any time to Summon his Cyber End Dragon. What kind of NTR Card is this?
Now that Chumley's Field was cleared again, Sheppard's Cyber End Dragon was virtually unimpeded. If its Attack went through, Chumley's Life Points would be reduced by a whopping 4000 points in one go. Even with 7000 Life Points, Chumley couldn't ignore such high Damage.
"Because this Fusion Summon occurred during my Battle Phase, Cyber End Dragon can still Attack," Sheppard said, not overjoyed by Summoning Cyber End Dragon, his face still as calm as ever. "Now, observe my full power, Dan Kuroto."
"Cyber End Dragon performs a Direct Attack on the Duelist!"
"Eternal Evolution Burst!"
Under Sheppard's astonished gaze, "Dan Kuroto's" body was instantly extinguished by what should have been a projected Attack. However, at the same time, another "Dan Kuroto" appeared from the side, "almost" completely unharmed.
The reason for putting "almost" in quotation marks was that, compared to Cyber End Dragon's 4000 ATK, "Dan Kuroto's" Life Points had changed very little.
Dan Kuroto: 7000 LP -> 6000 LP
"The Continuous Trap Card, Swords of Revealing Light, allows you to Pay 1000 Life Points to Negate the Attack when your Opponent's Monster declares an Attack." Chumley explained. "The Game's progress toward completion has only advanced by 1%; you're still far from defeating me."
"Using Life Points as a Cost to avoid greater losses, this Dueling style truly is..." Sheppard sighed, but his expression remained relaxed. "Well, I have no further plays to make. My Turn ends here."
"Also, during my End Phase, the Effect of Illusion of Desire Activates. Because you drew two Cards due to The Gift of Greed, you will take 1000 Effect Damage."
Dan Kuroto: 6000 LP -> 5000 LP
Sheppard: 4000 LP, Hand 0
Cyber End Dragon [ATK 4000]
Face-down Defense Position Monster (Dark Grepher)
Time Capsule, Illusion of Desire
Another 1000 Life Points were deducted. Even though Chumley's Life Points were still abundant, he couldn't help but pay more attention to Sheppard's Illusion of Desire.
All in all, Sheppard had already deducted 2000 Life Points from Chumley using this one Card. This Strategy was clearly much more efficient than the Strategy he previously used, which revolved around Cyber Summon Blaster.
No matter how many Life Points Chumley had, they were ultimately limited. Replenishing his Hand significantly while bearing the burden was simply too much, but not replenishing his Hand would be foolish.
However, as the saying goes, "powerful Cards often come with risks." The target of Illusion of Desire's Effect was not solely Chumley; it affected Both Players. Sheppard would also be affected if he drew cards due to a Card's Effect.
Regrettably, Chumley hadn't yet drawn the Heavenly Treasure Jar, a card that could make an empty-handed Sheppard draw six cards in one Turn; otherwise, this move would surely delight him to death.
Furthermore, the presence of Cyber End Dragon was troublesome. A Monster that could break the 3000 ATK barrier and surpass the benchmark of Blue-Eyes White Dragon was already considered one of the top Ace Cards in various Decks. Its massive 4000 ATK was enough to dominate all others, not to mention its tricky Piercing ability.
However, as a Fusion Monster, Cyber End Dragon also possessed a weakness that other Monsters, capable of breaking 3000 ATK on their own, did not.
"My Turn, Draw." After glancing at the drawn Card and adding it to his Hand, Chumley took out another Card he had drawn due to The Gift of Greed, and looked at Cyber End Dragon.
"The same Monster appearing once is enough; over-utilizing a model only leads to aesthetic fatigue." Chumley inserted the Card into his Spell & Trap Zone and flashed a healthy smile. "It's better if Cyber End Dragon becomes a discontinued edition from now on."
"I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, De-Fusion!"
Under Sheppard's horrified gaze, Cyber End Dragon's Fusion process was reversed, disappearing from Sheppard's Field almost instantaneously!
The technique of using De-Fusion was actually widely known, thanks to Joey and Kaiba's Duel in the Battle City Semi-finals. However, in most situations, this technique didn't have much practical application.
After all, not everyone had powerful Fusion Monsters, nor could everyone draw De-Fusion as a Heart of the Cards moment before their Opponent Summoned a powerful Fusion Monster.
Sheppard naturally knew this technique. He slapped his forehead, feeling a bit vexed:
"Ah, it's impossible to guard against everything."
(end of chapter)
Chapter 409: The So-Called God Is an Existence That Can Never Be Defeated
After using (Fusion Release) to effortlessly bounce (Cyber End Dragon) back to Sheppard's Deck, Hayato glanced at his Hand, a slight frown on his face.
Currently, Sheppard's Field only had one Face-down Position (Dark Familiar). If Hayato could Flip and Destroy it, he could use its Effect to Revive (Cyber End Dragon) from his Graveyard.
Even if Sheppard could Special Summon a Monster from his Graveyard, he only had a single (Cyber Dragon) there, which was no match for (Cyber End Dragon). This was the advantage of (Fusion Release); it didn't Destroy, but returned to the Deck.
The problem now was that Hayato, quite by accident, had no Monster Cards in his Hand. Including the (Fusion Release) he just used, all three of his Cards were Spell Cards.
But it didn't matter. Who said you couldn't defeat someone without Monster Cards?
"Duel Monsters, in short, is a game of intellectual combat, not much different from Chess. In that case, it's fine if I use a few tricky moves," Hayato said, playing a Card. "I Activate the Spell Card, (Painful Choice)!"
As the Card was Activated, five Cards appeared before Sheppard: two (Overload Fusion)s, a (Cyber Dragon Core), and two (Proto-Cyber Dragon)s.
With no Monster Cards, Hayato could simply use a Card's Effect to Add a Monster Card to his Hand, and since it wasn't a "Draw," it wouldn't Trigger the Effect of (Illusion of Desire).
Even if Sheppard didn't choose the three Monsters Hayato selected, it didn't matter. Hayato could still use (Overload Fusion) to Fuse the three (Cyber Dragon)s that Sheppard's (Scrap Fusion) had Banished, returning them to the Deck.
Sheppard had gathered information on "Dan Kuroto" previously. Among the five Cards revealed by (Painful Choice), (Proto-Cyber Dragon) could Destroy the (Dark Familiar) to Revive (Cyber End Dragon), and (Overload Fusion) could Fuse Banished Monsters. None of these were good choices; it was clearly a Trap waiting for him to step into.
As for the remaining (Cyber Dragon Core), although he had never seen this Card before, its name suggested it was a (Cyber Dragon)-related Monster. Its Effect was unknown, but the only thing he could confirm was that its ATK was even lower than the (Dark Familiar)'s DEF.
Even though he felt this Card was also a Trap, Sheppard had no choice but to bite. "The Card I choose is (Cyber Dragon Core)."
"Heh heh, a wise move. Then I Add (Cyber Dragon Core) to my Hand, and Send all other Cards to the Graveyard." Hayato retrieved (Cyber Dragon Core), and the other four Cards were one by one placed into the Graveyard zone.
Confirming that the four Cards had all entered the Graveyard, Hayato smirked deviously. "On the surface, (Cyber Dragon Core) has the lowest ATK, only 400. It can't even Destroy the weak DEF of the Flip-Summoned (Dark Familiar)."
"However, something that appears harmless isn't necessarily without danger. On the contrary, the weakest can often be more troublesome than the strongest." With that, Hayato placed the (Cyber Dragon Core) he had just Added to his Hand onto his Duel Disk. "I Normal Summon (Cyber Dragon Core) in Attack Position, and then Activate its Effect."
"When (Cyber Dragon Core) is successfully Summoned, I can Add one 'Cyber' Spell/Trap Card or 'Cybernetic' Spell/Trap Card from my Deck to my Hand. I choose to Add (Cyber Fusion Support) to my Hand."
On Hayato's Field, a mechanical "snake" even simpler in design than (Proto-Cyber Dragon), basically just a few spherical mechanical joints linked together, raised its head. Although it only had 400 ATK, it exuded the confidence of a Normal Monster with 3000 ATK and 2500 DEF.
An additional Card appeared in Hayato's Hand; it was (Cyber Fusion Support), which he had just Added to his Hand using (Cyber Dragon Core)'s Effect.
"(Cyber Fusion Support)?" It was yet another Card Sheppard hadn't heard of, but he could more or less guess that it was likely a Card to assist in Fusion Summoning.
"Dan Kuroto" put his hands on his hips, a smug look on his face. "Most people's Fusions only involve Monsters from their Hand and Field, or using Cards like (Dragon's Mirror) to Fuse Monsters from their Field and Graveyard. But don't underestimate my talent! With (Cyber Fusion Support), I can choose Fusion Materials simultaneously from my Hand, Field, and Graveyard!"
"The only Cost is to Pay half my Life Points!"
As he spoke, (Cyber Fusion Support) was immediately inserted into the Spell & Trap Zone. "A mere trifle of Life Points! As long as it's not Nullified, it's as good as infinite. Go ahead and take it! I Pay half my Life Points to Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, (Cyber Fusion Support)!"
[Dan Kuroto: 5000 → 2500 LP]
Half of "Dan Kuroto's" Life Points were deducted. Simultaneously, a highly advanced mechanical device rose on his Backrow. As Hayato Activated the Card he had previously Set on the Field, the (Polymerization) Spell Card, originally intended as bait, now took effect.
Not only (Cyber Dragon Core) on Hayato's Field, but also the Monsters in Hayato's Graveyard appeared on the Field one by one. (Cyber End Dragon) and two (Proto-Cyber Dragon)s all raised their heads and roared. Then, along with (Cyber Dragon Core), they dissolved into particles and entered the (Cyber Fusion Support) device, which began to emit electrical light as it activated.
"I'm using a total of four Fusion Materials. Among them, as long as (Cyber Dragon Core) exists on my Field or Graveyard, it is treated as (Cyber Dragon)," Hayato said, holding up five fingers. "The Material requirements are (Cyber Dragon) and one or more Machine-Type Monsters!"
"Don't blink! This is the last Monster you'll see. I Fusion Summon (Chimeratech Overdragon)!"
A grating metallic screech echoed as a mechanical great dragon, much longer than (Cyber End Dragon), materialized on "Dan Kuroto's" Field. Simultaneously, one mechanical dragon head after another extended from its body, a total of four majestic and domineering mechanical dragon heads!
[(Chimeratech Overdragon) ATK 3200]
Sheppard's expression was grim. He had thought choosing (Cyber Dragon Core) was the safest option, but he hadn't expected "Dan Kuroto" to use its Effect as a springboard, utilizing all the Monsters in his Graveyard to instantly Summon (Chimeratech Overdragon) with a massive 3200 ATK.
Each Fusion Material provided 800 ATK to (Chimeratech Overdragon). With a total of four Fusion Materials, (Chimeratech Overdragon)'s ATK had already surpassed the widely recognized combat power benchmark in Duel Monsters—(Blue-Eyes White Dragon).
"Now, let's enter my Battle Phase, Sheppard!" Hayato waved his hand forward. "While this isn't my limit, it's more than enough to finish you off!"
"(Chimeratech Overdragon) has the ability to Attack a number of Monsters equal to its Fusion Materials. So, first Attack—"
"(Chimeratech Overdragon), Attack the Face-down Defense Position (Dark Familiar)! 'Netherworld Crescent Crush'!"
Unlike the pure white laser beam of (Cyber End Dragon), the Attack unleashed by (Chimeratech Overdragon) was an ominous, destructive pitch black. In an instant, it Destroyed the weak DEF (Dark Familiar) and Sent it to the Graveyard.
Holding up his arm to block the impact, Sheppard Declared, "Then, as it's Destroyed by (Chimeratech Overdragon), the Effect of the Flip-Summoned (Dark Familiar) also Activates!"
"Both players can choose one Monster that can be Special Summoned from their respective Graveyards, and Special Summon it to the Field in Attack Position or Face-down Defense Position." Sheppard said, then added as a reminder, "However, Dan Kuroto, all the Monsters in your Graveyard were just Banished by the Effect of (Cyber Fusion Support), so you cannot Summon any Monsters to the Field."
To maximize (Chimeratech Overdragon)'s ATK, Hayato had specifically Banished all Monsters from his Graveyard, including (Cyber End Dragon). However, Hayato wasn't bothered. Anyway, no matter what Monster Sheppard Summoned, he could still Destroy it.
Could he really pull out a Monster with over 3200 ATK?
No sooner had he mentally made that declaration, than Hayato saw a massive robot, tall and imposing, erupt from the ground on Sheppard's Field. Its two electronic eyes glowed, and yellow currents sparked from its thick arms—clearly a powerhouse capable of ripping a cockpit apart with its bare hands.
[(Perfect Machine King) ATK 2700 → 3200]
"3200 ATK?! When did that Monster get there?" Hayato genuinely couldn't recall when Sheppard had Sent this Monster to his Graveyard.
Sheppard smiled and reminded him, "At the very start of the Duel, I Activated a (Graceful Charity) to exchange Cards in my Hand. (Perfect Machine King) was the only Monster in my Hand at that time. Though powerful, I didn't have enough Tributes to play it in the first Turn."
As he spoke, Sheppard glanced at (Perfect Machine King). "(Perfect Machine King)'s Effect states that for each Machine-Type Monster on both sides of the Field, other than itself, it gains 500 ATK. Since there are only two Monsters on the Field, (Perfect Machine King) and (Chimeratech Overdragon), its ATK increases to 3200, perfectly matching (Chimeratech Overdragon)'s."
"So, will you continue to Attack, Dan Kuroto?" Sheppard smiled gently, but he didn't tell Hayato one crucial detail.
That was, in Sheppard's Graveyard, besides (Perfect Machine King), there was also a (Shield Warrior), a Monster he had Sent to the Graveyard with (Graceful Charity) during the first Turn.
(Shield Warrior) had the Effect to Banish itself from the Graveyard during damage calculation, preventing a Monster on your Field from being Destroyed by that Battle. This meant that with equal ATK, if (Chimeratech Overdragon) and (Perfect Machine King), neither of which inherently had "cannot be Destroyed by Battle" abilities, attacked each other, only (Perfect Machine King), protected by (Shield Warrior), would remain.
Even if (Chimeratech Overdragon) had the ability to Attack multiple Monsters, if it were Destroyed, attacking more times would be pointless.
And if "Dan Kuroto" chose to stop there and maintain a standoff with (Perfect Machine King), that situation wouldn't last long either. Because in the Next Turn, during Sheppard's Standby Phase, the (Time Capsule) he had Activated at the start of the Duel would take effect.
The Card hidden inside Sheppard's (Time Capsule) was (Monster Reborn). Once he obtained (Monster Reborn), Sheppard could Revive (Cyber Dragon) from his Graveyard and Summon it to the Field.
With (Perfect Machine King)'s ATK rising to 3700, plus (Cyber Dragon)'s 2100 ATK, the total Damage that could be inflicted was 2600. How could he possibly lose? Relying on that (Swords of Revealing Light) in Dan Kuroto's Backrow?
Because of (Cyber Fusion Support), "Dan Kuroto's" Life Points were down to just 2500. At most, he could only use (Swords of Revealing Light)'s Effect twice. This round was in his favor!
Although Sheppard remained outwardly calm, a hint of excitement bubbled within him, anticipating his imminent victory.
"Dan Kuroto" heard Sheppard's provocation, remained silent for only a few seconds, then smiled. "Are you asking me to take your words just now as a challenge to my Divine Talent?"
"There's only one answer. I, Dan Kuroto, am not someone who would back down from a small difficulty. The more challenging and incredible an act is, the more it showcases my Divine Talent!"
"The proof of my talent? Even if it costs me my life, it doesn't matter!" Hayato waved his hand. "Second Attack! (Chimeratech Overdragon), Attack (Perfect Machine King)!"
"Purgatory Shatter!"
Only a few seconds had passed since (Chimeratech Overdragon)'s last Attack, and "Dan Kuroto" had already come up with another strange name for (Chimeratech Overdragon). The pitch-black beam surged towards (Perfect Machine King).
Seeing this, Sheppard responded with a surge of excitement, "Now! I Activate the Effect of (Shield Warrior) in my Graveyard!"
"During damage calculation, I Banish (Shield Warrior) from my Graveyard, so my (Perfect Machine King) on the Field will not be Destroyed by this Battle!"
A massive shield abruptly appeared in (Perfect Machine King)'s hand. Despite being a medieval shield, it seemed coated in an anti-particle layer, easily deflecting (Chimeratech Overdragon)'s beam cannon. Lightning crackled around (Perfect Machine King)'s fists as it stomped forcefully on the ground, charging towards (Chimeratech Overdragon)!
"Boom!"
The steel giant's fist collided with the mechanical multi-headed dragon's body, expanding in a highly sci-fi manner, reinterpreting primitive violent aesthetics, much like the battle between Susanoo and Orochi in Japanese mythology.
Where (Chimeratech Overdragon) was struck by (Perfect Machine King), it exploded with a roar. A cloud of smoke enveloped most of (Chimeratech Overdragon)'s body and (Perfect Machine King)'s arm.
Seeing this, Sheppard couldn't help but smile, then said to "Dan Kuroto," who stood opposite him, "You were too eager for victory, Dan Kuroto. Duel Monsters isn't just a simple clash of wits; psychological warfare is also a crucial element."
"It's a bit of a shame that this Duel ended without either of us showing our full limits, but at least I've proven the power of the Cyber Style," Sheppard paused, then stated firmly, "The winner of this Duel has already been decided."
"Hmph, is that so?" To Sheppard's surprise, "Dan Kuroto" responded with a healthy smile. "Even if a winner has been decided, that title can only belong to me. If you ask why, it's because I am Dan Kuroto!"
"Roar!!"
"What?!"
As "Dan Kuroto's" words fell, Sheppard discovered that (Chimeratech Overdragon), which should have been Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard in its Battle with (Perfect Machine King), actually let out a roar! He looked up in surprise!
"How?!"
"Watch closely, and learn! Don't be scared by just the tip of my Divine Talent's iceberg!" Hayato looked up and commanded (Chimeratech Overdragon), "Stop wasting time over there! Crush it!"
"Snap!"
"Boom!!"
The second explosion rang out, and this time, the shockwave completely dispersed the smoke shrouding (Perfect Machine King) and (Chimeratech Overdragon), instantly revealing the outcome of their Battle.
To Sheppard's incomprehension, (Perfect Machine King), which should have been granted the "cannot be Destroyed by Battle" ability, was now missing an arm. Upon looking closer, he saw that the very arm (Perfect Machine King) had used to Attack was currently clamped in one of (Chimeratech Overdragon)'s mechanical dragon heads, then crushed into scrap metal with a single bite.
"If their ATK were identical, (Perfect Machine King) naturally could use (Shield Warrior)'s Effect to Destroy (Chimeratech Overdragon) without taking Damage itself." Hayato's voice rang out. As the smoke cleared, Sheppard finally saw that Hayato's last Card in Hand had already been inserted into his Duel Disk and Activated!
A Quick-Play Spell Card, (Half Shut)?
"But if (Perfect Machine King)'s ATK is lowered, your plan falls apart, Sheppard!" Hayato said triumphantly. "Chaining to your (Shield Warrior)'s Effect, I Activated the Quick-Play Spell Card, (Half Shut)! Its Effect grants one Monster on the Field the ability to not be Destroyed by Battle until the End Turn, but as a Cost, its ATK is halved!"
"The outcome of this Duel will be decided by me! Now, (Chimeratech Overdragon), complete the second Attack!"
[(Perfect Machine King) ATK 3200 → 1600]
[(Chimeratech Overdragon) ATK 3200]
The pitch-black beam burst forth once more. This time, the one-armed (Perfect Machine King), though still holding its shield, couldn't keep it steady. The deflected beam struck the ground right in front of Sheppard!
"Ugh—!"
[Sheppard: 4000 → 2400 LP]
Having suddenly lost 1600 Life Points, Sheppard grunted but wasn't too badly affected. Instead, he looked up at the menacing (Chimeratech Overdragon), its two un-attacked heads wide open, ready to strike again.
"Pressing the Attack! Third strike, 'Wyvern Strike, Heaven-Shaking Lightning Cannon'!"
[Sheppard: 2400 → 800 LP]
Another strike landed, and Sheppard's Life Points were down to a mere 800. (Perfect Machine King), in this Attack, lost both its shield and the arm holding it, becoming little more than a "human stick" missing only some decorations incomprehensible to the higher-ups.
"The so-called Divine Talent isn't an ability that merely surpasses others; it's an ability that is absolutely insurmountable, that cannot be defeated, and that even imagination struggles to grasp. And so-called miracles are merely controlled within my palm," Hayato said, clenching his fist. "In other words, this isn't a miracle accumulated from one or two Draws; it's the inevitable result created by my talent."
"The victor is me, the absolutely indestructible Dan Kuroto! Be shattered like a meteor!"
"(Chimeratech Overdragon), fourth Consecutive Attack, and the ultimate final blow! 'Divine Fist Crush'!"
"Roar!!"
The pitch-black aurora completely engulfed (Perfect Machine King). Just before this final blow, a brief flash of light emanated from Sheppard's Deck. Although this couldn't change the outcome of the Duel, for one fleeting moment, Sheppard, having completely cleared his mind, finally saw through a mist that had been blocking his vision.
"So it was you all along. No wonder I lost." Sheppard looked at "Dan Kuroto" and gave a wry smile. "You truly are an incomprehensible strongest duelist, Hayato."
"Boom!"
The sound of the explosion perfectly coincided, conveniently masking the last name Sheppard uttered.
[Sheppard: 800 LP → 0]
The shockwave forced Sheppard to take a step or two back before he regained his footing. He looked up, his gaze meeting Hayato's slightly surprised one.
"Victor, Dan Kuroto!"
As the Judge's declaration rang out, Hayato noticed the sound collection system arranged at the edge of the Duel Stage had been temporarily turned off. He couldn't help but show a helpless expression as he spoke to Sheppard. "As expected of Mr. Sheppard, you saw through my perfect disguise."
"No, no, it was just a coincidence. But Hayato, how did you do it?" Sheppard scratched his head, then belatedly remembered that his recent hair loss had been quite severe and he needed to be careful, so he quickly lowered his hand. "Outwardly, 'Dan Kuroto' and 'Hayato' are identical, but I couldn't connect the two until just now."
"Well, that's a bit complicated to explain," Hayato said, unsure where to begin. "There's probably some 'thing' that blocks others from connecting me with 'Hayato'. Originally, no one should have been able to see through it."
Except for Kaiba, Yugi, Marik, Rex, Rafael, Alister... Strange, why were there so many people? And now Sheppard had to be added to the list.
Sheppard also paused, as if remembering something. He drew his Deck from his Duel Disk, flipped past Cards like (Cyber Summon Blaster), (Skull Invitation), and (Dimensional Prison), then pulled out one specific Card, a look of understanding on his face. "If I'm not mistaken, it's probably this Card?"
Hayato tilted his head to look. In Sheppard's hand was a Machine-Type Monster Card. Its Level seemed to be nine or ten, though it was hard to tell clearly from the inverse angle. On the Card Art, a monstrous, gigantic mechanical dragon head was depicted.
"(Cyber Eltanin)?" Hayato blurted out instinctively, not noticing the surprised expression on Sheppard's face.
(It ended a bit hastily because I suddenly remembered a bug: Dark Familiar actually can't Special Summon itself.)
(I plan to insert two small subplots into the KC Cup, slightly related to the Doma arc later. One of them is the Cyber Style plotline.)
(As for the other, all I can say is that it's the Dragonmaids that many people want, but they won't be for the protagonist.)
(end of chapter)
Chapter 410: The Legacy of Cyber Style
"[Cyber Eltanin]?" Hayato looked at the card in Sheppard's hand and blurted out its name. But when Hayato looked up, he saw a complex expression on Sheppard's face, revealing a hint of understanding amidst the surprise and astonishment, and even a feeling of "it should be so."
"So it's you, Hayato. Indeed, it is you, Hayato."
Sheppard said these strange words, then his face turned somewhat serious as he said, "Then, Hayato, I have something I want to ask of you."
"Please tell me, Mr. Sheppard." Sheppard's expression was too serious, and because Sheppard had always been remembered by Hayato as that bald principal in the future, Hayato couldn't help but become serious as well.
Of course, both of them at least remembered that they were currently on the Duel Arena, with many people watching. So, the subsequent conversation did not continue in public, but rather moved to the Duelist Prep Room.
And when Hayato and Sheppard parted ways, and Hayato returned to the Audience Seating, there was an extra card in his hand. It was the "Draco Constellation" that Sheppard had shown Hayato earlier—[Cyber Eltanin].
According to Sheppard, the source of the representative Duel Monster of his "Cyber Style"—[Cyber Dragon]—was said to be the power of the "Draco Constellation" in the heavens. If [Cyber End Dragon] was the [Cyber Dragon]'s Ultimate Secret Technique, then [Cyber Eltanin] was the [Cyber Dragon]'s Origin Power.
However, there was a rather awkward problem with the [Cyber Eltanin] card. That was, no one could use [Cyber Eltanin] at all.
It wasn't that the Duelists of "Cyber Style" were unable to draw and use [Cyber Eltanin] in a Duel; it was that they were completely unable to unleash its power.
Level, Attribute, Effect—these were always blank on the [Cyber Eltanin] card. Even the name [Cyber Eltanin] itself was only known through the legacy passed down in the records of Cyber Style.
When Sheppard said that, if he hadn't specifically found a nearby staff member to show the [Cyber Eltanin] card and learned that the person only saw a blank card with nothing on it, Hayato would genuinely not have believed what Sheppard said.
Sheppard also said that although there was only one such [Cyber Eltanin] card in the Cyber Style Dojo, and it had always been kept by the current Cyber Style Master, in reality, anyone who joined Cyber Style could try to use it. Because, in a sense, more than [Cyber Dragon], this [Cyber Eltanin] was the true legacy of Cyber Style.
Sheppard's teacher even told Sheppard that whoever could use this [Cyber Eltanin] would be the most legitimate successor of Cyber Style. This saying wasn't even passed down from the previous generation, but from two generations ago to the previous generation, and three generations ago to two generations ago.
Sheppard's previous Cyber Style Master, who was Sheppard's teacher, was regarded among Cyber Style Duelists for several generations as the one "most hopeful to inherit [Cyber Eltanin]." Yet, even he could only discern [Cyber Eltanin]'s Level and its "?" ATK and DEF, completely unable to figure out how to use or Summon this card.
Even Sheppard himself had only barely managed to see that [Cyber Eltanin]'s Level was a noble Level 10. He couldn't even see its name. It was only after his Duel with Hayato had just ended that he unexpectedly discovered he could see [Cyber Eltanin]'s "?" ATK and DEF.
But before Sheppard could even be happy, Hayato—who was not a Cyber Style Duelist at all, and had somehow acquired a [Cyber Dragon] Deck that was even more complete than Sheppard's own—simply took one look at [Cyber Eltanin] and called out its name.
Even more, in the [Cyber Eltanin]'s Effect Description field, which was a blank slate in Sheppard's eyes, Hayato saw densely packed text.
[Cyber Eltanin][Level 10/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Special Summon/Effect]
[?/?]
[Effect: This card cannot be Normal Summoned. This card can only be Special Summoned if you Banish all Machine-Type LIGHT Attribute Monsters from your Graveyard and Face-up Position Monsters on your Field.
① This card's ATK/DEF becomes the number of Monsters Banished by this card's Special Summon x 500.
② If this card is Special Summoned: Activate this effect. Send all other Face-up Position Monsters on the Field to the Graveyard.]
It was after Hayato said he could fully see [Cyber Eltanin]'s abilities that Sheppard, for some reason, suddenly became fixated, adamantly insisting that Hayato was definitely the chosen user of [Cyber Eltanin], and thrust [Cyber Eltanin] directly into Hayato's hands, leaving no room for refusal.
What's more, Hayato's [Cyber Dragon] had clearly been obtained from the system's Machine-Type build, yet Sheppard stubbornly insisted that Hayato had earned the recognition of the [Cyber Dragon] Card Spirit.
After handing this [Cyber Eltanin], which Cyber Style Duelists had guarded for generations before finally finding a user, to Hayato, Sheppard not only showed no regret but instead sighed greatly in relief, as if he had put down some heavy burden.
However, in the end, Sheppard still made a small request: he wanted Hayato to accompany him to the Cyber Style Dojo. For no other reason than to inform the retired Cyber Style Former Master that [Cyber Eltanin] now had a successor.
Hayato thought about it; he had received a legacy card from them for free, so going there wouldn't be a big issue. He agreed.
Sitting in his seat, ignoring Marik's protests and using the excuse "your sister said you shouldn't eat too many sweets" to snatch Marik's caramel popcorn, Hayato examined the [Cyber Eltanin] in his hand.
The number of Duel Monsters was quite large, but if one were to categorize the strongest Boss Monsters, they could be simply divided into several types, such as field presence, combo disruption, protection, weakening, and aggressive play types.
For example, Kaiba's [Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon], a monster with 4500 ATK that can attack three times in one turn, is clearly an aggressive play type.
Of course, this categorization was a bit forced. For instance, Rex's [Ultimate Conductor Tyranno] can attack five or even more times in one turn at its peak, primarily focusing on aggressive play, but if needed, it can also Tribute itself to act as a mass Book of Moon effect for protection.
For example, the [Dragun of Red-Eyes] (also known as the famous "Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon") which Hayato had always wanted but hadn't bought due to its exorbitant cost, possessed field abilities that made it untargetable and immune to effect destruction, a combo disruption ability that could negate all effects once per turn, and an aggressive play ability to destroy one monster per turn.
Although "Cyber Style" in Sheppard's hands was essentially a Trap-heavy Strategy, it was fundamentally an aggressive play Deck, and also had cards like [Chimeratech Rampage Dragon] specifically for dealing with the backrow. The categorization of [Cyber Eltanin] also fell under the aggressive play type.
Both its ATK and DEF being "?" meant that [Cyber Eltanin]'s power was not limited; as long as its potential could be fully unleashed, it could create infinite possibilities. And its effect, which sent all other monsters on the Field to the Graveyard upon a successful Special Summon, was an aggressive play among aggressive plays.
Let's assume, Hayato only needed to first use [Chimeratech Rampage Dragon] to destroy all of the opponent's backrow cards, then bring out [Cyber Eltanin]. As long as Hayato had sent more than eight LIGHT Attribute Machine-Type Monsters to the Graveyard beforehand, [Cyber Eltanin]'s ATK could reach 4000 or even higher, and it could also send all of the opponent's monsters to the Graveyard and then direct attack.
Who could withstand such a strike, cultivated over twenty years? Unless it was the invincible Kuriboh, nothing else would work.
Especially since [Cyber Eltanin]'s Level was a noble Level 10, it was clear just how powerful a card [Cyber Eltanin] was.
Among Duel Monsters, while Level couldn't represent everything—for example, Pegasus's [Relinquished] which was only Level 1 but possessed extremely potent dark power, or the Level 5 but unrivaled [Lion Sorcerer]—to some extent, Level could largely represent a monster's power level.
Especially Level 10, which was basically among the pinnacle of Duel Monsters. The best examples were the "Egyptian God Cards" and the "Sacred Beasts."
[Cyber Eltanin]'s Level was Level 10, which meant that even if its opponent was one of the Egyptian God Cards with strong resistance, it could still use its effect to send them from the Field to the Graveyard, as this was not a destroy effect but merely a removal.
Of course, all the Egyptian God Cards were in Hayato's hands, and Hayato also had two of the Sacred Beasts, so the possibility of facing them wasn't high.
Speaking of the Sacred Beasts, however, Hayato was still quite annoyed about one thing.
Back during Battle City, Hayato was collecting the Millennium Puzzle pieces, and his final opponent was Odion. But unexpectedly, right after their Duel, he was attacked by Bakura, which resulted in Odion being sent to the hospital and Dark Marik awakening.
Bakura, who had successfully launched the attack, threw down the [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder] and [Uria, Lord of Searing Flames] cards as a diversion to escape. Hayato casually picked them up, thinking he had thus collected all the Sacred Beast cards. However, just before the Battle City Finals began, he was attacked by Dark Marik, who was holding [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder].
Only then did Hayato realize that the two cards Bakura had left behind were not the true cards at all, but merely avatars that were incredibly well-disguised. Although they shared a common consciousness with the true cards, the power within them was vastly different.
Currently, Hayato held the true cards for [Sacred Beast Emperor Raviel] and [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder]. However, the [Uria, Lord of Searing Flames] card was likely still in Bakura's hands.
As for whether Bakura had already died in Noah's now-silent Sea Fortress? Hayato didn't think that guy would go down so easily; after all, he could even crawl back from the Abyss after losing a Shadow Game that devoured souls.
Marik, whose popcorn had been snatched away, was quite depressed. That was all he had to live for, especially since Hayato, after taking the popcorn, didn't even taste it properly, merely stuffing it into his mouth and distractedly chewing while staring at a card in his hand, lost in thought.
What could he say? He was no match for Hayato, neither in Duel Monsters nor in hand-to-hand combat. Hayato was also his and his sworn brother Odion's savior, and his sister even had an ambiguous relationship with Hayato. All he could do was angrily cross his arms and watch the second Duel that had already begun on the Duel Field.
Back when he was with the Rare Hunters, Marik rarely acted in person, but he often remotely controlled others to Duel. To hunt for rare cards, Marik remembered quite a few skilled Duelists, but he didn't recognize either of the two on the Field.
Looking at the names displayed on the big screen, one person's name was "Oht Fafnir," while his opponent was a hooded, masked man who coughed occasionally. The Pinyin of the name on the screen looked strange, and Marik wasn't good at spelling it, but in any case, he was using Alchemy-themed monsters.
"Oht Fafnir," whose name sounded like he could be easily defeated, used a Dragon-Type Deck, which in a sense, suited his name well.
It was well known that the biggest characteristic of Dragon-Type monsters was their generally high price; the rarer the Dragon-Type, the more expensive it was. But at the same time, the more expensive a Dragon-Type, the more powerful its abilities.
Just like now, "Oht Fafnir" had had all his monsters cleared from the Field last turn, yet by using the effects of [Lord of D.] and [Flute of Summoning Dragon], he managed to summon two [Tyrant Dragon]s with 2900 ATK in just one turn, achieving a perfect counterattack.
[Tyrant Dragon] had the consecutive attack ability to attack again if there was a monster on the opponent's Field after its initial attack. Moreover, it could not be targeted by traps, and under the protection of [Lord of D.], it further gained the ability to not be an effect target.
In Marik's eyes, the guy with only one [Golden Homunculus] with 1500 ATK on the Field was absolutely going to lose.
Then, Marik watched with wide eyes as the masked man, chaining to Oht Fafnir's [Tyrant Dragon]'s attack declaration, successively activated several Set cards, sending his own Deck to the Graveyard. Then, using the effect of a single [Macro Cosmos], he Banished all the cards that were sent to the Graveyard.
The ATK of [Golden Homunculus], which had only been 1500 at the start, instantly surged to a full 6900 points, dealing exactly 4000 points of Battle Damage to "Oht Fafnir" and turning the tables.
While everyone was still stunned, the highly professional Judge declared the Duel a victory for the masked man. After confirming his win, the man covered his mouth and nose, coughing, and left the Duel Arena without a second glance.
"Brother-in-law, did you see that? That guy was so strong!" Marik nudged Hayato with his elbow, waking him from his daze, and also reclaimed his almost-eaten popcorn. "That masked man actually chain activated four Trap cards! Even stronger than Odion; I've only ever seen him chain activated three at most."
"Oh, really? That's pretty good. How amazing," Hayato said with a trifecta of dismissive replies, snapping out of his thoughts about the [Cyber Eltanin] card. He looked up at the name displayed on the big screen.
"Daitokuji Amunaeru?"
"Weird name, huh? Anyway, I looked at it for a long time and couldn't tell where that name is from. Sounds Japanese, or maybe Czech?" Marik shrugged.
"Professor Banner," Hayato chuckled. "Although that's not how it's translated, I think you can call him Professor Banner."
(end of chapter)