Chapter 436: The Demise of Bubbleman
"(Dark Magician of Chaos) was destroyed?!"
Seeing Yugi's surprised expression, Jaden said smugly, "Heh heh, (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman) isn't just for show."
"Its Effect is that any monster that battles with (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman) is Destroyed at the end of the Damage Step."
Yugi frowned, taking the (Dark Magician of Chaos) card off his Duel Disk. Instead of sending it to the Graveyard, he temporarily put it in his pocket.
(Dark Magician of Chaos) is a new form of (Dark Magician) that has mastered the power of Chaos. While gaining stronger power, it also bears a heavier side effect. If (Dark Magician of Chaos) leaves the Field, it is immediately Banished.
"To think it has such an Effect. Doesn't that mean even the strongest monster can result in mutual destruction with it? That's quite impressive."
"But Jaden, you should also take Battle Damage from this Battle, and the (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman) you worked so hard to Summon will also be Destroyed."
Yugi said this, his finger pointing at Jaden's (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman) on the Field.
But, awkwardly, (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman) was still standing there perfectly fine, even taking the (Bubble Blaster) off its shoulder and setting it aside, striking a pose.
Fooled you, didn't I? I'm perfectly fine~
"The second Effect of (Bubble Blaster) is that if the equipped monster would be Destroyed, it can be destroyed as a substitute instead," Jaden explained. "Also, the Damage I would take from this Battle is treated as 0."
"Then, my turn ends here."
A Card with such a one-sided advantage could be said to be quite excessive in a sense. I can't defeat you, I can't inflict Damage on you, and after all is said and done, I'm still the one who dies. The combination of (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman) and (Bubble Blaster) can be said to be quite powerful.
But it was precisely this immense power that ignited Yugi's fighting spirit.
[Jaden: 2900 LP, Hand 0]
[(Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman) ATK 800]
Looking at the lineup on Jaden's Field, Yugi smiled. It wasn't the smile of seeing a Duelist with great potential, but rather the smile of meeting a Duelist worthy of being an Opponent.
"My turn, Draw."
Although his tone wasn't overly enthusiastic, as Yugi drew a card from his Deck, Jaden saw a flash of golden light, though he wasn't sure if it was just an illusion.
"After such an intense Battle, it's time to replenish our cards. Activate the Spell Card, (Card of Demise)!"
Yugi said, drawing six cards from his Deck, "This Card allows both players to replenish their hands to six cards. Since my hand is 0, I can draw six cards."
"Then I can draw six cards too!" Jaden said, not to be outdone, and drew six cards.
(Card of Demise) is that incredible — it's the strongest hand-replenishing Card in Duel Monsters, even listed as the only Limited Card to date. A single Card replenished both Yugi's and Jaden's exhausted hands to their maximum.
One card draws twelve cards, can any other card do that? (Image of a meme)
However, even though he drew six cards just like Yugi, Jaden couldn't really be happy. The reason was that it was currently Yugi's turn. Yugi could freely play the resources from his hand, but Jaden could only hold the cards in his hand, unable to use them.
"Activate the Spell Card (Monster Reborn)! I Special Summon (Dark Magician Girl) from my Graveyard to my Field in Attack Position."
The "Ankh" symbol, representing life, appeared on Yugi's Field, and (Dark Magician Girl) stealthily reappeared on Yugi's Field. After confirming that the (Elemental HERO Clayman) who had self-destructed by hugging her was no longer on the Field, she confidently struck a pose once more.
[(Dark Magician Girl) ATK 2000 → 2300]
"Next is this card, (Sage's Stone)." Yugi drew another card from his hand. "If (Dark Magician Girl) exists on my Field, I can Special Summon (Dark Magician) from my hand or Deck."
"Appear, my most loyal servant, (Dark Magician)!"
(Dark Magician Girl) playfully waved the staff in her hand. Although she had a master who loved close combat, (Dark Magician Girl) still properly used magic, at least for now.
As obscure and profound incantations were chanted, a dazzling, colorful gem appeared out of thin air beside (Dark Magician Girl). The jade stone shattered and transformed into surging magical energy, and the (Dark Magician) from Yugi's hand was thereby Summoned to the Field!
[(Dark Magician) ATK 2500]
Seeing Yugi Summon his most trusted magician master-apprentice combination, (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl), to the Field without even using a Normal Summon, Jaden was extremely nervous, yet also incredibly excited.
Duelists who could make Yugi Summon (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) in one turn wouldn't be numerous, even across the entire World. How could Jaden not be excited to be taken so seriously?
Glancing at the cards in his hand, Yugi smiled: "Jaden, from our previous Duel, I truly felt your ardent duelist's heart. (Elemental HERO) cards suit you quite well."
"If I'm not mistaken, (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman)'s Effect activates not 'when it attacks a monster,' but 'after battle,' right? Even in death, to fight for justice until the very end — that's an admirable belief."
Yugi inserted a card from his hand into the Spell & Trap Zone: "However, belief alone cannot bring justice to fruition. Here and now, I'll show you the power of my magicians."
"Quick-Play Spell Card (Secrets of Dark Magic)! Send Fusion Material monsters that include (Dark Magician) or (Dark Magician Girl) to the Graveyard from my hand or Field, and Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster!"
Black and red magical energy vortexes gathered on Yugi's Field. (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) moved closer, standing shoulder-to-shoulder.
"The staffs of master and apprentice converge at this moment! Dual magical energy resonates here! The strongest magician combination is formed!"
Yugi raised his arms and declared loudly,
"Fusion Summon! (The Dark Magicians)!!"
As Yugi activated the card, (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) on his Field somewhat comically stood directly side-by-side, as if already fused. However, although the superficial Fusion process seemed quite rudimentary, even perfunctory, (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) were indeed treated as a single monster.
[(The Dark Magicians) Level 8 / DARK Attribute]
[Spellcaster-Type / Fusion / Effect]
[2800/2300]
"Now, Enter Battle Phase!" Yugi waved his hand forward. "Here comes the attack, Jaden!"
"(The Dark Magicians), attack (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman)!"
"(Dark Burning Attack)!!"
Jaden, too, was full of fighting spirit: "Oh! Bring it on, Mr. Yugi!"
Exchanging a look with (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman), Jaden felt an abundance of fighting spirit in his monster's eyes: "Even though we understand the gap between us, we can't lose in fighting spirit, (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman)!"
"Attack!"
(Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman) nodded, raised its arm, aimed its cannon at (The Dark Magicians) on Yugi's Field, and fired a stream of blue bubbles.
"...Here we go." Seeing this, (Dark Magician) whispered to (Dark Magician Girl) beside him, raising his staff first. Surging magical energy gathered into a vortex at the tip of the staff, and a magical storm was ready to unleash.
(Dark Magician Girl) replied energetically, "Mm! Watch me, master!"
A second surge of power flowed into the magical energy vortex condensed by (Dark Magician). (Dark Magician Girl), crossing her short staff with (Dark Magician)'s long staff, unleashed her full power, and the magical storm erupted abruptly!
The blue stream of bubbles collided with the black and purple magical impact wave in mid-air. Facing the attack of two cooperatively working top-tier magicians, (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman) ultimately found it hard to resist such might. The bubble stream was shattered in an instant, and (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman) itself was engulfed by the magical storm!
"Ugh!" After the impact of the magical storm was partially blocked by (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman), it still hit Jaden behind it, making him grunt in pain and stumble back two steps.
[Jaden: 2900 LP → 900 LP]
"Alright!" (Dark Magician Girl) cheered when she saw the attack succeed. However, what she didn't notice was that from where it was engulfed by the magical storm, (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman), clinging to its last breath, used (Dark Magician Girl)'s voice to pinpoint her location, raised its arm, and fired one last attack!
"My last, (Bubble Slash)!"
"Clang!"
In Jaden's expectant gaze, (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman)'s final attack, activated, was defended by a shield preemptively set up by the ever-vigilant (Dark Magician).
"After (The Dark Magicians) attacks (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman), it would be Destroyed by (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman)'s Effect," Yugi explained. "However, if (The Dark Magicians) is Destroyed, I can Special Summon one (Dark Magician) and one (Dark Magician Girl) from my Graveyard."
"I see, so that's how you blocked (Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman)'s final blow."
Jaden watched in awe as the monsters on Yugi's Field, simply by distancing themselves, transformed from (The Dark Magicians) into two monsters, (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl). He sighed, "As expected of Mr. Yugi."
(Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman) can destroy a monster it battles after Damage Calculation, allowing it to reliably achieve mutual destruction with one monster. However, (The Dark Magicians) has an Effect that, when destroyed, revives (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl), which were its Fusion Material.
(Elemental HERO Neo Bubbleman)'s own Effect ironically gave (The Dark Magicians) the chance to utilize its Effect to the fullest. By sacrificing an already attacked (The Dark Magicians) for the still-able-to-attack (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl), and even taking advantage of the opponent's monster effects—is this what it means to be a true duelist?
"Then, this is the final attack, Jaden."
Yugi pointed at Jaden, making his final attack declaration: "(Dark Magician), direct attack the duelist!"
"(Dark Magic Attack)!"
Watching (Dark Magician) raise a sphere of magical energy with its staff and attack him, Jaden fell silent.
He still had six cards in his hand. If only he could hold out until the next turn, he might have been able to pull off a comeback and seize victory.
But he couldn't even survive this turn.
The combined ATK of (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) on Yugi's Field already reached 4800, and with (Magician's Robe), it would be 5600. His own LP, however, were a mere 900, leaving no possibility of victory.
He had finally managed to duel Mr. Yugi, but to lose without even summoning his (Elemental HERO) Fusion Monsters... he was truly unwilling.
Jaden, feeling somewhat dejected, didn't notice a golden glow emanating from his Deck. A portion of the WATER Attribute power and EARTH Attribute power accumulated in his Graveyard was drawn and flowed into his Deck, as if something was being conceived.
Even (Yubel), who hadn't been put into Jaden's Deck but was sealed away in his card box, sensed something appearing on Jaden. The intensely jealous (Yubel) roared from within the sealed card:
"Jaden—!"
"Use me, Jaden!!"
"I love you so much, I can bring you the victory you desire!!"
"Jaden!!!"
However, due to the presence of the seal, (Yubel)'s voice wasn't heard by anyone, nor could anyone warn Jaden about the changes appearing in his Deck.
Even Yugi, standing directly opposite Jaden, didn't sense anything amiss.
"Boom!"
[Jaden: 900 LP → 0]
Watching his Life Points reduced to 0, Jaden, surprisingly, smiled.
"I see, with this, I've completely memorized this gap."
Yugi looked at the smiling Jaden with some surprise. Given Jaden's age, he had expected Jaden to be dejected or even cry after being defeated, but a smiling Jaden was not within his expectations.
"After seeing the gap between me and Mr. Yugi, I really feel more motivated to get stronger!" Jaden gave Yugi a thumbs-up. "That was a truly interesting duel, Mr. Yugi."
"I see, it seems Chumley has excellent taste. The (Elemental HERO) Deck really suits you." Seeing Jaden, completely unaffected by the loss and instead using it as fuel for his progress, Yugi was quite looking forward to how far Jaden would go in the future. "I look forward to your future, Jaden."
In the Audience Seating, Chumley watched Jaden, who had lost the duel, and stood up. The next duel was his turn.
Initially, Chumley had planned to use (Cyber Dragon) or (Kaiju), but seeing Jaden's defeat, he changed his mind.
"Tsk tsk, that kid Jaden hasn't truly learned the essence of (Elemental HERO)s," Chumley muttered to himself. "Then, I'll use (Elemental HERO)s to bring smiles to others."
The author has a bit of a cold, so typing efficiency is down~
Jaden's first battle with Yugi ends here. After all, experience counts, and Jaden's Deck is not yet complete.
Since it's over, let's have a "Next Episode Preview"—
"Untamed monster, how can you plunder freely!"
"Good kid, learn well, this is how (Elemental HERO Wingman) is used."
"To even plan my monster's demise, unforgivable!"
"What kind of Substitute Monster technique is that? This is a righteous group beatdown!"
"This is a necessary sacrifice."
The above will not appear in the main text.
PS: I recently saw someone post a meme, the content was roughly this—
Someone saw "Joseph Joestar" trending on Japanese Twitter, and while thinking, "Why is Joseph Joestar trending?", clicked on it, and the content that popped up was "Your next line is 'Why is Joseph Joestar trending?'"
——
Cleverly done, I was outmaneuvered.
(end of chapter)
Chapter 437: Undying Body, Ageless and Immortal.
Tilla Mook emerged from the Duelist Prep Room, awaiting her opponent's arrival on the Duel Field. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Tilla Mook was in a fairly good mood.
Since joining the KC Cup, Tilla hadn't encountered any strong Duelists. She had breezed through to the second round without even needing to use her Ace Monster from her Deck much.
Some Duelists, who enjoyed excitement and challenges, might have considered themselves unlucky for not facing formidable opponents. However, Tilla saw it as good fortune, for in essence, her interest in Duel Monsters paled in comparison to her craving for bounty.
She was participating in the KC Cup under a commission. Her employer apparently had a plan that required the assistance of a Duelist who had qualified for the KC Cup. If the employer's plan succeeded, Tilla figured she might even get paid twice.
As Tilla pondered this, she heard the sound of footsteps ascending the Stairs.
"Yo, sorry to keep you waiting."
Looking up at the sound, Tilla smirked scornfully and narrowed her eyes as she watched Dan Kuroto step onto the Duel Field.
Dan Kuroto was a Duelist whose name had been unknown before the KC Cup, only gaining recognition during this event. His preferred Decks were the 'Cyber Dragon' archetype, whose origins were unknown, and 'Kaiju', which could be Summoned by Tributing the opponent's monsters.
Recalling Dan Kuroto's information, Tilla didn't even consider him a real opponent, for she had absolute confidence in her own Deck.
Unlike those incompetent Duelists, Tilla had long ago discovered that she could hear the voices of the Duel Monsters emanating from her Deck. Not long ago, she had even successfully witnessed Duel Monsters moving without the aid of a Solid Vision System.
Undoubtedly, she was the chosen one. No one else possessed such talent. Perhaps only a King of Games or a Legendary Duelist like Yugi Muto could wield the Power she commanded.
And worthless Duelists, lacking such Power, were not even worthy of Tilla's attention.
Hayato stepped onto the Duel Field, took out his Deck, and looked with a hint of bewilderment at the woman before him, who was staring back with an expression of disdain.
This woman seemed to be named Tilla Mook. He had no impression of her and hadn't faced her during the preliminaries. However, if he remembered correctly, he had seen her Duel a few days ago, and she appeared to be using a "Vampire" Deck.
However, since Xyz Summoning didn't exist in the current era, the "Vampire" Deck couldn't unleash its full Power. Hayato, at least, felt that the "Vampire" Deck was quite weak, mainly relied on Tribute Summoning.
"Tilla Mook, using a 'Vampire' Deck. Remember that name, because next, I will defeat you alongside my Master."
Arrogantly raising her chin, Tilla Mook uttered her threat, then inserted her Deck into her Duel Disk, activating it. Hayato then noticed that Tilla's Duel Disk seemed to have been modified; its original blue parts had been painted black.
"Master?" Another thing that puzzled Hayato was Tilla's mention of a "Master."
Observing Tilla's peculiar gaze towards her Deck, Hayato suddenly had a thought: could this person be treating her favorite Monster from her Deck as her Master?
Seriously, some people treated their Monsters like wives, others like partners, some even like cannon fodder. But this was Hayato's first time seeing someone treat their Monster as a Master. She certainly knew how to make things interesting.
"Heh heh, already declaring your victory, are we? Isn't that a bit premature? And I certainly don't think I'll lose to someone like you." Hayato stretched his neck, inserted his Deck into his Duel Disk, and displayed a confident smile. "Dan Kuroto, if my opponent is 'Vampire,' then I'll take the rare opportunity to play the 'hero.'"
"This time, I'm using a pure "HERO" Deck."
"Duel!" x2
Dan Kuroto: 4000 Life Points
Tilla: 4000 Life Points
"'HERO'?" Tilla frowned, recalling the unfortunate kid from the previous Duel who had faced Yugi. He seemed to have been using an "Elemental HERO" Deck. "Hmph, it's useless. Any Monster's ultimate fate will be to be trampled underfoot by my Master."
"I'll take the First Turn. Draw!"
"Then, I Activate the Field Spell Card, Vampire Empire!"
As Tilla placed a Card from her Hand into her Duel Disk's Field Zone, an ancient, almost decaying, medieval-style castle rose from beneath the ground, encircling the entire Duel Field. The previously enclosed indoor ceiling transformed into a gloomy, overcast sky, heavy with dark clouds.
"Vampire Empire is a World ruled by Vampires! Within this territory, Vampires are the supreme Gods, invincible!"
Hayato scoffed, "You dare claim to be invincible? What ignorant nonsense."
"Nonsense or not, you'll soon experience it for yourself," Tilla said arrogantly, a smirk playing on her lips as she drew another Card. "Then, I Normal Summon 'Vampire Ghost' in Attack Position!"
On Tilla's Field, a humanoid Monster, cloaked in a black and red hooded robe, floated out like a ghost from a building next to Tilla.
If one only looked at its face, 'Vampire Ghost' could be considered one of the rare humanoid Duel Monsters with normal skin and a handsome appearance. However, the ferocious expression on its face, its glowing red eyes, and the fangs exposed by its curled lips made it impossible to appreciate its handsomeness.
'Vampire Ghost' [Level 3/DARK Attribute]
[Zombie-Type/Effect]
[1500/0]
As soon as it appeared on the Field, 'Vampire Ghost's' arm elongated as if boneless, snatching a Phantom from the Void. It seemed to be a small animal. Holding the Phantom in one hand, 'Vampire Ghost' opened its mouth wide like a snake, swallowing the Phantom, which was larger than its entire head, whole.
Hayato watched 'Vampire Ghost's' Effect animation with considerable disgust. Although it looked rather cool, it was definitely not human. Tilla, on the other hand, watched her Monster's Effect display with a look of pure delight, as if witnessing a beautiful scene.
"The Effect of 'Vampire Ghost' is: When it is successfully Summoned, I can Send one 'Vampire' Monster from my Hand or Field, except 'Vampire Ghost', to the Graveyard to Activate its Effect."
"I Send 'Vampire Minion' from my Hand to the Graveyard. Then, by 'Vampire Ghost's' Effect, I Add one Level 4 or higher 'Vampire' Monster from my Deck—'Vampire Red Baron' at Level 6—to my Hand, and then Send one Level 2 or lower 'Vampire' Monster—'Vampire Familiar' at Level 1—to the Graveyard."
After revealing and then Sending 'Vampire Minion'—the actual body of the small animal Phantom that was just swallowed—from her Hand to the Graveyard, Tilla smoothly caught the Card she had Searched from her Deck, and then Sent one 'Vampire Familiar' among them to the Graveyard.
Hayato naturally noticed that her Duel Disk had also been additionally modified with an automatic Search function.
Adding the newly Searched 'Vampire Red Baron' to her Hand, Tilla glanced at the unconcealed look of disgust on Dan Kuroto's face and scowled fiercely. "Hey, what kind of expression is that? It's your honor to witness the Power of Vampires, don't you dare be ungrateful, you worthless fodder!"
"Tch, never mind. You're just a petty nobody anyway. I'll just show you a deeper despair." Tilla sneered, revealing a Card from her Hand. "I Activate the Effect of 'Vampire Minion' in my Graveyard! I Send one 'Vampire' Monster from my Hand or Field to the Graveyard, then Special Summon 'Vampire Minion' from my Graveyard to the Field!"
"I Send 'Vampire Baby' from my Hand to the Graveyard! Revive, 'Vampire Minion'!"
"Even if they're inherently filthy, lowly animals, once they gain the Power of Vampires, they can transcend human existence!"
Tilla Sent another Card from her Hand to the Graveyard. In exchange, 'Vampire Ghost', which had just swallowed the Phantom, opened its mouth and spat it back out, causing it to reappear on the Field. What emerged before Hayato was a harmless-looking white fox with snowy fur.
If Hayato had only seen half of 'Vampire Minion's' body.
As if half its body had been corrupted, or as if what he had seen before was merely a disguise and this was its true form, the other half of the white fox's body was a profound, inky black, constantly swirling like smoke, making anyone who saw it immediately think of a "Demon" or similar entity.
'Vampire Minion' [Level 2/DARK]
[Zombie-Type/Effect]
[1200/0]
As soon as it appeared on the Field, 'Vampire Minion' didn't look towards Hayato. Instead, it turned around, and its inky black half-body transformed into a complete cloud of smoke, enveloping Tilla Mook, only returning to normal when a faint crimson glow appeared within the black mist.
"The Vampire's gaze is everywhere. Whether Familiar or Minion, they are all part of the Vampire's Power." After the smoke cleared, Tilla's voice sounded slightly weaker to Hayato, but her face was filled with excitement. "When 'Vampire Minion' is successfully Special Summoned, I Pay 500 Life Points to Add one 'Vampire' Spell/Trap Card from my Deck to my Hand."
"The Card I will Add to Hand is Vampire's Domain, and then I Activate it directly!"
Tilla: 4000 → 3500 Life Points
Above the ancient castle, the dark clouds that had cast a shadow gradually dispersed. However, what was revealed was not bright moonlight, but a colossal, blood-red full moon, appearing almost like a crimson sun!
"Heh heh, under the illumination of the blood-red full moon conjured by Vampire's Domain, 'Vampire' Monsters will become even more active! And at the same time, I will also receive a surge of Power!" Tilla's finger traced her crimson lips, as if eager to taste something.
As Vampire's Domain was deployed, Hayato felt a Dark Power expanding, and he couldn't help but look at Tilla with caution. "This feeling... is it a Shadow Game?!"
"Huh? A Shadow Game? Heh, a rather fitting name." When Tilla heard "Shadow Game," a hint of confusion appeared on her face, but she quickly accepted the term. "The loser of this Game will have their Soul devoured by my Master and fall into Darkness."
"I Activate Vampire's Domain's Effect! Once per Turn, I Pay 500 Life Points to gain an additional 'Vampire' Monster Summon, in addition to my Normal Summon."
"I Tribute 'Vampire Minion' on my Field! Come forth, 'Vampire Red Baron'!"
Tilla: 3500 → 3000 Life Points
Suddenly, bats appeared one after another behind Tilla, swarming onto her body. Disregarding that Tilla was a Duelist, the bats furiously bit into her skin, drinking her blood.
The swarming bats coalesced into a shadow, and then a shockingly pale hand flicked the shadow's cloak aside, revealing a man in the form of a medieval noble, his mouth just having left Tilla's neck, having finished drinking her blood.
'Vampire Red Baron' [Level 6/DARK Attribute]
[Zombie-Type/Effect]
[2200/2200]
Unlike the previous 'Vampire Minion' and the 'Vampire Ghost' still on the Field, what appeared on Tilla's Field this time was not a ghost or a fox, but a genuine "Vampire." From its medieval noble appearance, it was clear that 'Vampire Red Baron' was not the mindless Monster from ancient European legends, but rather the "Vampire Clan" image influenced by literary works.
Living in the dark night, feeding on blood, and wielding supernatural abilities—these were the Vampires, and this was the Deck Tilla used.
"Undying body, ageless and immortal, the Power of blood!" Tilla declared proudly, looking at the 'Vampire Red Baron' she had Summoned. "No one can surpass my perfect Monsters, because Vampires do not die!"
"When 'Vampire Red Baron' is successfully Summoned or Special Summoned, I Pay 1000 Life Points to Special Summon one 'Vampire' Monster from my Graveyard, except 'Vampire Red Baron'!"
"Resurrect, 'Vampire Familiar'!"
"Then, when 'Vampire Familiar' is successfully Special Summoned, I Pay 500 Life Points to Add one 'Vampire' Monster Card from my Deck to my Hand!"
Tilla: 3000 → 2000 → 1500 Life Points
Looking at her three Monsters on the Field and the "Vampire" Monster just Added to her Hand, Tilla said triumphantly, "Do you dare defy me, Dan Kuroto, one who commands Vampires?"
"I Set two Cards from my Hand. My Turn Ends!"
Hearing Tilla's End Turn Declaration, Hayato was unconcerned. "My Turn! Draw!"
"Undying Monsters? Oh, how scary~" Hayato said with a mischievous grin, looking at the Card he had just drawn. "Then show me how you resurrect from the Graveyard, Vampires."
"I'll bestow this powerful Monster upon you!"
Under Tilla's bewildered gaze, her invincible 'Vampire Red Baron' and 'Vampire Ghost' transformed together into a massive blob of lava.
(end of chapter)
Chapter 438: Do You Remember How Much Bread You've Eaten?
[Tilla: 1500 LP, Hand 1]
[Vampire Ghost: ATK 1500]
[Vampire Familiar: DEF 0]
[Vampire Red Baron: ATK 2200]
[Vampire's Domain] (Set) x2
Field: [Vampire Kingdom]
Such a perfect board, such smooth board development. To be honest, this was Tilla's first time experiencing such a smooth duel herself.
In a single turn, she summoned three monsters to her field, including [Vampire Red Baron]. Although [Vampire Familiar] was just a filler, and she had to pay Life Points as a cost until only 1500 remained, Tilla didn't feel it was a loss at all.
With such a powerful lineup, let alone this guy named Dan Kuroto in front of her, even a powerhouse like Yugi would probably find it hard to deal with it for a while, right?
Tilla's confidence wasn't just based on her trust in her monsters; it also stemmed from her trust in her Set Cards.
`(Bottomless Trap Hole)` can directly flip face-down a powerful monster that the opponent worked hard to summon.
`(Mysterious Chinese Pot)`, on the other hand, allows her to recover Life Points by using monsters on her field.
Regardless of whether Dan Kuroto intended to summon monsters for an aggressive play or attempted to use a burn strategy, she had perfect countermeasures.
Adding to that, `(Vampire Kingdom)` can increase the Attack of [Vampire] monsters by 500 during the Battle Phase, and `(Vampire's Domain)` allows her to recover Life Points after inflicting Battle Damage. How could she possibly lose?
Then, the supremely confident Tilla received a gift from Dan Kuroto.
"I will Tribute [Vampire Red Baron] and [Vampire Ghost] from your field, and bestow this powerful monster upon you!"
Chumley wore a cheerful smile, enjoying the gloomy expression on Tilla's face.
The card he offered was the invincible `(Lava Golem)`, which not only devoured two unsightly [Vampire] monsters from Tilla's field but also had the ability to inflict 1000 damage to her during each of Tilla's Standby Phases. Given Tilla's remaining 1500 Life Points, she could only withstand one `(Lava Golem)`'s effect, making this card perfectly suited for the situation.
"You dared to — my [Vampire]s—" Tilla's expression completely lost control. Previously, her silent, stern face gave her an impression of a cold beauty, but witnessing her beloved [Vampire]s transform into hideous lava conglomerates, she cursed like a shrew, "You pig!"
"Hey, hey, this is a divine blessing for you, don't be ungrateful." Chumley said brazenly, "If your monsters weren't so weak, and you couldn't even manage to summon a monster with the ATK of a `[Blue-Eyes White Dragon]` after all that effort, I wouldn't bestow `(Lava Golem)` upon you."
"To give you this card, I can't even perform a Normal Summon this turn."
"However, miracles and magic aren't free. As the cost of `(Lava Golem)`'s existence, you will take 1000 damage every turn."
Hearing this, Tilla looked towards the `(Lava Golem)` on her field. The `(Lava Golem)` Chumley used wasn't as maliciously amusing as the one Dark Marik used, which trapped its controller in a cage. However, the enormous `(Lava Golem)` rampaging through the mist-shrouded `[Vampire Kingdom]`, destroying many buildings, still incurred Tilla's disgust.
"My Life Points aren't meant for such trash." Saying this, Tilla pressed the activate Set Card button on her Duel Disk. "I activate the effect of [Vampire Ghost], which was sent to the Graveyard by you! I banish [Vampire Ghost] from the Graveyard, then pay 500 Life Points to summon a [Vampire] monster to the field!"
Tilla flipped over the card in her hand, a blush spreading across her face as she revealed a dramatic smile: "My master, please accept my humble offering, revive from your slumber, and end this duel that disturbs our peace!"
"I release [Vampire Familiar] and the disgusting `(Lava Golem)`! I Tribute Summon `[Vampire Sucker]` from my hand!"
[Tilla: 1500 → 1000 LP]
Compared to the commotion caused by summoning [Vampire Red Baron] earlier, `[Vampire Sucker]`'s appearance this time was much calmer. Even though `(Lava Golem)` and [Vampire Familiar] were both sent to Tilla's and Chumley's respective Graveyards, the true form of `[Vampire Sucker]` was nowhere to be seen.
Following Tilla's upward gaze, Chumley finally found `[Vampire Sucker]`, who had appeared at some unknown time.
Perched atop the highest castle on the duel field, the white-haired vampire sat cross-legged on the tower top's edge, scarlet eyes gazing down at the scenery below. Noticing Chumley, she revealed a seductive smile, beckoned with a finger, and opened her cherry-red mouth, licking her lips with a delicate pink tongue, revealing her small fangs.
[Vampire Sucker] [Level 7 / DARK Attribute]
[Zombie/Effect Monster]
[2000 ATK / 2000 DEF]
If one were to ignore the demonic bat-wings on her back and just observe `[Vampire Sucker]`'s incredibly human-like expressions and movements, Chumley might actually mistake her for a real person.
However, the strong metallic scent emanating from her, along with the swelling and expanding Dark Power, made Chumley take her seriously for once.
Earlier, when Chumley asked Tilla about the "Shadow Game," although Tilla herself called it a Shadow Game, Chumley didn't feel any Dark Power encompassing him.
The main reason he had asked Tilla was that Chumley noticed that as her Life Points decreased, although Tilla appeared unchanged, something incredibly mystical and indescribable about her was steadily diminishing in Chumley's perception. In Chumley's estimation, it might have been sanity, or soul, or Life Points – in any case, it was something dangerous to lose.
However, after `[Vampire Sucker]` appeared, the magical energy that had previously only enveloped Tilla herself began to expand, quickly surrounding Chumley as well.
This duel, signaled by the appearance of `[Vampire Sucker]`, transformed into a true Shadow Game!
Yet the initiator of the Shadow Game wasn't Chumley, but Tilla, who had no supernatural aura about her before the duel?
Under Chumley's vigilant gaze, `[Vampire Sucker]`'s wings helped her glide to the ground. With a casual wave, she absorbed the Life Points Tilla had offered, then narrowed her ruby-like, glistening eyes and pointed a hand at Chumley.
"You seem to possess great power." To Chumley's astonishment, `[Vampire Sucker]` actually spoke. Yet Tilla, standing behind her, acted as if she heard nothing, simply gazing at `[Vampire Sucker]` with infatuated eyes. "At least the scent is far sweeter than this fodder monster."
"Eating you, I wonder if it would feel quite good?"
A Duel Monster with an awakened Duel Monster Spirit?!
Chumley was surprised that `[Vampire Sucker]` could speak. After all, though many Duel Monster Spirits followed him, it was rare to see other Duelists whose Duel Monster Spirits had awakened.
However, what surprised Chumley even more were the words `[Vampire Sucker]` spoke.
After a brief thought, Chumley's gaze towards Tilla shifted from disdain to pity. Meeting `[Vampire Sucker]`'s playful eyes, he spoke, "This fellow, she's already become your puppet, hasn't she?"
"Not at all, my power isn't complete yet, there's still a lot of room for growth." `[Vampire Sucker]` glanced back at Tilla, who was gazing at her with infatuated eyes, a look of disgust on her face. "I merely nudged her thoughts slightly, amplified her reliance on me, and made her indifferent to everything but me."
"Isn't she your master?"
`[Vampire Sucker]` chuckled softly: "Don't joke, I couldn't possibly have such an ugly master. Although, if it weren't for her, I wouldn't have awakened to this current state, but it is her honor to offer everything to me."
"You, little brother, are my next target."
Chumley frowned, having more or less guessed the truth.
If he wasn't mistaken, Tilla might not have had her current personality before. Due to prolonged duels, her Ace Card, `[Vampire Sucker]` from her Deck, had awakened as a Duel Monster Spirit. However, after awakening, `[Vampire Sucker]` had instead manipulated Tilla in order to grow faster.
And from what she said, it might not just be Tilla. After all, the Dark Power Chumley was currently sensing, while not comparable to the `[Millennium Items]`, was definitely not something that just any Duel Monster could emit.
"How many people have you 'hunted' so far?"
"Do you remember how much bread you've eaten?"
"Thirteen slices. I'm a Japanese food enthusiast."
Observing Chumley's expression, `[Vampire Sucker]` smiled slightly, brushed a silver strand of hair from her ear, raised a hand, and snapped her fingers, a red light flashing in her eyes.
In sync, Tilla's face stiffened. Her originally emerald green eyes rapidly turned blood-red as if a drop of fresh blood had been instilled, and a smile perfectly synchronized with `[Vampire Sucker]` appeared on her lips: "Then, begin your performance. Your final performance before I devour you."
"I'm greatly looking forward to it."
Chumley chuckled coldly: "You said it yourself, don't blame me if you get wiped out right here."
"Then let my `(Elemental HERO)` vanquish something even fouler than rat droppings in a toilet!"
Saying this, Chumley played a card, raising his palm above his head, feeling the wind sweep past his fingertips.
"I activate the Spell Card `(Unexpected Dai)`! I Special Summon `[Elemental HERO Wingman]` from my Deck to the field!"
A storm began to gather. Under the blood-red moon, the angelic figure of `[Elemental HERO Wingman]` appeared in the sky, only for two more black dots to follow closely behind him.
"Next, the Quick-Play Spell Card `(Inferno Reckless Summon)`!" Catching two cards that popped out of his Deck with his fingers, Chumley slammed them onto his Duel Disk: "It can only be activated when an opponent controls a face-up monster, and I Special Summon one monster with 1500 or less ATK to my field."
"I will Special Summon as many cards with the same name as the Special Summoned monster as possible from my Deck, Hand, and Graveyard!"
"Come forth, `[Elemental HERO Wingman]` No. 1, No. 2, V3!"
The third `[Elemental HERO Wingman]` descending from the sky onto Chumley's field almost twisted his ankle upon landing. So there wasn't a No. 3 after all?!
[Elemental HERO Wingman: ATK 1000]
[Elemental HERO Wingman: ATK 1000]
[Elemental HERO Wingman: ATK 1000]
"Hmph? Just fodder monsters with 1000 ATK. Heh heh, do you expect to uphold justice with monsters like these?" "Tilla," unable to use `(Inferno Reckless Summon)`'s effect to Special Summon monsters because there was only one `[Vampire Sucker]` in the Deck, watched `[Elemental HERO Wingman]`'s appearance with a disdainful smile. "And they're even in Attack Position. How amusing."
"While I don't know what you're relying on, I'll just use this card to crush your hopes."
"I activate my Set Card, the Trap Card `(Bottomless Trap Hole)`!"
Tilla's backrow Set Card was flipped, and a bottomless pit appeared beneath the feet of the three `[Elemental HERO Wingman]` monsters on Chumley's field.
Tilla, or rather `[Vampire Sucker]`, smiled triumphantly: "If I'm not mistaken, this card can be used against multiple monsters at once, correct?"
"Although the first one can escape, the two `[Elemental HERO Wingman]` monsters that appeared afterward will all be changed to face-down Defense Position!"
[Elemental HERO Wingman] → [face-down Defense Position monster]
[Elemental HERO Wingman] → [face-down Defense Position monster]
`[Vampire Sucker]` looked at Chumley triumphantly, expecting to see disappointment on his face. Instead, she found that Chumley was completely unfazed by his summoned `[Elemental HERO Wingman]` being set.
"I see, they were set. What a pity." Chumley glanced at the three remaining cards in his hand, then drew one. "In that case, I'll have to use this card, filled with the bonds between me and my comrades."
"Spell Card `(Change of Heart)`. Until the end of the turn, I can gain control of one monster on the opponent's field." Chumley pointed his hand at `[Vampire Sucker]`. "I'll just mind control you directly!"
"Damn it, I wouldn't want that!" `[Vampire Sucker]`'s eyes widened, staring at the pink heart-shaped object, accompanied by an eerie aura, that was launched at her as "Dan Kuroto" activated the card.
If hit by something like that, she had a strong premonition that things would take a subtle turn for the worse!
"Quick-Play Spell Card `(Mysterious Chinese Pot)`! I release `[Vampire Sucker]` and recover 2000 Life Points!"
Just before `(Change of Heart)` could hit, Tilla's backrow Set Card activated, sending `[Vampire Sucker]` directly to the Graveyard, effectively "stir-frying and eating" her to evade the danger.
However, even after `[Vampire Sucker]` left the field, the red glow in Tilla's eyes showed no sign of dissipating; instead, it grew even more intense, as if threatening to completely seep into her gaze.
[Tilla: 1000 → 3000 LP]
(end of chapter)
Chapter 439: Fatal N-Strike
The effect of (Change of Heart) missed its mark, but Hayato wasn't disheartened. However, his gaze upon Tilla was incredibly serious.
Among the many widely-circulated vampire legends, there's a common one: a vampire can increase their numbers by giving others their blood. Hayato had initially thought that forcing (Vampire Sucker) off Tilla Mook's Field might loosen its influence over her.
But now, it seemed (Vampire Sucker)'s control was already deeply rooted.
"That was close, so close. You almost took my master away from me," Tilla Mook said, looking at Hayato with a pair of reddish eyes. "So, are you going to attack?"
Thanks to Hayato's previous moves, Tilla Mook's Field was now completely empty, without even a single Monster that could be used for defense.
His opponent's Field was wide open. How could Hayato miss such a perfect opportunity?
"I got screwed over by that (Bottomless Trap Hole), but I might as well collect some interest for now," Hayato said, waving his hand forward. "Go, (Elemental HERO Wingman)! Direct Attack the opponent's Duelist!"
"Extreme Dive Roaring Crash!"
Although the name of the move he called out sounded as if (Elemental HERO Wingman) was about to unleash an apocalypse that would scare a black lily to death, in reality, (Elemental HERO Wingman) merely flapped its wings, took to the sky, and from a high vantage point, shot the feathers from its wings like darts.
[Tilla: 3000 → 2000 LP]
"Heh, a ticklish attack."
Perhaps she had become numb to losing Life Points. Tilla, who was directly hit by (Elemental HERO Wingman)'s darts, not only showed no sign of pain but casually flicked her short blonde hair. "But even though it was weak, I'll remember this pain."
"Next Turn, I will return it to you, doubled."
Hayato pursed his lips and Set the last Card in his Hand in his Backrow. "Is that so? That's great to hear. But do you have the ability to Summon a Monster that can cause me enough pain?"
"My Turn ends."
[Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[(Elemental HERO Wingman)][ATK 1000]
[Face-down Defense Position Monster] ((Elemental HERO Wingman)) x2
[Set Card]
"It seems you have no clear understanding of your own predicament." Tilla gave a cold smile. Not in a hurry to Draw, she pointed proudly to her Graveyard. "I told you, Vampires are immortal. Even if you kill them countless times, they will be Revived from the Graveyard infinitely."
"If I don't tear you to shreds, my master won't be able to enjoy a peaceful slumber."
"My Turn, Draw! And now, the Spell Card (Pot of Greed)!" Tilla inserted the card she drew into her Spell & Trap Zone and, with a cold smirk, drew two cards. "Hah, I've drawn some rather useful cards."
"I Activate the Spell Card (Book of Life - Forbidden Sorcery -)! I can Activate this card by targeting one Zombie-Type monster in my Graveyard and one monster in my opponent's Graveyard."
"My Zombie-Type monster is Special Summoned to the Field, and that monster of yours is Banished."
The crimson in Tilla's eyes grew stronger. "I Banish that annoying (Lava Golem) in your Graveyard! Then, I can Special Summon my master, who sleeps in the Graveyard—(Vampire Sucker)—to the Field!"
As the ancient book that appeared in Tilla's Back Row flipped open, the wail of (Lava Golem) could be heard from Hayato's Graveyard. The (Lava Golem) card was automatically ejected from the Graveyard zone, and the (Lava Golem) on the card looked as if even its magma body had dimmed slightly.
And, as if nourished by the power lost by (Lava Golem), (Vampire Sucker), who had voluntarily entered the Graveyard last turn, licked her lips and reappeared on the Field with a triumphant look.
Tilla's fragmented mind once again fell under its control.
[(Vampire Sucker)][ATK 2000]
"Next, I'll Normal Summon (Vampire Baby)." Playing a card from her Hand, Tilla revealed a bloodthirsty smile as the black-robed (Vampire Baby) appeared on her Field. "Now, let me show you what true despair looks like!"
"Enter Battle Phase! First, I'll use (Vampire Baby) to Attack the face-down (Elemental HERO Wingman)!"
It looked small, but upon receiving Tilla's command, (Vampire Baby) fully revealed its nature as a bloodthirsty fiend. Bathed in the light of the red moon, it opened its mouth to reveal a pair of fangs that had not yet fully developed.
[(Vampire Baby)][Level 3/DARK]
[Zombie-Type/Effect]
[700/1000 → 1200/1000]
"Only during Damage Calculation, Zombie-Type monsters will gain 500 ATK due to the effect of (Vampire Empire)! Therefore, (Vampire Baby)'s ATK will rise to 1200, more than enough to tear through (Elemental HERO Wingman)'s Defense!"
Tilla smiled ferociously.
"Bloodlust Impulse!"
The (Elemental HERO Wingman) card, which had been Set due to the effect of (Bottomless Trap Hole), was flipped up by (Vampire Baby)'s Attack. Before the newly revealed (Elemental HERO Wingman) could do anything, (Vampire Baby) leaped into its arms and bit its neck.
Despite having powerful wings and sharp claws, close-quarters combat was undoubtedly (Elemental HERO Wingman)'s weakness. Coupled with the surprise attack, (Vampire Baby) easily destroyed (Elemental HERO Wingman). Suspiciously, however, the body of the destroyed (Elemental HERO Wingman) merely shriveled up and was not Sent to the Graveyard.
Following closely behind (Vampire Baby) was (Vampire Sucker), who had long been anticipating the taste of Hayato's blood.
"Due to the effect of (Vampire's Domain), when a Vampire monster inflicts battle damage to the opponent, I can Recover Life Points equal to the battle damage." Tilla showed a look of anticipation. "(Vampire Sucker) attacks the Attack Position (Elemental HERO Wingman)! Your Life Points are mine to take!"
"Vampire Hunt Red Cross!"
[(Vampire Sucker)][ATK 2000 → 2500]
Though she appeared to be a delicate and charming young woman, (Vampire Sucker)'s Level was no mere decoration. As a Level 7 monster on par with (Dark Magician), she was no flower vase. With a gentle turn of her wrist, a splash of blood from an unknown source converged in her hand, forming a slender cruciform longsword.
The crimson cross-sword was thrown. Despite preparing a defense in advance, (Elemental HERO Wingman)'s resistance was futile. The longsword easily pierced through the wings and arms he had crossed in front of him, stabbing directly through his heart.
Not only that, but after destroying (Elemental HERO Wingman), the cross-sword violently exploded into a rain of blood. The splattering droplets were like sharp blades, cutting a wound across the face of Hayato, who stood behind (Elemental HERO Wingman).
[Hayato: 4000 → 2500 LP]
After silently taking the Damage, Hayato watched as the blood rain that had wounded him suddenly stopped and returned to (Vampire Sucker)'s body. Feeling the power drawn from Hayato, a flush appeared on the faces of both (Vampire Sucker) and Tilla Mook.
[Tilla: 2000 → 3500 LP]
"Turning blood into your own power? Hmph, I suppose that's what to expect from a Vampire," Hayato remarked, feeling a sense of weakness wash over him. A deduction of 1500 Life Points at once, while not as intense as the pain from his Duels with other Shadow Game Duelists, was still not to be ignored.
"May I take that as a compliment?" (Vampire Sucker) extended her tongue and licked her lips, seemingly savoring the taste she had just experienced from Hayato. "Well then, my Battle Phase is over."
As a Duel Monster, (Vampire Sucker) directly declared the end of the Battle Phase on Tilla's behalf. At the same time, the body of the (Elemental HERO Wingman) destroyed by (Vampire Baby), which was still on Hayato's Field, began to move eerily.
"Monsters destroyed by (Vampire Baby) become my Minions after the Battle Phase ends."
Hearing (Vampire Sucker)'s explanation, Hayato frowned. "The so-called 'Embrace'?"
"You're finished, Tilla Mook! I'm always the one to NTR other people's monsters! Not only did you refuse to let me Mind Control your monster, but you even Mind Controlled my (Elemental HERO Wingman)! Next Turn, I'll definitely OTK you!"
Tilla narrowed her eyes. "Oh? Are you angry? But tough talk is useless, because you can't defeat my master, the invincible (Vampire Sucker)!"
"My Turn is over."
[Tilla: 3500 LP, Hand 0]
[(Vampire Sucker)][ATK 2000]
[(Vampire Baby)][ATK 700]
[(Elemental HERO Wingman)][DEF 1000]
[(Vampire's Domain)]
Field: [(Vampire Empire)]
From Tilla's perspective, what Hayato had just said was nothing but empty threats. She didn't believe there was any possibility of her being "OTK'd."
Thanks to the effect of (Vampire's Domain), her Life Points had recovered to a solid 3500, essentially an undamaged state. Meanwhile, the weakest monster on her Field, (Vampire Baby), had 1200 ATK with the bonus from (Vampire Empire).
What did this mean?
Even if Dan Kuroto targeted (Vampire Baby) as a breakthrough point, he would have to Summon monsters with a total ATK of 3500 + 1200 = 4700 or more in a single turn.
Even the (Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon), fused from three legendary (Blue-Eyes White Dragon), only had 4500 ATK. Dan Kuroto would have to Summon a monster stronger than (Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon) to finish her off. As far as Tilla knew, such a monster wasn't something just anyone could possess, let alone Summon in a single turn with an empty hand.
"My Turn, Draw." With a calm expression, Hayato drew a card from his Deck, then pressed the button on his Duel Disk to activate his Set Card. "And now, the Trap Card I Set last turn, (Reckless Greed)."
"With this card's effect, I can Draw two cards from my Deck. However, as a Cost, I will skip my next two Draw Phases."
Tilla scoffed dismissively. "To think you'd use a card like this, mortgaging your future for the present? Heh, are you that confident you can Summon a monster stronger than (Vampire Sucker) this turn?"
Hayato returned a cold smile. "No one knows what their future holds before they Draw. However, a True Duelist can command their own future, even creating the very cards they Draw."
"My Draw can even dominate the future!" He fiercely drew two cards from his Deck. Simultaneously, two large "X" marks appeared above his head, signifying that he had just drawn the cards for his next two Draw Phases in advance.
If he couldn't finish off Tilla Mook in one turn as he had claimed last turn, then Hayato, with no cards to replenish his hand, would have only one future: defeat.
However, looking at the cards in his Hand, Hayato revealed a confident smile. "It seems Lady Luck is on my side."
"I can feel it... the winds of victory are blowing at my back!" Hayato drew a card from his Hand and summoned it to the Field. "Then, O monster that carries my hopes for victory, Descend here!"
"My glory! My Soul!"
"The invincible Kuriboh!"
A flash of light. On Hayato's Field, a bewildered (Winged Kuriboh) looked at the gloomy surroundings, its voice trembling slightly. "Ku-kuriri!?"
[(Winged Kuriboh)][Level 1/LIGHT Attribute]
[Fairy Type/Effect]
[300/200]
Looking at (Winged Kuriboh), (Vampire Sucker) tilted her head up contemptuously, not giving it a second thought. Tilla also mocked, "So, in the end, you Summon a Fodder Monster of this level?"
"What good is a monster with no combat power? And you even summoned it in Attack Position?"
"Hmph, you'll find that out soon enough. Knowing the future too early will only plunge you into despair sooner." Hearing this, Hayato offered no explanation, instead playing the other two cards from his Hand in quick succession. "First, I Activate the Spell Card (Last Will)."
"The effect of this card is, when my monster is Sent to the Graveyard this turn, I can Special Summon one monster with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck."
"And now for the final piece of the puzzle to victory. The Equip Spell Card (Junk Attack) is Activated."
"The effect of this card is, if the equipped monster destroys a monster by battle, inflict damage to the opponent equal to half the ATK of that destroyed monster."
Tilla became even more confused by Hayato's actions.
"What good is an Equip Card like that in your current situation? Even if that winged furball of yours is equipped with that card which doesn't even Increase ATK, what kind of monster can it Destroy?"
"Or are you trying to make me die of laughter with these meaningless moves?"
"It's as ridiculous as trying to stab someone with a wooden stick that has no spearhead!"
Hearing this, Hayato smiled confidently. "Who says you can't kill someone with a spear without a head?"
"Besides, I never said (Junk Attack) would be equipped to (Winged Kuriboh)." He pointed a finger at (Vampire Baby) on Tilla's Field. "I'm bestowing this powerful Equip Card upon your monster!"
"And now, I enter my Battle Phase."
After completing all the preparations, Hayato squatted down under Tilla's contemptuous and bewildered gaze. Looking at (Winged Kuriboh), who had shrunk back to his feet in fear, he placed his hand gently on its head.
"Kuriboh, my dear Kuriboh!"
"Ku-kuri?"
Despite being a Fairy Type, (Winged Kuriboh) was terrified of the dark and gloomy environment. It trembled as it raised its head, its eyes welling with tears as it looked at Hayato.
"I can feel your fear. After all, this is your first time participating in a Duel Monsters game."
"But Kuriboh, my dear Kuriboh! This is a trial, a trial of fear. Only by overcoming this fear can you grow."
To (Winged Kuriboh)'s utter shock, Hayato grabbed its head with one hand as if it were a basketball, lifting the entire (Winged Kuriboh) into his hand and aiming it in the direction of (Vampire Baby).
"So, attack bravely, Kuriboh! The Target is (Vampire Baby)!"
As he spoke, Hayato actually raised the (Winged Kuriboh) high above his head, winding up for a throw!
"H-he's actually!" Even (Vampire Sucker)'s eyes widened. She had thought Hayato was going to comfort the frightened (Winged Kuriboh), but the action he was taking now was clearly—
"Ora!"
"Spinning Thrust Yellow Furball!"
"He actually threw his own monster that didn't want to attack?!" Tilla looked at (Winged Kuriboh) hurtling towards her Field like a football. Amidst her surprise, a cold smile appeared. "Although I don't know why you're making such a suicidal attack."
"But don't forget, monsters destroyed by (Vampire Baby) become my monsters after the Battle Phase of this turn ends. This effect activates even if it's attacked passively!"
"Finish that furball, (Vampire Baby)!"
[(Vampire Baby)][ATK 700 → 1200]
(Winged Kuriboh)'s own ATK was a paltry 300, while (Vampire Baby), even without the boost from (Vampire Empire), had 700 ATK. With a simple swipe of the sharp claws under its black robe, the (Winged Kuriboh), who was crying from being scared by Hayato, was instantly destroyed.
At the same time, both Hayato's and Tilla's Life Points changed.
[Hayato: 2500 → 1600 LP]
[Tilla: 3500 → 4400 LP]
Because (Vampire Baby) had inflicted 900 points of battle damage to Hayato, Tilla reveled in the life force flowing back into her due to the effect of (Vampire's Domain). But just as she was enjoying this immensely pleasurable sensation, she suddenly grunted, "Urgh!"
[Tilla: 4400 → 4250 LP]
Very abruptly, despite not being attacked by any monster, Tilla had suddenly lost 150 Life Points. The amount was exactly half the ATK of the (Winged Kuriboh) that (Vampire Baby) had just destroyed.
Seeing Tilla's confused expression, Hayato took a deep breath, ignored the feeling of weakness spreading through his body, and gave a triumphant smile. "How does it taste? My Life Points?"
Because she was deeply controlling Tilla, (Vampire Sucker), who received most of the power when absorbing Life Points, felt the greatest pain. This nauseating feeling was like drinking blood laced with poison. Although it was only 150 points of damage, it was still incredibly unbearable for her.
"You bastard, what did you do!?"
"The effect of (Junk Attack) is that after the equipped monster destroys a monster by battle, it inflicts damage to the opponent. Unfortunately for you, the 'opponent' in this effect isn't me, but you, because I am the controller of this card." Hayato proudly pointed to the Equip Spell on his Field. "Therefore, after destroying (Winged Kuriboh) by battle, you take damage equal to half of its ATK."
"But to destroy my monster, unforgivable!"
"Weren't you the one who attacked?"
Hearing Hayato's words, which sounded angry but were clearly spoken with delight, Tilla refused to take the blame for something that had nothing to do with her and retorted. At the same time, having recovered from that slight pain, she revealed a cold smile again. "It's merely 150 points of damage. It's not even as much as I recovered."
"With just that amount of damage, is this what you call OTK'ing me in one turn?"
Hearing this, Hayato raised his hand and snapped his fingers. With that crisp sound, on the spot where (Winged Kuriboh) had just been defeated on his Field, the Earth Attribute Elemental HERO—(Elemental HERO Clayman)—appeared in Attack Position.
[(Elemental HERO Clayman)][ATK 800]
"A Special Summon during the Battle Phase?" Tilla was stunned for a moment, then suddenly remembered one of the three cards Hayato had activated earlier. "It's that (Last Will)!"
"Bingo~" Hayato crossed his arms and said smugly, "Because of the effect of (Last Will), each time my monster is sent to the Graveyard this turn, I can Special Summon a monster with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck."
"And since it was summoned during this Battle Phase, (Elemental HERO Clayman) can still declare an attack."
As he spoke, Hayato pointed a finger towards (Vampire Baby). "(Winged Kuriboh) is a monster I hold very dear. And you, you evil monster, you harmed it and even destroyed it. Your sins are heinous!"
"Although my ATK is lower than yours, don't think you can escape this sin so peacefully!"
"(Elemental HERO Clayman), Attack (Vampire Baby)!"
"Arctic Sandstorm!"
Despite using a move name that sounded powerful enough to kill a gorilla, (Elemental HERO Clayman) was really just striding forward and throwing a punch. Seeing this, Tilla couldn't even be bothered to complain about the shameless act of her opponent initiating an attack and then framing her as the aggressor. Instead, she laughed wildly.
"Hehehehaha, it's useless, useless! A mere (Elemental HERO Clayman), a Normal Monster with only 800 ATK, what can it do? That last kid who used (Elemental HERO) and foolishly challenged Yugi was stupid enough, but I didn't expect you to be even stupider!"
"Because of the effect of (Vampire Empire), my (Vampire Baby)'s ATK will increase to 1200! The battle with (Elemental HERO Clayman) will inflict 400 points of battle damage to you, and that damage will be converted into 400 points of recovery for my Life Points, perfectly canceling out the damage from half of (Elemental HERO Clayman)'s ATK!"
"Since you're so eager to give me your monsters, then I'll use (Vampire Baby) to destroy them without mercy and claim them as my own!"
Facing the clumsily attacking (Elemental HERO Clayman), (Vampire Baby) perfectly replicated its earlier action of killing (Winged Kuriboh). With a single swipe of its claws, it easily sliced through (Elemental HERO Clayman)'s tough body. The body of the destroyed (Elemental HERO Clayman), just like the fallen (Winged Kuriboh) before it, remained on Hayato's Field, seemingly waiting to be controlled by Tilla at the end of the Battle Phase.
Tilla and (Vampire Sucker) opened their arms in unison, waiting to absorb the power from the battle damage. They also raised their guard slightly, wary of the damage from (Junk Attack) that would arrive along with the life force.
"Hmph!"
[Tilla: 4250 → 3850 LP]
The damage landed. Tilla and (Vampire Sucker) both grimaced in pain. Unlike voluntarily paying Life Points to use the various abilities of the Vampire Deck, now that a full-fledged Shadow Game was underway, every point of damage inflicted by Hayato was like a sharp knife stabbing directly into their souls.
Baring her fangs ferociously, (Vampire Sucker) endured the wave of pain and couldn't help but sneer, awaiting the arrival of the absorbed life force. But even as the second (Elemental HERO Clayman) appeared on Hayato's Field due to the effect of (Last Will), neither (Vampire Sucker) nor Tilla felt their Life Points increase. This caused a sudden pang of panic in their hearts.
"Wh-what happened?!"
"Why didn't my Life Points recover!"
Glaring at Hayato's wicked grin, (Vampire Sucker) gritted her teeth. "What in the world did you do?!"
"Me? I didn't really do anything." Hayato spread his hands to show his innocence, but his face wore a self-righteous expression. "I have to thank the sacrificed (Winged Kuriboh) for this!"
"Although its body perished from your damage, the heroic soul of (Winged Kuriboh) continues to protect me. For the turn that (Winged Kuriboh) is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, my battle damage becomes 0. To think I was saved by Kuriboh, I'm so moved!"
Beside Hayato, the soul of (Winged Kuriboh), separated from its body, looked indignant, apparently still holding a grudge about how Hayato had thrown it like Star Platinum threw Iggy.
However, grudge or no grudge, it still exercised its ability, constructing a barrier in front of Hayato that seemed flimsy but was in fact so strong that not even a god could easily break it.
Hearing Hayato's self-congratulatory words, (Vampire Sucker) panicked.
"After being destroyed, battle damage becomes 0?!" Her crimson eyes widened in disbelief. "In that case, my (Vampire Baby) can't inflict any battle damage to you!"
"And along with that, the Life Point Recovery effect of (Vampire's Domain) won't activate either! And what follows is your monsters attacking me an infinite number of times, getting destroyed by (Vampire Baby), and then inflicting damage to me because of the effect of (Junk Attack)?!"
"You bastard! Didn't you say at the beginning that you were using some 'pure HERO' Deck? What kind of hero uses such a chaotic strategy!"
"What do you mean chaotic strategy? This is a righteous group beatdown!"
Hayato looked at (Vampire Sucker), who had figured out the next development without him needing to explain, and gave a cold smile.
"If you want to think of it another way, you can consider my monsters as cheating characters in an arcade game with infinite revival coins. And I've been given a mandatory Life Point Lock so I won't take damage. While you still have 3850 Life Points, how many attacks can you withstand?"
"I'll just grind your Life Points down to nothing with these infinite attacks." As Hayato spoke, he once again gave an order, making the (Elemental HERO Clayman) on his Field attack again. "Are your Life Point reserves sufficient, Tilla Mook?"
"Over here, I'm going to keep extending my life until I clear the game."
"Go, (Elemental HERO Clayman)! This is a necessary sacrifice!"
"Argh!"
[Tilla Mook: 3850 → 3450 LP]
The moment (Elemental HERO Clayman) was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, (Elemental HERO Bubbleman), with the same 800 ATK, entered the Field immediately after and launched another attack.
"Bubbleman! Aria of the Bubble Shadow!"
"Uwaah!"
[Tilla Mook: 3450 → 3050 LP]
"(Elemental HERO Clayman)! Original World Stripping Technique!"
"Kgh!"
[Tilla Mook: 3050 → 2650 LP]
"(Rescue Ferret)!"
"Aaargh!"
[Tilla Mook: 2650 → 2250 LP]
[Tilla Mook: 2250 → 1850 LP]
[Tilla Mook: 1850 → 1450 LP]
"Hero Kid!"
"Uwaaaah!"
[Tilla Mook: 1450 → 1050 LP]
[Tilla Mook: 1050 → 900 LP]
[Tilla Mook: 900 → 750 LP]
[Tilla Mook: 750 → 600 LP]
"(Elemental HERO Little Bud)!"
Suicide attack after suicide attack. Although not a single monster's ATK exceeded (Vampire Baby)'s 1200, due to the effect of (Junk Attack), Tilla, the one with the stronger monster, had her Life Points chipped away again and again. Along with her, (Vampire Sucker), whose senses were linked to hers, grew weak from the continuous, extreme pain, panting heavily.
Seeing another bud-shaped monster appear on Hayato's Field, Tilla was on the verge of a mental breakdown. The red in her eyes had faded so much that her original green pupils were faintly visible.
"(Elemental HERO Little Bud) has the ability to attack the opponent's player directly. Well then, this is the final blow, Tilla Mook." Hayato swept his hand across his chest, drawing on a sliver of the (Millennium Ring)'s power to intervene in the Shadow Game. "(Elemental HERO Little Bud), Direct Attack the opponent's Duelist!"
"Flower Breathing: Final Form Vermilion Eye of the Other Shore!"
Watching (Elemental HERO Little Bud), with the flower on its palm fully bloomed into a beautiful blossom, approach her, Tilla Mook's will finally shattered completely. She pointed at it and screamed:
"You... you stay away from me, ahhhhh!!!"
[Tilla Mook: 600 LP → 0]
A shout-out to Yashashao Fan for the 100 Qidian coin reward, thank you.
The combo used in this chapter is actually the same one Sister Shui used against wicked Téa with Valkyries. She used (Divine Protection) to prevent battle damage during her turn's Battle Phase, then repeatedly suicide-attacked the opponent's monster equipped with (Junk Attack), even reviving the ones that had already attacked to attack again.
Here, a character skill is used in place of that, and the monster revival is achieved with (Last Will). The cards (Last Will) and (Junk Attack) have been used long before in this story; they weren't just created on the spot.
PS: The Forbidden Card (Last Will) has actually had its text changed. The early version allowed for infinite monster summons in one turn after activation. Later, the text was revised and reinterpreted to mean one (Last Will) can only summon one monster. The version used here is, of course, the former.
(end of chapter)
As Tilla Mook's last 600 Life Points were completely depleted, the Shadow Game covering the Duel Field automatically began to recede.
However, before receding, they still had to punish the loser of the Duel — just as Tilla Mook had said before, the soul of the one who lost this Duel would be stripped away.
"D-Damn it!" (Vampire Sucker) was filled with unwillingness and anger. Although she had been the one to initiate the Shadow Game, she had no right to change its rules; the defeated must be punished.
Even when in perfect condition, (Vampire Sucker) had no ability to resist the Shadow Game. What's more, the current (Vampire Sucker), having deeply controlled Tilla Mook and shared her senses earlier, had also endured Hayato's recently executed "Fatal N-Strike," bearing the brunt of it. In fact, it was already impressive that she, in her weakened state, could still maintain her form and hadn't been returned to a Card.
But amidst her vexation, (Vampire Sucker), looking at the contracting Domain of Dark Magic, also felt a bit fortunate.
"Ever since I awakened, to prevent myself from becoming a sacrifice to the Duel Monster Game and to maximize my own interests, I 'castled' the master-servant relationship between this woman and me."
"As a result, I, who was originally just a servant and a tool, instead gained freedom. I deeply understand that this is what I must possess, and as long as I have this freedom, I can remain happy forever, even now!"
With those words, (Vampire Sucker) actively flew towards her own Card, which was still on Tilla Mook's Duel Disk!
Looking at Tilla Mook, who was dazed from the consecutive Attacks, (Vampire Sucker) laughed maniacally: "Thanks to this soul-deep control, when the Shadow Game began just now, I prudently kept myself hidden and let you decide the Stakes. This caution safeguards my freedom!"
"You shall bear this punishment, my servant!"
Maintaining her diving motion, (Vampire Sucker) approached her Card as if diving ———
And then she hit a brick wall!?!
"Hey, you're not thinking of making someone else take the fall after losing the Duel, are you?" Hayato's voice came from behind (Vampire Sucker). "There was a cheerfully smiling Six-Year-Old who tried that trick in front of me before. Let's just say, it didn't end well for him."
(Vampire Sucker) turned around, once again casting her gaze towards "Dan Kuroto." Only this time, behind "Dan Kuroto" in her eyes, one phantom after another appeared, their mere presence enough to make one forget to breathe from fear, and a flash of gold swept across "Dan Kuroto's" chest.
Although (Vampire Sucker) belonged to the rather rare category of self-awakened card spirits in this World, what she was facing was not a monster, but a God!
(Obelisk the Tormentor) and (Slifer the Sky Dragon), led by (The Winged Dragon of Ra), extended a portion of their power from the Card box on Hayato. Although it had no effect on reality, in (Vampire Sucker)'s perception, it was as if the world instantly darkened.
"The Shadow Game's rules changed?! No, that's not right! It's actually obeying you!?" Feeling the power that seemed to want to crush her, (Vampire Sucker) finally understood what it was on "Dan Kuroto" that had been attracting her all this time.
She had thought it was a warm flame and eagerly flocked to it, but it turned out to be a vast, undeniable blazing sun!
After awakening, (Vampire Sucker), although she had controlled Tilla Mook to activated Shadow Games more than once, it wasn't for meaningless slaughter for pleasure. Instead, she carefully sought targets that could provide maximum value without posing a threat to herself. Only this time, she had targeted Hayato.
At this moment, she completely abandoned the idea of seizing Hayato's power to grow stronger. All she felt was pure fear, and a survival instinct, unwilling to lose her freedom like this: "N-No, don't! I don't want that to happen! I don't want to become a mindless tool again!"
"I am a Duel Monster Spirit residing within a Duel Monster. I am willing to become your power, and I absolutely will not harbor thoughts of controlling you, like I controlled that woman!"
"I can help you initiate Shadow Games, and then plunder others' life force to keep you eternally youthful!"
"Please, spare me!"
Hayato remained silent, not answering, merely looking coldly at (Vampire Sucker) who was constantly debasing her own dignity, frantically listing her advantages and capabilities like a fisherman desperately trying to sell his catch before it spoiled and lost value.
However, although Hayato didn't answer, other existences besides him did.
"What a shameless declaration!"
"It's like she's willingly becoming a lapdog!"
"You scoundrel actually wants to become Big Bro's dog!"
"How undignified!"
"She even wants to steal our role, ne!"
Hearing that (Vampire Sucker) actually wanted to become Hayato's dog, the most agitated ones were surprisingly the Ojama brothers. Led by Ojama Yellow, the Ojama clan jumped out, having somehow defined themselves as "Hayato's lapdogs" at some point, and glared angrily at the (Vampire Sucker) who wanted to surrender.
If other powerful card spirits had been subdued by Hayato, they wouldn't have been so agitated. The main reason was that (Vampire Sucker) was actually their peer, and between peers, there was only fierce rivalry.
"Yakamashii!"
Although they appeared quite tough and numerous at first, (Vampire Sucker) merely shouted a little louder, baring her fangs and glaring with crimson eyes. The useless Ojama clan, as expected, chose to retreat, clinging to Hayato's leg and tattling, hiding behind Hayato and lording their false power.
Looking at the Fodder Monster-like Ojama clan, (Vampire Sucker) was surprised that Hayato also had card spirits, but she didn't take the useless Ojama clan, with their 0 ATK, seriously. Instead, she accepted the "be a dog" declaration: "Being a master's dog is the greatest honor!"
But as soon as her words fell, the card spirits that appeared immediately after the Ojama clan made (Vampire Sucker)'s expression turn somewhat blank.
(Rainbow Kuriboh), (Performapal Sky Magician), (Gaia The Fierce Knight). One powerful monster after another appeared, making (Vampire Sucker) suddenly realize something.
She had thought she could leverage her status as a rare card spirit to play hard to get, but this person in front of her actually had such a multitude of card spirits by his side: from weak Normal Monsters to powerful Spellcasters, from small animals with diverse abilities to resolute Warriors.
The opponent simply didn't lack one more card spirit like her.
"Who exactly are you, you scoundrel?"
Hayato raised his hand and lightly snapped his fingers, watching (Vampire Sucker) be utterly crushed by the Shadow Game's rules: "Just a passing Duelist, remember that."
(end of chapter)