Chapter 456: Heh, My Victory's a Thousand Percent!
[Hayato: 2000 LP]
[Leon: 1 LP]
"It's—it's Mr. Hayato!?"
Hayato had previously used the mind-controlling abilities of the Millennium Rod to prevent others from connecting him to "Hayato Kobayashi," achieving a different kind of "disguise." However, after throwing the Millennium Rod to Marik's side, Leon Wilson was finally able to link Hayato to "Hayato Kobayashi."
'Why is Mr. Hayato my opponent?! Why didn't I notice it before!?'
Looking at the bewildered Leon Wilson, Hayato knew that the guy was definitely thinking about things unrelated to the Duel.
Normally, Hayato might have enjoyed watching Leon Wilson's constantly changing expressions as his mind shifted, but the situation was urgent. While Hayato wouldn't go as far as killing Astra, he still wanted to end the Duel as quickly as possible.
Although, in reality, Hayato engaging Leon Wilson in a Duel to stop Bakura and his group's plan seemed to violate the agreement they had reached in the Shadow Game, it was well-known that Kaiba was responsible for the KC Cup's schedule. Hayato was merely "used" by Kaiba.
Just as a mechanic carrying a hammer and wrench is perfectly normal, as a Duelist, there's nothing wrong with Hayato giving his all in a Duel, even if his opponent just happened to be Leon Wilson.
After getting his hands on the Millennium Rod, Marik was as excited as if he'd just chugged brandy on an empty stomach, running off to who-knows-where with Tristan and the others. Hayato felt he needed to move even faster.
"Leon Wilson, bring it on. Let me see the Federation—ugh, no, let me see your skill as a Duelist." Since it was still Leon Wilson's turn, Hayato felt a little embarrassed to forcefully end his turn without even entering the Battle Phase. "Dueling with all your might, no matter who your opponent is, is one of the essential qualities of a Duelist."
"Come on, Leon Wilson!"
Hayato had said his piece. Although Leon didn't think he could easily defeat Hayato, the Duel King, he was somewhat emboldened.
At this moment, although Leon Wilson's Life Points were only 1, Hayato only had one Set Card on his Field.
Leon's hand contained a Water of Life, which could Revive the Iron Knight resting in Leon's Graveyard. Then, the The Golden Castle of Stromberg also had an Effect that allowed him to Special Summon a Monster from his Deck in Attack Position once per turn. This way, he could assemble a monster combination with an Attack of 2000 or more on the Field.
As long as the Attack went through, he would win. With that, perhaps the great achievement of defeating the Duel King was within reach?
Leon's heart burned with fervor. Despite being wary of the card on Hayato's Back Row, he couldn't help but imagine the scene of his victory.
"I Activate the Effect of my Field Spell Card, The Golden Castle of Stromberg, on my Field." After searching a Card from his Deck, Leon Wilson Summoned it to his Field. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Monster randomly from my Deck to my Field in Attack Position."
"Appear, my Monster!"
The The Golden Castle of Stromberg's Effect for Special Summoning a Monster was random, meaning the specific Monster that appeared depended entirely on luck. If he was lucky, Summoning a Monster with high Attack or a powerful Effect would be great. But if he was unlucky and Summoned a Fodder Monster like Ojama Yellow with 0 Attack, it would be terrible.
However, Leon Wilson's luck seemed to be quite good; the Monster that appeared on his Field was Little Red Riding Hood with 800 Attack.
The cute little girl, wearing a red fabric hat, bounced onto Leon's Field, looking cheerful and lighthearted. She occasionally glanced around, her eyes, upon seeing the magnificent The Golden Castle of Stromberg, showing only innocent curiosity rather than the greed an adult would feel when seeing gold.
[Little Red Riding Hood] [Level 3/Earth]
[Fairy/Effect Monster]
[800/1200]
Although its 800 Attack was much lower than Iron Knight's 1700, it had an Effect that allowed him to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Warrior-Type Monster from the Deck if it was Destroyed by Battle. Of course, with Leon's Life Points at only 1, if Little Red Riding Hood was Destroyed by Battle, he would lose immediately, rendering its Effect useless.
In reality, Leon Wilson wasn't planning on lasting until the next turn. Both players' Life Points were flickering like a candle in the wind; one Battle Phase was enough to decide the victor.
"I use my last card in hand, the Spell Card Water of Life, to Special Summon my Iron Knight from my Graveyard in Attack Position, and then I enter the Battle Phase!"
Leon Wilson immersed himself completely in the Duel. At this moment, he had cast everything outside the Duel from his mind. All he thought about was "winning the Duel," and his eyes were fixed solely on Hayato standing opposite him.
Even Winged Sage Falcos, which Leon Wilson had Discarded to the Graveyard, sensed his astonishing fighting spirit.
"What strong will to win, is he transferring all his inner anxieties and concerns about other matters into the Duel? It's not a bad method for victory," the ethereal Duel Monster Spirit murmured in a voice his master couldn't hear, his gaze sweeping towards Hayato. "But in the end, fighting spirit can at most allow one to unleash their full potential. When the Power gap is too wide…"
Leon Wilson waved his hand forward: "First, I use Little Red Riding Hood to initiate a Direct Attack, Mushroom Mushroom Crash!"
As the protagonist of the famous fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood," Little Red Riding Hood, despite her weak Attack, possessed a powerful force: the so-called Protagonist's Aura.
Upon receiving Leon's Attack Declaration, Little Red Riding Hood frantically began to move, but as soon as she took a step, she performed the legendary move "flat ground stumble," tumbling to the ground. The basket in her hand, filled with mushrooms she had gathered from the forest, also flew out of her grasp.
The basket spun in mid-air, and the colorful mushrooms "coincidentally" flew towards Hayato's position. Judging from the quality of the mushrooms, even just one could probably take out an entire village.
Hayato raised an eyebrow, completely unprepared for Little Red Riding Hood's Attack method to be a legendary mushroom medley. He had initially thought it would be cute little punches to the chest.
Although the colorful mushrooms had a strong impact on the spirit, Hayato could still barely handle it.
[Hayato: 2000 → 1200 LP]
The mushroom rain passed through Hayato, taking 800 of his Life Points. Seeing this, Leon said somewhat excitedly: "Niiiice! Only 1200 Life Points left! Iron Knight, let's press our advantage, final Direct Attack!"
Beside Little Red Riding Hood, who was just sitting up from the ground, tears welling in her eyes as she looked at her fallen basket, Iron Knight, also a fairy tale protagonist, charged forward on his warhorse.
However, to Leon's surprise, Hayato's Set Card on the Back Row, which had been completely still during Little Red Riding Hood's Direct Attack, was Activated the moment Iron Knight's Attack Declaration was made.
"Muda da! Don't think an Attack of this caliber can finish me, Leon Wilson," Hayato smiled smugly, flipping over the card on his Back Row. "I Activate the invincible Absorption Shield to turn your Iron Knight's Attack into nourishment for my Life Points!"
"I Negate one Monster's Attack, and Iron Knight's Attack value will be added to my Life Points!"
Clang~
Iron Knight had already reached Hayato. If its spear had pierced Hayato, it would have secured victory for Leon Wilson. But an ethereal Energy Shield perfectly Absorbed the impact of Iron Knight's Attack, and added it to Hayato's Life Points.
[Hayato: 1200 → 2900 LP]
Even though all of Leon's Monsters had already Attacked, Hayato's Life Points had actually increased compared to before the Battle Phase began, which left Leon Wilson somewhat dejected.
"As expected, it's Mr. Hayato. He's not that easy for me to defeat." Glancing at his mere 1 Life Point, Leon Wilson could already foresee his crushing defeat on his next turn. Hayato only needed to Summon any Monster with a non-zero Attack, and then he could use the Power of Spiritual Exoskeleton to defeat him.
"I end my Turn. And, due to the Effect of Spiritual Exoskeleton, I Tribute my Little Red Riding Hood on the Field and Send it to the Graveyard, inflicting Damage to my opponent equal to half of Little Red Riding Hood's Attack, which is 400 points."
"Sorry, Little Red Riding Hood, please rest in the Graveyard for now." An apologetic Leon Wilson Sent his Little Red Riding Hood, who had just finished tidying her basket on the Field, to the Graveyard. After taking a few deep breaths to calm himself, he looked at Hayato.
[Hayato: 2900 → 2500 LP]
[Leon: 1 LP, Hand 0]
[Iron Knight ATK 1700]
Field: [The Golden Castle of Stromberg]
"Mr. Hayato, come on."
"Alright, my Turn begins." Hayato nodded, reaching for his Deck.
He vaguely remembered that in the original storyline, Leon Wilson's The Golden Castle of Stromberg seemed to be in a similar situation as now, used by that pink-haired Zigfried von Schroeder as a starting key, and even tampered with. However, he couldn't quite recall the specific modifications.
As a card player, while he could recite a card's full name, Level, Summoning Conditions, Effects, and even specific Effect rulings just by looking at its artwork, this didn't prevent Hayato from forgetting the exact plot details, much like many people can perfectly write down song lyrics but can't recite the "Treatise on the Six States."
But Hayato felt that such things didn't matter, because, looking at the current Field situation, victory was certainly his.
2500 Life Points against 1 Life Point, the opponent had an empty Hand and no Set Cards, and besides one Monster with 1700 Attack, there was only a Field Spell Card. His win rate was 1000%; it was impossible to lose.
Hayato did remember the Effect of The Golden Castle of Stromberg after it was adapted into a real card: once per turn, it could Special Summon a Monster whose card text mentions "The Golden Castle of Stromberg" from the Deck. When an opponent's monster attacks, it is immediately Destroyed and half of its Attack is reflected as Damage. Then there's the Maintenance Cost of Banishing the top 10 cards of the Deck Face-down during each Standby Phase.
It sounds impressive, but it's completely useless, Hayato thought. He just needed to Draw any Monster with non-zero Attack, then End Turn, and he could secure victory with Spiritual Exoskeleton's Effect.
He was guaranteed to win.
Thinking this, Hayato's fingers touched the top card of his Deck, and he Drew the first card, not even getting a chance to Flip it over and look.
But just then, the The Golden Castle of Stromberg beneath Leon and Hayato's feet suddenly flashed with a golden light. Immediately, before Hayato could react, half of the cards in his Deck were ejected and Sent to the Graveyard!?
???
Hayato's eyebrows shot up, his head full of question marks.
Where's my Deck?
Where's my thick Deck from just now?
There were at least thirty cards just now. How did my Deck suddenly become only about half its size after a flash of golden light?
A puzzled Hayato looked at Leon Wilson opposite him, only to find his face also filled with surprise: "How could this be!?"
"The Effect of The Golden Castle of Stromberg, why would it—!?"
It seemed he knew something.
"Hey, Leon, what's going on?" Hayato asked. "Did you Activate an Effect?"
In a Duel, asking if the opponent Activated a card Effect is completely permissible, and even asking about the specific Effects of the opponent's cards is within the allowed scope. However, whether or not to answer the opponent's question is up to the Duelist themselves.
After all, in Duel Monsters, psychological warfare, information gathering, and verification are a major part of the fun. Cautious Duelists might choose not to let their opponent know all their Effects until the Duel ends, while some incredibly reckless Duelists might fully disclose their card Effects without even being asked.
It's even possible for them to reveal the Combos they plan to use and what cards they hold in their Hand.
"N-not an Effect I Activated. No, wait, it is the Effect of my card." Leon said somewhat incoherently, shaking his head then nodding, seemingly unable to come up with an explanation, and pointed directly at his Duel Disk.
"The Golden Castle of Stromberg, the Field Spell Card The Golden Castle of Stromberg I Activated earlier, it has an Effect that requires half of the cards in my Deck to be Sent to the Graveyard during each Standby Phase as a Maintenance Cost."
"But I don't know why, this Maintenance Cost for the card appeared on your side!"
(end of chapter)
"(The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids) requires me to send half the cards from my Deck to the Graveyard during my Standby Phase as its Maintenance Cost. But I don't know why that Maintenance Cost appeared on your side, Mr. Hayato!"
Leon's face showed genuine confusion and doubt, and Hayato could tell he truly didn't know why such a change had occurred.
Even the card's user didn't know the specifics. Combining this with the information Hayato knew, the answer was obvious: this was clearly Zigfried von Schroeder's tampering with (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids), or at least one of his schemes.
"Reinhard!"
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
Just as Hayato thought of Zigfried von Schroeder's name, he heard Zigfried von Schroeder's voice coming from afar, shouting Leon's full name.
Leon looked towards the source of the voice, only to see Siegfried, his hands tightly bound behind his back with a rope, glaring angrily at Leon on the Duel Field, his eyes filled with fury at Leon's perceived inadequacy: "Reinhard, what kind of expression is that?!"
"Brother?!" Leon hadn't expected his brother to appear in such a bound state.
"What kind of sight is that!"
Siegfried leaned over the railing, seemingly wanting to say more, but Rex, beside him, yanked hard on the rope, interrupting his rant that could trigger Leon's psychological trauma: "Hey, that's enough! Behave yourself, you!"
"Rex?"
Hearing Hayato say his name, Rex's gaze fell upon the Field, his expression momentarily stunned: "Huh? Why are you dueling this kid? Shouldn't it be that guy named… what's-his-name?"
"Those things aren't important. What's the deal with you and that prize next to you?"
"This guy?" Rex tugged at the rope wrapped around his hand. "I'm not entirely sure about the specifics. That Seto Kaiba guy said the anomaly appearing here has a lot to do with this fellow. He told me to bring him over to the Duel Field, while he himself went to the KaibaCorp Plaza next door."
After Rex yanked the rope tied to his hands, Siegfried nearly lost his balance, glaring angrily at Rex: "Damn it, to think I'd fall into the hands of a commoner like you! What an utter disgrace!"
Siegfried then shifted his gaze to Leon: "Leon, you fool! I gave you the ultimate Ace Card, (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids), so why, after using such an invincible Card, are you still unable to achieve victory in this Duel?!"
"B-Brother?!" Hearing Siegfried's words, Leon's expression froze, and he pointed at Siegfried in disbelief, saying, "Are you saying, are you saying it was truly you, Brother, who tampered with this Card?!"
"And my Duel Disk, and the anomalies on others?!"
"Hmph, isn't that obvious?!" Siegfried gave an affirmative answer. "To bring KaibaCorp down from its current position, these commoners are necessary. If so many people experience accidents, even if KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions unite, they won't be able to easily cover it up."
"Leon, all you need is victory! As long as you, wielding (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids), can achieve victory, the Trojan program I planted inside KaibaCorp will detonate completely! Just win before that Kaiba guy can purge the Trojan!"
Siegfried declared excitedly: "So, don't give me that cowardly look! The same noble Schroeder Family blood flows in your veins as in mine! For the glory of our family, secure victory in this Duel!"
Listening to Siegfried's words, Leon's face initially showed some hesitation, but after hearing Siegfried's impassioned demands, Leon instead lifted his head with a determined expression.
"No."
"What?" Siegfried frowned. Because the Audience Seating was some distance from the Duel Field, he hadn't clearly heard Leon's words.
"No!" Leon's expression was very serious. "Family glory and future, seeing me as hope, noble blood—Brother, all this time you've simply been acting out of your own jealousy!"
"Modifying a Card's Effect without permission, Brother, you're simply insulting my dignity as a Duelist!"
Leon's right hand grasped his left arm, which wore the Duel Disk. "Look closely, Siegfried, from the moment I put on this Duel Disk, the person standing before you is not Reinhard von Schroeder, but the Duelist Leon Wilson!"
"Stop trying to bind me with all this nonsense!"
Siegfried, meeting Leon's rebellious gaze, was so enraged that he leaned over the railing again, unable to be pulled back even after Rex tugged him several times: "You idiot! How dare you defy me, your elder brother?!"
"Are you perhaps planning to end all of this by losing the Duel?" He laughed, an angered laugh, pulling a dramatic grimace. "Fool! It doesn't matter if you lose; in that case, the device that caused others to fall unconscious will never be able to be shut off! I already accounted for that possibility!"
"To shut that thing off, the only way is to Send (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids), which is activated on the Field in Face-up Position and has destruction immunity, to the Graveyard!"
Siegfried laughed smugly from the Audience Seating. Getting carried away, he even revealed the Counter method.
Because Siegfried genuinely didn't believe any Card could achieve that.
(The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids) had to be on the Field in Face-up Position with its effect active, and then Sent to the Graveyard. This condition restricted many methods such as returning it to Hand, Destroying it after its Effect is negated, Destroying it after being flipped face-down, or banishment.
Before establishing such an extremely strict condition, Siegfried had meticulously cross-referenced all the Card data he had collected up to that point. He concluded that no Card possessed the ability to Counter it, except for (Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End), which had already been designated a Forbidden Card.
Besides being immune to Spell, Trap, and Monster Effect Destruction, (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids) also possessed abilities such as preventing the opponent's monster's Normal Summons, forcing the opponent's monsters to battle its own monsters, and directly destroying the opponent's monster and inflicting reflected damage when it attacks. At the same time, the Special Summon effect of (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids) itself was also retained.
What pleased him most was that even (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids)'s biggest flaw—having to send half the cards from its own Deck to the Graveyard each turn—was changed to "the Maintenance Cost is borne by the Opponent."
After he had added so many powerful Effects, (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids) was invincible!
Siegfried firmly believed this.
However, after hearing Siegfried's words, Hayato couldn't help but glance at his own Graveyard. Because of (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids)'s Effect, he had just sent over ten Cards to the Graveyard, and the topmost card was one he had placed there as a precaution before the Duel.
Hayato's lips curved upwards. "Yare yare daze, what perfect timing. That so-called 'Cost' that helps me with Milling really came in handy."
"Hmph, just a —- huh?!" Siegfried glanced at Hayato disdainfully, but then was startled. Only then did he realize that Leon's opponent at this moment was none other than the King of Games, Hayato.
Who was it just now? How did it suddenly switch to the King of Games? No wonder that idiot Leon couldn't defeat his opponent.
Despite seeing Hayato, Siegfried remained confident in (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids): "It's useless! Even against the King of Games, (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids) is invincible! You, whose Deck has been reduced by half, cannot defeat (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids)!"
"Because that Card cannot be Destroyed!"
"Is that so?"
Hayato's face held a confident smile as he flipped the Card in his hand. "My power is beyond your imagination."
"Don't blink, for what's about to appear before you is the ultimate Divine Light!"
"Activate the Spell Card, (Pot of Greed)! I Draw two Cards from my Deck." As he spoke, Hayato's finger rested on his Deck. "Although the probability of each Draw changes, for a True Duelist, everything is predetermined."
"Even the future of my Draws can be created by myself!"
"Draw!"
As Hayato Drew the top Card of his Deck, even though he hadn't played the Card he Drew, Siegfried, who had just been full of confidence, suddenly began to breathe heavily.
He stared wide-eyed, fixed on the towering blue phantom image vaguely materializing behind Hayato.
Although Siegfried hadn't watched Kaiba's Battle City recordings, he only learned about the existence of (Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon) and Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon from Leon, who had seen them.
However, even he knew about the three Duel Monsters that first appeared in Battle City, standing at the apex of Duel Monsters, even crowned with the title of "God," and collectively known as the (Egyptian God Cards).
(The Winged Dragon of Ra), wielded by Hayato, conquering all with the light and fire of the sun;
(Slifer the Sky Dragon), controlled by Yugi, suppressing and judging the opponent;
And (Obelisk the Tormentor), held by Seto Kaiba, a symbol of power and destruction.
"Spell Card, (Monster Reborn)! I Special Summon (Obelisk the Tormentor) from my Graveyard in Attack Position!"
The Spell Card bearing the "Ankh" symbol was sent to the Graveyard by Hayato. As the "Ankh" symbol, representing "life," filled the phantom image behind Hayato, (Obelisk the Tormentor) fully manifested behind him!
(Obelisk the Tormentor) [Level 10/Divine]
[Divine-Beast Type/Effect]
[4000/4000]
"Attack Points, 4000?!" Rex stared wide-eyed at the blue Giant that seemed to reach the heavens. In a Meta where other Duel Monsters typically had 1000+ ATK, Ace Monsters barely reached 2000+, and only a few Ace Monsters surpassed (Blue-Eyes White Dragon) to hit 3000, (Obelisk the Tormentor)'s 4000 ATK/DEF was truly crushing.
Although Rex was confident that his (Ultimate Conductor Tyranno) wasn't without a fighting chance even against a God, the sheer majesty of a "God" descending before him was overwhelmingly awe-inspiring.
"(Obelisk the Tormentor) can only be Destroyed by Divine-Attribute Monster Effects. Trap Cards and the Effects of lower-Level Monsters are negated against it. Monster Effects of Level 10 or higher and Spell Cards activated during that turn only affect it for one turn."
Hayato glanced at the Card in his hand, explaining the Effect of (Obelisk the Tormentor) on the Field. Before the Duel, following Professor Banner's words, he had added (Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca) to his Deck, and also included (Obelisk the Tormentor) as a precaution.
As it turned out, it truly came in handy, and (Obelisk the Tormentor) was sent to the Graveyard only because of (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids)'s Effect.
"Although (Obelisk the Tormentor), Monster-Reborned, can only remain on the Field for one turn, that's enough, because the Duel will end within this turn."
Hayato glanced at Siegfried, a smirk playing on his lips. "Speaking of which, (Obelisk the Tormentor)'s previous owner was Seto. Using it to bury (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids) and your ambition, it couldn't be more fitting."
"Tch, a mere God of Destruction that can only exist for one turn." Although Siegfried was shaken by (Obelisk the Tormentor), he still spoke defiantly, genuinely not believing his talent would lose to a "God." "Don't forget, even if you clear Leon's Life Points with an Attack, it's useless if you don't Destroy (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids)!"
"Otherwise, what do you think the Card in my Hand will do?" Hayato sneered, inserting his last Hand Card into his Duel Disk's Spell & Trap Zone. "Quick-Play Spell, (Fist of Fate)!"
"When a Monster whose original Card name is (Obelisk the Tormentor) exists on my Field, select one Effect Monster on your opponent's Field, Negate its Effect, then Destroy it, and Monsters with the same original Card name as the Destroyed Monster also have their Effects negated this turn!"
"Furthermore, when this Card is used during my Main Phase, Destroy all of your opponent's Spell/Trap Cards!"
As Hayato's Card activated, (Obelisk the Tormentor) stood behind him, raising its fist, and an orange aura of destruction gathered around its fist.
And as (Obelisk the Tormentor) raised its fist, (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids), which Siegfried had endowed with destruction immunity, actually began to tremble, cracks rapidly spreading across it.
"Th-This is impossible?!" Siegfried's face was filled with disbelief. "(The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids) should be immune to being destroyed by any Card?!"
Hayato folded his arms, watching (Iron Knight), which had been utterly annihilated, Soul and all, by (Obelisk the Tormentor)'s divine might just from it raising its fist. He replied, "First, you merely added false abilities to the original card effect. Before the radiance of a God, fabricated things will ultimately reveal their hidden truths."
"Second, what stands before you is not a Duel Monster, but a God!"
As he spoke, Hayato raised his hand towards the sky, no longer looking at Siegfried outside the Duel Field, but gazing at Leon, who was visibly frightened yet looked at (Obelisk the Tormentor) with eyes full of aspiration.
"A God Card… is this Mr. Hayato's true strength? It's truly… exhilarating!"
They were brothers, yet the elder used underhanded tactics and was rendered speechless with fear upon seeing an existence beyond imagination, while the younger possessed a righteous Duelist's Heart, able to muster courage even when facing the colossal God head-on.
Hayato smiled. "Now, enter my Battle Phase."
"I'm going to attack now, Reinhard—no, Leon Wilson!"
"(Fist of Fate)!!"
The colossal God's destructive fist descended. (The Golden Palace of the Rushing Rapids), which in fairy tales imprisoned a princess turned into a crow, was instantly destroyed by the shockwave, crumbling to dust along with Siegfried's ambition.
However, the divine fist, which sought to destroy all, transformed into a gentle breeze as it reached Leon Wilson.
[Leon Wilson: 1 LP → 0]
(end of chapter)
Chapter 458: Master Duels Are So Fun, What Even Is Duel Links?
Crackle~!
Thud.
Among the Egyptian God Cards, Obelisk the Tormentor, the God of Destruction symbolized by power, when it swung its fist, there was almost nothing that could withstand it. Its might, if not enough to shake mountains and rend the earth, was at least world-shaking.
Like a boxer targeted by a relentlessly powerful brawler, Duelists facing Obelisk the Tormentor were constantly under its oppressive aura, even if they weren't in Battle. As for the result of its Attack, the most fitting example was the Duel Bot that Kaiba utterly destroyed after he first obtained Obelisk the Tormentor from Ishizu, just to test its might.
The detailed force analysis wasn't important. What was important was that while Mokuba recycled and reused the Duel Bot, only its logical programming could be salvaged. The Duel Bot's physical form was utterly Destroyed the moment it was struck.
Even a metal robot was scrapped, let alone a human?
However, despite what's been said, Obelisk the Tormentor had never actually harmed anyone much. Especially Joey, who only experienced a slight chest pain even after enduring an infinitely powerful Attack.
Leon Wilson wasn't harmed much either. Most of Obelisk the Tormentor's Attack was used to Destroy The Golden Castle of Stromberg. The remaining impact force transformed into a gentle breeze that brushed across Leon's cheek.
It was Power Nullification! The God Monster used Power Nullification of extremely high purity!
Facing Monsters like the Egyptian God Cards, which transcended the Rule of Duel Monsters, Siegfried's additional cheating Effect added to The Golden Castle of Stromberg was Destroyed. The "card that cannot be Destroyed" was Destroyed, Leon's Duel Disk's Field Zone, which had previously been locked, was also opened, the discharge device was damaged, and The Golden Castle of Stromberg card fell to the ground.
Although the wind wasn't very strong, he had, after all, directly faced a God's fist. After his last Life Points dropped to zero, Leon Wilson plopped onto the Duel Field. There was no disappointment or dejection on his face due to his defeat; instead, he gazed with longing at Obelisk the Tormentor, which was gradually dissipating behind Hayato.
"So this is Obelisk? The Egyptian God Cards are truly powerful..."
Hayato retrieved his cards from the Graveyard, then separately returned Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca and Obelisk the Tormentor to the card box at his waist. While powerful cards like the Egyptian God Cards could effectively increase a Deck's average strength, they also had a certain chance of affecting its Combo/Board Development. Even Hayato, if he were to use the Egyptian God Cards, would only selectively include them in his Deck.
Also placed into the card box was the Quick-Play Spell Card, Fist of Fate, which had just laid the foundation for the final blow.
Across all generations of Yu-Gi-Oh!, there was much debate about who the strongest Duelist was in each era, and there was also little consensus on which Duel Monster had the most powerful Effect. However, in the original Yu-Gi-Oh! DM, the strongest Duel Monster was widely considered to be Horakhty the Creator of Light, Summoned by the Fusion Summon of the three Egyptian God Cards.
That is, the 'Creator God-Type' card, limited to 10,000 copies worldwide, and the only one of its kind among all Duel Monsters.
As an old saying goes, 'What's the difference between a person without dreams and a salted fish?' So, after winning the Battle City championship and collecting the Egyptian God Cards, Hayato naturally set his sights on the 'Egyptian God' Archetype unlocked in the System Shop.
It wasn't that Hayato lacked willpower; it was truly the System, that old sly merchant. Previously, it had only perfunctorily displayed names, but the 'Egyptian God' Archetype, unlocked after gathering three Divine-Beast Type monsters, actually featured an animated image of Horakhty the Creator of Light.
Just like players of the famous collecting game 'Steam' couldn't control their wallets when they saw a green '-90%' discount, Hayato, of course, couldn't control himself either, spending a fortune on this Archetype's gacha.
The result, naturally, was a spectacular 'sunk ship' (a terrible gacha outcome). After investing over 30,000 DP Points in total, he didn't even catch a glimpse of Horakhty the Creator of Light. Instead, Hayato obtained Egyptian God support cards like Thunderforce Attack, Soul Crossing, and Disciple of Ra, with Fist of Fate also being among them.
Although the Egyptian God Cards performed exceptionally well in the Anime and Manga, if they were released as Real Cards with their overly 'imba' (imbalanced) Effects, it would be a disaster for the 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' Meta, disrupting the balance too much. Thus, when the Real Cards of the Egyptian God Cards were first released, all of their Effects were severely nerfed. The Winged Dragon of Ra, which originally had the most Effects, was even tragically dismembered.
Of course, whether this 'balance disruption' excuse was genuine or not was a matter of opinion. After all, Konami had performed the strange maneuver of not banning the famous '(meta-dominant)' Destiny HERO - Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer when it dominated the Meta, but instead placing Fusion Destiny, a card from the otherwise 'salted fish' (weak/underpowered) Destiny HERO Archetype, on the Forbidden Card list.
Typical Konami.
Anyway, it was all just for selling cards.
While the nerfed Egyptian God Cards weren't unusable in Duels, the Cost of Tributing three Monsters and their insufficiently powerful Effects made them too low in cost-effectiveness beyond satisfying nostalgia, and they couldn't even accurately recreate Duels from the original Anime/Manga.
So, the clever card-selling merchant Konami came up with a new strategy: "While I can't strengthen the cards themselves, I can sell separate patch cards!"
Thus, the Effects that were removed from the nerfed Egyptian God Cards were separately created into other cards. These were Egyptian God-exclusive cards like Fist of Fate. Their positioning was similar to Clay Charge, which is bound to Elemental HERO Clayman; these cards like Fist of Fate were also bound to their respective Egyptian God.
While this didn't elevate the status of the Egyptian God Cards, it at least gave players who liked them a chance to recreate famous scenes.
Of course, merely recreating famous scenes wasn't enough to boost card sales significantly. Therefore, in addition to carrying the Effects that should have been on the Egyptian God Cards themselves, these cards also had some new Effects added. For example, Fist of Fate gained the ability to Destroy all of the Opponent's Spell and Trap Cards, as well as seal Monster Effects.
Having organized his Deck, Hayato stepped in front of Leon Wilson, who was sitting on the ground, and looked down at him. "So, how does it feel to be directly crushed by a God Card, to be given a complete and utter defeat?"
"How it feels? It's quite an impression, almost becoming a Shadow Realm covering my Heart."
Although his words were dark and almost sounded like he was giving up, when he looked up at Hayato, Leon Wilson's face held a brilliant and confident smile. "But the more it's like that, the more courage I have to pierce through this dark cloud."
"I hope that someday, I'll have the chance to Duel you, Hayato-san, when you're using your full Power."
Listening to Leon's words, Hayato nodded with satisfaction, returning a smile. "That's a very good statement. You're far more outstanding than your brother, whose mentality is disastrously different. Good, very spirited!"
"In that case, having witnessed the majesty of the peak, engrave the sight of being crushed by a God into your Heart, and strive to grow, Leon Wilson!"
Patting Leon's shoulder as he stood up, Hayato turned around to look at Zigfried von Schroeder, who was slumped against the railing with a grim expression. "Well then, you're next, Zigfried von Schroeder."
"Damn you, Hayato!"
Zigfried, in the Spectator Stands, wished he could get rid of Hayato. However, the distance between them and his bound hands ensured that he could only clench his fists as a way to vent his anger.
Under Rex's escort, Zigfried was led to the edge of the Duel Stage below the Audience Seating. The passage connecting the two areas should have had staff maintaining order to prevent spectators from rushing onto the Duel Field and interfering with the Match midway through the Duel. However, the Anomaly affecting the venue impacted all non-Duelists, and it was likely that even the backstage staff hadn't been spared.
"This guy is in your hands now, Hayato." Rex handed the rope he held to Hayato, who took it, then sighed with a touch of melancholy. "It's only been a few years, hasn't it? Back in Duelist Kingdom, we were still opponents on the same stage, but I never imagined you'd become this strong."
Zigfried was quite displeased that he was being handed over like a horse, simply by passing a lead rope. Hearing Rex say Hayato was strong, he let out a cold snort, his face full of disdain.
Hayato wrapped the rope around his hand a few times to secure it, lest it slip. He looked at Rex with an amused expression and teased, "Oh, come on, you didn't even make it to the Top 8, so how is that 'on the same stage'?"
"Hey, don't undercut me! Even if it was just during the star chip collecting phase, that still counts as being on the same stage, doesn't it? And back then, I was only one star chip away from gathering enough! But the others on the island, just because I was the runner-up of the Japan National Tournament, wouldn't Duel me even if it meant being eliminated for time out."
"Even Yugi, because many people had only heard the rumor that he defeated Kaiba and didn't truly believe it, wouldn't refuse his Duels. You, back then, only barely beat Weevil once, let alone Joey, who nobody knew at all."
Recalling the past, Rex sighed, then shook his head, not dwelling too long on 'past glories'. "Anyway, I'm handing this guy over to you. I've completed Kaiba's request."
"From this person's mouth, Kaiba extracted three key points to resolve the Anomaly. These are the 'Key' to activating the Anomaly, which is the card belonging to that kid you just defeated. The 'Program' driving the Anomaly, which seems to have been placed on KaibaCorp's network. And finally, the 'Ability' to achieve the Anomaly, whose whereabouts are unknown, also seems to be a card."
After reiterating the information he received from Kaiba to Hayato, Rex turned around and said, "Well then, I'll be leaving now."
"Where are you going?" Hayato asked. "The situation inside the Venue is quite dangerous; do you want to stick with me?"
Others might not have noticed, but Hayato, accompanied by a multitude of Duel Monster Spirits, had already realized during the Duel that the interior of the Kaiba Dome Venue, after the Anomaly began, seemed to be gradually transferring into another World. And that World was the Spirit World, where the Duel Monster Spirits resided.
Even Hayato could only speculate on the exact method of implementation for now. It was probably reversing Uria, Lord of Searing Flames's ability to convert 'Life Force' and 'Spirit Power' to empower some Spirit-related entity and open a gate. Although that gate had only opened a tiny crack for now, over time, it was very likely that the Kaiba Dome would truly be transported into the Spirit World.
And even through just a crack, an extremely abundant Aura from another world poured into the Venue. Hayato had already noticed it when he just returned Obelisk the Tormentor. Even without Solid Vision support, Obelisk could surprisingly maintain its existence for a brief moment.
And if it were a slightly weaker Duel Monster, Materialization for a long period wouldn't even be a problem.
The opening of the gate was like laying chum in the water before fishing. While it would scare away some fish, others would approach after a brief period of wariness, drawn by curiosity and temptation. If the gate continued to open, it wasn't impossible for residents of the Spirit World to come to the Real World.
"Are you talking about Duel Monsters materializing? If so, I have the Power to protect myself." To Hayato's slight surprise, Rex seemed to have already accepted the 'Duel Monsters can materialize' Setting, as if he had experienced something similar before. "I also have a good understanding of my own abilities, so the mission to save everyone is up to you, King of Games."
Turning around with a flourish, Rex, though short, exuded a powerful Aura. "As for me, I'll do my best to save a few people. After all, we had a good chat earlier, and I promised to take them out for steak."
"Also, Joey must be working hard somewhere, right? Remember to remind him not to forget what he said about putting in effort for my sake."
Waving his hand, Rex walked up the Stairs.
"Achoo!!"
Joey suddenly sneezed, rubbing his nose. "Who's talking about me behind my back?"
Frowning, Joey lowered his hand. He didn't let the sudden sneeze distract him for too long, refocusing on Yugi and Raphael in their Duel.
On Raphael's Field, Guardian Eatos, equipped with Guardian's Power, had an Attack of 4000. This was comparable to Obelisk the Tormentor, which had just appeared on the central Duel Field and attracted immense attention.
[Guardian's Power] [Spell Counter: 3]
"Did the King of Games use a God Card to end his Battle?" Raphael calmly said, retracting his gaze from the center of the Venue. "Although I didn't particularly want that to happen, it seems one part of the plan has already been Destroyed by the King of Games."
"Focus properly during the Duel, and don't look around, Raphael!" Opposite Raphael, Yugi, whose Field only had Magician of Chaos in Defense Position remaining, sharply rebuked. "Do you think you already have a guaranteed victory!?"
[Yugi: 400 LP, Hand 3]
[Magician of Chaos] [DEF 2100]
[Set Card]
[Raphael: 2000 LP, Hand 1]
[Guardian Eatos] (Guardian's Power) [ATK 4000]
[Set Card]
(end of chapter)
Chapter 459: The Answer Is Puella Magi Madoka Magica
"Certain victory? Nameless Pharaoh, you're actually trying to say I'm arrogant, aren't you?" Raphael looked at the (Magician of Chaos) in Defense Position on Yugi's Field, then pointed at his own (Guardian Eatos). "My (Guardian Eatos)'s ATK is already as high as 4000. Can any other Duel Monster achieve that?"
"Not only that, but (Eatos), equipped with (Guardian's Force), can remove Spell Counters to substitute for its destruction. If you want to defeat me and take (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames) from my Hand, then it is an existence you must overcome."
"Can you surpass me, Nameless Pharaoh?"
Raphael said, Setting a Card from his Hand. "I Set my last Card, End Turn."
[Raphael: 2000 LP, Hand 0]
[(Guardian Eatos) (Guardian's Force) [ATK4000]]
[Set Card X2]
Yugi frowned upon hearing this.
In the previous few Turns, after Summoning (Guardian Eatos), Raphael suddenly became serious. Not only did he consecutively Destroy (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) on Yugi's Field, which originally held the advantage, by Sending them to the Graveyard, but he also used (Guardian Eatos)'s Effect to Banish Monsters from Yugi's Graveyard one by one, increasing (Guardian Eatos)'s ATK.
After Yugi finally managed to Destroy (Guardian Eatos) by expending resources, Raphael Revived it again and Equipped it with (Guardian's Force).
Due to the asymmetry of information, Yugi hadn't expected (Guardian's Force) to possess virtually infinite Effect Destruction Resistance. After several rounds of Attack and Defense, Yugi's resources were nearly depleted, but the number of Spell Counters on (Guardian's Force) had accumulated to three.
[Yugi: 400 LP, Hand 3]
[(Magician of Chaos) [DEF2100]]
[Set Card]
He looked down at his Hand: (Dimension Fusion), (Mystik Wok), and (Altar of Resurrection). (Dimension Fusion) could Special Summon all Banished Monsters back to the Field for both players, but it had a restriction that required paying 2000 LP to Activate it. With Yugi's current 400 Life Points, he couldn't Activate this Card.
However, if he used (Mystik Wok) to Tribute (Magician of Chaos) on his Field, he might be able to Activate it. But that would require him to find a way to defeat Raphael's (Guardian Eatos) from among the Banished Monsters.
"Empty speculation can't verify if a predicted future can be realized. In that case, I'll place my hope for victory on this Draw." Yugi's gaze met Raphael's. Raphael, who was full of confidence in his Monster and Set defense, felt a burning fighting spirit in Yugi's eyes. "(Guardian Eatos), my Deck and I will defeat you!"
"My Turn, Draw!"
After drawing the Card from his Hand, Yugi revealed it, and a smile appeared on his face. "Then, in this Turn, I will surpass (Guardian Eatos)!"
"I Activate the Spell Card (Dark Magic Inheritance)! I Banish two Spell Cards from my Graveyard—(Forbidden Dress) and (Magician's Salvation)—then I add a Spell/Trap Card from my Deck that lists (Dark Magician) or (Dark Magician Girl) in its card name to my Hand."
After inserting the newly drawn Card into his Spell & Trap Zone, Yugi didn't rush to Search for a Card from his Deck. Instead, he pointed to his (Magician of Chaos) on the Field. "However, before that, I will Activate (Magician of Chaos)'s Effect as Chain Link 2!"
"Although (Guardian's Force) can protect (Guardian Eatos) from being Destroyed as long as it has Spell Counters, it shouldn't have any Resistance itself, right?" Yugi's lips curved into a confident smile. "A dragon's inverse scale is its hardest scale, but Destroying it also exposes its greatest weakness!"
(Magician of Chaos) gathered the Magical Energy emanating from (Dark Magic Inheritance), transforming it into a Magical arrow. As Yugi waved his hand forward, it pointed directly at (Guardian's Force), equipped to (Guardian Eatos)!
As long as (Guardian's Force) was Destroyed, (Guardian Eatos)'s troublesome Battle and Effect Destruction Resistance would disappear, and its ATK would drop back to 2500. Even without using other Monsters, (Magician of Chaos) alone could achieve Mutual Destruction with it.
"Tch, you saw through it? Good eye."
Raphael frowned, realizing that Yugi had found a weakness in (Guardian Eatos). "But if you use the same trick too many times, how can I not be prepared? Your use of (Magician of Chaos)'s Once per turn Card Destruction Effect was entirely within my calculations!"
"Activate Set Card, (Breakthrough Skill)!"
Just as the flying Magical arrow was about to Destroy (Guardian's Force) under (Magician of Chaos)'s Control, (Guardian Eatos) suddenly vanished from Raphael's Field.
At the same time, (Magician of Chaos), who was focused on controlling the Magical arrow, paused in confusion due to the disappearance of its Target, completely unaware of (Guardian Eatos) that had appeared beside it at some point.
The sword's edge sliced through. Although (Magician of Chaos) made an evasive maneuver the moment (Guardian Eatos) moved, its Staff, used to block the Attack, was cut down by a single strike.
(Guardian Eatos) struck successfully. (Magician of Chaos), who remembered she was actually a melee spellcaster, was kicked back to Raphael's Field by (Guardian Eatos), but her objective had been achieved. Though deprived of her staff's aid, (Magician of Chaos) still possessed powerful Magical Energy, but she could no longer casually use powerful Spells as before, and even the patterns on her robe were no longer vibrant.
Yugi clicked his tongue in annoyance.
He had originally thought that if he were to Activate (Dimension Fusion), Tributing (Magician of Chaos) would be inevitable. In that case, he would have to consider how to fully utilize (Magician of Chaos)'s Power.
Although (Mystik Wok) was also a Spell Card that could Trigger (Magician of Chaos)'s Effect, if (Magician of Chaos) itself was the Tributed Target, it couldn't Activate its Effect in the Graveyard. So, Yugi had planned to use (Dark Magic Inheritance) to let (Magician of Chaos) unleash its final burst of power.
However, Yugi wasn't overly disappointed. If (Guardian's Force) could be easily overcome, it would be underestimating Raphael, who had entangled him for several Turns. It was within expectations that his opponent would have defensive Cards Set.
"Because (Magician of Chaos)'s Effect was Negated, (Dark Magic Inheritance) re-resolves. I add a Card from my Deck to my Hand." After Yugi searched a card from his Deck, he then revealed (Mystik Wok) from his hand, saying: "Since (Magician of Chaos) cannot defeat (Guardian Eatos), then let's change opponents."
"I Activate the Spell Card (Mystik Wok)! I Tribute (Magician of Chaos) from my Field, then I Gain Life Points equal to (Magician of Chaos)'s ATK, which is 2500!"
Seeing Yugi Tribute his own Monster, Raphael scoffed dismissively but said nothing.
For a long time before, many people in the Duel Monsters community, like himself, were reluctant to carelessly Send their beloved Monsters to the Graveyard, preferring to find ways to preserve them in Duels.
But it seemed that since Battle City, or even earlier, a Dueling style suddenly became popular where Duelists would Destroy their own Monsters through various means for victory, with sayings like "XXX, I love you so much, for you, I shall dismantle you," "Rather than being Destroyed by you, I'd rather fry and eat my XXX," or "Sacrifice for the greater good, XXX!"
No matter how he thought about it, it was that Hayato's fault. As the King of Games, he actually led Duelists' styles astray onto such a wrong path. Dartz's idea was correct; this World indeed had problems!
Raphael's mood worsened the more he thought about it, and his gaze towards Yugi gradually turned sour.
Yami Yugi, however, was unaware of Raphael's thoughts. In his opinion, there was nothing wrong with Sending his own Monsters to the Graveyard.
Yugi Muto often used Cards like (Kuriboh), and even frequently performed Mutual Destruction plays like (Multiply) + (Minefield Eruption), mass-producing self-destructing units;
Joey's Monsters were all adept at making "resilient" comebacks from the Graveyard after being Destroyed. After obtaining (Red-Eyes Black Dragon), which was exceptionally suitable for repeatedly jumping between the Field and Graveyard, Joey's "playing dead" behavior escalated;
Not to mention Chumley. Even Kaiba, when stomping weak opponents, often used the (Ring of Destruction) + (Ring of Defense) Combo.
Since the Duelists he recognized could accept, and even participated in, such plays, it was no wonder Yami Yugi didn't find anything wrong with Sending Monsters to the Graveyard. Even he himself consistently included Cards like (Electromagnetic Turtle) and even (Catapult Turtle), which needed to be Sent to the Graveyard or required other Monsters to be Sent to the Graveyard, in his Deck.
[Yugi: 400 → 2900 LP]
His Life Points, which had almost hit rock bottom and could have been wiped out by a single (Fireball), surged back to 2900. With ample Life Points, Yugi didn't dwell on that number for too long. Instead, he drew a Card and played it onto the Field.
[Yugi: 2900 → 900 LP]
"Huh?" Yugi's Life Points, which had been rapidly increasing, suddenly plummeted. Raphael was somewhat surprised. "You gained Life Points by sacrificing your Monster, yet you have no intention of keeping them, spending them so lavishly."
"Nameless Pharaoh, do you not care at all about the sacrifice of your own Monsters?"
Listening to Raphael's words, Yugi felt a bit strange. If it were anyone else, wouldn't their focus be on what Card he was using that required so many Life Points, rather than asking if he cared about his Monsters?
I've been through countless trials without batting an eye; you're asking if I care about this?
Although he inwardly thought Raphael might have a screw loose, Yugi's reply was quite serious: "In your view, Raphael, do you need to constantly talk about the sacrifices of Duel Monsters? My thoughts are different from yours."
"Every Monster that falls in Battle contributes its Power for me. As a Duelist, all I can do is remember their sacrifices and utilize them to the fullest." Yugi's gaze swept across the Graveyard zone of his Duel Disk.
(Magical Trickster Lizhen), (Dark Magician), (Dark Magician Girl), (Magician of Chaos)... each Monster existed within his Memory. Although only (Magician of Chaos) remained in the Graveyard and the others had been Banished, Yugi could feel that every Monster was, in fact, accompanying him in his Hand.
"Just dwelling on a Monster's departure and sacrifice changes nothing; it has no meaning. Only by winning this Duel can I best repay the Monsters who trusted me."
On Yugi's Backrow, the (Dimension Fusion) Card appeared. Fueled by the 2000 Life Points Yugi offered, a portal opened up above Raphael and Yugi, connecting with the Monsters that had been Banished one by one during this Duel.
"Besides, if you're going to talk about 'squandering Life Points'..." Yugi's lips curved into a confident smile. "A Card has no meaning if it's not used at the right time."
"According to Chumley, these were the words of someone who seemingly vanished from everyone's Memory. I don't quite understand what he meant, but I strongly agree with that statement."
(AD Changer) was dragged out of the Void with the help of (Magical Trickster Lizhen). Two (Dark Magician)s with identical expressions stood side by side. Busy staring at each other, neither of them noticed (Dark Magician Girl) asking for help, as she had only half-climbed out of the Void, stuck at the waist like a scene out of a certain type of manga.
On the other side, led by (Backup Guardian), (Weapon Summoner), (Warrior of the Sun), and (Guardian of the Sun), who had appeared in previous Battles, were not to be outdone, returning one by one from the Different Dimension to hover above the Field.
All the Monsters that had appeared in the previous Turns returned from the Banished Different Dimension World, a scene like the Avengers assembling, which, along with Yugi's earlier words, was absorbed into Raphael's heart.
"Just dwelling on departure and sacrifice changes nothing and has no meaning, huh..." Glancing at (Guardian Eatos) on his Field, Raphael couldn't help but be stirred by past memories.
Raphael, whose heart was somewhat shaken, raised his hand and touched the green gemstone pendant on his chest. Feeling a warmth unlike that of a stone, Raphael forced his Will to refocus.
"No, I am not dwelling on the past. The painful past merely made me realize more clearly that Dartz's ideas were not wrong at all." Looking up at the Monsters about to leap from the portal, Raphael pressed the Activate Set Card button on his Duel Disk. "I apologize, Nameless Pharaoh."
"'You will defeat (Guardian Eatos),' you said just now, didn't you? As punishment for obstructing Dartz's plan, I will sever your hope!"
"Quick-Play Spell Card, (Burial from a Different Dimension)!"
Chapter 1: I want to help the new student Homura Akemi integrate into the class.
Chapter 2: Eat dirt, Kyubey, I will change the fate of Magical Girls.
(end of chapter)
"You just said, 'You'll defeat (Guardian Eatos)', didn't you? As punishment for hindering Dartz's plan, I will sever your hope!"
"Quick-Play Spell Card, (Burial from a Different Dimension)!"
As Yugi's (Dimensional Fusion) took effect, two (Dark Magician)s, (Dark Magician Girl), (AD Changer), and (Magical Trickster Lizhen) leaped out from the Void Channel, descending towards Yugi's Field.
However, precisely in the descent path of the two (Dark Magician)s and (Dark Magician Girl), a spatial tunnel abruptly appeared, swallowing them before they could even react.
"While (Dimensional Fusion) can return as many Banished Monsters to the Field as possible, this 'as possible' has a limit. Once the choices are made and the Summon begins, it cannot be changed."
"The Effect of (Burial from a Different Dimension) is to return up to three Banished Monsters from both players to their owner's Graveyard. In this way, the 2000 Life Points you paid only allowed you to Summon (AD Changer) and (Magical Trickster Lizhen), two Monsters with not very high Attack, to the Field."
"As for the (Dark Magician)s and (Dark Magician Girl), they could not be Summoned because they returned to your Graveyard."
Raphael looked at (AD Changer) and (Magical Trickster Lizhen) on Yugi's Field, as well as the Monsters on his own Field.
(Backup Gardna) [DEF2200]
(Weapon Summoner) [DEF1600]
(Guardian of the Sun) [DEF2100]
(Warrior of the Sun) [DEF1400]
(Guardian Eatos) [ATK4000]
Aside from (Guardian Eatos) equipped with (Guardian's Power), Raphael also benefited from Yugi's Activated (Dimensional Fusion) Effect, filling his entire Field. However, all the Summoned Monsters were placed on the Field in Defense Position, even (Guardian of the Sun) with 2400 Attack and (Warrior of the Sun) with 2100 Attack.
He didn't mind being called timid; Raphael's caution was necessary. Although his Life Points were currently 2000, more than double Yugi's, he would not relax his vigilance even with such a lead.
Even if (Guardian of the Sun) had 2400 Attack, if it were in Attack Position, it was not impossible for a Level 12 (Normal Monster) Fusion Monster with 4500 Attack to suddenly appear and instantly defeat it. Although the probability was small, Raphael, who felt he was one step away from victory, decided it was best to play it safe.
Even with the Field filled, only (Guardian Eatos) was in Attack Position. This meant that if Yugi wanted to defeat him in this Turn, attacking (Guardian Eatos) was still his only choice, rather than using the Monsters that appeared on his Field due to (Dimensional Fusion)'s Effect as a breakthrough.
Outside the Field, Joey hugged his head with both hands when he saw this: "Oh no, this is bad!"
"He spent so many Life Points, but only managed to Summon two Monsters that aren't even qualified as shields! The strongest (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) couldn't even make it to the Field!"
"And Yugi's Life Points are down to a mere 900, like a candle in the wind before so many powerful Monsters!"
"Yugi is in great danger!"
An anxious Joey looked at Yugi with worry: "That guy actually carried a Card like (Burial from a Different Dimension). He kept banishing Monsters from Yugi's Graveyard one by one before, actually trying to trick Yugi into using a Card like (Dimensional Fusion) that Special Summons Monsters from the Banished Zone, how cunning!"
"Could Yugi have been under his control the whole time, being led by his rhythm?"
However, Yugi's face showed none of the panic or surprise Joey expected. Despite (Dimensional Fusion), Activated with a large amount of Life Points, being blocked from Summoning its three most powerful Monsters, Yugi actually wore a confident smile.
"This means your Set Cards are all gone, right?"
"What?" Raphael didn't quite catch what Yugi said and frowned, looking at Yugi's smiling face.
"At the start of this Turn, you had two Set Cards on your Back Row. First, (Magician of Chaos)'s Effect probed one of them, and then (Dimensional Fusion) consumed the second."
"This way, your Set Cards have been completely used up, and I can finally begin my true Combo." Yugi held his last two Cards in his Hand. On his Field were only (AD Changer) and (Magical Trickster Lizhen), and one Set Card from the previous Turn. He looked at Raphael, "Just as I said before, I will surpass that (Guardian Eatos) for you to see this Turn, Raphael!"
"If you can do it, show me, Nameless Pharaoh. Let me see your resolve." Raphael found it hard to describe his feelings.
Before the Duel with Yugi, he was sure his Will was firmly committed to Dartz's plan, and he wouldn't be swayed by anything else.
However, as the Duel progressed, Yugi's displayed Will and Power shattered the Barrier in his Mind. Having always regarded Duel Monsters as substitutes for family, his most precious treasures, he was initially angered by Yugi's actions of casually Sending Monsters to the Graveyard. But gradually, he saw the deep affection between Yugi and his Monsters hidden beneath those seemingly ruthless actions.
It was a feeling of "companionship" completely different from his own "family."
Raphael suddenly wanted to see how far Yugi could go, to see if Yugi could truly, as he claimed, surpass (Guardian Eatos), which still had 4000 Attack.
However, thinking of the Stakes of this Duel—the other person involved with (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames)—Raphael couldn't help but fall silent.
Yugi, meanwhile, played his first Card: "Activate Spell Card, (Altar of Revival)!"
As the Card was inserted into the Spell & Trap Zone, a dilapidated Altar rose on Yugi's Back Row. Not only was the offering spot empty, but even the two sacrificial areas for Tributes were barren, looking like an Altar of some ancient, long-forgotten deity without even a single Follower.
Yugi Banished two Cards from his Deck: "The Effect of (Altar of Revival) is to Banish two Cards from my Deck, then Add one Card from my Graveyard to my Hand. I Banish the top two Cards of my Deck, then Add to Hand (Magicalized Fusion) from my Graveyard!"
"(Magicalized Fusion)?!" Raphael looked strangely at the Altar on Yugi's Field. As two Cards were offered as Tributes, a Card rose from the empty Altar and was taken into Yugi's Hand.
Joey was also a bit puzzled: "That Card, I remember it's similar to (Dragon's Mirror), a Card that can Fusion Summon using Monsters on the Field and in the Graveyard as Fusion Material, right? But unlike (Dragon's Mirror), which is limited to Dragon-Type Fusion Monsters, (Magicalized Fusion) seems to be limited to Spellcaster-Type Fusion Monsters."
Due to Joey's lack of knowledge about Duel Monster Cards exposed in multiple Duels during Battle City, after Battle City, Grandpa Sugoroku, frustrated, enforced a hellish training regimen on Joey as his Master.
Thanks to this, Joey, who had always been insensitive to Duel Monsters, finally memorized many Card Effects, and (Magicalized Fusion) was one of them.
But what puzzled Joey was, "But if I remember correctly, wasn't that Hayato's Card?"
Although the Card (Magicalized Fusion) had no other restrictions besides Type, the Fusion Monster Joey remembered most vividly that could be Summoned by this Card was the (Quintet Magician) that Hayato had used.
Just as (Five-Headed Dragon) requires five Dragon-Type Monsters as Fusion Material, (Quintet Magician) also requires five Spellcaster-Type Monsters as Fusion Material. When Fused using five different Spellcaster-Type Monsters, it possessed the powerful ability to completely Board Wipe all of the Opponent's Cards.
Of course, the main reason Joey remembered (Quintet Magician) so vividly wasn't its powerful Board Wipe ability, its highest Level of 12, or its 4500 Attack (equivalent to (Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon)). It was because of its Resistance.
It couldn't be Effect Destroyed, couldn't be used as Fusion Material, and couldn't even be Tributed. This directly led to Hayato, who usually had a special preference for Tributing Monsters to achieve final victory, not even using (Spiritual Exoskeleton) to "abandon his old friend" in the Duel where he used (Quintet Magician).
How could a Monster that survived Hayato's hands not leave a deep impression on Joey?
Yugi smiled and answered Joey: "This Card is indeed Hayato's, but he said something like, 'Even though the Effects are similar, one is an R and one is an SR, it's all your fault I can't Draw (The Creator)', and other incomprehensible things, then he gave me several (Magicalized Fusion)s."
"I originally wanted to refuse, but after giving me three, Hayato actually took out three more." When talking about this, Yugi also had a helpless expression.
Such powerful Cards were casually given to him by Hayato like clearing inventory. If Yugi hadn't insisted on forcing him to take Cards like (Mirror Force) and (Electromagnetic Turtle) that Hayato didn't have, Hayato wouldn't even have accepted them.
Joey's confusion was resolved, but Raphael also had a question: "When was that Card Sent to your Graveyard?"
"It was through (Graceful Charity)," Yugi replied. "Draw three Cards then Discard two Cards. Although the Hand size seems unchanged, both Effects are actually positive abilities, as the Graveyard, to some extent, is also a suitable place for Duel Monsters to exert their Power."
"(Graceful Charity) is indeed a powerful Card," Yugi sighed.
But he didn't know that Hayato had actually considered proposing to Banish Forbidden Cards from his previous life, such as (Last Will), (Snatch Steal), (Change of Heart), (Pot of Greed), and (Graceful Charity), when discussing the Forbidden & Limited List. This was because if played well, these Cards could easily disrupt the Duel Monsters Meta.
But Hayato quickly gave up on the idea, because he found that few people knew how to use them. Many people, upon seeing the invincible (Last Will), would even think that such a meaningless Card was simply worthless. Aren't all Monsters with 1500 Attack or less just Fodder Monsters?
Instead of forbidding Cards that these people wouldn't even care about, it was better to keep them. Perhaps he could use them when Dueling certain Dark forces.
It definitely wasn't so Hayato could have fun with flashy combos when he wanted to bully weaker opponents.
"I see, a Card Sent to the Graveyard when you used (Graceful Charity)..." Raphael nodded. "But, even if you use (Magicalized Fusion), what Monster can you Summon?"
"Even (Quintet Magician) used by the Duel King Hayato only has 4500 Attack. Even if you have this Monster and Summon it, if you Attack (Guardian Eatos), it will only increase its Attack, and the Battle between two 4500 Attack Monsters will only result in my victory."
"The most powerful Effect of (Quintet Magician) is to Board Wipe all Cards on my Field, but since you have two duplicate (Dark Magician)s that can be used for Fusion in your Graveyard, this Effect cannot be applied."
"So, even if you Activate (Magicalized Fusion), it is nothing to fear."
Listening to Raphael's analysis, Yugi confidently said, "Is that so?"
"As you thought, I will indeed Activate (Magicalized Fusion), but the Fusion Monster I will Summon is not Hayato's (Quintet Magician). I naturally have my own Fusion Monster to Summon."
Yugi said, inserting the (Magicalized Fusion) he had just Added to Hand into his Duel Disk: "I Activate the Spell Card (Magicalized Fusion). I Banish (Magician of Chaos) and (Dark Magician) from my Graveyard as Fusion Material to Fusion Summon a Spellcaster-Type Fusion Monster!"
"A Fusion of (Dark Magician) and a Spellcaster-Type Monster? Is he going to Summon (The Dark Magicians)?" Joey watched the Vortex appearing on Yugi's Field, but the commotion was completely different from what he expected.
(Magician of Chaos), who had mastered "Chaos Power" through Ritual Summoning, and the pure Dark Magic Power of the original (Dark Magician) converged in mid-air. A sword of pure Magical Energy was created out of nothing, gripped in the Hand of the unified (Dark Magician).
Crimson Chaos Power and primordial Dark Magic Power intertwined, transforming into dazzling golden armor that adorned the (Dark Magician). The Spellcaster (Dark Magician) finally no longer concealed his close-combat Heart, standing in the air, clad in armor and wielding a sword and shield!
"Countless magics, myriad chaos, learned and then commanded."
"Grasp infinite power in your Hand, and create the power of genesis!"
"Fusion Summon, (Master of Chaos)!!"
(Master of Chaos) [Level 8/DARK Attribute]
[Spellcaster-Type/Fusion/Effect]
[3000/2500]
(Although the name has "Warrior" and he's holding a sword and shield, Master of Chaos is indeed a Spellcaster-Type.)
(Although the Fusion Material Requirements on the card clearly state "Magician of Chaos" and "Dark Magician," or rather, "a 'Magician of Chaos' who has obtained the power of Chaos" and "a 'Dark Magician' who has obtained the power of Chaos," the actual Fusion Condition is only limited to "'Chaos' Ritual Monster." Theoretically, let alone a Fusion of Magician of Chaos and Dark Magician, even fusing Ichimonger with Dark Magician could summon it.)
(end of chapter)