Chapter 451: Weevil, Living in Memories
Time rewound to before Kaiba's Duel with Siegfried.
Looking at the Card Raphael held out, Yugi's pupils constricted, and he said in surprise, "That Card is—!"
"Uria, Lord of Searing Flames," I remember you've Dueled against the Duelist who once held this Card, haven't you, Yugi?"
Raphael looked at the Uria, Lord of Searing Flames Card in his Hand. "Because of its Special Ability to Absorb life force, Uria, Lord of Searing Flames seems to be known as one of the 'Sacred Beasts' alongside two other Cards held by Duel King Hayato."
"Although they don't possess the great Power of the Egyptian God Cards, the Sacred Beasts are by no means insignificant. So, as part of a deal with someone, we set up a perimeter with this Card at its Core, a Barrier that encompasses the entire Kaiba Dome."
Hearing this, Joey looked at Yugi in surprise. "Hey Yugi, is what that guy's saying true or false? Are there really other super powerful Cards besides the Egyptian God Cards?"
"Hayato's Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca is a good example, isn't it?" Yami Yugi frowned. "What this guy is saying isn't false. Back during the Battle City phase when we were collecting Puzzle Cards, the First Opponent I faced was the one who held that Uria, Lord of Searing Flames Card, and you know that person too: 'Insect' Weevil."
"Weevil? That Insect bastard!" Joey clenched his fist tightly upon hearing Weevil's name. He recalled what happened during the Duelist Kingdom arc, specifically on the Cruise Ship en route to Duelist Kingdom.
That Weevil, in an attempt to reduce the number of threatening Duelists, resorted to an underhanded trick, trying to throw the Exodia Card that Grandpa Sugoroku gave to Yugi into the sea.
Although Hayato had anticipated this and had someone ready with a net to catch the Card, due to a moment of carelessness, Joey, who was holding Weevil, yelped in pain when Weevil bit him, letting go. Weevil seized the opportunity to forcefully swallow the crucial Exodia the Forbidden One, rendering Exodia incomplete.
Feeling that this was all due to his own negligence, Joey felt guilty and still dwelled on the incident to this day.
Although Weevil that bastard was disqualified by Hayato using Duel Monsters right at the start of Duelist Kingdom, and also had his identity as a Duelist erased, and even had his Duel Collateral and Deck taken away, Joey still felt that even this level of punishment was too light for that scoundrel.
Joey, whose temper had been stoked, said angrily, "Wasn't that Weevil bastard already stripped of his Duelist qualifications by Hayato in front of all the Duelist Kingdom participants at the time? How could he possibly get a Duel Disk and enter a tournament again? That's outrageous! He'd better not cross my path, or I'll give him a piece of my mind!"
As he spoke, Joey seemed to have forgotten that he himself hadn't qualified for Battle City, and only managed to get a Duel Disk through sheer luck, thanks to Chazz Princeton.
Listening to Joey, Yugi hesitated, then said, "Um, Joey, I'm afraid you can't do that anymore..."
Gazing solemnly at the Uria, Lord of Searing Flames in Raphael's Hand, Yugi continued, "The previous user of Uria, Lord of Searing Flames, Weevil, died the moment he lost his Duel."
"To be precise, he died after his Soul was devoured by Uria, Lord of Searing Flames. Such an ominous Card isn't something just anyone can Control; using it comes at a Cost," Raphael added.
Joey looked utterly surprised. "Is that really true? That Card can actually Absorb life force and devour Souls!?"
Suddenly, Joey's expression changed, and he said nervously, "Wait a minute, if I'm not hearing things or my memory isn't playing tricks on me, didn't you just say that you used that Uria, Lord of Searing Flames to set up some kind of Barrier?!"
"Could it be, the Barrier's Effect—!!"
Under Yugi and Joey's gaze, Raphael nodded. "Uria, Lord of Searing Flames can Absorb the life force of Duel Monsters and the Souls of humans. The Barrier acts as an amplifier, spreading this Effect. However, due to my personal preference, the modified Barrier has no Effect on Duel Monsters, but it continuously Absorbs everyone's fighting spirit and life force."
"While in the short term it will only make people lethargic and weak, if it continues for too long, it's not impossible for it to endanger some people's lives." Raphael looked into Yugi's eyes. "So, if you want to Counter this Barrier, you must act quickly, Nameless Pharaoh."
"Win a Duel against me to take Uria, Lord of Searing Flames, then return this Card to the Barrier located beneath this Venue, and the Barrier will be dispelled."
Yugi looked at the serene Raphael, his mind filled with doubt. "You're not on my side, are you? Why are you telling us so much?"
"Exactly! And we don't even know if what you're saying is true or false."
Ignoring Joey who stood beside Yugi, Raphael calmly said, "To believe or not, that is up to you, Nameless Pharaoh. But whether what I say is true or false, after seeing Uria, Lord of Searing Flames in my possession, you won't refuse to Duel me, will you?"
Yugi's response to Raphael was to take out his Deck. Inserting the Deck into his Duel Disk, the arm-blade-like Duel Disk clicked shut. Yugi raised his arm and pointed it toward Raphael from a distance. "Raphael, just as you said, I don't trust you, nor can I confirm whether what you're saying is truly real."
"Bringing Uria, Lord of Searing Flames back to the Barrier underground might dispel the Barrier, but it might also lead me into a Trap you've set. Nothing is certain."
"But one thing you said is true: I won't refuse to Duel you."
"Not only because Uria, Lord of Searing Flames is a possible Key Card, but also because that Card, possessing evil Power, must be reclaimed."
As Yugi spoke, a confident smile appeared on his lips. "What's more, we still have an unfinished Duel from before, don't we?"
Not long before today, Yugi had faced Raphael under Kaiba's arrangements. However, after only a brief probing exchange, Raphael voluntarily surrendered, ending the Duel before they even began to get serious.
That unfinished Duel now restarted.
(end of chapter)
"Duel!" X2
[Raphael: 4000LP]
[Yugi: 4000LP]
"I'll take the first turn, Draw!" Yugi drew a card from his deck, but instead of rushing to make his first move, he frowned and looked at Raphael, who had already drawn five cards into his hand and was waiting for Yugi to begin.
To seize the (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames) that Raphael possessed and test whether his method of lifting the barrier was real, Yugi had begun a duel with him. However, Yugi, who had already inserted his deck into his duel disk and was waiting for Raphael, noticed that Raphael had not put the (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames) he had previously revealed into his deck before inserting it into his duel disk.
Even though Raphael possessed a card like (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames), which, though evil, was undeniably powerful, he chose not to use it. Yugi couldn't fathom Raphael's intentions.
While Yugi couldn't see through Raphael, Raphael, conversely, seemed to see through Yugi's current thoughts: "Are you wondering why I'm not using (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames), Nameless Pharaoh?"
"Ah, yes. Having such a powerful card and choosing not to use it did make me a bit suspicious," Yugi admitted frankly, confirming that his thoughts were indeed as Raphael had said.
If he hadn't directly confronted (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames) before and felt a similar aura from the card Raphael presented, Yugi might have even suspected Raphael of trying to trick him with a fake card.
Raphael thought for a moment, then said, "The reason I don't use it is probably compatibility. I don't like the (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames) card, and even if I forced it into my deck, it would only hinder me."
"It's not an obstruction caused by a monster's effect or other factors. It's simply because both I and my cards genuinely dislike a monster like (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames)."
Yugi was slightly taken aback by Raphael's words: "You and your monsters?"
From within the (Millennium Puzzle), Yugi Muto prompted, 'Yami Yugi, look over there.'
Both Yugis' gazes shifted to Raphael's side. Although to others it would appear as mere air, Yugi Muto and Dark Yugi, who possessed the ability to see Duel Monsters, clearly saw a semi-transparent phantom image shimmering beside Raphael.
However, they only managed to catch a glimpse of the phantom's existence. As if sensing Yugi's gaze, the phantom swiftly retreated back into nothingness, leaving behind only the rapidly fading head of a bird and a pure white wing in the two Yugis' vision.
'Was that a Duel Monster Spirit just now?' Yugi Muto wondered uncertainly from within the (Millennium Puzzle). He had noticed the phantom image beside Raphael earlier than Dark Yugi, but had only managed to notice a bird-like head on the phantom, a bit more than Dark Yugi, who had only seen the fading wing.
'It looked like a Winged Beast-Type monster?'
'Or perhaps a Fairy-Type monster.'
The two Yugis exchanged their views in their mind. But after hearing Yugi Muto's words, Dark Yugi glanced at the expressionless Raphael and shook his head: "Although I don't know what organization Raphael belongs to or his status within it is, having committed acts that affected so many innocent people, how could his Duel Monster Spirit possibly be a Fairy-Type monster?"
Although there was no concrete evidence, in Yugi's understanding, a Duelist's Duel Monster Spirit's type was often closely related to the Duelist's own personality. Yugi speculated that it was likely because the card that awakened a Duel Monster Spirit was often the Duelist's favorite, and a certain type of person would naturally use a certain type of card.
The two Yugis' Duel Monster Spirits totaled three: (Dark Magician), (Dark Magician Girl), and (Kuriboh). (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) were Spellcaster-Type, while (Kuriboh) was Fiend-Type.
The former two corresponded to Dark Yugi, who possessed strong adaptability and an active mind. The latter, representing Yugi Muto, was probably due to Yugi Muto's deck containing many Trap Cards.
The proud Kaiba used the pinnacle of power, the renowned (Blue-Eyes White Dragon). Yugi often saw a blurry phantom accompanying Kaiba, though Kaiba himself never noticed it—and even if he did, the science-obsessed Kaiba would simply dismiss it as hallucinations from exhaustion.
As for Chumley, the number of Duel Monster Spirits around him could only be described as a "tragedy": the Warrior-Type (Gaia), the Fairy-Type (Winged Kuriboh), the Fiend-Type (Rainbow Kuriboh), the Machine-Type (Cyber Dragon), the Spellcaster-Type (Performapal Sky Magician), the Beast-Type (Ojama) brothers, and a diverse array of (Performapals).
However, what Yugi learned from Chumley was that Chumley's earliest awakened Duel Monster Spirit was actually (Ojama Trio), followed by (Rainbow Kuriboh) and (Gaia). And it was precisely because Chumley's first awakened Spirit was (Ojama Trio) that Yugi felt his theory was correct.
(Ojama Trio) was not the collective name for the three (Ojama) brothers; it was a Trap Card held by Chumley. While others also awakened Duel Monster Spirits, all of them were monster cards, but Chumley, quite absurdly, awakened his Duel Monster Spirit from a Trap Card.
Only you, Chumley.
Gathering his scattered thoughts, Yugi looked seriously at Raphael.
"Although you've awakened a Duel Monster Spirit whose type I don't know, I won't acknowledge you as a true duelist because of the countless sins you've committed." Yugi declared, drawing a card from his hand. "My monsters and I will deliver judgment upon you!"
"I activate the Continuous Spell Card (Magician's Salvation)! When this card is activated, I can Set one (Eternal Soul) from my deck to my Spell & Trap Zone!" Yugi searched his deck for a card and set it, then revealed a card in his hand. "Next, I activate the Ritual Spell Card (Chaos Ritual)!"
"I tribute (Dark Magician Girl) (Level 6) and (AD Changer) (Level 1) from my hand, making their combined levels 7, to grant the supreme spellcaster the chaos power of Light and Dark!"
After the two cards were sent to the Graveyard from his hand, Yugi Ritual Summoned a Ritual Monster from his hand to the field.
"Supreme Magician, inscribed with Chaos, now is the moment of ultimate power!"
"Ritual Summon, (Magician of Chaos)!"
(end of chapter)
Chapter 453: Sakuretsu Armor: It's a Habit
"Ritual Summon, (Magician of Chaos)!"
Ritual Summon, despite never getting its own anime even after many generations of Duel Monsters' evolution, is still one of the Special Summoning methods, and quite impressive when activated.
As Yugi sent (Dark Magician Girl) and [AD Changer] from his hand to the Graveyard, and enough power filled the Altar that appeared in Yugi's Back Row, the environment around Raphael and Yugi suddenly darkened, as if someone had turned off the indoor lights.
"Whoa, it got dark!!"
Joey, acting like a goofball, didn't disturb Yugi and Raphael, who were focused on the Duel. As the Altar for the Ritual Summon shattered, (Dark Magician), having gained Chaos Power, appeared on Yugi's Field in a new set of robes.
(Magician of Chaos) [Level 7/DARK Attribute]
[Spellcaster-Type/Ritual/Effect]
[ATK 2500/DEF 2100]
Compared to his previous flamboyant purple robes, (Magician of Chaos)'s new robes were adorned with numerous dark red stripes, and surging Magical Energy flowed through these circuit-like patterns.
"(Magician of Chaos) is a new form of (Dark Magician) after gaining Chaos Power. As long as it exists on the Field or in the Graveyard, (Magician of Chaos)'s name can be treated as (Dark Magician)." Yugi showed a triumphant smile. "When I Special Summon (Dark Magician) or (Dark Magician Girl), I can activate the effect of my Continuous Spell Card (Magician's Salvation) in my Back Row."
"Targeting (Magician of Chaos), I Special Summon (Dark Magician Girl) from my Graveyard, whose card name is different from (Magician of Chaos)!"
(Magician of Chaos) lightly tapped the ground with the Staff held at its side, and a Magic Circle instantly formed. (Dark Magician Girl), who had previously been Tributed for the Ritual Summon, playfully leaped out from within the Magic Circle.
(Dark Magician Girl) [ATK 2000]
"Summoning two Higher-Level Spellcaster-Type Monsters in a single Turn, as expected of Yugi!" Raphael said, watching (Dark Magician Girl) circle around (Magician of Chaos) on Yugi's Field, examining his newly changed robes. "However, if that's all, you're still far from defeating me and taking (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames)."
Yugi's lips curled into a smile: "Before you underestimate my Monsters like that, you should worry about how you'll block my Attack, Raphael."
"(Magician of Chaos), having mastered Chaos Power, isn't just for show. Don't get scorched by my blade."
"My Turn ends."
[Yugi: 4000 LP, Hand 1]
[(Magician of Chaos): ATK 2500]
[(Dark Magician Girl): ATK 2000]
[Set Card ((Eternal Soul)), (Magician's Salvation)]
An ordinary Duelist would usually exhaust all their efforts just to Summon a Monster with 2400 Attack Points in their First Turn (referring to Joey's Five-for-one Summon of (Red-Eyes Black Dragon)). Yet, Yugi not only Summoned two Higher-Level Spellcaster-Type Monsters in his First Turn, but also had enough resources to Set Cards in his Back Row.
However, Raphael showed no pressure at all. The expression on his face remained unchanged, as if all of Yugi's moves so far had been within his calculations.
"My Turn, Draw."
After drawing a Card, Raphael played a Card that Yugi hadn't expected: "I activate the Equip Spell Card (Celestial Sword - Eatos). This Card's Effect increases the equipped Monster's Attack by 500 points. I will Equip this Card to (Magician of Chaos) on your Field, Nameless Pharaoh."
"What?" Yugi looked utterly bewildered. "An Equip Spell Card that increases ATK, equipped to my Monster?"
Raphael inserted a Card into the Spell & Trap Zone. With the sound of a clear eagle's cry, a longsword appeared in the hand of (Magician of Chaos) on Yugi's Field. It looked majestic and extraordinary, clearly no ordinary weapon.
(Magician of Chaos) [ATK 2500 → 3000]
"It really increased (Magician of Chaos)'s ATK?"
After exchanging a glance with (Magician of Chaos), Yugi became even more puzzled. After being Equipped with (Celestial Sword - Eatos), (Magician of Chaos) could indeed feel its ATK had increased, and it wasn't one of those Cards that temporarily boost ATK only to have it continuously decrease afterward.
Furthermore, (Celestial Sword - Eatos) was indeed a "Holy Sword." This didn't refer to its Attribute, but rather that it had no hidden negative effects. For example, some Armor that appeared to protect the user might turn into tentacles upon being worn. (Celestial Sword - Eatos) had no impact on (Magician of Chaos)'s power itself.
Yugi had seen all sorts of Equip Cards. For example, Chumley's (Rainbow Kuriboh) could prevent the opponent's Monster from attacking, Pegasus's (Relinquished) could equip Monster Cards and increase ATK, and the [Dark Artist - Kilufa Demon] used by Yugi Muto could continuously revive as an Equip Card to decrease the opponent's ATK.
However, Yugi had never before seen Raphael use an Equip Card to increase an opponent's Monster's ATK like this.
Raphael's actions continued: "Next, I Normal Summon (Backup Guardian) in Face-up Defense Position to my Field."
A tall Monster, with a ferocious, Demon-like appearance and blue skin, manifested on Raphael's Field. Although it looked massive, (Backup Guardian) didn't specialize in Attack but rather in Defense. Kneeling on one knee and half-crouching on the Field, (Backup Guardian) resolutely maintained its Defense position.
(Backup Guardian) [Level 4/DARK Attribute]
[Warrior-Type/Effect]
[ATK 500/DEF 2200]
"A Level 4 Monster, yet it has a DEF of 2200 points? Still, it's no match for my (Magician of Chaos)." Yugi commented. Raphael didn't refute him, simply drawing three Cards from his hand and Setting them on his Field.
"I Set three Cards. My Turn ends here." Looking up at Yugi, Raphael calmly stated, "My Defense is complete. If you can, fulfill what you just said and Destroy my Monster, Nameless Pharaoh."
"However, I will also use everything I have to stop you."
[Raphael: 4000 LP, Hand 1]
[(Backup Guardian): DEF 2200]
[Set Card x3]
Joey, watching from the sidelines, scoffed: "So that's all there is to it, huh? And here I thought you'd be some powerful Duelist. Turns out it's just this much!"
"Hmph, for an Opponent like you, it'll only take Yugi a few Turns to defeat you."
In response to Joey's words, Yugi also drew a Card: "My Turn, Draw!"
Yugi glanced at the drawn Card, then met Raphael's gaze and said seriously: "Under normal circumstances, perhaps I'd enjoy the game of Duel Monsters. But right now, I don't have much time."
"So, I'm going to begin my Attack, Raphael!"
As he spoke, Yugi's hand swept forward: "Entering my Battle Phase! First, I'll use (Magician of Chaos) to Attack (Backup Guardian) in Defense Position on your Field! Ma-gi-cian of Chaos!!"
Although Yugi still called out (Magician of Chaos)'s Attack declaration from its time as a Spellcaster, (Magician of Chaos), upon receiving the Attack command, first glanced at (Celestial Sword - Eatos) in its hand, then at the Staff floating beside it, and decisively chose to use the longsword.
Magic is only cast with a Staff? How inconvenient would Magic be then?
Snapping its fingers, (Magician of Chaos) casually conjured a large sphere of Magical Energy. Instead of a proper Spellcaster, it didn't hurl it as a ranged Attack with its Staff. Instead, quite arrogantly, it gripped the sphere, swiped its palm over (Celestial Sword - Eatos), enchanting the longsword with Magic, and charged forward, dragging the sword behind it.
In just an instant, (Magician of Chaos), a "Spellcaster" of the melee profession, arrived before the crouching (Backup Guardian). Chanting an incantation, it unleashed a leaping slash:
"Here I swear, I will not permit anything I cannot cleave to exist!"
Although an Egyptian Spellcaster, (Magician of Chaos) chanted a Celtic spell, unleashing a fierce slash, vowing to cut down (Backup Guardian) in Defense Position.
But as it swung its longsword, (Magician of Chaos)'s brow furrowed. It felt something was off about its swing; it seemed the sword struck something in mid-air even before hitting (Backup Guardian).
(Magician of Chaos), with 3000 ATK, enough to achieve Mutual Destruction with (_Blue-Eyes White Dragon_), attacked (Backup Guardian) with 2200 DEF. (Backup Guardian) should have been directly Destroyed by (Magician of Chaos). But under the astonished gaze of Yugi and Joey, (Backup Guardian) contemptuously extended two fingers, perfectly catching (Celestial Sword - Eatos).
More insulting to a swordsman than being disarmed barehanded was the "Spirit Link Finger" move – catching the blade with two fingers. Although only a temporary swordsman, (Magician of Chaos) was quite surprised and angered to see its Attack caught by (Backup Guardian).
But before it could react, (Backup Guardian) swung its fist and slammed it out, directly sending (Magician of Chaos) flying back to Yugi's Field, and Yugi consequently took Battle Damage!
[Yugi: 4000 → 3800 LP]
A mere 200 points of Battle Damage didn't significantly affect Yugi. However, the fact that (Magician of Chaos), despite being at an advantage, couldn't Destroy (Backup Guardian) and was instead knocked back, baffled Joey.
"What in the world just happened?!" Joey exclaimed, looking at (Magician of Chaos) rising from the ground, then at (Backup Guardian). He couldn't find anything unusual. "3000 ATK against 2200 DEF, why is Yugi the one taking Battle Damage!?"
"No, it's not 3000 ATK."
The one who spoke was Yugi.
Yugi, with a furrowed brow, continued to explain: "Look at (Magician of Chaos), Joey. It's not that (Magician of Chaos) with 3000 ATK couldn't Destroy (Backup Guardian) with 2200 DEF. Rather, (Backup Guardian) with 2200 DEF bounced back (Magician of Chaos)'s Attack, which was 2000 ATK!"
"What?!"
Listening to Yugi's words, Joey carefully examined (Magician of Chaos) and only then noticed that the previously shining blade of (Celestial Sword - Eatos) in (Magician of Chaos)'s hand had become incredibly dim, with several wisps of Dark Aura continuously emanating from the sword, as if unable to be suppressed.
"How can this be? Isn't (Celestial Sword - Eatos) an Equip Card that should increase ATK?" Joey asked, bewildered, then seemed to realize something. "Could it be that the Card actually has an Effect that only applies 'when the equipped Monster Declares an Attack'?"
"No, that Card simply has the Effect to Increase ATK. But the cause of all this is this Card."
This time, Raphael was the one to answer Joey.
Looking over, Joey and Yugi saw a Card activated in Raphael's Back Row.
"(Amanojaku's Curse), a Card that reverses the effects of ATK and DEF increases and decreases."
"Because of this Effect, (Celestial Sword - Eatos), which increases ATK, instead became a Card that decreases ATK. As a result, (Magician of Chaos)'s ATK was also decreased to 2000 points. No wonder you Equipped that Card to my Monster earlier, Raphael."
As Yugi spoke, a triumphant smile appeared on his face. "But even though I saw three Set Cards in your Back Row, did you think I'd just foolishly walk right into it without any precautions? Your Set Cards were within my calculations!"
"For the mere cost of 200 Life Points, I could test one of your Cards, and, Raphael, the (Amanojaku's Curse) you activated will now be used to my advantage!"
"Activate (Magician of Chaos)'s Effect!!"
At Yugi's words, (Magician of Chaos) raised the "blackened" Holy Sword in its hand. The Magical Energy previously attached to the Holy Sword was Recycled, and the Power of (Amanojaku's Curse), which had been applied later, was extracted and transformed into another longsword made of Power. After a brief aim, (Magician of Chaos) threw the longsword!
The Target was one of Raphael's Set Cards in his Back Row!
The Phantom-like longsword struck Raphael's Set Card before Raphael could react. The Trap Card, (Sakuretsu Armor), was instantly Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard.
"What?!" Raphael had not expected (Magician of Chaos) to have such a trick. His calm expression changed, but he quickly regained his composure. "Is that (Magician of Chaos)'s Power?"
"Yes, Once per turn, when a Spell or Trap Card is activated, (Magician of Chaos) can Destroy any one Card on the Field. This is (Magician of Chaos)'s second Effect." Yugi nodded, not holding anything back as he directly stated the specific Effect.
"I see. When I Chained to your Attack Declaration and activated (Amanojaku's Curse), (Magician of Chaos)'s Effect had already activated. Now that the Damage Step has ended, I had no time to react." Raphael, upon hearing this, frowned. "But, Nameless Pharaoh, that Effect can Destroy any Card on the Field, right?"
"Then, wouldn't Destroying my (Backup Guardian) have been a better choice?"
Hearing Raphael's words, Yugi thought for a moment, then threw the question back at Raphael: "Regarding that, I'm more curious about something else."
"If I'm not mistaken, Raphael, though the back of your (Backup Guardian) Card looks fine, the front of the Card is quite heavily worn."
"For what reason do you constantly use such old Cards?"
(end of chapter)
Chapter 454: Yami Yugi's Eyes Go Bad from Dueling Too Many Trap-Heavy Decks
After a short silence, Raphael shook his head.
"Is that so? You're unwilling to speak of your past?" Yugi noticed the nostalgic look in Raphael's eyes. "Then, I'll continue my Turn."
"Although (Dark Magician Girl)'s ATK is lower than (Backup Gardna)'s DEF, because of the (Amanojaku's Curse) card you just Activated, I will Activate this card from my Hand!"
Saying this, Yugi pulled a card from his Hand, "Quick-Play Spell, (Forbidden Dress)!"
As Yugi inserted the card into the Spell & Trap Zone, a white holy garment appeared on (Dark Magician Girl) on his Field.
The (Forbidden Dress) card itself has the ability to "Decrease a Monster's ATK by 600, and that Monster cannot be Targeted by Spell/Trap Effects, nor can it be Effect Destroyed." However, the (Forbidden Dress) that appeared on (Dark Magician Girl) at this moment not only didn't become a burden for her to cast her magic, but instead amplified (Dark Magician Girl)'s power with its own divine aura!
[(Dark Magician Girl) ATK 2000 → 2600]
Raphael wasn't puzzled by this; he was merely impressed by Yugi's adaptability: "Because my (Amanojaku's Curse) Effect caused (Celestial Sword - Eatos), which usually Increases ATK, to instead Decrease ATK, you've now reversed my (Amanojaku's Curse) to Increase your own Monster's ATK?"
"Exactly. If an ATK Increase Effect is reversed into a Decrease, then a Decrease ATK Effect will likewise be reversed into an ATK Increase. A true Duelist must be able to utilize even the restrictions imposed by their Opponent," Yugi replied with a smile, waving his hand forward. "With its ATK increased, (Dark Magician Girl)'s ATK now surpasses (Backup Gardna)'s! Attack, (Dark Magician Girl)!"
"Dark Magic Attack Burst!"
Magical energy gathered in (Dark Magician Girl)'s hand, forming a purple orb. Like a meteorite falling from the sky, it crashed heavily onto (Backup Gardna)'s head. This time, (Backup Gardna) couldn't put up any effective counterattack and was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard.
However, because it was in Defense Position, (Backup Gardna)'s destruction didn't inflict any damage on Raphael.
Just then, Raphael Activated his last card in the Backrow: "Don't think you can Destroy my Monster just like that, Nameless Pharaoh. I told you, I won't let you Destroy my Monster!"
"Activate my Set card, (Time Machine)! This card can only be Activated when a Monster on either side is Destroyed. It Special Summons that Destroyed Monster to its controller's Field in the same Battle Position!" Raphael Summoned the (Backup Gardna) that was just Sent to the Graveyard back onto the Field. "Revive, (Backup Gardna)!"
[(Backup Gardna) DEF 2200]
Yugi looked at the (Backup Gardna) revived on Raphael's Field, not quite understanding why Raphael would expend so much effort on a Low-Level Monster.
It wasn't that Yugi looked down on Low-Level Monsters; many low-level Monsters possessed powerful effects, and Yugi himself enjoyed using them. But spending so many resources to protect a single Monster was something he couldn't comprehend.
It was almost as if that Monster was an important companion to him, and he didn't want it to be destroyed under any circumstances.
Thinking of this, Yugi's eyebrows involuntarily twitched. If he were to substitute his Monsters on the Field with Chumley, Téa, and the others, and put himself in their place, he might also perform the same actions as Raphael.
However, that would only be under the premise of a Shadow Game; for example, if a Monster harboring the soul of his companion were in the Graveyard, it would be hunted by the God of Death. Only under such compelling conditions would Yugi likely make the same choice as Raphael.
But even though (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames) was on the line in this Duel, this Duel between Yugi and Raphael was simply a normal Duel. Raphael's actions seemed quite perplexing to Yugi.
"Entering my Main Phase 2." Unable to figure it out for the moment, Yugi temporarily pushed his doubts to the back of his mind. "I Activate the Spell Card in my Hand, (Card of Safe Return)! This card allows both players to replenish their Hands to six cards."
"Because my last card in Hand is (Card of Safe Return), I can Draw six cards."
"Then, I can Draw five cards." Watching Yugi Draw lavishly, Raphael also revealed one card from his Hand and Drew five cards from his Deck.
After Yugi Drew six cards to his Hand, he pulled two of them out: "Because of (Marshmallon)'s Effect, if it's Added to Hand by a card's Effect, I can Special Summon it directly to the Field. Then, since I haven't performed a Normal Summon this Turn, I'll Normal Summon (Magical Trickster - Reijin) in Attack Position."
Beside (Magician of Chaos) and (Dark Magician Girl), the soft, fluffy (Marshmallon) and the jester-dressed Spellcaster (Magical Trickster - Reijin) appeared on the Field. As soon as he manifested, (Magical Trickster - Reijin) cackled mischievously, forming an incantation symbol with his fingers. A magic circle spread from his feet, encompassing both himself and the startled (Marshmallon) beside him.
"(Magical Trickster - Reijin)'s Effect states that while it is Face-up Position on the Field, during my Main Phase, I can Tribute Summon one Spellcaster-Type Monster in Face-up Attack Position in addition to my Normal Summon. And the Monster I'm about to Summon is this one."
As he explained, Yugi held up the card in his Hand. On his Field, (Magical Trickster - Reijin) and (Marshmallon), having only just appeared moments ago, dissipated into particles and left the Field.
Looking at the card in Yugi's Hand, Raphael's gaze sharpened: "That card... is it coming? The Nameless Pharaoh's Ace Monster!"
"My most loyal servant, and the strongest Magician among the Duel Monsters, appear by my side!" Yugi slammed the card onto his Duel Disk. "I Tribute (Magical Trickster - Reijin) and (Marshmallon) to Tribute Summon (Dark Magician)!"
"Alright! It's Yugi's Ace Card, (Dark Magician)!"
"He's out! The second master!"
Accompanied by the cheers of Joey and (Dark Magician Girl), the particles from (Marshmallon) and (Magical Trickster - Reijin) leaving the Field converged into a magic circle. The figure of (Dark Magician) emerged from it, coolly twirling his staff and striking a dashing pose.
However, upon seeing the (Magician of Chaos) that had appeared earlier, (Dark Magician) almost dropped his staff mid-twirl, especially after noticing that despite his new outfit, he was still holding a pair of long swords.
(Dark Magician), who also possessed a close-combat spirit, was, in short, filled with various forms of jealousy.
[(Dark Magician) ATK 2500]
"As a solitary Spellcaster, (Dark Magician)'s ATK is a top-tier 2500. However, the Battle Phase has already passed, so even if you Summon (Dark Magician), it cannot Attack."
Raphael, however, didn't let the appearance of (Dark Magician) disturb him. With his unchanging stoic expression, neither Yugi nor Joey could discern his thoughts.
"Ah, I'm well aware of that," Yugi nodded.
Theoretically speaking, to maximize results this Turn, Activating (Card of Safe Return) during Main Phase 1 would seem to be the most suitable choice. After all, if the (Dark Magician) that just appeared were moved to Main Phase 1, there would be an additional Monster available for Attack during the Battle Phase, which could at least Destroy (Backup Gardna).
However, Yugi wouldn't Activate (Card of Safe Return) without clearing Raphael's three cards in the Backrow. Yugi had learned this lesson the hard way when he faced Raphael in the previous KC Cup.
At that time, Yugi, who hadn't secured the first Turn, looked at Raphael's three cards in the Backrow. After developing his board, he hastily chose to Activate (Card of Safe Return) without countering the Set card, resulting in Raphael's (Card Drawing Discharge) banishing his entire Hand. He also took 1400 points of damage from the (Spirit Swordsman of Bewilderment) he Drew.
1400 points of damage was no light wound. Moreover, the card meant to replenish his Hand became useless, simultaneously replenishing his Opponent's Hand to 6 cards, while 6 of his own cards were Banished. This made Yugi's subsequent several Turns in that Duel incredibly difficult.
It was precisely to prevent another such loss that Yugi stubbornly held onto (Card of Safe Return), refusing to Activate it. Even the cards (Magician of Chaos) proactively Destroyed were Raphael's Set cards in the Backrow, not directly Destroying (Backup Gardna). Only after all of Raphael's Backrow cards had been used did Yugi Activate (Card of Safe Return).
Looking at Raphael, Yugi suddenly had a strange feeling. There seemed to be a rather peculiar aura about him, an aura Yugi had only ever felt from a very select few individuals.
Yugi always felt that Raphael seemed to be a true Duelist. But was Raphael, who was currently harming others, really the kind of Duelist Yugi envisioned? Yugi couldn't decide.
"If (Magical Trickster - Reijin) is Sent to the Graveyard from the Field, I can Add one Spellcaster-Type Normal Monster from my Deck or Graveyard to my Hand. I choose another (Dark Magician) from my Deck."
Yugi eyed Raphael with a scrutinizing gaze, then searched a card from his Deck and added it to his Hand. After a moment's thought, Yugi pulled out two cards and hesitated before speaking to Raphael: "Although I'm not sure if it's my imagination, Raphael, I can feel that you seem to be a true Duelist."
"Even though I haven't completed a full Duel with you, and even though I've always felt you were avoiding Dueling me with your full strength, I can still sense the resonance between your Duelist Soul and mine."
Listening to Yugi's words, Raphael involuntarily met his gaze: "Nameless Pharaoh..."
"Raphael, you possess a tangible Duelist's dignity. I trust my intuition, and I believe that with such noble pride, you have no reason to harm others." Setting two cards, Yugi said with conviction, "I Set two cards. My Turn ends."
"And now, I ask you, Raphael, show me your glory as a Duelist."
[Yugi: 3800 LP, Hand 2]
[(Magician of Chaos) (Celestial Sword - Eatos) ATK 2000→3000]
[(Dark Magician Girl) ATK 2600→2000]
[(Dark Magician) ATK 2500]
[Set Cards: (Eternal Soul), (Magician's Salvation)]
"My dignity as a Duelist..." A momentary look of confusion flashed in Raphael's eyes, as if recalling something from the past. But feeling the weight of the green gem pendant on his chest, Raphael reached out and stroked it, his gaze firming once more.
"I apologize, Nameless Pharaoh. As for a Duelist's dignity, if it means achieving Dartz's goal, then I have no such thing."
"My Turn, Draw!" Glancing at the card he Drew, Raphael said coldly, "Nameless Pharaoh, do you know why I didn't Activate (Sakuretsu Armor) to Destroy your (Magician of Chaos) earlier?"
"The answer is, I intend to use the (Celestial Sword - Eatos) Equipped to (Magician of Chaos) as a springboard to Summon the Ace Card from my Deck!"
—————————Scene Transition—————————
The Duel between Yugi and Raphael was still underway, and at the same time, the barrier surrounding the entire Kaiba Dome continued to operate.
Although the KC Cup was hosted by KaibaCorp and co-organized by Industrial Illusions, compared to Pegasus, who enjoyed the chaos, and Kaiba, whose main goal was simply to Duel, the one who least wanted any accidents at the KC Cup was actually the state government. The governor was counting on the success of this event to gain votes for his future political career.
Therefore, after learning from the televised broadcast that a massive incident of audience mass fainting had occurred at the KC Cup venue, the governor, whose earlier promotions had made it impossible to distance himself from the KC Cup, immediately dispatched personnel to handle the matter.
However, with the famous "America speed," even a governor's order couldn't accelerate things much.
"Damn it!" Tristan said in annoyance, putting down his phone. "This is already the third call! 911 just gives me the runaround, saying 'still arranging things.' Talk about bureaucracy!"
Beside Tristan, Marik also complained, "You could say it's very American. Even 911, which is supposed to be saving lives, plays the same games as the higher-ups."
Leaning back in his chair, Marik, though equally weak compared to Téa and the others, at least still had the strength to move and didn't immediately pass out. Glancing at Tristan, who had hung up the phone, Marik was quite puzzled: "Strange, why can't anyone else make calls, but you can call normally?"
"Probably because someone destroyed the surrounding signal towers. This is a satellite phone," Tristan, the big spendthrift, shrugged. "I wonder about Yugi's side—"
"Bang!"
A gunshot interrupted Tristan. Everyone's gaze simultaneously turned towards the source of the sound. Not far from them, a man in black emerged from a safety passage, wiping bloodstains from his vision-obscuring sunglasses. Beside him followed a Machine-Type Monster that resembled a canine but had a revolver gun for a head — (Double-Barreled Dragon).
After the man in black exited the passage, he scanned left and right, quickly noticing Tristan and his group.
(end of chapter)
Chapter 455: Marik, Gloriously Revived!
"Duel Monsters, Materialized?!"
Tristan looked with an expression of disbelief at the (Double-Barreled Dragon) that had appeared beside the man in black. "And it's not Kaiba's Solid Vision System, it actually has a physical form!?"
Although there was some distance between them, Tristan could clearly see the (Double-Barreled Dragon) following the man in black, its sharp claws leaving marks on the backs of the chairs as it leaped over rows of seats.
Although he often accompanied Joey and Yugi, Tristan had seen many Duelists display bizarre behavior during Duels, such as screaming loudly after taking high Damage or being blown away by powerful Attacks, but these could still be explained by Kaiba's Solid Vision system.
The Solid Vision system designed by Kaiba can transform Duel Monsters that originally only existed as flat images on Cards into three-dimensional projections, and furthermore, through advanced technological means, recreate phenomena like air currents and storms that appear during Monster Battles, enhancing immersion and presence. However, the drawback is that to use this function, there must be two or more Duel Disks connected.
But that guy running towards them, although he had his Duel Disk activated, without another Duel Disk connected, how did he manage to Activate the Solid Vision system, and even give the Duel Monsters an even more pronounced physical form!?
Mai Valentine naturally also saw the man in black running towards them. Although she didn't know his exact identity or purpose, judging from the bloodstains still on his suit, he was definitely not someone benevolent. Forcibly maintaining her composure, Mai Valentine looked towards the only person among their group who had once possessed mysterious power — Marik, who was sitting on a chair, deep in thought.
"What should we do now, Marik Ishtar!" Mai Valentine blocked Téa and Rebecca with her body and asked, "Quickly, think of something, that guy is almost here!"
Marik frowned, looking at the man in black approaching him. More precisely, he looked at the (Double-Barreled Dragon) beside him, a hint of disdain in his eyes. He mustered his strength and said to Mai Valentine, "Draw a Card and then Summon a Monster, shouldn't that be your instinct as a Duelist?"
Mai Valentine was first startled by his words, then said discontentedly, "At a time like this, that kind of thing—"
Noticing that the man in black was getting closer and closer, Mai Valentine gritted her teeth and activated her Duel Disk. "I'll trust you this one time!"
"Draw!"
"Then, Summon (Harpie Lady Sisters)!"
She casually Drew a Card from her Deck and it happened to be (Harpie Lady Sisters). But as Mai Valentine played the Card on her Duel Disk, she couldn't see, as she would in a Duel, the (Harpie Lady Sisters) manifest before her.
In contrast, the man in black was quite close to them, less than eight meters away.
"It's completely useless!" Seeing that nothing happened after Mai Valentine performed the operation as Marik had said, Tristan eagerly started to rush forward.
Although he wasn't confident in hand-to-hand combat to stop that seemingly powerful (Double-Barreled Dragon), Tristan didn't want the girls to shield him.
Joey and Yugi had said when they left that Mai Valentine, Téa, and the others were entrusted to his protection. If anyone wanted to harm them—
Tristan had already prepared himself for sacrifice and was about to step forward when he was pulled back by Marik, who had already anticipated his thoughts.
Tristan, who turned his head, only saw Marik with an "I knew it" expression on his face. Before he could say anything, Tristan heard an eagle's cry from above.
"Chaaa!"
Accompanied by this strange eagle's cry, a gust of wind suddenly swept past from above Tristan's head. A harpy-faced Monster swooped down from high in the sky, precisely kicking the man in black and sending him flying.
The (Double-Barreled Dragon) following the man in black had no time to react. By the time it realized its Controller had been sent flying and was about to Counterattack, it found that two more figures, while it was unable to react, had Activated their Attack.
"Tak!"
"Shi-wa!"
"Boom!"
The (Double-Barreled Dragon) was instantly destroyed under the pincer Attack. Accompanied by the shockwave from the (Double-Barreled Dragon)'s explosion, Tristan and the others stared blankly at the three Monsters that had descended before them. Those were clearly the (Harpie Lady Sisters)!
"W-what is this?" Mai Valentine looked in a daze at the (Harpie Lady Sisters) Card she had played on her Duel Disk, completely unable to understand what was happening.
Marik, however, after Mai Valentine's experiment had validated his hypothesis, now had an enlightened expression on his face.
"I've felt strange ever since just now. Although it's not as clear as when I used to hold the (Millennium Rod), I could at least always sense Odion's condition, even if we were far apart." Marik stood up, holding onto the chair, with a serious expression on his face. "But ever since this anomaly just occurred, I've gradually stopped being able to sense Odion!"
As he spoke, Marik's expression was extremely serious and earnest, as if he had returned to his three-year-old self before being 'corrected,' making one wonder if he would pull out a powerful (Lava Golem) and bestow it upon his Opponent next second.
If he wasn't wearing an anime-themed shirt covered in strange anime character heads.
"Although interrupting your rare serious speech seems rude, I think you should put on a cape or something, otherwise, we, the listeners, will find it very distracting." Tristan also offered a sharp retort.
"That's not the point." Marik waved his hand. Although very tired, he could still barely walk. "We can't stay here anymore. Anyway, help isn't coming. We have to figure something out ourselves."
As he spoke, Marik glanced at the unconscious man in black lying on the ground. Somewhat clumsily imitating Hayato, he took off his Duel Disk and conveniently took the Opponent's Deck as well.
"What do you mean help isn't coming, Marik, what are you talking about?" Tristan looked at Marik, who had actually learned to 'borrow' other people's things, and couldn't even bother to retort. He was more concerned about what Marik had just said. "What do you mean 'rely on ourselves'?"
Marik put the Duel Disk on his wrist and answered Tristan with a cold smile:
"Why can Duel Monsters materialize directly on the Field without even needing Solid Vision?"
"Why can I no longer sense Odion?"
"Why are so many people in this Venue drained of their strength and spirit, even falling into unconsciousness?"
"There's only one answer."
Marik pointed his finger towards the center of the Kaiba Dome, where Hayato and Leon Wilson were still Dueling. "As a Duelist who once deeply fell into Darkness, my intuition tells me that underneath there is something dangerous constantly absorbing the fighting spirit and Life Points of everyone present, transforming this place into an Otherworld where Spirits exist!"
——————Detective Marik——————
On the Duel Field, Hayato and Leon, although quite absorbed in their Duel, after such a clear Anomaly occurred inside the Kaiba Dome, while they didn't immediately interrupt the Duel, they temporarily ceased their Battle.
"W-what's going on!?"
The cheers of the surrounding Audience Seating gradually weakened, even falling into an eerie silence. This made Leon Wilson's gaze involuntarily turn towards the Audience Seating, and thus he noticed that the originally enthusiastic audience was now like harvested chives, collapsing in large swathes, row after row, in their seats.
Beneath his feet, the dazzling (The Golden Castle of Stromberg) was still resplendent, but it was now shining with an eerie glow.
Hayato also frowned and looked around. When Professor Banner had told him about the Magic Circle beneath the ground, he had mentioned that although the Magic Circle was only the size of a Duel Stage, its affected range would surely expand after Activation. But Hayato hadn't expected that it would affect everyone inside the Kaiba Dome.
With the Barrier's Activation, Hayato finally realized what that thing was actually intended for.
"B-Big Bro!"
On Hayato's shoulder, seeking attention, (Ojama Yellow) unexpectedly popped out again, as Hayato expected, imitating a two-dimensional anime girl holding one arm with the other hand. "Ah, I feel so bad, like I'm going to die any second now, nya~"
While reciting this in a voice that didn't sound weak at all, (Ojama Yellow) rubbed against Hayato's cheek. "B-B-Big Broooo———!!"
"Kuriboh kick!"
Just before (Ojama Yellow) could rub against Hayato's face, (Rainbow Kuriboh) decisively attacked — or rather, kicked? — kicking (Ojama Yellow) off Hayato's shoulder, and then occupying the spot where (Ojama Yellow) had just been, looking as if to say, "Look at me, I'm so awesome."
"Onore! You colorful bastard!"
Listening to the two rascals bicker, Hayato sighed helplessly. "What could possibly happen to you? If anything were to happen, it should be me."
"This feeling is very similar to the Sacred Beasts, but it clearly feels like their Power has been reversed. From absorbing the Power of Duel Monsters and returning it to humans, it's reversed into absorbing human Power and feeding it back to Duel Monster Spirits. Also, it doesn't seem as strong as the combined drawing power of all three Sacred Beasts, probably only the level of one of them."
"Is it Bakura who's causing this, holding (Uria, Lord of Searing Flames)? Perhaps with the Doma people involved as well."
Hayato, his brows furrowed, looked at the flustered Leon opposite him. "Leon Wilson, although our Duel isn't over yet, you should also be able to tell that the Duel can no longer continue, right?"
"Huh? Oh." Leon Wilson turned his head and replied distractedly. The Anomaly inside the Kaiba Dome was clearly no small matter. Although it hadn't yet affected the Duel Field, it seemed the best option now was to quickly end the Duel.
Moreover, although Leon had no evidence, his intuition told him that the current Anomaly was likely related to his older brother — Siegfried, and possibly even somewhat connected to himself.
Leon's gaze flickered to the Field Spell Card Zone on his Duel Disk. The Anomaly had started after a sudden power outage, and that power outage had coincided precisely with him Activating (The Golden Castle of Stromberg), the Card his brother had given him. To say it was all just a simple accident would be too much of a coincidence.
Thinking this, Leon reached for his Duel Disk, intending to retrieve the already Activated (The Golden Castle of Stromberg).
But just as Leon's finger touched the Field Spell Zone on his Duel Disk, the retracted Card slot wouldn't open. It even released an electric current, shocking Leon who was trying to force open the mechanism. Wincing in pain, Leon withdrew his finger and stared at his Duel Disk in surprise: "W-what's going on!?"
"Why won't my Duel Disk open?"
"Could it be that my brother tampered with my Duel Disk as well!?"
Hayato saw Leon fail to 'unscrew' it, but wasn't particularly disappointed. Since Zigfried von Schroeder had allied with Doma and the Rabbit-eared Great Evil God, it would be strange if their scheme could be ended by simply removing a Card.
Even if they interrupted the Duel, the Opponent might still Activate hidden programs in the Card to pull off some new trick.
"In other words, we still have to continue Dueling, after all." Hayato stood firm and raised his Duel Disk. "I don't know if I should be grateful for this, but it certainly saves a lot of trouble that most things in this world can be solved by Dueling."
"If 'unscrewing' it is useless, then I'll be the one to defeat you."
"I-I'm sorry!" Leon wasn't quite sure what the current situation was, but judging by the unusual situation with his Duel Disk, his older brother was definitely involved.
He glanced at his Deck with some frustration. Leon took a deep breath to calm himself and also raised his Duel Disk. "Although I seem to be caught up in something very dangerous, if it's about Duel Monsters, I won't give up!"
As he spoke, Leon saw that in the Audience Seating behind Hayato, several people, led by a white-haired Egyptian man wearing an anime-themed shirt, had come to the front row. That Egyptian man even shouted towards the Duel Field, "Brother-in-law, let me use the (Millennium Rod) first!"
"I told you not to call me that when nothing's set in stone yet! Who's your brother-in-law!"
Hayato retorted casually and threw the (Millennium Rod) that was hanging from his waist towards Marik. Luckily, Tristan was agile; he could jump high even while carrying Téa and caught the (Millennium Rod).
Looking at the (Millennium Rod) handed over by Tristan, Marik took a deep breath and, with a smile, picked up the golden Rod, feeling the weakness and powerlessness in his body completely vanish.
Although he no longer possessed a "God," after retrieving the (Millennium Rod), the former Rare Hunters leader, a Battle City Top 8 Duelist, and master of dramatic expressions, Marik, Gloriously Revived!
Leon Wilson, on the other hand, looked at Hayato, who, with the (Millennium Rod)'s illusion no longer maintained, had reverted to his "King of Games" form. "Mr. Hayato!?!"
(end of chapter)