Taking advantage of the smoke from (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon)'s destruction, Paradox promptly discarded the unplayable (Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon) from his Hand to the Graveyard, using it as a Cost to activate his Set Card, (Rainbow Life).
Paradox had even factored Yusei Fudo's psychology into his strategic predictions, sensing the hidden fury in his mind from having a cherished card taken. To maximize the benefit from (Rainbow Life), he even feigned a scream, luring Yusei Fudo into multiple attacks.
And Yusei Fudo, just as Paradox had expected, unable to remain calm after losing (Stardust Dragon), recklessly launched consecutive attacks without waiting for the smoke shrouding Paradox to clear, causing Paradox to recover an additional 1900 Life Points.
It was truly the 'no damage if there's smoke' trope in action.
All monsters had already attacked. Yusei Fudo looked at Paradox's Life Points, which were higher than the combined ATK of eight (Blue-Eyes White Dragon)s, and deeply regretted his lack of composure.
"Set one card, my Turn ends." Setting the last card in his Hand, Yusei Fudo reluctantly ended his Turn.
[Yusei Fudo: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[(Junk Warrior) (Weapon Gauntlet) ATK 4400]
[(Junk Servant) ATK 1500]
[(Doppelganger Token) ATK 400]
[Set Card: (Domino)]
"I'm sorry, Hayato, my recklessness actually increased my opponent's Life Points." Yusei Fudo turned around, his face full of apology, and said to Hayato.
Hayato comforted him, saying, "Don't say that. At least you took down his two Malefic Monsters, didn't you? Besides, in Duel Monsters, Life Points are effectively infinite as long as they haven't been reduced to zero."
After a pause, Hayato looked at Paradox's sole remaining card in Hand: "The most important thing should be Hand resources. Yusei Fudo, you broke through Paradox's Set Card for us and depleted his Hand to just one card. You've done well enough."
"It's not 'Parad', it's Paradox! Don't use that awkward Japanese English accent to say my name!" Paradox interjected.
Then, as if to deliberately spite Hayato, Paradox began his Turn.
"My Turn. During the Draw Phase, I activate the effect of (Malefic World). As a substitute for drawing a card, I add one random Malefic card from my Deck to my Hand."
Paradox's Duel Disk automatically shuffled his Deck, ejecting a card to the top, which Paradox caught. After glancing at the drawn card, Paradox smirked triumphantly: "Heh heh, is that really what you said, Hayato?"
"Because Yusei Fudo just destroyed my two Malefic Monsters and sent them to the Graveyard, the card I just drew this Turn perfectly meets the activation conditions!" Paradox inserted the newly drawn card into his Spell & Trap Zone. "I activate the Normal Spell Card, (Malefic Select)!"
"By banishing (Malefic Cyber End Dragon) from my Graveyard and the (Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon) that was discarded by (Rainbow Life), I can activate this card. I add two Malefic cards from my Deck to my Hand."
"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, (Malefic Cross)! I Special Summon (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon) from my Graveyard in Attack Position, ignoring its summoning conditions!"
Almost identical to the effect of (Monster Reborn), but a Malefic Monster-exclusive version, (Malefic Cross) bloomed on Paradox's Field. A rift opened in the starry sky-like (Malefic World), revealing the four eyes of (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon), peering at Yusei Fudo and the others.
As the rift fully opened, (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon), which had previously been destroyed by (Junk Warrior)'s limit-breaking 'serious punch,' returned to Paradox's Field.
[(Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon) ATK 4000]
"He Summoned (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon) again. Speaking of which, Jesse Anderson's cards really suffer a lot." Jaden complained. There was a time when Jesse Anderson was possessed by (Yubel), and then (Rainbow Dragon) took on its reversed, dark form, (Rainbow Dark Dragon). Now there's (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon). It always feels like Jesse Anderson's (Rainbow Dragon) is especially suited for corruption.
Yugi glanced at the (Junk Warrior) on Yusei Fudo's Field. Although the doubled ATK from (Rush Warrior)'s effect had faded, the ATK increased by (Weapon Gauntlet) and (Junk Warrior)'s own effect still remained.
"Even (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon) with 4000 ATK, if there are no Malefic Monsters to send to the Graveyard to activate its effect, (Junk Warrior)'s ATK would be higher."
Paradox heard this and scoffed, "That's true, but I never said I'd destroy (Junk Warrior) through battle."
"First, I Normal Summon (Malefic Paradox Gear) in Attack Position. Then, I activate (Malefic Paradox Gear)'s effect. Because the Field Spell Card (Malefic World) is on the Field, I can Tribute (Malefic Paradox Gear) to Special Summon (Malefic Parallel Gear) from my Deck, and then add one Malefic Monster from my Deck to my Hand."
[(Malefic Paradox Gear) Level 1/DARK Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Effect]
[0 ATK/0 DEF]
Despite its obvious boss-level 0 ATK/0 DEF stats, (Malefic Paradox Gear), with its humanoid structure and three mechanical arms, began to spin wildly the moment it appeared on Paradox's Field, stirring and twisting the time-space within (Malefic World) around its body.
Once its rotation slowed, (Malefic Parallel Gear), with its much larger gears, appeared in place of (Malefic Paradox Gear).
[(Malefic Parallel Gear) Level 2/DARK Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Tuner/Effect]
[0 ATK/0 DEF]
"A Tuner Monster?!" Seeing that Paradox had also Summoned a Tuner Monster, combined with his other Level 10 Non-Tuner Monster, (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon), on the Field, Yusei Fudo became unsettled. "Is he going to Synchro Summon a Level 12 Synchro Monster?!"
However, Paradox glanced at the (Malefic Parallel Gear) that appeared on his Field with clear disgust.
"No, I won't use Synchro Summoning, that world-destroying method of summoning. I refuse to use it," Paradox said, gritting his teeth. "It's not because I lack the ability to wield such weapons, but out of disgust for weapons stained with sin and blood, that I won't use Synchro Summoning."
"I don't need Synchro Summoning to end the filthy history of Duel Monsters. I'll do it with these Malefic Monsters!"
Paradox said, raising his hand and pointing to the (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon) on his Field.
"(Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon) inherits all of (Ultimate Crystal God Rainbow Dragon)'s effects. Besides the effect to increase ATK, (Rainbow Dragon)'s second effect is also inherited by (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon)."
"By banishing the sole (Malefic Paradox Gear) in my Graveyard, all cards on both players' Fields return to their owners' Decks!"
"To return everything to its origin, this is my resolve to save the world!!"
(Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon)'s dark-yellow four eyes closed, its body transformed into a mass of black lightning, entwined with the seven multi-colored crystal gems remaining on its body. The phantom of (Malefic Paradox Gear) from Paradox's Graveyard flew into the black lightning, and then, lightning burst forth!
Where the lightning returned, all things reverted to their primal forms: whether it was (Junk Warrior), (Weapon Gauntlet), (Junk Servant), (Doppelganger Token), the Continuous Spell Card (Domino), and the (Sakuretsu Armor) Yusei Fudo had Set on his Field, or Paradox's own (Malefic Parallel Gear) on his Field.
Under the power of (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon) to revert everything, even (Malefic World), which was essential for the existence of Malefic Monsters, was dispersed from the Field!
[Paradox: 25700 LP, Hand 2]
[Yusei Fudo, Jaden, Yugi, Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
"He actually managed to replicate Jesse Anderson's (Rainbow Dragon)'s effect of returning all cards to the Deck."
"Now, this is bad."
Jaden said, looking at Paradox's Hand with concern.
"The opponent has already performed a Normal Summon, and Malefic Monsters can only be Special Summoned if (Malefic World), which was just recycled into the Deck, is present." Yusei Fudo was also somewhat tense. "There shouldn't be any danger, but I have a bad feeling..."
Yusei Fudo and Jaden were very nervous, but Hayato and Yugi exchanged a glance. Although they hadn't communicated their Hands to each other, not even with signals or hints, a single look was enough for them to understand each other's calm confidence.
"'It's that monster again, isn't it?'" they both thought simultaneously, even hallucinating Kaiba, who wasn't present, possibly grumbling: "'Using this fodder monster again.'"
Paradox looked at Domino City's Central Plaza, which had returned to its original appearance after the departure of (Malefic World).
Paradox hailed from the future, one of the few humans who survived until the very end of that desolate apocalypse, but even he had ultimately died.
The Paradox standing here now is an android who inherited almost everything from the deceased 'Paradox' except for the name. Bearing the name 'Paradox,' he had essentially abandoned all self and that name to uphold his ideal of saving the future.
The Paradox from before his death was a 'Psychic Duelist.' A 'Psychic Duelist' refers to Duelists like Jaden, Hayato, and Yugi, who can Solid Vision their Duel Monsters and possess the ability to inflict harm. In a Psychic Duelist's Duel, damage exists tangibly, like in a Shadow Game.
However, because Paradox had activated (Malefic World) at the very beginning of the Duel, the previous battles were confined within (Malefic World)'s domain. Thus, after (Malefic World) was bounced back to the Deck by the power of (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon), the Central Plaza that reappeared retained its original appearance.
Apart from the central stage of the Duel Monsters tournament, which (Yubel) had actively destroyed earlier, there was no damage elsewhere.
"Hmph, I hadn't really paid attention before, but now it seems this era is quite beautiful," Paradox sneered, a sardonic smile playing on his lips, though it was unclear whom he was mocking. "However, I will destroy this beauty."
Paradox closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, his gaze held only cold indifference and resolve.
"For the birth of a New World, the destruction of the old is inevitable. Sacrifice yourselves for the greater good!" Paradox played the card in his Hand. "I activate this card, (Malefic Domain)!"
"As part of (Malefic Domain)'s activation, I activate one (Malefic World) from my Deck. Furthermore, as long as (Malefic World), activated by (Malefic Domain)'s effect, remains in the Field Zone, neither player can target cards in the Field Zone with card effects!"
(Malefic World), which had previously been bounced back to the Deck by (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon), was activated again by Paradox. The space around the five individuals was replaced once more, and as Paradox had stated, this newly activated (Malefic World) even gained resistance to being targeted by card effects.
"So he recklessly activated (Malefic God - Rainbow Dragon)'s effect earlier because he had (Malefic Domain) in his Hand, which can directly search for (Malefic World)..." Yusei Fudo gritted his teeth. "The other card is a Malefic Monster that (Malefic Paradox Gear) searched for earlier. This feeling is—!!"
"Ah, a good guess, Yusei Fudo. Do you have a Heart of the Cards connection with your cards?" Paradox flipped the last card in his Hand, revealing a white Dragon-Type. "The card searched by (Malefic Paradox Gear)'s effect earlier was this card!"
"I send (Stardust Dragon) from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard, and Special Summon (Malefic Stardust Dragon) from my Hand!"
"And now, Enter Battle Phase!"
Under Yusei Fudo's furious gaze, (Stardust Dragon) appeared on Paradox's Field, filled with reluctance. The black lightning of (Malefic World) coiled around the white Dragon's body. Half a helmet, binding armor, wing attire, and a tail spear forcibly attached themselves to (Stardust Dragon).
Before Yusei Fudo, the aggrieved party, the blond-haired Paradox forcibly used electricity to corrupt and blacken (Stardust Dragon), making it don black stockings and subjecting it to brainwashing.
After a brief, unwilling struggle, the completely corrupted (Stardust Dragon), like (Rainbow Dragon) and (Cyber End Dragon) before it, became a Malefic Monster entirely under Paradox's control.
[(Malefic Stardust Dragon) Level 8/Dark Attribute]
[Dragon-Type/Special Summon/Effect]
[2500 ATK/2000 DEF]
"Another Dragon-Type converted from the LIGHT Attribute to the DARK Attribute," Yugi said, looking seriously at Yusei Fudo. "That monster is the one that was stolen from you, Yusei Fudo, isn't it?"
No, (Stardust Dragon) is clearly WIND Attribute, isn't it? Hayato grumbled in his mind, Yugi once again engaging in his usual improvisational remarks.
"(Stardust Dragon)..." But Yusei Fudo didn't immediately answer Yugi. Instead, he looked up at the cold and ruthless (Malefic Stardust Dragon), his face as if wearing a mask of pain.
After a long moment, he finally replied to Yugi, "Please, Yugi, Hayato, Jaden, I ask for your help: please defeat (Stardust Dragon)!"
Before Hayato and the other two could react to Yusei Fudo's plea, Paradox angrily asserted his presence: "Against you, this card would be better."
"You, with your empty Field, will now take this attack from Yusei Fudo's Ace Monster!"
"Sonic Jet!"
(end of chapter)
From the Attack name Paradox called out when commanding his Monster to Attack, Chumley could clearly tell that the man's Dueling skill was not very high.
After all, it's well-known that every Duelist has their own set of flashy Attack names, like Kaiba's "Burst Stream of Destruction."
Moreover, even for the same Monster, different people would call out different Attacks. For example, for the Level 8 (Lava Golem), Marik would call out a lame name like "Lava Golem Cannon," while Joey would call out the awesome-sounding "Joey Flame."
Chumley could even proudly proclaim that no one understood Attack names better than him.
In contrast, this Paradox guy didn't even use a Summoning chant when Summoning Monsters, didn't call out any cool names when his Monsters Activated their Effects, and now, even when controlling (Malefic Stardust Dragon) to Attack, he was too lazy to even think of a new name, directly reusing "Sonic Jet," the Attack Yusei Fudo used with (Stardust Dragon).
This Paradox is just lame.
However, not everyone was as relaxed as Chumley when facing (Malefic Stardust Dragon)'s Attack.
"A Direct Attack with 2500 ATK. If it hits, things could get a little messy," Jaden said, standing behind Yusei Fudo. He then, without waiting for a response, slapped a Card onto his Duel Disk. "Go, Neos!"
[Yusei Fudo → Jaden: 4000 LP, Hand: 0 → 5 → 4]
Starlight materialized into Solid Vision. Jaden's semi-transparent Duel Monster spirit, (Elemental HERO Neos), instantly appeared on the Field as Jaden played the Card, crossing its arms in a defensive stance, blocking (Malefic Stardust Dragon)'s Attack.
"Sonic Jet" descended, but the seemingly ethereal and transparent (Elemental HERO Neos) completely blocked the impact, allowing only a few wisps of wind to brush past Jaden and the others.
"Tch, that Card again."
Paradox watched as the Card Jaden played blocked (Malefic Stardust Dragon)'s Attack in the same way it had just a short while ago, and he grumbled unhappily, "You guys, did you glue all your useful Cards to your Hands?"
"Don't make it sound so bad. This is just the basic bonds between a Duelist and their Deck, isn't it?" Jaden rubbed his nose. "The Effect of (Elemental HERO Neos Alius) allows me to Special Summon it from my Hand in Defense Position when my Opponent Declares an Attack, and (Elemental HERO Neos Alius) Special Summoned by this Effect cannot be destroyed by Battle."
[(Elemental HERO Neos Alius)][Level 7/LIGHT Attribute]
[Warrior-Type/Effect]
[2500/2000]
"And then, when (Elemental HERO Neos Alius) is Special Summoned, I can Add to Hand one Spell/Trap Card that mentions an 'Elemental HERO' Monster's name in its text, or (Polymerization), from my Deck."
As he Added a Card to his Hand, Jaden stepped forward to stand alongside Yusei Fudo. Yusei Fudo turned his head to look at Jaden.
"Having a Partner taken and controlled to do things unwillingly, I deeply understand the pain of witnessing all of that."
"So, let me be the one to defeat your (Stardust Dragon), Yusei Fudo! It's a promise!"
As he spoke, Jaden gave a thumbs-up, a brilliant smile on his face.
"Hmph, what a boring drama," Paradox said with a frown, declaring, "You just got lucky."
"In that case, my Turn will end here for now."
[Paradox: 25700 LP, Hand: 0]
[(Malefic Stardust Dragon)][ATK 2500]
[Malefic Domain]
Field: (Malefic World)
"An ATK of 2500 points... It's not easy to Summon a Monster with more than 2500 ATK in one Turn," Jaden said, his finger resting on his Deck. "However, nothing is impossible for an Elemental HERO!"
"My Turn, Draw!"
Drawing a Card, Jaden paused for a moment, then without hesitation, used it: "I Activate this Card, the Spell Card (Card of Fate)!"
"(Card of Fate)?"
Hearing Yugi's puzzled voice, Jaden began to explain, "This Card's Effect is to toss a coin. If it's Heads, I can draw two Cards, but if it's Tails, my Opponent Duelist draws two Cards."
"It's a bit reliant on luck, but since (Pot of Greed) was put on the Forbidden Card list in the future, a friend of mine who likes fortune-telling strongly recommended I use this Card."
As Jaden spoke, his face was full of confidence. Looking at the coin, which appeared on the Field and spun in the air after being tossed, Jaden said confidently, "As a Duelist, the most important thing is to have faith in yourself. The power of belief can achieve anything!"
"The coin's result is, of course, Heads—Nani?! Tails!?"
Jaden proved through personal experience that one shouldn't speak too soon, and even with absolute certainty, one shouldn't set a flag beforehand, because flags are made to be broken.
The coin, which was used to determine the Effect of (Card of Fate), landed on the ground, revealing Tails. This meant Paradox would freely draw two Cards for his Hand.
"Heh heh, as a classic comedian, you're quite good, Jaden Yuki," Paradox scoffed, drawing two "gifts from nature." "Perhaps in the history where Duel Monsters was destroyed, you might have become a decent comedian. At least, I can't fathom what you were thinking, giving your Opponent Cards into their Hand."
"Damn it, you're just rubbing it in!" Jaden felt incredibly awkward. "I knew I shouldn't have listened to that Sartorius guy! What sensible person would use a Deck with more risk than reward?"
"Never mind, it's just one Card from my Hand lost. I still have five Cards in my Hand!"
Jaden said, then, with a wave of his hand, declared to the (Elemental HERO Neos Alius) on his Field: "During my Main Phase, I Activate the Effect of (Elemental HERO Neos Alius), returning it to my Deck, then Special Summoning one Elemental HERO Normal Monster from my Deck!"
As he spoke, the body of (Elemental HERO Neos Alius) on Jaden's Field was about to fade into transparency and disappear, but just then, Paradox interrupted, "Jaden Yuki, you truly are a hero. Not only did you bring me two Cards for my Hand, but it seems my Hand size still isn't quite enough, so you plan to keep providing me with more Cards, right?"
"Because of your previous (Card of Fate), I added this Card from my Deck to my Hand, and now I'm chaining it to the Effect of your (Elemental HERO Neos Alius) to Activate it!" Paradox said with a triumphant smile, revealing a Monster Card.
"(Maxx "C")!!"
"Nani!?" X3
Aside from Yugi, Chumley, Jaden, and Yusei Fudo all cried out in surprise, clearly familiar with the Card (Maxx "C").
There was no need for the three to explain further. As the Chain resolved, (Elemental HERO Neos Alius) on Jaden's Field returned to the Deck, and then a (Elemental HERO Neos) materialized in Solid Vision was Summoned from Jaden's Deck. The Effect of (Maxx "C") also took effect.
At the same time, after drawing a Card from his Deck, Paradox began to explain the Effect of (Maxx "C").
"The Effect of (Maxx "C") is Activated by Sending it from your Hand to the Graveyard, and applies an Effect until the End Turn. Each time your Opponent successfully Special Summons a Monster, I draw a Card from my Deck. The Effect of (Maxx "C") can be applied during your Opponent's Turn."
Although it was just a simple explanation of (Maxx "C")'s Effect, the highly astute Yugi instantly understood just how powerful this Card truly was.
"Each time a Monster is successfully Special Summoned, you draw a Card. Even if the Opponent only Special Summons once, you still break even by drawing one. But if you face a Deck like Yusei Fudo's, which can Special Summon multiple times in one Turn, it's not impossible to draw over ten Cards in one go!"
Yugi seriously looked at the (Maxx "C") that Paradox had just sent to the Graveyard. "In Duel Monsters, the importance of the Hand is almost a strategic resource. Once this (Maxx "C") is played, if you want to proceed with your Combo/Board Development, you'll inevitably give your Opponent a large number of Cards. But if you don't proceed with your Combo/Board Development, you're easily suppressed by the Opponent. What a powerful Card!"
"Heh heh, didn't I tell you? My Deck contains the most powerful Cards from every era. This (Maxx "C") is an incredibly useful Card, so how could I possibly miss out on it?"
Paradox said triumphantly, while Chumley helplessly turned to Yusei Fudo, who had retreated behind Jaden, and asked, "How many times has that guy said that now?"
"I haven't counted, probably six or seven times."
Jaden looked at the (Elemental HERO Neos) that appeared on his Field, then glanced at the Cards in his Hand, but he couldn't help but feel a little hesitant.
[(Elemental HERO Neos)][Level 7/LIGHT Attribute]
[Warrior-Type/Normal Monster]
[2500/2000]
Aside from one being an Effect Monster and the other a Normal Monster, (Elemental HERO Neos Alius) and (Elemental HERO Neos) could be said to be almost identical, as the spirit residing within both Cards was (Elemental HERO Neos).
With 2500 ATK, it was exactly on par with (Malefic Stardust Dragon) on Paradox's Field, barely allowing for mutual destruction or similar plays. But if that was all, the next Turn would be unfavorable.
Although the Effect of (Malefic World) sounded rather weak, directly cutting off the potential for a Heart of the Cards, it also ensured a stable minimum Draw of Malefic Cards. And the characteristic of Malefic Monsters, requiring only one Card for Special Summon without other prerequisites, was quite troublesome.
Jaden certainly didn't want to leave such low Life Points, flickering like a candle in the wind, for Yugi and Chumley to work with. Wouldn't that make his ten-years-older self look foolish?
Although the Cards in his Hand allowed for further Combo/Board Development, doing so would also increase Paradox's Hand size, thereby enhancing his subsequent Attack potential.
Since being Attacked was unavoidable either way, Jaden's choice was, of course, to proceed with his Combo/Board Development despite the Effect of (Maxx "C")!
"I Activate the Spell Card (Graverobber)! This Card's Effect allows me to Target one Card from my Opponent's Graveyard and Add it to my Hand. I choose (Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon) from your Graveyard." A graverobber holding a shovel appeared before Jaden. "Before I defeat (Malefic Stardust Dragon) and reclaim (Stardust Dragon) for Yusei Fudo, let's pay some interest first, Paradox!"
"Lend me your strength, Jesse Anderson!"
Seven-colored rainbow light bloomed. The Phantom of (Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon), which had previously been Sent to the Graveyard by the Effect of (Malefic Rainbow Dragon), appeared behind Jaden and was Added to Jaden's Hand!
"Tch, taking (Rainbow Dragon), huh? But (Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon) isn't like (Malefic Rainbow Dragon); to Summon it, you need the corresponding (Crystal Beast) Monsters. Or are you just simply trying to get that Card back?" Paradox said with a cold laugh.
Hearing this, Jaden drew a Card from his Hand, not rushing to Activate it. "Is that so?"
"The bonds between me and Jesse Anderson transcend time and space! Right here, I'll show you the combination of my Power and Jesse Anderson's!"
"I Activate the Spell Card (Polymerization)! I'll use (Elemental HERO Neos) on my Field and (Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon) from my Hand as Fusion Material!"
"The light that guides the world now leads to a new universe! The power of unity calls forth the strongest Warrior! Descend now, born from the Fusion Vortex!!"
"Fusion Summon! (Rainbow Neos)!!!"
The (Polymerization) Vortex that had engulfed the two Monsters gradually subsided. Above Jaden's Field, sacred white feathers drifted down.
With massive angelic wings spread wide, another form of (Elemental HERO Neos), clad in divine armor, appeared like an angel saving the world, its aura overwhelmingly powerful.
[(Rainbow Neos)][Level 10/LIGHT Attribute]
[Warrior-Type/Fusion/Effect]
[4500/3000]
"4500 ATK?! Equal to (Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon)'s ATK!" Yugi exclaimed. "Is this the Power of the future Jaden?"
Back then, at the KC Cup, Yugi had Dueled the younger Jaden of this era once. Although he had seen Jaden's future potential, even Yugi hadn't imagined that Jaden's potential was so immense.
Drawing a Card due to another Special Summon, Paradox truly hadn't expected Jaden Yuki to take (Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon) from his Graveyard with the purpose of Fusion Summoning such a Monster. This Monster was one he had never seen before, even he who came from the future.
After all, while the future had fallen into an apocalypse, leading to the complete disclosure of previously restricted classified information, the records Paradox could find only contained Cards used by people from the past like Jaden in public. Certain Cards that were never publicly used were simply not recorded.
Jaden's (Rainbow Neos) was one such example. After all, the two Materials required for this Card were Jaden Yuki's unique (Elemental HERO Neos) and the equally unique (Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon) belonging to the Legendary Duelist Jesse Anderson. Neither of them was a Professional Duelist who made public appearances, and even if they had Dueled each other, it was always in private. How could anyone else know that their Ace Cards could even Fuse?
However, even though (Rainbow Neos) had a staggering 4500 ATK, Paradox remained unfazed. He currently held three Cards in his Hand, one of which was specifically designed to counter Cards that Activate Effects on the Field.
(end of chapter)
After Summoning Rainbow Neos to the Field, Jaden looked down at his last three remaining cards: E・HERO Flash, Elemental HERO Bubbleman, and an unidentified Spell Card.
The effect of the Rainbow Neos he had Summoned was that once per turn, he could choose to send a card of a specific type from his side of the field or his Deck to the Graveyard, then return a corresponding target card to the opponent's Deck. The options were:
Sending one monster from his own Field would return all monsters on the opponent's Field;
Sending one Spell/Trap Card from his own Field would return all Spell/Trap Cards on the opponent's Field;
And sending one card from the top of his own Deck would return all cards in the opponent's Graveyard.
Logically, it seemed that if he simply activated the second effect to return the Field Spell Card Paradox had activated back to his Deck, he could destroy the prerequisite for Malefic Stardust Dragon's existence, killing two birds with one stone.
The problem was that Jaden's Rainbow Neos was different from another version of Rainbow Neos with a simpler real-life card effect. His Rainbow Neos had the condition of "returning the targeted card to the Deck," which meant it was the dreaded targeting effect!
And unfortunately, the Malefic Domain Paradox had activated earlier provided Malefic World with resistance to being targeted. This resistance was even inherent to Malefic World while it was active, so destroying Malefic Domain would be useless.
Using the third effect, which returns an opponent's Graveyard card to the Deck, wouldn't have much meaning right now. So, Jaden chose to activate the second option of Rainbow Neos's effect.
"I haven't performed a Normal Summon this turn yet. I'll set one card from my Hand, then I Normal Summon E・HERO Flash in Attack Position. Next, I'll use the effect of Elemental HERO Bubbleman from my Hand."
"When Elemental HERO Bubbleman is the only card in my Hand, I can Special Summon it directly!"
Elemental HERO Bubbleman, resembling a bootleg Batman, and E・HERO Flash, whose English name is simply "Flash," appeared simultaneously on Jaden's field. Looking at these two vaguely familiar [HERO] monsters, it was hard not to wonder if DC's Justice League had wandered onto the wrong set again.
E・HERO Flash [Level 4 / LIGHT Attribute]
[Warrior-Type / Effect Monster]
[ATK 1100 / DEF 1600]
Elemental HERO Bubbleman [Level 4 / WATER Attribute]
[Warrior-Type / Effect Monster]
[ATK 800 / DEF 1200]
Although it had the nickname 'Pot of Greed,' unfortunately, the necessary activation condition for Elemental HERO Bubbleman's Draw Effect was 'lone action,' meaning there could be no other cards on its owner's field when it was Summoned. Thus, this time, 'Pot of Greed' couldn't help Jaden draw a free card.
In response, Elemental HERO Bubbleman, standing in Defense Position on Jaden's field, imitated Batman's accent and whispered, "I'm Bubbleman."
However, Jaden wasn't planning to use it for card advantage this time anyway. Instead, he intended for it to be the necessary cost for Rainbow Neos to activate its effect.
"Another Special Summon, huh? In that case, my hand now increases to four cards, while your hand is completely empty," Paradox said, drawing a card. "And what's more, they're both just fodder monsters with less than 1500 ATK."
Jaden heard him and smiled. "Hmph, don't underestimate my [HERO] monsters, Paradox. Even the smallest Heart of the Cards can radiate a brilliant light of hope."
Extending his hand to point at the God-like Rainbow Neos, Jaden declared loudly, "Once per turn, I activate the effect of Rainbow Neos! I send my Elemental HERO Bubbleman from the field to the Graveyard!"
"And because the type of card sent to the Graveyard was 'a monster on my field,' all monsters on your field, Paradox, will be returned to the Deck!"
"What!?" Hearing that Jaden was about to send him to the Graveyard, Elemental HERO Bubbleman was completely dumbfounded.
It made no sense! The 'Flash' impersonator, E・HERO Flash, who was always the one being Tributed, was standing right next to him. Why was he, the Batman impersonator, the one getting sacrificed?!
"Huh, this, this isn't right, is it? Who's trying to frame me today? Jaden, you're trying to frame me, aren't you?!"
"Sorry, Bubbleman, it's a necessary sacrifice!" Jaden said righteously, clenching his fist and swinging it. "Now, let Stardust Dragon be freed, Rainbow Neos!"
"Beyond Rainbow Hole!"
As the reluctant Elemental HERO Bubbleman ascended in a blue light, Rainbow Neos clasped its hands before its chest, gripping the light that was Bubbleman and transforming it into a massive, rainbow-colored spear.
Spreading its rainbow wings, Rainbow Neos leaped high into the air, maintaining a throwing posture as it looked down and firmly locked onto Malefic Stardust Dragon, then hurled the light spear!
With no Set Cards on his backrow to activate, Paradox watched helplessly as the light spear landed, then transformed into a swirling, rainbow-colored void that expanded rapidly, instantly capturing Malefic Stardust Dragon.
Malefic Stardust Dragon inherited Stardust Dragon's 'Victim's Sanctuary' ability to negate and destroy an effect that would destroy cards. Even indiscriminate destruction power like Dark Hole could be resisted. However, Rainbow Neos's effect was not destruction, but a gentle power of salvation. Therefore, even Malefic Stardust Dragon could not escape this power, disappearing into the rainbow void under Jaden and the others' gaze.
But before Jaden could relax, a rapidly spinning scythe shot out from the gradually closing rainbow void, piercing the chest of the completely unguarded Rainbow Neos!!
"Nani!"
Seeing Rainbow Neos, its chest pierced by the scythe, its body visibly entangled by vengeful spirits, shrinking continuously until it vanished into a paper talisman, Jaden was completely surprised. He turned to the equally puzzled Yusei. "Yusei, you never mentioned Stardust Dragon having an effect like this!"
"Why can an effect that returns it to the Deck also cause my Rainbow Neos to be destroyed?"
Yusei also didn't understand what had happened. "Stardust Dragon's effect, 'Victim's Sanctuary,' is indeed its only ability. I couldn't possibly be mistaken. That Paradox guy said that Malefic monsters inherit all the powers of the original monsters, so 'Victim's Sanctuary's effect shouldn't have changed either."
"But what on—"
At that moment, Chumley, who was beside them, spoke up. "I bet it's Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit, right?"
"'Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit'?' Yusei was also taken aback. After recalling, he vaguely remembered there was a card with that name, and its effect seemed to be..."
"Hoh? I didn't expect Yusei Fudo, living in the future, couldn't figure out what happened, but Hayato, who lives in an era without even Tuner Monsters, managed to guess this card."
Standing on the Veritas, Paradox sent the Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit, which was added to his hand by Maxx 'C', to the Graveyard. On his field, the emotionless girl Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit, who had retrieved her scythe and talisman, completely ignored Paradox and vanished directly.
However, before vanishing, Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit glanced at Chumley. After their eyes met, Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit nodded expressionlessly, as if greeting him, before dissipating into a rabbit-shaped will-o'-the-wisp.
"When a monster on the field, or a face-up Spell/Trap Card's effect is activated, I can discard this card (Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit) from my hand or field, to destroy that activated card."
Paradox said triumphantly, "Although I cannot negate that effect, I can at least achieve mutual destruction. You cannot defeat me, who has gathered the strongest cards from every era!"
"Tch, I miscalculated. That combo/board development I just pulled off actually gave my opponent a counterattack method." Jaden looked troubled at the E・HERO Flash that remained on his field, but he wasn't overly disheartened by Rainbow Neos being destroyed. Instead, he said seriously, "Don't get cocky, Paradox!"
"Though it's not my full power, at least take this Direct Attack!"
"Enter Battle Phase! Then, E・HERO Flash Direct Attacks the opponent duelist!"
"Godspeed Storm!"
(end of chapter)
Chapter 499: Double Kuriboh Combo
"Godspeed Storm!"
Following Jaden's attack command, the body of his "Elemental HERO Sparkman" on the Field was covered in lightning, turning into a phantom as it charged towards Paradox.
Paradox still had three cards in his hand, but looking at the incoming "Elemental HERO Sparkman", he showed no fear, taking the direct attack head-on!
[Paradox: 25700 → 24600 LP]
With only 1100 ATK, the damage was negligible for Paradox's over twenty thousand LP; "Elemental HERO Sparkman's" attack felt like a mere scratch to him.
"I end my turn."
Jaden ended his turn, turning to look at Chumley and Yugi, tilting his head with a playful grin, "Oops, I got outmaneuvered."
"You're too carefree, Jaden, I can't do anything with you," Chumley said, stepping forward, but Yugi stopped him with a hand.
"Let me take the next turn, Chumley," Yugi said, looking eager for battle, clearly itching for a fight. "If you went, I'm worried this duel would end without me even getting a chance to play."
"You have that much confidence in me? Then I'll leave it to you, Yugi."
Upon hearing this, Chumley put down his Duel Disk, stepping back to stand in a line with Yusei Fudo and Jaden, while Yugi stepped forward.
"Yugi, said to be a Legendary Duelist who accompanies the Soul of an unknown Pharaoh, and once ranked alongside Hayato as King of Games," Paradox reiterated the information he knew about Yugi. "But regrettably, this game will soon end, and not even you, Yugi, can stop it."
"My turn, during the Draw Phase, I activate the effect of 'Malefic World' to add a random 'Malefic' card from my Deck to my hand."
Glancing at the drawn card, Paradox sneered as he added it to his hand, then drew another card: "In the previous turns, your struggles were indeed spectacular, and you successively defeated my 'Malefic' monsters."
"However, the 'Original Sin' of Duel Monsters won't disappear with temporary concealment. I pay 2000 LP to activate the Spell Card 'Dimension Fusion', allowing both players to Special Summon as many Banished monsters as possible to the Field!"
No sooner had Jaden and Yugi switched places than Paradox unleashed such a powerful move.
[Paradox: 24600 → 22600 LP]
As Paradox paid the 2000 LP, which were negligible to him, "Dimension Fusion" activated, opening several distorted wormholes on his Field.
From within those wormholes, the "Malefic" monsters that had been Banished earlier reappeared one by one.
"Come forth, the 'Original Sin' of Duel Monsters!"
"Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"
"Malefic Cyber End Dragon!"
"Malefic Paradox Gear!"
Since Paradox was the only one who had Banished monsters in the duel so far, Yugi could only watch as Paradox Special Summoned all of his previously Banished "Malefic" monsters, while he could do nothing.
[Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon ATK 3000]
[Malefic Cyber End Dragon ATK 4000]
[Malefic Paradox Gear ATK 0]
"Next, I activate the effect of 'Malefic Paradox Gear'," Paradox sent the "Malefic Paradox Gear" that had just arrived on the Field to the Graveyard, and searched two cards from his Deck. "While 'Malefic World' exists, I Special Summon 'Malefic Parallel Gear' from my Deck, then add 1 'Malefic' monster to my hand."
"I add 'Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon' to my hand, and send 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' from my Deck to the Graveyard to Special Summon 'Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon'!"
[Malefic Parallel Gear ATK 0]
[Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon ATK 2400]
By simply playing one "Dimension Fusion", Paradox, at the cost of 2000 LP, easily Summoned four monsters to the Field, still retaining three cards in his hand.
The slight consolation was that the newly appeared "Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon" and "Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon" inherited everything from their original monsters, including being vanilla monsters, and didn't gain any troublesome effects by becoming "Malefic" monsters.
"Blue-Eyes... and Red-Eyes!"
"Did he even take Joey's card...?"
Looking at the solemn Yugi, Paradox's lips curved into a smile: "How does it feel, Yugi, to see your comrade's and opponent's cards in my hand?"
"Don't worry, I'll fully utilize their power, with this power of sin."
Paradox's eyes sharpened instantly: "I originally intended to deal with you quickly, but since you insist on resisting to the very end, I will make an exception this one time!"
"I Synchro Summon using the Level 2 'Malefic Parallel Gear' and the Level 8 'Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon' on the Field!"
"What!?"
Yusei Fudo was also stunned. Seeing this, Paradox sneered, "Don't think you're the only one who can use Synchro Summon, Yusei Fudo. It was your continuous struggle that made me determined to use Synchro Summon."
"My previous conflicted feelings were unnecessary. If I want to save the world, I must inevitably destroy the world. For that, I will use even the most defiled power!"
Paradox raised his hand, and behind him, the gear structures of "Malefic Parallel Gear" rotated at high speed, transforming into two pitch-black Synchro Rings. One above, one below, they encircled "Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon", turning it into eight shining stars, bound by black lightning and arranged in a line.
"Darkness born from a Dimensional Rift, raise the curtain of destruction on this stage that transcends time-space!"
Paradox's gaze instantly became extremely sharp, "Synchro Summon, 'Malefic Paradox Dragon'!"
From within the black Synchro Rings, a towering pillar of black light rose, surrounded by ominous black winds. From within the storm, a pair of broad black dragon wings spread open, and a colossal Wyvern roared, scattering the air currents around it!
"ROAR!!!"
[Malefic Paradox Dragon] [Level 10 / DARK]
[Dragon-Type / Synchro / Effect]
[4000 / 4000]
"It's so huge!" Jaden looked up at the "Malefic Paradox Dragon", which was almost as tall as the high-rise building beside it. "Its sheer size is exaggerated!"
"When 'Malefic Paradox Dragon' is successfully Synchro Summoned, I can Special Summon 1 Synchro Monster from my Graveyard, ignoring its Summoning conditions. Also, as long as 'Malefic Paradox Dragon' is on my Field, your monsters' ATK decreases by the combined ATK of all my other monsters on the Field, excluding 'Malefic Paradox Dragon'."
"I Special Summon 'Stardust Dragon' from the Graveyard. Then, because I have 'Stardust Dragon', 'Malefic Cyber End Dragon', and 'Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon' on my Field besides 'Malefic Paradox Dragon', all your monsters' ATK decreases by their combined ATK of 8900!"
[Elemental HERO Sparkman] [ATK 1100 → 0]
"Oh no, 'Sparkman's' ATK has been reduced to 0!" Yusei Fudo looked quite tense. "If we're attacked, our LP will be reduced to 0!"
"To save the world, no one will stand in my way. Prepare to be devoured by the power of 'Malefic'." Paradox said with a cold chuckle, "Don't worry too much; the pain will only last a moment."
"I enter my Battle Phase. First, 'Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon' attacks, destroying the ATK 0 'Elemental HERO Sparkman'!"
"Inferno Fire Blast!"
Its dark body was clad in white armor that seemed to rewrite its will. "Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon" opened its massive maw full of sharp teeth and mercilessly spat out a scorching black fire orb, which landed on "Elemental HERO Sparkman"!
"Ugh!"
"Sparkman", whose ATK had been reduced to 0, was instantly destroyed. The burst of heat flow made the four duelists quite uncomfortable, and their LP decreased accordingly.
[Yugi: 4000 → 1600 LP]
"Because 'Elemental HERO Sparkman' was destroyed by battle, its effect activates," Jaden recovered from the attack and said. "I banish the destroyed 'Elemental HERO Sparkman', as well as my 'Elemental HERO Neos', 'Elemental HERO Neos Alius', and 'Elemental HERO Bubbleman' — three 'Elemental HERO' monsters from my Graveyard — to add 1 Normal Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand."
Taking four cards from his Graveyard and banishing them, Jaden searched a card and tossed it towards Yugi: "Use my power, Mr. Yugi!"
"Oh, leave it to me!" Yugi raised his hand without turning around, precisely catching the card Jaden sent him, and adding it to his hand.
"Hmph, merely recovering a card. And it seems that the card in the back row isn't a Trap that responds to an attack declaration," Paradox was cautious; he had just used 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' to test the waters. "Then this is the final blow, legendary duelists from various dimensions!"
"Be buried alongside the history of Duel Monsters!"
"'Malefic Cyber End Dragon's direct attack! Eternal Evolution Burst!"
The three-headed Machine-Type Dragon's laser beams surged forward. Paradox watched confidently as the beams traversed more than half the Field, seemingly about to directly hit Yugi and the others, who had no monsters to act as a barrier.
But at this moment, Jaden, standing behind Yugi, spoke again: "At the moment 'Malefic Cyber End Dragon' attacks, I will chain to the attack declaration and activate the Set card in my back row!"
The card Jaden had set last turn, whose meaning was previously unclear, was now revealed.
"Quick-Play Spell Card, 'Flute of Summoning Kuriboh'!" After activating the Set card, Jaden took a card from his Deck and placed it directly onto his Duel Disk. "From my Deck, I Special Summon 'Winged Kuriboh' to the Field in Defense Position!"
"Kuriboh-Kuriboh!"
Amidst the melodious flute sound, a fluffy monster with adorable little wings appeared on Jaden's Field in Defense Position, facing 'Malefic Cyber End Dragon's' attack.
"'Winged Kuriboh', huh? An effect that can negate all Battle Damage when destroyed," Paradox recalled its specific effect, then sneered coldly.
"What a foolish move, Jaden Yuki. You haven't forgotten 'Malefic Cyber End Dragon's effect, have you?"
"In front of 'Malefic Cyber End Dragon', which inherited 'Cyber End Dragon's' piercing effect, 'Winged Kuriboh' can't protect you!"
Paradox laughed triumphantly, watching as 'Malefic Cyber End Dragon's' attack destroyed and pierced through 'Winged Kuriboh'.
However, the ensuing explosion's impact was blocked by a barrier just before it reached Jaden and the others.
A voice came from the opposite side: "Sore wa dou kana?"
With his arms crossed over his chest, Yugi's aura was high. He glanced at the other fluffy monster that had created the barrier—the 'Kuriboh' that appeared from his hand.
"If it were just Jaden's 'Winged Kuriboh' alone, it indeed couldn't stop 'Malefic Cyber End Dragon's attack. But I activated 'Kuriboh's' effect from my hand, discarding it to negate one instance of damage."
Yugi's gaze was sharp, "The power of unity has the power to overcome despair. Don't underestimate our resolve to stop you, Paradox!"
"That's right, no matter how desperate the future, humans have the ability to change it," Jaden looked up at Paradox. "I've always believed that, and I've always strived for that goal."
Hearing Yugi's words, Paradox was momentarily silent, but then scoffed, "In your eyes, you are undoubtedly righteous, aren't you?"
"If everyone in the future could be like you, perhaps the future world wouldn't have reached such a state of ruin…"
For the first time, Paradox showed a sighing expression in front of them.
"Even a future of ruin must have a way to save it, but it certainly isn't by altering history. Even if the past is just unimportant history to you, for others living in the past, this era holds irreplaceable important value!"
Recalling all the memories from this era, Yugi said firmly.
"Cherished memories…" Paradox's lips curved. "That's why I say, you know nothing. It's precisely because I've lost things that I understand the beauty of all this more than you do, and it's to make the world remain in this beautiful era that I must erase the existence of Duel Monsters!"
Because of 'Winged Kuriboh's' effect, Yugi and the others would not take any Battle Damage this turn. Even though "Malefic Paradox Dragon" and "Stardust Dragon" hadn't attacked yet, it would be meaningless to continue attacking, so Paradox directly ended his Battle Phase.
"My Battle Phase ends here. I enter Main Phase 2." Glancing at the three cards in his hand, Paradox thought for a moment, then drew two of them and inserted them into his Spell & Trap Zone. "In my back row, I set two cards, I end my turn."
[Paradox: 22600 LP, hand 1]
[Malefic Paradox Dragon ATK 4000]
[Malefic Cyber End Dragon ATK 4000]
[Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon ATK 2400]
[Stardust Dragon ATK 2500]
[Malefic Domain] Set card x2
Field: [Malefic World]
(The recent subscriptions are only around 400, so I need to speed up updates.)
(Also, the next chapter will have a bit of 'talk no Jutsu', so the duel will be paused for a bit. Those who don't like it can skip it and wait for the chapter after next.)
(end of chapter)
Chapter 500: Persuasion Fails – No Battle, No Survival!
It was Yugi's turn. He wasn't in a hurry to draw his card and begin his turn. Instead, he asked Paradox, "There's one thing I can't understand. As eras develop and progress, humanity's material civilization grows more advanced. Shouldn't our ability to change the world be even stronger?"
Among those present, Paradox could be said to come from the most distant future, while Yugi, or rather, Yami Yugi who had appeared, could be said to come from the most distant past.
Although he hadn't fully regained his memories and didn't know his true identity, Yami Yugi had some understanding of the era a thousand years ago. Compared to then, even though some parts of this world had deteriorated, it was generally progressing for the better.
He completely failed to grasp Yusei Fudo's previous words to Paradox about the conflict between material civilization and spiritual civilization.
"You're wrong, Yugi, you haven't yet seen humanity's true nature, because the era you live in hasn't fully unearthed humanity's flaws."
Paradox paused. "Sloth, envy, wrath, pride, lust, gluttony, and unrestrained greed... The prosperity of material civilization led to the decline of spiritual civilization, and the unchecked darkness of human hearts consumed the world."
"This isn't something humanity can change by developing civilization, because it's an inherent nature rooted deep within humanity, because this is humanity's 'Original Sin'!"
"Original Sin..." Yusei Fudo frowned, pondering Paradox's words.
Unlike Yugi and Jaden, who lived in the past, in Yusei Fudo's era, due to technological progress, the gap in wealth and status between people had grown increasingly vast, and along with it, the backstabbing and intrigue between them became increasingly ruthless.
In Yugi's era, even a corporate scion like Kaiba studied in the same school and class as a pauper like Joey. By Jaden's time, even Duel Academy began to differentiate students based on their abilities, with outstanding students enjoying luxurious villas and private meals, while underachievers could only live in dorms and eat pickled radishes.
In Yusei Fudo's era, the elite lived in towering skyscrapers, looking down upon the entire city, while the lower class didn't even have the right to enter those high-end districts, only having the right to survive in garbage dumps. Even then, they still faced the threat of having their last remaining living spaces taken away.
All of this seemed completely consistent with what Paradox had said: although material civilization gradually prospered, spiritual civilization was in decline.
"Yusei Fudo, who knows the historical development of the future you belong to, you should understand the truth of what I'm saying, right?" Paradox noticed Yusei Fudo's deep thought and continued to drop bombshells. "You remember 'Energy Exhaustion' that I mentioned before, right?"
"Decades later, or rather, a little over ten years ago for you, your father Dr. Fudo discovered a wondrous particle, 'Yusei Particle'. Using this particle as an energy source, he achieved an unprecedented feat, creating the world's first perpetual motion machine. And he named his son, you, after 'Yusei Particle'."
"The basis of the perpetual motion machine, the miraculous aspect of 'Yusei Particle', is that it can read human hearts. By performing Synchro Summons during a Duel on a D-Wheel, a special wavelength can be connected to the perpetual motion machine. People's surging Heart (of the Cards) during a Duel can generate a large amount of positive 'Yusei Particle'. This potential energy is absorbed and converted by the perpetual motion machine, then supplied back to the D-Wheel for the Duel, generating more 'Yusei Particle'."
Yusei Fudo nodded, "That's certainly true."
"If the energy was inexhaustible, how did humanity end up facing an energy crisis? Furthermore, even without the perpetual motion machine with infinite energy, weren't there other finite energy sources to use? How could it lead to destruction?"
To Yusei Fudo's question, Paradox replied, "It's also because of human hearts, Yusei Fudo. The perpetual motion machine's energy is infinite, but the efficiency of acquiring it has a limit. However, humanity, which knows no satisfaction, will always only think, 'a little more, just a little more.'"
"The 'Zero Reverse' incident that cost your father Dr. Fudo his life was the perpetual motion machine's warning to humanity. But humanity is a species that can abandon the future for immediate gains. No one took 'Zero Reverse' to heart, nor did anyone awaken because of it."
Paradox smiled contemptuously, "In the future, humanity's material civilization reached its peak, driven by infinite energy, but still endlessly demanded from the world without restraint, and this desire contaminated everything else."
As he spoke, Paradox's hand pointed towards the monsters on his field.
Corresponding to Yugi and Hayato's era: Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon,
Corresponding to Jaden Yuki's timeline: Malefic Cyber End Dragon,
And from the Synchro era: Stardust Dragon and Malefic Paradox Dragon.
Paradox didn't elaborate, but even Jaden understood his meaning.
"Duel Monsters, too, have been tainted by human desire?"
"In the beginning, Duel Monsters were indeed as pure as they were in your eras, but as the profits generated by Duel Monsters, and the interests entangled with them, grew larger, even Duelists could no longer Duel purely." Paradox looked at the monsters on the field, clenching his fist.
"To construct the operation of the perpetual motion machine based on the 'Yusei Particle' that can read human hearts, one necessary driving force was the passionate soul of a Duelist."
"But when the hearts of the Duelists powering the perpetual motion machine were no longer filled with passion and dreams, the 'Yusei Particle' could no longer maintain a completely positive energy state. Negative 'Yusei Particles' even caused the perpetual motion machine to gradually reverse!"
Paradox's words unfolded a vivid scene before Yusei Fudo's eyes, and he could already imagine such a desperate situation: "Could it be..."
"Duel Monsters brought humanity the perpetual motion machine, and Duel Monsters also took away the perpetual motion machine that humanity was unworthy of possessing!" Paradox looked down at Yusei Fudo and the others. "In the desperate situation of energy exhaustion, there were still those in the future who tried to reawaken hope and light in human hearts."
His gaze lingered on Yusei Fudo's face for a long time, and he couldn't help but remember his companion who, to save the world, didn't hesitate to abandon himself and be replaced by "Yusei Fudo" personality data.
"Unfortunately, it was too late."
"The reversed perpetual motion machine self-destructed and went berserk, and the world was destroyed as a result."
After Paradox recounted everything about the future, even Yusei Fudo at this moment had to admit that such a future was truly desperate.
"My father, who invented the perpetual motion machine to benefit humanity and solve the energy crisis, actually became the root of the evil that destroyed humanity..."
Yusei Fudo hung his head low.
"Could it be that the existence of the perpetual motion machine was a mistake..."
Paradox's tone was calm as he looked at Yusei Fudo and said, "No, the perpetual motion machine's existence was not at fault. Because even without the perpetual motion machine, humanity would still one day self-destruct due to its inflated desires. The perpetual motion machine merely accelerated this process."
"The perpetual motion machine is a treasure, but it is a treasure humanity is not qualified to possess, because humanity has an ineradicable Original Sin."
"'Yusei Particle' was born relying on Duel Monsters. As long as Duel Monsters are destroyed, tragedies like 'Zero Reverse' will no longer occur in the future, and the future will not be destroyed. Although it's regrettable, it's the only way!"
Paradox declared firmly, "No matter what resentment you hold against me, it doesn't matter. As long as I can save all of humanity, I am willing to become a killer and a butcher!"
"I will destroy the world, and then, I will create the world!"
"You still have a chance now. Give up the battle and let me change the world's future!"
Looking at Paradox, Yugi took a deep breath to calm his mind.
Without a doubt, from a purely objective standpoint, Paradox was not acting for selfish desires. His actions were driven by a heart of justice that could be called great.
Jaden, Yugi, Hayato, and Yusei Fudo were fighting to protect an era filled with precious memories of important people, while Paradox was fighting for many innocent victims he had never met. Both sides represented justice.
But...
"I'm sorry, Paradox, I completely understand your thoughts and your ideals. But, I'm sorry." Yugi's finger rested on his Duel Disk. "This duel is not a battle of justice versus evil, but a struggle to the death between us, whose positions clash, aiming to destroy each other!"
"For the future, you are willing to bear the sin of destroying the past, but we also have the resolve to destroy the future to protect the present!"
"My Turn, draw!"
Yugi fiercely drew a card. The card he drew left a golden arc in the air, like a single Iaijutsu strike from a peerless swordsman!
"I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed! I draw two cards from my Deck, then Normal Summon Magical Trickster Lizhen in Attack Position."
The clown-dressed Spellcaster appeared on Yugi's field. Yugi then continued, "While Magical Trickster Lizhen is in the Monster Zone, I can perform an additional Normal Summon of a Spellcaster-Type monster during my Main Phase, once per turn, in addition to my regular Normal Summon!"
"I Tribute Magical Trickster Lizhen to Normal Summon Dark Magician Girl!"
Dark Magician Girl appeared amidst the specks of light as Magical Trickster Lizhen left the field. However, she seemed to read the atmosphere, not being as playful and lively as usual, and seriously gripped her staff, nodding to Yugi behind her.
However, due to Malefic Paradox Dragon on Paradox's field, Dark Magician Girl's power was instantly stripped away.
[Dark Magician Girl: ATK 2000/DEF 1700 → ATK 0/DEF 1700]
Yugi nodded in response, and after the Tributed Magical Trickster Lizhen was sent to the Graveyard, he spoke again, "When Magical Trickster Lizhen 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 will add Dark Magician from my Deck to my Hand."
After searching for the card, Yugi held up the three cards in his Hand, revealing all of them at once: "Paradox, we will not retreat! If we don't battle, our era cannot survive!"
"Our era will be protected by us!"
"I activate this Polymerization given to me by Jaden! I will fuse Buster Blader and Dark Magician from my Hand!"
The Polymerization that Jaden had previously added to Yugi's Hand with the effect of E-HERO Sparkman appeared. A vortex drew in Dark Magician and Buster Blader from Yugi's Hand.
Then, the mighty magic swordsman appeared!
Yugi raised his arm and declared loudly,
"Strongest Spell that shatters darkness, ultimate blade that slays evil dragons, appear on this battlefield that transcends time and space!"
"Fusion Summon! Dark Paladin!"
[Dark Paladin: Level 8 / Dark Attribute]
[Spellcaster-Type / Fusion / Effect]
[ATK 2900 / DEF 2400]
"Dark Paladin's Attack will increase by 500 for each Dragon-Type monster in both players' Graveyards and on the field. At this moment, there are a total of seven Dragon-Type monsters, so Dark Paladin's Attack increases by 3500!"
Malefic Paradox Dragon, Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon, Stardust Dragon, as well as Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Malefic Stardust Dragon, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon in Paradox's Graveyard. The power of these seven Dragon-Type monsters converged towards Dark Paladin on Yugi's field, giving it a massive boost.
The only flaw was that Paradox's Malefic Cyber End Dragon was the odd one out. Even though its name contained "Dragon", it wasn't a Dragon-Type monster. And Yugi didn't pull out a top-tier rule-bending argument like "Slifer the Sky Dragon is also a Dragon".
[Dark Paladin: ATK 2900 → 6400]
Under the power boost from the numerous Dragon-Type monsters, Dark Paladin's Attack soared to a staggering 6400. Its Attack was more than two Blue-Eyes, truly formidable.
However, along with the descent of the Dragon-Type monsters' power, came the Effect of Malefic Paradox Dragon.
"A Fusion of Buster Blader and Dark Magician, specifically designed to counter Dragon-Type monsters, huh? If I hadn't resorted to using Synchro Summon to bring out Malefic Paradox Dragon, I might have lost right here."
Paradox looked at Malefic Paradox Dragon on his field, a strange feeling in his heart.
Even though in the ruined future, among Paradox and his three companions, only 'Jonny,' who he never got along with, used Synchro Monsters. Yet now, he himself was using Synchro Monsters, even relying on them to secure victory.
His goal was to destroy Duel Monsters, especially Synchro Summon, but to achieve that goal, he himself was using Synchro Monsters. In a way, it lived up to the name Malefic Paradox Dragon – truly a paradox.
[Dark Paladin: ATK 6400 → 0]
"It's useless. Your efforts cannot overcome the Malefic of Duel Monsters. All resistance is futile." Paradox coldly watched Dark Paladin, whose Attack had been reduced to 0.
The combined Attack of the other monsters on his field, excluding Malefic Paradox Dragon, was 8900. Any monster appearing opposite him would have its Attack reduced by this amount. Ordinary Duel Monsters had no possibility of breaking through this value.
Yugi's efforts, no matter how much they united the power of monsters on the field and in the Graveyard, were ultimately futile and could change nothing.
"As long as the Malefic of Duel Monsters still exists, as long as Malefic Paradox Dragon remains on my field, your outcome will only be defeat. And the future is destined for destruction." He coldly delivered his judgment.
However, Yugi smiled confidently, "We'll see about that, won't we?"
"The outcome of our future should be decided by us." Yugi played a card from his Hand. "The pieces of the puzzle leading to victory have been assembled, and I will personally annihilate your Malefic monsters this turn!"
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, Forbidden Chalice! It increases one monster's Attack on the field by 400, then negates its effects!"
"The monster I target is Malefic Paradox Dragon on your field!"
As Yugi played Forbidden Chalice, a golden cup, as if capable of granting any wish, appeared above Malefic Paradox Dragon's head. From it, blood-red liquid poured out as the golden chalice tilted!
"What!?"
Under Paradox's surprised gaze, Malefic Paradox Dragon, doused in the red liquid, had its power forcibly constricted and restrained. The oppressive aura that had always surrounded the field vanished!
[Malefic Paradox Dragon: ATK 4000 → 4400]
As Malefic Paradox Dragon's power was sealed, Dark Magician Girl and Dark Paladin, who had been suppressed for so long, regained their original power. They invigorated their spirits and stood tall once more.
[Dark Paladin: ATK 0 → 6400]
[Dark Magician Girl: ATK 0/DEF 1700 → ATK 2300/DEF 1700]
"Humanity bears an ugly side, but in contrast, humanity also possesses a side of hope and dreams. Just like two sides of a coin, they exist in interdependence." Gazing at Paradox, Yugi played another card. "But I believe that humanity's future is absolutely not limited to the destruction of darkness. Instead, it holds infinite possibilities filled with brilliance!"
"I pay 1000 Life Points to activate the Spell Card, Diffusion Wave-Motion!"
[Yugi: 1600 LP → 600 LP]
"Diffusion Wave-Motion?"
"This is bad!"
After seeing the card Yugi used, Paradox couldn't help but feel surprised.
"The Effect of Diffusion Wave-Motion is: Target one Spellcaster-Type monster with Level 7 or higher on my field. This turn, other monsters cannot attack, except for that Target monster. And the Target monster must attack all of your opponent's monsters, once each, if possible. Monsters destroyed by this attack cannot activate their effects, and their effects are negated!"
"In other words, Paradox, this turn you will face four consecutive attacks from the only Level 7 or higher Spellcaster-Type monster on my field—Dark Paladin!"
"Enter Battle Phase! And now, I will show you humanity's potential!"
Yugi waved his hand forward: "Dark Paladin attacks Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"
"Super Magic Rippling Slash!"
Gathering the power of bonds, Dark Paladin swung its blade at Paradox's Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Magical Energy transformed into a slash that flew out, instantly destroying it!
"Ugh!"
[Paradox: 22600 LP → 18600 LP]
"Next, Malefic Cyber End Dragon!"
"Second Super Magic Rippling Slash!"
"Urgh!"
[Paradox: 18600 LP → 16200 LP]
"Attack Stardust Dragon!"
"Triple Super Magic Rippling Slash!"
"Ugh, cough!!"
[Paradox: 16200 LP → 12300 LP]
"The final blow: attack Malefic Paradox Dragon!"
Yugi clenched his fist and loudly declared, "Our future will be decided by us!"
"Final Super Magic Rippling Slash!"
The surging Magical Energy transformed into a moonlit slash, piercing and severing the massive head of Malefic Paradox Dragon. Immediately, Malefic Paradox Dragon's enormous body exploded violently!
Even Paradox, standing on the Ark Cradle, couldn't keep his footing, groaning from the battle damage:
"Ughh!!!"
[Paradox: 12300 LP → 10300 LP]
Smoke enveloped Paradox's field. Through the hazy smoke and the empty field, Yugi could see the fallen Paradox slowly getting back up from his D-Wheel in duel mode.
"With that, you have no monsters left on your field, Paradox." Yugi said, a card held in his hand, about to place it into his Duel Disk. "Then my Battle Phase ends, and in Main Phase 2, I—"
"Bzzzt!"
However, Yugi, who was about to insert the card into his Duel Disk, froze. He found that he couldn't place the card in his hand into the Spell & Trap Zone. And looking closer, Yugi was surprised to see that his Duel Disk showed he was still in the Battle Phase!?
"Your future will be decided by you, that's what you just said, Yugi."
Paradox's voice carried over. Yugi looked up again at this moment, only to find a giant shadow had appeared behind Paradox, on the skyscraper, as if from the abyss.
"Humanity possesses the power to change the future, you want me to believe that, don't you?"
In Paradox's mind, as he stood upright, a series of images flashed—
The berserk perpetual motion machine drove overwhelming Meklord armies;
Wars turned all great achievements of human civilization into ruins and bonfires;
Countless people died on the surface and underground;
Earth became a burning fireball.
At the same time, individual figures emerged in Paradox's mind—
Himself, alone after losing loved ones, wandering in the apocalypse;
Then, the encounter with "that person";
The few survivors huddled together for warmth under "his" leadership, and he himself also received warmth from others;
But even though "he" sacrificed himself, it was still too late to save the world. His companions grew old and fell one by one.
"Such a future, a future that absolutely cannot be accepted, I must change it."
"How could I entrust our efforts, and the fate of the entire world, to you!"
"Just with the word 'believe'?"
"Impossible!!"
Paradox suddenly raised his head. A red gleam flashed in his eyes. Synchronized with his movement, two crimson lights illuminated within the giant shadow behind Paradox's skyscraper.
"Yugi, you said it, didn't you? Your future will be decided by you." Paradox, with a twisted expression, pressed the activate set card button on his Duel Disk. "Then, in turn, my future will also be decided by me! It won't be entrusted to you!"
"I activate the Trap Card, Malefic Paradigm Shift!"
Paradox laughed madly, surrounded by the phantom of the set card he activated. And the black shadow behind him surged up from the ground, engulfing half of Paradox's body!
"When Malefic Paradox Dragon is destroyed, I will halve my Life Points by Tributing my own body!"
"I Special Summon Malefic True Dragon from my Deck!"
[Paradox: 10300 LP → 5150 LP]
Even larger than Malefic Paradox Dragon's body, the figure of Malefic True Dragon emerged from the shadow!
"ROAR!!!"
(end of chapter)