Chapter 621: My Lance Will Pierce the Heavens
Guardian Grarl swung its axe, instantly destroying Dark Magician Girl, who couldn't move, and sending her to the Graveyard. At the same time, Yugi took 1000 battle damage, the difference in ATK.
"Ugh!"
[Yugi: 3800→2800LP]
At the same time, Rafael's voice came, explaining to Yugi what had just happened.
"Using Desert Sunlight to change a monster in Attack Position to Defense Position to avoid damage is a decent move, but unfortunately, with Gravity Axe - Grarl present, your monster cannot change its battle position."
Watching Guardian Grarl return to his Field, Rafael showed it a subtle smile, then looked at Yugi, who had suffered a minor setback, with a serious expression. "Ultimately, that act of tributing monsters to protect yourself is clumsy and poor."
"You cannot imagine the strong bond that connects me and my Guardians."
Yugi frowned at this. Just like the trash talk tactics from before esports became formalized, trash talk is a characteristic of Duel Monsters that must be experienced. Rafael's words made Yugi unable to resist retorting, "What nonsense are you talking about, Rafael? Isn't it natural for a Duelist to trust their servant cards and Deck?"
"No, that's fundamentally different, Nameless Pharaoh." Rafael looked at Yugi, whose face showed an annoyed expression, and shook his head. "If it were you, you would do many things for victory that I cannot accept, but I can tell you beforehand, even if I were to be defeated, I will not use Seal of Orichalcos in this duel to influence my monsters."
"Also, the Set Card in my Spell/Trap Zone is not a destructive card; it is merely a Set Card that can protect monsters at the cost of my Life Points."
To Yugi's surprised gaze, Rafael not only promised not to use Seal of Orichalcos, the card Organization Doma needed to harvest Duelist souls. He even told him what the Set Card in his Spell/Trap Zone was!?
Yugi's face was full of disbelief, and he couldn't help but suspect if Rafael's words were a lie he told to lure him into attacking.
'The Other Me,' Yugi Mutou within the Millennium Puzzle exchanged opinions with Dark Yugi. 'Rafael said the Set Card in his Spell/Trap Zone is a card that protects monsters at the cost of his Life Points, what could that possibly...'
'I don't know either, Aibo, but my duelist's intuition tells me that what Rafael said might indeed be the truth. His gaze is clear and pure, and a True Duelist shouldn't resort to verbal misdirection.'
'Probably, right?' Yugi Mutou recalled the duels with Hayato, where under Hayato's continuous trash talk and nonsense, there were often parts where he had to guess if the five Set Cards in the Spell/Trap Zone included cards like Backup Gardna that activate their effect when destroyed. He responded uncertainly.
Unaware that his Aibo was recalling those duels from the past that felt worse than being in prison, Dark Yugi couldn't understand why Rafael would tell him about the Set Card in his Spell/Trap Zone and chose to ask directly.
"Why, Rafael? Why tell me the Set Card in your Spell/Trap Zone? What benefit is there for you?"
Deep down, Yugi already believed that Rafael wouldn't lie, and that the Set Card in his Spell/Trap Zone was surely some kind of card that protected his monsters at the cost of his Life Points, as he said. But Yugi wanted to understand this action itself.
Hearing Yugi's confusion, Rafael didn't keep him in suspense but spoke very frankly, "Just because of 'fairness', Nameless Pharaoh. Too much of your duel data is exposed before my eyes, while you know very little about me when I'm serious. To make this duel a little more 'fair', I told you what the Set Card in my Spell/Trap Zone is."
"I think a 'fair' duel to the death can allow a person's personality to grow, and acts of murder originating from one's own will without any wickedness can elevate me, who is still immature, to a more sacred realm, approaching new humans."
"While completing Lord Dartz's quests, I am also seeking such growth, because people always have to face some destiny that is difficult to cross, and this sacred realm can only be arrived at through 'training'."
"Therefore, whether it's the 'goal' or the 'means', I will tell you without any concealment, without a trace of lie, Nameless Pharaoh, because this is my method of 'training'."
As he spoke, Rafael looked down at the cards on his Duel Disk, a hint of nostalgia flowing in his gaze. He said as if talking to himself, "Nameless Pharaoh, no, 'Mutou Yuugi', since I knew of your existence, I've had a special feeling about you, because you and I are both favored by spirits and toyed by destiny."
"Toyed by destiny?"
Yugi could understand "favored by spirits". Judging by Rafael's performance, he was also a Spirit User who could see Card Spirits, and the quantity of awakened Card Spirits was definitely more than one or two. Yugi also had several awakened Card Spirits accompanying him. But, what did "toyed by destiny" mean? He didn't understand.
"Once upon a time, I also had a complete family, but on a day of immense joy, a shipwreck occurred. It was too sudden; destiny took everything from me in an instant. Only the Guardian Cards, the gift received from my family, stayed by my side."
As he spoke, Rafael picked up the Backup Gardna and Guardian Grarl Cards from his Duel Disk and showed them to Yugi. His two monsters on the Field, however, didn't disappear when the cards left, confirming Yugi's previous conjecture that there were spirits within those cards.
At the same time, Rafael also showed the card backs of the two cards. Both were completely clean and new card backs; clearly, they had been re-sleeved. Although using worn-out cards, Rafael had the dignity of a Duelist and wouldn't use this to memorize cards.
"I see. Because they were gifts received from your family, that's why you never replaced cards?" Hearing Rafael's explanation, Yugi finally understood why Rafael refused to replace these cards that were already severely worn. After all, even if the replaced cards wouldn't change in effect, what's important is the meaning the cards represent.
Just like the Blue-Eyes White Dragon that Kaiba tore up, the gift of bond between Professor Hopkins and Solomon Muto.
'But, if you want to protect cards, you could also put on card sleeves.' This idea appeared in Yugi Mutou's inner thoughts within the Millennium Puzzle. However, looking at Rafael and Dark Yugi in the atmosphere, he didn't say it out loud to ruin the atmosphere.
Putting the two cards back on the Duel Disk, Rafael continued speaking, "In that joke of destiny, I lost my family, and at the same time understood a principle: that there exists destiny in the World that humans cannot resist no matter what."
"I, who returned from the shipwreck by a miracle, also saw the wickedness of humans from another perspective. It was from that moment that I found a goal, which is to elevate humans to a higher sacred realm, to grow strong enough to resist that kind of misfortune destiny."
"Nameless Pharaoh, why did your soul, which died three thousand years ago, return to This World? Why did my family have to die so unfortunately? This unfair destiny is the target I must resist!"
Fighting spirit ignited within him, Rafael reached out and pointed at Yugi. "We Doma Three Swordsmen pledge allegiance to Lord Dartz. That Individual's goal is to cleanse the humans on the World whose hearts are full of darkness and then reshape new world. The new humans born in that new world will step into a more sacred realm, understand each other and surpass destiny."
"The Legendary Dragon you hold in your hand is an obstruction to Lord Dartz's plan, but at the same time, I also believe you can become the material that promotes my growth, Nameless Pharaoh!"
While showing an excited expression, Rafael put away his smile and said with a disappointed expression, "But, I was wrong, because I found that the present you fundamentally lacks enough will to allow me to achieve growth, because you are merely a 'responder'."
"Even, even though I have revealed everything before you, but Nameless Pharaoh, you still don't have enough will, enough 'pitch-black' will to drive you to actively attack me."
"Change Master Kotetsu to Defense Position. My turn end."
[Rafael: 4000LP, Hand 0]
[Master Kotetsu] [ATK500→DEF500]
[Backup Gardna] [DEF2200]
[Guardian Grarl] (Gravity Axe - Grarl) [ATK3000]
[Set Card]
It was Yugi's turn again. His finger rested on the Deck, about to draw a card. "My turn..."
Although full of presence as always, no one noticed that Yugi's confidence when drawing was slightly less than before.
He really wanted to regard everything Rafael had said from the start of the duel until now as nonsense meant to deceive him, but deep down Yugi knew that everything Rafael had said so far was completely correct.
If the card drawn this turn wasn't a card that destroys back row, without the certainty of creating victory, Yugi would indeed choose the safer option of not attacking but instead accumulate power and wait for the opportunity to counterattack. After all, blindly using power that might be useful later prematurely could very likely result in being powerless later.
In the past, many people had described him in various ways, but Yugi felt that all the evaluations he had received before couldn't compare to the evaluation of "responder" Rafael had given him at this moment.
Just as Dark Yugi's inner thoughts were somewhat shaken, he heard Yugi Mutou's voice: 'The Other Me, believe in yourself.'
'Aibo?'
Yugi Mutou from the Millennium Puzzle appeared as a phantom before Dark Yugi. His face bore a smile: 'The Other Me I know is a very strong person, always standing in front of me helping me block danger, that strength of confidence has always been my role model.'
'Even if everything Rafael said is true, but The Other Me, I still believe in yourself that you are walking on the correct path, there's no need for any change because of this.'
Looking at Yugi Mutou who appeared by his side to cheer him on because of the shaking of his inner thoughts, Dark Yugi's face first froze, then showed a smile. He shook his head and said, "You are, Aibo, you are my role model."
"Compared to my so-called strength of confidence, rather, your gentleness is stronger. It is precisely because of your existence that I can achieve victory time after time."
His line of sight shifted away from Yugi Mutou and looked back at Rafael. Dark Yugi recovered his past confidence. "Thanks to Aibo, I was almost influenced by you, Rafael. From now on, your rhetoric will no longer have any use on me."
"Even if, as you said, I am just a 'responder', but I will also uphold my conviction and defeat you!" Saying this, Yugi drew a card. "My turn, draw a card!"
"Then, activate the Spell Card Polymerization! I will perform Fusion using Dark Magician on my Field and Gaia the Fierce Knight from my Hand!"
From his Hand, Yugi revealed the card he had kept in his Hand from the previous turn. It was none other than Gaia the Fierce Knight, a Normal Monster with 2300 ATK that requires two monsters as Tribute to Summon!
As the duel environment changed, even the quantity of Normal Monsters in Yugi's Deck had significantly decreased. Although Yugi originally possessed the Gaia the Fierce Knight Card, it had long since been replaced with Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight, which has an effect. But this Gaia that appeared in Yugi's Hand at this moment was something he had unexpectedly obtained from Hayato in Conflict Town not long ago.
Although he didn't understand why Hayato would lose this Gaia the Fierce Knight, one of his countless Tamashii, Yugi brought this card with him to Industrial Illusions and at this moment, fused it together with Dark Magician.
"I will defeat you together with Aibo, Rafael, using this Fusion Monster that combines my power and Hayato's!" A Fusion Monster Card appeared in Yugi's Hand, which he slammed onto his Duel Disk. "Combine the magic power and spiral power, and pierce the heavens with the lance!"
"Fusion Summon! Dark Magician Knight!"
The power of Polymerization drew the two monsters into a vortex. A bright red lance extended from the spiral. Dark Magician, riding the Gaia War Horse, appeared with high fighting spirit!
[Dark Magician Knight] [8☆/Dark]
[Magician Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2800/2300]
"Dark Magician Knight has the power to absorb the power of Spell/Trap Cards in Both Fields and Graveyards, increasing its ATK by 100 points for each card," Yugi reached out and pointed at Rafael. "Next, enter battle phase! I use Dark Magician Knight to declare an attack on your Guardian Grarl, Rafael!"
"Dark Magician Knight Spin!"
Chapter 622
On the tip of the lance held by the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin that Yugi had Summoned, a massive flow of Mystical Power began to converge.
Book of Taiyou, Magic Drain, Tribute Doll, Bond Between Teacher and Student, Dark Magic Attack, Desert Sunlight, Fusion, and the three Set Cards on Yugi and Rafael's Spell/Trap Zones combined – a surge of power from each of these Spell and Trap Cards used by both players throughout this Duel flowed into the tip of the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin's lance.
Immediately after, the lance began to spin, and the Mystical Power attached to it also began to spiral. The War Horse galloped wildly, and the golden spiraling power wrapped around the entire body of the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin as it arrived before Guardian Grarl.
Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin [ATK 2800→3800]
"Take this, Rafael!"
"Hraaa!!"
Following Yugi's command, the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin thrust its lance forward, Attacking Guardian Grarl.
Even with the Boost from Gravity Axe - Grarl raising its ATK to the level of Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Guardian Grarl would still not be a match for the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin. If this strike landed successfully, the only possible outcome was its Destruction.
However, just as Yugi expected, Rafael indeed activated the Set Card in his Spell/Trap Zone. What Yugi didn't expect was that after activating the Set Card, Rafael actually charged forward two steps, blocking in front of Guardian Grarl and taking the lance strike for it!
"Ugh!"
Rafael: 4000→200LP
Rafael, Rafael actually ran onto the Duel Field!
And his Life Points, due to that activated Set Card, plummeted sharply to a mere 200 Points, like a flickering candle. What is this?!
"My Trap Card, Memory of an Adversary, activates when your Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin declares an Attack." After being hit by the heavy blow, Rafael, even though this isn't a Shadow Game, couldn't help but feel pain. He paused for a moment, then continued, "I take Damage equal to the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin's ATK Value, and then Banish it from play!"
"Nani?!"
Under Yugi's surprised gaze, a gap suddenly split open in Space, swallowing the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin from his Field within it!
To be honest, Yugi had anticipated Cards like My Body as a Shield or Half Shut, which could protect Cards on Rafael's Field from being Destroyed at the cost of some Life Points. But Yugi hadn't expected that Rafael would use such an Extreme Card as Memory of an Adversary.
Originally, even if the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin's Attack had Destroyed Guardian Grarl, it would have only inflicted a mere 800 Points of Damage to Rafael's Life Points. But Rafael lost an additional 3000 Life Points just to protect Guardian Grarl, and went even further by Banishing the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin from Yugi's Field.
In this way, Rafael had instead regained the Advantage. Not only did he Banish the only Monster on Yugi's Field, but if Yugi remembered correctly, Memory of an Adversary also had a subsequent Effect.
"The Monster banished by Memory of an Adversary will be Special Summoned to my Field after two Turns, which is at the end of your next End Phase (two turns from now)." Rafael's Expression showed a hint of joy, seemingly satisfied with protecting his Monster.
"But before that, you won't have another Turn, Nameless Pharaoh. Although defeating you before you've grown stronger won't help me grow, to prevent you from continuing to be an obstacle to Lord Dartz's Plan, I will wipe out your Life Points next Turn." Rafael said this as he walked back to his original position.
Yugi's brows furrowed upon hearing Rafael's additional explanation.
He had used Aggressive Play to Summon Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin, which successfully resulted in Rafael's Life Points plunging, but the cost was that his only Monster on the Field was also Banished. Furthermore, it would even be Special Summoned to Rafael's Field, essentially being NTR'd, after the end of his next End Phase.
Meanwhile, on his side, he had to block Rafael's next round's Total Attack with a mysterious Trap Card in his Spell/Trap Zone and an empty Front Row, just like his Hand. And even without Master Kotetsu and Backup Gardna participating, Guardian Grarl alone was enough to wipe out Yugi's current 2800 Life Points.
But in this situation, Yugi showed a Smile: "Rafael, you said before that you wouldn't perform the strategy of sending monsters to the Graveyard, Right? Plus, you claimed you wanted a fair duel. So I was thinking, maybe you wouldn't even use strategies that destroy my monsters with effects, just as you don't send your own monsters to the Graveyard."
"The Card in your Spell/Trap Zone isn't a Card like Sakuretsu Armor or Mirror Force, but Memory of an Adversary which Banishes my Monster. Instead, it helped me out! It was all within my calculations!"
While saying this, Yugi pressed the Button on his Duel Disk: "Activate Set Card, Zero Gravity!"
Just as the gap that had Absorbed the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin was about to close, the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin, this big brother on horseback, made one last Struggle. With all its might, it threw out its lance along with the Mystical Power on its body, flying out of the rift.
"The Condition for using the Card Zero Gravity is extremely strict; it can only be Activated when a Face-up Position Monster on my Field is Banished from play. I specifically included this Card in my Deck to counter Infernoid Lilith, which Hayato used and has a troublesome ability to counter monster effects."
"I didn't expect that now it would prove useful in my Duel against you, Rafael."
Yugi's Finger pointed towards all three Monsters on Rafael's Field: "The spiraling power finally released by Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin will continue infinitely. All Monsters on your Field will have all their Power taken as a result. As long as they are Face-up Position, their ATK will all be reduced to Zero!"
Following Yugi's Instruction, the lance thrown out of the rift by the Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin, carrying its spiraling power, landed on the ground, whipping up a whirlwind that distorted the surrounding Aura. Under Rafael's surprised gaze, it actually affected all the Monsters on his Field!?
Master Kotetsu [500/500→0/500]
Backup Gardna [500/2200→0/2200]
Guardian Grarl (Gravity Axe - Grarl) [3000/1000→0/1000→500/1000]
For a moment, Rafael's Monsters completely replicated the scene where Gravity Axe - Grarl previously suppressed the Monsters on Yugi's Field, preventing them from changing their Battle Position. All of them fell to the ground, unable to stand, because their Power was drained. Even Guardian Grarl, whose ATK was as high as 3000 Points just now, only managed to keep 500 ATK at this moment thanks to the Boost provided by the Equip Card Gravity Axe - Grarl.
"My Turn, End."
Seeing that Rafael's Monsters on the Field had temporarily lost their threat, Yugi ended his Turn.
Yugi: 2800LP, Hand 0
Empty Hand and Empty Field, and no Monsters in the Graveyard that could be used. This was a rare occurrence in all of Yugi's Duels so far. And for Rafael, the fact that Yugi could still make a Counter even in the situation just now also exceeded his expectations.
The ATK of all Monsters on the Field was Weakened. To be honest, it's quite easy to deal with; you just need to Draw a Card, a Higher-Level Monster, and Tribute the Monster whose ATK is Zero to easily Break Through. And for Rafael, who is a True Duelist, this is not something impossible; his Deck indeed contains Higher-Level Monsters.
However, even if he drew a Higher-Level Monster, Rafael wouldn't use the Monsters on his Field as Tributes to perform a Tribute Summon. That completely violates his personal Principle. All Monsters Rafael possesses are important Family in his eyes. How could anyone Sacrifice their Family?
"My Turn, Draw." He Drew a Card, it was a Trap Card. Rafael Set it directly and adjusted the placement of the Monster Cards on his Duel Disk. "Set a Card. I change Guardian Grarl to Defense Position. End Turn."
Rafael: 200LP, Hand 0
Guardian Grarl (Gravity Axe - Grarl) [ATK 500→DEF 1000]
Backup Gardna [DEF 2200]
Master Kotetsu [DEF 500]
[Set Card]
Currently, Rafael's Life Points are only 200 Points. Although he is willing to give up Life Points to Protect Monsters, he also knows how to conserve Power. Compared to Attacking with Guardian Grarl just now and dealing a mere 500 Points of Damage that wouldn't bother Yugi, Rafael chose to wait.
Besides, although Rafael's Life Points are lower, Stalling for Time is advantageous for Rafael. Keep in mind that the Effect of Memory of an Adversary will take Effect at the end of Yugi's next End Phase. At that time, Yugi's Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin will appear on Rafael's Field.
It's not Rafael who should be anxious, but Yugi.
And Yugi clearly also saw Rafael's Plan. Frowning, he Drew a Card: "My Turn, Draw."
But when Yugi saw what Card he drew, while slightly surprised, he couldn't help but show a Smile: "I didn't expect it to be this Card! After Gaia the Fierce Knight, is it you?"
Playing the drawn Card without hesitation, Yugi looked at Rafael and said seriously: "Rafael, although I don't know exactly what you did to Hayato, even now, I still believe he is my Partner and Friend, because his Power has always been with me."
"Witness the other Power Hayato granted me, after Gaia the Fierce Knight!"
"Spell Card, Fusion Conscription!"
As the Card was inserted into the Spell & Trap Zone, an arcane Mirror Surface rose before Yugi. Complex runes were carved around the mirror, and in the mirror appeared the images of the Monsters in Yugi's Graveyard.
Gaia the Fierce Knight, Dark Magician Girl, Dark Magician, Magician's Rod.
Yugi's Finger reached out and pointed at the Mirror Surface, selecting Dark Magician Girl and Dark Magician. The two Monster Cards were expelled from Yugi's Graveyard and flew into the mirror.
"Harmonious Magical Resonance, Double Strongest Spellcaster, Teacher and Student Working Together appear!"
"Fusion Summon! Master Magician - The Dark Magicians!"
As Yugi finished speaking, the magic mirror in front of him shattered violently. Amidst the shattering and scattering mirror fragments, the figures of two Monsters manifested. Dark Magician, which previously became Supermagic Swordsman - Black Paladin's Fusion Material, and Dark Magician Girl, which was Destroyed by Guardian Grarl, this Master and Disciple pair stood together, glaring menacingly at the Monsters on Rafael's Field.
However, although no matter how you look at it, they just look like two Monsters standing together, what's before me is indeed one Monster.
Master Magician - The Dark Magicians [8☆/Dark]
[Spellcaster Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2800/2300]
"Without any Monsters on the Field, he actually Summoned a Fusion Monster?" Seeing Master Magician - The Dark Magicians appear, Rafael frowned, "Did he use Hayato Kobayashi's Fusion Conscription to Banish Dark Magician Girl and Dark Magician from his Graveyard as Fusion Material?"
"That's right. This is another Proof of the Bond between me and Hayato. This time, will you still pay Life Points to Protect Monsters, Rafael?" Yugi reached out and pointed at Guardian Grarl on Rafael's Field: "Go, Master Magician - The Dark Magicians!"
"Enter Battle Phase, and then Declare Attack on Guardian Grarl!"
"Dark Burning Magic!"
Yugi thought that this time, Rafael surely wouldn't use his Life Points as a cost to Protect Monsters again. Even if he had a second Memory of an Adversary, with his current Life Points, he also couldn't withstand the Damage equal to Master Magician - The Dark Magicians' ATK Value.
Even if all Monsters on Rafael's Field are in Defense Position and cannot effectively Inflict Damage, it can at least reduce the number of Monsters on Rafael's Field, gradually Expand Advantage.
As for what that Set Card in the Spell/Trap Zone is, Yugi didn't try to guess. This is his Dueling Style, using Beatdown instead of Defense. No matter what that Set Card is, Yugi just needs to believe in his own monsters and attack.
However, it's precisely because of Yugi's Personality like this that Rafael believes he cannot defeat him. Yugi, as the Responder, if he used Aggressive Play, he could indeed achieve perfect Defense through Beatdown Suppression. But precisely because Yugi was a step slow, his Duel gained a gap.
And at this moment, Rafael finally waited for that gap—if he wasn't mistaken, both Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl are Monsters with Card Spirits that Yugi highly values.
And if he were to take these two Monsters away from Yugi right in front of him, he would surely be able to find a gap in Yugi's Heart from the Flaw revealed in his Duel, and thus execute the more important next step of his Plan.
"I activate the Set Card in my Spell/Trap Zone, Crystal Seal!"
End of Chapter
## Chapter 623: Crystal of Sealing
"Activate Trap Card, [Crystal Seal]!"
As Rafael flipped his Set Card, an enormous amount of translucent crystal suddenly surged from the Ground, rolling and clustering like waves on the Sea Surface, forming a large wave that stood before Rafael and crashed towards [The Dark Magicians]!
Because of Yugi's order, [Dark Magician] and [Dark Magician Girl] had just finished preparing their Attack and were about to swing their Staffs, but the crystals that instantly proliferated before their eyes immediately occupied everything in their line of sight, making it impossible to find an Attack Target.
"What is that!?"
Yugi looked at the Crystal Prison constructed by the proliferating crystals in an instant, asking in confusion. Rafael answered his confusion: "Continuous Trap Card [Crystal Seal]. A Monster targeted by this Card cannot Attack, let alone be Tributed. It cannot even activate its Effect or be targeted for Attacks."
Rafael looked at [The Dark Magicians], who were gradually being forced into an immovable corner by the crystals proliferating inside the Crystal Prison, and said, "Just watch as your cherished Monster is turned into a powerless Sculpture, Nameless Pharaoh."
Yugi frowned and waved his hand, ordered: "Not so fast. I Chain to [Crystal Seal] and activate the Effect of [The Dark Magicians]. Once per turn, when a Spell/Trap Card's Effect is activated, I can draw a Card from my Deck, and if it's a Spell/Trap Card, I can immediately Set it in my Spell/Trap Zone."
As he spoke, [Dark Magician], who was about to be completely Sealed within the crystal, desperately held up a Barrier to delay the crystal's advance, while [Dark Magician Girl] cooperated with her Master to unfold a Magic Circle, taking out a cluster of mystical power and transferring it into Yugi's Hand.
Yugi concentrated his will, focusing intently and calling for his Deck to respond to him. As long as the Card he drew was a Quick-Play Spell Card or a Trap Card, the Card Set by this Effect could be activated in the turn it was Set.
This was the first time Yugi had seen the Card [Crystal Seal], but the dark power entwined around the Card immediately reminded Yugi of the aura he felt when he first saw the three Legendary Dragon Statues in the Spirit World.
At that time, the three Legendary Dragons were all slumbering within crystal Statues. Their appearance was exactly the same as the crystal that was about to Seal his [The Dark Magicians] before him.
Yugi didn't want to lose his important Card Spirit.
However, just as Yugi was about to draw a Card, Rafael suddenly spoke: "Let me guess, Nameless Pharaoh, you're not thinking 'If I draw a Card like [Mystical Space Typhoon], I can Destroy [Crystal Seal] and reclaim my Monster', are you?"
"Muda da, [Crystal Seal] will not Leave the Field due to Card Effects other than its own Effect. The only way to Destroy it is by its own Effect."
"Nani?" Yugi's brow furrowed. "What kind of cheating Effect is that? Resistance to other Card Effects besides its own is too annoying."
Because he knew about the annoying resistance of [Crystal Seal], even though Rafael spoke like a Riddler, only saying half of it and not revealing what the "own Effect" that could Destroy [Crystal Seal] actually was, Yugi at least knew that Cards like [Mystical Space Typhoon] probably couldn't Destroy that Card.
Therefore, changing his previous inner thoughts of wishing to his Deck "Can I get a [Mystical Space Typhoon], please?", Yugi now instead began to pray that he wouldn't draw a [Mystical Space Typhoon] that was temporarily useless.
That's Yugi for you; his Deck was quite obedient to him and didn't mind his lightning-fast change of mind. Because of [The Dark Magicians]' Effect, the Card Yugi drew was a divine artifact for Card Draw — Normal Spell Card [Graceful Charity].
The Spell/Trap Card drawn by [The Dark Magicians]' Effect wasn't required to be Set in the Spell/Trap Zone, but rather "can be Set on your Field". Yugi didn't Set the [Graceful Charity] he drew, but kept it in his Hand.
Following that, the chain of Effects that occurred earlier continued to resolve in order. Yugi could only watch as [The Dark Magicians] were completely trapped by the crystal, unable to move. The eyes of the Master and Disciple lost their luster, and the last expression that remained was a gaze filled with concern directed towards Yugi.
And it wasn't until this moment that Yugi suddenly discovered an unexpected situation —
He had thought that even if [Crystal Seal] was some kind of trouble Card, it was merely similar to Cards like [Fiend's Chain], only restricting his Monster, and wouldn't have any influence on the Card Spirit.
But at the instant the crystal completely solidified, a feeling of unease suddenly surged in Yugi's inner thoughts. He couldn't help but reach into his pocket, feeling for the two Cards, [Dark Magician Girl] and [Dark Magician], which had previously been banished by [Fusion Conscription].
The feeling was wrong!
It wasn't that the feel of the Cards had changed. The two Cards Yugi took out still had a smooth feel. For Yugi, whose Grandpa ran a Card Shop, basic maintenance of Cards to prevent wear and tear was a fundamental skill, as well-protected Cards could be sold for a high price.
The difference Yugi felt was that he couldn't feel the existence of the Spirits within the Cards the way he used to, at the instant he touched them, as easily as breathing.
The Cards were still the original Cards, but at this moment, they only gave him an empty feeling.
The Card Spirits of [Dark Magician] and [Dark Magician Girl] were truly Sealed away by Rafael's [Crystal Seal]!
"[Dark Magician]."
"[Dark Magician Girl]."
Watching Yugi stare blankly at [The Dark Magicians] Sealed within the crystal, Rafael folded his arms across his chest and thought composedly: 'Nameless Pharaoh, I told you, you and I are both people toyed with by Destiny and favored by Spirits.'
'Precisely because of our similarities, I can put myself in your shoes and know how to stimulate your heart to reveal a flaw, understanding it perfectly. That is, the time when your important, cherished Spirits are taken away from you.'
'Although there's a slight gap in our ideas – I cannot even accept a Monster being sent to the Graveyard, while you, influenced by Hayato Kobayashi, believe it's acceptable for Spirits to sacrifice their power for your Victory – if an important Spirit disappears from your side, even you will reveal a fatal flaw in your heart!'
'Now, I will strike while you are vulnerable!'
Thinking this, Rafael's gaze suddenly became sharp. Staring directly at the dazed Yugi, his aura was aggressive and imposing. Someone who didn't know might think Yugi was the one with only 200 Life Points remaining.
Taking his line of sight off [The Dark Magicians], Yugi put away the two Cards, [Dark Magician] and [Dark Magician Girl], and glared at Rafael with cold eyes: "What exactly did you do to my Cards, Rafael!"
"Forget it, I don't need you to give me an answer. From the moment you took away my important Cards, I have made up my mind, Rafael. That is, I must defeat you in this Duel!"
"End my Battle Phase, then activate this Card, [Graceful Charity]!"
"Both Players replenish their Hands until they have six Cards. Since my Hand is 0, I draw six Cards from my Deck!" Inserting [Graceful Charity] into his Duel Disk, Yugi drew six Cards in one go. Then, his eye fell upon a 5☆ Monster — [Catapult Turtle], which could reduce the Opponent's Life Points by Tributing a Monster.
Because it was a Level 5 Monster, even though Yugi hadn't performed a Normal Summon this turn, with his only [The Dark Magicians] Sealed by [Crystal Seal], Yugi couldn't Summon [Catapult Turtle] to the Field anytime soon, which could bypass Rafael's Monsters on the Field and reduce his flickering candle-like Life Points.
"It is indeed time to replenish my hand. Since my Hand is also 0, I can also draw six Cards." Rafael watched Yugi draw cards calmly, not worried at all whether Yugi would draw Cards that could inflict damage outside of the Battle Phase from this Draw.
Seeing that Rafael still had a calm and collected attitude, Yugi annoyedly searched for a way to defeat Rafael in his Hand. But unfortunately, although as a True Duelist, Yugi could often get a response from his Deck, this time his Deck's response was slightly weaker, and he didn't draw many powerful Cards for board clear.
"I haven't performed a Normal Summon this turn yet. From my Hand, I Normal Summon [Spirit Swordsman of Tippani] in Attack Position, and equip it with the Equip Spell Card [Hilt Strike]."
Summoning the "cannon fodder swordsman" in Attack Position to the Field, Yugi equipped an Equip Spell Card onto him. [Spirit Swordsman of Tippani], who was originally holding the sword hilt and crouching defensively, made a strange gesture. Instead of continuing to hold the hilt, he gripped the sword tip with the hilt pointing forward.
[Spirit Swordsman of Tippani][Level 4/EARTH]
[Warrior Type/Effect]
[1400/1200]
[Hilt Strike] is an Equip Spell Card that can only be equipped to a Normal Summoned Monster. It can grant [Spirit Swordsman of Tippani] immunity to the Effects activated by Special Summoned Monsters on the Opponent's Field, as well as the ability to decrease [Spirit Swordsman of Tippani]'s original Attack/DEF when battling a Special Summoned Monster.
Combined with [Spirit Swordsman of Tippani]'s own ability "cannot be destroyed by battle by a Monster with 1900 or more ATK", its field presence ability is quite strong. It should have no problem surviving until the next turn. By then, Yugi can also Tribute it to Summon [Catapult Turtle] and shoot Rafael fiercely in the face (literally) to get revenge.
"Then, I activate Spell Card [Burial from a Different Dimension]. Select up to three banished Monsters from both Players and return them to the Graveyard."
Playing another Card, Yugi took out three Cards from his pocket. "The ones I select are my banished [Dark Magician], [Dark Magician Girl], and [Dark Cavalry]. I return them to my Graveyard."
Seeing Yugi send the banished Monsters to the Graveyard, Rafael raised an eyebrow: "Returning the banished [Dark Cavalry] to the Graveyard to avoid the Effect of [Memory of a Good Opponent]? But you've sent your own Monsters to the Graveyard again, Nameless Pharaoh."
"It is precisely because you repeatedly sacrifice your own Monsters that your Card Spirits will leave you."
"HA☆NA☆SE!"
Yugi's anger in his heart hadn't subsided, and being stimulated by Rafael like this made him even more annoyed. He glanced at a Card in his Hand and wanted to play it to counterattack Rafael.
'Wait, The Other Me!'
Yugi Mutou inside the [Millennium Puzzle] could empathize with the wrath that Dark Yugi felt at this moment because the Card Spirits had left his side. He looked at the angry Dark Yugi, guessing his plan at this moment. 'Calm down, The Other Me, stay composed!'
'Now is not the time to activate that Card!'
'Aibo'
Although he usually has a good personality, Dark Yugi has never been an easy person to persuade. His personal will is actually very firm and difficult to shake. Once he makes a certain decision to do something, basically no one can change his will.
Even if the person trying to dissuade the angry Dark Yugi at this moment were his everyday friends like Joey Wheeler, Tristan, and Téa, they would probably only get a ruthless "HA☆NA☆SE" from him.
However, only Yugi Mutou is the person outside of "basically". Having a unique status in Dark Yugi's heart, he is the only person who can persuade Dark Yugi. This isn't some low-level lovey-dovey relationship; Yugi Mutou and Dark Yugi can be said to be the most important soul companions in each other's lives.
Although Rafael's actions regarding the Card Spirits of [Dark Magician] and [Dark Magician Girl] made Dark Yugi unable to bear the anger at this moment, Yugi Mutou's words successfully made him regain some composure.
'I understand, Aibo, thanks to you for helping me calm down.'
'Now is indeed not the time to activate this Card.' Glancing at that crystal Statue on his Field, Yugi took a deep breath and calmed his mood. 'Wait a little bit, [Dark Magician], [Dark Magician Girl]. It won't be too long. Wait and hope.'
Putting the Card he was holding in his right Hand, which he almost inserted into the Duel Disk, back into his left Hand, Yugi took a deep breath and declared: "I Set one Card in my Spell/Trap Zone. My Turn, End."
[Yugi: 2800LP, Hand 2]
[The Dark Magicians] (Crystal Seal)[ATK 2800]
[Spirit Swordsman of Tippani] (Hilt Strike)[ATK 1400]
[Set Card]
"My Turn," Rafael said, looking at the [Spirit Swordsman of Tippani] Summoned onto Yugi's Field. He drew a Card. "Draw!"
Seeing the Field Spell Card he drew, Rafael's eyes slightly narrowed.
He had completed all the preparatory work for the plan he intended to implement from the start of the Duel. So, Nameless Pharaoh, can you resist the darkness in your heart and not sink into it?
"Thanks to the replenishment of his hand by the card Card of Demise, Yugi didn't have to awkwardly end his turn with an empty field after Magician of Black Chaos MAX was sealed. Instead, he completed a basic defensive setup on his field and returned Dark Cavalry, which had been banished by A Rival Appears! earlier, to prevent Rafael from utilizing it.
However, in contrast, Yugi, who was now fully prepared, also had to face Rafael's fierce offensive after he replenished his hand resources. One should know that after Rafael's Draw Phase, his hand size had reached a full seven cards.
The stronger a Duelist is, the more ability they have to convert the card resources in their hand into actual combat power. Not everyone is like Dark Marik at that time, holding an infinite hand just to increase the ATK of Slifer the Sky Dragon.
At the same time, stronger Duelists are also more efficient at resource conversion. After a powerful Duelist completes a perfect field setup in one turn, their hand size might even increase instead of decrease. Weaker Duelists, on the other hand, can only perform a huge loss five-for-one with a Polymerization and De-Fusion combo.
Yugi could anticipate the kind of offensive Rafael would launch next.
"Activate Equip Spell Card Meteor Flare Bow, and equip it to Backup Gardna on my field."
After inserting an Equip Spell Card into his Duel Disk, Rafael played another monster card under Yugi's unsurprised gaze. "Then, only when Meteor Flare Bow is on the field, I can Normal Summon Guardian Ceal from my hand, and with Backup Gardna's effect, transfer Meteor Flare Bow."
Following Backup Gardna and Guardian Grarl, Rafael summoned a third Guardian monster. An empty spot on the ground cracked open, and lava surged up. From within the mass of rising lava emerged a wolf-headed warrior clad in armor, holding a bow and arrow set the same color as the lava.
[Guardian Ceal] [Level 4/FIRE]
[Pyro Type/Effect]
[1700/1400 → 700/1400]
Yugi noticed something. When Guardian Ceal picked up the bow and arrow Meteor Flare Bow, its originally decent ATK decreased by a full 1000 points. This happened after Backup Gardna transferred the weapon, meaning it wasn't its own effect, but the effect of that Meteor Flare Bow.
An Equip Spell Card that decreases a monster's ATK instead of increasing it. Sometimes, cards that defy common sense are the most tricky, making it hard for Yugi not to notice.
Rafael had no intention of hiding anything. Looking at Yugi, he said frankly, "Meteor Flare Bow, as an Equip Spell Card, doesn't increase the equipped monster's ATK. Instead, it decreases the equipped monster's ATK by 1000 points. However, in exchange, it will grant Guardian Ceal the ability to bypass the monsters on your field and declare a Direct Attack."
'Does he want to bypass Spirit Swordsman and declare a Direct Attack on me?' Yugi raised an eyebrow but didn't take it to heart, because the card he had set in his Spell/Trap Zone was the Continuous Trap Card Soul Drain, which has the effect that as long as a monster exists on his field, his Life Points will not take damage from battle.
On the surface, Spirit Swordsman seemed like Yugi's barrier for defense, but actually, Soul Drain was the true barrier. Spirit Swordsman is just a target used to attract firepower. It was also because of Soul Drain's existence that Yugi was so bold as to keep Spirit Swordsman in Attack Position.
If Spirit Swordsman could survive until Yugi's next turn, he could Tribute it to Summon Catapult Turtle and finish off Rafael in one go. But even if it was destroyed, it wouldn't matter. Although Magician of Black Chaos MAX was sealed, it was still a monster on Yugi's field and could also be used to maintain Soul Drain's effect.
Although this duel, where Spirit Swordsman's destiny would be cannon fodder no matter what, might make Rafael angry, Yugi wouldn't bother with his emotions at this moment. From the instant he sealed Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl, Yugi had abandoned the idea of respecting his opponent in the duel.
Rafael didn't know Yugi's plan, but that didn't hinder him from continuing to play cards.
"I activate this Spell Card, Nightmare Chains. This card can only be activated by targeting one monster on the opponent's field. I select Spirit Swordsman on your field, Nameless Pharaoh."
Along with the card Rafael played, large chains appeared on Yugi's field, rising from beneath Spirit Swordsman's feet and binding it tightly in just an instant.
"What is this?!"
Yugi watched in surprise as his monster was "shackled" again in an instant. He suddenly felt that Rafael might have a lot of common ground with Marik, because this wasn't the first time Rafael had played "Binding Play" or "Shackles Play" on Yugi's monsters since the start of this duel until now. And by coincidence, Marik's Deck also had plenty of cards like Torture Wheel and others.
Furthermore, Rafael doesn't like to send his monsters to the Graveyard, and Marik is actually the same. It's not just the continuously reviving Revival Jam; his favorite Lava Golem was always sent to the safest place, the opponent's field.
"Nightmare Chains can decrease the selected monster's ATK by 800 points, and then this power will be converted into 800 of my Life Points." Rafael watched the Life Points number on his Duel Disk increase and explained, "And the monster selected by Nightmare Chains cannot be Tributed and its effect is negated."
[Spirit Swordsman] [ATK 1400 → 600]
[Rafael: 200 → 1000 LP]
"Tsk, it can't be Tributed?" Hearing this, Yugi couldn't help but glance at Catapult Turtle in his hand and frowned. Rafael recovering Life Points was secondary, but Spirit Swordsman not being able to be Tributed was a bit of trouble.
Now, Spirit Swordsman, without the effect "cannot be battle destroyed by a monster with 1900 or more ATK," is just a target with 600 ATK, even with the boost from Hilt Strike. A monster with 2000 or more ATK can destroy it.
It seems like the Catapult Turtle strategy cannot be implemented. Next turn, he would have to find other ways to win.
Just as Yugi was prepared to activate Soul Drain when Rafael attacked, he saw Rafael set two cards in his Spell/Trap Zone, going against the normal duel flow.
Strange, too strange.
Yugi doesn't know why Rafael would set two cards in his Spell/Trap Zone. Could it be that he planned to skip the Battle Phase and end his turn directly? Setting cards before the Battle Phase is just like playing too much DL and not being able to change the habit in MD.
Rafael's Spell/Trap Zone was full of cards, leaving only one gap. After keeping only the last card in his hand, Rafael drew another card, filling the last slot on his Duel Disk. "Are you confused about why I set my hand before the Battle Phase, Nameless Pharaoh?"
"The card I'm about to activate now is the answer you seek."
"I told you I would make you realize in this duel that 'Will' is a better standard for distinguishing people than 'Good and Evil'. Get ready to welcome your destiny card, Nameless Pharaoh!"
"I activate the Spell Card Card Destruction!"
As Rafael's words fell, he actually flipped his hand, revealing that last card in his hand for Yugi to see!?
The card that appeared in Yugi's line of sight was none other than The Seal of Orichalcos!
"Card Destruction's effect is that both players reveal their hands, and each selects one card from the opponent's hand to add to their own hand. Since I only have one card in my hand, accept it, Nameless Pharaoh."
Without hesitation, he threw the card in his hand. The Seal of Orichalcos card crossed both players' fields and was caught by Yugi.
"Rafael, you...!" Catching the Seal of Orichalcos card, Yugi was surprised and uncertain. It wasn't the first time he had obtained the Seal of Orichalcos card, but getting a usable Seal of Orichalcos card in a duel that hadn't sealed any souls yet was unprecedented, and it had never appeared in Yugi's imagination previously.
"I told you, didn't I, Nameless Pharaoh? In this duel, I won't let my monsters go to the Graveyard, and I won't activate the Seal of Orichalcos card either. By putting this card into your hand, you should believe me now, right?" Rafael said calmly. "Furthermore, I remember the 'Orichalcos Fragment' Grimo had is in your hand, right? That means you can also activate that card, and it won't be a bricked hand."
"Now, it's your turn to reveal your hand."
Hearing Rafael's words, although Yugi hadn't recovered from the shock of receiving the Seal of Orichalcos card, he still flipped the two cards in his hand and revealed them to Rafael.
"Catapult Turtle, and Soul Release, huh?" After seeing the two cards Yugi revealed from his hand, Rafael understood what Yugi's plan just had been.
As long as Spirit Swordsman could safely survive until Yugi's next turn, he could Tribute it to Summon Catapult Turtle, and then use Catapult Turtle to Tribute itself to inflict Effect Damage on Rafael and reduce his Life Points to 0.
Soul Release was likely the card Yugi just had wanted to use for retaliation against Rafael but held back at the last moment. It has the ability to directly destroy one monster on the opponent's field, but it allows the opponent to recover 1000 Life Points.
Because Rafael sealed Magician of Black Chaos MAX, Yugi wanted to use this card as retaliation to destroy a monster Rafael values and inflict mutual damage. However, the stakes of doing so would be Rafael's Life Points recovering to 1200 points at that point, exceeding the Catapult Turtle strategy's lethal range. Therefore, Yugi Mutou persuaded Dark Yugi to stop.
However, at this moment, Rafael's Life Points had already recovered to 1000 points due to Nightmare Chains. The situation had also undergone some change compared to the last turn.
Rationally speaking, Rafael should take the relatively greater threat, Catapult Turtle, to avoid his still low Life Points being threatened and receiving a finishing blow. Even Yugi thought so and had already begun to think if there were any other cards in his Deck that could be useful after losing Catapult Turtle.
However, what Yugi hadn't expected was that after discovering Yugi actually had Soul Release, which could directly destroy a monster on his field, Rafael selected it without hesitation. "Then, I select Soul Release to add to my hand."
"Hmm?" Yugi was slightly surprised, but he also remembered Rafael repeatedly saying he "won't let monsters be sent to the Graveyard." Knowing the reason he selected Soul Release, he drew the card from his hand and threw it towards Rafael, who caught it.
After receiving the Soul Release card, it seemed like Rafael had no intention of activating it. Instead, he held it in his hand and pressed the activate Set Card button. "Spell Card Graceful Charity! I draw three cards from my Deck, then discard two cards from my hand."
After drawing three cards, Rafael sent one card to the Graveyard without hesitation. Soul Release was returned to Yugi for him to send to the Graveyard. Then, with a wave of his hand, he declared, "Now, enter my Battle Phase."
"Guardian Ceal declares a Direct Attack on the Nameless Pharaoh!"
"Steadfast Arrow!"
Watching the arrow shoot out from the bow, pass over Magician of Black Chaos MAX sealed by Crystal and Spirit Swordsman bound by chains, and fly towards him, Yugi calmly pressed the button. "Chain Attack Declaration! I activate Set Card Soul Drain!"
"As long as a monster exists on my field, battle damage to me becomes 0!"
As the Set Card was activated, Yugi's figure in Rafael's eyes instantly became illusory and hazy, as if something was separating the two of them. The arrow shot by Guardian Ceal also passed through Yugi's body, causing no damage.
[Yugi: 2800 → 2800 LP]
"A card that uses a monster as a barrier, huh?" The attack failed to have any effect, but Rafael didn't seem to care much. He said very simply, "In that case, I end the Battle Phase."
"Then, set a card. My turn ends."
Simply ending his turn like that, Rafael's behavior at this moment made Yugi feel a bit strange, because it was completely different from the feeling the duel gave him previously. At this moment, Rafael was like a fisherman who had already cast his line and was simply waiting for a bite.
[Rafael: 1000 LP, Hand 1]
[Guardian Ceal] (Meteor Flare Bow) [ATK 700]
[Guardian Grarl] (Gravity Axe - Grarl) [DEF 1000]
[Backup Gardna] [DEF 2200]
[Master Kotetsu] [DEF 500]
[Set Card] X2 [Crystal Seal]
Just before Yugi was about to start his turn, Rafael, who had just ended his turn, abruptly said, "Destroying Crystal Seal is actually very simple. No matter how sturdy the crystal is, it will crack when it expands inside."
"Therefore, when the ATK of the monster sealed by Crystal Seal increases, Crystal Seal will automatically destroy itself."
"What?" Yugi, whose finger was on the Duel Disk preparing to draw a card, didn't understand Rafael's meaning at first. But the instant he looked down, he couldn't help but show a surprised expression. "Wait a minute, this is!"
He suddenly remembered that The Seal of Orichalcos, which Rafael had given him in his hand, had the effect of increasing the ATK of all his monsters by 500 points!
# Chapter 625: Pitch-Black Will
"My Turn, Draw a Card." With a strange feeling, Yugi drew a Card from his Deck.
Flipping the Card over, he saw it was the "Legendary Dragon" Card, The Eye of Timaeus.
Although The Eye of Timaeus was an extremely powerful Card, and Super Magical Knight - Red-Eyes Dragoon, which could be Summoned directly by skipping the Fusion Material requirement with its Effect, was so strong it felt like cheating, it had come at the worst possible time.
While Yugi had two Monsters on his Field, both Spirit Swordsman of Tippani and The Dark Magicians were essentially useless due to Rafael's Card's Influence. The Eye of Timaeus was completely useless in this situation; it was just a Brick.
Of the three Cards in his Hand, The Eye of Timaeus was a Brick and couldn't be Used, and Catapult Turtle was a Level 5 Monster that couldn't be Tribute Summoned without a Tribute, so it was stuck in his hand. Although he wouldn't take any Damage for a while thanks to Soul Shield, continuing to sit back and wait was absolutely unacceptable.
There was a way to resolve the current predicament.
"Nameless Pharaoh, here I will reiterate my understanding: In this World, 'Will' is a characteristic that distinguishes people more than 'Good and Evil'," Rafael said conversationally while Yugi was thinking, his empty right hand resting on his chest.
"Subjectively defined 'Good and Evil' will also change due to subjective thought. Different stances will also lead to changes in 'Good and Evil'. Only 'Will' is a characteristic in a person that won't change because of external objects."
"Everyone has a slumbering darkness in their heart, even you, Nameless Pharaoh. The manifestation of this darkness when it appears is 'Hunger/Thirst'—a 'Hunger/Thirst' for achieving one's goal, for which one is willing to pay any price. This is 'Pitch-Black Will'."
"In this Duel, I have seen your growth. From your gaze, I saw that 'Hunger/Thirst', Nameless Pharaoh!"
Rafael's line of sight met Yugi's. Whether it was an illusion or not, Yugi vaguely saw flickering black flames in Rafael's gaze.
"No, that's not right! I've never relied on the darkness in my heart!" Yugi argued. "I'm different from you people from Doma; I won't fall into darkness!"
Rafael merely curved his lips calmly. "Then try to prove yourself, Nameless Pharaoh, prove that the light in your heart won't be absorbed by darkness."
"If the User's heart is weak, the Seal of Orichalcos will absorb them into inner darkness, making them a slave to power. But a Duelist like you should be able to use it. Since you deny inner darkness, try using that Card."
Hearing Rafael's words, Yugi couldn't help but look at his last Card in Hand, the Seal of Orichalcos that Rafael had exchanged with him just now using the Effect of Card Exchange.
Even without activating this Card, just holding it in his Hand, Yugi could feel an invisible power continuously spreading outwards from the Card, subtly filling the Space around him. The Orichalcos Fragment pendant he had taken from Grimo, which was in his pocket, emitted a faint but clear vibration.
Crystal Seal is unaffected by other Card Effects; Effects other than its own cannot dispel it.
The way to dispel the Crystal Seal is to increase the ATK of The Dark Magicians.
And this Seal of Orichalcos in my Hand has the ability to increase a Monster's ATK.
As long as he activates the Seal of Orichalcos, The Dark Magicians' ATK will be increased, and Crystal Seal will be destroyed as a result, resolving the current predicament.
As long as he activates the Seal of Orichalcos...
The radiance of the Orichalcos Fragment in Yugi's pocket became increasingly brighter unnoticed, and Yugi's thoughts couldn't help but gravitate towards "activating the Seal of Orichalcos".
Gradually, he raised his right hand, about to reach for the Seal of Orichalcos.
Just then, a voice suddenly rang out, sharply jolting Yugi's will back: "The Other Me!"
"A-Aibo?"
Dark Yugi's mind trembled as he suddenly realized he had just entertained the thought of "using the Seal of Orichalcos". He looked towards the phantom of Yugi Mutou who had appeared beside him with a worried look.
"You can't use that Card, The Other Me." He wasn't sure if it was an illusion, but after receiving the Seal of Orichalcos Card from Rafael, the brilliant gold of the Millennium Puzzle had slightly dimmed, and along with it, Yugi Mutou's figure had become much more translucent. "You felt it, didn't you? This Card carries evil power."
"Yes, I understand, Aibo. Even without using this Card."
Listening to Yugi Mutou's words, Dark Yugi reconsidered. Although he still had the idea of activating this Card, he had recovered some composure and wasn't led astray by Rafael's words from before. After a brief thought, he lowered his raised Duel Disk: "My Turn, End."
[Mutou Yuugi: 2800LP, Hand 3]
[The Dark Magicians] (Crystal Seal) [ATK2800]
[Spirit Swordsman of Tippani] (Hilt Strike) [ATK600]
[Soul Shield]
Rafael frowned, looking at Yugi who had ended his Turn without performing any operation. "Aren't you going to activate the power of the Seal of Orichalcos, Nameless Pharaoh?"
"I will defeat you, Rafael, to take back Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl, and to fulfill the promise of saving the World," Yugi said seriously. "But it will be through the joint effort between me and my Deck! I don't need the power of the Seal of Orichalcos!"
"Is that so..."
Although Yugi spoke with a very determined look, Rafael still noticed his conflicted gaze when he occasionally looked at the Seal of Orichalcos.
Just as Hayato once said to Rafael, the higher one stands, the less they want to descend. Dark Yugi is a strong-willed person. With the idea in his heart that he doesn't want to lose, how could he easily give up on victory when he knows there's a path to victory?
Rafael's goal is already very close to being achieved. Next, let me give him another push.
"My Turn, Draw a Card." Drawing a Card from his Deck, Rafael played the drawn Card directly. "I activate Continuous Spell Card, Magic of the Pure Graveyard."
end of chapter
trasnlter : if there any proplem tell me so i can fix it will not know if you donet tell me