Chapter 636: Strong and Powerful, Indeed!
"I'll take the first turn," Rafael said, drawing a card. He then immediately activated the card he drew. "Activate Continuous Spell Card, Graceful Charity! I must discard five cards from my hand to activate this card. I draw two cards from my deck."
Bringing the cards spread out in his hand together, Rafael surprisingly sent all of them to the graveyard, then drew two cards from his deck.
"It cost six cards in total just to exchange for two cards? That card effect is too confusing!" Joey Wheeler, watching the duel between Rafael and Alister, couldn't help but rant.
Rafael glanced at Joey Wheeler and explained, "Are you asking why I didn't use the useful Pot of Greed, Katsuya Jounouchi? The answer is, Graceful Charity is a Continuous Spell Card. As long as it exists on my field, the number of cards I draw during the Draw Phase of each subsequent turn will become two."
"Although it's a very costly card in the short term, in the long term, it's equivalent to activating a Pot of Greed every turn. It seems you intend to stall as much as possible, Rafael." Alister knew the effect of Graceful Charity and said calmly, "However, I won't let you have your way."
"Is that so? But as long as I stand here, I won't let you interfere with Lord Dartz's plan. If you want to advance, try to defeat me, Alister." Rafael set both cards in his hand in his Spell/Trap Zone and said, "Then I set two cards from my hand and End Turn."
[Rafael: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
Graceful Charity [Set Card] X2
"He End Turn without summoning a monster?" Kaiba looked at Rafael's field and sneered, "Alister, others might not know, but I know your strength very well. Don't tell me you can't handle this level of field setup."
In the current situation, it was undoubtedly the case that Rafael's two set cards in the Spell/Trap Zone definitely included Summon Traps like Trap Hole or Attack Traps like Sakuretsu Armor, serving as a substitute for monsters as a defense method.
That kind of setup might be very troublesome for most Duelists. After all, if they finally summoned a strong and powerful ace monster with a large amount of resources, only to hit a trap and be defeated instantly, that would be a huge loss. However, Alister's Meklord deck was even more difficult to deal with.
Not only do the Meklord monsters have the characteristic of continuously summoning more Meklords after being destroyed, but cards like Machina Fortress can also destroy an opponent's card when destroyed.
Most importantly, the ace monster in Alister's deck, Meklord Army of Skiel Attack, has an extremely troublesome effect. During the Battle Phase, it can pay half its Life Points to negate any effect activated by the opponent, and on top of that, it can reduce the opponent's Life Points by half.
The most crucial thing is that besides this effect, Meklord Army of Skiel Attack also has the effect that most Meklord monsters have when destroyed. Its own ATK is also exactly 100 points higher than Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, as if specifically targeting it.
It was truly annoying to the extreme.
Having dueled Alister several times, Kaiba deeply understood how difficult he was to deal with. However, what surprised him was that upon hearing his words, Alister didn't turn his head back, but merely said with a rather regretful tone, "It's truly a pity, Kaiba Seto. To be honest, I really don't have many good ways to deal with Rafael."
As Alister placed his hand on his deck, preparing to draw a card, Kaiba frowned. Suddenly, he realized something. "You, I remember you said that 'Meklord Army of Skiel Attack is a card born from the Seal of Orichalcos within your inner darkness', right?"
"Could it be that you..."
Kaiba didn't finish his sentence, instead falling silent, while Alister drew a card.
"My Turn, Draw." After confirming the drawn card and adding it to his hand, Alister glanced at the two mysterious set cards in Rafael's Spell/Trap Zone. "Because of that Graceful Charity, dragging out the battle will indeed be very disadvantageous for me. I must strike now while your field defense is weakest, Rafael."
"I Activate Continuous Spell Card Meklord Factory. As long as I control a Machine-Type monster with Level 7☆ or higher, my opponent cannot target my Machine-Type monsters with Level 6☆ or lower for attack or effect targets."
"Next, I Normal Summon Machina Soldier, and because I control no other monsters besides Machina Soldier, I Special Summon Machina Sniper from my hand in Attack Position!"
Alister played three cards consecutively. Two lower-Level monsters from the Meklord deck instantly appeared on his field, and a defense barrier rose up around their feet.
Machina Soldier [ATK 1600]
Machina Sniper [ATK 1800]
But he wasn't finished. This level of board presence could be achieved by any Duelist with a bit of fame. Alister's field setup was not yet complete. He revealed a card from his hand.
"I Activate the effect of Machina Fortress from my hand! By discarding Machina Megaform, a Level 8☆ monster, from my hand to the graveyard, I Special Summon Machina Fortress from my hand in Attack Position!"
Discarding one card to the graveyard, Alister's field gained another massive Machine monster.
Machina Fortress [ATK 2500]
After a round of operation, Alister summoned a total of three monsters to the field in just one turn. Although his hand was consequently used up down to only one card remaining, what he gained in return was an offensive with a total attack of 5900 points!
If Rafael's Spell/Trap Zone wasn't prepared with defense cards, he would be defeated instantly after taking a round of direct attacks. However, from Rafael's calm expression at this moment, it could be seen that he was very confident in accepting Alister's attack.
"This guy is pretty amazing!" Rex exclaimed in surprise at Alister's field setup. As a Professional Duelist, he had noticed things beyond the appearance of Alister's three monsters on the field. "Although on the surface it just looks like a series of Summons of three monsters,"
"Because of the appearance of Level 7☆ Machina Fortress, Meklord Factory grants Machina Soldier and Machina Sniper the ability to not be selected as attack targets or effect targets. This means useful cards like Magic Cylinder and Sakuretsu Armor are ineffective against them. Furthermore, Machina Sniper's attack-attracting ability also forms a combo to impede the opponent's attacks!"
"Strong and powerful, strong and powerful, indeed!"
"Huh? So there was so much hidden in that guy's field setup?" Listening to Rex's professional commentary, Joey Wheeler couldn't help but scratch the back of his head. "Rex, if you hadn't said anything, I wouldn't have noticed any of this. You're both really amazing, Alister and you, Rex."
Alister didn't seem to mind Rex revealing his combo with his professional commentary. Rafael actually knew all of what he said. After all, the two of them had been acting together in Organization Doma for over ten years and knew each other's decks inside and out.
Moreover, Rex also didn't explain a part of it. For example, not only were Machina Soldier and Machina Sniper granted resistance to being effect targets by Meklord Factory, Machina Fortress itself also has the effect of checking the opponent's hand and discarding one card when it becomes the target of an opponent's monster effect, as well as the synergy with Machina Megaform in the graveyard when it is destroyed.
However, despite setting up so much, Alister actually still didn't have much confidence in whether he could defeat Rafael. Although reluctant, Alister had to admit that Rafael was the strongest among their Doma Trio. Even when he hadn't lost his "Dark Machina" and was fighting Rafael, it was still somewhat difficult, let alone now.
But he had to complete the duel with Rafael. This was something only he, who was also one of the Doma Three Swordsmen, who was a game piece in Lord Dartz's hands just like Rafael, and who had already broken free from the shackles of his inner darkness, could do.
"Enter my Battle Phase! And now I'm attacking, Rafael!" Declaring that he was entering the Battle Phase, Alister pointed his hand towards Rafael, who had no monsters on his field. "First, a direct attack from Machina Soldier, Sonic Slash!"
Receiving the attack command, Machina Soldier leaped high with the long knife/sword on its right arm, fiercely striking towards the empty field where Rafael stood. Seeing this, Rafael pressed the button to activate a set card.
Although the attack had not yet arrived, Rafael's Life Points were suddenly deducted by a large amount.
[Rafael: 4000 → 1000 LP]
As Rafael's Life Points plummeted, several wisps of white light rose from his body, transforming into a barrier in front of him. The slash swung by Machina Soldier was completely blocked by that seemingly thin barrier, without causing the slightest ripple.
"Continuous Trap Card, Wall of Revealing Light. You can activate it by paying Life Points in multiples of 1000. Monsters with ATK less than or equal to the paid value cannot attack." Protected by the card effect, Rafael showed no sign of having just paid 3000 Life Points, and said calmly, "I pay 3000 Life Points, causing all monsters on your field with ATK less than 3000 points to be unable to attack."
"Exchanging 3000 Life Points to block the attacks of my monsters? That's a profitable deal." Alister hadn't expected to defeat Rafael with the first turn's attack anyway, and casually set the card in his hand. "End my Battle Phase, then set one card from my hand, and End Turn."
[Alister: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
Machina Soldier [ATK 1600]
Machina Sniper [ATK 1800]
Machina Fortress [ATK 2500]
Meklord Factory [Set Card]
The effect of Wall of Revealing Light used by Rafael to intercept attacks is continuous as long as that card remains Face-up Position on the field and doesn't target, so even Alister's Machina Soldier and Machina Sniper couldn't avoid it. And because Rafael generously paid a high 3000 Life Points, even Machina Fortress was similarly unable to attack.
Although Rafael's current Life Points have been reduced to only 1000, he cannot be dealt damage again for the time being until Alister summons a monster with ATK over 3000 points.
However, both players were in a similar situation. Alister couldn't attack with monsters under 3000 ATK due to Wall of Revealing Light's effect, while Rafael also couldn't attack Alister due to the combo of Meklord Factory and Machina Sniper.
But just as Alister announced the end of his turn, Rafael surprisingly pressed the button to activate a set card again. "Before your turn ends, Alister, I activate this card, Continuous Trap Card Life Absorbing Machine."
Beside Wall of Revealing Light, which protected Rafael from attack damage, another rather eerie device rose up.
Although the card had been activated, its effect seemed not to have met the activation condition. Life Absorbing Machine remained on Rafael's field without operating, and Rafael began his turn.
"My Turn. Because of the effect of Graceful Charity, I draw two cards from my deck." After his hand size increased to two, Rafael didn't rush to confirm what cards he had drawn, but instead pointed to Life Absorbing Machine on his field. "Then, during the Standby Phase, because of the effect of Life Absorbing Machine, I recover half of the Life Points I paid last Turn!"
"Nani!?" Under Alister's surprised gaze, Life Absorbing Machine began to operate, spitting out a green energy ball towards Rafael that merged into his body!?
"Last Turn, because of the effect of Wall of Revealing Light, I paid 3000 Life Points. Therefore, I now recover 1500 Life Points."
[Rafael: 1000 → 2500 LP]
After absorbing the energy, Rafael played another card. "Now that my Life Points have recovered, and I have no other cards in my deck that require paying Life Points to activate, the use of Life Absorbing Machine ends here."
"Activate Magic Card Pot of the Forbidden. I send the Face-up Position Life Absorbing Machine on my field to the graveyard, and draw two cards from my deck."
"Having lost its usefulness, Life Absorbing Machine is now no longer needed."
As he spoke, the number of cards in Rafael's hand increased to three. Looking at the cards he had drawn, Rafael raised his head and looked at Alister.
"So, are you ready, Alister? As a traitor of Doma, a betrayer attempting to obstruct Lord Dartz's plan, are you ready to accept my sanction?"
"Activate Magic Card, Dark Hole!"
# Chapter 637: Humans Can't Out-Draw a Lucky Dog
"Magic Card, [Black Hole]!"
Alister's two lower-Level [Meklord] monsters had a certain resistance due to [Machina Defense Perimeter]. Normal Targeting destruction methods and Battle Destruction couldn't deal with them.
Therefore, Rafael's divine draw was the [Black Hole] he just Activated.
Light twisted around a pitch-black point that suddenly appeared on Rafael's Field. In just an instant, Alister's three monsters on the Field were crushed and destroyed by the distorting force field without any resistance, and the Field was swept clean.
"A [Black Hole] that destroys all monsters on the Field without Targeting..." Frowning, Alister sent his three Monster Cards on the Field to the Graveyard.
"Normally, using [Black Hole] would inevitably come with the cost of destroying all monsters on my Field as well, but since I currently have no monsters on my Field, the only monsters that will be destroyed are yours, Alister."
"It's a pity that the Field I set up was swept clean, but Rafael, you should know the nature of my [Meklord] Deck, right?"
Looking at the large pile of scrap metal left behind after his [Meklord] monsters on the Field were destroyed, Alister waved his hand and said, "Not with the inextinguishable flames of revenge, but with the resolve in my inner heart as fuel, revive, my monster!"
"[Machina Megaform]!"
From the ruins, the damaged parts pieced themselves back together and self-repaired using the spare resources around them. With an appearance similar yet different from [Machina Fortress], the mechanical giant stood tall on the Earth!
[Machina Megaform] [ATK2600]
"When [Machina Fortress] on my Field is sent to the Graveyard while [Machina Megaform], which was used as the Special Summon Cost for [Machina Fortress] last Turn, exists in the Graveyard, I can activate its Effect."
As Alister spoke, he took out the [Machina Fortress] Card that was just sent to the Graveyard. "Banish [Machina Fortress], and Special Summon [Machina Megaform] from the Graveyard in Attack Position!"
"Not only that, the second Effect of [Machina Defense Perimeter] is that if a Machine-Type Monster on my Field in Face-up Position is destroyed, I can Add one Machine-Type Monster from my Graveyard to my Hand."
"I choose [Machina Sniper]."
Watching Alister return the Card from the Graveyard to his Hand, Rafael raised an eyebrow.
He had just used [Black Hole] to clear Alister's Field, but in the blink of an eye, his opponent brought a monster back. Furthermore, if [Machina Sniper] was returned to his hand, it meant Alister could achieve an Attack Lock next Turn.
Although stall tactics were beneficial to him, Rafael didn't want to waste too much time in a duel against Alister, who shouldn't have been his opponent.
"The combo of [Machina Defense Perimeter] and [Machina Sniper] has a necessary condition, which is that you, Alister, must have a Machine-Type Monster with Level 7☆ or higher on your Field." As he spoke, Rafael played a Card from his Hand. "In that case, I just need to destroy [Machina Megaform] this Turn."
"I Activate the Equip Spell Card [Meteor Flare], and Equip it to [Machina Megaform] on your Field!"
As Rafael played a Card, a ball of fire flew out from the Card Activated in his Spell/Trap Zone and rushed towards the standing [Machina Megaform] on Alister's Field. Upon landing in its Hand, it adapted to the size of the giant mechanical soldier and transformed into a long bow wreathed in flames.
It felt quite strange to see a mechanical soldier using a retro, even somewhat magical-style long bow.
And in fact, the appearance of [Meteor Flare] was indeed negative for Alister.
"[Meteor Flare], I remember that Card is the necessary condition for [Guardian Grarl]'s appearance," Yugi, having dueled Rafael just the day before, still had an impression of this Card. "But besides that, I remember its Effect is to decrease the Equip Monster's ATK by 1000 points?"
As Yugi said, the flames burning on [Meteor Flare] were not a good thing for mechanical equipment. The high temperature not only deformed the metal armor, which was already a repaired item, but also greatly interfered with the operation of the internal circuits.
The giant mechanical soldier's feet stiffened, and it half-knelt directly on the Earth.
[Machina Megaform] [ATK2600 → 1600]
"Powerful Cards are often accompanied by great risk, aren't they? Compared to the Direct Attack ability [Meteor Flare] grants to [Machina Megaform], a mere 1000 point decrease in ATK is nothing at all, right?"
Rafael said with a light chuckle, his tone sarcastic, his expression looking very much like he was about to say, "Aren't you going to thank Wu Ying Ge?" He played his last Card from his Hand. "Because of the existence of [Meteor Flare], I Normal Summon [Guardian Grarl] from my Hand in Attack Position."
A Pyro Type wolf-beast warrior wearing lava armor appeared on Rafael's Field. Although his hands were empty without the corresponding weapon, judging by the extremely professional combat stance he struck, this was a qualified archer.
[Guardian Grarl] [ATK1700]
Unfortunately, although [Machina Megaform]'s Original Attack was higher, due to [Meteor Flare], [Guardian Grarl]'s ATK was now 100 points higher.
Although it was a small amount, Rafael wouldn't pass up the opportunity.
"Enter Battle Phase," With a wave of his hand, Rafael looked at [Machina Megaform] on Alister's Field and ordered [Guardian Grarl], "Attack [Machina Megaform], Dolphin Cyclone!"
Without his usual bow and arrow, [Guardian Grarl] attacked the giant mechanical soldier by waving his fists. After a few punches and kicks, a scene of "Hand-Tearing Gundam" was staged before everyone's eyes. Alister's countermeasure against [Black Hole], [Machina Megaform], was once again sent back to the Graveyard, and his Life Points also decreased by 100 points.
[Alister: 4000 → 3900 LP]
Since they weren't in a dark game, a mere 100 points of damage didn't even give Alister the qualification to frown. He helplessly put [Machina Megaform] into the Graveyard and said, "What a pity, the Recycling Effect of [Machina Defense Perimeter] has a Once Per Turn restriction, so I can't use it a second time this Turn."
"However, because [Machina Megaform] was sent to the Graveyard, Rafael, the [Meteor Flare] you Activated must also be destroyed and sent to the Graveyard."
"You don't need to tell me that." Rafael picked up [Meteor Flare], which had lost its Equip Monster, and shook it slightly in his hand to show Alister, then sent it to the Graveyard. He then continued, "Next, I End my Turn."
[Rafael: 2500 LP, Hand 0]
[Guardian Grarl] [ATK1700]
[Graceful Charity] [Wall of Revealing Light]
"My Turn, Draw." Rafael declared, drawing two Cards from his Deck. However, compared to the divine draw last Turn, which didn't even try to hide it, bringing out [Black Hole], a [Guardian], and its corresponding Equip Card, the Cards Rafael drew this Turn were much more "normal".
"I Set one Card from my Hand, and I Activate the Magic Card [Graceful Charity]. Both Players Draw Cards from their Decks until they have six Cards in their Hand. Since my Hand is 0, I can Draw six Cards."
Rafael perfectly demonstrated the saying, "A True Duelist can even decide their Draw," by drawing [Graceful Charity], a Card so powerful it was relegated to a Limited Card.
Seeing Rafael start to Draw, Alister also drew Cards.
"You're not the only one with 0 Cards in Hand. I can also Draw six Cards."
[Rafael: Hand 0 → 6]
[Alister: Hand 0 → 6]
Looking at the Cards he drew, Alister found his luck was quite good. He had already drawn a Card that could Break Through the Lock of [Wall of Revealing Light]. But before he could get happy, he heard Rafael's voice.
"Set Defense Position Summon [Backup Gardna], then Activate the Equip Spell Card [Spiritual Wind Sword], and Equip it to [Backup Gardna]."
As the two Cards were played, a Monster holding a long sword appeared on Rafael's Field. However, compared to [Backup Gardna], what was more eye-catching at the moment was Rafael, surrounded by white light and radiating an imposing aura.
"The Deck Rafael uses is a [Guardian] Deck that uses Monsters and Equip Spell Cards in conjunction," Outside the duel, Yugi, one of only two people present who had dueled Rafael, explained to everyone. "Without the matching Equip Spell Card, the Monster cannot be Summoned. This is a Deck that only True Duelists deeply favored by cards can use freely."
Although Yugi's explanation sounded nice, everyone actually understood. "Deeply favored by cards" was just another way of saying "lucky draw".
"And the Card [Spiritual Wind Sword] also corresponds to a [Guardian] Monster. That Monster is the Ace Card in Rafael's Deck." Watching Rafael raise a Card above his head, Yugi took a deep breath and said, "In fact, I was defeated by that Monster last time."
"Nani!?" Everyone showed surprised expressions, turning to look at Rafael, wanting to see what kind of Monster could actually defeat Yugi.
"Holy Sword that illuminates the heart, liberate the soul, awaken the World! Gather the holy wings of the hawk spirit! Let the soul ride the wind and travel the World!" Rafael raised the Card and shouted, "Because [Spiritual Wind Sword] exists on my Field and I have no Monster Cards in my Graveyard, I Special Summon this Card from my Hand!"
"Come forth, Wagatama Soul!"
"[Guardian Eatos]!"
[Guardian Eatos] [ATK2500]
Watching the angelic [Guardian Eatos] descent, Marik narrowed his eyes. "That Monster is the one that stopped me from intercepting the airplane yesterday!"
"Is that Rafael's card spirit..." Rex said sourly, looking at someone else's card spirit as usual.
As for Alister, even though he was previously single-mindedly focused on revenge against KaibaCorp, having been Rafael's companion for over ten years, he understood Rafael's [Guardian Eatos] better than anyone else present.
"An Effect that increases ATK based on the power of the Monsters in my Graveyard, right?" Alister shrugged. "But Rafael, don't forget that [Machina Fortress] on my Field is in Defense Position. No matter how high its ATK is, it can't inflict even a single point of damage to me."
Rafael nodded upon hearing this. "Indeed, although you, Alister, previously sent so many Monster Cards to the Graveyard which can serve as the source of power to increase [Eatos]'s ATK, not having Piercing Battle Damage is indeed a major flaw."
"However, what about adding this Card?" As Rafael spoke, he played a Card that made Alister's expression turn sour. "I Activate the Magic Card [Mind Control]!"
Chapter 638: Hmm, I Can Only Self-Destruct (Monotone)
"Targeting your Machina Cannon on the Field, I activate Mind Control to take control of it!"
Alister had thought Rafael was a pure love warrior, but unexpectedly, he was actually someone who enjoyed taking control of monsters, pulling out such a card. If Rafael didn't have the habit of casually Tributing his own monsters, he would have almost thought Rafael was actually Hayato Kobayashi in disguise.
"Compared to Change of Heart, monsters controlled by Mind Control cannot be Tributed and cannot declare an attack, but it's already enough." As the card was activated, silk threads extended from the Mind Control card towards Alister's Machina Cannon on the Field.
Pierced by the silk threads, the metal Machina Cannon acted like a marionette, taking action on its own without receiving Alister's order, about to move to Rafael's Field.
"Alister, Machina Cannon is the last monster on your Field. When its control is transferred to me, it means you will lose your final barrier."
As Rafael spoke, his Guardian Eatos and Guardian Hill on the Field both cast a dangerous gaze towards Alister. "After a direct attack, your Life Points will be zero, and then you will suffer defeat."
Hearing Rafael's words, Alister's gaze flickered towards the controlled Machina Cannon. The corner of his mouth twitched as he said, "Looking at it another way, the feeling of becoming a marionette isn't good at all."
"I don't want to be a puppet again, Rafael, so the ending you spoke of changes right here!"
Saying this, Alister waved his hand. "For Machina, Mind Control is fundamentally a joke. I Chain Activate my Set Card in the Spell/Trap Zone, Machina Overload!"
"Targeting my Machina Cannon on the Field, I activate its effect! From my Hand/Deck, I select one Machina monster with a different card name from Machina Cannon and Special Summon it. I Special Summon Machina Ironfist from my Deck in Defense Position!"
After most of its armor was controlled by the silk threads of Mind Control, Machina Cannon turned its only movable monitor. Using a projection device in front of Alister, it awakened the giant machine soldier slumbering in the Deck.
Machina Ironfist [DEF0]
The machine soldier, covered in orange armor, appeared in the most vulnerable Defense Position, protecting Alister behind it with its giant body. After Alister placed the Machina Ironfist card searched from the Deck onto the Duel Disk, he looked back at Machina Cannon.
"For victory, this is a necessary sacrifice! After Machina Overload Special Summons a monster, it destroys the targeted Machina Cannon!"
Machina Cannon exploded with a boom. Machina Overload, which could Summon almost any Machina monster from the Deck unlimitedly, naturally wouldn't be without any cost. The Machina Cannon destroyed by effect was that cost.
However, it was precisely this "cost" that caused the already activated Mind Control to fail, resulting in Rafael suffering a greater loss compared to Alister.
Not only that, the instant a Machina monster is destroyed is their most powerful instant. Along with the fire light radiated by Machina Cannon's self-destruct, the buzzing sound of a chainsaw also rang out from within.
"When Machina Cannon is destroyed by the effect of Machina Overload, I use the effect of Machina Defense Perimeter to return Machina Cannon from the Graveyard to my Hand." Alister retrieved the Machina Cannon card and continued, "Also, when EARTH Attribute Machine Type Machina Cannon is destroyed, I Special Summon Machina Colonel from the Graveyard!"
Machina Colonel [DEF2500]
The war fortress-like Machina Colonel rose from the Underground and stood beside Alister, also in Defense Position. Alister then pointed to his Machina Ironfist on the Field: "The last part of the Chain is Machina Ironfist's effect. When it is Summoned or Special Summoned successfully, I activate it. Select three EARTH Attribute Machine Type monsters from my Deck, and the opponent randomly selects one."
Saying this, he drew three cards, showing their card backs to Rafael.
Rafael pointed casually. "I select the middle one."
"Then, the selected monster is added to my Hand, and the remaining cards are returned to the Deck and shuffled." His Hand size increased to eight. Alister put back the remaining two cards and said, "So, you can continue your turn."
After a series of moves, Alister Summoned two monsters onto his Field during the opponent's turn, avoiding his monsters from being taken control of by Rafael while also increasing his Hand by two cards. Anyone who didn't know would think this was actually his turn.
Looking at the changing lineup on Alister's Field, Rafael frowned. "Are they all in Defense Position to defend against Guardian Eatos's power? You're truly cautious, Alister."
Machina Ironfist [DEF0]
Machina Colonel [DEF2500]
Guardian Hill [ATK1700]
Guardian Eatos [ATK2500]
Backup Soldier (Goddess Bow) [DEF2200]
Currently, Rafael still had three cards in his Hand. There was one card Set in the Spell/Trap Zone just now to maximize the effect of Graceful Charity. With his current resources, he temporarily couldn't meet the condition to deliver a finishing blow to Alister, but if it was just clearing the field, it was more than enough.
"I activate the effect of Backup Soldier. Once per turn, I can equip the Equip Spell Card equipped to him to another suitable targeted monster on my Field."
He was about to remove the Goddess Bow equipped to Backup Soldier from the Duel Disk and equip it to Guardian Eatos, but at that instant, Rafael heard Alister's voice.
"Wait a minute! I Chain to Backup Soldier's effect, and I also activate the effect of my Machina Colonel on the Field!"
Hearing Alister's words, Rafael couldn't help but pause, looking at Alister who had interrupted him, wanting to see what he would do.
"Backup Soldier's effect is to transfer an Equip Spell Card, and whether it's Guardian Hill or Guardian Eatos, both can unleash powerful effects after getting that Goddess Bow,"
Rafael was familiar with Alister's Machina Deck, and Alister was naturally also familiar with Rafael's Guardian Deck. "It would be quite troublesome if you got that Equip Card."
"In that case, I can only use Self-Destruct!"
"Machina Colonel's effect can be activated during either player's turn by targeting one Machine-Type monster on my Field. I select Machina Ironfist."
Hearing Alister's voice suddenly become excited as if he made up his mind, the Machina Ironfist whose name was called suddenly turned its head. The green light in its monitor flickered rapidly, as if it hadn't heard what Alister said, or as if it had heard but was filled with disbelief.
"Hmm, it should Self-Destruct now. What a difficult choice." Although Alister said this, the smile on his face showed he hadn't hesitated at all. "The selected Machina Ironfist, and Opponent's Field monsters with ATK less than or equal to Machina Ironfist's ATK,"
"All of them, Destroy!"
Before Rafael and Machina Ironfist could react, only to see the Machina Colonel, which was originally in Defense Position, suddenly took action. Several cables suddenly pierced into Machina Ironfist's body. As electric current flashed, when Machina Colonel retracted the cables, thick smoke rose from Machina Ironfist's entire body as if it was overloaded.
With its monitor glowing red, Machina Ironfist suddenly charged towards Rafael's Field!
Currently, Machina Ironfist's ATK is 2800 points, which means once it Self-Destructs, all monsters on Rafael's Field with ATK less than 2800 points will be destroyed in an instant. And unfortunately, all monsters on Rafael's Field at this moment truly have ATK less than 2800 points!
"Boom!"
Machina Ironfist, which arrived at the detonation point, instantly exploded. The fire light swept across all monsters on Rafael's Field. Seeing that he had successfully traded one monster that had lost its usefulness for three monsters on Rafael's Field as cost, such a profitable deal made Alister somewhat start to approve of Hayato's strategy.
"Necessary sacrifice and all that, this move is really useful." Alister said proudly. "But to prevent Hayato Kobayashi from saying I'm plagiarizing or something... Hmm!"
"Attack! Counterattack! Great Annihilation!"
Kaiba on the side immediately roared, ranting: "Isn't that plagiarizing me?! What's the difference!"
"Brother, you know you always shout some strange lines... Forget it, it's still better than Brother Hayato's strange attack names." Keipei glanced at Kaiba, then looked back at the Field. "But, the smoke hasn't cleared yet? Isn't this Brother Hayato's 'Smoke Without Injury Law'?"
"That monster on Rafael's Field, surely one survived!"
As the smoke cleared, Alister frowned, finding that just as Keipei said, although Guardian Hill and Backup Soldier equipped with Goddess Bow were all destroyed and sent to the Graveyard in a mutual destruction with Machina Ironfist, a pair of wings completely free of dust unfolded, and the completely unharmed Guardian Eatos remained on Rafael's Field.
Guardian Eatos [ATK2500→1900]
Alister noticed that although Guardian Eatos was not destroyed, her ATK had decreased by 600 points compared to before, and she also had an additional holy white robe on her body.
"Quick-Play Spell Card, Forbidden Dress. By decreasing Guardian Eatos's ATK by 600 points, it grants her the ability to not be destroyed by effect and not become an effect target." Rafael removed his hand from the Forbidden Dress inserted in the Duel Disk's Spell/Trap Zone, and with a face full of unwillingness, sent his Guardian Hill and Backup Soldier on the Field to the Graveyard.
The only card in his Hand that could save a monster was Forbidden Dress, but there were three monsters destroyed. Out of necessity, Alister selected Guardian Eatos to remain on the Field, painfully giving up the other two monsters.
Rafael, who had never been willing to send monsters to the Graveyard, was now forced to let monsters remain in the Graveyard.
His fist clenched. 'I must hurry, to get them from the Graveyard...'
Guardian Eatos's ATK decreased because of Forbidden Dress, and she also didn't have Goddess Bow which was necessary to activate her effect. Rafael unwillingly Set the two remaining cards in his Hand onto the Spell/Trap Zone: "I Set two cards from my Hand. End Turn."
[Rafael: 2500LP, Hand 0]
Guardian Eatos [ATK1900→2500]
Card of the Guardian, Wall of Revealing Light, Set Card X3
"My Turn,"
Compared to Rafael, who was annoyed because his monsters entered the Graveyard, Alister seemed much more excited. "Draw!"
He currently had a full nine cards in his Hand. Anyone who saw so many resources in hand to squander would be excited.
"I activate the effect of Machina Cannon in my Hand! By discarding Machina Defender from my Hand, I Special Summon it in Attack Position!"
Machina Cannon [ATK1700]
Machina Cannon, which served as a springboard for Machina Colonel's appearance last turn, appeared again. However, compared to Machina Ironfist, Machina Cannon's ATK was much weaker, and even if used for Self-Destruct, it couldn't damage Guardian Eatos.
But that's okay, Alister didn't summon Machina Cannon from the Graveyard with the intention of using it for Self-Destruct from the start.
"Change Machina Colonel to Attack Position! Next, I use the Spell Card Inheritance of Power! By sending the Machina Cannon I just Summoned to the Graveyard, I activate it!"
Alister pointed to his Machina Colonel on the Field. "Increase Machina Cannon's ATK onto Machina Colonel!"
Following Alister's instruction, Machina Colonel raised the cannon barrel on its left arm. The Machina Cannon behind it instantly disassembled into a large number of parts that flew over and attached themselves to the cannon barrel.
Machina Colonel [DEF2500→ATK3000→ATK4700]
After absorbing that portion of Machina Cannon's power, Machina Colonel's ATK finally broke through its original 3000 limit, reaching a full 4700 points, 200 points higher than Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon.
At the same time, this also meant that Machina Colonel had finally broken through Wall of Revealing Light's lock and could declare an attack on Guardian Eatos on Rafael's Field.
However, Guardian Eatos's ATK is 2500 points. If the Attack is successful, Machina Colonel can only deal 2200 points of Battle Damage to Rafael, leaving him with 300 Life Points remaining.
So, does Alister have a card in his Hand that can prevent such a situation from occurring? The answer is yes.
Because of Rafael's Graceful Charity before, Alister actually drew a card that could increase Machina Colonel's ATK as early as the previous turn.
That is, Seal of Orichalcos.
## Chapter 639: Pure Machina Deck
Spending three cards from his Hand finally allowed Machina Colonel to break through the restriction of Wall of Revealing Light. Now that he could finally attack, Alister glanced at the Seal of Orichalcos in his Hand.
With Machina Colonel's current ATK of 4700, he still couldn't defeat Rafael. After this turn, the effect of Inheritance of Power would also fade, preventing him from attacking again, leaving Rafael with only 300 Life Points remaining for the next turn.
However, using Seal of Orichalcos could prevent that situation from occurring.
Should he activate it?
Alister made his decision without hesitation.
Rafael was the same as him, a puppet guided and manipulated by that guy, Dartz. He would win this duel, but definitely not by killing Rafael.
"Enter Battle Phase. I use Machina Colonel to attack your Guardian Eatos, Rafael," Alister said, pointing towards Rafael's Field. "Rafael, here I come!"
"Railgun!"
Azure electric current burst forth. Machina Colonel's long-charged Railgun fired fiercely, blasting towards Guardian Eatos on Rafael's Field. Seeing this, Rafael quickly said, "Activate the effect of Relief of the Buried God in my Graveyard at this instant!"
As he spoke, Rafael's Duel Disk's Graveyard Zone ejected a card. It was the Spell Card, Relief of the Buried God. That card seemed to have been sent to the Graveyard by Rafael when he first used Card of the Guardian.
Yugi's face couldn't help but show a look of regret. "Relief of the Buried God is a card that can be used from the Graveyard. When the Opponent's Monster declares an attack, it can negate the attack declaration and further end the Battle Phase. The cost is to banish five cards from Rafael's Graveyard, including Relief of the Buried God."
"Sounds a lot like Electromagnetic Turtle, huh? What a pity. That guy Alister finally managed to increase Machina Colonel's ATK to 4700 to break through Wall of Revealing Light's seal," Joey Wheeler's tone also carried some regret.
However, Kaiba curled his lips. "Hmph, a Commoner's imagination can only calculate a duel up to this point. Commoner, if you were to duel Mutou Yuugi, would you use a card specifically for defense against Spellcaster Type attacks?"
"Huh? Isn't that obvious? After all, Yugi is quite good at summoning high-level Spellcaster Type Monsters like Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl all at once. While I wouldn't go as far as Hayato, who deliberately includes Magical Wand in a Deck without Spellcaster Type Monsters, I would also use cards like Counterattack Preparations," Joey Wheeler said.
Counterattack Preparations is a Normal Trap Card that changes one face-up Warrior Type or Spellcaster Type Monster on the Field to face-down Defense Position. It can only be used on Warrior Type and Spellcaster Type, limiting its use. It's slightly less versatile than Book of Moon, which doesn't have Type restrictions, but its biggest feature is that it cannot be targeted, making it useful against Yugi's Deck.
Feeling strange about Kaiba's words, Joey Wheeler glanced at Kaiba and said, "What do you mean, suddenly asking if I'd use a counter card if I were dueling Yugi?"
"Kaiba, do you mean...?" Compared to Joey Wheeler, Yugi was much more perceptive. He instantly understood Kaiba's meaning and looked back at Alister in the duel, noticing that Alister wasn't regretful because Rafael activated Relief of the Buried God. Instead, he wore a smile as if he had anticipated it.
"Dueling someone familiar means they are familiar with your Deck, and powerful combos might have their flaws already seen through," Kaiba paused before saying, "But just like how I always bring Trojan Blast when dueling Hayato Kobayashi, Alister also seems like he has prepared a counter card against Rafael."
As the saying goes, the person who understands you best is your Opponent, especially for two people with very similar styles like Kaiba and Alister. As Kaiba's words fell, Alister indeed activated the counter card he had ready in his Hand: "You're still using the same old tricks, Rafael. Always thinking of protecting Monsters even if it means making a sacrifice yourself."
"You're not a kid anymore! Stop burying yourself in the past!"
"When a Spell/Trap/Monster Effect is activated in the Opponent's Graveyard, send King of the Skull Servants from my Hand to the Graveyard to negate that effect!"
Just as the five banished cards flying out of Rafael's Graveyard were about to take effect and cause Machina Colonel's attack to stagnate, the King of the Skull Servants discarded from Alister's Hand appeared before Relief of the Buried God. Its mystical power was released, dragging several cards back to the Underworld.
"Nani!?"
His hundred-times-effective means of obstructing attacks was negated by Alister's King of the Skull Servants. Rafael had a look of surprise: "Why would you include a Fiend Type King of the Skull Servants in a Machina Deck, Alister!?"
"I actually brought King of the Skull Servants to deal with Kaiba Seto's Deep-Eyes White Dragon, which blows up the Field after being destroyed. But that reason is a bit outdated. So, how about this reason..." Alister grinned, "Including King of the Skull Servants in a Machina Deck is, of course, because this time I'm using a 'Pure' Machina Deck~"
"Are you Hayato Kobayashi or something!?" Rafael said, also getting a little angry. "However, don't think you can destroy my Guardian Eatos just like that! After the chain where Relief of the Buried God was negated, I can still activate this card!"
Saying this, Rafael pressed the button to activate his Set Card. The moment he looked at Rafael's Spell/Trap Zone, Yugi's heartbeat suddenly accelerated.
It wasn't because Rafael suddenly pulled out a card with inappropriate card art that made Yugi blush, but because the moment Rafael's Set Card opened, dense crystals suddenly emerged from his Spell/Trap Zone. It was none other than Crystal Seal, which Rafael had used when he guided Yugi to use Seal of Orichalcos back then.
"Crystal Seal can put one Monster on the opponent's Field into a state where it cannot attack, cannot defend, cannot activate its effect, cannot change battle position, and cannot be Tributed. Are you trying to seal Machina Colonel again with this?"
Alister played another card from his Hand. "My heart is surging with the waves called resolve! I won't fall into the stagnation called the past like you anymore, Rafael!"
Just as the crystals were about to turn into a wall and seal Machina Colonel and the Railgun it fired into a Statue, a Cosmic Cyclone suddenly swirled from the void, sweeping across all the crystals on the Field and crushing these sparkling crystals into dazzling dust!
"The Quick-Play Spell Card, Cosmic Cyclone. Although it could be used to destroy Wall of Revealing Light, luckily I saved it for this moment," Alister said, inserting the card into the Spell & Trap Zone. "By paying 1000 Life Points, I banish one Spell/Trap Card on your Field and crush that Crystal Seal!"
[Alister: 3900 → 2900 LP]
"Then, the battle continues! And during the Damage Calculation Step, I finally activate this last card, Limiter Removal!" Relying on his abundant Hand, Alister activated a card for the third time during this Battle Phase. Limiter Removal took effect in an instant, removing the original safety restrictions from Machina Colonel on his Field.
"Unbelievable!" Looking at Machina Colonel on Alister's Field, going all out and its entire frame glowing red from overheating, Joey Wheeler exclaimed, "This is the fifth card activated during this single attack! And that ATK—"
[Machina Colonel: ATK 4700 → 9400]
"ATK, 9400!" Even Kaiba couldn't help but be a little amazed. "Although it's not the highest ATK I've seen, it can certainly be called the full power of a second-rate Duelist."
"At the End Phase of this turn, Machina Colonel will self-destruct due to this all-out strike, but this ultimate strike that sacrifices everything will be the final blow to wipe out your Life Points!" Alister clenched his Hand into a fist and swung it forward. "Explode☆Kill!"
The Railgun, wrapped in electric current, finally reached Guardian Eatos on Rafael's Field after breaking through layer after layer of obstruction. This guardian angel of Rafael had no powerful holy sword in her Hand. After looking back at Rafael, she smiled slightly and stepped forward without hesitation, actively meeting the cannon blast!
However, the firmness of her will was far less than the width of the caliber. Just like how Guardragons with the name "Guardian" fundamentally cannot protect their boss monster, Guardian Eatos's body was pierced and destroyed by the spiraling, drill-like Railgun projectile in one hit. Then the cannon blast landed on Rafael's Field!
"Boom!"
The firelight of the explosion engulfed Rafael's Field, which had only one Monster left. The wreckage of the crystals that hadn't been completely cleared before was lifted into the air, scattering and drifting down along with the pure white feathers remaining from Guardian Eatos's destruction.
Looking at the beautiful scene, Kujaku Mai said uncertainly, "Did he win?"
"With an ATK of 9400, the win rate was originally very high, but Kujaku Mai, the moment you said that line, it means he won't win," Rex ranted. "After all, if the duel had been decided, the feathers materialized by the virtual projection system wouldn't have appeared."
"So he didn't win yet?" Joey Wheeler looked regretful, and also a little confused. "How did Rafael take that strike? There aren't many cards that can be activated during the Damage Calculation Step."
In the slowly dispersing firelight, Rafael's unharmed figure gradually became visible. He had a card in his Hand at some point, and was staring blankly at the white feathers drifting down from the sky.
And on his Spell/Trap Zone, the true nature of the card that protected him was revealed — the Trap Card, Guardian Barrier. It was a rare card that could be activated during the Damage Calculation Step. Its effect was to make the damage from that battle to himself 0, and to draw a card from the Deck.
"Tch, it was blocked again. Although Set Cards are also an important part of Duel Monsters, it's still a bit annoying," Alister thought he could defeat Rafael with this strike and make him see the truth from a different perspective, but sure enough, this duel wasn't that easy to end. Rafael actually endured it.
However, at least he destroyed Rafael's Guardian Eatos, so it wasn't without result. Alister thought this, but felt something was off.
Looking up, Alister's pupils contracted.
At this moment, the aura around Rafael, who was looking up at the sky, was visible to the naked eye. However, it wasn't the pure white aura that symbolized him being protected by Guardian Eatos and other card spirits in the past, but a pitch-black aura that gave off an incredibly dangerous feeling.
"...Even my most important cards, even Eatos, were taken from me..." His raised head slowly lowered. Rafael's tone, which had instantly become dangerous and evil with aura, sounded like he was grinding his teeth. "Having gone this far, there's no reason to hold back anymore. I won't let you get away!"
"A-li-ster!"
With a tone like Sougo Tokiwa shouting Swartz, Sento Kiryu shouting Evolt, or Dan Kuroto shouting Emu Hojo, Rafael suddenly raised his head and stared at Alister with bloodshot eyes, shouting, "You said you had given up your darkness, right?"
"To be able to so easily let go of the darkness in your human heart, the truth of the World you've seen is nothing more than that. You who betrayed Doma, betrayed Lord Dartz, betrayed the new world, I will show you what true darkness is!"
Saying this, Rafael took out a card from his Deck and slammed it onto his Duel Disk. To Alister's surprise, that card was different from Rafael's other cards. The wear and tear on the card face was almost non-existent, as if it had rarely been used.
And as Rafael slammed the card onto his Duel Disk, the pitch-black aura around him grew thicker. Then, to Alister's surprised gaze, even though no one on the Field activated Seal of Orichalcos, the Orichalcos mark that only appears when the domain is activated appeared on Rafael's forehead!?
"Seal of Orichalcos can nurture powerful cards based on the darkness in the human heart. Valon, who didn't want to be influenced, dispersed that darkness into every single card. Alister, you nurtured Machina Troops: Destruction Armament Strength but then gave it up. And Hayato Kobayashi, he who could nurture the existence of Infernoid, even the darkness of Doma feels like it can't contain him."
Rafael clenched his right hand into a fist and swung it fiercely in front of him. "Because of this card's summoning condition, this is only the second time I've used this Monster since this card's birth. Witness the despair and death born from my inner thoughts, and become souls under the scythe, Alister!"
"Malice, terror, wrath, hatred, despair, strife, killing intent, ruin, annihilation, extinction!"
"Descend, my nightmare!"
"Guardian Dreadscythe!"
(Author's Note: A single attack in Duel Monsters can be understood as several phases—
Attack Declaration: I raise my fist, meaning I'm going to attack with this fist;
From the declaration to the face: For a Monster's attack, some Monster effects can be applied at this time, and Flip Monsters are flipped face-up;
The fist hitting the face: This is Damage Calculation, calculating the difference between ATK and DEF, or ATK and ATK;
The fist leaving the face: This is After Damage Step. What should be destroyed is destroyed, what effects should be activated are activated, and what should be sent to the Graveyard is sent to the Graveyard.
)
(End of Chapter)
# Chapter 640: Alister's Last Turn
"Guardian Dreadscythe!"
A cursed black aura wrapped around Rafael, transforming into malevolent, twisted characters. An oil-like river extended beneath his feet, and from within it, the figure of a monster slowly emerged.
Guardian Dreadscythe [8☆/Dark]
[Fiend-Type/Effect]
[2500/2000]
Standard stats for a protagonist's ace monster. Aside from its Attribute and Type, its stats were almost identical to the *Guardian Eatos* that had just been destroyed. However, *Guardian Dreadscythe's* presence was completely different. The moment anyone saw it, they couldn't help but question: Is this truly a Guardian monster?
Tattered bandages wrapped its entire body like a mummy, and the grey armor over the bandages was also dilapidated. Its golden hair was extremely dull, paired with the pale mask on its face that only revealed scarlet pupils. It looked creepy no matter how you looked at it.
"Is this the monster nurtured by your inner darkness, Rafael..." Yugi murmured, looking at the calm and silent *Guardian Dreadscythe*, which resembled a corpse.
"It really gives off a chilling feeling. Do you hide so much darkness in your heart? You normally don't show it at all." Alister couldn't connect the Rafael he usually knew with the monster that had appeared at this moment. "No, wait a minute... I think I understand."
"Rafael, you weren't using your other card spirits to suppress the darkness in your heart, were you?"
However, Rafael remained silent, refusing to answer Alister. Instead, he independently searched for another card from his Deck: "When *Guardian Eatos* on my field is destroyed, *Guardian Dreadscythe* can be Special Summoned in Defense Position from my hand or Deck, and I can equip it with one Equip Spell Card, *Dreadscythe Harvester*, from my hand, Deck, or Graveyard."
As Rafael inserted the Equip Spell Card into the Spell & Trap Zone, a giant, cracked, and decayed scythe appeared in the hand of the eerie *Guardian Dreadscythe*. It was not a tool for harvesting crops, but a deadly weapon for reaping life.
Then, just like the scene when *Guardian Eatos* unleashed its true power with *Goddess Bow*, as *Dreadscythe Harvester* appeared, several streaks of white light simultaneously flew out from both players' Graveyards and poured into that scythe!
"*Dreadscythe Harvester* increases the ATK of the equipped *Guardian Dreadscythe* by the number of monsters in both players' Graveyards x 500 points. I have three monsters in my Graveyard." Rafael said, holding up three fingers. Behind him, the figures of *Guardian Eatos*, *Guardian Hill*, and *Backup Guardian* appeared and poured into *Dreadscythe Harvester*.
Alister was startled upon hearing this and couldn't help but look at his own Graveyard. Phantom after phantom of monsters rushed out from it!
*Machina Cannon*, *Machina Defender*, *Machina Sniper*, *Machina Megaform*, *Machina Soldier*, *Machina Ironhand*, *King of the Skull Servants*!
A full seven monsters, along with Rafael's monsters, poured into that scythe. *Guardian Dreadscythe's* ATK immediately began to soar!
Guardian Dreadscythe [2500/2000 → 7500/2000]
"ATK, 7500 points!" Rafael said excitedly, "This power will descend upon you, Alister, next turn! At the End Phase, your *Machina Colonel* on the field will be destroyed by the effect of *Limiter Removal*, and you no longer have any monsters that can attack!"
Just as Rafael said, this turn Alister had invested all his resources in one monster, *Machina Colonel*, in one go, in order to break through the obstacle of *Wall of Revealing Light*. While he did force out Rafael's three consecutive defense methods and successfully broke through *Guardian Eatos*, when *Guardian Dreadscythe* appeared, his only *Machina Colonel* had already attacked and could not attack again.
"This isn't good. Just as you said, I have no monsters that can attack on my field. Ah, damn it, it only has 2000 DEF, yet I have no way to destroy it and can only watch helplessly as it attacks me next turn?"
Although his words sounded like panic and being at a loss, looking at Alister's expression and tone of voice, he was fundamentally just being perfunctory. "...Just kidding."
"*Machina Colonel's* effect isn't just for other monsters on my field; it can also use this Special Ability on itself." Alister said, pointing a finger in Rafael's direction, "In this situation, as expected, the only option is self-destruct!"
"End Battle Phase and enter my Main Phase 2! Activate *Machina Colonel's* effect!"
Following Alister's command, *Machina Colonel's* right arm, equipped with a chainsaw, turned towards its torso and fiercely inserted into its core. The aura of self-destruction without hesitation was as if sacrificing itself for art.
The impact of the explosion instantly swept across Rafael's field, engulfing the *Guardian Dreadscythe* that had just appeared only minutes ago.
"Target *Machina Colonel*, and destroy the targeted monster and all monsters on the opponent's field with ATK lower than *Machina Colonel's*. The effect of *Limiter Removal* increasing ATK hasn't dispersed yet, so currently, *Machina Colonel's* ATK is still above *Guardian Dreadscythe's*!"
Watching *Guardian Dreadscythe* being swallowed by the explosion, Alister couldn't help but relax a bit and said to Rafael, "Well, I blew it up pretty accurately, didn't I? Even if it gained extremely high Attack Power from the power of the monsters in the Graveyard, as long as I destroy it before it attacks, it's fine."
"If it doesn't hit, it has no meaning!"
However, to Alister's surprise, Rafael just gave a cold laugh after hearing his words: "Heh heh, sore wa dou kana?"
This was quite strange, because just now, at the last moment the explosion swallowed *Guardian Dreadscythe*, Alister had indeed seen the monster being blown into pieces. Without a doubt, that monster should have definitely been destroyed.
The Set Cards in Rafael's Spell/Trap Zone were only *Card of the Guardian*, *Wall of Revealing Light*, *Dreadscythe Harvester* equipped onto *Guardian Dreadscythe*, and one card Rafael Set last turn that he hadn't activated. His hand was also 0 cards...
"Hmm?" Alister noticed what the problem was. "Rafael, when exactly did your hand become 0 cards?!"
As his words fell, a section of the scythe's sharp blade poked out from the smoke that swept across Rafael's field. With a swish, the air current stirred up by the scythe violently cut open the dust, revealing a completely unharmed *Guardian Dreadscythe*?!
No, not only was it not injured, but that monster's ATK had actually increased again!
Guardian Dreadscythe [7500/2000 → 8500/2000]
"*Guardian Dreadscythe* is the incarnation of my inner darkness, a Dark monster that cannot be destroyed." Under the illumination of the green light emitted by the Seal of Orichalcos emblem on his forehead, Rafael's expression was gloomy and strange. "When she is destroyed, I must discard a card from hand as a substitute. And what I discarded was the monster card *Guardian Elma*."
"Because the number of monsters in both players' Graveyards increased, *Guardian Dreadscythe's* power increased!"
"What?!" Alister was somewhat surprised. "How can there be such an unfair effect!?"
The conditions for appearing were already extremely lenient, only requiring *Guardian Eatos* to be destroyed to jump directly from the Deck. And it also had an Equip Spell Card with an exaggerated effect that could be directly searched and equipped when Special Summoned. Then, it actually still has this kind of almost unlimited substitute destruction method?
What the hell is the point of fighting?!
Alister looked at *Guardian Dreadscythe* and said annoyed, "But don't forget the effect of *Machina Defense Perimeter* in my Spell/Trap Zone. When *Machina Colonel* is destroyed, I return *Machina Defender* from my Graveyard to my hand. Because the number of monsters in the Graveyard decreased, *Guardian Dreadscythe's* ATK decreased."
"Then, I haven't performed a Normal Summon this turn. I Summon one monster in Face-Down Defense Position, and then I Set two cards from my hand." At this moment, Alister indeed had no means against Rafael's *Guardian Dreadscythe* and could only helplessly set up a simple defense. "I End Turn."
[Alister: 2900 LP, Hand 1]
[Face-Down Defense Position Monster]
[*Machina Defense Perimeter*] [Set Card] x3
"My Turn. Because of the effect of *Card of the Guardian*, I Draw two cards." Drawing two cards, Rafael did not play any of them. Instead, he first changed the Battle Position of *Guardian Dreadscythe* on his field. "I change *Guardian Dreadscythe* on my field to Attack Position."
Guardian Dreadscythe [DEF 2000 → ATK 8000]
For the current Rafael, hand resources were the number of times *Guardian Dreadscythe* could resist destruction effects. Naturally, the more cards in hand, the better, and he couldn't easily play them.
"Enter my Battle Phase. Then *Guardian Dreadscythe* attacks that Face-down Position monster," Rafael said, reaching out and pointing towards Alister's Set Card. "That monster is *Machina Defender*, right? It's fundamentally no match for *Guardian Dreadscythe*!"
"Kill it!"
The sharp blade swung down. The sharp scythe in *Guardian Dreadscythe's* hand instantly pierced Alister's Face-down Position Monster Card, revealing the figure of *Machina Defender* as expected.
Machina Defender [DEF 1800]
Since the last Duel with Kaiba, because the inner darkness led to the disappearance of "Dark" Meklord monsters like *Meklord Army: Destruction Armament Strength*, Alister had started using cards he originally didn't use, like *Machina Defender*, to keep his Deck size at 40.
And the reason Alister hadn't used them before was because their strength was too much worse than the Darkened Version.
With no resistance, *Machina Defender* was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard. At the same time, a streak of blue light remained on *Dreadscythe Harvester* and was slowly absorbed.
Guardian Dreadscythe [ATK 8000 → 8500]
"Its ATK increased again because the number of monsters in the Graveyard increased? Tsk, this isn't good if this continues." Alister frowned. "When *Machina Defender* is Flip Summoned, I add one *Machina Commander Covington* from my Deck to my hand."
"In addition, when *Machina Defender* on my field is destroyed, *Machina Colonel* in the Graveyard is Special Summoned in Defense Position by its own effect."
"And the effect of *Machina Defense Perimeter*! I return *Machina Cannon* from my Graveyard to my hand!"
"The final fourth Chain! I activate the Set Card in my Spell/Trap Zone, *Raigeki Break*! I discard a card from my hand and directly destroy one card on the field!"
Activating three consecutive Chains, although Alister temporarily had no means against *Guardian Dreadscythe*, he was still actively striving for an opportunity for victory.
Holding the unused *Seal of Orichalcos* in his hand was useless anyway, so Alister planned to discard it as the cost for *Raigeki Break*. And the card he wanted to destroy was not the *Guardian Dreadscythe*, which has destruction resistance, but the *Dreadscythe Harvester* equipped onto it.
Without the threat of high Attack Power, even if he couldn't temporarily resolve *Guardian Dreadscythe*, he could at least make it not a big threat.
Alister's idea was very good, but Rafael pressed the button to activate a Set Card at this moment: "Good Chain, but at this instant, I activate the Set Card in my Spell/Trap Zone, *Spell of Absorption*!"
"Alister, you specially put together a four-step Chain to prevent your Special Summon of a monster from being negated by a Chain, but that is precisely within my expectation!" Rafael said, waving a hand. "Activate by paying half my Life Points after Chain 4! Negate activation and destroy all cards on the Chain that accumulated upon activation!"
"Nani!?"
Only to see *Guardian Dreadscythe* holding a mass of chaos energy in her hand and smashing it down towards Alister's field. In an instant, whether it was *Machina Colonel's* Special Summon, *Machina Defender's* search, *Machina Defense Perimeter's* recycle, or even *Raigeki Break*, they were all negated. The booming, bursting wave even almost swept Alister's field clean!
[Rafael: 2500 → 1250 LP]
"I Set two cards from hand. My Turn ends here." Rafael said with a grin. "In front of my *Guardian Dreadscythe* with 8500 ATK, Alister, your Life Points, without a monster as a barrier, are already like a flickering candle."
[Rafael: 1250 LP, Hand 0]
[*Guardian Dreadscythe* (*Dreadscythe Harvester*) ATK 8500]
[*Card of the Guardian*] [*Wall of Revealing Light*] [Set Card] x2
Looking at Alister's figure, Rafael seems to have calmed down a bit from the wrath that arose when *Guardian Eatos* was destroyed before, and said coldly, "The card you sent to the Graveyard with *Raigeki Break* just now was *Seal of Orichalcos*, right, Alister?"
"It ends here. You who have lost the power of *Seal of Orichalcos* no longer have the possibility of defeating me. You will only face an ending of ruin."
"Rather than continue bearing pain and struggle, if you, who haven't yet done anything harmful to Organization Doma, realize your mistake and turn back, I will plead for you before Lord Dartz."
Upon hearing this, Alister couldn't help but lower his head and looked at his empty hand. Then, he laughed out loud.
"That's wrong, Rafael, I said I will not fall into darkness again. The *Seal of Orichalcos* I will absolutely not use again, because I am not dueling you to kill you." Placing his finger on the Top of Deck, Alister took a deep breath. "Humans will eventually face their end, and in this process, they are also destined to bear countless pain."
"But the story of humanity has never been a story of death and severance."
"Compared to the new humans of the new world, we should believe in humans more."
"This is my last turn. Let me prove to you the radiance of the human heart, Rafael!"
"My Turn!"