Orange-yellow drones appeared around Roze, buzzing like sentient machines, circling at her side and ready to fire.
"When you control no monsters in your Main Monster Zones: Special Summon 1 'Sky Striker Ace Token' (Warrior/DARK/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position."
With so few low-level Sky Strikers, this Token was crucial Link-2 fodder. Morgan prepared for her next step.
"I use Sky Striker Ace - Roze and the Token to set Link Arrows!"
"Link Summon! Sky Striker Ace - Zeke!"
[Sky Striker Ace - Zeke] Link-2│1500 ATK
A humanoid machine resembling a war chariot appeared. Its upper half was humanlike, its lower half armored machinery, wielding the trademark crimson blade of the Strikers.
Gasps filled the room. Professor Mayn tensed—his only negate already spent. His sole advantage now was raw ATK. If even that was surpassed, he'd be cornered.
Still, Sky Strikers only occupied the Extra Monster Zone. With just one monster, their low ATK couldn't OTK him. He smirked. Next turn, Dragite would bounce her monster, and he'd push for the game.
Yet, a bead of sweat slid down his temple. Why did he feel more pressure than when facing Hannah? Could this student truly surpass a Shadow Duelist?
Hannah leaned forward, intrigued. She no longer expected Mayn to win—only to bait out Morgan's combos so she could study them. Better intel meant stronger counters.
"Sky Striker Ace - Zeke's effect activates! When Link Summoned: Target 1 face-up monster on the field; banish it until your opponent's next End Phase!"
The class murmured—surely she'd banish Dragite.
To everyone's surprise, Morgan instead chose Raptite. Shock rippled across the room—even Mayn froze. Why spare the stronger monster?
Insult? Mercy? Teachers bristled. If students held back, their authority was at risk. Regardless, Morgan wasn't one for sentiment.
"Next, I chain another Quick-Play Spell! Sky Striker Mecha - Widow Anchor!"
With three Spells in her Graveyard, its secondary effect was unlocked.
"When you control no monsters in your Main Monster Zones: Target 1 Effect Monster on the field; negate its effects. If you have 3 or more Spells in your GY, take control of it until the End Phase!"
She pointed straight at Dragite.
Realization struck Mayn. She hadn't spared Dragite—she intended to steal it. With his 3000 ATK monster under her command, could she be aiming to end the Duel this turn?
"Still, even with Dragite, that's only 4500 damage…" he muttered, unease gnawing.
Morgan wasn't finished.
"I activate Sky Striker Mecha - Shark Cannon!"
"Target 1 monster in your opponent's GY; banish it. Or, if you have 3 or more Spells in your GY, Special Summon it to your field instead!"
She plucked Revival Golem from his GY—fodder for Links.
Dragite shifted to her side. Raptite vanished. Revival Golem joined her field. Mayn's once-impressive setup lay in ruins.
The teachers fell silent. Even the Dean exhaled heavily. How could they teach someone already beyond them?
The Dean broke the tension. "It's no shame. Our role isn't just to teach Dueling technique—but to guide character. Have you forgotten the last Duel King?"
The reminder calmed them. Yes… The last Duel King had once been wild, but matured under their guidance. Strength wasn't the only measure of a teacher.
Meanwhile, Morgan pressed on. With Zeke, Dragite, and Golem, she was nearly ready. Her ace awaited.
"From the GY—Sky Striker Ace - Roze's effect! When an Extra Monster your opponent controls leaves the field by your card effect: Special Summon this card!"
Roze reappeared, gray twin-tails swaying.
Morgan smiled, setting the final pieces.
"I use Zeke and Roze to set Link Arrows!"
"Link Summon! Knightmare Unicorn!"
The orange-yellow unicorn with mechanical wings materialized, bridging the combo.
"Next, I use Unicorn and Revival Golem as Link Material!"
Streams of light converged, forming a towering armored warrior.
"Link Summon! Accesscode Talker!"
...
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