Chapter 336: Historic Encounter of Two Mariks
Under Hayato's astonished gaze, amidst dazzling light, the card for The Winged Dragon of Ra actually split in two. On the top card, the originally soaring The Winged Dragon of Ra began to slowly coil its body, retracting its sharp claws, colossal wings, and even the Solar Disc on its back, surprisingly reverting to its Sphere Mode form!?
Along with this, even the card's name and the Priest characters below it began to change—
The Winged Dragon of Ra - Sphere Mode [Level 10/Divine]
[Divine-Beast Type/Effect]
[?/?]
The obscure Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs in the card's description field became even more complex. Although he still couldn't read them, Hayato could recite its effect with his eyes closed. He knew this because he frequently used this card in the real-life card game meta of his previous life.
The Egyptian God Cards in the anime had overly powerful effects that interfered with KaibaCorp's nefarious card-selling plans. Therefore, after the Egyptian God Cards were released as real-life cards, their respective effects were severely nerfed. Especially the Egyptian God Cards' strongest resistance, which was almost completely removed. Only Obelisk the Tormentor retained the ability to not be targeted by effects.
The most severely nerfed was naturally The Winged Dragon of Ra, which had the most effects. What could originally be done with one card was brutally "dismembered" into seven cards.
Fast forward to collecting seven cards to summon the complete The Winged Dragon of Ra and make a wish.
Among the seven cards that were split off, the most frequently used was this The Winged Dragon of Ra - Sphere Mode in Hayato's hand, because it could, with only one Normal Summon opportunity and no cost, remove three powerful monsters the opponent had painstakingly summoned to their field. Crucially, this card could even return to his own field during the opponent's next End Phase.
One must know that monsters like Quintet Magician that possess Release resistance are extremely rare. Typical boss monsters that possess resistances like "unaffected by opponent's effects" or "cannot be targeted by effects" are considered "powerfully resistant," but they still cannot resist The Winged Dragon of Ra - Sphere Mode's Release ability.
If the opponent has one powerful monster, use a Kaiju monster that is summoned by Tributing one of the opponent's monsters;
If the opponent has two powerful monsters, use Lava Golem;
If the opponent has three monsters, use The Winged Dragon of Ra - Sphere Mode.
If the opponent summons five or more monsters in one turn? Directly use Nibiru, the Primal Being.
Seeing The Winged Dragon of Ra voluntarily produce a new variant, Hayato nodded in satisfaction. With its Sphere Mode, The Winged Dragon of Ra would be much more useful. Adding it to his Deck would thus be acceptable.
Thinking this, Hayato placed The Winged Dragon of Ra and The Winged Dragon of Ra - Sphere Mode into his Deck.
Suddenly, Hayato felt an indescribable sense of crisis. Without time to think further, he swept up the Deck spread out on the table and rolled to the side.
The very next moment Hayato left his spot, a sphere of concentrated dark magic, which he hadn't noticed before, smashed onto the table. The sturdy metal table was instantly destroyed by the magical energy sphere. Hayato had no doubt that if he had moved even a step later, he would have been the one taken out.
"Tch, why can you always dodge my sneak attacks? Do you have eyes in the back of your head or something?"
Another man's voice echoed in the room, which should have only contained Hayato. Hayato wasn't surprised. In fact, after seeing the familiar sneak attack, he had already guessed who had intruded.
"Aren't you the one with a charmed life, Six-Year-Old? I thought you'd already sunk to the bottom of the sea with that Sea Fortress."
The person who walked out from the dark corner—who else could it be but Marik.
Inside the Millennium Ring, seeing Dark Marik's appearance, Light Marik appeared quite agitated: "Go, Brother-in-law, take out this bastard!"
"When did you become a trainer? Isn't that Bakura's line?" Hayato quipped, then waved his hand forward. The figure of Dark Knight Gaia appeared beside him, thrusting his lance at Dark Marik.
"Clang~"
Gaia's attack was blocked, but it wasn't Dark Marik who blocked the attack, but rather the Shadow Game that suddenly activated as Dark Marik raised the Duel Disk on his wrist. Under the rules' influence, Gaia not only failed to damage Dark Marik but was even suppressed back into a card.
Dark Marik's movements were so fast; he had clearly anticipated Hayato would attack him, which is why he immediately activated the Shadow Game after his sneak attack failed, dragging Hayato into a duel to prevent himself from getting hurt.
"Hoho, not so fast, Hayato. The Shadow Game has already started; how can you personally attack me?" Watching the emotionless Shadow Game's rule power suppress Gaia back, Dark Marik mocked Hayato like a triumphant villain.
This was the second time he had exploited the rigidity of the Shadow Game for his own benefit. The last time, he played with the definition of 'Marik'; this time, he leveraged the principle of fairness once the Shadow Game began.
"If the Goddess of Fate truly exists, then undoubtedly, she firmly stands on my side." Dark Marik raised his Duel Disk with a smug look. "Before that Sea Fortress self-destructed, I found an escape pod to leave it. And when I arrived on this island, unsure how to find you, the Ra you possess showed me the way."
"Before others arrive here to interfere, let's begin this pleasant Shadow Game, Hayato. I'll bet on your The Winged Dragon of Ra!"
Hayato wasn't intimidated. He wasn't afraid of Marik even when he had two Egyptian Gods, let alone Marik who currently had no Gods at all?
"Then bring it on, Marik. Let your screams be the accompaniment for my duel with Yugi."
Saying this, Hayato placed his Deck into his Duel Disk and activated it, turning the reasonably spacious room into their duel field.
Meanwhile, inside the Millennium Ring, Marik said discontentedly: "Although I'd really like to teach my Dark Personality a good lesson, even if it means punching that face that originally belonged to me, that's fine. But Brother-in-law, when you're making threats, can you please distinguish between the two of us? I really don't want to scream."
Hayato gave Marik a sidelong glance and simultaneously with Dark Marik across from him, declared: "Duel!"
(end of chapter)
Chapter 337: Hamon's Re-employment
"I'll take the First Turn, Draw!" After drawing a Card from the top of his Deck, Dark Marik smirked, looking at the Millennium Ring hanging on Hayato's chest. Half-inquiring, half-asserting, he said, "Hayato, that cowardly, foolish, and obsessive me, he's inside your Millennium Ring, isn't he?"
Without waiting for Hayato's answer, Dark Marik confirmed the answer himself: "So that's it. No wonder last time, when he Dueled the Nameless Pharaoh, I always felt the Damage he took was a bit off. It's because you gave him the Millennium Ring, wasn't it?"
"You say I'm good at using Shadow Games, but aren't you the same?"
Hayato sneered disdainfully: "Don't mistake me for scum like you, Marik. I'm a man who always values three things: fairness, fairness, and damn well fairness."
"The Collateral set in a Shadow Game is reciprocal. When you declared your desire to obtain my The Winged Dragon of Ra, your life was also placed on the scales. Alright, hurry up and begin your Turn."
"I will, Hayato, with this Monster." Dark Marik returned a cold sneer, and played a Card from his Hand. "I Activate the Continuous Spell Card Card Trader, the Continuous Spell Card Infinite Cards, and the Continuous Spell Card Dark Snake Syndrome."
"Then, I Send three Spell Cards from my Field to the Graveyard. Come forth, Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder!"
To Hayato's astonished gaze, Marik Sent three Face-up Position Continuous Spell Cards from his Field to the Graveyard. What appeared on his Field instead, was Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder, once used by the Rare Hunters' duelist Hesiod?!
Thunder and frost intertwined. Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder, resembling a skeleton-angel-like monster, as soon as it appeared, intended to freely unleash its long-suppressed emotions. However, as soon as it spread its wings, upon seeing Hayato, who had once thoroughly defeated it, standing opposite, Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder jolted, retracting its head into the cover of its wings like an ostrich.
[Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder][Level 10 / LIGHT Attribute]
[Thunder-Type / Effect]
[4000 ATK / 4000 DEF]
"Are you wondering why this Card, which that bastard Ryo Bakura took, is now in my Hand?" Dark Marik completely ignored Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder cowering behind him, surrendering before the Duel even began, and continued to speak to himself,
"I wasn't the only one causing trouble on that Sea Fortress. As a Cost for deceiving me, I took this Card from that guy before I locked him out of the escape pod."
"No, that's not what I wanted to ask. I'm not interested in what dream crossover might happen between a Six-Year-Old and Dark Satoshi." Hayato waved his hand dismissively, "I mean, it's not like you lost Ra and are now trying to substitute it with Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder, which looks most similar to The Winged Dragon of Ra, are you?"
"Hmph, stop exaggerating, Hayato." Dark Marik snorted disdainfully, "Although it's not as good as Ra, Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder isn't some Fodder Monster that can be easily defeated."
"Are you saying you can Summon a Monster stronger than Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder in One Turn, and defeat me in One Turn?"
Dark Marik said confidently. Clearly, he had completely missed the Seeding Match that had just concluded not long ago, and had no idea about Hayato's feat of Summoning an Cyber End Dragon with 8000 ATK in One Turn.
"I haven't performed a Normal Summon this Turn yet. I Summon Elemental HERO - Necroshade in Attack Position. After Setting one Card, I end my Turn."
Marik: 4000 LP, Hand 0
Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder: ATK 4000
Elemental HERO - Necroshade: ATK 2100
Set Card
Looking at the "PERFECT DEFENSE" on his Field, Dark Marik was rather smug. Today seemed to be his lucky day. Smashing things randomly in the Sea Fortress triggered its Self-Destruct, before escaping, he even tricked Bakura, as soon as he arrived on Devil's Island, he sensed the Aura of The Winged Dragon of Ra, and his Hand was unexpectedly smooth.
With such an impregnable defense, how could any ordinary person break through it? No matter how he thought about it, he was sure to win. Now, his chances of defeating Hayato were 1000%!
Looking at Dark Marik's smile, let alone Hayato, even Light Marik inside the Millennium Ring couldn't stand to look at his own incredibly punchable face.
"Now do you know how punchable your former self was, you three-year-old?" After a jab at Light Marik, Hayato lowered his head to check his Hand.
Spiral Fusion, Gaia The Fierce Knight, Curse of Dragon, Ojama Yellow, and Ojama Scramble.
Truth be told, Hayato's Deck was still under modification and far from complete. Calling it a 'card pile' would be an overstatement. But what surprised him was that with such a mixed Deck, his starting Hand was actually quite perfect?
Considering his starting Hand of Power Bond and Cyber Dragon during the previous Seeding Match, Hayato truly couldn't help but wonder if today was his lucky day.
"My Turn, Draw!"
After Hayato Declared his Draw, he didn't rush to confirm the Card he added to his Hand. Instead, he immediately played the Combo he had already planned out: "At this moment, I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card in my Hand, Ojama Scramble!"
"By Sending one Ojama Card from my Hand or Field to the Graveyard, I Add one differently named Ojama Monster and one Armed Dragon Card from my Deck to my Hand. After that, I can Normal Summon one of those Cards."
Hayato was just about to reveal the Ojama Yellow in his Hand and Send it to the Graveyard, when he found Ojama Yellow poking its head out from the Card, clutching his palm, weeping, and pleading: "Onii-chan~!"
"It's so rare for me to come out! Don't Send me to the cold Graveyard!"
"Look, I'm also yellow, just like Big Brother The Winged Dragon of Ra, and didn't you say you're sworn enemies with vice, gambling, and poison? Don't Send me to the Graveyard!"
Hayato listened, but stated firmly: "But, I refuse!"
"Nani?!" Ojama Yellow widened its tiny eyes. "But the books said that if a side character plays the pitiful role, they should gain sympathy, right?"
"Idiot, the 'pity me' persona has long gone out of style. Do you think this is some X-country sob story show?" Hayato grabbed Ojama Yellow with a yank, and threw it, along with its Card, into the Graveyard. "Now get your butt into the Graveyard!"
"Then, I Add Ojama Blue and Armed Dragon LV3 to my Hand, and Normal Summon Armed Dragon LV3!"
(end of chapter)
Chapter 338: Dark Marik, Withered
Hayato drew two cards automatically ejected from his Deck. He added [Ojama Blue] to his hand, then placed the other card, [Armed Dragon LV3], onto his Duel Disk.
After a long absence, [Armed Dragon LV3] landed on Hayato's Field, flapping its small wings on its back and excitedly raising its hands. Since it was still Hayato's Standby Phase, [Armed Dragon LV3] began to glow with the light of evolution.
"「[Armed Dragon LV3]'s」 own effect: During my Standby Phase, I send it from my Field to the Graveyard to Special Summon one [Armed Dragon LV5] from my hand or Deck!"
Enveloped by the light of evolution, [Armed Dragon LV3]'s armor and blades thickened and lengthened. The cute [Armed Dragon LV3] evolved into the imposing and majestic [Armed Dragon LV5].
[Armed Dragon LV5] [Level 5 / Wind]
[Dragon / Effect]
[ATK 2400 / DEF 1700]
Watching Hayato summon [Armed Dragon LV5] onto the Field without even using a single Normal Summon opportunity, Dark Marik stood with his arms crossed, calm and collected.
Let alone [Armed Dragon LV5], even the fully evolved [Armed Dragon] ([Armed Dragon LV7] or [Armed Dragon LV10]) only has an ATK of 3000 points. Meanwhile, [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder] completely surpasses [Armed Dragon] with 4000 points in both ATK and DEF.
Moreover, [Armed Dragon]'s effects are equally useless against [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder]. This is because [Armed Dragon]'s effects are not abilities designed to challenge the strong, but rather suppression capabilities against the weak. They might be useful for picking off weaker foes, but they're of no use against [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder].
"Hmph, are you planning to challenge [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder] with that monster, Hayato?" Dark Marik sneered, glancing down at the cards on his Duel Disk.
His only breakthrough threat on the Field, aside from [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder], was [Dark Hero - Corpse Fiend] with an ATK of 2100. However, the Set card in his Back Row was [Absorption Shield].
If Hayato intended to summon a high-ATK monster and attack [Dark Hero - Corpse Fiend] to clear Dark Marik's Life Points, then his [Absorption Shield] could take advantage of the situation.
Hayato glanced at Dark Marik and smiled, "Are you really that eager to be defeated by me? If so, I'll grant your wish."
"Activate the Spell Card [Spiral Fusion]!"
The vortex that appears when a [Fusion] card is activated materialized on Hayato's Field, but this time the vortex wasn't the usual blue; it had turned emerald green.
From Hayato's hand, the two monsters, [Dark Knight Gaia] and [Curse of Dragon], were sent to the Graveyard as Fusion Materials.
"「[Spiral Fusion]」 is a [Fusion] Spell Card specifically for Dragon-Type Fusion Monsters. It allows me to send Fusion Material Monsters designated by a Dragon-Type Fusion Monster Card from my hand or Field to the Graveyard, and then Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster."
Within the emerald green vortex symbolizing the gale, [Dark Knight Gaia], mounted atop [Curse of Dragonfire], appeared on the Field – it was [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]!
As soon as [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] appeared, the green vortex behind him, yet to dissipate, transformed into a torrent of magic that flowed back into [Gaia]. The hellfire and spinning storm from [Curse of Dragonfire] gathered on the lance in [Gaia]'s hand, and instantly, Dark Marik, who had been so composed moments before, became restless.
Because [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s ATK began to surge bizarrely, it was as if the Duel system had a bug?
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] [Level 7 / Wind]
[Dragon / Fusion / Effect]
[ATK 2600 / DEF 2100 → 5200 / 2100]
"The reason the Fusion range is limited to Dragon-Type Fusion Monsters is, of course, because [Spiral Fusion] has a second effect. When the Fusion Summoned Dragon-Type monster is [Dragon Knight Gaia], [Spiral Fusion] will increase that monster's ATK by 2600 points, and it can attack monsters up to twice per Battle Phase."
As he spoke, Hayato pointed to [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] on his Field: "「[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s」 card name can be treated as [Dragon Knight Gaia]. Furthermore, upon its successful Special Summon, I activate its effect."
"Add one [Spiral Spear Strike] from the Deck or Graveyard to my hand. I will activate it directly."
Placing the [Spiral Spear Strike] that was just added to his hand into the Spell & Trap Zone, Hayato looked at Dark Marik with a cold smile: "Here I come, Dark Marik. Do you have enough monsters prepared on your Field?"
"「[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]」, attack [Dark Hero - Corpse Fiend]! Cyclone! Heat! Maximum Drive!"
As Hayato declared his attack, although the assault had not yet landed, [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], controlling the gale, first changed the Battle Position of [Dark Hero - Corpse Fiend].
"「[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]」 can activate an effect when declaring an attack on an opponent's monster, changing the Battle Position of the monster being attacked. In front of [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], it is I who decides your monster's Battle Position, not you!"
"Feel the pain!"
[Dark Hero - Corpse Fiend] [ATK 2100 → DEF 500]
Watching [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] with an ATK of 5200 attack the [Dark Hero - Corpse Fiend] on his Field, which had been forcibly changed to Defense Position, Dark Marik, aware that [Spiral Spear Strike] grants [Dragon Knight Gaia] piercing defense capabilities, no longer waited and immediately activated the Set card in his Back Row.
"Stop right there! Activate Trap Card, [Absorption Shield]!"
An energy shield appeared in front of the defending [Dark Hero - Corpse Fiend]. It perfectly blocked the lance of [Gaia], which was just one step away from destroying it. The spinning gale and flames on the lance attacked, but they were completely absorbed by [Absorption Shield] and converted into Dark Marik's Life Points.
[Marik: 4000 → 9200 LP]
Seeing that the finishing blow from [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] on his Field had been blocked by Marik, Hayato smiled, "Originally, I was planning to use [Armed Dragon LV5] to finish the job. I really didn't expect you to use [Absorption Shield]."
"Didn't anyone tell you not to casually use 'attack negation' cards against me?"
Hayato revealed the card he had drawn from his Deck at the start of this turn.
The Quick-Play Spell Card, [Double Up Chance]!
"Nani?! That card is!"
"Ah, although it's a Quick-Play Spell Card, it's a card that can only be used after a condition is met. The trigger condition for [Double Up Chance] is, 'when a monster's attack is negated'."
As he said this, Hayato inserted [Double Up Chance] into the Duel Disk's Spell & Trap Zone: "Activate the effect of [Double Up Chance]!"
"When a monster's attack is negated, you can activate it targeting that monster! During this Battle Phase, that monster can attack one more time. During the Damage Step that monster attacks with this effect, its ATK becomes doubled."
Seeing the [Absorption Shield] that blocked his attack, [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] withdrew the lance he had thrust forward and concentrated his full power into the other lance he hadn't yet thrust. The gale and flames that had just been coiled around the lance like a serpent spun faster, forming a continuous wind and fire that enveloped the entire lance. From afar, it looked as if [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] was holding a pillar of fire tornado in his hand.
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK 5200 → 10400]
"ATK, over ten thousand?!"
"「[Spiral Spear Strike]」 grants [Dragon Knight Gaia] the ability to pierce through monsters in Defense Position. With its ATK arduously raised to 10400 points, and because [Dark Hero - Corpse Fiend]'s DEF is 500 points, the damage you will receive is 9900 points. It's truly a bit of a shame."
Hayato sighed dramatically and looked at the somewhat flustered Dark Marik: "So, are you ready to receive this damage, Dark Marik?"
"No, wait a moment, Hayato!" Although Dark Marik had always maintained an air of fearless idiocy, upon realizing he would inevitably lose this Shadow Game and his soul would be taken by Hayato, fearing he wouldn't be able to stir up trouble anymore, he couldn't help but panic.
"Look at me! I'm Marik, Ishizu's brother. You should have a good relationship with my sister, right?"
"Even though my sister treats me so coldly, if you kill me, she will surely hold a grudge. You wouldn't want to grow distant from her because of it, would you?"
"Spare me! I'm willing to give up control of my body. You can put my surface personality back into this body!"
Watching Dark Marik's pathetic display, Hayato merely chuckled coldly: "I, Hayato, refuse to pay for overpriced food, will beat up thugs without mercy when I encounter them, and take all the cards from dishonorable Duelists I defeat. But even I know what true evil is."
"Ask yourself, Marik. Are all the things you've done in the past worthy of forgiveness or mercy?"
"Accept this punishment called 'Soul Annihilation'! The one delivering this punishment to you is I, Hayato, and my [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Cha—mpion]!"
"Obliterate!!!"
As [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] thrust its lance forward, the long-suppressed wild wind and fire instantly engulfed [Dark Hero - Corpse Fiend]. Under the gaze of a cold-sweating, trembling [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder], Dark Marik's Life Points were instantly depleted.
"No! I, I can't accept this!" Despite taking a whopping 9900 damage in the Shadow Game, Dark Marik, who had been sent flying into the room's wall, did not fall unconscious immediately. Instead, he glared at Hayato as if in a final surge of life.
The [Millennium Rod] at his waist began to glow.
"Hayato, you bastard!"
"I'll be waiting for you on the road to hell! Just you remember—"
Before Dark Marik could finish his threat, the punishment of the Shadow Game fell. Even under the protection of the [Millennium Rod], which could alter the rules of the Shadow Game to some extent, Dark Marik's soul was shattered in an instant. His body went limp, he fell to the ground, and ceased to breathe as if dead.
After Marik's body fell to the ground, Hayato looked down at the [Millennium Ring] on his chest, tapping the 'Eye of Udjat' in the center of the golden disk, and called out to Marik, who was housed within.
"Hey, you three-year-old, are you ready?"
"Huh? Ready for what?" Seeing 'himself' get OTK'd by Hayato in one turn, Marik hadn't yet recovered from the exhilarating feeling of revenge and the strange sensation of 'himself' being utterly defeated. Upon hearing Hayato's words, he couldn't immediately comprehend.
"Honestly, just listening to these card spirits babble every day is enough to drive me crazy. Having you around is too much of a nuisance." Hayato glanced at [Ojama Yellow] and [Ojama Blue], who were dancing excitedly because [Rainbow Kuriboh] hadn't appeared in this Duel and they had. Hayato covered his forehead with a sigh of helplessness.
He patted the noisy [Ojama] monsters back into their respective cards. As he spoke, Hayato walked towards Marik's 'corpse' lying on the ground.
"As for a noisy tenant who hasn't paid rent, I, as the landlord, have every reason to kick him out, don't I?" Flipping Marik's body over to face upwards, Hayato said to Marik within the [Millennium Ring].
Although Hayato had always called him 'three-year-old', Marik wasn't actually only three years old. He understood Hayato's implication.
Previously, in the virtual world, he had been begging Hayato to let him out, but now that Hayato was actually going to put him back into his own body, Marik hesitated.
"Brother-in-law, I..."
"First off, not 'Brother-in-law'." Hayato interrupted Marik, explaining the current situation, "I'll explain beforehand: your soul was originally in a damaged state due to your split personality and was usurped by your dark personality. After that, it was roughly ripped out of your body by him. It's quite fortunate you didn't have your soul completely annihilated then."
"And your body, because your dark personality favored Shadow Games, who knows how many, or what kind of, ordeals it has endured recently?"
"In any case, your soul is now shattered, and your body has been ravaged. Even if your soul returns to the body, whether they will be compatible is unknown. Be prepared to become a vegetable or suffer brain death."
What Hayato said was quite realistic. Yet, in response to such realistic words, Marik within the [Millennium Ring] only fell silent for a moment before chuckling, "If that's the case, wouldn't that be fine too?"
"I remember a saying, 'Heaven's cycle is just, retribution is never absent'? My dark personality and I – our past actions have plunged countless people into suffering. I will bear this guilt and will not make excuses for myself."
Marik's voice was somewhat low, but amidst that low tone, there was a hint of relaxation and relief.
"If I were to miraculously survive, I intend to spend the rest of my life atoning for my past sins. And if I were to die directly, repaying my crimes with death alone would actually be getting off easy."
This frank and open statement made Hayato look at Marik with a rare seriousness. The him who had acted childishly and foolishly in the past seemed to have grown significantly in this moment.
"Don't try to escape responsibility by dying! You three-year-old, no, six-year-old." Hayato rarely doubled Marik's perceived age. "Don't bring trouble to those who worry about you. I don't want to see Ishizu crying and mourning for you; just thinking about it makes me uncomfortable."
"Thanks for taking me in during this time, Brother-in-law," Marik said with a smile. "Even though you never admit it, I acknowledge you. Take good care of my sister; she's a very kind person."
Hayato waved his hand without saying anything, but with a thought, he released the [Millennium Ring]'s restraint on the soul. From the [Millennium Ring], Marik's soul was sent into Marik's empty body, protected by dark magic.
Before being sent into the body, Marik, instead of his usual exaggerated facial expressions, looked at Hayato with a bright smile befitting his age: "Goodbye, Brother-in-law. In any case, I can reunite with the people I care about, can't I? Whether it's my sister who is still alive, or my older brother, Odion, whom I killed."
Hayato glanced strangely at Marik, who was about to merge back into the body: "Who told you Odion is dead?"
"Eh?"
"You didn't seriously think the other you killed Odion, did you? You're overthinking it, you six-year-old, no, three-year-old," Hayato said smugly. "That Bakura guy trying to kill someone in front of me? Don't even dream about it. Odion was merely knocked unconscious by the attack at the time; he didn't die at all, okay."
"By the time we get back to Domino City, he'll probably be fully recovered." As he said this, Hayato raised his hand and flicked Marik's soul: "So live, go back to Domino City and see Odion, and atone for your sins for the rest of your life, you eternal three-year-old."
Marik's soul entered the body. Hayato, with a look of disdain, but his hands didn't hesitate in the slightest, began manually pressing Marik's chest to restore his breathing. At the same time, Hayato used the [Millennium Ring] to control dark magic flowing through Marik's body, helping to clear and recover the internal injuries left by the Shadow Game.
It was only then that the room's door was pushed open. Kaiba and Yugi were at the forefront. As soon as they entered the room, they felt the lingering heat within.
Seeing Marik being "rescued" by Hayato in the corner of the room, Mokuba, who followed behind Kaiba, was quite surprised: "Isn't that Marik Ishtar? He was missing for so long before. How did he suddenly appear in Brother Hayato's room?"
"Marik!" Ishizu saw her own brother lying on the ground as if dead. Although she had always maintained an attitude of 'righteousness over kinship', she couldn't help but be overcome with grief at the sight.
Handing Marik over to the medical personnel who had arrived and casually taking his Deck, Hayato, seeing the mournful expression on Ishizu's face, comforted her: "The Marik now is the original him."
"Hayato."
"Dark Marik snuck in here to ambush me. After losing the Shadow Game, I expelled him from the body. Then, I returned the surface Marik's soul to his body." Watching Marik being carried away on a stretcher, Hayato continued, "The dark soul has been shattered by me. What happens next depends on Marik himself."
"After all, not everyone studies souls, so I don't know what his fate will be."
"However, before being sent into the body, he repented."
Hayato's words were indeed effective. Upon hearing that Marik had repented, Ishizu, while still worried and sad, was somewhat comforted.
The unconscious Marik was taken away by the medical personnel. As Marik's family member, Ishizu also left with them. Meanwhile, Kaiba, accompanied by the KaibaCorp security team led by Croquet, confirmed there were no further dangers in the room and approached Hayato.
"Hmph, you really have a lot going on, Hayato."
"It's not like I want this. I wanted to organize my Deck properly," Hayato spread his hands helplessly. "As for you, Seto, you're so slow. If I really had to rely on you, I'd be dead by the time you arrived."
"Hmph, don't give me that. I don't think you'd be taken down so easily," Kaiba said, as if suffering from a fatal condition that required him to 'Hmph' with every sentence. "Since there's no more trouble, then prepare properly for the upcoming Duels. And don't think I've forgotten what happened in the seeding match!"
With that, Kaiba turned and walked towards the door.
Glancing at Yugi beside him, Hayato shrugged: "It's all your fault, Yugi. It's because of your [Creature Swap] card that Seto has completely latched onto me."
"But I didn't want to face Joey either," said Yugi Muto, who appeared at this moment. Hearing Hayato's words, he sheepishly scratched the back of his head. His words earned him a firm grip from Joey, who had come along.
"Hey, you guys weren't thinking of avoiding being grouped with me during the seeding matches, were you?" Joey held Yugi's starfish-shaped hair with one hand, saying with dissatisfaction: "Is it embarrassing to be matched with me for a Duel?"
"It's obvious if you think about it; it's definitely because you, Joey, are too weak and unchallenging," Tristan quipped, successfully diverting Joey's attention. Joey's 'chokehold' shifted from Yugi to Tristan.
While playfully bickering with Tristan, Joey looked at Hayato and Yugi and said confidently: "My duel against Mai earlier wasn't my full power. When I duel Kaiba, I'll definitely show you just how strong I am!"
(end of chapter)
As the sun rose above the horizon, the morning sun shone on the silver-white summit of the Duel Tower.
Departing from Domino City and after an Airship journey that lasted a day and a night, the Battle City Semi-finals were about to begin, and the rested participants were seated in the Audience Seating.
However, while they called it resting, they were merely chatting amongst themselves. The Hibernation Pod used to enter the Virtual World, while transferring the user's consciousness into the Virtual World, also had a strong tranquilizing effect on the user's body. Thus, in theory, the group, despite being active all night, felt no fatigue at all.
Under the expectant gaze of everyone, Yugi and Hayato emerged from the lounge one after another and stepped onto the Duel Field.
The staff members switched on the photography equipment placed around the stage, one by one, to record the upcoming Duel from all angles. After Croquet, the utility man, confirmed that all equipment was ready, he announced loudly:
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting. What is about to begin is the first Match of the Battle City Semi-finals, between Duelist Yugi and Duelist Hayato. The winner will advance to the Finals and compete for the title of King of Games."
"Both Duelists are ready, so I announce,"
"Let the Match begin!"
"Duel!" "Duel!"
Seeing the two on stage simultaneously Draw their Hands, Joey excitedly yelled loudly: "Go, Yugi! And you too, Hayato!"
"Who cheers for both sides like that?" Tristan, who was next to him, retorted.
Joey shrugged: "But aren't both Yugi and Hayato our friends right now? That Hayato guy just had to be paired with Yugi. I don't even know who to cheer for anymore, so of course I have to cheer for both of them."
"Hmph, Mediocre Duelist, vocal encouragement is useless for a Duelist. Or do you think Yugi or Hayato need a Third-rate Duelist like you to worry about them?"
Joey didn't even need to turn around to guess who was speaking.
"Kaiba!"
"You're noisy. Shut your mouth and watch the Match quietly." Kaiba, with his arms crossed, coldly glanced at Joey, who was skillfully held back by Tristan and Duke Devlin, before his gaze returned to the Field.
Looking at Hayato and Yugi facing each other, Kaiba said with a hint of expectation: "Now, Yugi, Hayato, prove to me that your skills haven't been diluted by associating with Third-rate Duelists, and present a splendid Duel!"
"Who are you calling a Third-rate Duelist, you bastard!"
Joey's antics in the Audience Seating had no effect whatsoever on Hayato and Yugi on the Duel Field. After each of them drew their five starting cards, Yugi's movements weren't as fast as Hayato's, and Hayato snatched the First Turn.
"Hehe, the First Turn is mine. Draw." After drawing a Card into his Hand, Hayato didn't rush to make his plays but instead smiled and said to Yugi, "After all, I'm facing you, Yugi, so I can't not take the First Turn and set up a bit."
"Although, I think I said that already during Duelist Kingdom."
Yugi, who had already switched to his Yami Yugi state, returned a smile: "It certainly has been a long time, Hayato. But I apologize, to obtain the Egyptian God Cards, I must win all the way through. That's why I must defeat you, Hayato!"
"Oh, bring it on, Yugi." Hayato smiled and drew a Card from his Hand: "During my Standby Phase, I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, (Armed Dragon Blitz), from my Hand. This Card allows me to Special Summon one (Armed Dragon) with Level 3 from my Deck in Defense Position."
"Next is the Effect of (Ojama Match): by sending one (Ojama) Card from my Hand or Field to the Graveyard, I can add one (Ojama) Monster with a different name and one (Armed Dragon) Monster from my Deck or Graveyard to my Hand." Two Cards from Hayato's Hand were Sent to the Graveyard; in exchange, he took out two Cards from his Deck and revealed them.
"Because what I Sent to the Graveyard was (Ojama Magic), what I Add to Hand are (Ojama Red) and (Armed Dragon LV10). And because (Ojama Magic) was Sent to the Graveyard, I can Add (Ojama Yellow), (Ojama Green), and (Ojama Black) from my Deck to my Hand."
"Then, the Effect of (Ojama Match): after adding (Ojama Red) and (Armed Dragon LV10) to my Hand, I can Normal Summon one of them to the Field. I will Summon (Ojama Red)."
"When (Ojama Red) is successfully Summoned, I Activate its Effect: I can Special Summon up to four (Ojama) Monsters from my Hand to the Field in Attack Position. I Special Summon (Ojama Black), (Ojama Yellow), and (Ojama Green)."
"Then, during my Standby Phase, (Armed Dragon LV3) will Evolve to its next Level. Come forth, (Armed Dragon LV5)!"
Through this series of actions, despite it only being his Standby Phase, Hayato, after spending three Cards from his Hand, Summoned a total of five Monsters to his Field: (Armed Dragon LV5), (Ojama Red), (Ojama Black), (Ojama Yellow), and (Ojama Green), completely filling his Field.
Yet, his Hand size hadn't decreased much; he still had a full 4 Cards in his Hand.
"The synergy between your Cards is as strong as ever, Hayato," Yugi couldn't help but marvel. In an era where most Duelists used Cards that weren't part of an Archetype, Hayato's Deck, with its exceptionally unique coherence, left a deep impression on Yugi.
On Hayato's Field, (Ojama Red), (Ojama Yellow), (Ojama Black), and (Ojama Green) gathered together, striking a strange pose reminiscent of the Ginyu Force. However, due to the absence of (Ojama Blue) and the low-profile (Ojama Pink), the pose was not quite complete.
But this didn't dampen their spirits.
"That rainbow-colored bastard didn't show up,"
"And those dangerous (XYZ-Dragon Cannon) guys,"
"Now no one can stop us from becoming Big Bro's Soul!"
"Just as planned, ne!"
Accompanying (Ojama Yellow)'s wild laughter, Hayato responded to Yugi's words and played a Card: "Don't underestimate the (Ojama) Monsters just because they look unsightly and have weak Attack Power. Even Fodder Monsters have their uses."
"I Activate the Spell Card—"
"Hahaha, I didn't expect Big Bro to think so highly of us." (Ojama Green) chuckled smugly, then noticed that its other brothers' attention was entirely on the Spell Card that had appeared behind it and couldn't help but turn to look as well.
"Hmm, let me see... (Trade-In)'s Effect is: 'Send 1 non-Effect Monster from your Field that is in a Face-up Position to the Graveyard to Activate; Draw 2 Cards from your Deck'?" Reading the Card's Effect word for word, (Ojama Green) still didn't understand what it meant.
"(Ojama Yellow), what's a 'non-Effect Monster'?" Next to (Ojama Green), (Ojama Black) asked (Ojama Yellow).
"Hmph hmph, isn't that simple? There are only so many types of Duel Monsters. If it's not an Effect Monster, then it's a Normal Monster, isn't it?" (Ojama Yellow) pulled out a pair of glasses from who knows where—probably its Pocket Dimension?—and put them on its floating eyeballs, speaking with a scholarly air.
"Oh, so this Card lets you Send a Normal Monster to the Graveyard to Draw two Cards, right?" (Ojama Red), nearby, said with understanding, then looked around. "Big Bro, which Card are you going to Send to the Graveyard?"
"Yeah, yeah." "There's no Normal Monster, ne!" "Big Bro, you made a mistake!"
The three (Ojama) brothers also looked around and, unable to find a "Normal Monster," immediately reminded Hayato: "Big Bro, there's no Normal Monster on your Field, ne! You played the wrong Card!"
"You three really are idiots," Hayato rubbed his temples helplessly. Honestly, he'd rather play Shadow Game for three days and three nights straight with Marik, Bakura, Pegasus, and others than deal with these three annoying fools. "Look carefully at your own feet!"
"The one I'm Sending to the Graveyard is (Ojama Green), which is a Normal Monster!"
"Wh-what?!"
As Hayato designated the Target, (Ojama Green) horrifyingly discovered that numerous specks of light were drifting from its body, slowly turning it transparent. It quickly reached out to grab its brothers next to it: "N-no, Big Bro, don't throw me into the cold Graveyard, ne!"
"Save me, (Ojama Black), (Ojama Yellow)!"
Facing (Ojama Green)'s plea for help, (Ojama Black) and (Ojama Yellow) exchanged a rare look of understanding, then simultaneously turned their heads away and began whistling and chatting: "The weather's great today, ne!"
"The scenery here isn't bad either."
"This sea breeze feels so good."
Seeing its two brothers pretend not to hear it, (Ojama Green) furiously yelled: "You two disloyal brutes!" Then it pounced. Alas, before it could enact its final revenge, (Trade-In) fully Activated, it was Sent to the Graveyard, and Hayato also Drew two Cards.
After his Hand size reached five Cards, Hayato pondered briefly, then looked at Yugi: "My current Field setup would probably be enough for ordinary small-fry. But if my Opponent is you, Yugi, perhaps I should go one step further."
"I Activate the Spell Card (Level Up!)! I Send (Armed Dragon LV5) on my Field to the Graveyard to Special Summon (Armed Dragon LV7) from my Deck! Then, I Tribute (Armed Dragon LV7) on my Field to Summon (Armed Dragon LV10) from my Hand!"
To deal with Yugi, Hayato could be said to have gone all out, giving his (Armed Dragon) an accelerated boost within a single Turn, quickly climbing from LV3 to LV10.
The three weak, pitiful, and helpless (Ojama) Monsters were squeezed away from their original positions by the immensely swollen (Armed Dragon LV10) and huddled in a corner, fearing that their own ally might accidentally take them out if it moved its body on a whim.
(Armed Dragon LV10) [ATK3000]
"I Set one Card, and my Turn ends." With two Cards remaining in his Hand, Hayato ended his Turn.
(end of chapter)
Chapter 340: Ojama Yellow Died Again, That's Outrageous!
[Chumley: 4000 Life Points, Hand 2]
[(Armed Dragon LV10)] [ATK 3000]
[(Ojama Red)] [DEF 1000]
[(Ojama Yellow)] [ATK 0]
[(Ojama Black)] [ATK 0]
[Set Card]
Joey looked at the four Monsters on Chumley's Field as he ended his Turn, quite surprised. "Chumley's really strong, huh? He managed to Summon four Monsters onto the Field in one go, and even that troublesome (Armed Dragon LV10). This is gonna be tough for Yugi."
"Idiots will always be idiots. Did the appearance of (Armed Dragon) completely hog all the memory in your brain?" Kaiba scoffed, disagreeing with Joey's assessment. "Although Chumley has four Monsters, those two Fodder Monster (Ojama) are in Attack Position."
"Leaving two undefended back doors like that, what exactly is Chumley thinking?"
At this moment, Yugi's thoughts aligned with Kaiba's. He was also unsure why Chumley would leave two (Ojama) Monsters on the Field in Attack Position, despite their ATK being 0.
Since (Ojama Yellow) and (Ojama Black) are both Normal Monsters, Yugi didn't have to worry about them having any troublesome Effects. However, he couldn't help but be wary of the Set Card in Chumley's Backrow.
Yami Yugi felt a bit helpless.
Although Chumley always called Yugi — or more accurately, Yugi Muto — a "Heavy Trap Deck Shadow Realm dweller," claiming his Deck was full of Trap Cards, everyone who frequently Dueled with Chumley, be it Yugi himself or Joey, unanimously agreed that Chumley was the true "Trap-heavy Strategy" user.
What could that Set Card in Chumley's Backrow be? (Sakuretsu Armor), (Desert Sunlight), or (Dark Coffin)?
Yugi tried to put himself in Chumley's shoes, wondering what kind of Card he would use from that perspective.
But regardless, it was his Turn now.
"My Turn, Draw Card!"
He glanced at the Card he drew; it was (Spirit Swordsman of Bewilderment). Unlike the original Normal Monster (Celtic Guardian), (Spirit Swordsman of Bewilderment) possessed the ability to not be Destroyed by Battle with Monsters that have 1900 or more ATK, making it a very strong presence on the Field.
The problem, however, was that Chumley had an (Armed Dragon LV10) on his Field, which could Destroy a Monster with a non-targeting Effect by Discarding a Hand card.
Helplessly placing (Spirit Swordsman of Bewilderment) into his Hand for later use, Yugi placed a Card into his Duel Disk's Spell & Trap Zone: "I Activate the Spell Card (Dark Magic Curtain)! By Paying 1000 Life Points, I Special Summon one Spellcaster-Type, DARK Attribute Monster from my Hand or Graveyard."
[Yugi: 4000 → 3000 Life Points]
"Appear, (Dark Magician)!"
As Yugi Paid his Life Points, a Magic Circle appeared on the ground. (Dark Magician) leaped out of the Magic Circle with an incredibly graceful 360° aerial spin, landing and catching his swirling emerald green staff mid-air, striking a very cool pose.
[(Dark Magician)] [ATK 2500]
After (Dark Magician) appeared, Yugi's Summon was far from over; in fact, it was just the beginning.
"Because (Dark Magician) is on my Field, I Activate the Spell Card (Bond Between Teacher and Student), calling forth (Dark Magician)'s apprentice!" Yugi played a Card, then performed a Search from his Deck for a Monster. "Appear, (Dark Magician Girl)!"
With light steps, (Dark Magician Girl) leaped out from the Card, covering her short skirt as she landed on Yugi's Field. Upon seeing the camera pointed at her, she playfully struck a cute pose for the lens.
[(Dark Magician Girl)] [ATK 2000]
Mokuba, ever skilled at marketing, captured this moment. He then uploaded the screenshot of (Dark Magician Girl)'s adorable pose to KaibaCorp's official website on the "Solid Vision" introduction page, placing (Dark Magician Girl)'s Card beside it for comparison. He even added a slogan: "Want your beloved Cards to come to life? KaibaCorp's Solid Vision helps you fulfill your dreams!"
Others didn't know, but Pegasus, who had finished his recuperation and was discharged from the hospital, watching the live broadcast on TV, began to have some "unwholesome" ideas—(Dark Magician Girl) is so cute~ I've decided, me too will print myself a (Toon) (Dark Magician Girl)~
"As a further effect of (Bond Between Teacher and Student), after Summoning (Dark Magician Girl), I Set one Card from my Deck to my Backrow, choosing from (Dark Burning Attack), (Dark Magic Attack), (Dark Magic Expanded), or (Dark Magic Twin Burst)."
After consuming three Cards from his Hand, Yugi had gathered the master and apprentice, (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl), on his Field. However, they were still no match for Chumley's (Armed Dragon LV10).
(Armed Dragon LV10) possesses a powerful Effect that, by Discarding a Hand card, can non-specifically Destroy all Face-up Position Monsters on the Opponent's Field. This means if Yugi cannot Destroy (Armed Dragon LV10) this Turn, he will be in crisis next Turn.
Of course, Yugi wasn't without other options. For example, he could use the (Dark Magician) master and apprentice already Summoned to his Field to Attack the (Ojama Yellow) and (Ojama Black) in Attack Position on Chumley's Field, dealing enough Damage to Chumley to achieve a One-Turn Kill.
To put it another way, the best way to protect my teammates is to eliminate the enemy before they can harm them?
"Enter my Battle Phase! Go, (Dark Magician)!" Yugi dramatically waved his hand forward, pointing his finger at (Ojama Yellow), who was hiding in the corner, playing cards with (Ojama Red) and (Ojama Black). "Attack (Ojama Yellow)!"
"Eeek!"
Hearing itself designated as the Target of the Attack, (Ojama Yellow) jumped in fright, shaking off the white paper strips stuck to its face from losing a card game. It frantically tried to hide behind the towering (Armed Dragon LV10).
But when it turned its head, it saw the Card Chumley had Set last Turn. Even though it didn't even know what Chumley's Set Card was, (Ojama Yellow) suddenly puffed up with confidence.
"Hmph, go ahead and Attack, Big Bro has a Set Card in the Backrow!" With extremely animated gestures, (Ojama Yellow) brazenly provoked (Dark Magician) as he attacked, perfectly embodying the phrases "a small person achieving success" and "a fox borrowing the tiger's might."
Even though (Dark Magician), whose ATK far surpassed its own, had already launched a pitch-black Magical Energy orb, (Ojama Yellow) remained unperturbed. It ingratiatingly said to Chumley, "Big Bro, now's the perfect time! Just for me, Activate that Set Card, 'kay~?"
"Oh, you're actually being so proactive today?" Chumley looked at (Ojama Yellow) with some surprise.
"Hmph, it's rare that I get my moment in the spotlight, so let (Ojama Yellow) take care of your enemy for you, Big Bro!" (Ojama Yellow) confidently spread its arms, waiting for Chumley to Activate the Set Card. "So what's the Card you Set, Big Bro? (Rush Recklessly)? Or (Prideful Roar)?"
"Neither of those~" Chumley said with a smile as he Flipped over his Set Card. "Actually, I didn't want to, but you're so unusually proactive today. I Chain to (Dark Magician)'s Attack, and Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card (Instant Fusion)!"
(Ojama Yellow)'s expression froze. "Wh-what!?"
"It's not a Trap Card activated on an Attack Declaration, or a Card to Enhance me?"
"I Send Monsters from my Field to the Graveyard, and use those Monsters as Fusion Material to Fusion Summon a Monster! I Send (Ojama Black) and (Ojama Yellow) to the Graveyard to Fusion Summon (Ojama Knight)!"
A Fusion Vortex appeared on Chumley's Field. (Ojama Yellow), who had thought it would become a hero but ultimately met its fate of being Sent to the Graveyard, along with the slow-witted (Ojama Black), were swept into it. The newly appeared (Ojama Knight) on Chumley's Field fanned its small round shield, blocking (Dark Magician)'s incoming Attack.
[(Ojama Knight)] [DEF 2500]
[(Dark Magician)] [ATK 2500]
Because both the Attack and Defense values were identical, (Ojama Knight) was not Destroyed by Battle, and Yugi took no battle Damage.
The moment (Ojama Knight) was Summoned, (Ojama Yellow) and (Ojama Black), now in different attire, appeared on Yugi's Field.
"You terrible Big Bro, you sold me out again!" (Ojama Yellow) complained furiously. "I've decided, I'm rebelling! I'll throw some ash in your eyes, Big Bro!"
"Go, Yugi Muto, take down Big Bro for me!"
(Ojama Yellow)'s voice was as loud as ever. Seeing the annoying (Ojama Yellow) and (Ojama Black) now on his own Field, Yugi looked at Chumley with a distressed expression, receiving a helpless shrug in return.
"While (Ojama Knight) is Face-up Position in the Monster Zone, it can Target up to two unused Monster Zones on the Opponent's Field, rendering those designated Zones unusable," Chumley explained. "However, (Ojama Knight), Fusion Summoned by (Instant Fusion), will be Destroyed at the End Phase of this Turn. These two annoying pests will only bother you for this one Turn at most."
"I can somewhat understand now why you usually treat them so poorly, Chumley," Even Yami Yugi couldn't maintain his composure at this moment. "Let's finish this quickly, (Dark Magician Girl), Attack (Ojama Red)!"
Both (Ojama Knight) and (Armed Dragon LV10) on Chumley's Field had higher ATK than (Dark Magician Girl). Although it wouldn't inflict Damage, Yugi still chose to Destroy (Ojama Red) in Defense Position and Send it to the Graveyard first.
What Yugi was guarding against was (Ojama Country), the Field Spell Card from the Ojama Archetype Deck that they had remembered the earliest. The continuous ATK/DEF swapping effect, it had to be guarded against.
However, what Yugi didn't expect was that Chumley, to prevent a bricked Hand, hadn't included (Ojama Country) in the Deck he was using this time at all.
Ah, it's so quiet here.
(end of chapter)