Finishing his Battle Phase, Yugi glanced at his Hand. After a brief thought, he Set two cards. "I Set two cards. My turn ends."
With Yugi's declaration, (Ojama Knight) was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, taking (Ojama Yellow) and (Ojama Black) with it.
Yugi: 3000 LP, Hand: 1
(Dark Magician) [ATK 2500]
(Dark Magician Girl) [ATK 2000]
Set Cards x3
After a round of offense and defense, it was Hayato's turn again.
The downside of Yugi not defeating (Armed Dragon LV10) last turn, but instead opting to attack the two decoys Hayato had on his Field—(Ojama Yellow) and (Ojama Black)—had become apparent.
This turn, if Yugi hadn't prepared any defensive measures, Hayato only needed to use (Armed Dragon LV10)'s effect to instantly destroy (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) on Yugi's Field, then follow up with a direct attack to wipe out Yugi's remaining 3000 Life Points.
The pressure was now on Yugi.
"My turn, draw!" Hayato drew a card, glanced at it, and then discarded it. "I activate (Armed Dragon LV10)'s effect on my Field. Once per turn, by discarding one card from my Hand, I destroy all face-up monsters on my opponent's Field!"
"Then, because the card I discarded was (Ojama Pink), this card's effect activates when it is sent to the Graveyard from the Hand or Field: both players draw one card, then choose one card to discard."
Due to the "Chain Link" rule of Duel Monsters, (Ojama Pink)'s effect was processed with higher priority than (Armed Dragon LV10)'s. Hayato, after drawing a card, sent (Ojama Blue)—which had been added to his Hand earlier by the effect of (Ojama Medley)—to the Graveyard, while Yugi discarded (Spirit Swordsman of Bewilderment).
"When I discarded an (Ojama) card with (Ojama Pink)'s effect, it has a follow-up effect that can be processed," Hayato said, raising his hand and casually pointing at an empty spot on Yugi's Field. "Until the end of the turn, target one of your opponent's unused Monster Zones and prevent its use."
"Then, we resume processing (Armed Dragon LV10)'s effect. The situation is urgent; let's take out Yugi's monsters with Eight-Pointed Light Wheel!"
As Hayato's command was given, it seemed that (Armed Dragon LV10)'s energy was replenished by the previously discarded (Ojama Pink); several jagged blades on (Armed Dragon LV10)'s abdomen began to spin rapidly. (Armed Dragon LV10) grabbed a spinning serrated blade in each hand and threw them out like saw blades!
Seeing that (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) on his Field were about to be hit by the saw blades, Yugi no longer hesitated and immediately activated his Set Card in the Backrow: "I activate my Set Card!"
"Quick-Play Spell Card: (Dark Burning Attack)!"
Facing the incoming fatal attack, (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) exchanged glances, tacitly understanding each other's intentions. Unafraid of the approaching death threat, they both raised their staves in unison and cooperatively condensed a sphere of magical energy, pushing it towards Hayato's Field.
The saw blades and the magical energy sphere passed each other, neither hitting its intended target. (Dark Magician) and (Dark Magician Girl) were hit and instantly destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, while (Armed Dragon LV10) on Hayato's Field was hit by the master and apprentice's dying counterattack, engulfed by magical energy and crushed.
Yugi unhurriedly explained: "Only when both a monster whose original name is (Dark Magician) and a monster whose original name is (Dark Magician Girl) exist on my Field can I activate this. (Dark Burning Attack) can destroy all cards on the opponent's Field."
Hayato sighed helplessly: "You really don't want to take any losses, Yugi."
"But don't forget, Yugi. I haven't performed a Normal Summon this turn yet."
As he spoke, Hayato drew a card from his Hand and Summoned it to the Field: "I Summon (V-Tiger Jet) in Attack Position!"
A mechanical flying machine, bionically modeled after a tiger, appeared on Hayato's Field, circling the empty tower top once, surveying the surrounding terrain, and incidentally locking onto Yugi.
(V-Tiger Jet) [4 Stars / LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine/Normal Monster]
[ATK 1600 / DEF 1800]
Hayato glanced at the remaining card in his Hand; it was (Limiter Removal), which he had just acquired by using (Ojama Pink)'s effect.
If he used (Limiter Removal), although (V-Tiger Jet) on the Field would be destroyed at the end of the turn, for this turn only, (V-Tiger Jet)'s Attack Points would double, soaring to a full 3200; a single attack would be enough to wipe out Yugi's remaining Life Points.
But was Yugi so easily defeated?
With two Set cards in his Backrow and one card in his Hand, Hayato didn't have a sure-fire win until Yugi's resources were completely depleted. Before that, it would be better to chip away at Yugi's Life Points.
"(V-Tiger Jet), direct attack Yugi! Whirlwind Charge!"
Facing the incoming attack from (V-Tiger Jet), Yugi also hesitated and considered. His Hand contained (Kuriboh), which had the effect to nullify one instance of battle damage after discarding it. Although he could use it now, Yugi thought it better to save it for later. Before that, he would sacrifice some Life Points.
Yugi: 3000 → 1400 LP
(V-Tiger Jet)'s attack went through. Hayato, however, felt some regret that he hadn't managed to probe Yugi's Set cards or Hand. Setting (Limiter Removal), Hayato declared: "My turn ends here."
Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand: 0
(V-Tiger Jet) [ATK 1600]
Set Card
In the audience seating, Joey, seeing Hayato's offensive this round temporarily come to a halt, couldn't help but loosen the hand he had been gripping tightly since the start, and found his palm full of sweat.
"Both are incredibly powerful Duelists," Mai Valentine couldn't help but exclaim. "Yugi and Hayato's duel is like walking a tightrope; it feels like one wrong move and you'll be knocked off by your opponent."
"Hmph, a duel of this caliber can only be called a 'warm-up'," Kaiba said without turning his head, his gaze remaining fixed on the Field. "If they can't even get past the probing stage, Hayato and Yugi are not worthy of being considered my opponents. Are you finally getting serious, Yugi?"
His Life Points reduced to only 1400, Yugi's finger rested on his Duel Disk, yet he revealed an amused smile: "What a tense and exciting duel, Hayato."
"My passion has been fully awakened! Here I come, Hayato!"
With that, Yugi drew a card and barely looked at it, directly placing the card into his Duel Disk's Spell & Trap Zone and activated it: "Spell Card: (Card of Safe Return)!"
(end of chapter)
Chapter 342: The Life Point Lock Begins
As Yugi activated (Card of Sanctity), Yugi drew five cards from his Deck, replenishing his hand to six cards. Hayato, having no cards in his hand, directly drew six cards.
Although it possesses an Effect strong enough to contend for the title of the strongest hand replenishment in Duel Monsters, its flaw lies in the fact that the opponent also benefits from the same Effect.
Even though he also freely drew six cards, Hayato's grumble remained the same: "Indeed, the Pharaoh truly can draw whatever he desires."
This phrase originated from the original *Yu-Gi-Oh!* series, when Yami Yugi Dueled Yugi Muto. Yami Yugi no longer concealed his true 'Heart of the Cards' nature, performing a play identical to the current one, directly playing a card without looking. Marik, who had by then redeemed himself, exclaimed this very sentiment.
In the official mobile game "Duel Links," Yami Yugi possesses an iconic Skill called "Destiny Draw," which allows him to directly decide what card he will draw next when his Life Points are below 2000 – the so-called "draw whatever he wants."
However, Yugi, in front of Hayato, was not a character from a game. The Skill, which has Life Point restrictions and can only be used once in the game, was actually a permanent ability for Yugi.
After glancing at the cards he drew, Yugi played a card from his hand: "I activate the Spell Card (*Polymerization*)!"
"From my hand, I will use (Queen's Knight), (King's Knight), and (Jack's Knight) as Fusion Material to Fusion Summon (Arcana Knight Joker)!"
A Fusion Vortex appeared, engulfing Yugi's three monsters. His Deck's top-tier Knight monster – (Arcana Knight Joker) – made its entrance!
(Arcana Knight Joker) [Level 9/LIGHT Attribute]
[Warrior/Fusion/Effect Monster]
[3800 ATK/2500 DEF]
"Enter Battle Phase! Go, (Arcana Knight Joker)! Attack (V-Tiger Jet)! Holy Sword of Aces!"
At Yugi's command, (Arcana Knight Joker) drew the longsword from its waist and blurred forward, moving so fast it was like teleportation, appearing behind (V-Tiger Jet). Its sharp longsword was about to strike.
Seeing this, Hayato immediately activated his Set Card: "I activate my Set Card, the Quick-Play Spell Card (Limiter Removal)!"
(V-Tiger Jet) [ATK 1600 → 3200]
Just as the sharp longsword pierced through a layer of (V-Tiger Jet)'s armor, striking towards its energy core, the activation of (Limiter Removal) released the inherent load limit that protected (V-Tiger Jet). Its rear thrusters operated beyond their maximum, and just as it was about to be destroyed, it reversed its body, firing a blast at (Arcana Knight Joker).
However, even after releasing its limits and boosting its ATK to a full 3200 points, (V-Tiger Jet) was still no match for (Arcana Knight Joker). It was easily destroyed and sent to the Graveyard. But due to its counterattack blast before being destroyed, the damage Hayato took was greatly reduced.
[Hayato: 4000 → 3400 LP]
600 points of Battle Damage were inflicted upon Hayato. Although a Shadow Game wouldn't cause actual damage, the simulated impact still forced Hayato to take a step back.
"(Limiter Removal)'s Effect doubles the ATK of all Machine-Type monsters on my Field, but they are destroyed at the End Phase of the Turn. Since it was going to be destroyed anyway, I might as well boost (V-Tiger Jet)'s ATK as much as possible to reduce the damage I'd take." Hayato explained.
Yugi wasn't discouraged. He looked at Hayato's empty Field and smiled instead: "Is that so? But Hayato, I never said that (Arcana Knight Joker)'s attack was my full power."
"During the Battle Phase, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card (De-Fusion)! I will release (Arcana Knight Joker)'s Fusion state and Special Summon (King's Knight), (Jack's Knight), and (Queen's Knight)!"
As Yugi played the card from his hand, his hand was back to just one card. The (Arcana Knight Joker) on his Field transformed into three Warrior-Type monsters in Attack Position, raising their longswords and aiming them all at Hayato, whose Field was empty. Their state looked quite good.
(King's Knight) [Level 4/LIGHT Attribute]
[Warrior/Effect Monster]
[1600 ATK/1400 DEF]
(Queen's Knight) [Level 4/LIGHT Attribute]
[Warrior/Normal Monster]
[1500 ATK/1600 DEF]
(Jack's Knight) [Level 5/LIGHT Attribute]
[Warrior/Normal Monster]
[1900 ATK/1000 DEF]
"Monsters Special Summoned during the Battle Phase can attack! They're coming to attack, Hayato!"
Yugi waved his hand forward, commanding his most frequently used (Queen's Knight): "(Queen's Knight), Direct Attack the opponent Duelist!"
Moving with elegant steps, (Queen's Knight) was graceful in demeanor, yet swift in action. A quick sword thrust hit Hayato, taking 1500 points from his Life Points.
[Hayato: 3400 → 1900 LP]
"Next is (Jack's Knight)'s Direct Attack, to—" As Yugi commanded (Jack's Knight) to attack, he heard Hayato interrupt him, playing a card: "I Chain to your (Jack's Knight)'s Attack Declaration! I activate the Effect of (Rainbow Kuriboh) from my hand!"
"I will Equip (Rainbow Kuriboh) as an Equip Card to (Jack's Knight), preventing it from attacking!"
(Jack's Knight), having received Yugi's command, hadn't even moved before a rainbow veil flew out from Hayato's hand, surrounding it and rendering (Jack's Knight) unable to move. The (Rainbow Kuriboh), which had repeatedly saved Hayato, leaped out from the card and plopped down on (Jack's Knight)'s shoulder.
"Kuriboh~ Kuriboh!"
"Oh, then I'll leave him to you, Aibo! Thank you so much!" Hayato, who understood "Kuriboh-speak," understood (Rainbow Kuriboh)'s meaning and gave it a thumbs-up.
Yugi also looked at (Rainbow Kuriboh), and said with some helplessness: "(Card of Sanctity) replenished my hand, but it also allowed you, Hayato, to draw (Rainbow Kuriboh)? What a pity."
"However, (King's Knight) hasn't attacked yet. Go, (King's Knight)!"
The last of the three knights – (King's Knight) – raised its sword high and brought it down forcefully, inflicting Battle Damage on Hayato once more.
[Hayato: 1900 → 300 LP]
Under Yugi's combined assault, Hayato's Life Points plummeted from 4000 to just 300 in a single turn. If not for (Rainbow Kuriboh), his Life Points would have been cleared even before (King's Knight) attacked.
However, Yugi's offensive ended there.
With only one (Kuriboh) card in his hand that couldn't be Set, Yugi ended his turn: "My turn ends."
[Yugi: 1400 LP, Hand 1]
(King's Knight) [ATK 1600]
(Queen's Knight) [ATK 1500]
(Jack's Knight) (Rainbow Kuriboh) [ATK 1900]
[Set Cards x2]
"Phew, that was dangerous, both the situation on the Field and my Life Points." Looking at his Life Points, which were locked at just 300, Hayato smiled instead: "Then Yugi, you'd better watch closely. This is my struggle for victory!"
"My turn, draw!"
(end of chapter)
"My Turn, Draw!"
Hayato drew a card and added it to his Hand. He hadn't played any cards yet, but his words made the audience in the Audience Seating recall a brief yet memorable scene from the previous group stage match.
Mainly, what Hayato had just said was exactly the same as what he had said back then.
However, the Monster Hayato was about to Summon next was not the "Cyber End Dragon ATK8000" they had anticipated, but another Monster that hadn't appeared in a long time.
"I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card *Ojama Remodeling*," Hayato explained after showing the Card he was activating. "This Card's effect is to reveal one Machine-Type, LIGHT Attribute Fusion Monster to your opponent. Then, Banish any number of *Ojama* Monsters from my Hand, Graveyard, or Field. From my Hand or Graveyard, Special Summon Fusion Material Monsters whose names are listed on that Fusion Monster, up to the number of Monsters Banished."
"The Monster I will reveal is *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*. Therefore, I Banish three *Ojama* Monsters from my Graveyard, and Special Summon *X-Head Cannon*, *Y-Dragon Head*, and *Z-Metal Tank*."
As Hayato inserted the Card into his Duel Disk, the Phantom Images of *Ojama Yellow*, *Ojama Green*, and *Ojama Black*, which Hayato had previously Sent to the Graveyard, emerged from the Graveyard. They all struck a pose that, while cool, seemed entirely unfitting for these three buffoons, and a faint "Aiyaiyai~" sound could be heard.
The main thing was that after these three buffoons appeared, they completely failed to notice what Card Hayato had just Activated to bring them out of the Graveyard. Upon seeing the head of *Jack's Knight* on Yugi's Field, standing opposite Hayato, *Ojama Yellow* became particularly excited.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, I really didn't expect this! I thought only a clown like me would be a traitor, but I never imagined even you, Rainbow Jerk, with your bushy eyebrows, would betray us!" *Ojama Yellow*'s tone was passionate and indignant, nearly bringing one to tears, as it turned to Hayato and spoke righteously, "Just for me, Big Bro, Attack that Rainbow Jerk!"
Then, it saw itself, struggling and tied to a test table, on the artwork of *Ojama Remodeling*.
"Wh-What is this?!"
Just as *Ojama Yellow* and its brothers hadn't reacted, *Ojama Remodeling* began to take effect. A large amount of armor appeared out of thin air on Hayato's Field, directly crashing onto *Ojama Yellow* and the others.
Hayato, who had drawn three Monster Cards from his Deck and placed them on his Field one by one, was completely unfazed by the miserable demise of *Ojama Yellow* and its brothers. He casually tucked their Cards, which had popped out of the Graveyard zone, into his pocket.
Of course, when he drew, a *Dotscaper* did not miraculously appear in his Hand.
The armor that had crushed *Ojama Yellow* and the others began to combine with each other. Within a few breaths, the armor pieces were fully united, and a red, blue, and yellow Machina unit was ready on Hayato's Field.
*X-Head Cannon* [Level 4/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Normal Monster]
[1800/1500]
*Y-Dragon Head* [Level 4/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Union/Effect Monster]
[1500/1600]
*Z-Metal Tank* [Level 4/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Union/Effect Monster]
[1500/1300]
"The gathered metal hearts will calculate new possibilities towards the future! I Overlay *X-Head Cannon*, *Y-Dragon Head*, and *Z-Metal Tank*!" Hayato raised his hand above his head and made a gesture. The three-colored Machina on the Field began to combine and transform, overlaying with each other. "Appear now, my Soul, *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*!"
*XYZ-Dragon Cannon* [Level 8/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Fusion/Effect Monster]
[2800/2600]
*Z-Metal Tank* formed the base, *X-Head Cannon* formed the head, and *Y-Dragon Head* took on the most awkward role as the energy transmission core. *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*, making a rare appearance, immediately upon appearing on the Field, gathered a laser sphere and locked onto *Jack's Knight*, equipped with *Rainbow Kuriboh*, on Yugi's Field.
"I Discard one Card from my Hand to Activate *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*'s Effect. By Targeting one Card on my opponent's Field, that opponent's Card is Destroyed."
Hayato drew a Card from his Hand and Discarded it to the Graveyard; it was *Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight*. Because of Yugi's *Card of Safe Return*, Hayato still had five Cards in his Hand after Summoning *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*. While his resources were abundant, it also meant that *Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight* couldn't activate its Effect at all, becoming a complete dead draw.
As the Card was placed into the Graveyard zone of the Duel Disk, *XYZ-Dragon Cannon* on Hayato's Field, having accumulated enough Power, fired violently. A beam of laser swiftly attacked *Jack's Knight*.
Facing the incoming Attack, *Rainbow Kuriboh* cunningly leaped away from *Jack's Knight*'s side, leaving *Jack's Knight*, bound by *Rainbow Kuriboh*'s Effect and unable to move, to directly face *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*'s Attack.
However, the competition of Duel Monsters isn't just limited to Monster versus Monster. The true determinant of the Battle is still up to both Duelists.
"You won't Destroy my Monster!" Yugi Flipped his Set Card in his Back Row. "Chaining to *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*'s Effect, the Set Card I Activate is the Quick-Play Spell Card, *Forbidden Chalice*!"
"Until the End Turn, *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*'s ATK increases by 400. As a Cost, its Effect is Negated!"
With the Activation of Yugi's Set Card, a golden cup filled with crimson, blood-like liquid appeared above *XYZ-Dragon Cannon* on Hayato's Field. As the golden cup slowly tilted, the blood-red liquid seeped into *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*'s machinery, causing a series of electrical sparks. The laser beam spewing from *Y-Dragon Head*, which formed its groin, fizzled out due to lack of power before even hitting *Jack's Knight*.
*XYZ-Dragon Cannon* [ATK2800→3200]
"Tsk, how troublesome." Faintly hearing Joey and the others in the Audience Seating exclaim in surprise, "Its ATK has surpassed that of *Blue-Eyes White Dragon*!", Hayato, however, frowned helplessly.
Because *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*'s Effect didn't have a Once per turn restriction, Hayato had originally planned to use his five Cards in Hand to "spot remove" all of Yugi's cards on the Field one by one, then perform a Direct Attack to bait out Yugi's last Card in Hand—which was likely *Kuriboh*, as the spy *Rainbow Kuriboh* had just told him.
As a result, not a single Card was Destroyed, and *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*'s Effect was sealed.
However, the winning equation Hayato had prepared wasn't just limited to one.
"I Normal Summon *W-Wing Catapult*."
Under Yugi's solemn gaze, Hayato used his Normal Summon opportunity for this Turn. A completely blue aircraft with a central slot for something appeared on Hayato's Field.
*W-Wing Catapult* [Level 4/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Union/Effect Monster]
[1300/1500]
Yugi, who was quite familiar with the Deck Hayato used, was somewhat wary of *W-Wing Catapult*. But then, as if remembering something, his brows slightly relaxed. "Hayato, are you trying to Summon *VW-Tiger Catapult*? But unfortunately, *V-Jet Tiger* was already Sent to the Graveyard in the previous Battle."
"Don't underestimate me, Yugi. Reviving a Monster from the Graveyard isn't a difficult thing." Hayato drew a Card from his Hand and placed it into his Duel Disk. "I Activate the Spell Card *Iron Call*. If I control a Machine-Type Monster, I Target one Level 4 or lower Machine-Type Monster in my Graveyard."
"That Machine-Type Monster is Special Summoned with its Effects Negated, and is Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard at the End Turn."
A Card popped out of the Graveyard zone of the Duel Disk, and Hayato placed it onto the Field. "Regenerate, *V-Tiger Jet*!"
The yellow tiger-shaped aircraft, partnered with *W-Wing Catapult*, regenerated from Hayato's Graveyard. Although it would be Sent to the Graveyard at the End Turn, wouldn't it be fine if it was Banished from the Game before then?
Without even needing to hear Hayato's explanation, Yugi already knew the Monster Hayato was about to Summon: *VW-Tiger Catapult*. The blue and yellow aircraft split their structures and pieced themselves together, forming a much larger mechanical wing combination.
*VW-Tiger Catapult* [Level 6/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Fusion/Effect Monster]
[2000/2100]
Similar to *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*, *VW-Tiger Catapult*'s Effect also had no Once per turn restriction, and its Activation condition also required discarding one Card from Hand. Hayato still had two Cards in Hand that could be used to Activate their Effects, but *VW-Tiger Catapult*'s Effect was much more limited than *XYZ-Dragon Cannon*'s, only able to change a Monster's Battle Position.
Glancing at Yugi's last Set Card in the Back Row, Hayato hesitated slightly.
If he used two Monsters to Attack now, if luck was on his side and Yugi didn't have *Kuriboh* in his Hand, there was a high probability he could clear Yugi's remaining 1400 Life Points. But if Yugi had Set an Attack Declaration Trap Card in his Back Row—such as *Hanoi's Sublime Power*—then Hayato himself would be in trouble.
After a brief consideration, Hayato resolutely commanded, "It seems I can't do it any other way."
"I Banish *XYZ-Dragon Cannon* and *VW-Tiger Catapult* from my Field, and Accelerated Fusion Summon!"
It is well known that Accel Synchro Summoning involves Synchro Summoning a Synchro Monster using Synchro Monsters as Material. Accel Fusion Summoning means Fusion Summoning a Fusion Monster using Fusion Monsters as Material. Logically, this is entirely correct!
*XYZ-Dragon Cannon* and the newly appeared *VW-Tiger Catapult* immediately followed Hayato's command. They both disassembled into incredibly minute parts and began to piece themselves together. Mobile firepower and an aerial fortress combined, and a tall humanoid figure quickly took shape!
"Limiter Release, Level 8! Main bass booster control, all systems clear! Infinite Power, now unleashed here, rush to the other side of the Dimension! GO! Accel Fusion! COME ON! *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon*!!"
After stealing Yusei's lines, Hayato ultimately extended his brazen act to Yusei's comrade as well, shamelessly "borrowing" their Summon chant.
However, Yugi and the others had no idea that Hayato's lines were pilfered from someone else. Leaving aside everyone else, Kaiba, upon hearing Hayato's long string of technical terms and English in his Summon chant, had his eyes light up, looking very interested.
Although his facial muscles were still so stiff they could be used as a cutting board for pork ribs, it was likely that Kaiba, at this moment, was strenuously thinking about what kind of cool and stylish lines he should use next time he Summons his wife, *Blue-Eyes White Dragon*.
Yugi, looking at the giant robot standing majestically behind Hayato, his gaze was solemn: "Is that... *V-to-Z*?"
The *VWXYZ* Deck was most active during the Duelist Kingdom era. After that, *Ojama* and *Armed Dragon* would occasionally be seen in Hayato's Deck, but *VWXYZ* rarely made an appearance.
However, this didn't mean that *VWXYZ* wasn't strong enough; quite the opposite. The Boss Monster of the *VWXYZ* Deck—*VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon*—could be described as incredibly powerful, both in Stats and on its System Panel.
*VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon* [Level 8/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Fusion/Effect Monster]
[3000/2800]
"*V-to-Z* is a decisive weapon formed by the combination of *XYZ-Dragon Cannon* and *VW-Tiger Catapult*, inheriting the Effects of both Monsters," Hayato said, pointing his hand at Yugi's last Set Card in the Back Row. "Target one Card on your opponent's Field and Banish that Card directly!"
"However, because the effect of 'destroying' has been upgraded to 'banishing,' this Effect of *V-to-Z* can only be used Once per turn."
Along with Hayato's explanation, the tall mechanical humanoid figure behind him raised its arm, formed by *Z-Metal Tank*, and fired an extremely thin red laser, effortlessly erasing Yugi's Set Card in the Back Row in the blink of an eye.
Before the Card was Banished from the Game, Hayato also saw clearly Yugi's Set Card. Just as he had suspected, it was indeed *Mirror Force*.
It was also fortunate that Hayato didn't greedily try to "finish Yugi this Turn," but instead Summoned *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon* and cautiously cleared Yugi's last Set Card in the Back Row.
Now, Hayato could relax and confidently Attack Yugi, whose Back Row was now empty!
"Then, entering my Battle Phase! I use *V-to-Z* to Attack your *King's Knight*, Yugi!" Hayato waved his hand and commanded, "School of the Undefeated of the East! Super King God's Finger!"
The name of the move Hayato shouted was one thing, but *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon*'s Attack method was another. After all, it was merely a combined machine, not a super robot Gundam. *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon* couldn't fire energy waves from its hands out of thin air. Instead, all its weapons simultaneously activated, and missiles, autocannons, energy beams, and lasers engulfed *King's Knight* on Yugi's Field in an instant!
"Boom!"
Only a loud boom was heard. Under the simulation of the Solid Vision System, even the vibrations an Attack should produce were reproduced. The dust kicked up when *King's Knight* was Destroyed even swallowed Yugi's figure.
(end of chapter)
Chapter 344: The Descent of the Traitor Dragon
Although everyone's vision was momentarily obscured by smoke and dust, there's a saying: "it's cold at high places." This is not only because temperatures are considerably lower at high altitudes, but also because the wind is stronger there.
A breeze dispersed the smoke and dust stirred up by (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon)'s attack on top of the Duel Tower, revealing Yugi with a confident smile on his face. On his Field, (King's Knight) was indeed destroyed and vanished, but Yugi's Life Points remained unchanged.
The status of (Queen's Knight) and (Jack's Knight), which were not chosen as attack targets, remained as before. Even (Rainbow Kuriboh) was still 'bullying' the immobile (Jack's Knight).
In front of Yugi, (Kuriboh)'s figure slowly dissipated. Seeing this, Chumley nodded in understanding.
"The moment (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon) attacked (King's Knight) just now, I activated the effect of (Kuriboh) from my hand," Yugi said, showing his last card before sending it to the Graveyard. "For this battle only, the battle damage I would take becomes 0."
Yugi: 1400 LP
Chumley looked at his hand. After summoning (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon), he had two cards left in his hand.
"I Set one card. My turn ends."
After leaving a Monster Card in his hand that couldn't be Set, Chumley ended his turn.
Chumley: 300 LP, Hand 1
(VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon) [ATK 3000]
Set Card
Yugi couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief as Chumley's turn ended. Although outwardly Chumley's Life Points were like a flickering candle in the wind, (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon) protected Chumley like an unscalable wall. Yugi knew that if he wanted to win the Duel, he couldn't do it without taking down (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon).
Although both of (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon)'s effects were limited to being used only during Chumley's own turn, its extremely balanced ATK and DEF alone were sufficiently robust. Yugi's Deck contained very few monsters capable of directly destroying (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon), except...
"My turn, Draw!" After drawing a card, Yugi immediately activated his only card in hand. "Spell Card, (Trade-In)! I Tribute (Jack's Knight) on my Field, and draw two cards."
In the DM era, although the proportion of Effect Monsters in Duelists' Decks began to increase, Normal Monsters still made up the majority. Yugi, who greatly valued the concept of card advantage, had already included three copies of (Pot of Greed) and (Graceful Charity) in his Deck. He also ran (Trade-In), which maximized the utilization of Normal Monsters to gain hand advantage.
As (Jack's Knight), with a look of 'finally free,' was sent to the Graveyard, and the (Rainbow Kuriboh) equipped to it was sent to Chumley's Graveyard, Yugi also drew two cards from his Deck.
His luck was good.
"Spell Card, (Pot of Avarice)! I return five Monsters from my Graveyard to my Deck. After shuffling my Deck, I draw two cards."
(Dark Magician), (Dark Magician Girl), (Jack's Knight), (King's Knight), and (Kuriboh) were returned to Yugi's Deck. Yugi's Graveyard, which had accumulated cards from previous battles, became much emptier, leaving only a pile of Spell/Trap Cards and the solitary (Spirit Swordsman of Bewilderment).
After drawing two cards, Yugi's hand returned to 3 cards. However, Yugi knew that if he wanted to use that Monster to defeat Chumley, just these few cards in hand wouldn't be nearly enough. The card he could use to greatly replenish his hand lay dormant in his Graveyard.
"Spell Card, (Magical Stone Excavation)! I discard two cards from my hand to activate it by targeting one Spell Card in my Graveyard." Yugi revealed (Magical Stone Excavation), then sent two cards from his hand to the Graveyard. Chumley vaguely saw that one of them appeared to be a Monster.
"That Spell Card is added to my hand, and the Spell Card I'm adding to my hand is—" Yugi said, revealing the Spell Card he recovered from his Graveyard. "Normal Spell Card, (Card of Safe Return)!"
Both players' hands were heavily replenished again. Only Chumley, who had drawn five cards, felt it wasn't enough, while Yugi seized the opportunity to instantly replenish a full six cards to his hand. For excellent Duelists like Chumley and Yugi, who knew how to maximize hand resources into actual advantages, a card like (Card of Safe Return) was simply too useful.
Therefore, there was a reason why (Card of Safe Return) was so heavily weakened after being made into a real card.
After drawing five cards, Chumley slightly raised an eyebrow, seemingly having drawn some good cards, and couldn't help but look towards Yugi. Although Yugi's hand was facedown towards him, a subconscious intuition guided Chumley's gaze to the last card Yugi had added to his hand.
That aura... was it a God?
As if noticing Chumley's gaze fixed on the rightmost card in his hand, Yugi smiled and said, "That's quite the keen awareness, Chumley. You noticed, didn't you? I've already drawn a God card."
"Is it (Slifer the Sky Dragon)? But Yugi, that God card requires three Tributes to Summon," Chumley said, glancing at the only remaining Monster on Yugi's Field, (Queen's Knight). "You only have one Monster on your Field that can be Tributed."
"In that case, couldn't I just summon enough Tributes?"
Yugi said with a smile, simultaneously drawing a Monster from his hand and summoning it to the Field: "I Normal Summon (King's Knight)!"
(King's Knight), which was destroyed by battle by Chumley's (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon) last turn, had just been shuffled back into Yugi's Deck by (Pot of Avarice). Unexpectedly, Yugi had summoned it again so quickly.
After the heavily armored knight appeared on the Field, he raised the longsword in his hand, and (Queen's Knight) beside him simultaneously performed the same action.
"Retainer, come to my side!" Following (King's Knight)'s command, after both Monsters simultaneously raised their swords, (Jack's Knight) emerged from Yugi's Deck to its master's side. "Yes, Master!"
"When (King's Knight) is successfully Summoned, if (Queen's Knight) exists on my Field, I can activate its effect to Special Summon (Jack's Knight) from my Deck," Yugi explained, a confident smile on his face. "Although I used my Normal Summon for this, the three Tributes required to Summon a God are now gathered."
"I Activate the Spell Card (Double Summon)! This turn, I can conduct a second Normal Summon. Then, I Tribute the three Monsters on my Field!"
(King's Knight), (Queen's Knight), and (Jack's Knight) all raised their swords above their heads. Their forms dissipated into transparency, transforming into three red pillars of light reaching straight into the sky.
As Yugi held a card high above his head, the morning sky was covered by dark, heavy rain clouds within a few breaths. Amidst thunder and lightning, a red, snake-like figure bathed in lightning surged through the dark clouds.
"When the heavens roar in chaos, the ancient book of magic is sealed beneath chains, its power reaching infinity! The time of good and evil's convergence has arrived; commence the ritual to call forth the judgment of the underworld!" Yugi placed the card with the unique red border onto his Duel Disk. "Descend here! (Slifer the Sky Dragon)!"
"Deng deng, deng deng deng deng deng deng, deng deng, deng deng…"
Around the Duel Field, accompanying the descent of (Slifer the Sky Dragon), an impassioned symphony played as a prelude to the deity's appearance. Although the Egyptian God Cards were Duel Monster Cards created by Pegasus based on ancient Egyptian stone tablets, the modern symphony playing now sounded perfectly fitting, perfectly conveying the majesty of a God!
The only one displeased was probably Chumley. Because this BGM was clearly the classic 'God's Wrath' BGM that he had given Mokuba to put on his Duel Disk. Chumley finally understood what Mokuba meant when he said on the S.S. St. Ann airship that there would be a surprise upon reaching their destination.
"Hey Mokuba, explain to me, what exactly is this "surprise" you're talking about!?"
"Don't be so petty, Big Bro Chumley. It'd be a real shame not to play such good background music now," Mokuba said, soothing Chumley.
Chumley didn't actually take the music too seriously. In fact, he was merely interacting with the spectators to relieve the pressure of directly facing a God.
Although he did have a Monster on his Field, because Yugi still had three cards in hand, (Slifer the Sky Dragon)'s ATK was equal to (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon)'s, both 3000.
However, due to (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon)'s sheer size, it was currently standing behind Chumley, leaving no obstruction between Chumley and (Slifer the Sky Dragon); they were essentially staring each other down.
Swallowing hard, Chumley had to admit one thing: compared to how Marik used it, (Slifer the Sky Dragon) controlled by Yugi was noticeably more majestic. Its presence was practically on par with (The Winged Dragon of Ra) during the DM era and (The Winged Dragon of Ra) during the GX era.
Although the latter was a fake card, and there was also the (God-Binding Tomb), a card specifically meant to restrain Gods.
After summoning (Slifer the Sky Dragon), Yugi didn't perform any other actions. Instead, he glanced at the cards in his hand to confirm his next strategy, and without even bothering to Set two cards as a gesture, he directly declared: "Then, my turn ends."
Yugi: 1400 LP, Hand 3
(Slifer the Sky Dragon) [ATK 3000]
Although he had summoned one of the Egyptian God Cards, (Slifer the Sky Dragon), Yugi had simply summoned it. It wasn't that he didn't want to use it to attack; it was simply that there was no attack target.
Chumley's Field had only one Monster, (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon), and its ATK was equal to (Slifer the Sky Dragon)'s, both 3000. Although God cards possess powerful resistance, that didn't mean they couldn't be destroyed by battle. If Yugi were to attack, it would only result in a mutual destruction.
After that, Chumley, with his hand resources fully replenished, would only need to find a way to deplete Yugi's remaining 1400 Life Points. The difficulty wouldn't be high at all.
Instead, by not attacking now, Yugi could pose the maximum threat to Chumley.
(VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon)'s effects were powerful, but neither banishing nor changing battle positions could deal with a God. Moreover, if Chumley couldn't defeat (Slifer the Sky Dragon) within one turn, his defeat would be almost certain.
The stalemate could only last until Yugi's next Draw Phase. Once Yugi's hand was replenished to four cards, (Slifer the Sky Dragon)'s ATK would also increase to 4000. If (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon) remained in Attack Position, it would be destroyed by (Slifer the Sky Dragon), and Chumley's Life Points would be directly wiped out.
And even if (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon) were to change to Defense Position, its mere 2800 DEF would only be able to block one attack from (Slifer the Sky Dragon) with 3000 ATK. Yugi could simply summon another Monster from his hand to direct attack Chumley.
As for summoning other Monsters to act as shields against attacks? That strategy might work for the other two God cards, but specifically for (Slifer the Sky Dragon), its mandatory Thunderforce Attack effect earned it the nicknames "Traitor Dragon" and "Fodder Monster Sweeper." Any monsters summoned would only become instant cannon fodder.
The only thing Chumley could do was make (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon) engage in a mutual destruction with (Slifer the Sky Dragon), and then summon other Monsters to the Field after the Battle Phase.
Yugi's predictions perfectly matched Chumley's current dilemma. His Deck only contained one copy of (Limiter Removal) that could increase the ATK of Machine-Type Monsters, but he had used it on (V-Jet Tiger) earlier to prevent a one-turn kill by (Arcana Knight Joker). He also hadn't yet drawn any cards from his hand that possessed an effect to recover Spell Cards from the Graveyard.
Did he really have to use (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon) for a mutual destruction with (Slifer the Sky Dragon)?
"My turn, Draw." He glanced at the card he drew; it was (Power of Succession). Although it could be used to increase (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon)'s ATK to help it shatter (Slifer the Sky Dragon), the awkward reality was that Chumley currently had no way in his hand to summon a Monster with 2000 or more ATK or DEF that wouldn't be destroyed by "Thunderforce Attack."
Wait, did I forget something?
As Chumley thought, he looked down at his Duel Disk's Graveyard zone. Many Dragon-Type Monsters had gathered there. If Chumley hadn't traded (Dragon's Mirror) to Joey earlier, he might have included (Five-Headed Dragon) in his Deck, which could have utilized this pile of Dragon-Type Monsters in the Graveyard. But there are no 'ifs' in this situation.
However, as he pondered, Chumley remembered something—it seemed that in this Duel, he had already legitimately Special Summoned (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon) and (Armed Dragon LV7), one after the other?
Which means...
Thinking of this, Chumley smiled confidently: "Yugi, you're not thinking that my only option is to have (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon) engage in mutual destruction with (Slifer the Sky Dragon), are you?"
"Then congratulations, your wish has come true!" Chumley said, pointing his hand towards (Slifer the Sky Dragon). "This is a necessary sacrifice. Engage in mutual destruction with the God, (VWXYZ-Dragon Cannon)!"
(end of chapter)
"Hayato, you've really made that choice, haven't you? But I won't let you have your way!"
Watching the *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon* faithfully execute Hayato's command and unhesitatingly launch a suicidal Attack against the *Slifer the Sky Dragon* on his own Field, Yugi also declared resolutely, "During your Battle Phase, I Activate the Effect of a card in my Graveyard!"
"I Banish *Electromagnetic Turtle* from my Graveyard to immediately end this Battle Phase!"
Just as the *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon*'s Attack was about to hit *Slifer the Sky Dragon*, a bionic turtle made of steel leaped out from Yugi's Graveyard and blocked it in front of *Slifer the Sky Dragon*.
Although *Electromagnetic Turtle* was Destroyed in an instant, *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon*'s Attack was also blocked, and Hayato's plan to make it mutually Destroy with *Slifer the Sky Dragon* failed.
However, Hayato wasn't surprised by the appearance of *Electromagnetic Turtle*. He had suspected one of the cards Yugi sent to the Graveyard with *Magical Stone Excavation* might be *Electromagnetic Turtle*, and he was right.
Yugi smiled confidently, looking at the protected *Slifer the Sky Dragon*. But when he shifted his gaze to Hayato, he saw the tall *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon* behind Hayato rapidly disintegrating!?
Yugi then noticed an additional revealed Spell Card on Hayato's Field.
"*Mystical Wok*, a Quick-Play Spell Card. Anyway, by the next Turn, *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon* would have difficulty escaping the fate of being Destroyed by *Slifer the Sky Dragon*, so I must fry it and eat it immediately."
[Hayato: 300→3300 LP]
Hayato Chained *Electromagnetic Turtle*'s Effect, Activating *Mystical Wok* to Tribute *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon*. This move somewhat baffled Yugi.
Even if he recovered 3000 Life Points, Hayato lost his last barrier on the Field. Wouldn't he still face *Slifer the Sky Dragon*'s Direct Attack next Turn?
Seeing Yugi's bewildered expression, Hayato smiled and said, "Yugi, did you know that the *Ojama*, *Armed Dragon*, and *XYZ* Deck Archetypes I use all have synergy?"
"It's not just *Ojama* linking with *Armed Dragon* or *XYZ*. The ultimate form of *XYZ* — *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon* — also possesses the ability to link with *Armed Dragon*!"
"The card I'm about to use next, fewer than five people have ever seen it. So, here I go!"
*VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon* had just been Sent to the Graveyard by Hayato, when red and blue lights glowed in the Graveyard of Hayato's Duel Disk.
Behind Hayato, the previously appeared *Armed Dragon LV7* and the recently Sent to the Graveyard *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon* manifested as phantom images, bending at the waist and pressing their fingertips together, converging into a massive orange orb of light.
"Only in a Duel where I have Special Summoned both *Armed Dragon LV7* and *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon*, I can Banish the aforementioned cards from my Field or Graveyard to Special Summon *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*!"
"Osu!"
After the orb of light dispersed, the Monster Hayato Special Summoned by Banishing two powerful Boss Monsters from his Graveyard revealed its true form – the V to Z components disassembled, forming sturdy armor that clad the robust body of *Armed Dragon LV7*. While utilizing mechanical power to compensate for *Armed Dragon LV7*'s lack of mobility, it also gained sufficient flexibility through *Armed Dragon LV7*.
However, despite its imposing presence, because it was Summoned while *Slifer the Sky Dragon* was on the Field, *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* had barely managed to strike a cool pose, showcasing its impressive armor and gigantic cannon, when it was splattered by a Thunderforce Attack, a passive Effect of *Slifer the Sky Dragon*.
[*Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*][Level 10/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine/Fusion/Effect]
[3500 ATK/3000 DEF → 1500 ATK/3000 DEF]
His cool entrance ruined by *Slifer the Sky Dragon*, the unyielding *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*, despite its Attack Points being lower than *Slifer the Sky Dragon*'s, glared angrily at *Slifer the Sky Dragon* observing it disdainfully from the sky. If the Battle Phase hadn't already passed, it would likely have recklessly Attacked *Slifer the Sky Dragon*, whose Attack Points far surpassed its own.
After Summoning *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*, Yugi noticed Hayato hesitating with his Hand. He glanced at his own *Slifer the Sky Dragon* on the Field, then Set three cards from his Hand, declaring, "I Set three cards. My Turn ends."
[Hayato: 3300 LP, Hand 3]
[*Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*][ATK 1500]
[Set Card] X3
"My Turn, Draw." Yugi drew a card from his Deck; it was the *Dark Magician Girl* that had previously been recycled back to the Deck.
Because of Hayato's *Mystical Wok* activated last Turn, his Life Points had recovered to 3300. Even if the 3000 ATK *VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon* was replaced by the 1500 ATK *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*, and *Slifer the Sky Dragon*'s ATK had increased to 4000, it would still be difficult to clear Hayato's Life Points.
Furthermore, Yami Yugi, who often watched Yugi Muto Duel, would not take the three cards Hayato just Set in his Backrow lightly.
Summoning other Monsters now would very likely trigger a Trap set by Hayato, not only failing to reduce Hayato's Life Points but also causing *Slifer the Sky Dragon*'s Attack Points to decrease. Rather, it would be better to first Destroy *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* with *Slifer the Sky Dragon*, which ignores Traps.
As for the completely unknown Effect of *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*, Yugi didn't dwell on it. Since Hayato didn't Activate its Effect immediately after Summoning it, maybe its Effect was weak?
However, what Yugi didn't expect was that it wasn't that Hayato didn't want to use *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*'s Effect, but rather that he couldn't. Its Effect was one of the few in Duel Monsters that could only be Activated during the opponent's Turn.
"*Slifer the Sky Dragon*, Attack *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*!" Yugi commanded with a wave of his hand, not noticing the smirk on Hayato's face. "Thunder Force Blaster!"
[*Slifer the Sky Dragon*][ATK 4000]
The red long Dragon opened its maw, a beam of lightning instantly coalescing within its mouth, rapidly forming a pillar of light that surged towards the weakened *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* on Hayato's Field.
Although slightly regretting that Yugi didn't Summon other Monsters or Set two cards, Hayato still ordered, "This is good. Go, *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*!"
"Eradicate the God!"
"Nani?!"
To Yugi's astonished gaze, the *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*, weakened to only 1500 Attack Points, showed no fear against the incoming Attack from *Slifer the Sky Dragon*. It simply raised its metal cannon barrel resolutely and operated it at full power.
A beam of orange light burst forth instantly, piercing "Thunder Force Blaster" and pushing it back towards the bewildered *Slifer the Sky Dragon*, directly piercing its two mouths.
*Slifer the Sky Dragon*, possessing arguably the strongest Resistance in Duel Monsters, was counterattacked when attacking the *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* with only 1500 Attack Points!?
"How is this possible?!" Yugi wasn't the only one surprised. In the Audience Seating, Kaiba seemed even more agitated.
In his mind, the Egyptian God Cards were arguably the strongest power in Duel Monsters, yet right before his eyes, *Slifer the Sky Dragon*, one of the Egyptian God Cards alongside *Obelisk the Tormentor*, was slain!
"How did that Hayato guy even do it?"
Joey's words echoed the common confusion in everyone's hearts at that moment.
Hayato didn't let them wonder for too long. Meeting Yugi's questioning gaze, Hayato explained, "Indeed, the Resistance of the Egyptian God Cards is, in some ways, almost impregnable."
"They are unaffected by Spell Cards not Activated during the current Turn, Trap Cards that specifically Target Gods are Negated, and Monster Effects from Monsters with Level lower than 10 are Negated. Even Spell Cards Activated during the current Turn and Monster Effects from Monsters Level 10 or higher, unless they are God-Type Monster Effects, cannot be Destroyed by card effects, and non-destruction Effects only last for one Turn."
"But in other words, if there was a Monster that was Level 10 or higher, and its Effect was not destruction, wouldn't it perfectly counter the Gods' Resistance?" Hayato said, pointing to the menacing *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* on his Field.
"*Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*, because its movement aspects are entirely handed over to *Armed Dragon LV7*, it can concentrate all its power into one point. However, because of this, its Activation speed becomes much slower, making it unable to be used proactively during my Turn."
"Once per opponent's Turn, I can Banish one card from my Deck to Activate this Effect: Banish all cards on the opponent's Field or in their Graveyard."
After dispatching the high and mighty God with a single shot, *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* became even more arrogant, turning its cannon barrel towards Yugi's Graveyard and firing another shot. With this shot, all cards in Yugi's Graveyard vanished without a trace in an instant, including the three Knight cards Yugi used to Summon the God earlier, and the *Spirit Swordsman of Bewilderment* that had been idling throughout.
"All my Monsters were Banished!" Yugi's eyes widened, looking helplessly as all his cards in the Graveyard were Banished from the Game. "*Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* actually has such a powerful Effect; I was truly careless."
"Not only that, as long as *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* remains on the Field, the opponent Duelist cannot Activate the Effects of cards with the same name as cards that are currently Banished by either player." Hayato added, "This means that cards like *Card of Safe Return*, *Pot of Avarice*, *Magical Stone Excavation*, and *Trade-In*, even if you have a second or third copy in your Deck, you won't be able to use them if you Draw them."
Although on the surface, *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*'s Banishing Effect has an extremely strong Field-clearing ability, Hayato felt that its most powerful aspect was actually its Banishing Seal ability. Not to mention, a *Thunder Dragon* player who focuses on Banishing and Sending to the Graveyard would practically collapse on the spot if they faced *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*.
Yugi took two deep breaths to recover from the shock of "a God being 'Destroyed' by an Effect." He was somewhat relieved that thanks to the threat of Hayato's three Set Cards earlier, he hadn't Summoned any Monsters, thereby avoiding additional losses. Even with the God repelled, he still had the power to Counterattack.
After all, an Egyptian God Card is ultimately just a powerful force; what truly determines the outcome of a Duel is the Duelist's skill.
"I Normal Summon *Magical Trickster Lizhen*, then Activate its Effect. This Turn, I can Tribute Summon a Spellcaster-Type Monster one more time. I Tribute it as Cost to Tribute Summon *Dark Magician Girl* in Attack Position!"
*Dark Magician Girl*, who had been Sent to the Graveyard by *Armed Dragon LV10* in a previous Duel, returned to the Field. Noticing the *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* opposite her, *Dark Magician Girl* pouted, seeming to want revenge, and glanced at Yugi.
Yugi nodded reassuringly, albeit somewhat helplessly, "Wait a moment, *Dark Magician Girl*, you'll get your chance for revenge."
"When *Magical Trickster Lizhen* is Sent to the Graveyard from the Field, I Activate its second Effect. I can Target one Spellcaster-Type Normal Monster from my Deck or Graveyard and Add it to my Hand. I choose *Dark Magician*."
After Searching *Dark Magician* from his Deck and Adding it to his Hand, Yugi had three cards left in his Hand. Because he had used *Polymerization* when Summoning *Arcana Knight Joker* before, and it had been Banished by *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*, Yugi was now sealed from using *Polymerization* and cards with the same name. But fortunately, his Deck contained cards with similar Fusion Effects.
"I Activate the Spell Card *Dark Magic Secrets*. I send the Fusion Materials specified for a Fusion Monster Card, which include *Dark Magician* or *Dark Magician Girl*, from my Hand or Field to the Graveyard. My chosen Fusion Materials are *Dark Magician Girl* on the Field and *Dark Magician*, which I just Added to my Hand."
"Fusion Summon, *The Dark Magicians*!"
The card, which had barely been in Yugi's hand, was Sent to the Graveyard. A dark purplish-red vortex appeared on Yugi's Field, and *Dark Magician* and *Dark Magician Girl* stood together under a rather perfunctory special effect, thus completing their Fusion.
[*The Dark Magicians*][Level 8/DARK Attribute]
[Spellcaster/Fusion/Effect]
[2800 ATK/2300 DEF]
Seeing the appearance of *The Dark Magicians*, Hayato didn't hesitate and immediately Activated his Set Card in the Backrow: "So strong, too strong! I Activate my Set Card, *Bottomless Trap Hole*!"
"When a Monster with 1500 or more Attack Points is Summoned, Flip Summoned, or Special Summoned, Destroy and Banish those Monsters with 1500 or more Attack Points!"
A bottomless pit appeared beneath the feet of *The Dark Magicians*, who had just completed their Fusion and were still striking a cool pose. However, *Dark Magician*'s reaction was swift. Before falling into *Bottomless Trap Hole*, he pushed *Dark Magician Girl* in mid-air, and both *Dark Magician* and *Dark Magician Girl* landed on either side of *Bottomless Trap Hole*, completely unharmed.
However, this was merely the scene depicted by the Virtual Projection.
"It's *Bottomless Trap Hole*, you really waited a long time," Yugi said helplessly. "Although *The Dark Magicians* was eventually Banished, it did go through the process of being Destroyed. When it is Destroyed, I Activate its Effect: Special Summon one *Dark Magician* and one *Dark Magician Girl* each from my Graveyard, Hand, or Deck."
[*Dark Magician*][ATK 2500]
[*Dark Magician Girl*][ATK 2000 → 2300]
Hayato noticed that the *Dark Magician* Yugi Special Summoned using *The Dark Magicians*'s Effect was not the same *Dark Magician* that was Sent to the Graveyard when he Fusion Summoned *The Dark Magicians*; instead, he Special Summoned a different one from his Deck.
Because of this, with a *Dark Magician* in the Graveyard, the Attack Points of *Dark Magician Girl* on Yugi's Field increased by 300.
On paper, the combined Attack Points of *Dark Magician* and *Dark Magician Girl* on Yugi's Field had reached 4800, which was exactly equal to Hayato's 3300 Life Points plus *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*'s 1500 Attack Points. However, Yugi's Battle Phase for this Turn had already passed, so even with sufficient Attack Points, he couldn't Destroy *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*.
Setting his last card in Hand on the Field, Yugi declared, "I Set one card. My Turn ends."
[Yugi: 1400 LP, Hand 0]
[*Dark Magician*][ATK 2500]
[*Dark Magician Girl*][ATK 2300]
[Set Card]
"My Turn, Draw."
Hayato drew a card, revealing a mischievous smile. "Although *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* has the Effect of sealing cards with the same name as Banished cards, this ability only Targets you, Yugi."
"I Activate the Spell Card *Magical Stone Excavation*! I Discard two cards from my Hand to Add one Spell Card from my Graveyard to my Hand." Saying this, Hayato Discarded two cards from his Hand, and Added a Spell Card from his Graveyard back to his Hand, showing it to Yugi. "The card I Recycled is *Limiter Removal*."
"Although its main body is *Armed Dragon*, *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*'s primary Attack method is carried out by its V to Z components, so it is classified as Machine-Type. I Activate the Equip Spell Card *7 Completed* to Equip *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* and increase its Attack Points, then I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card *Limiter Removal*!"
The armaments on *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* began operating at full power, even going into Overload, emitting white smoke due to overheating. *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* felt the Power that had been stripped away by the Thunder Force Attack return to its body, and couldn't help but let out a long roar to the sky:
"ROAR!!"
[*Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*][ATK 1500 → 2200 → 4400]
"This is the final blow, Yugi!" Hayato pointed at *Dark Magician Girl* on Yugi's Field. "It's regrettable, but my goal is also to be King of Games. Let this strike decide the Duel!"
"*Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*, Attack *Dark Magician Girl*! Annihilation Utopia!"
With its rear thrusters engaged, *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon*, despite its large stature, moved with astonishing speed, instantly traversing half the Field to strike at *Dark Magician Girl*. *Dark Magician Girl* only had time to cast a Magical Energy orb in an attempt to block, but the times have changed. *Dark Magician Girl* was Destroyed in an instant and Sent to the Graveyard.
Yugi stumbled back half a step from the aftershock of the Attack, his Life Points decreasing.
[Yugi: 1400 → 5400 → 3300 LP]
Hmm, 2100 Damage taken.
Hayato glanced at the amount of Life Points Yugi lost, nodding. It matched his calculations.
Hmm?!
"At the moment of Damage Calculation, I Activated this card." Yugi, slightly out of breath from taking 2100 Damage, still wore a confident smile. "*Nutrient Z*, it can only be Activated if I take 2000 or more Battle Damage. During that Damage Calculation, I Gain 4000 Life Points."
"As fellow Duelists, Hayato, I can feel your heart that yearns for victory, but wanting to eliminate me with just that isn't enough. I also have reasons to keep winning."
"When it comes to the desire and resolve for victory, I won't lose to you. I haven't lost yet!"
Seeing the resolute expression on Yugi's face, Hayato was momentarily stunned, then smiled. "Is that so? My apologies, I thought too simply, thinking I could easily end the Duel with you."
"My Turn ends. Well then, continue, Yugi!"
As Hayato declared the End Turn, *Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon* exploded with a roar due to Overload. The blast of air blew back Hayato's hanging hair. With no cards in Hand, he lifted a hand to brush his bangs upwards, his previously drooping hair now standing up stiffly as if gelled.
[Hayato: 3300 LP, Hand 0]
[Set Card] X2
Last Turn, Hayato had gambled everything, going all-in because he saw a chance for victory. Now that Yugi had successfully withstood Hayato's Attack, the drawbacks of Hayato's all-in play became apparent, leaving only two Set Cards on his Field, while Yugi still had a *Dark Magician* on his Field.
"My Turn, Draw."
Both players' Life Points, after dropping, had now recovered to the same 3300. As a Cost, both players' Hands and Field resources were also largely depleted.
The card Yugi drew was *Mystical Space Typhoon*, which has the simple and brutal Effect of directly Destroying one Spell or Trap Card. The problem, however, was that Hayato had two Set Cards in his Backrow, and Yugi could only choose one to Destroy.
In other words, it was time to rely on "Duelist's Intuition" again.
Yugi thought for a moment, inserted *Mystical Space Typhoon* into his Duel Disk's Spell & Trap Zone, and pointed at one of Hayato's Set Cards. "I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card *Mystical Space Typhoon*! I choose to Destroy the Set Card on your right, Hayato!"
(end of chapter)