Chapter 346: Way the Force Be With You
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Mystical Space Typhoon, and I choose to destroy the Set Card on your right, Chumley!"
As Yugi activated the Mystical Space Typhoon he had just drawn, a tornado ripped from his Back Row, heading towards one of the only two Set Cards on Chumley's Back Row.
Yugi had no way of knowing what two Set Cards Chumley had, which one posed a greater threat, or which one would be more appropriate to destroy. He left everything to his "Duelist's Intuition."
As the tornado approached, Chumley's Set Card was flipped over, revealing its true form. Seeing the destroyed Card, Yugi couldn't help but smile.
Absorption Shield.
The Card Chumley had Set on his right was Absorption Shield, which could negate one Attack and allow the player to Gain Life Points equal to the Attack of the Attacking Monster.
Watching Absorption Shield be destroyed, Chumley sighed involuntarily: "You just had to destroy this Card, Yugi. Your intuition is truly accurate."
"Then, I enter my Battle Phase! I use Dark Magician to perform a Direct Attack on you, Chumley!"
In the previous Turn, to inflict the maximum possible Damage, Chumley attacked the Dark Magician Girl on Yugi's Field, which had lower ATK at the time. However, by being greedy for those meager 200 points of Damage, he inadvertently met the Activation conditions for Yugi's Set Card, Nutrient Z.
Although Dark Magician Girl was successfully destroyed, Yugi's Life Points were greatly recovered, and now, Yugi was going to use Dark Magician to avenge his destroyed apprentice.
"Dark Magic!"
The magician, clad in ornate black robes, raised his emerald Staff. He didn't opt for a flashy magical attack; instead, he directly enveloped Chumley in Dark Magic. With a crisp snap of his fingers, the air around Chumley shattered due to the magical energy's compression, and Damage was inflicted upon Chumley.
But just then, Yugi heard a voice.
"Kuribo~"
Just as the Dark Magician's Attack was about to land, a seven-colored light suddenly leaped out from Chumley's Duel Disk's Graveyard, blocking the Damage for him!
"Is that Rainbow Kuriboh!? Rainbow Kuriboh jumped out on its own!" Joey exclaimed from the Audience Seating.
After blocking the Dark Magician's Attack, Rainbow Kuriboh's form gradually became transparent and dissipated. Chumley looked at its Card, placed it into his pocket, and explained: "When I receive a Direct Attack, Rainbow Kuriboh, which exists in my Graveyard, can be Special Summoned to my Field."
"If Rainbow Kuriboh, Special Summoned by this Effect, leaves the Field, it is Banished from the Game."
"Thank you, Partner."
When Yugi saw Dark Magician's Attack blocked by Rainbow Kuriboh, he subconsciously thought of Kaiba, who was watching the Duel from the Audience Seating. It was usually he who used Kuriboh's Effect to block powerful Monster Attacks from others. This was the first time since he started dueling that his powerful Monster Attack was blocked by another Kuriboh, Rainbow Kuriboh.
"My Turn ends here."
With an empty Hand and Dark Magician's Attack failing to go through, Yugi had no further actions to take and could only End Turn.
[Yugi: 3300 LP, Hand 0]
[Dark Magician ATK 2500]
Taking a deep breath, Chumley looked at Yugi's Dark Magician on the Field and smiled.
Even though they had reached the tail end of the Duel, and both Chumley and Yugi had fewer and fewer resources to call upon from their Decks, Chumley felt an increasingly clear sense of the "joy of Duel Monsters."
"My Turn, Draw."
Although the situation on the Field was somewhat tense, Chumley felt completely relaxed as he drew the Card from the top of his Deck.
As it happened, the Card he drew was Pot of Avarice, which Yugi had used once before.
Now that Armed Dragon Catapult had left the Field, even Yugi was no longer restricted and could freely use Cards with the same name as Banished Cards, let alone Chumley.
"I activate the Spell Card Pot of Avarice. From my Graveyard, I return five Monsters to the Deck and shuffle it, then I draw two Cards from my Deck."
Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight, Armed Dragon Catapult, Armed Dragon LV3, Ojama Blue, and Armed Dragon LV10 were returned to the Deck and shuffled. Chumley then drew two Cards.
"I Set one Card and activate a Monster's Effect from my Hand."
Chumley first Set a Card, reducing the number of Cards in his Hand to just one. He then flipped over the Card in his hand, revealing the true form of the Monster—it was precisely Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight, which had just been returned to the Deck and shuffled by Pot of Avarice.
Its Effect was seen so many times by Chumley that even others could recite it.
"When I have only Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight in my Hand, Gaia can be Normal Summoned without any Tributes. From another perspective, Gaia is like those lone knights common in medieval knight movies, fighting alone without any reinforcements."
Looking at Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight in his Hand, Chumley said with a smile, then placed it on his Field: "Ride forth with the swift wind, my most loyal subordinate, appear before me! Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight—"
"GAIA!!!"
Wielding a heavy and sharp lance, mounted on a steed swifter than the wind, Gaia stood in Attack Position before Chumley. Even facing a Dark Magician with higher ATK, Gaia showed no fear.
[Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight Level 7 / Dark Attribute]
[Warrior-Type / Effect]
[ATK 2300 / DEF 2100]
"Gaia's ATK is still no match for Dark Magician. However, although Gaia is a lone hero, I won't let him fight alone," Chumley said, then flipped his Set Card in the Backrow. "I activate the Trap Card, Spiral Rebirth!"
"This Card's name can only be activated once per Turn. Target one Dragon-Type Monster with Level 7 or lower in my Graveyard and Special Summon it."
Although the Card Art of Spiral Rebirth depicted a shiny, soaring Dragon Knight Gaia, the Magic Circle released from the Card instead Special Summoned Armed Dragon LV5 from Chumley's Graveyard.
[Armed Dragon LV5 ATK 2400]
Although Spiral Rebirth was a Card Chumley had Set in the previous Turn, when Yugi used Dark Magician for a Direct Attack earlier, Chumley hesitated for a moment and did not activate it.
On one hand, Chumley had Rainbow Kuriboh in his Graveyard, which could block a Direct Attack, protecting him. On the other hand, Dark Magician's Attack wasn't lethal. Rather than using it to reduce Battle Damage, it was better to save the opportunity for a Counterattack.
As for why Armed Dragon LV5 was Revived, the answer was, of course, that the Monster Chumley was about to Summon, although he usually used Curse of Dragon and its derivative series as Material, actually only required a Level 5 Dragon-Type Monster as one of its Fusion Materials.
"Roar!" Revived from the cold Graveyard, Armed Dragon LV5 shook off the dust, letting out a long roar. It seemed angry, but Chumley knew it was just yawning after waking up.
"In addition, I then activate the Effect of Ojama Remodeling in my Graveyard," Chumley continued. He reached into his pocket and, after some rummaging, pulled out Ojama Yellow, Ojama Black, and Ojama Green, which had been Banished from the Game earlier to Summon the three Monsters X-Head Cannon, Y-Dragon Head, and Z-Metal Tank.
"Huh, we're out?!" "Hahahah, they're definitely going to use us to end this Duel!" "We really are Big Bro's Soul!"
As the three Ojama brothers looked on expectantly, Chumley stuffed them back into his Deck. While waiting for the Deck to automatically shuffle, Chumley explained:
"By Banishing Ojama Remodeling from my Graveyard, I can activate its second Effect by targeting three Banished Ojama Monsters. I Add the targeted Monsters to my Deck and shuffle it, then I Draw one Card from my Deck."
Drawing one Card, Chumley shouted at Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight and Armed Dragon LV5 on the Field: "Here we go, Gaia, Armed Dragon, Are You Ready?"
"Always ready, Master."
"Roar."
Receiving enthusiastic replies from his Monsters, Chumley nodded in satisfaction, inserted the Card in his Hand into the Spell & Trap Zone, and said: "Then, I activate the Spell Card Polymerization!"
"Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight, Armed Dragon LV5, O noble and great power, O surging flames of courage! Awaken, guide us to the promise of victory!"
Within the Fusion Vortex, a majestic, sacred Dragon Knight manifested.
"My Ace Card, my final full power! Come forth, Dragon Magician Knight - GAIA!!!"
[Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia Level 7 / Wind Attribute]
[Dragon-Type / Fusion / Effect]
[ATK 2600 / DEF 2100]
"Enter Battle Phase! Take this, Yugi!" After Summoning Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia, Chumley impatiently gave the Attack command. "Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia, Attack Dark Magician!"
"Golden Spinning Energy!"
Yugi was not to be outdone. Although Chumley's Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia had higher ATK, one must not lose Aura; even if defeated, one must have spirit.
Facing Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia as it spun and dove from the sky, Dark Magician cast "Stone Skin Spell," "Great Strength Spell," and other Enhancement Spells upon himself, then wielded his Staff like a club and met the Attack.
No matter how high one's will, it cannot change fixed Stats. Dark Magician, adhering to the principle that "true magic masters all have a melee heart," was destroyed by Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia and sent to Yugi's Graveyard. Yugi also took Battle Damage as a result.
[Yugi: 3300 → 3200 LP]
"When Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia destroys an opponent's Monster by Battle, I activate one of its Effects," Chumley said, looking at Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia which returned to his Field after defeating a Monster. "Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia's ATK increases by 2600 points. Then, my Turn ends."
[Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia ATK 2600 → 5200]
"It can still increase its ATK? That's so strong!" Although this wasn't the first time Chumley had used Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia, Joey and Mai Valentine were still quite surprised by its high ATK increase capability.
There were Monsters that could increase their own ATK after destroying an opponent's Monster by Battle, for example, Johnson (Ooka Chikuzen) from the Big Five, who had become Fusion Material for Super Polymerization. He really liked Sword Hunter because Sword Hunter had an Effect that allowed it to become an Equip Card that increased its ATK by 200 after destroying a Monster by Battle.
However, compared to Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia, which could increase its ATK by a whopping 2600 points at once and had no Equip Card restrictions on the number of ATK increases, Sword Hunter was utterly crushed.
Kaiba, on the other hand, remained calm because Chumley often Summoned Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia when hunting members of the Rare Hunters in Domino City, using it in conjunction with its Piercing ability to One-Turn Kill opponents. Kaiba also knew very well that besides increasing ATK, Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia's other Effect was the most troublesome.
'Yugi, can you catch the oversight in Chumley's words and deduce the hidden Effect of Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia? Let me see what your limits are, Yugi!'
Kaiba's thoughts, of course, did not reach Yugi's ears.
[Chumley: 3300 LP, Hand 0]
[Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia ATK 5200]
[Set Card]
Unlike the complete ease Chumley felt when drawing a Card earlier, Yugi's mood was quite heavy now.
The oppressive feeling from Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia, with its staggering 5200 ATK, was simply too strong. Even though half of Gaia's vision was obscured by its helmet, the gaze from Curse of Dragon alone, beneath Gaia, was full of aggression.
However, what weighed on Yugi's Mind was not the gaze of Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia, but rather his inability to conceive of any Card in his Deck that could defeat Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia at this moment.
The desire for victory, the unreasoning urgency to recover lost Memories, and the dilemma of finding no path to victory, all conflicted, leaving Yugi's thoughts in utter chaos.
And just then, Yami Yugi, who was currently controlling the body, heard a voice from within the Millennium Puzzle on his chest.
"Yami Yugi, how are you feeling?"
The two Yugis, light and dark, connected by Heart, though their Memories and thoughts were not shared, their feelings flowed unimpeded into each other's Hearts.
Feeling Yugi Muto's concern for him, Yami Yugi said helplessly, "I'm sorry, Partner, our Battle City journey will probably stop here."
"It's not that I fear Battle or shy away from the Duel. I remember every Card in the Deck, and I've considered countless combinations. But I can't find a way to defeat Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia."
"Is that so?" In the Millennium Puzzle, Yugi Muto fell silent for a moment, then continued, "But, not entirely. Do you remember, I also made modifications to the Deck."
"Specifically for Chumley's VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon, I added a Card to your Deck. Although we're not dealing with V-to-Z now, using that Card would be quite suitable."
"Are you referring to that Card?" Yami Yugi was also taken aback, recalling the last Card Yugi Muto had added to the Deck before the Duel began. At that time, he seemed to have said—
"VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon, Chumley, who is going all out in this Duel, might use this Monster. Its powerful ATK, its Effect to change Battle Position, and of course, its powerful Effect to Banish one Card once per Turn. It wouldn't be good if Chumley Banishes some key Cards. So, I think it's necessary to include this Card."
—
"I remember, the Card Partner added to the Deck was—" A light burst forth in Yami Yugi's eyes. In his Mind, one Card after another, which had originally been separated by darkness and unable to approach each other, now, as he recalled the Card Yugi Muto had added, it was as if a missing power cog had been reinserted into the gear set, dispelling the darkness. He saw a possibility of victory!
Looking down at his Deck, Yugi placed his hand on it and closed his eyes. At the same time, Yugi Muto in the Millennium Puzzle made the same synchronized movement.
'Please, Partner, everything depends on this Draw!'
"My Turn, Draw!"
Like a divine sword drawn from the sheath of an unparalleled sword saint, Yugi suddenly drew the Card from the top of his Deck. His and Yugi Muto's faith had not been betrayed; he indeed drew the Card that could pierce through his Deck!
"I activate the Spell Card, Chant from the Beyond!" Displaying the Card in his Hand, Yugi retrieved a Card that had been mass-Banished earlier by Armed Dragon Catapult. "Target one Spell Card Banished from the Game, and Add the targeted Card to my Hand!"
"The Spell Card I choose is Card of Demise!"
Yugi's most powerful Card Draw Card once again came into his Hand. Under Chumley's stunned gaze, Yugi activated this Card for the third time in this Duel.
With both Duelists' Hands empty, they each drew six Cards, replenishing their Hand to the maximum. At the same time, both Decks, having been heavily depleted repeatedly in previous Duels, were only a few Turns away from being completely exhausted.
Chumley made up his Mind. He heard that Pegasus had recovered from his injuries and been discharged from the hospital? After this Battle City, he absolutely had to organize Kaiba and Pegasus, the two leading figures of Duel Monsters, to hold a meeting. Other Rules could wait, but they needed to establish the Forbidden & Limited List first.
As powerful as Card of Demise was, if it were completely Forbidden, Chumley would feel it a pity, but it absolutely had to be Limited to one. However, he then remembered that the three Card of Demise Yugi had used in this Duel were actually the same Card, which annoyed Chumley but also made him admire Yugi's skill at Recycling Cards.
After drawing six Cards, Yugi seemed satisfied with the Cards he drew. Having seen a chance for victory, his thoughts cleared, and his intelligence once again took the high ground. He recalled what Chumley had said in the previous Turn.
"Chumley, in your last Turn, you did say that Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia's ATK increase after destroying a Monster by Battle was 'one of its Effects,' right?" Yugi said, playing a Card. "That means, besides this Effect, Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia should have other Effects."
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Forbidden Chalice, which increases Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia's ATK by 400 points until the End Phase, and negates its Effects."
A golden goblet suddenly appeared above Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia's head, slowly tilting. Although Gaia instantly sensed its presence and raised its lance to block, the red liquid overflowing from the goblet seemed to not exist in the World at all, passing through Gaia's lance like a Phantom Image.
But upon touching Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia, the crimson liquid became substantial, and its potent aroma instantly intoxicated Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia, both knight and Dragon.
[Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia ATK 5200 → 5600]
"He increased Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia's ATK again? Have you given up on destroying Gaia, Yugi?" Kaiba muttered in confusion, but he still approved of Yugi's action of sealing Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia's Effects in advance, even without knowing its actual Effects.
Though far away, Yugi seemed to have heard Kaiba's murmur from the Audience Seating, replying, "Although I increased Gaia's ATK, Chumley, if it's you, you should know that some things possess the ability to grow stronger when facing a stronger opponent, right?"
"But before that, I'll Summon the Monster I'll use to defeat you."
As he spoke, Yugi played a Card: "I activate the Spell Card Fusion Deployment, revealing one Fusion Monster to my opponent, then Special Summoning one Fusion Material Monster listed on that Fusion Monster from my Hand or Deck."
Before Chumley, a Fusion Monster Card appeared, but to his surprise, the Fusion Monster Yugi revealed was none other than Black Skull Dragon—the powerful Normal Monster Fusion Summoned from two Normal Monsters, and the predecessor to Joey's current Ace Monster, Red-Eyes Archfiend Dragon!
"No, impossible!" Chumley exclaimed, seeing the Card Yugi revealed and connecting it to Yugi's previous words, which brought back Memories of his first Duel with Yugi after his Transmigration to the Yu-Gi-Oh! World. "The Monster you're about to Summon couldn't be!"
"Although I exchanged one with Joey, this Monster is so cost-effective that I naturally own more than one." Yugi said, Searching his Deck for a Monster whose Level was only 6 but whose ATK was equal to Dark Magician's—Summoned Skull!
"Skeleton Fiend that commands Lightning, appear here! Come forth, Summoned Skull!"
Amidst flashes of Lightning and thunder, a tall Fiend-Type Monster appeared on Yugi's Field. Underneath its pale bone armor, strong, light-pink muscles were revealed, topped by curved, ox-like horns, and dark blue wings on its back seemed to blot out the sky.
Though it only had 2500 ATK, the appearance of Summoned Skull triggered Chumley's PTSD.
[Summoned Skull Level 6 / Dark Attribute]
[Fiend-Type / Normal Monster]
[ATK 2500 / DEF 1200]
With 2500 ATK, matching Yugi's Ace Card Dark Magician, it was powerful enough to stand above most ordinary Duel Monsters. Its Summoning Cost was only one Tribute because it was Level 6. Summoned Skull indeed had extremely high cost-effectiveness in this era, and its only flaw was its 1200 DEF.
What intensified Chumley's PTSD was the Card Yugi played next.
"Normal Spell Card, Riryoku, activate." Yugi played a very familiar Card from his Hand. "Activate this Card's Effect by targeting two Monsters on the Field. Halve the ATK of one Monster, and add that lost ATK to the other Monster."
"I choose to halve Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia's ATK and add the ATK to Summoned Skull!"
With Riryoku's Activation, Summoned Skull on Yugi's Field raised its hand, aimed at the Effect-Negated Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia on Chumley's Field, and clenched its fist. A white light flew out from within Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia and surged into Summoned Skull.
As Gaia's Aura diminished, the Dark Magic on Summoned Skull inflated even further.
[Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia ATK 5600 → 2800]
[Summoned Skull ATK 2500 → 5300]
Attack and Defense were thus reversed; the roles of strong and weak were swapped by a single Card.
It seemed Yugi wanted to End the Duel this Turn, as he had no intention of holding onto the last three Cards in his Hand, playing them one by one.
"Equip Spell Card, Junk Crash, allows Summoned Skull to gain the Effect: when it destroys a Monster by Battle, inflict Damage to the opponent equal to half the Destroyed Monster's ATK!"
"Continuous Spell Card Blockout Curtain: when a Card on my Field is destroyed by Battle or by an opponent's Effect, I can destroy Blockout Curtain instead of that Card."
"And for insurance, I pay 1000 Life Points to activate the Spell Card Confiscation, to confirm your Hand, Chumley, and then Discard one Card."
[Yugi: 3200 → 2200 LP]
It was clear Yugi was extremely cautious, fearing that Chumley might have Cards like Rainbow Kuriboh in his Hand that could save him.
Then he saw Chumley's six Cards in Hand: Emergency Provisions, Mirage of Nightmare, Goblin Thief, Spiritual Exoskeleton, Red Reboot, and Super Polymerization.
If Chumley had used these Cards for an active Attack, they would have been invincible. But unfortunately, it was Yugi's Turn. If they weren't Set beforehand, even if Chumley had "pseudo-Speed-4" Super Polymerization in his Hand, he could only watch Yugi make his moves.
"The Card I choose to Discard is your Super Polymerization, Chumley." Yugi, deeply appreciating how enjoyable confirming an opponent's Hand was, chose to Discard the most dangerous Super Polymerization from Chumley's Hand. After confirming that Chumley had no Cards capable of a Counterattack, Yugi confidently commanded:
"Summoned Skull, Attack Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia! The final Fiend's Lightning!"
"This is the final outcome of this Duel, Chumley!"
The cautious Yugi had guarded against almost every possible Counterattack.
Because of Forbidden Chalice's Effect, Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia, which inherently possessed an Effect to Decrease ATK and Directly Destroy a Card, had its Effects sealed.
Confiscation confirmed that Chumley had no Cards in his Hand to block this Attack.
Even the possibility that the Set Card on Chumley's Field might be Sakuretsu Armor was considered by Yugi, who specifically activated Blockout Curtain as a substitute for Summoned Skull.
Watching the skeletal Fiend raise its arms, controlling Lightning with its terrifying Dark Magic, Chumley, however, smiled.
"Yes, this Duel should indeed End."
"But Yugi, I don't like this ending, because I want to win. No other reason, I want to win!"
"My ending is a repeat of my defeat in our very first Duel? No, the ending of the Duel will be changed by me!"
Chumley waved his hand forward, activating the Card he had Set in the previous Turn to activate Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight's Effect: "Quick-Play Spell Card, Duel Fusion!"
An incredibly thick bolt of Lightning descended from the sky, but with Chumley's Set Card's Activation, a sky-blue light entwined around the weapon of the weakened Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia. Facing the towering Summoned Skull, the lone Gaia lightly tugged its reins and bravely charged towards Summoned Skull's Attack!
"This Card can only be used once per Turn. It can only be Activated when my Fusion Monster on the Field battles an opponent's Monster, at the Attack Declaration!"
"My Monster's ATK increases by the attacking opponent's Monster's ATK until the End of the Damage Step!"
"Reclaim your Power, and win me victory, Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia!"
Yugi watched Chumley's Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia's lance thrust straight up. Summoned Skull's Lightning struck its lance, not only failing to cause Damage but instead merging with the swift wind and fierce fire on the lance.
"This is the perfect Cavalry Charge! Go, Gaia, Dragon Slaying Secret Art - Modified: Crimson Burst Thunder Blade!"
Gaia dove down from high in the sky. Accompanied by Chumley's overly dramatic Attack name, Yugi couldn't help but sigh, but then he also smiled: "What an interesting Duel, Chumley."
"Boom!"
With Blockout Curtain shattering, Summoned Skull was not destroyed by Battle, but the excessive Battle Damage instantly wiped out Yugi's Life Points.
[Summoned Skull ATK 5300]
[Dragon Magician Knight - Gaia ATK 2800 → 8100]
[Yugi: 2200 → 0]
Thank you for the 30,000 Qidian coins rewarded by "Guishangdazhangmen". I can only express my sincerest gratitude for your generosity.
I'm still 6 updates and 12,000 words in debt, which I'll pay back slowly. There will be an extra update today.
I have a hunch that someone will push their luck and ask me to pay back six updates of 6,000 words each.
Anyway, this chapter is today's update plus one owed update, a four-in-one.
Word count: 5
(end of chapter)
The exaggerated battle effects stunned everyone watching. Croquet, the sole judge at the Judge's Stand, held his sunglasses in place with one finger, maintaining his composure as he calmly announced, "The victor has been decided!" after seeing Yugi's Life Points completely hit zero on the scoreboard.
"I declare that the first Duel of the Battle City Semi-finals, and the Duelist advancing to the Finals, is..."
"Hayato Kobayashi!"
The Duel Monsters' projections slowly faded from the Field. As Hayato collected his Cards and returned them to his Deck, he noticed the Card on top of his Deck, which he would have drawn in just one more Turn, was (The Winged Dragon of Ra - Sphere Mode).
Even though he had actively used Card Creation, (The Winged Dragon of Ra) still hadn't managed to help in Hayato's Duel, not even failed to be a dead draw. Before Hayato, (The Winged Dragon of Ra) utterly lacked divine majesty, whimpering and acting cute for comfort.
After placating (The Winged Dragon of Ra), who, despite being one of the strongest Cards in Hayato's Deck, was unusually clingy, Hayato saw Yugi walking towards him from the opposite side of the Field, taking a Card from his Duel Disk's Graveyard.
"Yugi."
"Congratulations, Hayato. You've taken another step closer to the ultimate victory you seek." Yugi held his (Slifer the Sky Dragon) in his hand and extended it towards Hayato. "This is the Prize Card for the victor of this magnificent Duel. Please take (Slifer the Sky Dragon), Hayato."
"Yami Yugi..." Yugi Muto's phantom image appeared beside Yami Yugi, softly calling out to his friend, who was one with him in heart.
"Don't worry about it, Aibo." Although he lost this Duel, Yami Yugi took it quite well, a frank smile on his face. "A gambler must pay his debts. If even Marik can do it, letting go isn't as difficult as you might imagine. Besides, isn't it good for us to stay as we are now?"
The reason Yugi participated in the Battle City tournament was because Ishizu had informed him that the Egyptian God Cards were a necessary condition for Yami Yugi to regain his lost memories, and Battle City, with its Ante Rule, was the most suitable battlefield to acquire the Egyptian God Cards.
But now, Yugi had suffered his first defeat in his Dueling career after giving his all, and he had also lost the (Slifer the Sky Dragon) he had won from Marik, almost cutting off the possibility of Yami Yugi regaining his lost memories.
"Yami Yugi..."
Hayato silently accepted the 'Traitor Dragon,' (Slifer the Sky Dragon), but instead of adding it to his Deck, he tucked it into the Card case on his waist, where he kept his Spare Deck, letting it keep company with (Raviel, Lord of Phantasms), and the (Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder) he had swiped from Dark Marik earlier.
Honestly, even though (Thunderforce Attack)'s oppressive power was strong, and its Resistance in the Anime Version was quite sturdy compared to the real card version, none of this changed the reality that (Slifer the Sky Dragon) had the worst track record among the Egyptian God Cards.
Seeing the "two" Yugis whose moods were irrepressibly low, Hayato raised an eyebrow and helplessly said, "Seriously, why are you two so down, like Italians who arrive at the supermarket during the last minutes of a discount sale, only to find nothing but Hawaiian pizza left in the freezer?"
"Even though I won, it's not like you have no way to collect all three God Cards, right?"
"Eh!?"
As Yugi looked utterly bewildered, Hayato spread his hands and smiled, "Yugi, your goal for the God Cards is simply to use the power of the Egyptian God Cards to complete the Ritual to recover your memories, without causing any damage to the God Cards themselves. In that case, I just need to defeat Kaiba to get the last Card, (Obelisk the Tormentor)."
"Then you can take the Egyptian God Cards to restore your memories, and just return them to me when you're done, right?"
There was such a method?
The "two" Yugis clearly hadn't considered such an approach. Yami Yugi's eyes, seeing a glimmer of hope for regaining his memories, once again shone with "hope."
However, the only ones who heard this were not just the "two" Yugis. The other two Duelists stepping onto the Duel Field also clearly heard Hayato's Declaration that he would "defeat Kaiba and get (Obelisk the Tormentor)."
"I can't pretend I didn't hear that, Hayato Kobayashi." Kaiba glared at Hayato, saying coldly, "Just because you defeated Yugi, you think you can defeat me, who possesses the invincible (Obelisk the Tormentor)?"
"Hmph, since you defeated Yugi, then perfect. If I defeat you next, it means I'll have defeated both of you, right? After this warm-up Duel, await my reckoning for everything you've done before, Hayato!"
Kaiba's tone was anything but friendly. Clearly, Hayato's words about taking (Obelisk the Tormentor) from him before the Duel had greatly displeased him. And he hadn't forgotten the incident in the Virtual World, when Hayato had "toyed" with his (Blue-Eyes White Dragon) right in front of him.
And the other person stepping onto the Duel Field was equally displeased.
"What do you mean 'warm-up Duel,' Kaiba, you jerk, stop right there and clarify what you mean, don't look down on people!" Joey, not wanting to be outdone by Kaiba, also stepped onto the Duel Arena immediately after Yugi and Hayato's Duel ended.
At the same time, Joey complained to Hayato, "Also, Hayato, why do you have no confidence in me? I don't know what Yugi needs that (Obelisk the Tormentor) for, but it might be me who faces you in the Finals, you know."
In fact, in the Audience Seating, Joey wasn't getting much encouragement.
"Even though Joey and I are good friends, and it's not really appropriate to say discouraging things before the Match," Tristan stroked his chin, observing Joey, who had a distinctly commoner vibe compared to the rich and handsome Kaiba. "But no matter how I think about it, I can't imagine Joey defeating Kaiba."
His good friend Tristan thought so, and Mai Valentine, whose relationship with Joey was heading in an ambiguous direction, also wasn't very optimistic about him. "It's not just their demeanor; there's also a significant difference in the quality of their Decks."
"(Black Skull Dragon) is probably the strongest Monster in Joey's Deck, but even so, once Kaiba Summons the highly Resistant (Obelisk the Tormentor), Joey's Deck has absolutely no way to defeat a God."
Among the Battle City Top 4 Duelists, it was currently impossible to say who was the strongest, but if asked who was relatively the weakest, everyone present would probably think of Joey first.
Mention Yugi, and people would think of (Dark Magician) and (Slifer the Sky Dragon); mention Kaiba, and it's (Blue-Eyes White Dragon) and (Obelisk the Tormentor); Hayato's Deck archetype was complex, but (Dark Knight Gaia) and (The Winged Dragon of Ra) were highly representative.
Only Joey, however, struggled to find a core Monster that served as his Deck's main force. Instead, his reliance on coin flips and dice rolls were often people's first impression of him.
The spirited Joey and the calm Kaiba stood facing each other on the Duel Field, while Hayato and Yugi returned to the Audience Seating, waiting for the Duel to begin.
Looking at Joey's profile, Hayato also inwardly calculated Joey's chances of defeating Kaiba, but unfortunately, he also didn't think that a full-strength Joey could defeat a full-strength Kaiba. However, all of this was predicated on both sides being "full-strength."
Kaiba, when facing Hayato or Yugi, would certainly give his all and be somewhat wary of Traps. But if his opponent was a Duelist he didn't recognize, Kaiba wouldn't easily go all out.
And as it happened, Joey, this "guy who only got this far through luck," was the Duelist Kaiba disregarded the most.
If Kaiba were careless in his Duel with Joey, it wasn't impossible for him to suffer an upset.
Meanwhile, Yugi found a comment Hayato made to Joey, as he was cheering him on before stepping down from the Duel Arena, a bit strange.
"Hayato-kun, why did you suggest Joey keep his (De-Fusion) in his Duel against Kaiba-kun?"
Hearing Yugi's confusion, Hayato didn't have time to answer before Ishizu, who had just arrived at the Duel Field from the infirmary, suddenly covered her mouth and chuckled softly, as if she had seen something amusing through the (Millennium Necklace).
"Looks like you already know?" Hayato imagined the comical expression that might appear on Kaiba's face if the Strategy he planned for Joey came into play, and couldn't help but smile, asking Ishizu.
Ishizu nodded with a smile and said, "Hayato-kun, I must say, the advice you gave Joey Wheeler is truly too much. President Kaiba's expression will be..."
Yugi, completely puzzled, watched Ishizu and Hayato exchanging cryptic remarks. "So what exactly is (De-Fusion)?"
"It won't be long, anyway. That guy Kaiba always sticks those few Cards together when he uses them; you'll find out soon enough." Hayato pointed towards the Duel Field.
Although, in theory, there should be an interval between the second and first Semi-final Matches, how could Kaiba's Duel Addiction wait that long? As long as the live broadcast signal was delayed for a while, he was eager to deal with Joey, who stood in his way, and then compete with Hayato for the title of King of Games.
After the staff had made simple repairs to the Duel Field, which had just hosted a Duel, and before Judge Croquet announced the start of the Duel, Kaiba and Joey entered what seemed like an unspoken customary "pre-Duel trash talk phase" between Duelists.
"Hmph, mediocre Duelist, it's truly a pity, your good luck won't protect you on your Battle City journey any further." As if to stare Joey down with his nostrils, Kaiba tilted his head slightly, saying arrogantly, "It's time you learned your place!"
Joey manually Shuffled the Cards of Kaiba's Deck that the staff had handed him. After a few simple Shuffles, he retorted displeased, "Cut it out, Kaiba, let me tell you, I'm strong!"
"If you want to Duel Hayato, you'll have to defeat me first."
Having each retrieved their Decks that their opponent had Shuffled, Joey and Kaiba's gazes met, their fighting spirit high. After Croquet confirmed that both Duelists were ready, he raised both hands in a salute, announcing, "Both Duelists are ready."
"Then I declare the second Battle City Semi-final Match, between Seto Kaiba and Joey Wheeler!"
"Now, let the Match begin!"
"Duel!" x2
[Joey: 4000 LP]
[Kaiba: 4000 LP]
"I'll take the First Turn! My Turn, Draw!" Joey eagerly drew a Card before Kaiba, then looked at him provocatively and said, "I've been waiting a long time for an opportunity to teach you a lesson."
"I'll use this Combo to show you what I can do!"
Joey inserted a Card from his Hand into his Duel Disk. "I Activate the Spell Card (Foolish Burial)! I will Send one Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. The Monster Card I'm Sending to the Graveyard is this one, (Red-Eyes Black Dragon)."
"Then I Activate (Premature Burial)! I Pay 800 Life Points to Special Summon (Red-Eyes Black Dragon) from my Graveyard in Attack Position, and Equip this Card to it!"
[Joey: 4000 → 3200 LP]
At the Cost of two Hand Cards and 800 Life Points, on Joey's Field, the ground cracked open, revealing a scorching red light. Accompanied by a resonant Dragon Roar, the slender and elegantly bony black Demonic Dragon—(Red-Eyes Black Dragon)—appeared on Joey's Field on the very First Turn.
(Red-Eyes Black Dragon) [Level 7 / DARK]
[Dragon-Type / Normal Monster]
[ATK 2400 / DEF 2000]
However, while others might have been shocked by Joey Summoning (Red-Eyes Black Dragon) on the First Turn, Kaiba remained unimpressed. "Hmph, a mere Black Dragon is nothing worth mentioning."
In Kaiba's eyes, the only Dragon-Type Monster he acknowledged was (Blue-Eyes White Dragon), at most adding other (Blue-Eyes White Dragon) Archetype/Variants. Besides those, he wouldn't even bat an eye at (Five-Headed Dragon).
"Not yet, not yet! I haven't even performed a Normal Summon this Turn!" Joey flipped another Hand Card. "I Summon (Gearfried the Iron Knight) in Defense Position!"
Beside the ominously evil black Demonic Dragon, the Steel Knight, draped in heavy Set Cards, appeared silently. The Knight, unable to use other weapons, stood empty-handed, taking a defensive stance against Kaiba.
(Gearfried the Iron Knight) [Level 4 / EARTH]
[Warrior-Type / Effect]
[ATK 1800 / DEF 1600]
"I Set two Cards. My Turn ends." After glancing at the Cards in his Hand, Joey's face held a smug smile as he Set two Cards. He challenged, "If you dare, come and defeat me, Kaiba!"
[Joey: 3200 LP, Hand 1]
[(Gearfried the Iron Knight) (DEF 1600)]
[(Red-Eyes Black Dragon) (ATK 2400)]
[Set Card] [Set Card]
(end of chapter)
Chapter 348: De-Fusion
Kaiba looked at the two Monsters on Joey's Field, a slight smirk on his lips. "You talk a big game about showing me what you can do, but it turns out you're nothing but a mediocre duelist who can only babble noisily. Those Fodder Monsters on your Field—is that really all you've got?"
"Don't make me laugh!" Kaiba said, drawing a Card from his Deck. "My Turn, Draw!"
"Watch closely, Mediocre Duelist, for this Monster will be the last one you ever see!"
"Witness the splendor of
With that, Kaiba revealed four Cards from his Hand.
A Polymerization Spell Card, and three
"I Activate the Spell Card Polymerization! I will use three
"
The Polymerization Vortex manifested, drawing in the three
"ROAR!!" x3
The
[Dragon-Type / Fusion]
[4500 ATK / 3800 DEF]
The strongest White Dragon, with a Level 12 — the pinnacle of Duel Monsters — stood behind Kaiba, who coldly glared at Joey and commanded, "Enter Battle Phase!
"Ultimate Burst Stream!"
The
"
Hearing the command, though it knew it couldn't win, the
However, the outcome was predictable. Although it certainly didn't lose in spirit, in terms of actual battle power, the
"Boom!"
"Ah!" Joey also took a significant amount of Battle Damage as a result.
[Joey: 3200 → 7200 → 5100 Life Points]
"Hmm?"
Kaiba had been paying close attention to the changes in Joey's Life Points. Seeing his Life Points first increase then decrease, he couldn't help but frown. "This change in Life Points is—"
"Nutrient Z. That was quite a fierce assault, Kaiba." As the dust gradually cleared, accompanied by Joey's voice, Kaiba saw the Set Card that had been Flipped on his Field. "Before I take 2000 or more Battle Damage, I Gain 4000 Life Points."
"Heh heh, Kaiba, your strategy has barely changed at all. I already guessed you'd Fusion Summon the
It was clear that Joey was quite excited about successfully predicting Kaiba's strategy.
But looking at Joey, whose face was full of smugness, Kaiba sneered, "My strategy hasn't improved? To be looked down upon by an unknown Duelist like you truly infuriates me, Common Bone!"
"Since you claim you guessed the strategy I'd use on my first Turn, did you guess this Card?"
"During the Battle Phase, I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, De-Fusion!"
Kaiba played the De-Fusion from his Hand. On his Field, the form of the
If De-Fusion was Activated during Battle, the three
Joey, in grave danger?
In the Audience Seating, Serenity Wheeler, Mai Valentine, and Tristan were worried for Joey, but Ishizu, Chumley, and Joey himself all had smiles curling on their lips. Wasn't this the very moment Joey had been waiting for?
"You fell for it, Kaiba! I already predicted that you'd Fusion Summon the
"The same Quick-Play Spell Card, De-Fusion!"
"What?!"
Kaiba stared wide-eyed at the De-Fusion Joey Activated, unable to believe it. "You're not going to—!"
In the past, the Effect Descriptions on Duel Monster Cards were often vague and undefined; for instance, a Card like Magical Mist oddly described itself as enhancing conductivity. Following Chumley's suggestion, Pegasus, who wanted to "make Duel Monsters great again," revised the Effects of many Cards.
Previously, De-Fusion's Description was simply "Undo Fusion State," but now, after revision, De-Fusion's specific Effect reads: "Target 1 Fusion Monster on the Field; return that Monster to its Owner's Deck. Then, if the Fusion Material Monsters used for that Monster's Fusion Summon are all in your Graveyard, you can Special Summon that set of monsters to your Field."
Due to Duel Monsters' Chain Link Resolution, even though Kaiba Activated De-Fusion first, Joey's De-Fusion was processed with higher priority. The
When it was Kaiba's turn, with the
Kaiba: ???
"Where's my
Mokuba, with practiced ease, took a screenshot of Kaiba's bewildered close-up, then edited that segment out of the recording, though he kept a backup for himself. He had already decided that if his brother ever got married, this footage might just "accidentally" appear at the wedding.
One could only say that Chumley had completely led Mokuba astray.
Kaiba's bewilderment didn't last long. With a moment's thought, his sharp mind recalled the specific Effect of the revised De-Fusion. While the pre- and post-revision De-Fusion usually exhibited the same Effect in normal use, Kaiba truly hadn't expected such an odd hidden application within the new De-Fusion.
And this specific use of De-Fusion, combined with the prediction that he would Summon the
The one who would do this...
Kaiba turned his head and glared at the Audience Seating. "Hmph!"
"Oh, by the way, Ishizu, how's Marik doing?"
"The doctors say his vital signs are stable, and aside from malnourishment, he's doing quite well. He's just a bit weak. He should recover after some rest and wake up soon."
"That's good. Oh, speaking of which, the weather today is quite nice, isn't it?"
"Chumley, President Kaiba is looking at you."
"Ignore him. He's Dueling, why's he looking at me?"
Watching Chumley turn his head to idly chat with Ishizu, Kaiba let out another cold snort before turning back to face his utterly empty Field.
With an opening Hand of three
Just like now, Kaiba's combo was interrupted by Joey's suddenly Activated De-Fusion. Five Cards were played, yet he failed to clear the Monsters on Joey's Field. Instead, his own Field became utterly empty, and he was left with only one Card in Hand.
"To be threatened by a character like you..." Kaiba coldly glanced at Joey, playing the last Card from his Hand. The only silver lining now was that the three
"Normal Summon
He Summoned a Pterodactyl with a sharp, elongated snout to his Field, which glared menacingly at the
[Dragon-Type / Effect]
[1900 ATK / 0 DEF]
The appearance and name of
Its only flaw was that
[Kaiba: 4000 Life Points, Hand 0]
[
Joey brushed a finger under his nose. "Heh heh, it's My Turn again, Draw!"
After Drawing a Card, Joey didn't play it. Instead, he chose to change his
"Hmph, you fool." Kaiba sneered. "While
Joey just smiled. "Who said I was going to Equip Cards to
"Quick-Play Spell Card, Activate Skull Dice! I Roll a Die, Targeting your
Kaiba was clearly irritated to see Joey use a Card like Skull Dice. "Entrusting your future to a Gambling Card like this, you Mediocre Duelist!"
Amidst Kaiba's displeasure, a small Fiend clutching a die appeared on Joey's Field. It forcefully threw the die, which tumbled across the Field before stopping. The die roll wasn't high; it landed on 2.
"Yosh! Then until the End Turn,
Perhaps it was precisely this mindset that allowed Joey, despite using a Deck filled with Gambling Cards, to repeatedly receive the Goddess of Fortune's favor?
[
"Enter Battle Phase!
"Tch,
The heavily armored knight's hand blade slashed down. The weakened
[Kaiba: 4000 → 3150 Life Points]
(end of chapter)
On his own Field, his Lancer Dragonute was destroyed by Joey's Gearfried the Iron Knight. Although the battle damage was only 850 points, utterly negligible, Kaiba felt deeply insulted.
Who was Kaiba? The President of KaibaCorp, a genius inventor, and most importantly, he believed himself to be the strongest Duelist in the world, and the one most deserving of the title King of Games.
And what role did Joey play in Kaiba's eyes? A classmate he coincidentally ended up in the same class with, a noisy punk who constantly prattled about "Friendship," "Belief," and "Bonds," and a mediocre duelist who entrusted his future to fleeting luck.
To Kaiba, who believed in seizing complete control of his own future, Joey was his polar opposite in terms of intelligence, way of thinking, dueling skill, and even background. Even though Joey had helped him more than once in the past, Kaiba still did not approve of Joey's way of life.
And now, this minor character, whom he despised the most, had actually managed to counterattack and inflict damage on him?
"...Truly unforgivable, mediocre duelist. To think you've come this far." Kaiba's face darkened, his gaze at Joey turning icy. "To deal with a stubborn fool like you, I must inflict upon you what is known as complete defeat!"
Facing Kaiba's stare, Joey showed no fear, glaring back. "Like I said, if you can do it, then come and defeat me, Kaiba!"
"I Set one card from my Hand. My Turn ends."
Setting a card on his Field, Joey glanced at the Field and the Life Points difference, brimming with confidence. No matter how he looked at it, he had the advantage. Besides, there weren't many Monsters whose ATK could surpass Gearfried the Iron Knight's. Joey didn't believe Kaiba could simply draw a card and summon such a powerful Monster.
[Joey: 5100 LP, Hand 0]
[Gearfried the Iron Knight ATK 1800]
[Set Card]
"My Turn, Draw!" Glancing at the card he drew, Kaiba couldn't help but sneer. "To deal with a mediocre duelist who can't recognize his own limitations, I must use wisdom to utterly crush you and your Warrior-Type Monsters."
"I Summon Kinetic Soldier in Attack Position, and then use it to Attack your Gearfried the Iron Knight!"
On Kaiba's Field, a Monster wrapped in artificial muscles and alloy armor appeared. As it turned its head, noticing Gearfried the Iron Knight on Joey's Field, countless green Data Streams flashed within Kinetic Soldier's visor, and the shoulder cannon on its shoulder began to charge.
[Kinetic Soldier Level 3/Earth]
[Machine-Type/Effect]
[ATK 1350/DEF 1800]
Seeing Kinetic Soldier appear, Joey was momentarily stunned. "Kaiba's Deck actually has a Monster with less than 4 Stars, and whose ATK doesn't even exceed 1500 points?"
"What the heck, you always talk about looking down on weak Monsters, but it turns out your own Deck carries cards like this too." Seeing that Kinetic Soldier's ATK was only 1350, and confirming that Kaiba had no other cards in his Hand, Joey's confidence swelled. "Though I don't know where you get the confidence to have Kinetic Soldier Attack Gearfried the Iron Knight,"
"Attack, Gearfried the Iron Knight, Heavy Metal Impact!"
Seeing Joey completely disregard Kinetic Soldier's attack, Chumley and Yugi synchronized their movements, both covering their foreheads and sighing helplessly.
"Joey, that guy, doesn't even know Kinetic Soldier's effect? How does Grandpa Muto usually train him?"
"Grandpa, he really just seems to be training Joey's drawing ability?"
"After Battle City ends, we should make Joey memorize more Duel Monster effects. At least the effects of Monsters that significantly counter his Deck."
Gearfried the Iron Knight received Joey's command. Seeing Kinetic Soldier's continuously charging shoulder cannon, it felt a threat, but still bravely charged forward. In just a few breaths, it rushed in front of Kinetic Soldier, raised its hand protected by steel gauntlets, and delivered a powerful hand chop!
But watching Gearfried the Iron Knight's attack, Kinetic Soldier's visor displayed the computer-estimated attack trajectory of Gearfried the Iron Knight. With a slight sidestep, Kinetic Soldier's body just grazed Gearfried the Iron Knight's hand chop, dodging its attack?!
Then, under Joey's astonished gaze, Kinetic Soldier's shoulder cannon suddenly fired, releasing a terrifying laser beam that seemed impossible for a Level 3 Monster to produce. Accompanied by Kinetic Soldier's ATK suddenly soaring to a full 3350 points, it engulfed Gearfried the Iron Knight, who had practically pressed its entire face against the shoulder cannon!
"Ugh!"
The impact of the attack, while destroying Gearfried the Iron Knight, landed on Joey, who remained utterly bewildered and hadn't yet figured out what had happened. The unprepared impact made Joey cry out in pain.
[Joey: 5100→3550 LP]
"W-what just happened?!" Gearfried the Iron Knight's counterattack had not only failed to destroy the Kinetic Soldier with only 1350 ATK; it had been instantly defeated after the Kinetic Soldier's ATK suddenly soared to 3350. Joey couldn't help but ask Kaiba, "Hey, Kaiba, what trick did you just pull?!"
"Hmph, don't mistake me for a mediocre duelist like yourself, Joey Wheeler. The fact that you, who don't even know the effects of common Duel Monsters, could reach the Battle City semifinals, makes me suddenly wonder if other Duelists are too weak, or if I am too strong."
Kaiba first scoffed, then arrogantly explained: "Kinetic Soldier's database contains the battle data of all Warrior-Type Monsters. Any physical attack is within its calculations, making it impossible to defeat."
"During damage calculation when battling a Warrior-Type Monster, Kinetic Soldier's ATK and DEF increase by 2000 points only during damage calculation. In other words, although it's a weak Monster of only Level 3, it's perfect for defeating your fourth-rate Deck, which mostly consists of Warrior-Type Monsters."
"My Turn ends."
[Kaiba: 3150 LP, Hand 0]
[Kinetic Soldier ATK 1350]
It was Joey's turn, but he still wore a look of disbelief.
"My Turn, Draw."
Drawing a card, Joey's eyes were fixed on the expressionless Kinetic Soldier on Kaiba's Field. He muttered to himself, "2000 ATK and DEF increase? How can such an unfair Monster exist? You didn't just print that card on the spot, did you?"
As Joey spoke, he looked towards the audience, but only received uniform shakes of heads from Chumley and the others. Although Kinetic Soldier wasn't often used in regular Duels, it wasn't a particularly rare card; at least, they all knew of its existence.
While Kinetic Soldier's effect was quite powerful, its limitation was that it only applied to Warrior-Type Monsters. If an opponent used other Monsters, then Kinetic Soldier was simply a vanilla Monster with 1350 ATK.
Wouldn't it be better to put other Monsters with higher ATK in its card slot rather than gambling on the opponent having many Warrior-Type Monsters in their Deck?
Knowing beforehand that his next opponent would be Joey, and that most of the Monsters in Joey's Deck were Warrior-Type, Kaiba had included this card in his own Deck. And just as Kaiba had thought before the Duel began, Joey truly had no way to deal with Kinetic Soldier at this moment.
The card he had just drawn this turn was D. D. Warrior Lady, also a Warrior-Type Monster, countered by Kinetic Soldier's effect.
However, what gave Joey some relief was that D. D. Warrior Lady was a Monster with an effect that activated when destroyed by battle. Before finding a way to destroy Kinetic Soldier, he would Summon her in Defense Position to block an attack.
"I Set one Monster in Defense Position. My Turn ends."
Seeing Joey Set his Monster face-down in Defense Position, Kaiba couldn't help but sneer, "Has the mediocre duelist already realized the gap between us and cowered into a ball out of fear?"
"Then, my Turn, Draw." Glancing at the drawn card, a temporarily unusable one, Kaiba pinched it between his fingers and commanded Kinetic Soldier on the Field, "Battle Phase! Kinetic Soldier, attack that face-down Monster! Data Impact!"
Because it hadn't confirmed what card Joey had Set, Kinetic Soldier didn't immediately fire its shoulder cannon this time. Instead, it maintained its charge and approached Joey's Set card, its armor-covered fist slamming down heavily.
Just then, D. D. Warrior Lady, hidden beneath the Set card, abruptly drew her long sword and lunged out from under the card, thrusting it at the nearby Kinetic Soldier. To her surprise, Kinetic Soldier once again anticipated her sudden attack, caught the blade bare-handed, and a fully charged shoulder cannon blast sent D. D. Warrior Lady, who wore a look of unwillingness, away.
[D. D. Warrior Lady Level 4/Earth]
[Warrior-Type/Effect]
[ATK 1100/DEF 1200]
Kinetic Soldier's effect to increase its ATK and DEF by 2000 points was truly unreasonable. The only thing Joey had to be grateful for was that since D. D. Warrior Lady was in Defense Position, he didn't take any battle damage this time. Furthermore, because D. D. Warrior Lady was destroyed, she could activate her effect.
"When D. D. Warrior Lady is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, I activate her effect. I Special Summon one EARTH Warrior-Type Monster with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck." Joey said, searching his Deck for a Monster and placing it face-up in Defense Position on his Field. "I Special Summon Exiled Force in face-up Defense Position."
At the location where D. D. Warrior Lady was destroyed, a squad of armed warriors appeared, more akin to "yakuza"-like thugs than an "army." Although their equipment was high-quality standard issue, this rabble haphazardly wore it, revealing their undershirts emblazoned with strange words.
Kaiba saw words like "Yoroshiku," "Butchigiri," and "Kenka Joto," which only appear in gangster organizations, and couldn't help but show a disdainful expression. "To use such trash, worse than rat droppings in a gutter, mediocre duelist, you're even more pathetic than I imagined."
"Huh? What are you saying, kid?!" "How dare you look down on us?!" "I know where you live, so clean your neck and wait for me!" "We'll be at your doorstep soon!"
Exiled Force jeered, but only earned Kaiba's increasingly disdainful gaze directed at Joey.
[Exiled Force Level 4/Earth]
[Warrior-Type/Effect]
[ATK 1000/DEF 1000]
"I Set one card. My Turn ends." Glancing at Exiled Force, Kaiba, who was clearly aware of the Monster's effect, smirked, an idea forming to play a trick on Joey.
Seeing Kaiba pretend not to know Exiled Force's effect, Joey's heart swelled with joy. He eagerly drew a card, then triumphantly said to Kaiba, "Hehe, Kaiba, you just mocked me for not knowing Monster effects, but aren't you the same?!"
"Exiled Force may look like a trash Monster, but its effect is very strong!" Joey said, commanding, "I'll use Exiled Force's effect, which activates by Tributing this card."
"Target one Monster on the Field and destroy it!"
Hearing Joey's command, the unruly Exiled Force stirred into action, grabbing their weapons and surging towards Kinetic Soldier on Kaiba's Field. "We've been fed up with your arrogant self for too long!"
"This territory in Causeway Bay is ours!"
"I'm gonna kick your ass with my thick, log-like thighs!"
Seeing the excited expression on Joey's face, Kaiba coldly said, "You didn't even realize I was just playing with you? A mediocre duelist is truly just a mediocre duelist; it's so easy to trick you that I'm getting bored."
"I activate my Set Card, Interdimensional Matter Transporter!"
"This card can be activated by targeting 1 face-up Monster on your own Field. That Monster is banished until the End Phase." Kaiba explained, "Which means, your Exiled Force's effect is negated because it has no target!"
Watching the swarming Exiled Force, Kinetic Soldier snapped its fingers, and a protective ejection capsule suddenly appeared around its body, shielding it. No matter how Exiled Force attacked, they couldn't breach the capsule's defenses.
Immediately after, a black spot suddenly appeared on Kaiba's Field. With a flash of light, the capsule enclosing Kinetic Soldier vanished from the Field as an illusion. Also gone was the Exiled Force that Joey had just Tributed.
But seeing Kaiba banish Kinetic Soldier from the game, Joey also smiled. "Gotcha! You fell for it, Kaiba! This is my attack route!"
"I activate the card in my Hand!"
(end of chapter)
Chapter 350: Shabadobie Touch Transformation
Joey played a card from his Hand: "Spell Card, (Painful Choice)! I will send one Level 4 or lower Normal Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, then add one monster with the same name to my Hand."
"The Monster I'm sending to the Graveyard is (Giltia the D. Knight), and then I'll add another (Giltia the D. Knight) from my Deck to my Hand."
Joey searched two cards from his Deck, showed them to Kaiba, then sent one to the Graveyard and held the other in his Hand. Then, he Activated a Set Card in his Back Row: "Alright, with this, the combination to defeat (Cipher Bit) is complete!"
"Trap Card, (Necro Fusion) Activate! I will Banish (Gearfried the Iron Knight), an Earth Attribute monster, and (Giltia the D. Knight), a LIGHT Attribute monster, which I just sent to the Graveyard, face-down from the game, to Fusion Summon one monster!"
A Fusion Vortex, much dimmer than a typical (Polymerization) and almost gray, appeared. (Gearfried the Iron Knight) and (Giltia the D. Knight) were pulled into it.
Although when it was made into a Real Card, (Giltia the D. Knight) was a Level 5 Fusion Monster, the version Joey possessed was a Normal Monster, allowing him to send it to the Graveyard with (Painful Choice) and use it as Material for (Necro Fusion).
Due to its low ATK and DEF, and the fact that it was essentially a Vanilla Normal Monster requiring a Tribute, hardly anyone but Joey would use (Giltia the D. Knight). However, upon seeing that the Fusion Materials were (Gearfried the Iron Knight) and (Giltia the D. Knight), Chumley had a pretty good guess as to what monster Joey intended to Summon.
"Fusing two Warrior-Type monsters of different Attributes, even though it's not a Fusion performed on the Field so it can't unleash its full power, its Battle prowess is more than enough to Destroy (Cipher Bit). The only pity is that the monster Summoned by (Necro Fusion) cannot Attack this Turn."
Hearing Chumley's murmuring analysis, Yugi turned his head in confusion: "Chumley, do you know what monster Joey is going to Summon?"
"Yes, I have an idea. The only thing I'm unsure of is whether Joey is Summoning the Level 7 or Level 8 version."
Under Kaiba's solemn gaze, (Gearfried the Iron Knight) and (Giltia the D. Knight), fused into one, emerged from the Fusion Vortex, revealing their form.
The armor of (Gearfried) and the magical armor of (Giltia) merged, skyrocketing in strength. However, due to this concentration, it could no longer cover the entire body as before, necessitating magical fabric to conceal the exposed parts. The excess armor was then affixed to the long staff in (Giltia)'s hand, transforming it into a massive blade.
With exaggerated shoulder pads, magical orbs brimming with surging Magical Energy all over its body, and a domineering hairstyle that clearly signaled a master Duelist, the combined (Gearfried) and (Giltia) shed the understated characteristics common to their previous forms, appearing incredibly flashy.
But first, he should be called—
"The unwavering warrior souls intertwine, iron magic, overflowing with passion, Shabadobie Touch Transformation!" Joey exclaimed excitedly, "Embodying the last hope, the strongest Gem Warrior!"
"It's your Show Time, (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight)!"
[(Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight)] [Level 8/LIGHT Attribute]
[Warrior-Type/Fusion/Effect]
[ATK 2700/DEF 1600]
The long and convolutedly named (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) lifted its skirt with Joey's Summoning chant. The proof of its power fluttered in the breeze. Along with its cool pose, Kaiba also saw the ATK and DEF of the (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight).
"Hmph, you're excited just because you Summoned a Fodder Monster I've never seen before, you Mediocre Duelist?" Kaiba sneered, "A monster Summoned by (Necro Fusion) cannot Attack this Turn. You say you'll defeat me with it?"
What surprised and angered Kaiba was Joey's shocked expression: "Eh?! How can this be?"
"I clearly Banished (Gearfried) and (Giltia) face-down from the game, yet it can't Attack?"
Evidently, Joey hadn't read the full Effect of (Necro Fusion), merely adding it to his Deck after seeing that it could use monsters from the Graveyard as Fusion Material.
This meant his previous threats to Kaiba were nothing but empty words. Precisely because of this, Kaiba was infuriated that he, for a moment, seemed to be at a disadvantage in a Duel against an idiot like Joey.
"How could it have such an Effect? In that case, I can't just Tribute (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight), can I?" Joey glanced at the Level 5 Normal Monster (Giltia the D. Knight) in his Hand, with only 1850 ATK, it was completely unimpressive. Joey didn't think he was foolish enough to Release the (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) on the Field just for that meager Damage.
"My Turn ends."
In embarrassment, Joey ended his Turn.
[Joey: 3550 LP, Hand 1]
[(Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight)] [ATK 2700]
After all his big talk, Joey merely Summoned a new monster and ended his Turn. Not only was Joey embarrassed, but even Tristan struggled to find any words of praise for Joey to tell Serenity Wheeler, who was waiting for his explanation.
Due to her past eye condition, Serenity Wheeler's understanding of Duel Monsters was almost as incomprehensible as a foreign country's strange habit of eating main dishes with other main dishes. She could distinguish which monster had higher ATK or DEF, but anything more specific relied on Tristan's explanations.
Yugi, however, looked worriedly at Kaiba's Field, specifically at (Cipher Bit) which had returned to the Field after Joey declared End Turn, due to (Interdimensional Matter Transporter): "Oh no, Joey managed to lure Kaiba's (Cipher Bit) off the Field, but he couldn't take advantage of Kaiba's unguarded Field to reduce his Life Points."
"Now (Cipher Bit) is back, and although (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) has higher ATK, it's also a Warrior-Type monster. Joey is in danger."
But Chumley, next to Yugi, patted Yugi's shoulder and said with a smile: "My thoughts are different from yours, Yugi. (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) isn't just for show. When I saw its Level was 8, I knew that, at least for now, Joey has the advantage."
"Because the Effect of (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) is—"
"My Turn, Draw!" Kaiba didn't hear what Chumley told Yugi in the Audience Seating. Unaware of the Effect of (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight), he pondered briefly before commanding, "Although I'm not entirely clear on what Effects that monster has, its ATK of 2700 is a clear fact."
"And as long as it's a Warrior-Type monster, (Cipher Bit) is their absolute bane!"
With a fierce wave of his hand, Kaiba declared loudly: "(Cipher Bit), Attack (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight)! Data Calculation Cannon!"
Countless data flashed in its goggles, calculating the possible Attack trajectory of (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight). (Cipher Bit)'s shoulder cannon began to charge, and because its Attack Target was a Warrior-Type monster, its ATK began to soar.
[(Cipher Bit)] [ATK 1350 → 3350]
Yet, watching (Cipher Bit), which had already Destroyed several of his monsters and delayed his offensive for so long, Attack again, Joey showed no tension at all. Instead, he flashed a relaxed smile: "Heh heh, Kaiba, there's no doubt that (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) is a Warrior-Type monster whose Attack data is incorporated into (Cipher Bit)'s database."
"But don't forget, the Power it wields isn't just the martial might of a Warrior-Type; it also possesses mysterious magical Power!"
"Because (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) is battling an Opponent's monster, Once per Turn, I can Activate its Effect during Damage Calculation!" A green light radiated from Joey's Graveyard, shining upon (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) like a light of hope. The red magical orbs on its body flashed.
Before Joey, a phantom of several cards appeared—(Foolish Burial), (Premature Burial), (De-Fusion), (Painful Choice) — all Spell Cards Joey had used and discarded to the Graveyard since the Duel began!
"By Banishing one Spell Card from my Graveyard, (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) can boost its ATK with the Power of magic, by half of its DEF!"
Joey casually tapped (De-Fusion). As (De-Fusion) shattered, the ATK of (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) also began to surge. Although the increase wasn't as exaggerated as (Cipher Bit)'s, given its original ATK was already double (Cipher Bit)'s, its current ATK was—
[(Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight)] [ATK 2700 → 3500]
Facing the cannon fire from (Cipher Bit), (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) calmly cast a spell, erecting a shield in front of itself. The laser beam struck the shield, not only failing to cause even a ripple, but instead being reflected back by the shield, which had transformed into an arc shape, hitting (Cipher Bit) along its return path!
(Cipher Bit), which never expected the final outcome to be "I kill myself," was instantly Destroyed. The difference in ATK between it and (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight) also dealt a certain amount of Battle Damage to Kaiba.
[Kaiba: 3150 → 3000 LP]
His Life Points, which had gone from OCD rage to OCD ecstasy, caused Kaiba's face to turn cold.
Being Attacked and losing Life Points repeatedly by Joey, this "Third-rate Duelist using a fourth-rate Deck," infuriated Kaiba. His patience reached its peak when (Cipher Bit) was Destroyed by (Gilti-Gearfried the Magical Steel Knight).
"Joey Wheeler, I must say, you've stepped over my line. Reducing my Life Points again and again, hmph, well done." In his rage, Kaiba's face twisted into a sneer, "From now on, I'll begin to get serious."
"I Activate Spell Card, (Card of Demise)! I Draw cards from my Deck until my Hand has five cards. Then, during the Standby Phase of the fifth Turn after this card's activation, I must send my entire Hand to the Graveyard."
Drawing five cards in one go, Kaiba glanced at his Hand, then Activated another card: "Next is Spell Card, (Pot of Avarice)! I return five monsters from my Graveyard to my Deck and Shuffle it, then Draw two cards."
Three (Blue-Eyes White Dragon)s, (Lancer Dragonute), and the newly Destroyed (Cipher Bit) were returned from the Graveyard to Kaiba's Deck. After Shuffling, Kaiba Drew two cards, a smile unfurling on his face.
"Normal Summon (Blue Dragon Summoner)! Then, I will Equip it with (Wonder Wand)."
On Kaiba's Field, a fashionably dressed Spellcaster appeared, holding a (Wonder Wand), a staff exclusive to Spellcaster-Type monsters. Beside it was a strange humanoid figure, whose movements synchronized with its body like a Stand. If "ゴゴゴゴゴゴゴ" subtitles were added, one might even mistake themselves for being in a different show.
[(Blue Dragon Summoner)] [Level 4/Wind]
[Spellcaster-Type/Effect]
[ATK 1500/DEF 600 → ATK 2000]
However, the calm expression on (Blue Dragon Summoner)'s face didn't last long, as it was obvious that Kaiba's Deck consisted of powerful Beast-Warrior-Type or ferocious Dragon-Type monsters. Spellcaster-Type monsters for Kaiba were always cannon fodder, even if (Blue Dragon Summoner)'s ATK was boosted to 2000.
The painful experience of Kaiba's most frequently used Spellcaster-Type monster—(Dark Clown - Zachi)—was still fresh in mind. It was essentially just a tool to Release for (Crush Card Virus). (Blue Dragon Summoner) quickly followed in its predecessor's footsteps, especially since it was Equipped with (Wonder Wand).
"Using (Wonder Wand)'s Effect, I send (Blue Dragon Summoner) to the Graveyard to Draw two cards. And when (Blue Dragon Summoner) is Sent to the Graveyard, I can Add one Dragon-Type, Warrior-Type, or Spellcaster-Type Normal Monster from my Deck to my Hand." Kaiba didn't even look at the (Blue Dragon Summoner) as it vanished from his Field, flipping him off as it went. He searched a card from his Deck and revealed it.
"The card I'm Adding to Hand is (Blue-Eyes White Dragon)."
At this moment, Kaiba's Hand, which had only one card at the start of the Turn, had terrifyingly grown to seven cards.
And, under Joey's astonished gaze, Kaiba played a (Polymerization).
A new chapter, more tonight.
Also, please give me some recommendation tickets. I feel like no one's voting for them recently, sniff sniff.
And also, I'm increasingly feeling that Double Eleven, branded as Singles' Day, has completely become Couples' Day.
(end of chapter)