# Chapter 848: Change Beetle!
Jesse Anderson summoned an insect whose body reflected a metallic sheen, appearing next to the transformed Insect-Type `(Nibiru, the Primal Being)`. However, although its name was "Cicada", the appearance of `(Dream Cicada - Sleepy Mien)` was clearly closer to that of a nymph. This could also be observed from its ATK and DEF values.
`(Dream Cicada - Sleepy Mien)` [Level 3/WIND]
[Insect-Type/Effect Monster]
[300/1300]
"Although, I still haven't been able to hear a voice from the Cards, I believe that one day, I will find friends and Partners who share a common Heart (of the Cards) with me, to strive alongside me to achieve our dreams." Jesse Anderson said, holding a Card in his Hand. "Even if it's like a 'cicada' that has been silent for a long time, unable to respond, the power of Bonds will one day blossom!"
"Because of `(Dream Cicada - Sleepy Mien)`'s Special Summon, the strongest Monster in my Deck has fulfilled its own Special Summoning conditions! I Special Summon this Card from my Hand in Attack Position!"
Saying this, Jesse Anderson placed `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)` from his Hand, which he had just Revealed to Hayato to use (Giant Ballgame)'s Effect, onto his Duel Disk, and shouted with full force: "Let the cries echo through the clouds, let the pulsations flow endlessly, let power converge into one, guided by the Heart (of the Cards)! Ancient Heavy Plate Armor!"
"Change-Beetle! `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`!"
On Jesse Anderson's Field, a total of six Insects successively appeared. Their size was much larger compared to ordinary Insect-Type Monsters, and their species were diverse, including butterflies, stag beetles, and wasps.
After all six Insects appeared, they gathered together and began to combine and merge, just like in a Super Sentai scene, transforming into a gigantic combined warrior, standing upright with immense bulk, like a fighter standing proudly on the earth, just as its name implied!
`(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)` [Level 8/WIND]
[Insect-Type/Effect Monster]
[1500/2600]
"So, so cool! This is completely different from any Insect-Type Monster I know!" Joey's eyes widened, shining with light. He was even more excited than Jesse Anderson about `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`'s appearance.
"It completely subverts the established impression of Insect-Types. Although its ATK and DEF are just so-so, power is temporary, but coolness is eternal!" Tristan said excitedly.
Even Marik nodded vigorously. "Exactly, exactly! And combination really is a man's romance!"
"Tch, Hayato said a long time ago that if a man wants to, anything can be romantic." Compared to the boys who hadn't yet reached Chuunibyou Graduation, Téa's reaction wasn't as intense, but looking at `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)` wielding a greatsword made of carapace, she frankly admitted, "However, it's definitely the best-looking Insect-Type I've ever seen."
Most Insect-Type Monsters that leave a deep impression are abstract Cards like `(Parasite Paracide)` and `(Drill Bug)`. Although there have been decent-looking Monsters like `(Insect Princess)` before, compared to them, `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`'s appearance isn't just 'cool' anymore; it's practically a devastating blow in terms of aesthetics.
Not only that, although its base Stats might look like those of a Fodder Monster, it is, after all, a Level 8 High-Level Monster and the strongest Card in Jesse Anderson's Deck, so it naturally wouldn't only have a Special Summon Effect.
"`(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)` can aggregate the Power of other Partners. For every other Insect-Type Monster on the Field, its ATK is increased by 300. This Effect applies to both allied and opponent monsters."
"Lend me your Power!"
As Jesse Anderson's words fell, light blossomed beneath the feet of the three Insect-Type Monsters on his Field—`(Nibiru, the Primal Being)`, `(Dream Cicada - Sleepy Mien)`, and (Earth Spider) on Hayato's Field. Three streams of light surged into `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`.
`(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)` [ATK 1500 → 2400]
"It's not over yet. This Turn, I haven't performed a Normal Summon yet. Finally, I will Normal Summon `(Blade Fly)` from my Hand in Attack Position, providing another 300 ATK to `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`."
Jesse Anderson Summoned a Monster from his Hand to the Field and waved his hand, saying, "And because of `(Blade Fly)`'s Effect, all WIND Attribute Monsters on the Field gain 500 ATK, and EARTH Attribute Monsters lose 400 ATK."
"Face the swift wind!"
`(Blade Fly)` [Level 2/WIND]
[Insect-Type/Effect Monster]
[600/700 → 1100/700]
`(Dream Cicada - Sleepy Mien)` [ATK 300 → 800]
(Earth Spider) [ATK 0 → 0]
`(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)` [ATK 2400 → 2700 → 3200]
In an instant, the total ATK of Monsters on Jesse Anderson's Field had reached an astonishing 8100. In contrast, Hayato's Field only had two Monsters: `(Invoked Mechaba)` with 2500 ATK, and (Earth Spider) with 0 ATK. In an instant, Hayato was almost about to have his Life Points Wiped Out by Jesse Anderson?
What's more, Jesse Anderson still had two Cards in his Hand, while Hayato had cards in his hand, but his Backrow was completely empty. Even the frequently used `(Rainbow Kuriboh)`, which could block an Attack, was already Banished to Special Summon `(Invoked Mechaba)` earlier and couldn't help Hayato!
"Entering my Battle Phase!"
Hearing Jesse Anderson's Declaration, Hayato, despite being in an obvious disadvantage that even beginners like Tristan and Téa could see, showed no panic and remained calm as usual: "Hoho, so you can still assemble such a powerful lineup? But you're choosing to attack me, Hayato, instead of defending in Defense Position?"
"Because if I don't actively attack, there's no way I can defeat you, Mr. Hayato."
Jesse Anderson's face showed a determined expression, and Hayato nodded, saying, "Then get a little closer, and begin your attack."
Glancing at Hayato's Field, Jesse Anderson commanded, "First, I will use `(Nibiru, the Primal Being)` to attack `(Invoked Mechaba)` on your Field, Mr. Hayato—uh, what was its attack name again?"
He paused for a moment; Jesse Anderson couldn't recall the name Hayato had shouted during his previous attack and decisively gave up. "Anyway, Jesse Anderson Impact!"
Although the name lacked punch, when `(Nibiru, the Primal Being)` with 3000 ATK moved, it was still quite impactful. After the giant meteor transformed into an Insect-Type, the blades that grew from the hands of the humanoid it split into also took the shape of mantis blades and swung towards its former companion on Hayato's Field—`(Invoked Mechaba)`!
This wasn't like Hayato's previous attack on a Set Card due to (Fiery Duelists)' Effect; this time, `(Nibiru, the Primal Being)` unleashed its full 3000 ATK, a Power equivalent to `(Blue-Eyes White Dragon)`, completely converting it into raw might! Even the 'chariot' that could bring victory couldn't resist!
That is, if Hayato didn't use a Card from his Hand.
"You're actually using `(Nibiru, the Primal Being)` that you 'Mind Controlled' from me to Destroy my `(Invoked Mechaba)` on the Field? Jesse Anderson, you're truly despicable like this." Hayato said, with a look of panic, "It's over! `(Invoked Mechaba)` is just a Vanilla Monster once its negate is baited, and `(Nibiru, the Primal Being)`'s ATK is a towering 3000."
"I can't beat it, how can I even fight this~"
As Hayato's words fell, the humanoid that split from `(Nibiru, the Primal Being)` also arrived before `(Invoked Mechaba)`, swinging its mantis blade, which collided with `(Invoked Mechaba)`'s lance.
A Battle between Monsters with 3000 ATK and 2500 ATK—this classic clash of values was so iconic that not only battle-hardened veterans like Joey and Yugi, but also Jesse Anderson himself, had seen such Monster Battles on TV countless times. The most famous examples were none other than Yugi's `(Dark Magician)` and Kaiba's `(Blue-Eyes White Dragon)`.
Without a doubt, with such a clear difference in values, the Monster that would undoubtedly be Destroyed by Battle was `(Invoked Mechaba)` on Hayato's Field. Indeed, the moment it made contact with the mantis blade, `(Invoked Mechaba)`'s lance, held by the humanoid upper body, was indeed shattered.
However, just as `(Invoked Mechaba)` was about to be decapitated and Destroyed in the next instant, the overlooked riding beast forming `(Invoked Mechaba)`'s lower half suddenly reared its head, and with its sharp horn, violently pierced the defenceless `(Nibiru, the Primal Being)`'s body, Destroying it in retaliation!
Moreover, Jesse Anderson's Life Points were actually deducted by 500. For a moment, it almost made one think that Jesse Anderson was the one battling with a Monster of 2500 ATK!
[Jesse Anderson: 4000 → 3500 LP]
"What happened?" Jesse Anderson looked in confusion at `(Invoked Mechaba)`, which had conjured another lance at some point, only to discover that, at some unknown moment, that Monster's ATK had actually increased to 3500!
Upon closer inspection, on `(Invoked Mechaba)`, which combined man, beast, and chariot, a humanoid figure wearing a Magician's Robe had unexpectedly appeared. It was none other than `(Aleister the Invoker)`, one of the Fusion Materials Hayato had used to Fusion Summon `(Invoked Mechaba)` earlier?
"Yare yare, it's a powerful Monster that I finally managed to Summon with great difficulty. Wouldn't it be a shame if it were Destroyed just like that?" Standing on the chariot, `(Aleister the Invoker)` said with a smile.
At the same time, Hayato also Revealed the `(Aleister the Invoker)` Card from his Hand, and explained, "It's Aleister. At the moment `(Nibiru, the Primal Being)` and `(Invoked Mechaba)` battled, I Activated `(Aleister the Invoker)`'s Effect from my Hand."
"By Sending this Card from my Hand to the Graveyard, you can Activate this Effect by Targeting one Fusion Monster on my Field. That Monster's ATK and DEF increase by 1000 until the end of this turn. This Effect can also be Activated during the Opponent's Turn."
Hayato said, Sending the Card from his Hand to the Graveyard. "The `(Aleister the Invoker)` that was Recycled from the Banishment by `(Invocation)`'s Effect was the only Card in my Hand at the End Phase. Because of its presence, I also Drew one less Card with `(Card of Safe Return)`. And what I exchanged for it is this very moment: the increase in `(Invoked Mechaba)`'s Power on my Field!"
`(Invoked Mechaba)` [2500/2100 → 3500/3100]
Under the boost of `(Aleister the Invoker)`'s Effect, `(Invoked Mechaba)`'s ATK rapidly increased to the highest level on the entire Field. Not only that, because `(Nibiru, the Primal Being)`, which had transformed into an Insect-Type, was Destroyed by Battle and returned to Hayato's Graveyard, `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`'s ATK on Jesse Anderson's Field also decreased accordingly.
`(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)` [ATK 3200 → 2900]
"To be able to Counterattack even in such a situation..." Jesse Anderson exclaimed in surprise at Hayato's tenacity; truly worthy of being the Duel King. He was also surprised that Hayato didn't openly use his Card's Effect, but rather hid it until his Monster was Destroyed before revealing he had used a Card—truly too cunning.
Looking at `(Invoked Mechaba)` with its increased ATK, Jesse Anderson decisively played a Card, saying, "However, even so, I still won't give up. `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)` isn't just for show! A mere `(Invoked Mechaba)`? Watch me push it back!"
"I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card from my Hand, (Talent Call Body Shredder)!"
As Jesse Anderson inserted the Card into his Duel Disk, his Life Points violently dropped, plummeting from 3500 to a mere 600!
Concurrently, just as other Insect-Type Monsters provided Power to `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`, Jesse Anderson's lost Life Points also transformed into light and surged into it. `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`'s Attack skyrocketed!
`(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)` [ATK 2900 → 5800]
"During Both Players' Battle Phase, (Talent Call Body Shredder) can be Activated by Targeting one Face-up Monster on my Field. I lose Life Points equal to that Monster's ATK, and the Targeted Monster's ATK becomes double until the end of this turn. Also, the Targeted Monster cannot make a Direct Attack this Turn."
Because he had been certain of victory earlier, Jesse Anderson hadn't used this Card on `(Nibiru, the Primal Being)` when it attacked `(Invoked Mechaba)`. Coupled with Hayato's stealthy use of Aleister's Effect, consequently, he could now only use this Card on `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`, which had the highest ATK among his remaining Monsters.
And although he lost a large amount of Life Points, Jesse Anderson's gaze remained resolute. "Even if it's `(Invoked Mechaba)`, I will defeat it and show you, Mr. Hayato!"
"Oh? You're still choosing `(Invoked Mechaba)` as your Attack Target, instead of attacking (Earth Spider) with 0 ATK?" Hayato said with a smile, hearing this.
"The reason (Earth Spider) is in Attack Position is simply because I don't want you to use its Effect while in Defense Position to interfere with my attacks. Furthermore, I can't bring myself to Send a Monster I Revived back to the Graveyard." Jesse Anderson said earnestly. "If this Duel were to end with (Earth Spider) under your Control, Mr. Hayato, wouldn't that be too pathetic for it?"
Hearing Jesse Anderson's words, Atem couldn't help but rub his nose, glancing at Pegasus beside him. Jesse Anderson's words sounded strangely familiar; it seemed he had said something similar himself long ago when Pegasus invited him to the Duelist Kingdom.
"`(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`, attack `(Invoked Mechaba)`!" Jesse Anderson waved his hand, declaring, "Beet Catapult Attack (Beetle Catapult Assault)!"
`(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`, receiving the command, violently swung the broadsword in its hand, throwing it like a projectile weapon at `(Invoked Mechaba)`. The latter barely managed to block the incoming greatsword with its lance, which then fell to the ground before it, when it suddenly felt the surrounding light dim.
Despite its seemingly colossal size, it possessed considerable flexibility. `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)` leaped into the air, gliding while maintaining its altitude with its elytra. The beetle armor on its body began to shift and gather around its right leg, with a wasp's stinger forming at the very tip.
"Beetle Kick!"
P.S.: The title of this chapter is inspired by Kamen Rider Kabuto. For `(Humongous Hive Hegemon - Zexstagger)`, which resembles a Super Sentai combining robot, Jesse Anderson's attack name is inspired by Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters' Stag Buster Crane's finisher, and the final move of shifting its carapace to its leg is inspired by Den-O's Chou Climax Form and Saikou's X Swordsman's finisher.
P.S.2: A classic 23:59 update time, after a long while.
(end of chapter)I think people don't understand it. I have a personal website where I post advanced free chapters — there are 10 new chapters per day, so you can check it out here: soollhooaf.com