Under Luya's command, [Elemental HERO - Flame Wingman] leapt into the air like a blazing arrow. Raising his arm high, he fired a torrent of roaring flames straight toward Diluc's card. The flames bellowed like a dragon, surging with overwhelming might toward their target.
The onlookers watching the Duel wore expressions of worry as they looked at Diluc. Such a massive burst of fire… just looking at it was terrifying!
Even so, Diluc didn't look concerned. He smiled calmly at Luya.
The fiery blast from Flame Wingman struck Diluc's set card. The face-down card flipped up.
[Destiny HERO - Defender] Level 4│DARK│Warrior│100 ATK / 2700 DEF
Defender's body was made entirely of rock—even its head was solid stone! Though its Attack was only 100 points, this [Destiny HERO - Defender], true to its name, boasted an extraordinary Defense of 2700 points.
However, it also carried a drawback—
"During your opponent's Standby Phase, if this card is face-up in Defense Position, your opponent draws 1 card."
In other words, as long as this card remained on Diluc's field, Luya would draw one extra card every turn.
Still, with its immense Defense, this card could completely block Flame Wingman's attack!
This was undoubtedly good news for Diluc.
"Master Diluc's stone giant has such high Defense!"
"Exactly!"
"That young man's monster looks flashy and cool, sure—but its Attack is only 2100."
"Looks like Master Diluc's taken a small lead this round!"
"Hahaha, as expected of Diluc…"
…
"I activate a Quick-Play Spell! [Rush Recklessly]!"
Just as Diluc thought he was safe, Luya activated the Quick-Play Spell [Rush Recklessly]!
As the Spell took effect, the flames surrounding Flame Wingman blazed even fiercer—the dragon head on his right arm swelling with power!
[Flame Wingman, ATK: 2100 → 2800]
Now stronger than Defender's 2700 DEF, the blazing dragon's fireball struck Defender directly, shattering it to pieces!
"I activate [Elemental HERO - Flame Wingman]'s effect! When this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, inflict damage to your opponent equal to that monster's original ATK. Defender's ATK is 100—so you take 100 damage."
As Luya finished explaining, Flame Wingman appeared before Diluc, hurling a fireball that struck him squarely.
[Flame Wingman's Effect: 100 Damage]
[Diluc, LP: 4000 → 3900]
Flames washed over Diluc, and the surrounding crowd grew anxious. Some even gasped aloud. The sight left Mondstadt's citizens filled with worry.
Yet Diluc himself didn't seem bothered. With a smile, he turned to the crowd. "Everyone, don't worry—it doesn't hurt, hahaha."
Hearing his lighthearted reassurance, the people finally relaxed. If this Duel really caused pain like that, no one would dare play!
"My turn ends!" Luya lowered his hand.
As Luya's turn ended, the Quick-Play Spell's effect dissipated.
[Flame Wingman, ATK: 2800 → 2100]
Now it was Diluc's turn. He took a steadying breath.
"My turn—Draw!"
[Destiny HERO - Diamond Dude]
Diamond Dude's body gleamed with diamonds, his green cape billowing behind him.
After a brief moment of thought, Diluc declared, "I Normal Summon [Destiny HERO - Diamond Dude]!"
[Destiny HERO - Diamond Dude] Level 4│DARK│Warrior│1400 ATK / 1600 DEF
Diluc summoned Diamond Dude to the field. Its Attack was only 1400… far lower than Flame Wingman's 2100.
The spectators began to worry again. What was this about? With such low Attack, if his monster were destroyed, he'd even take Life Point damage on top of it!
...
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