Due to the effect of the Field Spell [Dark City], the Attack of Diluc's [Destiny HERO - Diamond Dude] increased by 1000 points when it attacked Luya's [Elemental HERO - Flame Wingman]. Its original 1400 ATK rose by 1000, reaching 2400. With that boost, it defeated Flame Wingman, whose ATK was 2100.
Diluc's play left the onlookers delighted. Luya, too, felt satisfied—Diluc had immediately showcased the power of card synergy, allowing Mondstadt's citizens to witness how combinations could let weaker monsters overcome stronger foes.
"Wow, this Duel Monsters game is really interesting!"
"The right combinations can let the weak overcome the strong!"
"Now the advantage is back in Master Diluc's hands."
"The situation in this card duel really changes in an instant!"
"Indeed... I wonder how our friend from Liyue will respond next."
As the crowd discussed the sudden shift in momentum following Flame Wingman's defeat, Diluc ended his turn.
"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." He lowered his hand and smiled at Luya, relaxed.
Luya nodded. "My turn... Draw!"
"I Normal Summon [Elemental HERO - Bubbleman]!"
[Elemental HERO - Bubbleman] Level 4│WATER│Warrior│800 ATK / 1200 DEF
At Luya's call, a warrior clad in blue armor materialized like a phantom. Two oddly shaped bubble tanks were attached to his back, and a blue visor hid his face. A white cape fluttered behind him.
Those who had feared Luya would summon another high-powered monster relaxed at the sight of Bubbleman's mere 800 ATK.
"I activate Bubbleman's effect—when this is the only card on my field, I draw two cards from my Deck!"
Luya chuckled as he drew two cards. Seeing this, Diluc looked intrigued, wondering what kind of Hero Luya might summon next. Though Bubbleman's Attack was low, its ability to draw two cards was excellent.
"I activate the Spell Card [The Warrior Returning Alive]!"
As the effect resolved, [Elemental HERO - Avian] rose from Luya's Graveyard. The green figure flapped its wings, folding into a glowing card that flew into Luya's hand.
"[The Warrior Returning Alive] adds one Warrior monster from my Graveyard to my hand! I add [Elemental HERO - Avian]!"
This [Avian] had been sent to the Graveyard when Luya fused [Elemental HERO - Burstinatrix] and [Elemental HERO - Avian] with [Polymerization] to summon [Elemental HERO - Flame Wingman].
Before Diluc or the spectators could respond, Luya continued.
"Next, I activate the Spell Card [Polymerization]!"
As before, a breeze swept across the plaza. A massive blue vortex formed on Luya's field. Within the swirling energy, three spirits—green, purple, and blue—intertwined and merged.
A violent gale roared like a wild beast, accompanied by thunderous rumbling.
Suddenly—!
A warrior with green wings, a masked face, and blue-violet armor descended from the storm like a meteor. He landed before Luya with divine swiftness, as though a god had fallen from the heavens.
Through Fusion Summon, [Elemental HERO - Tempest] appeared on Luya's field.
[Elemental HERO - Tempest] Level 8│WIND│Warrior│2800 ATK / 2800 DEF
Fusion Materials: [Elemental HERO - Avian] + [Elemental HERO - Sparkman] + [Elemental HERO - Bubbleman]
The crowd gasped at Tempest's arrival.
"That's incredible!"
"A hero born from the storm!"
"Another Fusion Summon—this man from Liyue really has powerful cards!"
"An Attack of 2800 points! Unbelievable!"
"That's insane!"
"But it needs so many materials—it must be hard to summon!"
"You don't get it! It's about style! He's a hero, after all!"
Even Diluc felt impressed as he looked at Tempest. "Truly worthy of being called a hero," he said with a smile.
Luya laughed. "Hahaha, I've heard there's a 'Darknight Hero' in Mondstadt City. I wonder when I'll get the chance to meet him?"
Diluc shaded his eyes slightly and replied calmly, "When the time comes, you'll see him."
The people of Mondstadt had no idea—the Darknight Hero was none other than Diluc himself.
Once, to preserve the Knights of Favonius' reputation, the death of Diluc's father had been officially recorded as a "tragic accident." Because of this, Diluc had abandoned everything—including his Vision—and left the Knights, traveling across the Seven Nations.
His lonely journey lasted three years.
Four years later, he returned to Mondstadt, inherited his family's estate, and became the new master of the Dawn Winery.
During those years, Eroch was exposed as a traitor and purged, Grand Master Varka departed on an overseas expedition, and Acting Grand Master Jean assumed command.
One might expect the return of the master of the Dawn Winery to create a sensation—but surprisingly, it did not.
The people's attention was focused instead on a mysterious protector of Mondstadt. The only clues to his identity were a faint scent of burning and a fleeting red shadow.
Monsters plaguing the outskirts were found slain; wanted thieves appeared hanging before the statues of the Seven; and when the Knights set out to confront an Abyss Mage notorious for his crimes—they found him already defeated.
Rumors spread like wildfire through taverns, and stories of this guardian quickly circulated.
He soon earned a title: the "Darknight Hero."
In public, Diluc always appeared disdainful of the name. Whenever he heard it, his brow tightened.
Ezer, head of the Wine Guild, was one of the few who knew the truth. He once asked Diluc privately if his supposed disdain was merely to avoid exposing his identity to the Knights.
Diluc had frowned and replied curtly, "That title is in poor taste."
So when Luya mentioned the Darknight Hero, Diluc couldn't help but frown again.
...
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