The people of Mondstadt, watching the duel between Luya and Diluc, had thought that when Luya used [Elemental HERO - Woodsman]'s effect to retrieve [Polymerization] and summon [Elemental HERO - Gaia], that must have been his limit. But to their shock—Luya could still fuse.
This was the first time he had used [Miracle Fusion]. Everyone watched in eager curiosity, wondering what kind of "miracle" this Fusion would bring.
"[Miracle Fusion]: banish the Fusion Materials for an 'Elemental HERO' Fusion Monster from your field or Graveyard, and Fusion Summon that monster from your Extra Deck!"
"I banish [Elemental HERO - Flame Wingman] and [Elemental HERO - Sparkman]!"
As Luya activated [Miracle Fusion], faint red, green, and violet light glowed within his Graveyard. Two lights—one fiery red, one electric blue—intertwined, twisting together as their energy merged into one.
From the swirling glow emerged a warrior clad in gleaming white armor, steel wings unfurling from his back. The moment the steel-winged hero appeared, the entire plaza shone with dazzling brilliance. His body radiated such immense power that it felt as if the ground itself might be swept away.
His wings spread wide, metallic feathers gleaming in the sunlight as wind currents danced around him.
This was the fusion of [Elemental HERO - Flame Wingman] and [Elemental HERO - Sparkman]—
[Elemental HERO - Shining Flare Wingman] Level 8│LIGHT│Warrior│2500 ATK / 2100 DEF
[Effect: Gains 300 ATK for each "Elemental HERO" card in your Graveyard.]
In the first turn, Luya had fused [Elemental HERO - Burstinatrix] and [Elemental HERO - Avian] to summon [Elemental HERO - Flame Wingman]. Then, [Flame Wingman] was destroyed by Diluc's [Destiny HERO - Diamond Dude] and sent to the Graveyard.
On his next turn, Luya used [The Warrior Returning Alive] to retrieve [Elemental HERO - Avian], then used [Polymerization] to fuse [Avian], [Elemental HERO - Sparkman], and [Elemental HERO - Bubbleman], summoning [Elemental HERO - Tempest]. Later, [Tempest] was temporarily banished by Diluc's [Destiny HERO - Doom Lord].
This turn, Luya had fused [Elemental HERO - Woodsman] and [Elemental HERO - Clayman] to summon [Elemental HERO - Gaia]. Meanwhile, the effect of [Graceful Charity] had sent [Elemental HERO - Stratos] and [Elemental HERO - Knospe] to the Graveyard.
Now, except for the [Sparkman] and [Flame Wingman] banished by [Miracle Fusion], Luya's Graveyard contained seven "Elemental HERO" cards: [Elemental HERO - Burstinatrix], [Elemental HERO - Avian], [Elemental HERO - Bubbleman], [Elemental HERO - Woodsman], [Elemental HERO - Clayman], [Elemental HERO - Stratos], and [Elemental HERO - Knospe]. Seven cards total.
That meant Luya's [Elemental HERO - Shining Flare Wingman] gained 2100 additional ATK.
[Shining Flare Wingman, ATK: 2500 → 4600]
"By the Archons!"
The citizens of Mondstadt erupted in disbelief.
"That... that [Elemental HERO - Shining Flare Wingman]'s Attack is insane!" one cried, eyes wide.
Another stammered, "Yeah... 4600 points!? How is that even possible?!"
"Looks like Master Diluc's finished..."
"What a shame. As expected, that man from Liyue really is something else at this Duel Monsters game!" The spectators' voices held a mix of awe and resignation, as though they were witnessing an unstoppable force.
"That's way too strong!" someone exclaimed, both frightened and impressed.
Meanwhile, Jean—watching among the crowd—felt a twinge of concern. "Looks like Master Diluc's about to lose..."
The sight of Luya's winged heroes soaring through the air filled the people of Mondstadt with awe and longing. They imagined what it might be like to fly freely through the open sky and feel the wind of freedom themselves.
But while many were anxious or regretful, Diluc himself was elated. Witnessing a real Duel Monsters match—especially one filled with such heroic cards—was pure joy to him. And to lose to such a powerful monster as [Elemental HERO - Shining Flare Wingman]? He felt no regret, only satisfaction.
Smiling, Diluc looked at Luya. Though defeat was certain, he showed no distress—only anticipation for the final blow.
Seeing that Diluc had no will to resist, Luya understood that his opponent had no cards left to counter. One direct strike from [Shining Flare Wingman] would end everything.
If Diluc had managed to last until the next turn and summon [Destiny HERO - Plasma], perhaps things would have gone differently. But there were no ifs.
This turn, Luya would finish it.
"Battle Phase!"
"[Elemental HERO - Shining Flare Wingman], attack [Destiny HERO - Diamond Dude]!"
The steel wings of Shining Flare Wingman spread wide. He shot into the sky, then dove at blinding speed toward Diamond Dude.
Before Diamond Dude could react, his body was cleaved apart—shattering into glittering fragments of diamond. The shards burst outward, striking Diluc directly.
Thanks to [Shining Flare Wingman]'s effect, Diluc took damage equal to the destroyed monster's ATK.
[Diluc, LP: 2500 → 0]
Diluc's Life Points dropped to zero.
He had lost the duel.
...
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