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Chapter 346: Way the Force Be With You
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Mystical Space Typhoon]! I choose to destroy the Set Card on your right side, Hayato!"
As Yugi activated the [Mystical Space Typhoon] he had just drawn, a tornado rose from his Backrow and swept towards one of the two Set Cards on Hayato's Backrow.
Yugi had no way of knowing what the two Set Cards Hayato had Set were, which one was a greater threat, or which one was more suitable to destroy. He left everything to his "Duelist's Intuition."
As the tornado approached, Hayato's Set Card was lifted, revealing its true form. Seeing the destroyed Card, Yugi couldn't help but smile.
[Absorption Shield].
The Card Hayato had Set on his right side was [Absorption Shield], which could negate one Attack and recover Life Points equal to the attacking Monster's Attack.
Seeing [Absorption Shield] destroyed, Hayato sighed. "You just had to destroy this specific Card. Yugi, your Intuition really is accurate."
"Then, I'll enter my Battle Phase! I'll use [Dark Magician] to launch a Direct Attack on you, Hayato!"
Last Turn, in order to deal as much damage as possible, Hayato had attacked [Dark Magician Girl], who had lower Attack on Yugi's Field at the time. But because he was greedy for that mere 200 points of damage, he just happened to meet the Activation Conditions for [Supernutrient Z - Superzex] that Yugi had Set.
Although he successfully destroyed [Dark Magician Girl], because of that, Yugi's Life Points were greatly recovered, and now, Yugi would use [Dark Magician] to get revenge for his destroyed disciple.
"Dark Magic Attack!"
The Spellcaster wearing a magnificent black robe raised his emerald staff. He didn't choose to use flashy magic attacks, but instead directly enveloped Hayato's entire body with Dark Magic. With a crisp snap of his fingers, the air around Hayato suddenly shattered due to the pressure of the magic, and the damage was inflicted upon Hayato.
But just then, Yugi heard a voice.
"Kuriboh~"
Just as [Dark Magician]'s Attack was about to connect, a seven-colored light suddenly leaped out from the Graveyard Zone of Hayato's Duel Disk, blocking in front of Hayato and shielding him from that Damage!
"That's [Rainbow Kuriboh]!? [Rainbow Kuriboh] jumped out on its own!" Joey Wheeler in the audience seats exclaimed in surprise.
After blocking [Dark Magician]'s Attack, [Rainbow Kuriboh]'s form gradually became transparent and dissipated. Hayato watched its Card, put 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], Summoned by this Effect, leaves the Field, it is banished."
"Thank you, Aibo."
Seeing [Dark Magician]'s Attack blocked by [Rainbow Kuriboh], Yugi subconsciously thought of Kaiba, who was watching the Duel from the audience seats. He had always been the one to use [Kuriboh]'s Effect to block the Attacks of other people's powerful monsters. This was the first time since he started playing Duel Monsters that his Attack with a powerful monster was blocked by [Rainbow Kuriboh], which was also a [Kuriboh].
"My Turn ends here."
Yugi, with an empty Hand, had no more moves he could perform now that [Dark Magician]'s Attack didn't go through, so he could only End his Turn.
[Yugi: 3300LP, Hand 0]
[Dark Magician] [ATK2500]
Taking a deep breath, looking at [Dark Magician] on Yugi's Field, Hayato, however, smiled.
Even though the Duel was already nearing its End, and the resources they could use from their Decks were dwindling for both Hayato and Yugi, Hayato felt more and more clearly what the "Fun of Duel Monsters" was.
"My Turn, Draw Card."
Although the situation on the Field was a bit tense, Hayato felt completely relaxed and drew the Card from the top of the Deck.
Coincidentally, the Card he drew was [Pot of Avarice], which Yugi had used once before.
Now that [Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon] had left the Field, even Yugi was no longer restricted and could freely use Cards with the same name as the banished Cards, let alone Hayato.
"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 Cannon], [Armed Dragon LV3], [Ojama Blue], and [Armed Dragon LV10] were returned to the Deck and Shuffled. Hayato drew two Cards.
"I Set one Card. I activate the Effect of a Monster in my Hand."
Hayato first Set a Card, reducing the number of Cards in his Hand to just the last one. The Card in his Hand was flipped over, revealing the Monster's true form. It was none other than [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight], which had just been returned to the Deck and Shuffled by [Pot of Avarice].
And its Effect, having been seen used by Hayato so many times, could even be recited by others.
"When [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] is the only Card left in your Hand," Hayato said with a smile, looking at the card in his Hand, "[Gaia] can be Normal Summoned without any Tributes. From another perspective, [Gaia] is like the lone knight often seen in medieval knight movies, fighting alone without any reinforcements."
Looking at [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] in his Hand, Hayato said with a smile, then placed it on his Field: "Go forth with the swift wind, my most loyal subordinate, come before me! [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight—]"
"Gaia—!!!"
Holding a heavy and sharp lance, riding a steed swifter than the wind, [Gaia] stood in front of Hayato in Attack Position. Even when facing [Dark Magician], whose Attack was higher than its own, [Gaia] showed no fear.
[Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] [Level 7/DARK]
[Warrior-Type/Effect]
[2300/2100]
"[Gaia]'s Attack still can't compare to [Dark Magician]'s. However, although [Gaia] is a lone hero, I won't let him fight alone." Hayato said, revealing the Set Card in his Backrow. "Activate the Trap Card, [Spiral Rebirth]!"
"You can only activate one Card with this Card Name per Turn. From my Graveyard, Target one Dragon-Type Monster with Level 7 or lower and Special Summon it."
Although the Card Art of [Spiral Rebirth] depicts [Gaia the Dragon Champion] shining brightly and soaring with spread wings, from the magic circle released by the Card, the Monster Special Summoned from Hayato's Graveyard was [Armed Dragon LV5].
[Armed Dragon LV5] [ATK2400]
Although [Spiral Rebirth] was a Card Hayato had already Set last Turn, when Yugi used [Dark Magician] to launch a Direct Attack earlier, Hayato hesitated for a moment and didn't activate it.
On one hand, it was because Hayato's Graveyard contained [Rainbow Kuriboh], which could block one Direct Attack, protecting him. On the other hand, [Dark Magician]'s Attack wasn't fatal. Rather than using it to shield himself to reduce the Battle Damage taken, it was better to save the opportunity for a counter.
As for why [Armed Dragon LV5] was revived, the answer is, of course, because although the usual Fusion Materials Hayato used were [Curse of Dragon] and its derivative series, in reality, one of its Fusion Material requirements was simply a Level 5 Dragon-Type Monster.
"Roar!" Revived from the cold Graveyard, [Armed Dragon LV5] shook off the dust from its body and let out a long roar towards the sky, seemingly in rage, but Hayato knew it was actually just yawning because it had just woken up.
"Furthermore, I will now activate the Effect of [Ojama Magic Remodeling] in my Graveyard," Hayato continued. He reached into his pocket and fumbled around for a moment, then took out [Ojama Yellow], [Ojama Black], and [Ojama Green], which had been banished earlier to Summon the three Monsters [X], [Y], and [Z].
"Huh, we're out?!" "Hahaha, they're definitely going to use us to End this Duel." "We really are Aniki's Tamashii!"
With the three [Ojama] brothers' expectant gazes, Hayato stuffed them into his Deck. While waiting for the Deck to automatically Shuffle, Hayato explained:
"By banishing [Ojama Magic Remodeling] from my Graveyard, I can then activate its second Effect by Targeting the three banished [Ojama] Monsters. I add the Target Monsters to my Deck and Shuffle it. Then, I Draw one Card from my Deck."
Drawing a Card, Hayato shouted to [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] and [Armed Dragon LV5] on the Field, "Here we go, [Gaia], [Armed Dragon], Are You Ready?"
"We've been ready, Master."
"Roar."
Receiving energetic replies from his Monsters, Hayato nodded in satisfaction and inserted the Card in his Hand into the Spell & Trap Zone, saying, "Then, I activate the Spell Card [Fusion]!"
"[Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] and [Armed Dragon LV5], O noble and great power, the blazing fire of courage! Awaken, and guide us to the promise of victory!"
Within the Fusion Vortex, the sacred dragon knight with an imposing aura appeared.
"My Ace Card, my final full power! Come forth, [Gaia the Dragon Champion]!!!"
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [Level 7/Wind]
[Dragon-Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2600/2100]
"Enter Battle Phase! Take this, Yugi!" After Summoning [Gaia the Dragon Champion], Hayato eagerly gave the Attack command. "[Gaia the Dragon Champion], Attack [Dark Magician]!"
"Golden Spinning Energy!"
Yugi didn't want to be outdone. Although Hayato's [Gaia the Dragon Champion] had higher Attack, he wouldn't lose in aura. Even if he was destroyed, he would have spirit.
Facing [Gaia the Dragon Champion] as it spun and dove down from the sky, [Dark Magician] chanted spells to cast strengthening magic like 'Stone Skin' and 'Giant Strength' on himself, and swung the staff in his hand like a club, meeting the attack.
No matter how high his will, it couldn't change the combat power that had become fixed data. [Dark Magician], who held the belief that 'true magic masters all have a heart for close combat', was destroyed by [Gaia the Dragon Champion] and sent to Yugi's Graveyard, and Yugi consequently took Battle Damage.
[Yugi: 3300→3200LP]
"When [Gaia the Dragon Champion] destroys an opponent's Monster by Battle, I activate one of its Effects," Hayato said, watching [Gaia the Dragon Champion] return to his Field after defeating a Monster. "[Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Attack increases by 2600 points. Then, I End my Turn."
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK2600→5200]
"It can increase its Attack even more? That's strong." Although it wasn't the first time Hayato had used [Gaia the Dragon Champion], the ability of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] to increase its Attack by such a large amount still quite surprised Joey Wheeler and Mai Valentine.
Monsters that can increase their own Attack after being destroyed by Battle aren't unheard of. For example, Chikuzen Ohoka, one of The Big Five who had already become [Super Polymerization] fodder, really liked the Monster [Sword Hunter] precisely because [Sword Hunter] had the Effect of turning a Monster it destroyed by Battle into an Equip Card that increased its own Attack by 200 points.
But compared to [Gaia the Dragon Champion], which could increase its Attack by a full 2600 points in one go, and didn't have the Equip Card restriction of Attack increasing limits, [Sword Hunter] was directly pressed to the ground and rubbed.
Kaiba was expressionless as he already knew because Hayato often summoned it out and used it with the ability to grant it piercing when they were hunting members of the Gurus Organization in Domino City to completely wreck them. Furthermore, Kaiba was very clear that other than increasing Attack, [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s other effect was the most troublesome.
'Yugi, can you capture the effect of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] that Hayato concealed from the negligence in Hayato's words just now? Let me see where your limit is, Yugi!'
Kaiba's heartfelt words naturally didn't reach Yugi's ears.
[Hayato: 3300LP, Hand 0]
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK5200]
[Set Card]
Different from how relaxed Hayato was when he drew a Card just now, Yugi's mood right now was quite heavy.
The oppression given off by [Gaia the Dragon Champion], whose Attack was as high as 5200 points, was too strong. Even though [Gaia]'s gaze was half covered by the helmet, just [Curse of Dragon]'s gaze under [Gaia]'s crotch was full of aggression.
However, what made Yugi's mood heavy wasn't [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s stare, but that at this moment, he really couldn't think of what Cards were left in his Deck that could defeat [Gaia the Dragon Champion].
The desire for victory, the inexplicable urgency in his heart to retrieve his lost memories, and the distress of not being able to find a path to victory no matter how hard he searched. Under the conflict of the three, Yugi's thoughts were extremely chaotic.
Just then, the Pharaoh, who was currently in control of the body, heard a voice from inside the [Millennium Puzzle] on his chest.
"The other me, are you feeling alright?"
Although the memories and thoughts of the two sides of Yugi weren't shared, only each other's moods had always been conveyed to each other's hearts without hindrance.
Feeling Yugi's concern for him, Yami Yugi helplessly said: "I'm really sorry, Aibo, I'm afraid our Duelist Kingdom journey will end here."
"It's not fear of battle, or avoiding Dueling. I remember every card in the Deck, and I've thought about countless combinations. However, I can't find a way to defeat [Gaia the Dragon Champion]."
"I see." Yugi inside the [Millennium Puzzle] was silent for a moment, then continued, "However, that's not all, do you remember, I also modified the Deck."
"In response to Hayato's [VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon], I added a card to your Deck. Although it's not [VWXYZ] that we have to deal with now, it's quite appropriate to use that card."
"Are you saying, that card?" Yami Yugi was also stunned, recalling the last card that Yugi had added to the Deck before the Duel started. At that time, he seemed to have said this—
"[VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon], I decided that Hayato, who is going all out in this Duel, is very likely to use this monster. A powerful attack, an effect that turns attack and defense statuses, and of course, a powerful effect that banishes a card once per turn. It would be bad if Hayato banished some key cards. So, I think it's necessary to bring this card."
——
"I remember, the card Aibo added to the Deck was——" Light bloomed in Yami Yugi's eyes. In his mind, the cards that were originally separated by darkness and could not be approached were reunited. After recalling the card that Yugi added, it was as if a missing power gear had been added to the gear set, the darkness was dispelled, and he thought of the possibility of victory!
Looking down at the Deck, Yugi reached out his hand and placed it on it, closing his eyes. At the same time, Yugi in the [Millennium Puzzle] made the same move in sync.
'Please, Aibo, everything depends on this draw!'
"My Turn, Draw!"
Like a divine sword in the hands of an unparalleled sword saint being unsheathed, Yugi suddenly drew the card from the top of the Deck. His and Yugi's beliefs were not betrayed, and he did draw the card that was enough to penetrate his Deck!
"I activate the Spell Card, [Card of Sanctity]!" Displaying the card in his hand, Yugi took out the cards that had been banished by [Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon] in batches, "Target one Spell Card that is banished from the game, and add that card to my hand!"
"The Spell Card I choose is, [Pot of Greed]!"
The most powerful draw card Yugi possessed came into his hand once again. Under Hayato's dumbfounded gaze, Yugi activated this card for the third time in this duel.
Both duelists, who also had nothing in their hands, simultaneously drew six cards to replenish their hand to the limit. At the same time, both duelists' decks also only had a few turns left before being completely depleted due to being consumed in large quantities in the previous duels.
Hayato made up his mind in his heart. I heard that Pegasus has recovered from his injuries and been discharged from the hospital? After this Duelist Kingdom ends, I must organize Kaiba and Pegasus, the leaders of these two duel monsters, to hold a meeting, and slowly implement other rules, but first, let's get the Forbidden and Limited Card List out.
It's a pity for Hayato to ban [Pot of Greed], which is so powerful that it's over the top, but it must be limited to one - but then I thought that in this duel, Yugi used the same card three times. [Pot of Greed] is actually the same card, Hayato was a little impressed by Yugi's ability to recycle cards and reuse them.
After drawing six cards, Yugi seemed to be satisfied with the card he drew. Having seen the opportunity to win, his thinking was clear and his IQ was back on top. He recalled what Hayato had said last turn.
"Hayato, you did say last turn that [Gaia the Dragon Champion] increases attack after destroying a monster in battle, is his 'one of the effects', right?" Yugi said, playing a card, "That is to say, in addition to this effect, [Gaia the Dragon Champion] should have other effects."
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Forbidden Chalice], which increases the ATK of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] by 400 until the end of the turn, and negates its effects."
A golden goblet suddenly appeared on top of [Gaia the Dragon Champion], and although [Gaia] noticed its existence immediately and raised the lance in his hand to complete the blocking action, the red liquor overflowing from the goblet seemed to not exist in the world, but only a phantom penetrated the lance in [Gaia]'s hand.
But when it touched [Gaia the Dragon Champion], the scarlet liquor became substantial again, and the strong alcohol intoxicated [Gaia the Dragon Champion] in an instant, whether it was the knight or the dragon.
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK5200→5600]
"You increased [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s attack again? Have you given up on defeating [Gaia], Yugi?" Kaiba murmured in confusion, but he still agreed with Yugi's actions of blocking the effect of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] in advance, even though he didn't know the actual effect.
Although they were far apart, Yugi spoke as if he could hear Kaiba's soft murmur in the audience, and the words he said could just be used as a reply: "Although [Gaia]'s attack has been increased, Hayato, if it were you, you should know very well that some things have the ability to become stronger when they encounter the strong, right?"
"But before that, let me summon the monster I used to defeat you."
As he spoke, Yugi played a card: "I activate the Spell Card [Fusion Deployment], and after showing a Fusion Monster to the opponent, I Special Summon a Fusion Material Monster from my hand/deck."
In front of Hayato, a Fusion Monster card appeared, but what surprised him was that the Fusion Monster Yugi showed was actually the predecessor of Joey's current ace monster, [B. Skull Dragon], the powerful Vanilla Monster [Summoned Skull] that was fused with two vanilla monsters!?
"N-No way!" When Hayato saw the card Yugi showed, and thought about what Yugi had said before, it was difficult for Hayato not to recall the first duel he had with Yugi after traveling to the world of "Yu-Gi-Oh!", "The monster you're going to summon wouldn't be!"
"Although I exchanged one with Joey, this monster is so cost-effective that I naturally have more than one." Yugi said, searching from his deck for a [Archfiend of Lightning], whose level was only 6 stars, but whose attack was the same as [Dark Magician]!
"The skeleton demon who controls thunder, appears here! Come out, [Archfiend of Lightning]!"
Amidst the lightning and thunder, a towering demon-type monster appeared on Yugi's field. Underneath the pale bone armor, pale pink and strong muscles were exposed. On the top of his head were curved horns like bull horns, and the dark blue wings behind him seemed to cover the sky and the sun.
Although it only had 2500 attack, the appearance of [Archfiend of Lightning] awakened Hayato's PTSD.
[Archfiend of Lightning] [6/DARK]
[Fiend/Normal]
[2500/1200]
With 2500 attack equal to Yugi's ace card [Dark Magician], it was enough to be proud of a large number of ordinary duel monsters, and because its level was 6 stars, the cost of its appearance was only one tribute. [Archfiend of Lightning] did have a very high cost performance in this era, and its only flaw was its 1200 defense.
What exacerbated Hayato's PTSD was the card Yugi played next.
"Normal Spell Card, [The Forceful Sentry], activate." Yugi played a card that Hayato was very familiar with, "[The Forceful Sentry], activate its effect by targeting two monsters on the field, reduce the attack of one monster to half of its original attack, and increase the changed value to the attack of the other monster."
"I choose to reduce the attack of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] to half, and then increase the attack to [Archfiend of Lightning]!"
As [The Forceful Sentry] activated, the [Archfiend of Lightning] on Yugi's field raised its hand and aimed it at [Gaia the Dragon Champion] on Hayato's field, who was sealed with its effect, and clenched its palm. A white light flew out of [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s body and poured into [Archfiend of Lightning]'s body.
As [Gaia]'s aura declined, the dark magic on [Archfiend of Lightning]'s body expanded even more.
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK5600→2800]
[Archfiend of Lightning] [ATK2500→5300]
The attack and defense were reversed, and the identities of the strong and weak were swapped by a card.
Seemingly wanting to end the duel in this turn, Yugi did not keep the idea of the last three cards in his hand, and played them one by one.
"Equip Spell Card [Mage Power], so that [Archfiend of Lightning] gains the effect of inflicting damage equal to half of the attack of the destroyed monster after destroying a monster in battle!"
"Continuous Spell Card [Mystic Box], when a card on my field is destroyed by battle or the opponent's effect, I can destroy [Mystic Box] as a substitute for a card."
"And for the sake of insurance, paying 1000 Life Points, I activate the Spell Card [Confiscation] to confirm your hand, Hayato, and then choose a card to discard."
[Yugi: 3200→2200LP]
It can be seen that Yugi was quite cautious, fearing that Hayato's hand had cards like [Rainbow Kuriboh] that could save his life.
Then he saw Hayato's six cards, which were - [Emergency Provisions], [Reversal Quiz], [Goblin Thief], [Spiritualism], [Red Reboot] and [Super Polymerization].
If these cards in Hayato's hand were used to launch an attack proactively, it could be said to be invincible, but now it was Yugi's turn, and if he didn't set them in advance, even if Hayato had a "pseudo-four-speed" [Super Polymerization] in his hand, he could only watch Yugi operate.
"The card I choose to discard is your [Super Polymerization], Hayato." Yugi, who deeply understood that Kangkang's hand was such a pleasant activity, chose to discard the most dangerous [Super Polymerization] in Hayato's hand. After confirming that there were no cards in his hand with the ability to counterattack, Yugi confidently ordered:
"[Archfiend of Lightning], attack [Gaia the Dragon Champion], the final, Magic Descent Thunder!"
"This is the final ending of this duel, Hayato!"
Cautious Yugi defended against almost all possible counterattacks.
Because of the effect of [Forbidden Chalice], [Gaia the Dragon Champion], who originally had the effect of reducing attack and directly destroying a card, had its effect sealed;
[Confiscation] confirmed that there were no cards in Hayato's hand that could be used to block this attack.
Even the possibility that the card on Hayato's field was [Blast Armor] was taken into account by Yugi, and [Mystic Box] was specially activated as a substitute for [Archfiend of Lightning].
Watching the skeleton demon raise its arms high and control thunder and lightning with its terrifying dark magic, Hayato smiled.
"Yes, this duel should indeed end."
"But Yugi, I don't like this ending now, because I want to win, there is no other reason, I want to win!"
"My ending is a replica of your and my initial defeat? No, the outcome of the duel is up to me to change!"
Hayato waved his hand forward and activated the card he had set last turn in order to activate the effect of [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight]: "Quick-Play Spell Card [Duel Fusion]!"
An extremely thick beam of lightning fell from the sky, but as Hayato's Set Card activated, a sky-blue light wrapped around the weapon of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] in a weak state. Facing the tall [Archfiend of Lightning], [Gaia], who was fighting alone, gently tugged the reins, bravely facing the attack of [Archfiend of Lightning]!
"This card can only be used once per turn, only when a Fusion Monster on my field is battling an opponent's monster's attack declaration can it be activated!"
"My monster's attack increases until the end of the damage step, rising to the attack value of the opponent's monster it is battling!"
"Take back your power, and win victory for me, [Gaia the Dragon Champion]!"
Yugi watched Hayato's [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s spear thrust straight up, and the lightning of [Archfiend of Lightning] fell on his lance and failed to bring him any damage. Instead, it merged with the swift wind and raging fire on the lance.
"This is the perfect cavalry spin, let's go [Gaia], Dragon Slaying Mystery, Modified, Crimson Explosive Lightning Blade!"
[Gaia] dived down from the high altitude, accompanied by Hayato's second-year-old attack name, Yugi couldn't help but sigh, but then, he also showed a smile: "What an interesting duel, Hayato."
"Boom!"
As [Mystic Box] shattered, [Archfiend of Lightning] was not destroyed in battle, but the excessive battle damage cleared Yugi's Life Points in an instant.
[Archfiend of Lightning] [ATK5300]
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK2800→8100]
[Yugi: 2200→0]
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Mystical Space Typhoon]! I choose to destroy the Set Card on your right side, Hayato!"
As Yugi activated the [Mystical Space Typhoon] he had just drawn, a tornado rose from his Backrow and swept towards one of the two Set Cards on Hayato's Backrow.
Yugi had no way of knowing what the two Set Cards Hayato had Set were, which one was a greater threat, or which one was more suitable to destroy. He left everything to his "Duelist's Intuition."
As the tornado approached, Hayato's Set Card was lifted, revealing its true form. Seeing the destroyed Card, Yugi couldn't help but smile.
[Absorption Shield].
The Card Hayato had Set on his right side was [Absorption Shield], which could negate one Attack and recover Life Points equal to the attacking Monster's Attack.
Seeing [Absorption Shield] destroyed, Hayato sighed. "You just had to destroy this specific Card. Yugi, your Intuition really is accurate."
"Then, I'll enter my Battle Phase! I'll use [Dark Magician] to launch a Direct Attack on you, Hayato!"
Last Turn, in order to deal as much damage as possible, Hayato had attacked [Dark Magician Girl], who had lower Attack on Yugi's Field at the time. But because he was greedy for that mere 200 points of damage, he just happened to meet the Activation Conditions for [Supernutrient Z - Superzex] that Yugi had Set.
Although he successfully destroyed [Dark Magician Girl], because of that, Yugi's Life Points were greatly recovered, and now, Yugi would use [Dark Magician] to get revenge for his destroyed disciple.
"Dark Magic Attack!"
The Spellcaster wearing a magnificent black robe raised his emerald staff. He didn't choose to use flashy magic attacks, but instead directly enveloped Hayato's entire body with Dark Magic. With a crisp snap of his fingers, the air around Hayato suddenly shattered due to the pressure of the magic, and the damage was inflicted upon Hayato.
But just then, Yugi heard a voice.
"Kuriboh~"
Just as [Dark Magician]'s Attack was about to connect, a seven-colored light suddenly leaped out from the Graveyard Zone of Hayato's Duel Disk, blocking in front of Hayato and shielding him from that Damage!
"That's [Rainbow Kuriboh]!? [Rainbow Kuriboh] jumped out on its own!" Joey Wheeler in the audience seats exclaimed in surprise.
After blocking [Dark Magician]'s Attack, [Rainbow Kuriboh]'s form gradually became transparent and dissipated. Hayato watched its Card, put 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], Summoned by this Effect, leaves the Field, it is banished."
"Thank you, Aibo."
Seeing [Dark Magician]'s Attack blocked by [Rainbow Kuriboh], Yugi subconsciously thought of Kaiba, who was watching the Duel from the audience seats. He had always been the one to use [Kuriboh]'s Effect to block the Attacks of other people's powerful monsters. This was the first time since he started playing Duel Monsters that his Attack with a powerful monster was blocked by [Rainbow Kuriboh], which was also a [Kuriboh].
"My Turn ends here."
Yugi, with an empty Hand, had no more moves he could perform now that [Dark Magician]'s Attack didn't go through, so he could only End his Turn.
[Yugi: 3300LP, Hand 0]
[Dark Magician] [ATK2500]
Taking a deep breath, looking at [Dark Magician] on Yugi's Field, Hayato, however, smiled.
Even though the Duel was already nearing its End, and the resources they could use from their Decks were dwindling for both Hayato and Yugi, Hayato felt more and more clearly what the "Fun of Duel Monsters" was.
"My Turn, Draw Card."
Although the situation on the Field was a bit tense, Hayato felt completely relaxed and drew the Card from the top of the Deck.
Coincidentally, the Card he drew was [Pot of Avarice], which Yugi had used once before.
Now that [Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon] had left the Field, even Yugi was no longer restricted and could freely use Cards with the same name as the banished Cards, let alone Hayato.
"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 Cannon], [Armed Dragon LV3], [Ojama Blue], and [Armed Dragon LV10] were returned to the Deck and Shuffled. Hayato drew two Cards.
"I Set one Card. I activate the Effect of a Monster in my Hand."
Hayato first Set a Card, reducing the number of Cards in his Hand to just the last one. The Card in his Hand was flipped over, revealing the Monster's true form. It was none other than [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight], which had just been returned to the Deck and Shuffled by [Pot of Avarice].
And its Effect, having been seen used by Hayato so many times, could even be recited by others.
"When [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] is the only Card left in your Hand," Hayato said with a smile, looking at the card in his Hand, "[Gaia] can be Normal Summoned without any Tributes. From another perspective, [Gaia] is like the lone knight often seen in medieval knight movies, fighting alone without any reinforcements."
Looking at [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] in his Hand, Hayato said with a smile, then placed it on his Field: "Go forth with the swift wind, my most loyal subordinate, come before me! [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight—]"
"Gaia—!!!"
Holding a heavy and sharp lance, riding a steed swifter than the wind, [Gaia] stood in front of Hayato in Attack Position. Even when facing [Dark Magician], whose Attack was higher than its own, [Gaia] showed no fear.
[Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] [Level 7/DARK]
[Warrior-Type/Effect]
[2300/2100]
"[Gaia]'s Attack still can't compare to [Dark Magician]'s. However, although [Gaia] is a lone hero, I won't let him fight alone." Hayato said, revealing the Set Card in his Backrow. "Activate the Trap Card, [Spiral Rebirth]!"
"You can only activate one Card with this Card Name per Turn. From my Graveyard, Target one Dragon-Type Monster with Level 7 or lower and Special Summon it."
Although the Card Art of [Spiral Rebirth] depicts [Gaia the Dragon Champion] shining brightly and soaring with spread wings, from the magic circle released by the Card, the Monster Special Summoned from Hayato's Graveyard was [Armed Dragon LV5].
[Armed Dragon LV5] [ATK2400]
Although [Spiral Rebirth] was a Card Hayato had already Set last Turn, when Yugi used [Dark Magician] to launch a Direct Attack earlier, Hayato hesitated for a moment and didn't activate it.
On one hand, it was because Hayato's Graveyard contained [Rainbow Kuriboh], which could block one Direct Attack, protecting him. On the other hand, [Dark Magician]'s Attack wasn't fatal. Rather than using it to shield himself to reduce the Battle Damage taken, it was better to save the opportunity for a counter.
As for why [Armed Dragon LV5] was revived, the answer is, of course, because although the usual Fusion Materials Hayato used were [Curse of Dragon] and its derivative series, in reality, one of its Fusion Material requirements was simply a Level 5 Dragon-Type Monster.
"Roar!" Revived from the cold Graveyard, [Armed Dragon LV5] shook off the dust from its body and let out a long roar towards the sky, seemingly in rage, but Hayato knew it was actually just yawning because it had just woken up.
"Furthermore, I will now activate the Effect of [Ojama Magic Remodeling] in my Graveyard," Hayato continued. He reached into his pocket and fumbled around for a moment, then took out [Ojama Yellow], [Ojama Black], and [Ojama Green], which had been banished earlier to Summon the three Monsters [X], [Y], and [Z].
"Huh, we're out?!" "Hahaha, they're definitely going to use us to End this Duel." "We really are Aniki's Tamashii!"
With the three [Ojama] brothers' expectant gazes, Hayato stuffed them into his Deck. While waiting for the Deck to automatically Shuffle, Hayato explained:
"By banishing [Ojama Magic Remodeling] from my Graveyard, I can then activate its second Effect by Targeting the three banished [Ojama] Monsters. I add the Target Monsters to my Deck and Shuffle it. Then, I Draw one Card from my Deck."
Drawing a Card, Hayato shouted to [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] and [Armed Dragon LV5] on the Field, "Here we go, [Gaia], [Armed Dragon], Are You Ready?"
"We've been ready, Master."
"Roar."
Receiving energetic replies from his Monsters, Hayato nodded in satisfaction and inserted the Card in his Hand into the Spell & Trap Zone, saying, "Then, I activate the Spell Card [Fusion]!"
"[Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight] and [Armed Dragon LV5], O noble and great power, the blazing fire of courage! Awaken, and guide us to the promise of victory!"
Within the Fusion Vortex, the sacred dragon knight with an imposing aura appeared.
"My Ace Card, my final full power! Come forth, [Gaia the Dragon Champion]!!!"
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [Level 7/Wind]
[Dragon-Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2600/2100]
"Enter Battle Phase! Take this, Yugi!" After Summoning [Gaia the Dragon Champion], Hayato eagerly gave the Attack command. "[Gaia the Dragon Champion], Attack [Dark Magician]!"
"Golden Spinning Energy!"
Yugi didn't want to be outdone. Although Hayato's [Gaia the Dragon Champion] had higher Attack, he wouldn't lose in aura. Even if he was destroyed, he would have spirit.
Facing [Gaia the Dragon Champion] as it spun and dove down from the sky, [Dark Magician] chanted spells to cast strengthening magic like 'Stone Skin' and 'Giant Strength' on himself, and swung the staff in his hand like a club, meeting the attack.
No matter how high his will, it couldn't change the combat power that had become fixed data. [Dark Magician], who held the belief that 'true magic masters all have a heart for close combat', was destroyed by [Gaia the Dragon Champion] and sent to Yugi's Graveyard, and Yugi consequently took Battle Damage.
[Yugi: 3300→3200LP]
"When [Gaia the Dragon Champion] destroys an opponent's Monster by Battle, I activate one of its Effects," Hayato said, watching [Gaia the Dragon Champion] return to his Field after defeating a Monster. "[Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Attack increases by 2600 points. Then, I End my Turn."
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK2600→5200]
"It can increase its Attack even more? That's strong." Although it wasn't the first time Hayato had used [Gaia the Dragon Champion], the ability of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] to increase its Attack by such a large amount still quite surprised Joey Wheeler and Mai Valentine.
Monsters that can increase their own Attack after being destroyed by Battle aren't unheard of. For example, Chikuzen Ohoka, one of The Big Five who had already become [Super Polymerization] fodder, really liked the Monster [Sword Hunter] precisely because [Sword Hunter] had the Effect of turning a Monster it destroyed by Battle into an Equip Card that increased its own Attack by 200 points.
But compared to [Gaia the Dragon Champion], which could increase its Attack by a full 2600 points in one go, and didn't have the Equip Card restriction of Attack increasing limits, [Sword Hunter] was directly pressed to the ground and rubbed.
Kaiba was expressionless as he already knew because Hayato often summoned it out and used it with the ability to grant it piercing when they were hunting members of the Gurus Organization in Domino City to completely wreck them. Furthermore, Kaiba was very clear that other than increasing Attack, [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s other effect was the most troublesome.
'Yugi, can you capture the effect of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] that Hayato concealed from the negligence in Hayato's words just now? Let me see where your limit is, Yugi!'
Kaiba's heartfelt words naturally didn't reach Yugi's ears.
[Hayato: 3300LP, Hand 0]
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK5200]
[Set Card]
Different from how relaxed Hayato was when he drew a Card just now, Yugi's mood right now was quite heavy.
The oppression given off by [Gaia the Dragon Champion], whose Attack was as high as 5200 points, was too strong. Even though [Gaia]'s gaze was half covered by the helmet, just [Curse of Dragon]'s gaze under [Gaia]'s crotch was full of aggression.
However, what made Yugi's mood heavy wasn't [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s stare, but that at this moment, he really couldn't think of what Cards were left in his Deck that could defeat [Gaia the Dragon Champion].
The desire for victory, the inexplicable urgency in his heart to retrieve his lost memories, and the distress of not being able to find a path to victory no matter how hard he searched. Under the conflict of the three, Yugi's thoughts were extremely chaotic.
Just then, the Pharaoh, who was currently in control of the body, heard a voice from inside the [Millennium Puzzle] on his chest.
"The other me, are you feeling alright?"
Although the memories and thoughts of the two sides of Yugi weren't shared, only each other's moods had always been conveyed to each other's hearts without hindrance.
Feeling Yugi's concern for him, Yami Yugi helplessly said: "I'm really sorry, Aibo, I'm afraid our Duelist Kingdom journey will end here."
"It's not fear of battle, or avoiding Dueling. I remember every card in the Deck, and I've thought about countless combinations. However, I can't find a way to defeat [Gaia the Dragon Champion]."
"I see." Yugi inside the [Millennium Puzzle] was silent for a moment, then continued, "However, that's not all, do you remember, I also modified the Deck."
"In response to Hayato's [VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon], I added a card to your Deck. Although it's not [VWXYZ] that we have to deal with now, it's quite appropriate to use that card."
"Are you saying, that card?" Yami Yugi was also stunned, recalling the last card that Yugi had added to the Deck before the Duel started. At that time, he seemed to have said this—
"[VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon], I decided that Hayato, who is going all out in this Duel, is very likely to use this monster. A powerful attack, an effect that turns attack and defense statuses, and of course, a powerful effect that banishes a card once per turn. It would be bad if Hayato banished some key cards. So, I think it's necessary to bring this card."
——
"I remember, the card Aibo added to the Deck was——" Light bloomed in Yami Yugi's eyes. In his mind, the cards that were originally separated by darkness and could not be approached were reunited. After recalling the card that Yugi added, it was as if a missing power gear had been added to the gear set, the darkness was dispelled, and he thought of the possibility of victory!
Looking down at the Deck, Yugi reached out his hand and placed it on it, closing his eyes. At the same time, Yugi in the [Millennium Puzzle] made the same move in sync.
'Please, Aibo, everything depends on this draw!'
"My Turn, Draw!"
Like a divine sword in the hands of an unparalleled sword saint being unsheathed, Yugi suddenly drew the card from the top of the Deck. His and Yugi's beliefs were not betrayed, and he did draw the card that was enough to penetrate his Deck!
"I activate the Spell Card, [Card of Sanctity]!" Displaying the card in his hand, Yugi took out the cards that had been banished by [Armed Dragon Catapult Cannon] in batches, "Target one Spell Card that is banished from the game, and add that card to my hand!"
"The Spell Card I choose is, [Pot of Greed]!"
The most powerful draw card Yugi possessed came into his hand once again. Under Hayato's dumbfounded gaze, Yugi activated this card for the third time in this duel.
Both duelists, who also had nothing in their hands, simultaneously drew six cards to replenish their hand to the limit. At the same time, both duelists' decks also only had a few turns left before being completely depleted due to being consumed in large quantities in the previous duels.
Hayato made up his mind in his heart. I heard that Pegasus has recovered from his injuries and been discharged from the hospital? After this Duelist Kingdom ends, I must organize Kaiba and Pegasus, the leaders of these two duel monsters, to hold a meeting, and slowly implement other rules, but first, let's get the Forbidden and Limited Card List out.
It's a pity for Hayato to ban [Pot of Greed], which is so powerful that it's over the top, but it must be limited to one - but then I thought that in this duel, Yugi used the same card three times. [Pot of Greed] is actually the same card, Hayato was a little impressed by Yugi's ability to recycle cards and reuse them.
After drawing six cards, Yugi seemed to be satisfied with the card he drew. Having seen the opportunity to win, his thinking was clear and his IQ was back on top. He recalled what Hayato had said last turn.
"Hayato, you did say last turn that [Gaia the Dragon Champion] increases attack after destroying a monster in battle, is his 'one of the effects', right?" Yugi said, playing a card, "That is to say, in addition to this effect, [Gaia the Dragon Champion] should have other effects."
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Forbidden Chalice], which increases the ATK of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] by 400 until the end of the turn, and negates its effects."
A golden goblet suddenly appeared on top of [Gaia the Dragon Champion], and although [Gaia] noticed its existence immediately and raised the lance in his hand to complete the blocking action, the red liquor overflowing from the goblet seemed to not exist in the world, but only a phantom penetrated the lance in [Gaia]'s hand.
But when it touched [Gaia the Dragon Champion], the scarlet liquor became substantial again, and the strong alcohol intoxicated [Gaia the Dragon Champion] in an instant, whether it was the knight or the dragon.
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK5200→5600]
"You increased [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s attack again? Have you given up on defeating [Gaia], Yugi?" Kaiba murmured in confusion, but he still agreed with Yugi's actions of blocking the effect of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] in advance, even though he didn't know the actual effect.
Although they were far apart, Yugi spoke as if he could hear Kaiba's soft murmur in the audience, and the words he said could just be used as a reply: "Although [Gaia]'s attack has been increased, Hayato, if it were you, you should know very well that some things have the ability to become stronger when they encounter the strong, right?"
"But before that, let me summon the monster I used to defeat you."
As he spoke, Yugi played a card: "I activate the Spell Card [Fusion Deployment], and after showing a Fusion Monster to the opponent, I Special Summon a Fusion Material Monster from my hand/deck."
In front of Hayato, a Fusion Monster card appeared, but what surprised him was that the Fusion Monster Yugi showed was actually the predecessor of Joey's current ace monster, [B. Skull Dragon], the powerful Vanilla Monster [Summoned Skull] that was fused with two vanilla monsters!?
"N-No way!" When Hayato saw the card Yugi showed, and thought about what Yugi had said before, it was difficult for Hayato not to recall the first duel he had with Yugi after traveling to the world of "Yu-Gi-Oh!", "The monster you're going to summon wouldn't be!"
"Although I exchanged one with Joey, this monster is so cost-effective that I naturally have more than one." Yugi said, searching from his deck for a [Archfiend of Lightning], whose level was only 6 stars, but whose attack was the same as [Dark Magician]!
"The skeleton demon who controls thunder, appears here! Come out, [Archfiend of Lightning]!"
Amidst the lightning and thunder, a towering demon-type monster appeared on Yugi's field. Underneath the pale bone armor, pale pink and strong muscles were exposed. On the top of his head were curved horns like bull horns, and the dark blue wings behind him seemed to cover the sky and the sun.
Although it only had 2500 attack, the appearance of [Archfiend of Lightning] awakened Hayato's PTSD.
[Archfiend of Lightning] [6/DARK]
[Fiend/Normal]
[2500/1200]
With 2500 attack equal to Yugi's ace card [Dark Magician], it was enough to be proud of a large number of ordinary duel monsters, and because its level was 6 stars, the cost of its appearance was only one tribute. [Archfiend of Lightning] did have a very high cost performance in this era, and its only flaw was its 1200 defense.
What exacerbated Hayato's PTSD was the card Yugi played next.
"Normal Spell Card, [The Forceful Sentry], activate." Yugi played a card that Hayato was very familiar with, "[The Forceful Sentry], activate its effect by targeting two monsters on the field, reduce the attack of one monster to half of its original attack, and increase the changed value to the attack of the other monster."
"I choose to reduce the attack of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] to half, and then increase the attack to [Archfiend of Lightning]!"
As [The Forceful Sentry] activated, the [Archfiend of Lightning] on Yugi's field raised its hand and aimed it at [Gaia the Dragon Champion] on Hayato's field, who was sealed with its effect, and clenched its palm. A white light flew out of [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s body and poured into [Archfiend of Lightning]'s body.
As [Gaia]'s aura declined, the dark magic on [Archfiend of Lightning]'s body expanded even more.
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK5600→2800]
[Archfiend of Lightning] [ATK2500→5300]
The attack and defense were reversed, and the identities of the strong and weak were swapped by a card.
Seemingly wanting to end the duel in this turn, Yugi did not keep the idea of the last three cards in his hand, and played them one by one.
"Equip Spell Card [Mage Power], so that [Archfiend of Lightning] gains the effect of inflicting damage equal to half of the attack of the destroyed monster after destroying a monster in battle!"
"Continuous Spell Card [Mystic Box], when a card on my field is destroyed by battle or the opponent's effect, I can destroy [Mystic Box] as a substitute for a card."
"And for the sake of insurance, paying 1000 Life Points, I activate the Spell Card [Confiscation] to confirm your hand, Hayato, and then choose a card to discard."
[Yugi: 3200→2200LP]
It can be seen that Yugi was quite cautious, fearing that Hayato's hand had cards like [Rainbow Kuriboh] that could save his life.
Then he saw Hayato's six cards, which were - [Emergency Provisions], [Reversal Quiz], [Goblin Thief], [Spiritualism], [Red Reboot] and [Super Polymerization].
If these cards in Hayato's hand were used to launch an attack proactively, it could be said to be invincible, but now it was Yugi's turn, and if he didn't set them in advance, even if Hayato had a "pseudo-four-speed" [Super Polymerization] in his hand, he could only watch Yugi operate.
"The card I choose to discard is your [Super Polymerization], Hayato." Yugi, who deeply understood that Kangkang's hand was such a pleasant activity, chose to discard the most dangerous [Super Polymerization] in Hayato's hand. After confirming that there were no cards in his hand with the ability to counterattack, Yugi confidently ordered:
"[Archfiend of Lightning], attack [Gaia the Dragon Champion], the final, Magic Descent Thunder!"
"This is the final ending of this duel, Hayato!"
Cautious Yugi defended against almost all possible counterattacks.
Because of the effect of [Forbidden Chalice], [Gaia the Dragon Champion], who originally had the effect of reducing attack and directly destroying a card, had its effect sealed;
[Confiscation] confirmed that there were no cards in Hayato's hand that could be used to block this attack.
Even the possibility that the card on Hayato's field was [Blast Armor] was taken into account by Yugi, and [Mystic Box] was specially activated as a substitute for [Archfiend of Lightning].
Watching the skeleton demon raise its arms high and control thunder and lightning with its terrifying dark magic, Hayato smiled.
"Yes, this duel should indeed end."
"But Yugi, I don't like this ending now, because I want to win, there is no other reason, I want to win!"
"My ending is a replica of your and my initial defeat? No, the outcome of the duel is up to me to change!"
Hayato waved his hand forward and activated the card he had set last turn in order to activate the effect of [Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight]: "Quick-Play Spell Card [Duel Fusion]!"
An extremely thick beam of lightning fell from the sky, but as Hayato's Set Card activated, a sky-blue light wrapped around the weapon of [Gaia the Dragon Champion] in a weak state. Facing the tall [Archfiend of Lightning], [Gaia], who was fighting alone, gently tugged the reins, bravely facing the attack of [Archfiend of Lightning]!
"This card can only be used once per turn, only when a Fusion Monster on my field is battling an opponent's monster's attack declaration can it be activated!"
"My monster's attack increases until the end of the damage step, rising to the attack value of the opponent's monster it is battling!"
"Take back your power, and win victory for me, [Gaia the Dragon Champion]!"
Yugi watched Hayato's [Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s spear thrust straight up, and the lightning of [Archfiend of Lightning] fell on his lance and failed to bring him any damage. Instead, it merged with the swift wind and raging fire on the lance.
"This is the perfect cavalry spin, let's go [Gaia], Dragon Slaying Mystery, Modified, Crimson Explosive Lightning Blade!"
[Gaia] dived down from the high altitude, accompanied by Hayato's second-year-old attack name, Yugi couldn't help but sigh, but then, he also showed a smile: "What an interesting duel, Hayato."
"Boom!"
As [Mystic Box] shattered, [Archfiend of Lightning] was not destroyed in battle, but the excessive battle damage cleared Yugi's Life Points in an instant.
[Archfiend of Lightning] [ATK5300]
[Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK2800→8100]
[Yugi: 2200→0]
