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# Chapter 381: The Old Friend Repeatedly Abandoned
As Hayato activated [Overload Fusion] in his Spell & Trap Zone, almost simultaneously, Amelda felt a violent tremor from the Duel Platform beneath his feet.
The ground suddenly cracked open, and from Hayato's Graveyard, one Machine-Type Monster after another emerged, covered in dust and rubble—[Cyber Dragon], [Proto-Cyber Dragon], [Cyber Dragon Zwei], and so on.
"Amelda, watch this. This is the power created for me by [Future Fusion], which you previously interrupted." Hayato looked at the terrifying number of Machine-Type Monsters on his Field, a confident smile on his face. "Even if buried in dust again and again, people ultimately must move towards the future. Even the power within the Graveyard will become the driving force for my advance!"
"The effect of [Overload Fusion] is to Banish the Fusion Material Monsters determined by a Machine-Type, DARK Attribute Fusion Monster from my Field and Graveyard from the game, and Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster!"
As he spoke, Hayato raised his hand and snapped his fingers: "Click~"
"Boom!"
Following Hayato's finger snap, a Machine-Type Monster exploded with a roar.
Triggered by this Monster's self-detonation, dozens of Monsters appearing before Hayato exploded one after another, turning into scattered parts, and were absorbed by a deep black hole that had appeared above Hayato's Field at some point.
One Monster after another was Banished from Hayato's Graveyard, and Amelda felt the high-energy reaction emanating from within the black hole more and more clearly. He remembered quite distinctly that there were exactly thirty-two Monsters sleeping in Hayato's Graveyard, and roughly that many were participating in the self-detonation now.
This many Fusion Material... was it the [Chimeratech Overdragon] that Hayato wanted to Summon with [Future Fusion] earlier, but which he himself had interrupted?!
From within the black hole, the massive mechanical construct, whose appearance had been obstructed once before, slowly emerged, making Amelda feel as if he were facing a formidable enemy.
The aura was secondary; it was the revealed form of [Chimeratech Overdragon] itself—was its appearance perhaps a bit too exaggerated!?
In terms of size, [Chimeratech Overdragon] wasn't particularly large, only about twice the height of [Machina Fortress] on Amelda's Field. However, on [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s thick body, the number of connected mechanical Dragon heads was horrifyingly numerous, enough to make someone with trypophobia almost faint on the spot, truly like a Gorgon from mythology.
"The power of [Chimeratech Overdragon] comes from the number of materials used for its Fusion Summon. Because the Fusion Material I used were all the Monsters in my Graveyard, [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s original ATK/DEF will become the value of thirty-two multiplied by 800."
"However, also because of this power that exceeds the load, when [Chimeratech Overdragon] is successfully Fusion Summoned, all other cards on my Field will be sent to the Graveyard."
As he sent the Set Card on his Field to the Graveyard, and as Hayato's words fell, [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s data was displayed.
[Chimeratech Overdragon] [9☆/DARK]
[Machine Type/Fusion/Effect]
[?/？→25600/25600]
"Attack, 25600?!" Amelda couldn't help but widen his eyes, finding it hard to imagine the number appearing before him. He rubbed his eyes, wanting to see clearly if he had seen an extra zero.
Compared to the infinite Attack of [Obelisk the Tormentor], which surpassed the limits of imagination, [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s Attack, while high, was precisely because it was still within the realm of conventional understanding that it was even more shocking.
"An Attack of this level can decide the outcome of the Duel with just one hit!"
Hayato heard Amelda's comment and just smiled. "Amelda, if your Deck symbolizes the painful memories of your past, then my [Cyber Dragon] is a symbol of the future with infinite possibilities."
"Don't blink now, [Chimeratech Overdragon] is the last Monster you'll see. Be defeated here!"
"Enter my Battle Phase! [Chimeratech Overdragon], destroy [Machina Fortress]!"
"Oni God's Barrage!"
As he spoke, Hayato pointed towards [Machina Fortress] on Amelda's Field. [Chimeratech Overdragon], standing tall behind him, opened its mouth, and a dense laser beam, like falling rain, swept towards the target.
If this Attack hit, Amelda would instantly take a full 23100 points of Battle Damage. Even if this Duel hadn't become a Shadow Duel for some unknown reason, an impact of this magnitude was enough to render someone unconscious!
The dense beams of light descended like raindrops, but just then, Amelda revealed a triumphant smile. "A remarkable offensive, but Kobayashi Hayato, don't think that mere radiance of this level can cleanse the gloom within my heart."
"I'll repeat myself: I will definitely win and stand before that man to give him complete defeat. For that, I am willing to sell my soul to the fiend!" Amelda's Set Card from the previous Turn was suddenly flipped up, and a beam of light shot out towards [Chimeratech Overdragon]. "I'll use this Set Card of mine to launch a counterattack against you!"
"Trap Card, [Absorption Shield]!"
The beam of light that shot out met the rain of beams of light, and just as they were about to collide, it suddenly expanded, transforming into a transparent membrane that blocked Amelda and his [Machina Fortress] entirely.
The dense rain of beams of light, filled with destructive aura, fell upon the seemingly fragile membrane but failed to break through it. Instead, it was as if it provided a large amount of energy to the membrane, making its color much thicker.
As the membrane dissipated, Hayato also saw Amelda's triumphant expression.
"The effect of [Absorption Shield] is to negate the attack of one attacking Monster and recover my Life Points by the value of that Monster's Attack." Looking at his rapidly increasing Life Points, Amelda showed a triumphant expression. "My path of revenge will not be cut off here."
[Amelda: 2400→28000 LP]
But what was somewhat unexpected to him was that Hayato, looking at Amelda's Life Points soaring to a full twenty-eight thousand, revealed a contemptuous smile.
"What's this? So you didn't know. Has no one ever told you that a card like [Absorption Shield] is useless against me?"
As he spoke, Hayato spread his arms. "Or did you think that [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s many heads were just for show?"
"The first effect of [Chimeratech Overdragon] is to increase its power based on the number of materials used for the Fusion. Its second effect is to increase the number of attacks it can make against Monsters based on the number of Fusion Material." Hayato said, waving his hand to issue another command. "In other words, as long as there's a Monster on your Field, [Chimeratech Overdragon] can attack a full thirty-two times!"
"Second Attack!"
[Chimeratech Overdragon]'s dozens of mouths opened again, and the dense rain of beams of light fell once more. This time, Amelda didn't have [Absorption Shield] to absorb the damage.
The immense size of [Machina Fortress], while providing it with ample firepower and weight, also presented a larger contact area. The dense rain of beams of light instantly engulfed it in the smoke and dust of an explosion. Amelda, unable to suppress his pain from the drastic fluctuation in his Life Points, let out a scream.
"Hngh-ahhh!!"
[Amelda: 28000→4900 LP]
The impact of the explosion sent Amelda flying back in an instant, nearly knocking him off the Duel Platform. But just as Hayato was about to say something, from within the smoke and dust that had engulfed [Machina Fortress], an electromagnetic cannon shell suddenly shot out, hitting the central point where [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s many heads connected!
"Boom!"
In just a split second, [Chimeratech Overdragon], which had just been using its Attack power with a large amount of energy accumulated at the connection points of its mechanical Dragon heads, suddenly suffered a heavy blow at this location—no less severe than smashing an ashtray onto someone's flexed bicep. [Chimeratech Overdragon] was destroyed by this dying counterattack, clearly from [Machina Fortress], and sent to the Graveyard.
"It even drags someone to the Graveyard for mutual destruction when it dies?" Hayato quipped. He hadn't expected a response, but unexpectedly, Amelda's willpower was quite good. He managed to prop himself up and stand again, looking at Hayato. "It's not mutual destruction..."
"I told you, Kobayashi Hayato, I will definitely achieve victory, even if it means selling my soul to the fiend named 'War'!"
Accompanied by the sound of metal grinding and gears turning, a buzzing chainsaw extended from within the smoke and dust on Amelda's Field that had engulfed [Machina Fortress]. Waving it around, it dispersed the smoke and dust, revealing a brand new Machine-Type Monster!
"The more violence is used, the more nourishment the fiend named 'War' receives to grow. When [Machina Fortress] was destroyed by battle by [Chimeratech Overdragon] and sent to the Graveyard, its effect activated." Amelda straightened up and looked at the tall humanoid mecha. "Select one card on the opponent's field as a target and destroy that card."
"Then, there's the effect of [Machina Soldier] in my Graveyard. While this card exists in the Graveyard, if a face-up Machine-Type, EARTH Attribute Monster on my Field other than [Machina Soldier] is destroyed by battle or effect, its effect activates."
"Revive from the Graveyard, [Machina Soldier]!"
[Machina Soldier] [10☆/EARTH]
[Machine Type/Effect]
[3000/2500]
Hayato was a little confused. "[Machina Soldier]?! When did..."
Suddenly, Hayato remembered the card Amelda had sent to the Graveyard at the very beginning of the Duel to activate [Machina Redeployment].
"I see, that was when."
"The appearance of this power had already planted its seed at the very beginning of the Duel." Seeing that Hayato understood, Amelda didn't explain further. "[Chimeratech Overdragon] is indeed a very shocking Duel Monster, but unfortunately, I am the victor of this Duel."
"You've exhausted your means. 'Hope', 'future', and such are nothing in the face of cruel reality."
In Amelda's view, Hayato's successive use of [Future Fusion] and [Overload Fusion] was truly astonishing, and the appearance of [Chimeratech Overdragon] pushed this Duel to its climax. However, in front of his Machina Unit, all hope ultimately vanished.
Although it was still Hayato's Turn, and he hadn't declared the end of his Battle Phase, there were no cards left on Hayato's Field. There was no possibility of winning anymore.
Hearing Amelda's words, Hayato glanced at his Hand and revealed a smile. "What nonsense are you talking about, Amelda? Don't I still have a Monster on my Field?"
"Although when I drew this card, I thought it was a wasted card slot, it seems now that the Goddess of Victory truly favors me, Kobayashi Hayato!"
Saying this, Hayato played the card in his Hand. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Cyberload Fusion]!"
"This card is the last card I put in my Deck that can create a miracle. It allows me to select Fusion Material containing [Cyber Dragon], determined by a Fusion Monster, from my Field and Banished Monsters, return them to the Deck, and Fusion Summon one Fusion Monster!"
"Return three Banished [Cyber Dragon] to my Deck! Now, bring me the hope of victory!"
"My old friend, [Cyber End Dragon]!"
The bodies of the [Cyber Dragon] that were detonated by [Overload Fusion] were guided back to the Field by the [Cyberload Fusion] that Hayato activated. Accompanied by a slightly sorrowful piano melody from Hayato's Duel Disk, the Electronic Flow's ultimate technique—[Cyber End Dragon]—made its grand appearance!
It wasn't that Hayato didn't want to use [Cyberload Fusion] to Summon another [Chimeratech Overdragon] with 25600 Attack; it was simply that he only had one [Chimeratech Overdragon] and no more. But [Cyber End Dragon] was enough.
[Cyber End Dragon] [10☆/LIGHT]
[Machine Type/Fusion/Effect]
[4000/2800]
As soon as it appeared, [Cyber End Dragon]'s three heads simultaneously rose, letting out a roar towards the sky. Although it was just a bionic machine, at this moment, [Cyber End Dragon] seemed to possess life.
"[Cyber End Dragon], huh? A powerful Monster with piercing damage ability." Amelda also recognized [Cyber End Dragon]. "But a [Cyber End Dragon] not Summoned by [Power Bond] doesn't have enough deterrence. My [Machina Soldier] has 3000 Attack, so you can only deal 1000 points of damage to me. It's completely insignificant."
Thanks to the [Absorption Shield] from just now, Amelda's Life Points still remained at a full 4900 after being hit by [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s Attack. 1000 points of damage was less than a quarter of his current Life Points, completely acceptable.
"Is this the day [Cyber End Dragon] gets looked down upon? That's rare." Hayato shook his head helplessly, showing the three cards in his Hand. "But Amelda, my old friend finally made its appearance after enduring so much torment. Naturally, I have to increase its combat power as much as possible."
"First card, Quick-Play Spell Card [Enemy Controller]. This card's effect allows me to Tribute one Monster on my Field to gain control of one face-up Monster on the opponent's field until the End Phase, or directly change the battle position of one face-up Monster on the opponent's field."
"I activate its second effect! I change [Machina Soldier] on your Field to Defense Position!" Hayato looked at the game controller that appeared on his Field, and a string of operation commands etched into his DNA were immediately called out: "Input Command: ←→ Beware Winged Dragon of Ra!"
[Enemy Controller] then took effect. A cable made of electric current connected from the controller to [Machina Soldier]. Following the command Hayato called out, [Machina Soldier] was changed to Defense Position.
[Machina Soldier] [ATK3000→DEF2500]
But that wasn't all. Hayato immediately followed up by playing a second card. "Then I activate this card, the Quick-Play Spell Card [Strike from the Blind Spot]!"
"Activate by targeting one face-up Defense Position Monster on the opponent's field and one Attack Position Monster on my Field! Increase my Monster's Attack by the Defense value of the selected Monster until the End Phase!"
After playing the second card, [Cyber End Dragon] on Hayato's Field roared at the [Machina Soldier] forced into a defensive crouch. A green data stream floated out from [Machina Soldier] and was absorbed into [Cyber End Dragon]'s body, and [Cyber End Dragon]'s Attack began to increase!
[Cyber End Dragon] [ATK4000→6500]
After playing two cards in succession, Hayato held the last card in his Hand and glanced at the ready [Cyber End Dragon]. "Take this, [Cyber End Dragon]. This is my final support."
"Enter my Battle Phase! Go, [Cyber End Dragon], attack [Machina Soldier]!"
"Burst Stream of Destruction!"
"Roar!"
Looking at the imposing [Cyber End Dragon] on Hayato's Field, Amelda gritted his teeth. "Even with 6500 Attack, I can withstand it!"
As Hayato's command was given, [Cyber End Dragon]'s three mechanical Dragon heads opened simultaneously. After a roar, three beams of laser intertwined and collectively attacked [Machina Soldier] on Amelda's Field!
This time, [Cyber End Dragon] decisively learned from [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s lesson. The beams of light attack instantly pierced through [Machina Soldier], giving it no chance to kick up smoke and dust and trigger the "smoke without injury rule".
The laser beam that pierced through [Machina Soldier] was only slightly weakened. Its momentum undiminished, it struck Amelda in the blink of an eye, causing his Life Points to plummet like a diver!
"Ugh!"
[Amelda: 4900→900 LP]
This attack was much weaker in impact compared to the one from [Chimeratech Overdragon] earlier, but it was still a full 4000 points of damage. Sweat dripped from Amelda's forehead from taking a large amount of damage for the second time, and his breathing was heavy.
In the [Machina] Deck he used, although [Machina Soldier] wasn't the strongest Monster and there were even stronger beings, Amelda had been quite confident that this alone would be enough to defeat Hayato, especially after the blow that sent [Machina Fortress] to the Graveyard destroyed Hayato's impressive [Chimeratech Overdragon].
But Kobayashi Hayato had created miracles again and again.
His Life Points had been reduced to just 900 by this hit, like a candle flickering in the wind. To make matters worse, that [Cyber End Dragon] with 4000 Attack was still standing tall on Hayato's Field.
It seemed Hayato's attack would end here. Regardless of whether the card Hayato held in his Hand was [De-Fusion] or something else, he likely wouldn't be able to Summon a stronger Monster. He had barely survived this turn. But what should he do next turn?
Amelda couldn't help but look at his Deck.
His Deck's core was [Machina], a symbol of mechanized war, and also, in Amelda's perception, the "fiend" that had destroyed his life and caused infinite pain.
To gain the power for revenge, Amelda needed powerful Duel Monsters, and the [Machina] Deck was the strongest card he could obtain. Again and again, Amelda forced himself to endure the disgust and Duel with the [Machina] Deck, but in his heart, he never considered [Machina] to be his own Deck.
His Life Points were only 900. What kind of card would he have to draw to defeat the [Cyber End Dragon] with 4000 Attack on Hayato's Field?
Furthermore, would the Deck that he hated and resisted respond to him?
He had already abandoned his dignity and was using this sinful Deck, and yet he was going to fail again? If so, when would he ever be able to stand before Seto Kaiba and get his revenge?
Amelda's face darkened, and he slowly lowered his head.
As if sensing the negative emotions in Amelda's heart, Hayato glanced at the card in his Hand. Instead of rushing to activate it, he spoke, "Hmph, Amelda, you've already given up on winning the Duel, haven't you?"
"While your focus solely on hatred is unpleasant, if you fall into pessimism so easily, your hatred is only this much."
"What did you say!"
Hearing these words, Amelda suddenly raised his head and glared at Hayato.
His goal for living until now was revenge. He could accept humiliation, contempt, and anything else, but the one thing he couldn't accept was someone looking down on his hatred.
"I said, your hatred is only that much."
Hayato's face was full of mockery. He pointed at his Duel Disk. "If it can't even support your desire to win, your hatred is simply something more fragile than a glass cup placed on a table in front of a cat."
"A true Duelist is someone who, no matter what situation they face, is filled with the desire for victory and dares to create miracles."
As he spoke, Hayato inserted the card in his Hand into his Duel Disk. "You said you were willing to sell your soul to the fiend, didn't you? Since you've already sold your soul, wouldn't it be a waste if you don't sell it for a good price?"
Hearing Hayato's words, Amelda was slightly taken aback. After a moment of silence, he raised his head again, but this time, his face showed an expression of expectation. "Hmph, being lectured by my opponent... that's truly outrageous. However, there is some truth to what you said."
"The [Machina] Deck is the avatar of the fiend I hate. Thinking about it, selling my soul and not even getting victory in return is indeed too much of a loss." Amelda said, starting to laugh. "I can't let these fiends named 'War' off the hook without squeezing them dry!"
"Then, next turn, I will control these fiends and defeat you, Kobayashi Hayato!"
Hayato looked at Amelda, who had regained his fighting spirit, and nodded in satisfaction. "Mm, compared to that expression just now, this one is indeed more interesting."
"However, I regret to inform you of something." Glancing at the card he had placed in his Duel Disk, Hayato showed a smile. "You no longer have a next turn."
"For victory, I am willing to give up my old friend, [Cyber End Dragon]!"
Amidst the stunned expressions of [Cyber End Dragon] and Amelda, [Spiritual Ectoplasm] activated on Hayato's Backrow.
"I shouldn't have had any expectation for your Duel!"
Under Amelda's furious glare, [Cyber End Dragon] turned into light.
(End of Chapter)
As Hayato activated [Overload Fusion] in his Spell & Trap Zone, almost simultaneously, Amelda felt a violent tremor from the Duel Platform beneath his feet.
The ground suddenly cracked open, and from Hayato's Graveyard, one Machine-Type Monster after another emerged, covered in dust and rubble—[Cyber Dragon], [Proto-Cyber Dragon], [Cyber Dragon Zwei], and so on.
"Amelda, watch this. This is the power created for me by [Future Fusion], which you previously interrupted." Hayato looked at the terrifying number of Machine-Type Monsters on his Field, a confident smile on his face. "Even if buried in dust again and again, people ultimately must move towards the future. Even the power within the Graveyard will become the driving force for my advance!"
"The effect of [Overload Fusion] is to Banish the Fusion Material Monsters determined by a Machine-Type, DARK Attribute Fusion Monster from my Field and Graveyard from the game, and Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster!"
As he spoke, Hayato raised his hand and snapped his fingers: "Click~"
"Boom!"
Following Hayato's finger snap, a Machine-Type Monster exploded with a roar.
Triggered by this Monster's self-detonation, dozens of Monsters appearing before Hayato exploded one after another, turning into scattered parts, and were absorbed by a deep black hole that had appeared above Hayato's Field at some point.
One Monster after another was Banished from Hayato's Graveyard, and Amelda felt the high-energy reaction emanating from within the black hole more and more clearly. He remembered quite distinctly that there were exactly thirty-two Monsters sleeping in Hayato's Graveyard, and roughly that many were participating in the self-detonation now.
This many Fusion Material... was it the [Chimeratech Overdragon] that Hayato wanted to Summon with [Future Fusion] earlier, but which he himself had interrupted?!
From within the black hole, the massive mechanical construct, whose appearance had been obstructed once before, slowly emerged, making Amelda feel as if he were facing a formidable enemy.
The aura was secondary; it was the revealed form of [Chimeratech Overdragon] itself—was its appearance perhaps a bit too exaggerated!?
In terms of size, [Chimeratech Overdragon] wasn't particularly large, only about twice the height of [Machina Fortress] on Amelda's Field. However, on [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s thick body, the number of connected mechanical Dragon heads was horrifyingly numerous, enough to make someone with trypophobia almost faint on the spot, truly like a Gorgon from mythology.
"The power of [Chimeratech Overdragon] comes from the number of materials used for its Fusion Summon. Because the Fusion Material I used were all the Monsters in my Graveyard, [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s original ATK/DEF will become the value of thirty-two multiplied by 800."
"However, also because of this power that exceeds the load, when [Chimeratech Overdragon] is successfully Fusion Summoned, all other cards on my Field will be sent to the Graveyard."
As he sent the Set Card on his Field to the Graveyard, and as Hayato's words fell, [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s data was displayed.
[Chimeratech Overdragon] [9☆/DARK]
[Machine Type/Fusion/Effect]
[?/？→25600/25600]
"Attack, 25600?!" Amelda couldn't help but widen his eyes, finding it hard to imagine the number appearing before him. He rubbed his eyes, wanting to see clearly if he had seen an extra zero.
Compared to the infinite Attack of [Obelisk the Tormentor], which surpassed the limits of imagination, [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s Attack, while high, was precisely because it was still within the realm of conventional understanding that it was even more shocking.
"An Attack of this level can decide the outcome of the Duel with just one hit!"
Hayato heard Amelda's comment and just smiled. "Amelda, if your Deck symbolizes the painful memories of your past, then my [Cyber Dragon] is a symbol of the future with infinite possibilities."
"Don't blink now, [Chimeratech Overdragon] is the last Monster you'll see. Be defeated here!"
"Enter my Battle Phase! [Chimeratech Overdragon], destroy [Machina Fortress]!"
"Oni God's Barrage!"
As he spoke, Hayato pointed towards [Machina Fortress] on Amelda's Field. [Chimeratech Overdragon], standing tall behind him, opened its mouth, and a dense laser beam, like falling rain, swept towards the target.
If this Attack hit, Amelda would instantly take a full 23100 points of Battle Damage. Even if this Duel hadn't become a Shadow Duel for some unknown reason, an impact of this magnitude was enough to render someone unconscious!
The dense beams of light descended like raindrops, but just then, Amelda revealed a triumphant smile. "A remarkable offensive, but Kobayashi Hayato, don't think that mere radiance of this level can cleanse the gloom within my heart."
"I'll repeat myself: I will definitely win and stand before that man to give him complete defeat. For that, I am willing to sell my soul to the fiend!" Amelda's Set Card from the previous Turn was suddenly flipped up, and a beam of light shot out towards [Chimeratech Overdragon]. "I'll use this Set Card of mine to launch a counterattack against you!"
"Trap Card, [Absorption Shield]!"
The beam of light that shot out met the rain of beams of light, and just as they were about to collide, it suddenly expanded, transforming into a transparent membrane that blocked Amelda and his [Machina Fortress] entirely.
The dense rain of beams of light, filled with destructive aura, fell upon the seemingly fragile membrane but failed to break through it. Instead, it was as if it provided a large amount of energy to the membrane, making its color much thicker.
As the membrane dissipated, Hayato also saw Amelda's triumphant expression.
"The effect of [Absorption Shield] is to negate the attack of one attacking Monster and recover my Life Points by the value of that Monster's Attack." Looking at his rapidly increasing Life Points, Amelda showed a triumphant expression. "My path of revenge will not be cut off here."
[Amelda: 2400→28000 LP]
But what was somewhat unexpected to him was that Hayato, looking at Amelda's Life Points soaring to a full twenty-eight thousand, revealed a contemptuous smile.
"What's this? So you didn't know. Has no one ever told you that a card like [Absorption Shield] is useless against me?"
As he spoke, Hayato spread his arms. "Or did you think that [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s many heads were just for show?"
"The first effect of [Chimeratech Overdragon] is to increase its power based on the number of materials used for the Fusion. Its second effect is to increase the number of attacks it can make against Monsters based on the number of Fusion Material." Hayato said, waving his hand to issue another command. "In other words, as long as there's a Monster on your Field, [Chimeratech Overdragon] can attack a full thirty-two times!"
"Second Attack!"
[Chimeratech Overdragon]'s dozens of mouths opened again, and the dense rain of beams of light fell once more. This time, Amelda didn't have [Absorption Shield] to absorb the damage.
The immense size of [Machina Fortress], while providing it with ample firepower and weight, also presented a larger contact area. The dense rain of beams of light instantly engulfed it in the smoke and dust of an explosion. Amelda, unable to suppress his pain from the drastic fluctuation in his Life Points, let out a scream.
"Hngh-ahhh!!"
[Amelda: 28000→4900 LP]
The impact of the explosion sent Amelda flying back in an instant, nearly knocking him off the Duel Platform. But just as Hayato was about to say something, from within the smoke and dust that had engulfed [Machina Fortress], an electromagnetic cannon shell suddenly shot out, hitting the central point where [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s many heads connected!
"Boom!"
In just a split second, [Chimeratech Overdragon], which had just been using its Attack power with a large amount of energy accumulated at the connection points of its mechanical Dragon heads, suddenly suffered a heavy blow at this location—no less severe than smashing an ashtray onto someone's flexed bicep. [Chimeratech Overdragon] was destroyed by this dying counterattack, clearly from [Machina Fortress], and sent to the Graveyard.
"It even drags someone to the Graveyard for mutual destruction when it dies?" Hayato quipped. He hadn't expected a response, but unexpectedly, Amelda's willpower was quite good. He managed to prop himself up and stand again, looking at Hayato. "It's not mutual destruction..."
"I told you, Kobayashi Hayato, I will definitely achieve victory, even if it means selling my soul to the fiend named 'War'!"
Accompanied by the sound of metal grinding and gears turning, a buzzing chainsaw extended from within the smoke and dust on Amelda's Field that had engulfed [Machina Fortress]. Waving it around, it dispersed the smoke and dust, revealing a brand new Machine-Type Monster!
"The more violence is used, the more nourishment the fiend named 'War' receives to grow. When [Machina Fortress] was destroyed by battle by [Chimeratech Overdragon] and sent to the Graveyard, its effect activated." Amelda straightened up and looked at the tall humanoid mecha. "Select one card on the opponent's field as a target and destroy that card."
"Then, there's the effect of [Machina Soldier] in my Graveyard. While this card exists in the Graveyard, if a face-up Machine-Type, EARTH Attribute Monster on my Field other than [Machina Soldier] is destroyed by battle or effect, its effect activates."
"Revive from the Graveyard, [Machina Soldier]!"
[Machina Soldier] [10☆/EARTH]
[Machine Type/Effect]
[3000/2500]
Hayato was a little confused. "[Machina Soldier]?! When did..."
Suddenly, Hayato remembered the card Amelda had sent to the Graveyard at the very beginning of the Duel to activate [Machina Redeployment].
"I see, that was when."
"The appearance of this power had already planted its seed at the very beginning of the Duel." Seeing that Hayato understood, Amelda didn't explain further. "[Chimeratech Overdragon] is indeed a very shocking Duel Monster, but unfortunately, I am the victor of this Duel."
"You've exhausted your means. 'Hope', 'future', and such are nothing in the face of cruel reality."
In Amelda's view, Hayato's successive use of [Future Fusion] and [Overload Fusion] was truly astonishing, and the appearance of [Chimeratech Overdragon] pushed this Duel to its climax. However, in front of his Machina Unit, all hope ultimately vanished.
Although it was still Hayato's Turn, and he hadn't declared the end of his Battle Phase, there were no cards left on Hayato's Field. There was no possibility of winning anymore.
Hearing Amelda's words, Hayato glanced at his Hand and revealed a smile. "What nonsense are you talking about, Amelda? Don't I still have a Monster on my Field?"
"Although when I drew this card, I thought it was a wasted card slot, it seems now that the Goddess of Victory truly favors me, Kobayashi Hayato!"
Saying this, Hayato played the card in his Hand. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Cyberload Fusion]!"
"This card is the last card I put in my Deck that can create a miracle. It allows me to select Fusion Material containing [Cyber Dragon], determined by a Fusion Monster, from my Field and Banished Monsters, return them to the Deck, and Fusion Summon one Fusion Monster!"
"Return three Banished [Cyber Dragon] to my Deck! Now, bring me the hope of victory!"
"My old friend, [Cyber End Dragon]!"
The bodies of the [Cyber Dragon] that were detonated by [Overload Fusion] were guided back to the Field by the [Cyberload Fusion] that Hayato activated. Accompanied by a slightly sorrowful piano melody from Hayato's Duel Disk, the Electronic Flow's ultimate technique—[Cyber End Dragon]—made its grand appearance!
It wasn't that Hayato didn't want to use [Cyberload Fusion] to Summon another [Chimeratech Overdragon] with 25600 Attack; it was simply that he only had one [Chimeratech Overdragon] and no more. But [Cyber End Dragon] was enough.
[Cyber End Dragon] [10☆/LIGHT]
[Machine Type/Fusion/Effect]
[4000/2800]
As soon as it appeared, [Cyber End Dragon]'s three heads simultaneously rose, letting out a roar towards the sky. Although it was just a bionic machine, at this moment, [Cyber End Dragon] seemed to possess life.
"[Cyber End Dragon], huh? A powerful Monster with piercing damage ability." Amelda also recognized [Cyber End Dragon]. "But a [Cyber End Dragon] not Summoned by [Power Bond] doesn't have enough deterrence. My [Machina Soldier] has 3000 Attack, so you can only deal 1000 points of damage to me. It's completely insignificant."
Thanks to the [Absorption Shield] from just now, Amelda's Life Points still remained at a full 4900 after being hit by [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s Attack. 1000 points of damage was less than a quarter of his current Life Points, completely acceptable.
"Is this the day [Cyber End Dragon] gets looked down upon? That's rare." Hayato shook his head helplessly, showing the three cards in his Hand. "But Amelda, my old friend finally made its appearance after enduring so much torment. Naturally, I have to increase its combat power as much as possible."
"First card, Quick-Play Spell Card [Enemy Controller]. This card's effect allows me to Tribute one Monster on my Field to gain control of one face-up Monster on the opponent's field until the End Phase, or directly change the battle position of one face-up Monster on the opponent's field."
"I activate its second effect! I change [Machina Soldier] on your Field to Defense Position!" Hayato looked at the game controller that appeared on his Field, and a string of operation commands etched into his DNA were immediately called out: "Input Command: ←→ Beware Winged Dragon of Ra!"
[Enemy Controller] then took effect. A cable made of electric current connected from the controller to [Machina Soldier]. Following the command Hayato called out, [Machina Soldier] was changed to Defense Position.
[Machina Soldier] [ATK3000→DEF2500]
But that wasn't all. Hayato immediately followed up by playing a second card. "Then I activate this card, the Quick-Play Spell Card [Strike from the Blind Spot]!"
"Activate by targeting one face-up Defense Position Monster on the opponent's field and one Attack Position Monster on my Field! Increase my Monster's Attack by the Defense value of the selected Monster until the End Phase!"
After playing the second card, [Cyber End Dragon] on Hayato's Field roared at the [Machina Soldier] forced into a defensive crouch. A green data stream floated out from [Machina Soldier] and was absorbed into [Cyber End Dragon]'s body, and [Cyber End Dragon]'s Attack began to increase!
[Cyber End Dragon] [ATK4000→6500]
After playing two cards in succession, Hayato held the last card in his Hand and glanced at the ready [Cyber End Dragon]. "Take this, [Cyber End Dragon]. This is my final support."
"Enter my Battle Phase! Go, [Cyber End Dragon], attack [Machina Soldier]!"
"Burst Stream of Destruction!"
"Roar!"
Looking at the imposing [Cyber End Dragon] on Hayato's Field, Amelda gritted his teeth. "Even with 6500 Attack, I can withstand it!"
As Hayato's command was given, [Cyber End Dragon]'s three mechanical Dragon heads opened simultaneously. After a roar, three beams of laser intertwined and collectively attacked [Machina Soldier] on Amelda's Field!
This time, [Cyber End Dragon] decisively learned from [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s lesson. The beams of light attack instantly pierced through [Machina Soldier], giving it no chance to kick up smoke and dust and trigger the "smoke without injury rule".
The laser beam that pierced through [Machina Soldier] was only slightly weakened. Its momentum undiminished, it struck Amelda in the blink of an eye, causing his Life Points to plummet like a diver!
"Ugh!"
[Amelda: 4900→900 LP]
This attack was much weaker in impact compared to the one from [Chimeratech Overdragon] earlier, but it was still a full 4000 points of damage. Sweat dripped from Amelda's forehead from taking a large amount of damage for the second time, and his breathing was heavy.
In the [Machina] Deck he used, although [Machina Soldier] wasn't the strongest Monster and there were even stronger beings, Amelda had been quite confident that this alone would be enough to defeat Hayato, especially after the blow that sent [Machina Fortress] to the Graveyard destroyed Hayato's impressive [Chimeratech Overdragon].
But Kobayashi Hayato had created miracles again and again.
His Life Points had been reduced to just 900 by this hit, like a candle flickering in the wind. To make matters worse, that [Cyber End Dragon] with 4000 Attack was still standing tall on Hayato's Field.
It seemed Hayato's attack would end here. Regardless of whether the card Hayato held in his Hand was [De-Fusion] or something else, he likely wouldn't be able to Summon a stronger Monster. He had barely survived this turn. But what should he do next turn?
Amelda couldn't help but look at his Deck.
His Deck's core was [Machina], a symbol of mechanized war, and also, in Amelda's perception, the "fiend" that had destroyed his life and caused infinite pain.
To gain the power for revenge, Amelda needed powerful Duel Monsters, and the [Machina] Deck was the strongest card he could obtain. Again and again, Amelda forced himself to endure the disgust and Duel with the [Machina] Deck, but in his heart, he never considered [Machina] to be his own Deck.
His Life Points were only 900. What kind of card would he have to draw to defeat the [Cyber End Dragon] with 4000 Attack on Hayato's Field?
Furthermore, would the Deck that he hated and resisted respond to him?
He had already abandoned his dignity and was using this sinful Deck, and yet he was going to fail again? If so, when would he ever be able to stand before Seto Kaiba and get his revenge?
Amelda's face darkened, and he slowly lowered his head.
As if sensing the negative emotions in Amelda's heart, Hayato glanced at the card in his Hand. Instead of rushing to activate it, he spoke, "Hmph, Amelda, you've already given up on winning the Duel, haven't you?"
"While your focus solely on hatred is unpleasant, if you fall into pessimism so easily, your hatred is only this much."
"What did you say!"
Hearing these words, Amelda suddenly raised his head and glared at Hayato.
His goal for living until now was revenge. He could accept humiliation, contempt, and anything else, but the one thing he couldn't accept was someone looking down on his hatred.
"I said, your hatred is only that much."
Hayato's face was full of mockery. He pointed at his Duel Disk. "If it can't even support your desire to win, your hatred is simply something more fragile than a glass cup placed on a table in front of a cat."
"A true Duelist is someone who, no matter what situation they face, is filled with the desire for victory and dares to create miracles."
As he spoke, Hayato inserted the card in his Hand into his Duel Disk. "You said you were willing to sell your soul to the fiend, didn't you? Since you've already sold your soul, wouldn't it be a waste if you don't sell it for a good price?"
Hearing Hayato's words, Amelda was slightly taken aback. After a moment of silence, he raised his head again, but this time, his face showed an expression of expectation. "Hmph, being lectured by my opponent... that's truly outrageous. However, there is some truth to what you said."
"The [Machina] Deck is the avatar of the fiend I hate. Thinking about it, selling my soul and not even getting victory in return is indeed too much of a loss." Amelda said, starting to laugh. "I can't let these fiends named 'War' off the hook without squeezing them dry!"
"Then, next turn, I will control these fiends and defeat you, Kobayashi Hayato!"
Hayato looked at Amelda, who had regained his fighting spirit, and nodded in satisfaction. "Mm, compared to that expression just now, this one is indeed more interesting."
"However, I regret to inform you of something." Glancing at the card he had placed in his Duel Disk, Hayato showed a smile. "You no longer have a next turn."
"For victory, I am willing to give up my old friend, [Cyber End Dragon]!"
Amidst the stunned expressions of [Cyber End Dragon] and Amelda, [Spiritual Ectoplasm] activated on Hayato's Backrow.
"I shouldn't have had any expectation for your Duel!"
Under Amelda's furious glare, [Cyber End Dragon] turned into light.
(End of Chapter)
