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## Chapter 395: So, shall we shoot?
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, [Super Polymerization]!"
As Hayato sent [Spiral Fusion] to the Graveyard, an unmatched power instantly locked onto [Gaia the Magical Knight] and [Gaia the Dragon Champion] on the Field.
"The effect of [Super Polymerization] is that after discarding a card from my Hand, I send the required Fusion Material Monsters from both my Field and yours to the Graveyard, and then Special Summon a Fusion Monster as a Fusion Summon."
"Furthermore, [Super Polymerization] also has the ability to prevent Spell/Trap/Monster Effects from being activated in response to its activation!"
On Hayato's Field, [Gaia the Magical Knight] pulled the reins, and the War Horse beneath him suddenly accelerated into a wild charge, rushing towards [Dragon Knight Gaia] on Virtual Hayato's Field. [Dragon Knight Gaia] wanted to avoid it, but under the suppression of [Super Polymerization], he couldn't move at all!
The distance between them finally grew shorter and shorter. At the last moment, [Gaia the Magical Knight] stood up directly from the horse's back, leaping high into the air. Using the momentum of his War Horse, he flew up and delivered a "Knight Kick" directly onto the body of the immobile [Dragon Knight Gaia]!
[Gaia] on the dragon's back was directly kicked away, falling to the ground. He was then struck by the War Horse's powerful horseshoe, which couldn't stop its momentum, and was directly sent to the Graveyard. Meanwhile, the original [Gaia the Magical Knight] took the opportunity to take control of the [Curse of Dragon] beneath him, pulled the reins, and returned to Hayato's Field.
However, upon returning to Hayato's Field, [Gaia], who had to abandon his weapon due to the previous kick, reluctantly pulled out a backup Lance. The [Curse of Dragon] also evolved into [Infernal Flame Dragon].
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK 2600]
"Although I also wanted to Fusion Summon [Dragon Knight Gaia], his Fusion Material requirements are a [Gaia the Fierce Knight] Monster and a Level 5 or higher Dragon-Type Monster. The [Dragon Knight Gaia] used as Material was a Level 7 Dragon-Type."
Hayato, who had gained an advantage but still acted dissatisfied, wore a slightly unhappy expression. "So, I could only Summon [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]."
"And you should be familiar with his effect, right? When Special Summoned Successfully, I can add one [Spiral Spear Strike] from my Deck to my Hand."
Catching the [Spiral Spear Strike] ejected from his Deck, Hayato had no intention of keeping it in his Hand and activated it immediately: "I activate [Spiral Spear Strike], which I just added to my Hand."
As Hayato placed [Spiral Spear Strike] into his Duel Disk, spiral air currents began to coil and rotate around the tip of the Lance held by [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] on his Field, already imbued with the ability of Piercing Battle Damage.
At this moment, both Hayato and Virtual Hayato had one [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] on their Fields. Coupled with their identical appearances, it was as if a mirror had been erected in the very center of the two Duel Fields.
As one of the few differences, [Rainbow Kuriboh] sat obediently on top of [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s head, opening its mouth to yawn.
Mokuba watched both Fields, feeling somewhat confused. Although [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] on Virtual Hayato's Field had its attack ability sealed because it was equipped with [Rainbow Kuriboh], its 2600 Attack was still there.
If Hayato's [Super Polymerization] had targeted [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] just now, Hayato would only need to face [Dragon Knight Gaia], whose Attack had been reduced to 0.
Maximillion Pegasus, also watching, slightly narrowed his only exposed single eye, looking at the Set Card in Hayato's Hand. For some reason, he suddenly remembered the Card Hayato frequently used during the Duelist Kingdom period. With that Card, Hayato often took and used other Duelists' cards right in front of them.
And every time he used it, Hayato would always add one more sentence—
"Witness the bond between me and my companion," Hayato declared loudly, drawing a Card from his Hand. "I activate this Card that symbolizes 'bond', the Spell Card [Change of Heart]!"
So how exactly does that thing relate to bond?!
As Hayato placed the Card into his Duel Disk, on his Backrow, a figure that was half-angel and half-demon emerged from the activated [Change of Heart] Card. From a distance, it formed a heart shape towards [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] on Virtual Hayato's Field. From the hand shape, a translucent pink heart flew out.
"The effect of [Change of Heart] is that I can target one Monster on my Opponent's Field and gain control of that Monster until the End Phase." Hayato said, pointing his finger like a gun, aiming through the translucent heart shape at [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]. "Alright, I'll be taking your Monster. It might tickle a little~"
"Capturing Arrow!"
As Hayato made a shooting gesture with his Hand, a dense volley of arrows flew out from the translucent heart shape towards [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] opposite Hayato. The rain of arrows fell upon him but passed through his body, landing in the empty space.
However, just after the arrows passed through [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s body, the heart shape floating in front of Hayato turned black, and Virtual Hayato's [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] also arrived on his Field with a dazed expression.
With this, the situation on the Field changed again. On Hayato's Field, just like Virtual Hayato's Field in the previous Turn, there were now two Monsters with 2600 Attack, totaling 5200 Attack. This gave him the ability to deplete Virtual Hayato's currently full 4000 Life Points in one Turn.
Virtual Hayato only had two Set Cards in his Backrow, and it was confirmed that one of them was not a Trap Card that could be used for defense or counter. It was [Spiral Spear Strike], which Virtual Hayato had added to Hand using [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s effect in the previous Turn and was now merely serving as a smoke screen.
On Hayato's side, his resources were much more abundant. He still had one Card in his Hand that hadn't been used, and two Set Cards in his Backrow.
The only weakness was probably—
"This is bad, Hayato-bro made a big mistake!"
Mokuba, who was watching from the sidelines, noticed something and pointed directly at the [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] that had just been transferred to Hayato's Field, specifically at the top of its head.
"What's on top of it is—"
"[Rainbow Kuriboh] is still equipped to [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]!"
"Although control has changed, the Equip Card hasn't changed. [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] is still sealed from attacking!"
"What?!" Pegasus looked over upon hearing this and also saw [Rainbow Kuriboh], which was clearly much more energetic than its bored yawning appearance from before, now that it was back on Hayato's Field. It was currently bouncing on the head of the dazed [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], waving at Hayato.
For a moment, it was unclear whether [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] was dazed because of [Change of Heart] or because [Rainbow Kuriboh] was bouncing on its head, causing a concussion.
Virtual Hayato also spoke: "The Equip Card does not target a specific person's Monster, but simply the Monster itself. Unless the Monster's state changes, such as changing from Face-up Position to Face-down Position, or leaving the Field, a mere change in control will not cause the Equip Card to leave the Monster."
"Even though you used [Change of Heart] to control [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], he still cannot attack due to [Rainbow Kuriboh]'s effect."
Hayato shrugged indifferently upon hearing this: "Just a mere machine. Simple calculation can't possibly calculate the possibilities of Duel Monsters. It's just that its attack ability is restricted. Just because you can't do it doesn't mean I can't!"
"Who says you can't kill someone without attack ability?"
Hayato played the last Card in his Hand: "Then, I activate the Spell Card [Power of Heritage]!"
"A single [Gaia] might have its individual limits, after all, individual rotation has an end point. But, as long as someone can inherit the incomplete rotation that [Gaia] possesses, the endless rotation can lead to an infinite future!"
"I send one Monster from my Field to the Graveyard, then I choose one Monster on my Field. The Attack of the chosen Monster increases by the Attack value of the Monster Card sent to the Graveyard until the End Phase of the Activation Turn!" Hayato ordered with a wave of his Hand, "Believe in the rotation, [Gaia], and step towards the next stage of rotation!"
On Hayato's Field, [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], which was controlled by the effect of [Change of Heart], raised its Lance in response to a bright light enveloping Hayato's Field. The rotation granted by [Spiral Spear Strike] coiled around its Lance.
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Lance was touched. It was touched by the other [Gaia]. The completely synchronized rotation power from two identical Lances was transferred to the same place, onto the [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] that Hayato had summoned. A golden sacred flame ignited on it.
The radiant light enveloping it silently dissipated. At the same time, the [Gaia] that was controlled by [Change of Heart] also dissipated. [Rainbow Kuriboh] on its head was also sent to the Graveyard as a result, waving goodbye to Hayato before leaving.
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK 2600 → 5200]
"Did you inherit this completely identical rotation power, [Gaia]?"
Although it was a question, Hayato used a tone of certainty.
Looking at Virtual Hayato, who stood before him indifferent to his Monster's departure, Hayato simply gave the final command with determination:
"Then, let's use a rotation as perfect as the Golden Ratio to deliver the final blow in this Duel!"
"Entering the Battle Phase, I will use [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] to Direct Attack the Opponent!"
"Golden Rotation Power!"
At Hayato's command, [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], empowered by the other [Gaia]'s power, charged without hesitation. Without even seeing him pull the reins, the [Infernal Flame Dragon] beneath him flapped its wings and flew high as if by telepathic connection, its body rotating like a spiral.
"This is the rotation! Go, Gaia!"
At the same time, Hayato also flipped over a Set Card in his Backrow. "And I also need to provide support! I activate the Continuous Spell Card [Spiral Discharge]!"
"As long as I have a [Gaia the Dragon Champion] on the Field in my Monster Zone, my Opponent can only choose [Gaia the Dragon Champion] as an Attack Target."
"Furthermore, Once per turn, when my [Gaia the Dragon Champion] Declares an Attack during Battle, I can target one Card on the Field and destroy it directly!"
Hayato's finger pointed at a Card in Virtual Hayato's Backrow: "The Card I choose to target is the one on your left. Fall before [Gaia], who has achieved the Perfect Cavalry Spin!"
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], whose Card Name can be treated as [Gaia the Dragon Champion], swooped down from the air. The rotating [Infernal Flame Dragon] served as a second layer of support after the other [Gaia], strengthening the rotation power at [Gaia]'s Lance tip. It even used some of the overflowing power to directly tear apart a Card in Virtual Hayato's Backrow!
The green Card shattered under everyone's gaze—
The Card Destroyed was [Spiral Spear Strike]?!
"Then, I will Chain to [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Attack and activate the other Set Card on my Field that was not Destroyed," Virtual Hayato said in his usual calm tone, but his words felt like mockery. "The Card I Set is this Card."
"Trap Card, [Magic Cylinder]!"
"What?!" Hayato was quite unexpected. "How do you have this Card?! My [Gaia] Deck doesn't have this Card!"
Mokuba also had an unexpected expression, even finding it hard to believe: "The data for the Cards saved in the database, has the data been modified?"
"Oh no, does that mean—!!"
Mokuba's face was extremely grim, and he anxiously reminded Hayato on the Duel Field: "Hayato-bro, the Cards the Duel Robot originally used should undoubtedly be your original Cards. That [Magic Cylinder] shouldn't exist; the Robot should have Set other Cards before!"
"But now the data the Robot is using has been completely modified. To avoid being defeated, it's starting to use Card Creation!"
"That doesn't matter, who doesn't use Card Creation these days?" Hayato retorted, focusing on [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], which was about to hit Virtual Hayato.
Coiled with Rotation Power accelerated to the extreme, already appearing golden, [Gaia]'s Lance tip was about to pierce Virtual Hayato's body when a light barrier unfolded before him, completely blocking his Attack.
At Virtual Hayato's feet, a deep cylinder appeared, covered in mysterious patterns. Although it looked quite small, looking inside revealed only darkness, bottomless. A similar device also abruptly appeared beside Hayato's feet.
In that instant, a light barrier emerged from this cylinder, blocking [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Attack. And now, a suction force appeared within the cylinder, as if to transfer [Gaia]'s Attack into the cylinder and then release it in front of Hayato!
The [Magic Cylinder] available on the market, like the Card [The Force], exists in two versions. The version of [Magic Cylinder] used by Yugi requires a Spellcaster-Type Monster on the Field to activate. Since Virtual Hayato's Field was empty, he naturally couldn't be using that version, but the other one.
Its effect is—
"The effect of [Magic Cylinder] is that when an Opponent's Monster Declares an Attack, you can activate it by targeting that Attacking Monster. It negates the Attacking Monster's Attack, and the Attack value of the Monster is inflicted as Effect Damage to the Opponent." Virtual Hayato said calmly. "[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Attack is 5200, and your Life Points are only 2400."
"The outcome of this Duel has already been revealed."
Even [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], whose Attack had surpassed 5000, struggled for a long time but ultimately couldn't resist the interference of [Magic Cylinder]'s effect. Its Lance, along with all the rotation power coiled around it, was completely sealed into the [Magic Cylinder] in front of Virtual Hayato.
And in front of Hayato, the light barrier that had just blocked [Gaia]'s Attack unfolded. The Lance coiled with rotation power appeared before his eyes.
As the light barrier suddenly disappeared, the sharp, rotating Lance pierced—
"Puff!"
"Clack!"
Two strange sounds rang out consecutively. Mokuba, who was looking worried, was surprised to find that [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Lance, which should have hit Hayato at point-blank range, strangely deviated due to its self-rotation and landed beside Hayato's feet. It had been just a tiny bit away from hitting Hayato and taking away his remaining 2400 Life Points.
The rotating Lance detached from [Gaia], and the rotation power suddenly dissipated. Although it still plunged into the ground, it didn't pierce very deep, hence the "Puff" sound.
And the "Clack" sound was...
Pegasus's single eye looked at a masked gunman who had abruptly appeared beside Virtual Hayato, holding a revolver in his outstretched left arm, pressing it firmly against Virtual Hayato's head. He revealed an interested smile: "Interesting! Hayato-boy, is this another new Duel Monster? And, since when?"
"Can't be helped, since the Opponent is shamelessly forcing Card Creation, I had no choice but to resort to this."
Hayato, who had just been panicking and seemed helpless and at a loss against Virtual Hayato's counter, was now completely calm. He even spread his hands and shrugged helplessly. "As for this Monster? His Name is [Infernity Death Gunman]."
"I summoned him to the Field back on the first Turn."
"I see, a Monster sent to the Graveyard by [Inferno Assembly]? And, Infernity? Sounds like an impressive Name," Pegasus exclaimed with a smile. "Just by looking at it, I feel countless inspirations for Duel Monsters emerging in my head again."
Mokuba's reaction was a bit slower, and he said in surprise: "What exactly happened just now?"
Virtual Hayato remained silent. On one hand, he also wanted to hear Hayato explain the Card's effect. On the other hand—with a gun pointed at his head, was he "moved" or "unable to move"?
"[Magic Cylinder] is indeed a very powerful Card. Returning the Monster's Attack value as Damage is perfect for dealing with Beatdown Decks, especially Brute Force Decks like Kaiba's and Joey Wheeler's." Hayato explained patiently. "However, its only weakness is that what it returns is not the Damage itself, but 'Effect Damage' caused by a Trap Card."
"After I activated [Power of Heritage] just now, the number of Cards in my Hand became 0. When I have 0 Cards in my Hand, and my Opponent activates a Spell/Trap/Monster Effect that would inflict Damage to me, the effect of [Infernity Death Dragon] in my Graveyard can activate."
"By banishing [Infernity Death Dragon] from my Graveyard, the Effect Damage I would take becomes 0." Hayato said, glancing at Virtual Hayato, whose head was being pressed by the handgun. "However, although I escaped certain death, the Grim Reaper is quite fair."
"After [Infernity Death Dragon] negates the Effect Damage, the Opponent can choose whether or not to activate its subsequent ability."
Pegasus's face showed an interested smile: "Oh, the Opponent gets to choose whether to activate it? Amazing~"
"Just like a Western cowboy!"
Hayato smiled: "Actually, it does have some relation to Western cowboys, because the next ability is similar to Roulette."
"Reveal the top of my Deck. If that Card is a Monster Card, I inflict Damage to the Opponent's Life Points equal to the total value of Effect Damage I took and Effect Damage that was negated this Turn. Conversely, if the drawn Card is a Spell/Trap Card, I take the Effect Damage that was negated."
"Of course, this effect only applies if you are willing to activate it. If the Opponent chooses not to activate the subsequent effect, they cannot inflict Effect Damage to me this Turn."
Hayato adopted a relaxed posture: "Should I call it dancing on the edge of a knife, or sticking a gun barrel in your mouth? In short, the effect of this Card, [Infernity Death Dragon], can be said to be interpreting the Grim Reaper's way of life."
"So, what will you do? What is your choice?"
Placing his finger on his Deck, feeling the touch of the Cards, Hayato smiled and looked at Virtual Hayato's expressionless face. "To be honest, although I clearly remember that the total number of Cards in the Deck I'm currently using is forty, unfortunately, because Cards are often added or removed,"
"Even I myself have forgotten how many Monster Cards I've put in my Deck."
"So, what will you do?"
Synchronized with Hayato's movement, [Infernity Death Dragon], standing beside Virtual Hayato and pointing a gun at him, placed its finger on the revolver's trigger. It seemed that as soon as Virtual Hayato made his decision, Hayato and [Infernity Death Dragon] would draw Cards and pull the trigger like Western cowboys dueling at high noon.
Virtual Hayato's Calculation Logic Unit was currently calculating various possibilities at full load.
If he activates [Infernity Death Dragon]'s effect, the outcome of this Duel will be entirely dependent on the Card at the top of Hayato's Deck. If he doesn't activate [Infernity Death Dragon]'s effect, [Magic Cylinder]'s effect will be completely wasted, and the Duel will once again enter a fierce exchange.
In the Duel Robot's Calculation, the probability of drawing a key card sufficient to clear the board in the next Draw is less than 5%. This means that if it doesn't use [Magic Cylinder] to defeat Hayato here, the Duel Robot will likely lose in the future.
On the other hand, the Duel Robot also completed the Calculation of the theoretically most probable composition of the [Gaia] Deck Hayato was using. The result was a ratio of 15 Monster Cards, 15 Spell Cards, and 10 Trap Cards.
In this Duel, Hayato has already used 4 Monster Cards (excluding Fusion Monsters), 7 Spell Cards, and 1 Trap Card from his Deck. This means theoretically there are still 11 Monster Cards, 8 Spell Cards, and 9 Trap Cards left in the Deck. The probability of drawing a Card other than a Monster Card is 60%, a success rate of over half.
So, the result is clear.
Virtual Hayato spoke: "I choose to activate [Infernity Death Dragon]'s effect."
"Pull the trigger."
"Swish!"
Just as Virtual Hayato's words fell, Hayato's finger on the top of the Deck exerted slight force, like a swordsman focusing his will in a single instant drawing a sharp blade that had been waiting in its sheath, he drew the Card from the top of the Deck.
A faint golden light flashed in mid-air, but dissipated in the blink of an eye, as if it were merely an illusion.
"So, I said it already, mere machines are truly boring." Hayato, who had drawn the Card, didn't even check what Card he had drawn, just sighed helplessly. "Although I don't think a mere machine can learn anything from this, let me teach you a little."
"Lesson 1: The number of Cards in a Duelist's Deck is limited, but the possibility of each drawing Cards is infinite."
"Lesson 2: A Duelist must believe in their Deck, and the Deck will naturally respond to that trust."
"Lesson 3: As long as you don't give up on the future, the future can advance infinitely."
"Lesson 4: The most important thing for a Duelist is not powerful Cards, but intuition."
"And, Lesson 5."
As he spoke, Hayato held up the Card in his Hand: "For a True Duelist, everything is inevitable, even drawing Cards itself is created by the Duelist!"
"You, a mere computer program, calculated the Cards completely but held no trust. You gave up on the possibility of the future simply because of probability, and you relied only on powerful Cards without any intuition. Such a you was destined for failure from the start of the Duel!"
"The Card at the top of my Deck is a Monster Card, [Dark Knight—]"
"[GAIA———!!!]"
"Bang!!"
As [Infernity Death Dragon] bent its finger and pulled the trigger, a gunshot echoed through Kaiba Land. However, here in America, a mere gunshot was nothing.
The image of Virtual Hayato, with a hole opened in his temple, dissipated like dust in the wind. At the same time, perhaps due to overload, the red ring above the Duel Field burst with a "Bang", as if it were a salute for the Duel Robot's defeat, smashing heavily onto the ground.
Hayato exchanged a high-five with [Infernity Death Dragon], whose figure was gradually dissipating and walking towards him. He glanced at the Opponent's Field, which was covered by the smashed Virtual Projection Device: "Well, at a time like this, I guess I have to say..."
"...This is satisfying."
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, [Super Polymerization]!"
As Hayato sent [Spiral Fusion] to the Graveyard, an unmatched power instantly locked onto [Gaia the Magical Knight] and [Gaia the Dragon Champion] on the Field.
"The effect of [Super Polymerization] is that after discarding a card from my Hand, I send the required Fusion Material Monsters from both my Field and yours to the Graveyard, and then Special Summon a Fusion Monster as a Fusion Summon."
"Furthermore, [Super Polymerization] also has the ability to prevent Spell/Trap/Monster Effects from being activated in response to its activation!"
On Hayato's Field, [Gaia the Magical Knight] pulled the reins, and the War Horse beneath him suddenly accelerated into a wild charge, rushing towards [Dragon Knight Gaia] on Virtual Hayato's Field. [Dragon Knight Gaia] wanted to avoid it, but under the suppression of [Super Polymerization], he couldn't move at all!
The distance between them finally grew shorter and shorter. At the last moment, [Gaia the Magical Knight] stood up directly from the horse's back, leaping high into the air. Using the momentum of his War Horse, he flew up and delivered a "Knight Kick" directly onto the body of the immobile [Dragon Knight Gaia]!
[Gaia] on the dragon's back was directly kicked away, falling to the ground. He was then struck by the War Horse's powerful horseshoe, which couldn't stop its momentum, and was directly sent to the Graveyard. Meanwhile, the original [Gaia the Magical Knight] took the opportunity to take control of the [Curse of Dragon] beneath him, pulled the reins, and returned to Hayato's Field.
However, upon returning to Hayato's Field, [Gaia], who had to abandon his weapon due to the previous kick, reluctantly pulled out a backup Lance. The [Curse of Dragon] also evolved into [Infernal Flame Dragon].
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK 2600]
"Although I also wanted to Fusion Summon [Dragon Knight Gaia], his Fusion Material requirements are a [Gaia the Fierce Knight] Monster and a Level 5 or higher Dragon-Type Monster. The [Dragon Knight Gaia] used as Material was a Level 7 Dragon-Type."
Hayato, who had gained an advantage but still acted dissatisfied, wore a slightly unhappy expression. "So, I could only Summon [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]."
"And you should be familiar with his effect, right? When Special Summoned Successfully, I can add one [Spiral Spear Strike] from my Deck to my Hand."
Catching the [Spiral Spear Strike] ejected from his Deck, Hayato had no intention of keeping it in his Hand and activated it immediately: "I activate [Spiral Spear Strike], which I just added to my Hand."
As Hayato placed [Spiral Spear Strike] into his Duel Disk, spiral air currents began to coil and rotate around the tip of the Lance held by [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] on his Field, already imbued with the ability of Piercing Battle Damage.
At this moment, both Hayato and Virtual Hayato had one [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] on their Fields. Coupled with their identical appearances, it was as if a mirror had been erected in the very center of the two Duel Fields.
As one of the few differences, [Rainbow Kuriboh] sat obediently on top of [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s head, opening its mouth to yawn.
Mokuba watched both Fields, feeling somewhat confused. Although [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] on Virtual Hayato's Field had its attack ability sealed because it was equipped with [Rainbow Kuriboh], its 2600 Attack was still there.
If Hayato's [Super Polymerization] had targeted [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] just now, Hayato would only need to face [Dragon Knight Gaia], whose Attack had been reduced to 0.
Maximillion Pegasus, also watching, slightly narrowed his only exposed single eye, looking at the Set Card in Hayato's Hand. For some reason, he suddenly remembered the Card Hayato frequently used during the Duelist Kingdom period. With that Card, Hayato often took and used other Duelists' cards right in front of them.
And every time he used it, Hayato would always add one more sentence—
"Witness the bond between me and my companion," Hayato declared loudly, drawing a Card from his Hand. "I activate this Card that symbolizes 'bond', the Spell Card [Change of Heart]!"
So how exactly does that thing relate to bond?!
As Hayato placed the Card into his Duel Disk, on his Backrow, a figure that was half-angel and half-demon emerged from the activated [Change of Heart] Card. From a distance, it formed a heart shape towards [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] on Virtual Hayato's Field. From the hand shape, a translucent pink heart flew out.
"The effect of [Change of Heart] is that I can target one Monster on my Opponent's Field and gain control of that Monster until the End Phase." Hayato said, pointing his finger like a gun, aiming through the translucent heart shape at [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]. "Alright, I'll be taking your Monster. It might tickle a little~"
"Capturing Arrow!"
As Hayato made a shooting gesture with his Hand, a dense volley of arrows flew out from the translucent heart shape towards [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] opposite Hayato. The rain of arrows fell upon him but passed through his body, landing in the empty space.
However, just after the arrows passed through [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s body, the heart shape floating in front of Hayato turned black, and Virtual Hayato's [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] also arrived on his Field with a dazed expression.
With this, the situation on the Field changed again. On Hayato's Field, just like Virtual Hayato's Field in the previous Turn, there were now two Monsters with 2600 Attack, totaling 5200 Attack. This gave him the ability to deplete Virtual Hayato's currently full 4000 Life Points in one Turn.
Virtual Hayato only had two Set Cards in his Backrow, and it was confirmed that one of them was not a Trap Card that could be used for defense or counter. It was [Spiral Spear Strike], which Virtual Hayato had added to Hand using [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s effect in the previous Turn and was now merely serving as a smoke screen.
On Hayato's side, his resources were much more abundant. He still had one Card in his Hand that hadn't been used, and two Set Cards in his Backrow.
The only weakness was probably—
"This is bad, Hayato-bro made a big mistake!"
Mokuba, who was watching from the sidelines, noticed something and pointed directly at the [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] that had just been transferred to Hayato's Field, specifically at the top of its head.
"What's on top of it is—"
"[Rainbow Kuriboh] is still equipped to [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]!"
"Although control has changed, the Equip Card hasn't changed. [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] is still sealed from attacking!"
"What?!" Pegasus looked over upon hearing this and also saw [Rainbow Kuriboh], which was clearly much more energetic than its bored yawning appearance from before, now that it was back on Hayato's Field. It was currently bouncing on the head of the dazed [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], waving at Hayato.
For a moment, it was unclear whether [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] was dazed because of [Change of Heart] or because [Rainbow Kuriboh] was bouncing on its head, causing a concussion.
Virtual Hayato also spoke: "The Equip Card does not target a specific person's Monster, but simply the Monster itself. Unless the Monster's state changes, such as changing from Face-up Position to Face-down Position, or leaving the Field, a mere change in control will not cause the Equip Card to leave the Monster."
"Even though you used [Change of Heart] to control [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], he still cannot attack due to [Rainbow Kuriboh]'s effect."
Hayato shrugged indifferently upon hearing this: "Just a mere machine. Simple calculation can't possibly calculate the possibilities of Duel Monsters. It's just that its attack ability is restricted. Just because you can't do it doesn't mean I can't!"
"Who says you can't kill someone without attack ability?"
Hayato played the last Card in his Hand: "Then, I activate the Spell Card [Power of Heritage]!"
"A single [Gaia] might have its individual limits, after all, individual rotation has an end point. But, as long as someone can inherit the incomplete rotation that [Gaia] possesses, the endless rotation can lead to an infinite future!"
"I send one Monster from my Field to the Graveyard, then I choose one Monster on my Field. The Attack of the chosen Monster increases by the Attack value of the Monster Card sent to the Graveyard until the End Phase of the Activation Turn!" Hayato ordered with a wave of his Hand, "Believe in the rotation, [Gaia], and step towards the next stage of rotation!"
On Hayato's Field, [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], which was controlled by the effect of [Change of Heart], raised its Lance in response to a bright light enveloping Hayato's Field. The rotation granted by [Spiral Spear Strike] coiled around its Lance.
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Lance was touched. It was touched by the other [Gaia]. The completely synchronized rotation power from two identical Lances was transferred to the same place, onto the [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] that Hayato had summoned. A golden sacred flame ignited on it.
The radiant light enveloping it silently dissipated. At the same time, the [Gaia] that was controlled by [Change of Heart] also dissipated. [Rainbow Kuriboh] on its head was also sent to the Graveyard as a result, waving goodbye to Hayato before leaving.
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK 2600 → 5200]
"Did you inherit this completely identical rotation power, [Gaia]?"
Although it was a question, Hayato used a tone of certainty.
Looking at Virtual Hayato, who stood before him indifferent to his Monster's departure, Hayato simply gave the final command with determination:
"Then, let's use a rotation as perfect as the Golden Ratio to deliver the final blow in this Duel!"
"Entering the Battle Phase, I will use [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] to Direct Attack the Opponent!"
"Golden Rotation Power!"
At Hayato's command, [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], empowered by the other [Gaia]'s power, charged without hesitation. Without even seeing him pull the reins, the [Infernal Flame Dragon] beneath him flapped its wings and flew high as if by telepathic connection, its body rotating like a spiral.
"This is the rotation! Go, Gaia!"
At the same time, Hayato also flipped over a Set Card in his Backrow. "And I also need to provide support! I activate the Continuous Spell Card [Spiral Discharge]!"
"As long as I have a [Gaia the Dragon Champion] on the Field in my Monster Zone, my Opponent can only choose [Gaia the Dragon Champion] as an Attack Target."
"Furthermore, Once per turn, when my [Gaia the Dragon Champion] Declares an Attack during Battle, I can target one Card on the Field and destroy it directly!"
Hayato's finger pointed at a Card in Virtual Hayato's Backrow: "The Card I choose to target is the one on your left. Fall before [Gaia], who has achieved the Perfect Cavalry Spin!"
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], whose Card Name can be treated as [Gaia the Dragon Champion], swooped down from the air. The rotating [Infernal Flame Dragon] served as a second layer of support after the other [Gaia], strengthening the rotation power at [Gaia]'s Lance tip. It even used some of the overflowing power to directly tear apart a Card in Virtual Hayato's Backrow!
The green Card shattered under everyone's gaze—
The Card Destroyed was [Spiral Spear Strike]?!
"Then, I will Chain to [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Attack and activate the other Set Card on my Field that was not Destroyed," Virtual Hayato said in his usual calm tone, but his words felt like mockery. "The Card I Set is this Card."
"Trap Card, [Magic Cylinder]!"
"What?!" Hayato was quite unexpected. "How do you have this Card?! My [Gaia] Deck doesn't have this Card!"
Mokuba also had an unexpected expression, even finding it hard to believe: "The data for the Cards saved in the database, has the data been modified?"
"Oh no, does that mean—!!"
Mokuba's face was extremely grim, and he anxiously reminded Hayato on the Duel Field: "Hayato-bro, the Cards the Duel Robot originally used should undoubtedly be your original Cards. That [Magic Cylinder] shouldn't exist; the Robot should have Set other Cards before!"
"But now the data the Robot is using has been completely modified. To avoid being defeated, it's starting to use Card Creation!"
"That doesn't matter, who doesn't use Card Creation these days?" Hayato retorted, focusing on [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], which was about to hit Virtual Hayato.
Coiled with Rotation Power accelerated to the extreme, already appearing golden, [Gaia]'s Lance tip was about to pierce Virtual Hayato's body when a light barrier unfolded before him, completely blocking his Attack.
At Virtual Hayato's feet, a deep cylinder appeared, covered in mysterious patterns. Although it looked quite small, looking inside revealed only darkness, bottomless. A similar device also abruptly appeared beside Hayato's feet.
In that instant, a light barrier emerged from this cylinder, blocking [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Attack. And now, a suction force appeared within the cylinder, as if to transfer [Gaia]'s Attack into the cylinder and then release it in front of Hayato!
The [Magic Cylinder] available on the market, like the Card [The Force], exists in two versions. The version of [Magic Cylinder] used by Yugi requires a Spellcaster-Type Monster on the Field to activate. Since Virtual Hayato's Field was empty, he naturally couldn't be using that version, but the other one.
Its effect is—
"The effect of [Magic Cylinder] is that when an Opponent's Monster Declares an Attack, you can activate it by targeting that Attacking Monster. It negates the Attacking Monster's Attack, and the Attack value of the Monster is inflicted as Effect Damage to the Opponent." Virtual Hayato said calmly. "[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Attack is 5200, and your Life Points are only 2400."
"The outcome of this Duel has already been revealed."
Even [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], whose Attack had surpassed 5000, struggled for a long time but ultimately couldn't resist the interference of [Magic Cylinder]'s effect. Its Lance, along with all the rotation power coiled around it, was completely sealed into the [Magic Cylinder] in front of Virtual Hayato.
And in front of Hayato, the light barrier that had just blocked [Gaia]'s Attack unfolded. The Lance coiled with rotation power appeared before his eyes.
As the light barrier suddenly disappeared, the sharp, rotating Lance pierced—
"Puff!"
"Clack!"
Two strange sounds rang out consecutively. Mokuba, who was looking worried, was surprised to find that [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion]'s Lance, which should have hit Hayato at point-blank range, strangely deviated due to its self-rotation and landed beside Hayato's feet. It had been just a tiny bit away from hitting Hayato and taking away his remaining 2400 Life Points.
The rotating Lance detached from [Gaia], and the rotation power suddenly dissipated. Although it still plunged into the ground, it didn't pierce very deep, hence the "Puff" sound.
And the "Clack" sound was...
Pegasus's single eye looked at a masked gunman who had abruptly appeared beside Virtual Hayato, holding a revolver in his outstretched left arm, pressing it firmly against Virtual Hayato's head. He revealed an interested smile: "Interesting! Hayato-boy, is this another new Duel Monster? And, since when?"
"Can't be helped, since the Opponent is shamelessly forcing Card Creation, I had no choice but to resort to this."
Hayato, who had just been panicking and seemed helpless and at a loss against Virtual Hayato's counter, was now completely calm. He even spread his hands and shrugged helplessly. "As for this Monster? His Name is [Infernity Death Gunman]."
"I summoned him to the Field back on the first Turn."
"I see, a Monster sent to the Graveyard by [Inferno Assembly]? And, Infernity? Sounds like an impressive Name," Pegasus exclaimed with a smile. "Just by looking at it, I feel countless inspirations for Duel Monsters emerging in my head again."
Mokuba's reaction was a bit slower, and he said in surprise: "What exactly happened just now?"
Virtual Hayato remained silent. On one hand, he also wanted to hear Hayato explain the Card's effect. On the other hand—with a gun pointed at his head, was he "moved" or "unable to move"?
"[Magic Cylinder] is indeed a very powerful Card. Returning the Monster's Attack value as Damage is perfect for dealing with Beatdown Decks, especially Brute Force Decks like Kaiba's and Joey Wheeler's." Hayato explained patiently. "However, its only weakness is that what it returns is not the Damage itself, but 'Effect Damage' caused by a Trap Card."
"After I activated [Power of Heritage] just now, the number of Cards in my Hand became 0. When I have 0 Cards in my Hand, and my Opponent activates a Spell/Trap/Monster Effect that would inflict Damage to me, the effect of [Infernity Death Dragon] in my Graveyard can activate."
"By banishing [Infernity Death Dragon] from my Graveyard, the Effect Damage I would take becomes 0." Hayato said, glancing at Virtual Hayato, whose head was being pressed by the handgun. "However, although I escaped certain death, the Grim Reaper is quite fair."
"After [Infernity Death Dragon] negates the Effect Damage, the Opponent can choose whether or not to activate its subsequent ability."
Pegasus's face showed an interested smile: "Oh, the Opponent gets to choose whether to activate it? Amazing~"
"Just like a Western cowboy!"
Hayato smiled: "Actually, it does have some relation to Western cowboys, because the next ability is similar to Roulette."
"Reveal the top of my Deck. If that Card is a Monster Card, I inflict Damage to the Opponent's Life Points equal to the total value of Effect Damage I took and Effect Damage that was negated this Turn. Conversely, if the drawn Card is a Spell/Trap Card, I take the Effect Damage that was negated."
"Of course, this effect only applies if you are willing to activate it. If the Opponent chooses not to activate the subsequent effect, they cannot inflict Effect Damage to me this Turn."
Hayato adopted a relaxed posture: "Should I call it dancing on the edge of a knife, or sticking a gun barrel in your mouth? In short, the effect of this Card, [Infernity Death Dragon], can be said to be interpreting the Grim Reaper's way of life."
"So, what will you do? What is your choice?"
Placing his finger on his Deck, feeling the touch of the Cards, Hayato smiled and looked at Virtual Hayato's expressionless face. "To be honest, although I clearly remember that the total number of Cards in the Deck I'm currently using is forty, unfortunately, because Cards are often added or removed,"
"Even I myself have forgotten how many Monster Cards I've put in my Deck."
"So, what will you do?"
Synchronized with Hayato's movement, [Infernity Death Dragon], standing beside Virtual Hayato and pointing a gun at him, placed its finger on the revolver's trigger. It seemed that as soon as Virtual Hayato made his decision, Hayato and [Infernity Death Dragon] would draw Cards and pull the trigger like Western cowboys dueling at high noon.
Virtual Hayato's Calculation Logic Unit was currently calculating various possibilities at full load.
If he activates [Infernity Death Dragon]'s effect, the outcome of this Duel will be entirely dependent on the Card at the top of Hayato's Deck. If he doesn't activate [Infernity Death Dragon]'s effect, [Magic Cylinder]'s effect will be completely wasted, and the Duel will once again enter a fierce exchange.
In the Duel Robot's Calculation, the probability of drawing a key card sufficient to clear the board in the next Draw is less than 5%. This means that if it doesn't use [Magic Cylinder] to defeat Hayato here, the Duel Robot will likely lose in the future.
On the other hand, the Duel Robot also completed the Calculation of the theoretically most probable composition of the [Gaia] Deck Hayato was using. The result was a ratio of 15 Monster Cards, 15 Spell Cards, and 10 Trap Cards.
In this Duel, Hayato has already used 4 Monster Cards (excluding Fusion Monsters), 7 Spell Cards, and 1 Trap Card from his Deck. This means theoretically there are still 11 Monster Cards, 8 Spell Cards, and 9 Trap Cards left in the Deck. The probability of drawing a Card other than a Monster Card is 60%, a success rate of over half.
So, the result is clear.
Virtual Hayato spoke: "I choose to activate [Infernity Death Dragon]'s effect."
"Pull the trigger."
"Swish!"
Just as Virtual Hayato's words fell, Hayato's finger on the top of the Deck exerted slight force, like a swordsman focusing his will in a single instant drawing a sharp blade that had been waiting in its sheath, he drew the Card from the top of the Deck.
A faint golden light flashed in mid-air, but dissipated in the blink of an eye, as if it were merely an illusion.
"So, I said it already, mere machines are truly boring." Hayato, who had drawn the Card, didn't even check what Card he had drawn, just sighed helplessly. "Although I don't think a mere machine can learn anything from this, let me teach you a little."
"Lesson 1: The number of Cards in a Duelist's Deck is limited, but the possibility of each drawing Cards is infinite."
"Lesson 2: A Duelist must believe in their Deck, and the Deck will naturally respond to that trust."
"Lesson 3: As long as you don't give up on the future, the future can advance infinitely."
"Lesson 4: The most important thing for a Duelist is not powerful Cards, but intuition."
"And, Lesson 5."
As he spoke, Hayato held up the Card in his Hand: "For a True Duelist, everything is inevitable, even drawing Cards itself is created by the Duelist!"
"You, a mere computer program, calculated the Cards completely but held no trust. You gave up on the possibility of the future simply because of probability, and you relied only on powerful Cards without any intuition. Such a you was destined for failure from the start of the Duel!"
"The Card at the top of my Deck is a Monster Card, [Dark Knight—]"
"[GAIA———!!!]"
"Bang!!"
As [Infernity Death Dragon] bent its finger and pulled the trigger, a gunshot echoed through Kaiba Land. However, here in America, a mere gunshot was nothing.
The image of Virtual Hayato, with a hole opened in his temple, dissipated like dust in the wind. At the same time, perhaps due to overload, the red ring above the Duel Field burst with a "Bang", as if it were a salute for the Duel Robot's defeat, smashing heavily onto the ground.
Hayato exchanged a high-five with [Infernity Death Dragon], whose figure was gradually dissipating and walking towards him. He glanced at the Opponent's Field, which was covered by the smashed Virtual Projection Device: "Well, at a time like this, I guess I have to say..."
"...This is satisfying."
