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Chapter 408: Electronic Flow? And Electronic Flow?
[Samejima: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[Face-down Defense Position Monster]
[Time Capsule] [Set Card] X4
Complaints aside, the five Set Cards on Samejima's field were quite intimidating. At least, they were much more dangerous than Joey Wheeler's often empty backrow, forcing Hayato to be cautious.
"Alright, it's my turn! Draw a card!" Hayato drew a card and added it to his hand. The card he drew was [Pot of Greed], a divine artifact for drawing cards with no cost. It's always right to draw more cards regardless of the situation.
"I activate the Spell Card I just drew, [Pot of Greed]." Hayato placed the [Pot of Greed] card into his Duel Disk, reaching for his Deck with one hand, preparing to draw a card.
Just then, Samejima activated his Set Card: "Then, Chain to your [Pot of Greed], I activate my Set Card, the Continuous Trap Card **Illusion of Demise**!"
One of Samejima's backrow cards activated. Before Hayato's [Pot of Greed] could take effect, it injected some seemingly ominous green spores into the pot. Even the two cards Hayato drew were tainted with green bacteria.
"**Illusion of Demise** is a card specifically targeting card drawing actions outside of the Draw Phase. Whichever of both players uses a card effect to draw cards during their turn's End Phase will take effect damage equal to 500 points for each card drawn."
"Unlimited growing desire can lead people into darkness, Dan Kuroto."
"Only the weak are controlled by mere desire. My talent is far more terrifying than you imagine. Also, it's not Dan Kuroto, it's Dan Kuroto Ou!" Hayato said, drawing a card. "Electronic Flow Duelist Samejima Iemitsu, I'm sure you're not unfamiliar with this monster, are you?"
"I activate the Spell Card **Power Bond**! By this card's effect, the Attack of the Machine Type Fusion Monster Fusion Summoned will increase by its original Attack!"
"However, powerful cards often come with risks. During the End Phase of this turn, I must take damage equal to the amount that Fusion Monster's Attack was increased."
"Could it be?" Samejima's gaze narrowed. "You're summoning it on the first turn?!"
Hayato drew three cards: "The Fusion Material I will use are three **Cyber Dragon**s from my hand! There are three Level 5 monsters, I'll directly Overlay!"
"Witness my talent, and the end of despair! The perfect ultimate **Cyber End Dragon**!"
With the activation of **Power Bond**, the three **Cyber Dragon**s from Hayato's hand were projected onto the field, approaching each other and enveloped in a light like electric welding. For a moment, even Hayato's eyes were filled with a "craving for electric welding."
After the light faded, under the gaze of everyone in the Kaiba Dome, the mechanical three-headed giant dragon spread its metallic wings. Its three distinct heads slowly lifted, looking down at Samejima and roaring.
[Cyber End Dragon] [10☆/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine Type/Fusion/Effect]
[4000/2800→8000/2800]
Compared to the exaggeratedly large [Ultimate Conductor Tyranno] Ryuzaki summoned in the first duel of the KC Cup yesterday, **Cyber End Dragon**'s volume was only average. Many people had summoned large monsters yesterday.
However, if comparing Attack, "Dan Kuroto"'s **Cyber End Dragon** was undoubtedly the first, and it would be difficult for any monster to surpass this number in the upcoming duels.
And as the one directly facing **Cyber End Dragon**, Samejima also knew that while **Cyber End Dragon**'s Attack was increased by **Power Bond**, its Piercing Damage effect, which allows it to inflict damage to the opponent equal to the excess Attack over the Defense of a Defense Position monster it attacks, was also retained.
This meant that keeping a monster in Defense Position was useless against **Cyber End Dragon**. Furthermore, unless the monster Samejima Set had a Defense exceeding 4000 points, if "Dan Kuroto"'s **Cyber End Dragon** successfully attacked, he would only face defeat.
"It would be bad if **Cyber End Dragon** attacked me," Samejima frowned, probably because his backrow didn't have an invincible Attack Declaration Trap like [Sakuretsu Armor]. "In that case, luckily I set this card..."
"From now on, it's my Battle Phase, Samejima Iemitsu!" Hayato pointed at Samejima. "Do you dare defy me, who possesses **Cyber End Dragon**?"
"Attack that Face-down Defense Position monster, **Cyber End Dragon**! There's no space for sealed players hiding their identity in this game!"
"Perfect Conclusion Impact!"
Hearing Hayato issue the attack command, Samejima immediately pressed the button to activate his Set Card: "Before that, I activate this card, the Trap Card **Compulsory Ejection Device**!"
"This card's effect is that this turn, both players cannot attack Face-down monsters!"
Samejima smiled: "You can't leave the field so early. I haven't seen the limits of your Electronic Flow yet, Dan Kuroto."
Samejima's words made Hayato frown. Hearing Samejima's words, it felt like he was implying something. Could it be that he already recognized me?
As Samejima's Set Card was activated, a barrier appeared around the Face-down monster on his field. It didn't look very sturdy, but it effectively prevented "Dan Kuroto"'s **Cyber End Dragon** from attacking.
Due to the restriction of "cannot attack Face-down monsters," **Cyber End Dragon**, which was ready to attack, could only reluctantly close its mouth and extinguish the laser light within.
"Tch, you actually found such a roundabout way to evade battle," Hayato complained, feeling annoyed. "You keep saying you want to see my limits and that you'll use your full power, but is this all there is?"
"After all, Dan Kuroto, you summoned the ultimate technique of Electronic Flow, **Cyber End Dragon**, and its Attack has even increased to 8000 points. Only someone with a poor mindset would want to clash head-on."
Samejima wasn't embarrassed at all; instead, he had his own explanation. Samejima wasn't the type of person to change his dueling style and clash head-on with **Cyber End Dragon** just because of "Dan Kuroto"'s words. Having a good mentality is a basic quality for someone who plays a heavy trap deck.
Moreover, Samejima avoiding battle had its benefits. Since "Dan Kuroto" couldn't defeat him in one turn, he had to face the cost of pursuing a one-turn kill—not only the high effect damage of up to 4000 points from **Power Bond**, but also the 1000 points of effect damage from **Illusion of Demise** that Samejima had activated earlier.
Hayato, of course, knew about Samejima's calculations. The phrase "Powerful cards often come with risks" wasn't just for show. Not everyone is like Kaiba, who uses cards that seem to have side effects but are practically non-existent, like Card of Demise, Card of Demise, and Card of Demise.
However, as is well known, if you were to summarize Hayato's basic strategy with one card, it would definitely be—
"In that case, there's no other way. Although it's a bit regrettable, a monster that cannot advance the game to the next expansion pack has no reason to exist on the field." Hayato sneered and played a card. "Become the foundation for me to enter the next expansion pack, **Cyber End Dragon**."
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card **Mystical Wok**! I Tribute my old friend **Cyber End Dragon** to recover Life Points equal to its Attack!"
[Dan Kuroto: 4000→12000 LP]
**Cyber End Dragon** was sent to the Graveyard by Hayato in silence. It wasn't its first appearance, and it was almost always bound together with **Power Bond**. It either won in one hit or failed to win and was "fried for food." It was used to it.
As the 8000 Attack **Cyber End Dragon** left the field like a fleeting moment, "Dan Kuroto"'s field was empty, and he was left with only two cards in his hand.
"He sent his own monster to the Graveyard..." In the audience seats, Rafael frowned slightly, but didn't think much of it. For many duelists, temporarily sacrificing their monster for the final victory is a normal practice. He wouldn't forcefully demand that others also not pursue victory but instead fully protect their monsters like him.
Kaiba, who had returned backstage, saw Hayato's operation through the camera and snorted coldly.
See? Sacrificing monsters for victory is such a normal thing. That guy named "Rafael" must definitely be looking down on me!
"I set both cards in my hand." Hayato emptied his hand. Although it was clear that Hayato was at a disadvantage on the field, looking at his expression, others might even think he was the one with the advantage. "Mhm, successfully passed the first wave of challenge. Looks like a good challenger."
"Then, Dan Kuroto Ou's turn ends here. Bare your fangs at the throne, Samejima Iemitsu."
[Dan Kuroto: 12000→7000 LP, Hand 0]
[Set Card] X2
When "Dan Kuroto" declared the End Turn, the effects of **Power Bond** and **Illusion of Demise** took effect simultaneously, dealing a total of 5000 points of high damage to "Dan Kuroto"'s Life Points. However, thanks to the "great tonic" that was **Cyber End Dragon**, "Dan Kuroto"'s Life Points were still as high as 7000 points after taking such damage.
However, as soon as Hayato's turn ended, Samejima drew a card and immediately activated a Set Card.
"My turn, draw a card. Then I activate the Spell Card **Pot of Duality**."
On Hayato's field, a wooden box containing the [Pot of Greed] he used last turn appeared.
"This card's effect is the same as [Pot of Greed]; you can draw two cards, but it's you, Dan Kuroto, not me," Samejima said, summoning a monster. "Then, I Flip Summon the monster on my field."
"My monster is **Dark Mimic LV1**."
What the hell is this Electronic Flow?!
Hayato didn't want to do anything right now except ask Samejima to explain where exactly the "Electronic Flow" was in what he was using?
The **Dark Mimic LV1** that appeared on Samejima's field, Hayato looked at it from head to toe and couldn't find anything that resembled an "Electronic Flow" monster. In fact, other than the weapon in its hand being made of iron, there were no other metal objects at all.
And although it had been flipped by Samejima, **Dark Mimic LV1** didn't trigger any Flip Effects.
After seemingly unnecessarily flipping **Dark Mimic LV1**, Samejima played the card he drew this turn: "I Tribute the flipped **Dark Mimic LV1** on my field to Tribute Summon **Cyber Dragon**."
"Then, when the flipped **Dark Mimic LV1** is sent to the Graveyard, its effect activates," Samejima's voice carried a hint of smugness. "Both players can select one monster from their respective Graveyard and Special Summon it to the field in Face-Up Attack Position or Face-down Defense Position."
"Both players can summon?" Hayato was a bit strange. Samejima shouldn't have forgotten that he had **Cyber End Dragon** in his Graveyard, after all, it was just sent to the Graveyard last turn.
"The only monster in my Graveyard that I can Special Summon is **Dark Mimic LV1**. I Special Summon it in Face-down Defense Position. So, what about you, Dan Kuroto?" Samejima asked with a smile. "You have **Cyber Dragon** and **Cyber End Dragon** in your Graveyard. What is your choice?"
Samejima's question was answered by Hayato without any hesitation: "Generally speaking, if I were allowed to select any monster from my Graveyard to Special Summon, without any special effects, I would choose **Cyber End Dragon**, which has the highest Attack."
"However, I refuse, because my divine talent cannot be seen through by ordinary people's thoughts, so I will choose to Special Summon **Cyber Dragon** in Attack Position!"
Although he didn't know what purpose Samejima had in specifically flipping **Dark Mimic LV1** to activate its effect, Hayato felt that he couldn't let Samejima have his way.
Light pillars simultaneously lit up on both Hayato's and Samejima's fields. **Dark Mimic LV1**, which had just been Tributed and sent to the Graveyard by Samejima, returned to the field in a Set Position, while Hayato's **Cyber Dragon** stood opposite Samejima's **Cyber Dragon**.
[Cyber Dragon] [ATK 2100]
Seeing that Hayato had summoned **Cyber Dragon** instead of **Cyber End Dragon**, Samejima couldn't help but show an unexpected expression.
"You made an unexpected choice, but it doesn't matter. Even **Cyber Dragon** is fine," Samejima said, waving his hand forward. "Enter my Battle Phase. I will use **Cyber Dragon** to attack your **Cyber Dragon**, Dan Kuroto."
"Evolution Burst!"
The **Cyber Dragon**s, identical in appearance as if carved from the same mold, attacked each other. Because their basic performance was exactly the same, the result was indeed mutual destruction; both were destroyed and sent to the Graveyard simultaneously.
"Neither here nor there, completely unlike an attack from Electronic Flow. It's terrible, Samejima Iemitsu," Hayato commented indifferently.
Samejima just smiled and didn't retort: "No, this way my Graveyard is complete."
"Then, I will activate the last Set Card on my field." Samejima pressed his finger on the Duel Disk, playing a card that made Hayato gasp in surprise. "What I will activate is the Quick-Play Spell Card **Overload Fusion**!"
"This card's effect is different from other cards. I can Banish monsters from my opponent's Graveyard to use as Fusion Material!"
Hayato sharply lowered his head and saw the Graveyard Zone on his Duel Disk light up. The two **Cyber Dragon**s that were sent to the Graveyard earlier, and the **Cyber Dragon** that was just destroyed, a total of three monsters, were ejected.
Samejima drew a card from his hand: "Since your evaluation, Dan Kuroto, is that the attack wasn't up to par, then using this monster should be fine, right?"
"With three **Cyber Dragon**s as Fusion Material, come forth, my **Cyber End Dragon**!!"
The scene on the field made almost everyone's eyes widen.
Behind Samejima, as if a replica of the summon "Dan Kuroto" performed in the previous turn, an identical **Cyber End Dragon** stretched its mechanical body in the same form. This time, the person being glared at by the three heads had changed from Samejima to "Dan Kuroto."
[Cyber End Dragon] [ATK 4000]
To be honest, after a full day of the KC Cup yesterday, the audience had seen some bizarre operations, such as using a [Tribute Card] to "Stargaze" and then Special Summoning the card from the top of the deck three turns later, or being defeated by a "Lethal Five Consecutive Attacks" from five monsters with Piercing Damage while in Defense Position.
After all, it takes all kinds to make a world, but they had truly never seen a situation where after one player summoned a Fusion Monster in one turn, an identical Fusion Monster was summoned again in the second turn.
"Damn it, how dare you touch my monster without the Game Administrator's permission!"
Hayato was very annoyed, and at the same time, he understood what Samejima's previous strategy was all about.
The existence of **Overload Fusion** meant that Samejima could Banish Hayato's **Cyber Dragon**s from his Graveyard at any time to summon his **Cyber End Dragon**. What kind of NTR card is this?
Now that Hayato's field was cleared again, Samejima's **Cyber End Dragon** was completely unobstructed. If it successfully attacked, Hayato's Life Points would be deducted by a full 4000 points in one go. Even with 7000 Life Points, such high damage could not be ignored.
"Since the Fusion Summon was performed during my Battle Phase, **Cyber End Dragon** can still attack," Samejima didn't show excessive joy at summoning **Cyber End Dragon**; his face remained as calm as ever. "Now, witness my full power, Dan Kuroto."
"**Cyber End Dragon** performs a Direct Attack on the duelist!"
"Eternal Evolution Burst!"
The three mouths of **Cyber End Dragon**, which rarely appeared in Samejima's Deck, opened one after another. Three dazzling beams of light, with almost no charging time, fired instantly, attacking Hayato's body without any obstruction—
To Samejima's surprised gaze, "Dan Kuroto"'s body was instantly destroyed by the attack, which should have been a projection. However, at the same time, another "Dan Kuroto" appeared from the side almost completely unharmed.
The reason for putting "almost" in quotes was because the change in "Dan Kuroto"'s Life Points was too small relative to **Cyber End Dragon**'s 4000 Attack.
[Dan Kuroto: 7000→6000 LP]
"Continuous Trap Card **Swords of Revealing Light**. When an opponent's monster declares an attack, I can pay 1000 Life Points to negate the attack," Hayato explained. "The progress towards clearing the game has only advanced by 1%. You are still far from defeating me."
"Using Life Points as a cost to avoid greater losses, this dueling style is truly..." Samejima sighed, but his expression was still relaxed. "Well, I have no more operations to perform. My turn ends here."
"Also, during my End Phase, **Illusion of Demise**'s effect takes effect. Because you drew two cards with **Pot of Duality**, you must take 1000 points of effect damage."
[Dan Kuroto: 6000→5000 LP]
[Samejima: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[Cyber End Dragon] [ATK 4000]
[Face-down Defense Position Monster (Dark Mimic LV1)]
[Time Capsule] [Illusion of Demise]
Another 1000 Life Points were deducted. Even though Hayato's Life Points were still abundant, he couldn't help but pay more attention to Samejima's **Illusion of Demise**.
All in all, Samejima had already deducted 2000 Life Points from Hayato using this one card. Compared to the strategy he used before, which revolved around [Cyber Summon Blaster], this strategy was clearly much more efficient.
No matter how many Life Points Hayato had, they were still limited. Bearing the burden of replenishing a large hand was too much of a burden, but not replenishing his hand seemed foolish.
However, as the saying goes, "Powerful cards often come with risks." **Illusion of Demise**'s effect doesn't target only Hayato; it affects both players. If Samejima draws cards due to a card effect, he will also be affected.
Unfortunately, Hayato hasn't drawn [Card of Sanctity] yet, which could make the empty-handed Samejima draw six cards in one turn. If he could, this move would definitely make Samejima feel extremely good (in a bad way).
Furthermore, the existence of **Cyber End Dragon** is also troublesome. Monsters that can reach the 3000 mark, surpassing the Attack calculation unit [Blue-Eyes White Dragon], can already be considered top-tier ace cards in various decks. An Attack of 4000 points is enough to dominate the competition, not to mention the tricky Piercing Damage.
However, as a Fusion Monster, **Cyber End Dragon** also has a weakness that other monsters capable of breaking 3000 Attack on their own do not.
"My turn, draw a card." Hayato glanced at the card he drew, added it to his hand, and took out another card he drew because of **Pot of Duality**, glancing at **Cyber End Dragon**.
"The same monster appearing once is enough. Full utilization of the model only leads to Aesthetic Fatigue," Hayato inserted the card into the Spell & Trap Zone, and showed a healthy smile. "**Cyber End Dragon**, it's better to be out of print from now on."
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card **De-Fusion**!"
To Samejima's horrified gaze, **Cyber End Dragon**'s Fusion process was reversed, and it disappeared from Samejima's field almost instantly!
The technique of using **De-Fusion** had become widely known thanks to Joey Wheeler and Kaiba's duel in the Duel City Semifinals. However, in most cases, this technique didn't have many applications.
After all, not everyone has powerful Fusion Monsters, and not everyone can God Draw **De-Fusion** before the opponent summons a powerful Fusion Monster.
Samejima naturally knew this technique. He slapped his forehead, feeling a bit annoyed:
Oh dear, completely caught off guard.
[Samejima: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[Face-down Defense Position Monster]
[Time Capsule] [Set Card] X4
Complaints aside, the five Set Cards on Samejima's field were quite intimidating. At least, they were much more dangerous than Joey Wheeler's often empty backrow, forcing Hayato to be cautious.
"Alright, it's my turn! Draw a card!" Hayato drew a card and added it to his hand. The card he drew was [Pot of Greed], a divine artifact for drawing cards with no cost. It's always right to draw more cards regardless of the situation.
"I activate the Spell Card I just drew, [Pot of Greed]." Hayato placed the [Pot of Greed] card into his Duel Disk, reaching for his Deck with one hand, preparing to draw a card.
Just then, Samejima activated his Set Card: "Then, Chain to your [Pot of Greed], I activate my Set Card, the Continuous Trap Card **Illusion of Demise**!"
One of Samejima's backrow cards activated. Before Hayato's [Pot of Greed] could take effect, it injected some seemingly ominous green spores into the pot. Even the two cards Hayato drew were tainted with green bacteria.
"**Illusion of Demise** is a card specifically targeting card drawing actions outside of the Draw Phase. Whichever of both players uses a card effect to draw cards during their turn's End Phase will take effect damage equal to 500 points for each card drawn."
"Unlimited growing desire can lead people into darkness, Dan Kuroto."
"Only the weak are controlled by mere desire. My talent is far more terrifying than you imagine. Also, it's not Dan Kuroto, it's Dan Kuroto Ou!" Hayato said, drawing a card. "Electronic Flow Duelist Samejima Iemitsu, I'm sure you're not unfamiliar with this monster, are you?"
"I activate the Spell Card **Power Bond**! By this card's effect, the Attack of the Machine Type Fusion Monster Fusion Summoned will increase by its original Attack!"
"However, powerful cards often come with risks. During the End Phase of this turn, I must take damage equal to the amount that Fusion Monster's Attack was increased."
"Could it be?" Samejima's gaze narrowed. "You're summoning it on the first turn?!"
Hayato drew three cards: "The Fusion Material I will use are three **Cyber Dragon**s from my hand! There are three Level 5 monsters, I'll directly Overlay!"
"Witness my talent, and the end of despair! The perfect ultimate **Cyber End Dragon**!"
With the activation of **Power Bond**, the three **Cyber Dragon**s from Hayato's hand were projected onto the field, approaching each other and enveloped in a light like electric welding. For a moment, even Hayato's eyes were filled with a "craving for electric welding."
After the light faded, under the gaze of everyone in the Kaiba Dome, the mechanical three-headed giant dragon spread its metallic wings. Its three distinct heads slowly lifted, looking down at Samejima and roaring.
[Cyber End Dragon] [10☆/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine Type/Fusion/Effect]
[4000/2800→8000/2800]
Compared to the exaggeratedly large [Ultimate Conductor Tyranno] Ryuzaki summoned in the first duel of the KC Cup yesterday, **Cyber End Dragon**'s volume was only average. Many people had summoned large monsters yesterday.
However, if comparing Attack, "Dan Kuroto"'s **Cyber End Dragon** was undoubtedly the first, and it would be difficult for any monster to surpass this number in the upcoming duels.
And as the one directly facing **Cyber End Dragon**, Samejima also knew that while **Cyber End Dragon**'s Attack was increased by **Power Bond**, its Piercing Damage effect, which allows it to inflict damage to the opponent equal to the excess Attack over the Defense of a Defense Position monster it attacks, was also retained.
This meant that keeping a monster in Defense Position was useless against **Cyber End Dragon**. Furthermore, unless the monster Samejima Set had a Defense exceeding 4000 points, if "Dan Kuroto"'s **Cyber End Dragon** successfully attacked, he would only face defeat.
"It would be bad if **Cyber End Dragon** attacked me," Samejima frowned, probably because his backrow didn't have an invincible Attack Declaration Trap like [Sakuretsu Armor]. "In that case, luckily I set this card..."
"From now on, it's my Battle Phase, Samejima Iemitsu!" Hayato pointed at Samejima. "Do you dare defy me, who possesses **Cyber End Dragon**?"
"Attack that Face-down Defense Position monster, **Cyber End Dragon**! There's no space for sealed players hiding their identity in this game!"
"Perfect Conclusion Impact!"
Hearing Hayato issue the attack command, Samejima immediately pressed the button to activate his Set Card: "Before that, I activate this card, the Trap Card **Compulsory Ejection Device**!"
"This card's effect is that this turn, both players cannot attack Face-down monsters!"
Samejima smiled: "You can't leave the field so early. I haven't seen the limits of your Electronic Flow yet, Dan Kuroto."
Samejima's words made Hayato frown. Hearing Samejima's words, it felt like he was implying something. Could it be that he already recognized me?
As Samejima's Set Card was activated, a barrier appeared around the Face-down monster on his field. It didn't look very sturdy, but it effectively prevented "Dan Kuroto"'s **Cyber End Dragon** from attacking.
Due to the restriction of "cannot attack Face-down monsters," **Cyber End Dragon**, which was ready to attack, could only reluctantly close its mouth and extinguish the laser light within.
"Tch, you actually found such a roundabout way to evade battle," Hayato complained, feeling annoyed. "You keep saying you want to see my limits and that you'll use your full power, but is this all there is?"
"After all, Dan Kuroto, you summoned the ultimate technique of Electronic Flow, **Cyber End Dragon**, and its Attack has even increased to 8000 points. Only someone with a poor mindset would want to clash head-on."
Samejima wasn't embarrassed at all; instead, he had his own explanation. Samejima wasn't the type of person to change his dueling style and clash head-on with **Cyber End Dragon** just because of "Dan Kuroto"'s words. Having a good mentality is a basic quality for someone who plays a heavy trap deck.
Moreover, Samejima avoiding battle had its benefits. Since "Dan Kuroto" couldn't defeat him in one turn, he had to face the cost of pursuing a one-turn kill—not only the high effect damage of up to 4000 points from **Power Bond**, but also the 1000 points of effect damage from **Illusion of Demise** that Samejima had activated earlier.
Hayato, of course, knew about Samejima's calculations. The phrase "Powerful cards often come with risks" wasn't just for show. Not everyone is like Kaiba, who uses cards that seem to have side effects but are practically non-existent, like Card of Demise, Card of Demise, and Card of Demise.
However, as is well known, if you were to summarize Hayato's basic strategy with one card, it would definitely be—
"In that case, there's no other way. Although it's a bit regrettable, a monster that cannot advance the game to the next expansion pack has no reason to exist on the field." Hayato sneered and played a card. "Become the foundation for me to enter the next expansion pack, **Cyber End Dragon**."
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card **Mystical Wok**! I Tribute my old friend **Cyber End Dragon** to recover Life Points equal to its Attack!"
[Dan Kuroto: 4000→12000 LP]
**Cyber End Dragon** was sent to the Graveyard by Hayato in silence. It wasn't its first appearance, and it was almost always bound together with **Power Bond**. It either won in one hit or failed to win and was "fried for food." It was used to it.
As the 8000 Attack **Cyber End Dragon** left the field like a fleeting moment, "Dan Kuroto"'s field was empty, and he was left with only two cards in his hand.
"He sent his own monster to the Graveyard..." In the audience seats, Rafael frowned slightly, but didn't think much of it. For many duelists, temporarily sacrificing their monster for the final victory is a normal practice. He wouldn't forcefully demand that others also not pursue victory but instead fully protect their monsters like him.
Kaiba, who had returned backstage, saw Hayato's operation through the camera and snorted coldly.
See? Sacrificing monsters for victory is such a normal thing. That guy named "Rafael" must definitely be looking down on me!
"I set both cards in my hand." Hayato emptied his hand. Although it was clear that Hayato was at a disadvantage on the field, looking at his expression, others might even think he was the one with the advantage. "Mhm, successfully passed the first wave of challenge. Looks like a good challenger."
"Then, Dan Kuroto Ou's turn ends here. Bare your fangs at the throne, Samejima Iemitsu."
[Dan Kuroto: 12000→7000 LP, Hand 0]
[Set Card] X2
When "Dan Kuroto" declared the End Turn, the effects of **Power Bond** and **Illusion of Demise** took effect simultaneously, dealing a total of 5000 points of high damage to "Dan Kuroto"'s Life Points. However, thanks to the "great tonic" that was **Cyber End Dragon**, "Dan Kuroto"'s Life Points were still as high as 7000 points after taking such damage.
However, as soon as Hayato's turn ended, Samejima drew a card and immediately activated a Set Card.
"My turn, draw a card. Then I activate the Spell Card **Pot of Duality**."
On Hayato's field, a wooden box containing the [Pot of Greed] he used last turn appeared.
"This card's effect is the same as [Pot of Greed]; you can draw two cards, but it's you, Dan Kuroto, not me," Samejima said, summoning a monster. "Then, I Flip Summon the monster on my field."
"My monster is **Dark Mimic LV1**."
What the hell is this Electronic Flow?!
Hayato didn't want to do anything right now except ask Samejima to explain where exactly the "Electronic Flow" was in what he was using?
The **Dark Mimic LV1** that appeared on Samejima's field, Hayato looked at it from head to toe and couldn't find anything that resembled an "Electronic Flow" monster. In fact, other than the weapon in its hand being made of iron, there were no other metal objects at all.
And although it had been flipped by Samejima, **Dark Mimic LV1** didn't trigger any Flip Effects.
After seemingly unnecessarily flipping **Dark Mimic LV1**, Samejima played the card he drew this turn: "I Tribute the flipped **Dark Mimic LV1** on my field to Tribute Summon **Cyber Dragon**."
"Then, when the flipped **Dark Mimic LV1** is sent to the Graveyard, its effect activates," Samejima's voice carried a hint of smugness. "Both players can select one monster from their respective Graveyard and Special Summon it to the field in Face-Up Attack Position or Face-down Defense Position."
"Both players can summon?" Hayato was a bit strange. Samejima shouldn't have forgotten that he had **Cyber End Dragon** in his Graveyard, after all, it was just sent to the Graveyard last turn.
"The only monster in my Graveyard that I can Special Summon is **Dark Mimic LV1**. I Special Summon it in Face-down Defense Position. So, what about you, Dan Kuroto?" Samejima asked with a smile. "You have **Cyber Dragon** and **Cyber End Dragon** in your Graveyard. What is your choice?"
Samejima's question was answered by Hayato without any hesitation: "Generally speaking, if I were allowed to select any monster from my Graveyard to Special Summon, without any special effects, I would choose **Cyber End Dragon**, which has the highest Attack."
"However, I refuse, because my divine talent cannot be seen through by ordinary people's thoughts, so I will choose to Special Summon **Cyber Dragon** in Attack Position!"
Although he didn't know what purpose Samejima had in specifically flipping **Dark Mimic LV1** to activate its effect, Hayato felt that he couldn't let Samejima have his way.
Light pillars simultaneously lit up on both Hayato's and Samejima's fields. **Dark Mimic LV1**, which had just been Tributed and sent to the Graveyard by Samejima, returned to the field in a Set Position, while Hayato's **Cyber Dragon** stood opposite Samejima's **Cyber Dragon**.
[Cyber Dragon] [ATK 2100]
Seeing that Hayato had summoned **Cyber Dragon** instead of **Cyber End Dragon**, Samejima couldn't help but show an unexpected expression.
"You made an unexpected choice, but it doesn't matter. Even **Cyber Dragon** is fine," Samejima said, waving his hand forward. "Enter my Battle Phase. I will use **Cyber Dragon** to attack your **Cyber Dragon**, Dan Kuroto."
"Evolution Burst!"
The **Cyber Dragon**s, identical in appearance as if carved from the same mold, attacked each other. Because their basic performance was exactly the same, the result was indeed mutual destruction; both were destroyed and sent to the Graveyard simultaneously.
"Neither here nor there, completely unlike an attack from Electronic Flow. It's terrible, Samejima Iemitsu," Hayato commented indifferently.
Samejima just smiled and didn't retort: "No, this way my Graveyard is complete."
"Then, I will activate the last Set Card on my field." Samejima pressed his finger on the Duel Disk, playing a card that made Hayato gasp in surprise. "What I will activate is the Quick-Play Spell Card **Overload Fusion**!"
"This card's effect is different from other cards. I can Banish monsters from my opponent's Graveyard to use as Fusion Material!"
Hayato sharply lowered his head and saw the Graveyard Zone on his Duel Disk light up. The two **Cyber Dragon**s that were sent to the Graveyard earlier, and the **Cyber Dragon** that was just destroyed, a total of three monsters, were ejected.
Samejima drew a card from his hand: "Since your evaluation, Dan Kuroto, is that the attack wasn't up to par, then using this monster should be fine, right?"
"With three **Cyber Dragon**s as Fusion Material, come forth, my **Cyber End Dragon**!!"
The scene on the field made almost everyone's eyes widen.
Behind Samejima, as if a replica of the summon "Dan Kuroto" performed in the previous turn, an identical **Cyber End Dragon** stretched its mechanical body in the same form. This time, the person being glared at by the three heads had changed from Samejima to "Dan Kuroto."
[Cyber End Dragon] [ATK 4000]
To be honest, after a full day of the KC Cup yesterday, the audience had seen some bizarre operations, such as using a [Tribute Card] to "Stargaze" and then Special Summoning the card from the top of the deck three turns later, or being defeated by a "Lethal Five Consecutive Attacks" from five monsters with Piercing Damage while in Defense Position.
After all, it takes all kinds to make a world, but they had truly never seen a situation where after one player summoned a Fusion Monster in one turn, an identical Fusion Monster was summoned again in the second turn.
"Damn it, how dare you touch my monster without the Game Administrator's permission!"
Hayato was very annoyed, and at the same time, he understood what Samejima's previous strategy was all about.
The existence of **Overload Fusion** meant that Samejima could Banish Hayato's **Cyber Dragon**s from his Graveyard at any time to summon his **Cyber End Dragon**. What kind of NTR card is this?
Now that Hayato's field was cleared again, Samejima's **Cyber End Dragon** was completely unobstructed. If it successfully attacked, Hayato's Life Points would be deducted by a full 4000 points in one go. Even with 7000 Life Points, such high damage could not be ignored.
"Since the Fusion Summon was performed during my Battle Phase, **Cyber End Dragon** can still attack," Samejima didn't show excessive joy at summoning **Cyber End Dragon**; his face remained as calm as ever. "Now, witness my full power, Dan Kuroto."
"**Cyber End Dragon** performs a Direct Attack on the duelist!"
"Eternal Evolution Burst!"
The three mouths of **Cyber End Dragon**, which rarely appeared in Samejima's Deck, opened one after another. Three dazzling beams of light, with almost no charging time, fired instantly, attacking Hayato's body without any obstruction—
To Samejima's surprised gaze, "Dan Kuroto"'s body was instantly destroyed by the attack, which should have been a projection. However, at the same time, another "Dan Kuroto" appeared from the side almost completely unharmed.
The reason for putting "almost" in quotes was because the change in "Dan Kuroto"'s Life Points was too small relative to **Cyber End Dragon**'s 4000 Attack.
[Dan Kuroto: 7000→6000 LP]
"Continuous Trap Card **Swords of Revealing Light**. When an opponent's monster declares an attack, I can pay 1000 Life Points to negate the attack," Hayato explained. "The progress towards clearing the game has only advanced by 1%. You are still far from defeating me."
"Using Life Points as a cost to avoid greater losses, this dueling style is truly..." Samejima sighed, but his expression was still relaxed. "Well, I have no more operations to perform. My turn ends here."
"Also, during my End Phase, **Illusion of Demise**'s effect takes effect. Because you drew two cards with **Pot of Duality**, you must take 1000 points of effect damage."
[Dan Kuroto: 6000→5000 LP]
[Samejima: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[Cyber End Dragon] [ATK 4000]
[Face-down Defense Position Monster (Dark Mimic LV1)]
[Time Capsule] [Illusion of Demise]
Another 1000 Life Points were deducted. Even though Hayato's Life Points were still abundant, he couldn't help but pay more attention to Samejima's **Illusion of Demise**.
All in all, Samejima had already deducted 2000 Life Points from Hayato using this one card. Compared to the strategy he used before, which revolved around [Cyber Summon Blaster], this strategy was clearly much more efficient.
No matter how many Life Points Hayato had, they were still limited. Bearing the burden of replenishing a large hand was too much of a burden, but not replenishing his hand seemed foolish.
However, as the saying goes, "Powerful cards often come with risks." **Illusion of Demise**'s effect doesn't target only Hayato; it affects both players. If Samejima draws cards due to a card effect, he will also be affected.
Unfortunately, Hayato hasn't drawn [Card of Sanctity] yet, which could make the empty-handed Samejima draw six cards in one turn. If he could, this move would definitely make Samejima feel extremely good (in a bad way).
Furthermore, the existence of **Cyber End Dragon** is also troublesome. Monsters that can reach the 3000 mark, surpassing the Attack calculation unit [Blue-Eyes White Dragon], can already be considered top-tier ace cards in various decks. An Attack of 4000 points is enough to dominate the competition, not to mention the tricky Piercing Damage.
However, as a Fusion Monster, **Cyber End Dragon** also has a weakness that other monsters capable of breaking 3000 Attack on their own do not.
"My turn, draw a card." Hayato glanced at the card he drew, added it to his hand, and took out another card he drew because of **Pot of Duality**, glancing at **Cyber End Dragon**.
"The same monster appearing once is enough. Full utilization of the model only leads to Aesthetic Fatigue," Hayato inserted the card into the Spell & Trap Zone, and showed a healthy smile. "**Cyber End Dragon**, it's better to be out of print from now on."
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card **De-Fusion**!"
To Samejima's horrified gaze, **Cyber End Dragon**'s Fusion process was reversed, and it disappeared from Samejima's field almost instantly!
The technique of using **De-Fusion** had become widely known thanks to Joey Wheeler and Kaiba's duel in the Duel City Semifinals. However, in most cases, this technique didn't have many applications.
After all, not everyone has powerful Fusion Monsters, and not everyone can God Draw **De-Fusion** before the opponent summons a powerful Fusion Monster.
Samejima naturally knew this technique. He slapped his forehead, feeling a bit annoyed:
Oh dear, completely caught off guard.
