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Chapter 421: The splendid VENUS
Compared to verbal communication, sometimes a Duel can allow one person to understand another more directly. Hayato had come to realize this through one Duel after another.
Compared to Yakou Tenma, who simply ceased to exist, the surviving twin, Gekko Tenma, seemed quite normal in all aspects, and Hayato couldn't find any points of doubt about him during their conversation.
Therefore, the next part of the test would be conducted through a Duel.
Just like testing a person's character isn't about how polite they are normally, but whether they curse after getting crushed in a game, in Duel Monsters, few people can hide their true emotions.
Even the introverted and timid Yugi Mutou would display a calm and decisive personality in an intense Duel, so Gekko Tenma proposing a Duel with Hayato was exactly what he wanted.
In an empty room next door, Hayato and Gekko Tenma stood facing each other.
"I'm ready, Mr. Hayato." After putting on his Duel Disk, Gekko Tenma inserted his Deck into the Card Slot and activated the Duel Disk. "I'm using The Agent Deck, which is primarily Fairy Type."
Although he gave the first impression of a "calm, composed, and gentle gentleman," Gekko Tenma seemed to be a genuine fan of Hayato. When Hayato accepted the Duel, a clear expression of excitement appeared on his face.
"The Agent Deck, huh? A Fairy Type Deck?" After thinking for a moment, Hayato also inserted his Deck into his Duel Disk. "I'm using a Deck focused on Warrior-Type monsters. My Ace Monster is Gaia The Fierce Knight."
"Gaia, you say? That's truly exciting." Gekko Tenma said with anticipation. "Well then, Mr. Hayato, let's begin!"
"Duel!" X2
[Hayato: 4000 LP]
[Gekko Tenma: 4000 LP]
"I'll take the first turn without hesitation."
Hayato, leveraging the advantage of his Duel Disk modified by Mokuba, was the first to draw a card, securing the first turn. Then, he immediately played the card he had just drawn. "I activate the Spell Card Future Fusion! This card's effect is to select the Fusion Material needed for a Fusion Monster from my Deck, and then perform the Fusion in the future."
After explaining the effect of Future Fusion, Hayato raised the Duel Disk on his left arm. Two cards automatically emerged from his Deck and were sent to the Graveyard by Hayato. "The Fusion Monster I will select is Gaia the Dragon Champion. Therefore, I will send Gaia The Fierce Knight and Curse of Dragon from my Deck to the Graveyard."
"In my second Standby Phase after Future Fusion is activated, Gaia the Dragon Champion will appear on the field. However, I'm a bit impatient, I can't wait that long."
As Hayato spoke, he played another card. "So, I activate the Spell Card Dragon's Mirror! I can banish the Fusion Material needed for a Dragon Fusion Monster from the field or Graveyard, and Fusion Summon that Dragon Fusion Monster."
"By banishing Gaia The Fierce Knight and Curse of Dragon from my Graveyard, the monster I will Fusion Summon is Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion!"
"Come forth, Dragon Knight soaring through the sky!"
With this series of moves, Hayato quickly completed the actions of sending material from his Deck to the Graveyard and selecting Fusion Material from the Graveyard. At the cost of two cards in hand, he Summoned Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion onto the field on the first turn.
"Amazing, you managed to Summon a powerful Fusion Monster on the first turn, and only used two cards in hand." Gekko Tenma praised. "As expected of Mr. Hayato, this is the strength of the King of Games."
Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion appeared on the field riding a flying dragon and commanding the gale. Hayato reached out his hand into the gale, and a card took shape in his hand.
"When Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion is successfully Special Summoned, I can add one Spiral Spear Strike from my Deck to my hand. Then, I activate Spiral Spear Strike." Hayato inserted the card he had just added to hand into his Spell & Trap Zone. "This card will grant my Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion the piercing damage ability."
"Then, I Set two cards. My turn ends here."
[Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand 2]
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK 2600]
[Future Fusion] [Spiral Spear Strike] [Set Card] x2
Hayato's series of moves flowed smoothly; it wasn't necessarily astonishing, but it was solid. He both Summoned Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion for field presence, prepared Spiral Spear Strike for the next turn's attack, and included Future Fusion for sustained play, along with two Set Cards for counterplay and protection.
After all, although Gekko Tenma had informed Hayato that he was using The Agent Deck, even the same Deck could be used with different Dueling Styles by different Duelists. Therefore, Hayato, unsure of Gekko Tenma's Dueling Style, chose this primarily cautious approach.
"Ah, Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion. I remember it's a card with the ability to determine the opponent monster's battle position when it attacks. Coupled with the piercing damage ability gained from Spiral Spear Strike, it truly symbolizes an attacking spear."
After praising, Gekko Tenma said seriously, "Although I'm not confident I can defeat Mr. Hayato, I also don't want to lose too badly. So, I'll make dealing with Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion my primary target."
"My turn, draw!"
After glancing at the card he drew, Gekko Tenma immediately activated it on the field. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card, Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen!"
As Gekko Tenma placed the card into his Spell & Trap Zone, the ground rumbled, and a solemn building slowly rose from underground, surrounding three sides of Gekko Tenma's field, leaving only the front exposed.
"The effect of Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen is, if there are no monsters on my field, I can Special Summon one Fairy Type monster from my hand once per turn. I Special Summon The Agent of Creation - Venus."
In the air behind Gekko Tenma, an image of Venus magnified countless times appeared. A golden-haired woman with wings on her back manifested from Venus. After standing on the field, she clasped her hands together and prayed with her eyes closed.
[The Agent of Creation - Venus] [3☆/LIGHT]
[Fairy/Effect]
[1600/0]
"The Agent series of cards were designed by Lord Pegasus based on Roman and Greek mythology, combined with solar system celestial bodies. The Agent of Creation - Venus represents Venus, the symbol of beauty."
"I activate the effect of The Agent of Creation - Venus. By paying 500 Life Points, I can Special Summon one Mystical Shine Ball from my hand or Deck to my field. This effect does not have a once per turn restriction." As he spoke, Gekko Tenma held up three fingers. "Therefore, I pay a total of 1500 Life Points and activate the effect of The Agent of Creation - Venus three times."
"I Special Summon three Mystical Shine Balls to my field!"
[Gekko Tenma: 4000 → 2500 LP]
The Agent of Creation - Venus, who had been praying with clasped hands, opened her eyes and extended her hands straight out in front of her. The image of Venus reappeared behind her, and three orbs appeared, revolving around Venus as if to become non-existent satellites of the planet.
[Mystical Shine Ball] [2☆/LIGHT]
[Fairy/Normal]
[500/500]
At the cost of 1500 Life Points, Gekko Tenma Summoned these three Normal Monsters onto the field, which seemed to have no battle power whatsoever. If this were the Xyz and Link era, Hayato might have been a little scared looking at these three monsters on his field, but in the current era, the three monsters posed no threat at all.
However, judging by Gekko Tenma's actions, he didn't seem to have the idea of defeating Hayato just with the three Mystical Shine Balls. Gekko Tenma, who drew a card from his hand, showed an excited smile. He hadn't performed a Normal Summon this turn yet.
"Well then, Mr. Hayato, next, I will Summon the strongest monster in my Deck! I Tribute two Mystical Shine Balls on my field for a Tribute Summon!"
"Oh, beautiful Star that heralds the dawn, the time of your Summon has arrived! Bring me the cycle of life!"
"Tribute Summon! The Splendid Venus!"
The Mystical Shine Balls on Gekko Tenma's field transformed into two streams of light, intertwining as they ascended into the air. The image of Venus that had appeared when The Agent of Creation - Venus came out reappeared, but this time Venus was much more radiant and beautiful than before.
From within the illusion of Venus, a four-winged angel flew out, wearing luxurious golden battle armor. A ruby adorning the staff in her hand shimmered with magical light.
As soon as she appeared on the field, an invisible magic power expanded from The Splendid Venus, enveloping the entire field in an instant. The first to be affected was Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion, standing before Hayato.
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK 2600 → 2100]
"Gaia's Attack, decreased?"
Gekko Tenma looked at The Splendid Venus slowly landing on his field and said as if showing off, "The Splendid Venus is the Ace Monster in my Deck. Although her Attack is only 2500, even Blue-Eyes White Dragon cannot easily defeat her, because as long as The Splendid Venus is on the field, the ATK/DEF of all non-Fairy Type monsters decrease by 500."
No, no, no, 2500 is already a great number for a knight. The Ace Cards of protagonists throughout the generations all have this auspicious number.
While complaining inwardly, Hayato still maintained his composure. "So, are you going to attack?"
"No, although I don't know what your Set Card is, Mr. Hayato, I have a bad feeling." Gekko Tenma shook his head firmly. "I learned one thing from the Duel City recordings: the most important thing to be wary of in Duel Monsters is unknown Set Cards. I must be careful."
"I Set one card, then I activate the Spell Card Heavy Storm."
As Gekko Tenma activated the card, a hurricane appeared in his backrow. As soon as it appeared, it destroyed Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen and the card he had just Set in his backrow, sending them to the Graveyard. It seemed pointless.
"The effect of Heavy Storm is to destroy all Spell/Trap Cards on my field, and then destroy the same number of Spell/Trap Cards on the opponent Duelist's field as the number destroyed. Since two of my cards were destroyed, I can destroy both of your two Set Cards in your backrow, Mr. Hayato."
Gekko Tenma said, and also revealed the Set Card he had just destroyed. "Additionally, because the Cursed Coffin I just Set was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, its effect activates. Mr. Hayato, you get to choose one effect to activate."
"Randomly discard one card from your hand, Mr. Hayato, or select one monster on your field and destroy it."
A cunning smile appeared on Gekko Tenma's face. "Furthermore, The Splendid Venus has another effect. While she is on the field in face-up position, the activation of Spell/Trap Cards I control and their effect activation cannot be negated. This means even if you Set a card like Solemn Judgment, Mr. Hayato, you cannot negate this combo of mine."
I have to say, although Gekko Tenma claimed that Maximillion Pegasus evaluated him as having "no talent in Duel Monsters," when it came to Dueling, he still played quite well. After a brilliant combo, Hayato truly had no way to counter. He said helplessly, "Well then, I choose to discard one card from my hand."
After sending one card from his hand to the Graveyard to resist the effect of Cursed Coffin, the fierce wind stirred up by Heavy Storm immediately followed, destroying both of Hayato's two cards in his backrow in an instant.
Before being destroyed, both cards were flipped up, allowing Gekko Tenma to see their true forms. They were the Counter Trap Stacking, which can negate a monster's effect activated upon Summon, and the Trap Card Bomb Defense, which can negate a Monster Effect that destroys a monster.
"This way, it's the perfect timing for me to confidently declare an attack. Here I come, Mr. Hayato!" Gekko Tenma raised his hand and pointed at Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion on Hayato's field. "My target is Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion on Mr. Hayato's field. I use The Splendid Venus to declare an attack!"
"Shining Cycle!"
Following Gekko Tenma's command, The Splendid Venus flapped her wings and flew up. She raised the staff in her hand, and a golden orb formed from gathered magic power flew out as she swung her staff, attacking towards Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion like a falling meteor.
Due to the effect of The Splendid Venus, Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion, whose Attack was weakened by 500, now only has 2100 Attack. It is not a match for The Splendid Venus with 2500 Attack. If the attack goes through, the only result is being destroyed. Following that would be the direct attack from The Agent of Creation - Venus and Mystical Shine Ball in Attack Position on Gekko Tenma's field.
Adding it up, the damage dealt would be as high as 2500, which is the same as a Dark Magician. That's still quite painful.
"If I don't use it when it should be used, the card becomes meaningless." Hayato raised his Duel Disk, and a light shone in the Graveyard Zone of the Duel Disk. "I activate the effect of the card I just sent to the Graveyard!"
Compared to verbal communication, sometimes a Duel can allow one person to understand another more directly. Hayato had come to realize this through one Duel after another.
Compared to Yakou Tenma, who simply ceased to exist, the surviving twin, Gekko Tenma, seemed quite normal in all aspects, and Hayato couldn't find any points of doubt about him during their conversation.
Therefore, the next part of the test would be conducted through a Duel.
Just like testing a person's character isn't about how polite they are normally, but whether they curse after getting crushed in a game, in Duel Monsters, few people can hide their true emotions.
Even the introverted and timid Yugi Mutou would display a calm and decisive personality in an intense Duel, so Gekko Tenma proposing a Duel with Hayato was exactly what he wanted.
In an empty room next door, Hayato and Gekko Tenma stood facing each other.
"I'm ready, Mr. Hayato." After putting on his Duel Disk, Gekko Tenma inserted his Deck into the Card Slot and activated the Duel Disk. "I'm using The Agent Deck, which is primarily Fairy Type."
Although he gave the first impression of a "calm, composed, and gentle gentleman," Gekko Tenma seemed to be a genuine fan of Hayato. When Hayato accepted the Duel, a clear expression of excitement appeared on his face.
"The Agent Deck, huh? A Fairy Type Deck?" After thinking for a moment, Hayato also inserted his Deck into his Duel Disk. "I'm using a Deck focused on Warrior-Type monsters. My Ace Monster is Gaia The Fierce Knight."
"Gaia, you say? That's truly exciting." Gekko Tenma said with anticipation. "Well then, Mr. Hayato, let's begin!"
"Duel!" X2
[Hayato: 4000 LP]
[Gekko Tenma: 4000 LP]
"I'll take the first turn without hesitation."
Hayato, leveraging the advantage of his Duel Disk modified by Mokuba, was the first to draw a card, securing the first turn. Then, he immediately played the card he had just drawn. "I activate the Spell Card Future Fusion! This card's effect is to select the Fusion Material needed for a Fusion Monster from my Deck, and then perform the Fusion in the future."
After explaining the effect of Future Fusion, Hayato raised the Duel Disk on his left arm. Two cards automatically emerged from his Deck and were sent to the Graveyard by Hayato. "The Fusion Monster I will select is Gaia the Dragon Champion. Therefore, I will send Gaia The Fierce Knight and Curse of Dragon from my Deck to the Graveyard."
"In my second Standby Phase after Future Fusion is activated, Gaia the Dragon Champion will appear on the field. However, I'm a bit impatient, I can't wait that long."
As Hayato spoke, he played another card. "So, I activate the Spell Card Dragon's Mirror! I can banish the Fusion Material needed for a Dragon Fusion Monster from the field or Graveyard, and Fusion Summon that Dragon Fusion Monster."
"By banishing Gaia The Fierce Knight and Curse of Dragon from my Graveyard, the monster I will Fusion Summon is Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion!"
"Come forth, Dragon Knight soaring through the sky!"
With this series of moves, Hayato quickly completed the actions of sending material from his Deck to the Graveyard and selecting Fusion Material from the Graveyard. At the cost of two cards in hand, he Summoned Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion onto the field on the first turn.
"Amazing, you managed to Summon a powerful Fusion Monster on the first turn, and only used two cards in hand." Gekko Tenma praised. "As expected of Mr. Hayato, this is the strength of the King of Games."
Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion appeared on the field riding a flying dragon and commanding the gale. Hayato reached out his hand into the gale, and a card took shape in his hand.
"When Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion is successfully Special Summoned, I can add one Spiral Spear Strike from my Deck to my hand. Then, I activate Spiral Spear Strike." Hayato inserted the card he had just added to hand into his Spell & Trap Zone. "This card will grant my Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion the piercing damage ability."
"Then, I Set two cards. My turn ends here."
[Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand 2]
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK 2600]
[Future Fusion] [Spiral Spear Strike] [Set Card] x2
Hayato's series of moves flowed smoothly; it wasn't necessarily astonishing, but it was solid. He both Summoned Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion for field presence, prepared Spiral Spear Strike for the next turn's attack, and included Future Fusion for sustained play, along with two Set Cards for counterplay and protection.
After all, although Gekko Tenma had informed Hayato that he was using The Agent Deck, even the same Deck could be used with different Dueling Styles by different Duelists. Therefore, Hayato, unsure of Gekko Tenma's Dueling Style, chose this primarily cautious approach.
"Ah, Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion. I remember it's a card with the ability to determine the opponent monster's battle position when it attacks. Coupled with the piercing damage ability gained from Spiral Spear Strike, it truly symbolizes an attacking spear."
After praising, Gekko Tenma said seriously, "Although I'm not confident I can defeat Mr. Hayato, I also don't want to lose too badly. So, I'll make dealing with Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion my primary target."
"My turn, draw!"
After glancing at the card he drew, Gekko Tenma immediately activated it on the field. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card, Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen!"
As Gekko Tenma placed the card into his Spell & Trap Zone, the ground rumbled, and a solemn building slowly rose from underground, surrounding three sides of Gekko Tenma's field, leaving only the front exposed.
"The effect of Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen is, if there are no monsters on my field, I can Special Summon one Fairy Type monster from my hand once per turn. I Special Summon The Agent of Creation - Venus."
In the air behind Gekko Tenma, an image of Venus magnified countless times appeared. A golden-haired woman with wings on her back manifested from Venus. After standing on the field, she clasped her hands together and prayed with her eyes closed.
[The Agent of Creation - Venus] [3☆/LIGHT]
[Fairy/Effect]
[1600/0]
"The Agent series of cards were designed by Lord Pegasus based on Roman and Greek mythology, combined with solar system celestial bodies. The Agent of Creation - Venus represents Venus, the symbol of beauty."
"I activate the effect of The Agent of Creation - Venus. By paying 500 Life Points, I can Special Summon one Mystical Shine Ball from my hand or Deck to my field. This effect does not have a once per turn restriction." As he spoke, Gekko Tenma held up three fingers. "Therefore, I pay a total of 1500 Life Points and activate the effect of The Agent of Creation - Venus three times."
"I Special Summon three Mystical Shine Balls to my field!"
[Gekko Tenma: 4000 → 2500 LP]
The Agent of Creation - Venus, who had been praying with clasped hands, opened her eyes and extended her hands straight out in front of her. The image of Venus reappeared behind her, and three orbs appeared, revolving around Venus as if to become non-existent satellites of the planet.
[Mystical Shine Ball] [2☆/LIGHT]
[Fairy/Normal]
[500/500]
At the cost of 1500 Life Points, Gekko Tenma Summoned these three Normal Monsters onto the field, which seemed to have no battle power whatsoever. If this were the Xyz and Link era, Hayato might have been a little scared looking at these three monsters on his field, but in the current era, the three monsters posed no threat at all.
However, judging by Gekko Tenma's actions, he didn't seem to have the idea of defeating Hayato just with the three Mystical Shine Balls. Gekko Tenma, who drew a card from his hand, showed an excited smile. He hadn't performed a Normal Summon this turn yet.
"Well then, Mr. Hayato, next, I will Summon the strongest monster in my Deck! I Tribute two Mystical Shine Balls on my field for a Tribute Summon!"
"Oh, beautiful Star that heralds the dawn, the time of your Summon has arrived! Bring me the cycle of life!"
"Tribute Summon! The Splendid Venus!"
The Mystical Shine Balls on Gekko Tenma's field transformed into two streams of light, intertwining as they ascended into the air. The image of Venus that had appeared when The Agent of Creation - Venus came out reappeared, but this time Venus was much more radiant and beautiful than before.
From within the illusion of Venus, a four-winged angel flew out, wearing luxurious golden battle armor. A ruby adorning the staff in her hand shimmered with magical light.
As soon as she appeared on the field, an invisible magic power expanded from The Splendid Venus, enveloping the entire field in an instant. The first to be affected was Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion, standing before Hayato.
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK 2600 → 2100]
"Gaia's Attack, decreased?"
Gekko Tenma looked at The Splendid Venus slowly landing on his field and said as if showing off, "The Splendid Venus is the Ace Monster in my Deck. Although her Attack is only 2500, even Blue-Eyes White Dragon cannot easily defeat her, because as long as The Splendid Venus is on the field, the ATK/DEF of all non-Fairy Type monsters decrease by 500."
No, no, no, 2500 is already a great number for a knight. The Ace Cards of protagonists throughout the generations all have this auspicious number.
While complaining inwardly, Hayato still maintained his composure. "So, are you going to attack?"
"No, although I don't know what your Set Card is, Mr. Hayato, I have a bad feeling." Gekko Tenma shook his head firmly. "I learned one thing from the Duel City recordings: the most important thing to be wary of in Duel Monsters is unknown Set Cards. I must be careful."
"I Set one card, then I activate the Spell Card Heavy Storm."
As Gekko Tenma activated the card, a hurricane appeared in his backrow. As soon as it appeared, it destroyed Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen and the card he had just Set in his backrow, sending them to the Graveyard. It seemed pointless.
"The effect of Heavy Storm is to destroy all Spell/Trap Cards on my field, and then destroy the same number of Spell/Trap Cards on the opponent Duelist's field as the number destroyed. Since two of my cards were destroyed, I can destroy both of your two Set Cards in your backrow, Mr. Hayato."
Gekko Tenma said, and also revealed the Set Card he had just destroyed. "Additionally, because the Cursed Coffin I just Set was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, its effect activates. Mr. Hayato, you get to choose one effect to activate."
"Randomly discard one card from your hand, Mr. Hayato, or select one monster on your field and destroy it."
A cunning smile appeared on Gekko Tenma's face. "Furthermore, The Splendid Venus has another effect. While she is on the field in face-up position, the activation of Spell/Trap Cards I control and their effect activation cannot be negated. This means even if you Set a card like Solemn Judgment, Mr. Hayato, you cannot negate this combo of mine."
I have to say, although Gekko Tenma claimed that Maximillion Pegasus evaluated him as having "no talent in Duel Monsters," when it came to Dueling, he still played quite well. After a brilliant combo, Hayato truly had no way to counter. He said helplessly, "Well then, I choose to discard one card from my hand."
After sending one card from his hand to the Graveyard to resist the effect of Cursed Coffin, the fierce wind stirred up by Heavy Storm immediately followed, destroying both of Hayato's two cards in his backrow in an instant.
Before being destroyed, both cards were flipped up, allowing Gekko Tenma to see their true forms. They were the Counter Trap Stacking, which can negate a monster's effect activated upon Summon, and the Trap Card Bomb Defense, which can negate a Monster Effect that destroys a monster.
"This way, it's the perfect timing for me to confidently declare an attack. Here I come, Mr. Hayato!" Gekko Tenma raised his hand and pointed at Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion on Hayato's field. "My target is Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion on Mr. Hayato's field. I use The Splendid Venus to declare an attack!"
"Shining Cycle!"
Following Gekko Tenma's command, The Splendid Venus flapped her wings and flew up. She raised the staff in her hand, and a golden orb formed from gathered magic power flew out as she swung her staff, attacking towards Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion like a falling meteor.
Due to the effect of The Splendid Venus, Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion, whose Attack was weakened by 500, now only has 2100 Attack. It is not a match for The Splendid Venus with 2500 Attack. If the attack goes through, the only result is being destroyed. Following that would be the direct attack from The Agent of Creation - Venus and Mystical Shine Ball in Attack Position on Gekko Tenma's field.
Adding it up, the damage dealt would be as high as 2500, which is the same as a Dark Magician. That's still quite painful.
"If I don't use it when it should be used, the card becomes meaningless." Hayato raised his Duel Disk, and a light shone in the Graveyard Zone of the Duel Disk. "I activate the effect of the card I just sent to the Graveyard!"
