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# Chapter 434: The JO-ified Dark Magician
Because he was made of clay, in a sense, he perfectly recreated a certain artist's Self-Destruct. With Judai's completely guilt-free smile, E•HERO Clayman dragged the reluctant Dark Magician Girl along and Self-Destructed.
"Kono Dark Magician Girl da! Kono Dark Magician Girl da!"
"Boom!"
Although Dark Magician Girl was extremely unwilling, she took the full brunt of the zero-distance Self-Destruct Damage and was instantly defeated and Sent to the Graveyard.
However, what surprised Judai was that even though Clay Charge had the Effect of "inflicting 800 Effect Damage to the Opponent," Yugi's Life Points didn't decrease; instead, they increased.
[Yugi: 4000 → 3200 → 4200 LP]
"When Magic Spellbook is Sent to the Graveyard from the Field, I can recover 1000 Life Points," Yugi explained Judai's confusion, revealing a smile full of interest. "That's a remarkable Strategy, Judai-kun. You completely blocked my Attack and even made such a Beautiful Counterattack. You are an excellent Duelist."
After that series of plays, Yugi's Offensive not only failed to inflict any Damage on Judai, but his own Hand was depleted, leaving him with only two Cards, one of which was Dark Magician added to his Hand by the effect of **Magician of Black Chaos**.
On Judai's Field, one of the three Cards he Set last Turn remained untested, and there was a certain Probability that Cards in his Graveyard could Activate their Effects. Although the Monsters on both players' Front Rows had been Cleared, because of Swords of Revealing Light, Yugi wasn't worried about Judai Summoning a Monster and making a Direct Attack on him next Turn when his Field was empty.
"I Set one Card from my Hand in my Spell/Trap Zone, then I End my Turn." The Bricked Hand Dark Magician remained in Yugi's Hand. After Setting the Card, he looked at Judai with interest, anticipating his next move.
Although Yugi Mutou and Dark Yugi were "competitive" in Duel Monsters, if his Opponent was a Kid like Judai, who wasn't even ten years old, even he felt a bit awkward about immediately getting a Divine Draw like Graceful Charity and launching another explosive Offensive. Using his full Power against a Child would be a bit embarrassing.
[Yugi: 4200 LP, Hand 1]
[Swords of Revealing Light] [Set Card]
"It's my Turn again, huh? Alright, Draw a Card!" After Drawing a Card from his Deck, Judai pointed to his Graveyard. "During my Standby Phase, a Monster in my Graveyard can Activate its Effect."
"Oh? Is it the Monster Sent to the Graveyard by Scapegoat of Darkness earlier?" Yugi had expected this.
Judai nodded and took a Card from the Graveyard Zone on his Duel Disk. "As expected of Mr. Yugi, you already knew I would use Card Effects to set up favorable Cards."
"During my Standby Phase, if Immortal Bushi exists in my Graveyard and I control no Monsters, I can Special Summon Immortal Bushi from my Graveyard. This Effect can only be Activated if there are no non-Warrior Type Monsters in my Graveyard."
A mound of earth rose on Judai's Field. A rotten arm, its bones exposed and draped in tattered Armor, broke through the soil and crawled out from Underground. The dirty Warrior, who had died and been Revived, held two rusty katanas and stood before Judai.
He should have been a terrifying "Undead creature," but perhaps because of the sacred and resolute expression on Immortal Bushi's face, Yugi instead felt that Immortal Bushi was like a Hero who would uphold Conviction and Justice even if he returned to the present world from the Underworld.
[Immortal Bushi] [Level 3 / DARK]
[Warrior Type / Effect]
[1200 / 600]
"Immortal Bushi is a Monster that can get back up and keep fighting no matter how many times he Falls Down, as long as he maintains that Conviction," Judai said, pausing for a moment. "However, letting a Warrior fight alone isn't my Style."
"Activate Spell Card O - Oversoul! This Card's Effect is to Special Summon one E HERO Normal Monster from my Graveyard."
"Revive, E•HERO Clayman!"
As Judai inserted the Card into the Spell & Trap Zone, a giant letter "O" appeared on his Field, surrounded by blue-purple Flames like a Soul. Clayman, who had just left the Field, returned to Judai's Field, forced to work overtime, surrounded by the Flames.
[E•HERO Clayman] [ATK 800]
[Immortal Bushi] [ATK 1200]
"They're both in Attack Position, but that's too bad, Judai." Yugi looked at Immortal Bushi and Clayman, who were Full of Presence, smiled, and shook his head, pointing to his Spell/Trap Zone.
"Although I only have one Set Card on my Field and not even a single Monster besides that, don't forget that because of Swords of Revealing Light's Effect, you cannot Attack this Turn."
"And Swords of Revealing Light's Effect only affects you. If you leave two Monsters in Attack Position on the Field, you'll have to face my Monsters' Attacks next Turn."
Hearing Yugi's words, Judai smiled confidently. "Mr. Yugi, don't underestimate my Monsters! Don't forget, I haven't performed a Normal Summon this Turn yet."
"Immortal Bushi has a Restriction: it cannot be used as Tribute for a Tribute Summon of a Monster other than a Warrior Type Monster. However, the Monster I'm Summoning is Warrior Type, so there's no problem."
"I Tribute E•HERO Clayman and Immortal Bushi! Even discarded steel, when covered in earth and forged, can turn rust into gold! Here, let the shining light of bravery bloom!"
"Tribute Summon, E•HERO Bladedge!"
Shining gold—that was Yugi's sole Evaluation of the Monster that appeared at this moment.
Clad in golden Armor from head to toe, with Sharp Blades attached to the armguards that could be used as mirrors, a brand new High-Level E HERO, who had never appeared in Judai's previous Duels, appeared before Yugi's Eyes.
[E•HERO Bladedge] [Level 7 / EARTH]
[Warrior Type / Effect]
[2600 / 1800]
"Hehe, Bladedge is the highest-Level E HERO in this Deck of mine," Judai said proudly, putting his hands on his hips and looking at the Bladedge on his Field with satisfaction. He seemed happy just seeing his Heroes make a shining entrance. "Then I Set one Card and End my Turn."
"With him standing before me, even if Mr. Yugi's Dark Magician appears, he won't be able to Break Through my Defense. What's more, you haven't even Summoned Dark Magician yet."
"Hmhm, 'Sore wa dou kana?'"
"Eh?"
Judai had no idea what he had just triggered. In a Duel against Yugi, you must never say anything with certainty. Once Yugi says "'Sore wa dou kana?'", it means certain defeat or heavy Damage.
As expected, Yugi activated his only Set Card in his Spell/Trap Zone. "Chain Judai's End Turn Declaration, I activate my Set Card, Trap Card Magician Navigation!"
As if corresponding to the "O" that had just dissipated on Judai's Field, a white Ring appeared on Yugi's Field, but the center of the Ring was quickly occupied by a patch of black. As if using the Ring Magic Circle as a Connection, the black area opened a Passage to a Different Dimension, and a hand reached out from the blackness!
Perhaps out of some Dark humor, Yugi's Dark Magician emerged halfway from the Dark Hole, striking an incredibly cool pose. Somehow, several "ゴゴゴゴゴ" onomatopoeia appeared in the Air, and the lines on Dark Magician's face also became somehow more three-dimensional.
If you added a zipper to the black hole, it would be a perfect recreation.
Yugi, standing behind him, was completely unaware of the strange stance his Dark Magician had recently learned from Hayato. He calmly stated, "Magician Navigation's Effect is that I can Special Summon one Dark Magician from my Hand, and then I can Special Summon one Level 7 or lower Spellcaster-Type, DARK Attribute Monster from my Deck."
"I Special Summon Magician's Robe in Attack Position from my Deck."
Beside the JO-ified Dark Magician, a Mage Robe, identical to the one Dark Magician wore but not worn by anyone, appeared and moved on its own, floating beside him as if it were Dark Magician's "Phantom."
[Dark Magician] [ATK 2500]
[Magician's Robe] [Level 2 / DARK]
[Spellcaster Type / Effect]
[700 / 2000]
"Eh~ You Special Summoned Monsters at the very end of my Turn? That's sneaky, Mr. Yugi."
Yugi looked at Judai, who was pouting, and smiled. "But because of Swords of Revealing Light's Effect, even if I had Summoned the Monsters at the beginning, you couldn't Attack me anyway, Judai-kun."
"Eh? That's true."
Judai was momentarily stunned, then realized that Yugi was indeed correct. He really couldn't Attack Yugi, whether Yugi Summoned earlier or later. And the reason Yugi Summoned later was simply to be wary of Judai's Set Cards.
Thinking this, Judai felt a bit relieved and said with his hands on his hips, "Even if Mr. Yugi, you Summoned Dark Magician, it doesn't matter, because Dark Magician's ATK is only 2500 Points. Comparing ATK, my E•HERO Bladedge is still higher."
[Judai: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[E•HERO Bladedge] [ATK 2600]
[Set Card] X2
"That's not necessarily true, Judai," Yugi said with a smile, Drawing a Card. "My Turn, Draw a Card!"
Looking at the Card he Drew, as expected, it was the Card Yugi needed right now, one that could increase his Monster's ATK. "ATK isn't something that stays the same. Without Battle, no one knows the Ending."
"Here I come, Judai! I Attack your E•HERO Bladedge with Dark Magician!"
Dark Magician, with 2500 ATK, without any Cards Equipped, Attacking E•HERO Bladedge, who had 2600 ATK and was not weakened in any way, looked like a suicidal Attack no matter how you looked at it.
However, upon hearing Yugi's command, Dark Magician didn't hesitate at all. He extended his hand and made his Wand appear, charging directly towards the E•HERO Bladedge on Judai's Field, shouting a strange cry: "Ari!"
"He's Attacking? Muda da muda da! E•HERO Bladedge's Attack is higher than your Dark Magician's! Although I can't initiate an Attack because of Swords of Revealing Light's Effect, Counterattacking because of your Dark Magician's Attack isn't subject to that Restriction!"
"Oh right, at a time like this, according to Mr. Hayato, I have to give the Attack an Attack Name. In that case..."
"Attack back, Bladedge! Light Flow Style: Brilliant Color Blade!"
Although Bladedge really wanted to Rant to Judai that his Attack Name was clearly "Power Blade Attack" and not some strange "Brilliant Color Blade," considering that the name actually sounded pretty good, E•HERO Bladedge also followed Judai's instructions, extending the Sharp Blades on his armguards, preparing to meet Dark Magician's Attack.
Seeing that Judai had no intention of activating his Set Cards, Yugi's mouth curved into a smile. "You fell for it, Judai! This is my Attack route!"
"Activate Quick-Play Spell Card Dark Magic Attack!"
"Based on the combined number of Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl on both Fields and in the Graveyards, this Card can exert different levels of Effect!"
"If the combined number is one or more, I can target one Spellcaster-Type Monster on the Field—which is my Dark Magician—and increase his ATK by 1000 Points!"
"Nani!?" Judai's Eyes widened as he looked at Dark Magician, who was swinging his Wand and charging towards his Field like a martial monk. Under the Effect of Dark Magic Attack, Dark Magician's slender arms visibly became thicker and stronger!
"2500 + 1000... equals 3500?!"
Judai, startled, quickly pressed his Set Card. "In that case, I Activate my Set Card!"
But as Judai's Spell/Trap Card lifted slightly, a second wave of Mystical Power appeared on the Dark Magic Attack Card. The Phantom of Dark Magician Girl, who had been taken out by E•HERO Clayman's Self-Destruct earlier, Manifested, using Magic Power to firmly hold down the Card in Judai's Spell/Trap Zone, preventing it from being Activated no matter what!?
"Although I only have one Dark Magician on my Field, don't forget about Dark Magician Girl who was Destroyed in the previous Battle," Yugi said with a smile. "When the combined number is two or more, this Turn, your Opponent cannot Chain Spell/Trap/Monster Effects to the Activation of my Spell/Trap Effects, and my Spell and Trap Cards cannot be Destroyed by your Opponent!"
[Dark Magician] [ATK 2500 → 3500]
"Attack and Destroy Bladedge!"
"Dark Magic Attack!"
"Boom!!"
"Whoa!"
[Judai: 4000 → 3100 LP]
(End of Chapter)
Because he was made of clay, in a sense, he perfectly recreated a certain artist's Self-Destruct. With Judai's completely guilt-free smile, E•HERO Clayman dragged the reluctant Dark Magician Girl along and Self-Destructed.
"Kono Dark Magician Girl da! Kono Dark Magician Girl da!"
"Boom!"
Although Dark Magician Girl was extremely unwilling, she took the full brunt of the zero-distance Self-Destruct Damage and was instantly defeated and Sent to the Graveyard.
However, what surprised Judai was that even though Clay Charge had the Effect of "inflicting 800 Effect Damage to the Opponent," Yugi's Life Points didn't decrease; instead, they increased.
[Yugi: 4000 → 3200 → 4200 LP]
"When Magic Spellbook is Sent to the Graveyard from the Field, I can recover 1000 Life Points," Yugi explained Judai's confusion, revealing a smile full of interest. "That's a remarkable Strategy, Judai-kun. You completely blocked my Attack and even made such a Beautiful Counterattack. You are an excellent Duelist."
After that series of plays, Yugi's Offensive not only failed to inflict any Damage on Judai, but his own Hand was depleted, leaving him with only two Cards, one of which was Dark Magician added to his Hand by the effect of **Magician of Black Chaos**.
On Judai's Field, one of the three Cards he Set last Turn remained untested, and there was a certain Probability that Cards in his Graveyard could Activate their Effects. Although the Monsters on both players' Front Rows had been Cleared, because of Swords of Revealing Light, Yugi wasn't worried about Judai Summoning a Monster and making a Direct Attack on him next Turn when his Field was empty.
"I Set one Card from my Hand in my Spell/Trap Zone, then I End my Turn." The Bricked Hand Dark Magician remained in Yugi's Hand. After Setting the Card, he looked at Judai with interest, anticipating his next move.
Although Yugi Mutou and Dark Yugi were "competitive" in Duel Monsters, if his Opponent was a Kid like Judai, who wasn't even ten years old, even he felt a bit awkward about immediately getting a Divine Draw like Graceful Charity and launching another explosive Offensive. Using his full Power against a Child would be a bit embarrassing.
[Yugi: 4200 LP, Hand 1]
[Swords of Revealing Light] [Set Card]
"It's my Turn again, huh? Alright, Draw a Card!" After Drawing a Card from his Deck, Judai pointed to his Graveyard. "During my Standby Phase, a Monster in my Graveyard can Activate its Effect."
"Oh? Is it the Monster Sent to the Graveyard by Scapegoat of Darkness earlier?" Yugi had expected this.
Judai nodded and took a Card from the Graveyard Zone on his Duel Disk. "As expected of Mr. Yugi, you already knew I would use Card Effects to set up favorable Cards."
"During my Standby Phase, if Immortal Bushi exists in my Graveyard and I control no Monsters, I can Special Summon Immortal Bushi from my Graveyard. This Effect can only be Activated if there are no non-Warrior Type Monsters in my Graveyard."
A mound of earth rose on Judai's Field. A rotten arm, its bones exposed and draped in tattered Armor, broke through the soil and crawled out from Underground. The dirty Warrior, who had died and been Revived, held two rusty katanas and stood before Judai.
He should have been a terrifying "Undead creature," but perhaps because of the sacred and resolute expression on Immortal Bushi's face, Yugi instead felt that Immortal Bushi was like a Hero who would uphold Conviction and Justice even if he returned to the present world from the Underworld.
[Immortal Bushi] [Level 3 / DARK]
[Warrior Type / Effect]
[1200 / 600]
"Immortal Bushi is a Monster that can get back up and keep fighting no matter how many times he Falls Down, as long as he maintains that Conviction," Judai said, pausing for a moment. "However, letting a Warrior fight alone isn't my Style."
"Activate Spell Card O - Oversoul! This Card's Effect is to Special Summon one E HERO Normal Monster from my Graveyard."
"Revive, E•HERO Clayman!"
As Judai inserted the Card into the Spell & Trap Zone, a giant letter "O" appeared on his Field, surrounded by blue-purple Flames like a Soul. Clayman, who had just left the Field, returned to Judai's Field, forced to work overtime, surrounded by the Flames.
[E•HERO Clayman] [ATK 800]
[Immortal Bushi] [ATK 1200]
"They're both in Attack Position, but that's too bad, Judai." Yugi looked at Immortal Bushi and Clayman, who were Full of Presence, smiled, and shook his head, pointing to his Spell/Trap Zone.
"Although I only have one Set Card on my Field and not even a single Monster besides that, don't forget that because of Swords of Revealing Light's Effect, you cannot Attack this Turn."
"And Swords of Revealing Light's Effect only affects you. If you leave two Monsters in Attack Position on the Field, you'll have to face my Monsters' Attacks next Turn."
Hearing Yugi's words, Judai smiled confidently. "Mr. Yugi, don't underestimate my Monsters! Don't forget, I haven't performed a Normal Summon this Turn yet."
"Immortal Bushi has a Restriction: it cannot be used as Tribute for a Tribute Summon of a Monster other than a Warrior Type Monster. However, the Monster I'm Summoning is Warrior Type, so there's no problem."
"I Tribute E•HERO Clayman and Immortal Bushi! Even discarded steel, when covered in earth and forged, can turn rust into gold! Here, let the shining light of bravery bloom!"
"Tribute Summon, E•HERO Bladedge!"
Shining gold—that was Yugi's sole Evaluation of the Monster that appeared at this moment.
Clad in golden Armor from head to toe, with Sharp Blades attached to the armguards that could be used as mirrors, a brand new High-Level E HERO, who had never appeared in Judai's previous Duels, appeared before Yugi's Eyes.
[E•HERO Bladedge] [Level 7 / EARTH]
[Warrior Type / Effect]
[2600 / 1800]
"Hehe, Bladedge is the highest-Level E HERO in this Deck of mine," Judai said proudly, putting his hands on his hips and looking at the Bladedge on his Field with satisfaction. He seemed happy just seeing his Heroes make a shining entrance. "Then I Set one Card and End my Turn."
"With him standing before me, even if Mr. Yugi's Dark Magician appears, he won't be able to Break Through my Defense. What's more, you haven't even Summoned Dark Magician yet."
"Hmhm, 'Sore wa dou kana?'"
"Eh?"
Judai had no idea what he had just triggered. In a Duel against Yugi, you must never say anything with certainty. Once Yugi says "'Sore wa dou kana?'", it means certain defeat or heavy Damage.
As expected, Yugi activated his only Set Card in his Spell/Trap Zone. "Chain Judai's End Turn Declaration, I activate my Set Card, Trap Card Magician Navigation!"
As if corresponding to the "O" that had just dissipated on Judai's Field, a white Ring appeared on Yugi's Field, but the center of the Ring was quickly occupied by a patch of black. As if using the Ring Magic Circle as a Connection, the black area opened a Passage to a Different Dimension, and a hand reached out from the blackness!
Perhaps out of some Dark humor, Yugi's Dark Magician emerged halfway from the Dark Hole, striking an incredibly cool pose. Somehow, several "ゴゴゴゴゴ" onomatopoeia appeared in the Air, and the lines on Dark Magician's face also became somehow more three-dimensional.
If you added a zipper to the black hole, it would be a perfect recreation.
Yugi, standing behind him, was completely unaware of the strange stance his Dark Magician had recently learned from Hayato. He calmly stated, "Magician Navigation's Effect is that I can Special Summon one Dark Magician from my Hand, and then I can Special Summon one Level 7 or lower Spellcaster-Type, DARK Attribute Monster from my Deck."
"I Special Summon Magician's Robe in Attack Position from my Deck."
Beside the JO-ified Dark Magician, a Mage Robe, identical to the one Dark Magician wore but not worn by anyone, appeared and moved on its own, floating beside him as if it were Dark Magician's "Phantom."
[Dark Magician] [ATK 2500]
[Magician's Robe] [Level 2 / DARK]
[Spellcaster Type / Effect]
[700 / 2000]
"Eh~ You Special Summoned Monsters at the very end of my Turn? That's sneaky, Mr. Yugi."
Yugi looked at Judai, who was pouting, and smiled. "But because of Swords of Revealing Light's Effect, even if I had Summoned the Monsters at the beginning, you couldn't Attack me anyway, Judai-kun."
"Eh? That's true."
Judai was momentarily stunned, then realized that Yugi was indeed correct. He really couldn't Attack Yugi, whether Yugi Summoned earlier or later. And the reason Yugi Summoned later was simply to be wary of Judai's Set Cards.
Thinking this, Judai felt a bit relieved and said with his hands on his hips, "Even if Mr. Yugi, you Summoned Dark Magician, it doesn't matter, because Dark Magician's ATK is only 2500 Points. Comparing ATK, my E•HERO Bladedge is still higher."
[Judai: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[E•HERO Bladedge] [ATK 2600]
[Set Card] X2
"That's not necessarily true, Judai," Yugi said with a smile, Drawing a Card. "My Turn, Draw a Card!"
Looking at the Card he Drew, as expected, it was the Card Yugi needed right now, one that could increase his Monster's ATK. "ATK isn't something that stays the same. Without Battle, no one knows the Ending."
"Here I come, Judai! I Attack your E•HERO Bladedge with Dark Magician!"
Dark Magician, with 2500 ATK, without any Cards Equipped, Attacking E•HERO Bladedge, who had 2600 ATK and was not weakened in any way, looked like a suicidal Attack no matter how you looked at it.
However, upon hearing Yugi's command, Dark Magician didn't hesitate at all. He extended his hand and made his Wand appear, charging directly towards the E•HERO Bladedge on Judai's Field, shouting a strange cry: "Ari!"
"He's Attacking? Muda da muda da! E•HERO Bladedge's Attack is higher than your Dark Magician's! Although I can't initiate an Attack because of Swords of Revealing Light's Effect, Counterattacking because of your Dark Magician's Attack isn't subject to that Restriction!"
"Oh right, at a time like this, according to Mr. Hayato, I have to give the Attack an Attack Name. In that case..."
"Attack back, Bladedge! Light Flow Style: Brilliant Color Blade!"
Although Bladedge really wanted to Rant to Judai that his Attack Name was clearly "Power Blade Attack" and not some strange "Brilliant Color Blade," considering that the name actually sounded pretty good, E•HERO Bladedge also followed Judai's instructions, extending the Sharp Blades on his armguards, preparing to meet Dark Magician's Attack.
Seeing that Judai had no intention of activating his Set Cards, Yugi's mouth curved into a smile. "You fell for it, Judai! This is my Attack route!"
"Activate Quick-Play Spell Card Dark Magic Attack!"
"Based on the combined number of Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl on both Fields and in the Graveyards, this Card can exert different levels of Effect!"
"If the combined number is one or more, I can target one Spellcaster-Type Monster on the Field—which is my Dark Magician—and increase his ATK by 1000 Points!"
"Nani!?" Judai's Eyes widened as he looked at Dark Magician, who was swinging his Wand and charging towards his Field like a martial monk. Under the Effect of Dark Magic Attack, Dark Magician's slender arms visibly became thicker and stronger!
"2500 + 1000... equals 3500?!"
Judai, startled, quickly pressed his Set Card. "In that case, I Activate my Set Card!"
But as Judai's Spell/Trap Card lifted slightly, a second wave of Mystical Power appeared on the Dark Magic Attack Card. The Phantom of Dark Magician Girl, who had been taken out by E•HERO Clayman's Self-Destruct earlier, Manifested, using Magic Power to firmly hold down the Card in Judai's Spell/Trap Zone, preventing it from being Activated no matter what!?
"Although I only have one Dark Magician on my Field, don't forget about Dark Magician Girl who was Destroyed in the previous Battle," Yugi said with a smile. "When the combined number is two or more, this Turn, your Opponent cannot Chain Spell/Trap/Monster Effects to the Activation of my Spell/Trap Effects, and my Spell and Trap Cards cannot be Destroyed by your Opponent!"
[Dark Magician] [ATK 2500 → 3500]
"Attack and Destroy Bladedge!"
"Dark Magic Attack!"
"Boom!!"
"Whoa!"
[Judai: 4000 → 3100 LP]
(End of Chapter)
