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Chapter 486: Your Dragonmaid Brings Little Blue, My Drytron Brings the Boss Monster
[Drytron Gamma Eligius] [Level 1☆/LIGHT]
[Machine-Type/Special Summon/Effect]
[2000/0]
"Level 1, yet it has a whopping 2000 ATK, and it can be Special Summoned from hand!?" Kobayashi Hiroyuki frowned. "What kind of card did someone stomp out with their feet?"
"It's not that bad, it's just 2000 ATK. And I need to correct something, it's not 'can', it's 'can only'," Hayato said, spreading his hand. "In this [Drytron] Deck, all the lower-level monsters are Level 1☆, LIGHT attribute, Machine-Type monsters with 2000 ATK and 0 DEF that cannot be Normal Summoned. Their Special Summon requires Tributing another [Drytron] monster."
"Furthermore, during the turn a [Drytron] monster is Special Summoned by its own effect, other monsters cannot be Special Summoned unless they are monsters that cannot be Normal Summoned."
Hearing Hayato say that, Kobayashi Hiroyuki reluctantly nodded. "I remember that's the so-called 'restriction' effect, right? In that case, it's barely acceptable."
"However, it's impossible to defeat Dragonmaid Sheou with just this one monster. A Duel Monsters Deck is like a sports car; even if you have the resolve to step on the accelerator and the courage to grip the steering wheel, you cannot surpass the inherent limitations of the vehicle itself."
Hayato smiled. "In that case, how about you say that after you've seen the limit of my Deck?"
"Drytron Gamma Eligius's own effect allows me to Special Summon another Drytron monster with 2000 ATK from my Graveyard, other than Drytron Gamma Eligius, after it's Special Summoned. I choose Drytron Beta Rastaban, which was Tributed and sent to the Graveyard earlier."
Beside Drytron Gamma Eligius on Hayato's Field, another starlight phantom solidified from nothingness, taking on the free Gundam-like stance of another limit dragon, Drytron Beta Rastaban. Its crystal wings spread behind it, and the cannon blast device mounted on its wrist aimed at Dragonmaid Sheou.
[Drytron Beta Rastaban] [ATK 2000]
"Next, the effect of Drytron Alpha Thuban in the Graveyard activates. By Tributing Drytron Gamma Eligius, Drytron Alpha Thuban is Special Summoned from the Graveyard, and I add a Ritual Monster from my Deck to my Hand."
"Do you activate a Set Card?" Hayato asked, taking the card that Drytron Alpha Thuban, which had manifested on the Field after Tributing Drytron Gamma Eligius, had searched from the Deck for him. He glanced at the three Set Cards in Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Spell/Trap Zone and confirmed.
Although the negate from Dragonmaid Hestia had been successfully baited out by Cyber Emergency earlier, he hadn't forgotten the other three Set Cards. He also hadn't drawn Harpie's Feather Duster this turn, so he could only use this somewhat foolish method to probe the trap type.
His opening hand was decent; he drew two Drytron monsters and Cyber Emergency. The card he drew was the Drytron Deck's Ritual Spell Card, Meteonis Drytron. Although he didn't draw the accompanying Ritual Monster, he could directly search for it with Drytron Alpha Thuban's effect.
However, to guard against Dragonmaid Hestia's effect, Hayato didn't immediately Special Summon Drytron Alpha Thuban and wait to be negated. Instead, he used Cyber Emergency to bait it out, and he successfully did so, managing to turn the troublesome Dragonmaid Hestia into Dragonmaid Sheou.
Although Hayato still hadn't managed to figure out what those three Set Cards were, he couldn't worry about it too much for now.
Hesitating and shrinking back due to excessive vigilance, thus losing the opportune attack timing, was not Hayato's style.
Looking at the Ritual Monster added to his Hand, Hayato decisively activated the card. "I activate the Ritual Spell Card Meteonis Drytron! Drytron Alpha Thuban and Drytron Beta Rastaban, I will use them as Tributes!"
"Using two Level 1 monsters as Tributes for a Ritual Summon? 1+1 doesn't equal 2?" Kobayashi Hiroyuki was momentarily stunned. After calculating the Total Star Level of the two monsters, he said contemptuously, "A Level 2 Ritual Monster, isn't that just a small fry?"
Although he hadn't studied Ritual Summon Decks much, he had dueled against Duelists who used Ritual Summoning in London and had a basic understanding of the Ritual Summon rules.
The three necessary elements are the Ritual Monster, the corresponding Ritual Spell Card, and Tributes whose Star Level Total is equal to or greater than the Ritual Monster's Star Level.
He didn't believe from the bottom of his heart that two Level 1 monsters could Ritual Summon any powerful monster.
But while Kobayashi Hiroyuki was harboring such thoughts, he saw the phantom of a colossal creature appear behind Hayato as Drytron Beta Rastaban and Drytron Alpha Thuban decomposed into stardust.
"That thing...!?"
"O Stars shining in Space, release your eternal radiance and become the signpost illuminating the future!"
Hayato raised the card in his Hand high. The stardust formed by Drytron Alpha Thuban and Drytron Beta Rastaban gathered towards the card, causing it to be completely enveloped in light. Hayato slammed it onto his Duel Disk. "Ritual Summon, Descent! Wagatama Soul!"
"LV.MAX! Drytron Meteonis Draconids!"
The Pitch-black space formed the matte black body, pure white light constructed the armor for the limbs, torso, and head, nested upon the main body. The Cyber Dragon Constellation hidden in the sky erupted with dazzling starlight, transforming into bright yellow meteors that landed on various parts of the machine giant dragon's armor.
Ice-blue mechanical claws extended, and the machine giant dragon from the Starry Sky opened its orange-red eyes. Sextant-like structures opened on its armor, and light blue light wings spread out. The ultimate Ritual Monster, like a deity, had descended!
[Drytron Meteonis Draconids] [Level 12☆/LIGHT]
[Machine-Type/Ritual/Effect]
[4000/4000]
"Level 12☆? Something is definitely wrong!" Kobayashi Hiroyuki couldn't understand. "1+1 clearly equals 2, you have a whole extra digit for 12, what kind of nonsensical calculation is this!"
"As everyone knows, Kitten plus Puppy can turn into an invincible Gundam. 1☆ + 1☆ = 12☆, I think it's very reasonable."
Hayato made a joke before explaining, "Drytron, to some extent, can be said to be a power that doesn't belong to this World. Originating from the Cyber Dragon Constellation in the sky, it's different from conventional Duel Monsters in every aspect."
"Not only can all the lower-level monsters not be Normal Summoned, but the High-Level Ritual Monsters of Drytron—[Drytron Ritual Monsters]—are Ritual Summoned based not on the Star Level of the Tributes, but on the Total ATK of the Ritual Monsters."
As Hayato said this, Kobayashi Hiroyuki also noticed that the Drytron Meteonis Draconids he had just Summoned had exactly 4000 ATK, which was the Total ATK of Drytron Beta Rastaban and Drytron Alpha Thuban, the two monsters with 2000 ATK each that were used as Ritual Tributes.
"When Drytron Meteonis Draconids is successfully Ritual Summoned, and the Total Star Level of the Tributes used is Level 2 or less, its effect activates," Hayato pointed to the three Set Cards in Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Spell/Trap Zone. "Although I didn't draw a Field Clear Card, Clearing the Field with a Monster Effect is the same."
"Destroy all Spell/Trap Cards on the Opponent's Field!"
"Nani?!"
"It has such a powerful effect along with 4000 ATK?" Kobayashi Hiroyuki frowned. "Clear my Spell/Trap Zone, and then you can attack me without any restraints, right?"
"Noroi Noroi! This situation was already within my, Kobayashi Hiroyuki's, consideration! I set a Breakthrough Skill in my Spell/Trap Zone earlier, which can negate a Monster Effect! You won't get away with using that monster to destroy the cards in my Spell/Trap Zone!"
As he spoke, Kobayashi Hiroyuki pressed the activate Set Card button proudly, but to his surprise, he couldn't activate the Set Breakthrough Skill no matter what he did!?
"Hoh? Not trying to escape, but attempting to approach my Drytron Meteonis Draconids? Weak, weak! How can a soul bound by gravity understand the greatness of the Stars?"
"The Drytron Meteonis Draconids on the Field has the ability to cannot be targeted by the Opponent's Spell/Trap Card Effects. For a true Duelist, it's non-targeting! Your Dragonmaid purity is too low!"
"Now, Destroy all of the Opponent's Spell/Trap Cards, Drytron Meteonis Draconids!"
"Stellaaaaa!!"
Drytron Meteonis Draconids, named after the "Quadrantid Meteor Shower," raised one hand high. The bright yellow gems on its body radiated light, and all the energy in its body converged into its hand. Then, Drytron Meteonis Draconids threw the energy ball in its hand.
The energy ball, having escaped control, suddenly burst, transforming into a sky full of projectiles that shot out, aiming directly at the cards in Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Spell/Trap Zone!
"Tsk, it cannot be targeted by Spell/Trap Card Effects? In that case, I activate this card, Dragonmaid Downtime!"
Facing the rain of projectiles, Kobayashi Hiroyuki moved his finger to the other side and flipped another card. As he activated the Set Card, the Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid on his Field disappeared and flew back into his Hand.
"The Continuous Trap Card Dragonmaid Downtime is a Card whose effect can be activated by Targeting one Dragonmaid on my Field. I Return Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid to my Hand, and then I can add a card other than Dragonmaid Downtime from my Deck to my Hand."
Adding a card from his Deck to his Hand and placing it with Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid, Kobayashi Hiroyuki continued, "At the same time, Dragonmaid Sheou, who manages the Dragonmaids, can also activate its effect. When a Face-up Dragon-Type Monster on my Field other than Dragonmaid Sheou returns to the Hand, I can target one of the Opponent's monsters and destroy that monster!"
As Drytron Meteonis Draconids threw the meteor shower, Dragonmaid Sheou, whose effect was triggered by Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid's leaving the Field, also gained several short-handled throwing knives held between its fingers. As the dense rain of light fell on the cards in the Spell/Trap Zone behind Dragonmaid Sheou, it also threw the small knives in its hand.
"Boom!"
"Crack!"
The cards in Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Spell/Trap Zone and Drytron Meteonis Draconids on Hayato's Field were destroyed simultaneously. In the explosion, Hayato also confirmed the last Set Card; it was the invincible Sakuretsu Armor. Clearly, today's Sakuretsu Armor still couldn't be activated.
However, considering the Set Cards, his old man's board-building ability is quite amazing. Not to mention Dragonmaid Hestia's once-per-turn omni-negate, a Continuous Trap Dragonmaid Downtime provides sustainability for recycling and searching, and combined with Dragonmaid Sheou (transformed from Dragonmaid Hestia), it can achieve a targeting monster destruction.
Then there's Sakuretsu Armor to defend against powerful attacks, and Breakthrough Skill to counter monsters with troublesome effects.
Aside from Little Blue failing during the milling, his old man's strength is actually quite good. Maybe "Undefeated in London" wasn't just bragging.
Meanwhile, across from Hayato, Kobayashi Hiroyuki was quite satisfied with this base trade. After all, the three Set Cards he lost, while not a small stakes, were much better than the Drytron Meteonis Draconids that That Kid had struggled to gather Tributes to Summon.
That Kid only has three cards left in his Hand now. There's no way he can get rid of the Dragonmaid Sheou on my Field. Although the ending hasn't arrived yet, no matter how I think about it, the final Victory in this Duel definitely belongs to me, Kobayashi Hiroyuki! That Kid Hayato is still twenty thousand years too early to defeat me!
"Hehehe, hehehe, hehahahahaha—" Kobayashi Hiroyuki's triumphant three-stage laugh suddenly stopped because he saw the figures of two monsters that had appeared before reappear at the location where Drytron Meteonis Draconids was destroyed on Hayato's Field?!
[Drytron Gamma Eligius] [ATK 2000]
[Drytron Alpha Thuban] [ATK 2000]
"Oh dear, oh dear, you're making a very surprised expression, old man," Hayato said proudly. "'Kid Hayato is still twenty thousand years too early to defeat me,' I suppose that's what you were thinking just now after destroying my Drytron Meteonis Draconids?"
"The monsters that were Tributed earlier have been Summoned back, that's your confused thought, right? The answer is the effect of my Drytron Meteonis Draconids." Hayato held the Drytron Meteonis Draconids card in his hand, which hadn't been sent to the Graveyard yet after being destroyed.
"Even if the starlight is temporarily obscured by dust, the Stars still hang in the same position. Even if they are no longer dazzling due to the passage of years, the Stars remain unchanged."
"The Ritual Summoned Drytron Meteonis Draconids's effect can be activated when it is destroyed. Special Summon any number of [Drytron/Drytron Ritual Monster] monsters from my Graveyard, other than Drytron Meteonis Draconids, whose Total ATK is up to 4000."
"Then, I activate the effect of the Ritual Spell Card Meteonis Drytron in my Graveyard. If this card is in the Graveyard, I decrease the ATK of one [Drytron/Drytron Ritual Monster] monster on my Field by 1000 points, and Return Meteonis Drytron from the Graveyard to my Hand."
[Drytron Alpha Thuban] [ATK 2000→1000]
Kobayashi Hiroyuki was also startled when he heard Meteonis Drytron's effect. He hadn't forgotten what Hayato had said about Meteonis Drytron's effect: after gathering the required Tributes from the Hand and Field, it could Special Summon a Ritual Monster from the Hand and Graveyard.
In other words, even though Drytron Meteonis Draconids was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, Hayato, having Added Meteonis Drytron to his Hand, could still revive Drytron Meteonis Draconids from the Graveyard as long as he gathered the Tributes!
However, after thinking about it, Kobayashi Hiroyuki relaxed again. "You actually voluntarily decreased the ATK of Drytron Alpha Thuban, which could be used as a Tribute. In that case, you can't gather the required Total 4000 ATK on your Field to Summon Drytron Meteonis Draconids."
Hayato smiled. "No, you forgot one monster."
"The Special Summon of Drytron monsters by their own effect has a once per turn restriction, but there is one monster in my Graveyard that hasn't used its own effect to Special Summon yet."
A light shone in Hayato's Graveyard. The figure of Drytron Alpha Thuban, whose ATK had just been decreased to recycle Meteonis Drytron, disappeared, replaced by the reappearance of Drytron Beta Rastaban!
[Drytron Beta Rastaban] [ATK 2000]
"With this, I have two monsters with 2000 ATK again! I activate the Ritual Spell Card Meteonis Drytron from my Hand!"
"Descend once more, Drytron Meteonis Draconids!"
After Tributing the two Drytron monsters on the Field, Drytron Meteonis Draconids rose from the Graveyard. The revived monster immediately locked onto Dragonmaid Sheou, which had destroyed it with throwing knives earlier. Although it was a machine, it held grudges.
[Drytron Meteonis Draconids] [ATK 4000]
Because the Total Star Level of the Tributes used was 2☆, Drytron Meteonis Draconids still had the ability to destroy all Spell/Trap Cards on the Opponent's Field. However, Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Spell/Trap Zone had already been cleared earlier, so the effect had no meaning to activate.
But now, the effect of Drytron Meteonis Draconids to destroy Spell/Trap Cards was no longer needed. At this moment, its ATK, equal to that of Obelisk the Tormentor, was enough to pose a sufficient threat to Kobayashi Hiroyuki.
"The prelude is just about ready. This Duel will end within this turn. First, let Drytron Meteonis Draconids's attack be the opening!" Hayato raised his hand above his head. "Enter my Battle Phase!"
Hearing this, Kobayashi Hiroyuki glared at Little Blue on his Field.
The lower-level monsters of Dragonmaid each have two effects. One effect can be activated when they are Summoned/Special Summoned, and the other effect is used at the start of either player's Battle Phase.
Little Blue's second effect is that she can Return Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid on the Field to the Hand, and then Special Summon a Level 7 Dragonmaid from the Hand or Graveyard. This effect was originally quite suitable when combined with her first effect—milling the top three cards of the Deck to the Graveyard.
However, because the three cards milled earlier were all Pot of Greed, it directly resulted in Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Graveyard currently only containing Dragonmaid Flamme, the one monster that was sent to the Graveyard as Fusion Material for Dragonmaid Sheou. And unfortunately, its Level was 8☆, completely incompatible with Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid's effect.
All the cards in his Spell/Trap Zone were also broken through. Knowing that his monster would inevitably be destroyed during the Battle Phase, Kobayashi Hiroyuki could only watch helplessly from the side.
To Kobayashi Hiroyuki's surprise, the attack target Hayato chose was not the Dragonmaid Sheou in Attack Position, but rather the Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid in Defense Position.
"Drytron Meteonis Draconids, attack Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid."
"Attacking a monster in Defense Position?" Kobayashi Hiroyuki asked, confused, while staring at Drytron Meteonis Draconids with a questioning gaze. "That monster has already shown three effects, could it possibly also have piercing damage ability?"
"Although there are monsters with so many effects that they can't fit on one card, Drytron Meteonis Draconids isn't that excessive. It cannot inflict damage when attacking a monster in Defense Position." Hayato spread his hands, paused for a moment, then proudly inserted a card from his Hand into the Spell & Trap Zone,
"However, if attacking a monster in Defense Position cannot inflict damage, then I just need to change its battle position to Attack Position."
"Quick-Play Spell Card, Enemy Controller!"
As Hayato activated the card, a game controller appeared before him for inputting instructions, and the controller's cable wrapped around Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid on Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Field.
"Uwaah!" Little Blue, tangled by the wires, cried out in surprise, but she couldn't move at all because she was bound. Her wildly swinging tail even knocked over the clothes she had just managed to tidy up again.
"You're controlling my monster, this annoyed feeling!" Kobayashi Hiroyuki gritted his teeth. "It's like the humiliation and awkwardness of having another person watch you use the Restroom when you're the only one in there!"
"Hehehe, I'll take that as a compliment for now. Then, input the code '←→ Be careful of Winged Dragon', Enemy Controller will change the battle position of Little Blue, who was selected as the attack target for Drytron Meteonis Draconids, from Defense Position to Attack Position!"
Hayato shouted a string of meaningless instructions, but the Little Blue opposite him was indeed changed from Defense Position to Attack Position, and was directly facing Drytron Meteonis Draconids with a towering 4000 ATK!
[Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid] [DEF 1600→ATK 500]
[Drytron Meteonis Draconids] [ATK 4000]
"H-Help! What are you doing with such high ATK!" Little Blue, forced to swing her pink fists at Drytron Meteonis Draconids, cried out for help, her gaze fixed on Kobayashi Hiroyuki. "Help me! Why are you just standing there watching!"
"Masaka, Masaka! Have you really given up on me!"
"Uwaah!!!"
When Drytron Meteonis Draconids attacked Little Blue, it didn't use much strength. It just bent down, extended its mechanical claw, and flicked Little Blue's forehead. However, even though the movement was very light, due to its enormous size, even a mere flick easily sent Little Blue flying, crashing into Kobayashi Hiroyuki!
"Bugah!!" Hit directly in the abdomen by Little Blue's dragon horn, Kobayashi Hiroyuki also fell backward onto the ground, while Little Blue also fainted with spiral eyes and was sent to the Graveyard.
[Kobayashi Hiroyuki: 4000→500 LP]
A whopping 3500 points of Battle Damage. It took Kobayashi Hiroyuki a while to recover, and he said somewhat shamefully, "Ya, Yarou! To treat me, Kobayashi Hiroyuki, like this!"
"However, this is as far as you go! Inflicting 3500 points of Battle Damage on me is your limit!"
Looking at the cards in his Hand, Kobayashi Hiroyuki couldn't help but show a proud smile.
In his Hand, besides Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid which was returned to his Hand by Dragonmaid Downtime's effect earlier, he also had a Dragonmaid Ernus which was also searched from the Deck and added to his Hand by Dragonmaid Downtime.
It's not just the Drytron Ritual Spell Card Meteonis Drytron that can be recycled to the Hand from the Graveyard by its own effect. The Dragonmaid Fusion Card he uses, Dragonmaid Changeover, also has the same effect; it can be recycled by returning a Dragonmaid on the Field to the Hand.
Next turn, he can first Normal Summon Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid to search for a Spell/Trap Card from the Deck, then use Dragonmaid Changeover to Return Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid to the Hand to recycle Dragonmaid Changeover. At the same time, this can trigger Dragonmaid Sheou's effect to destroy Drytron Meteonis Draconids.
Then, using Dragonmaid Changeover, he can use the Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid in his Hand and the Level 8 Dragonmaid Ernus as Fusion Material to Summon Dragonmaid Hestia again.
Victory still belongs to me, Kobayashi Hiroyuki!
Across from Kobayashi Hiroyuki, Hayato also nodded. "Ah, that's true. Drytron Meteonis Draconids is fine for clearing Spell and Trap Cards, but when it comes to inflicting Battle Damage, another Drytron Ritual Monster is stronger."
"Inflicting 3500 points of Battle Damage is indeed the limit of what I can do."
"However, my turn is not over yet. In my Main Phase 2, I will activate this winning card!"
"Continuous Spell Card, Psychic Ectoplasm!"
Watching Hayato insert the card from his Hand into the Spell & Trap Zone, neither Kobayashi Hiroyuki, who hadn't had much contact with this type of stall card, nor Drytron Meteonis Draconids, which was appearing in the Duel Monsters World for the first time and lacked experience, knew the effect of this card. At the same time, they had no understanding of what was about to happen next.
However, Marik, who was watching, sighed helplessly when he saw Psychic Ectoplasm. "This operation, it has that flavor. The same old ending."
Kobayashi Sumire, who wasn't very familiar with Duel Monsters, asked, confused, "What's wrong with that Card, the one called Psychic Ectoplasm?"
"It's not a big problem, according to the person himself, it's something like, 'This is the struggle I make for Victory, I am willing to give up my old friend'," Marik imitated Hayato's tone. "The effect of that Psychic Ectoplasm is—"
"During the End Phase of both players, you must choose one monster on your Field and Tribute it, and inflict damage to the Opponent equal to half the ATK of the Tributed Monster." Hayato's mouth curved into a "painful" expression. "For the final Victory, this is a necessary sacrifice!"
"Force yourself to Tribute a monster on your Field?"
Kobayashi Hiroyuki's gaze fell upon Drytron Meteonis Draconids, which was equally bewildered and hadn't reacted yet. He looked at its ATK value.
[Drytron Meteonis Draconids] [ATK 4000]
"Half of 4000, 2000 points?!" Kobayashi Hiroyuki instantly panicked and shouted at Drytron Meteonis Draconids, "You're not going to self-destruct, are you? Don't do anything rash! Don't come over here!!"
However, no matter how much Kobayashi Hiroyuki and Drytron Meteonis Draconids didn't want to see the scene that was about to unfold, Hayato still firmly declared, "Then, I end my turn."
"And then, Psychic Ectoplasm's effect takes effect, Tributing Drytron Meteonis Draconids on my Field!"
"Sacrifice for the great cause!"
The Star Dragon was detonated with a roar. The shockwave swept Kobayashi Hiroyuki away, leaving him sprawled on the ground with his buttocks sticking up, while Hayato took the opportunity to brush back his bangs, looking completely refreshed.
"It's been a while since I self-destructed so satisfyingly. It feels as refreshing as welcoming the first morning of the New Year wearing brand new underwear."
As he stretched, Hayato noticed that as the Duel ended, the figure of Dragonmaid Sheou, which hadn't been destroyed, gradually disappeared from the Field like a normal Duel Monsters image. However, before disappearing, it still maintained enough spirituality, even giving Hayato a polite bow before retreating back into the Deck loaded in the Duel Disk Kobayashi Hiroyuki was wearing.
Hayato's mouth curved up, revealing an expression of interest.
'As expected, it's a Card Spirit? No wonder it has such spirituality.'
'But looking at old man's reaction, he doesn't seem to see Card Spirits. That's a pity, otherwise the Duel might have been more interesting?'
If the Dragonmaid used by Kobayashi Hiroyuki had a bit more divine draw, for example, if Little Blue hadn't milled all three Pot of Greed but only two, and milled a random Level 7 Dragonmaid instead, then there might have been some other variables in this Duel.
"Kuriboh?" The voice of Rainbow Kuriboh sounded in his ear. Hayato lowered his head to look at the last card in his Hand. Rainbow Kuriboh poked its head out from the card it resided in, asking Hayato what he was thinking about.
"Nothing much, just suddenly remembered something." Hayato rubbed Rainbow Kuriboh's soft head with his finger and looked at Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Deck as he sat up from the ground. "Old man isn't the only Duelist who has awakened a Card Spirit but can't see its ability, but I still need to make a necessary confirmation."
"Old man, can I check your Deck?"
[Drytron Gamma Eligius] [Level 1☆/LIGHT]
[Machine-Type/Special Summon/Effect]
[2000/0]
"Level 1, yet it has a whopping 2000 ATK, and it can be Special Summoned from hand!?" Kobayashi Hiroyuki frowned. "What kind of card did someone stomp out with their feet?"
"It's not that bad, it's just 2000 ATK. And I need to correct something, it's not 'can', it's 'can only'," Hayato said, spreading his hand. "In this [Drytron] Deck, all the lower-level monsters are Level 1☆, LIGHT attribute, Machine-Type monsters with 2000 ATK and 0 DEF that cannot be Normal Summoned. Their Special Summon requires Tributing another [Drytron] monster."
"Furthermore, during the turn a [Drytron] monster is Special Summoned by its own effect, other monsters cannot be Special Summoned unless they are monsters that cannot be Normal Summoned."
Hearing Hayato say that, Kobayashi Hiroyuki reluctantly nodded. "I remember that's the so-called 'restriction' effect, right? In that case, it's barely acceptable."
"However, it's impossible to defeat Dragonmaid Sheou with just this one monster. A Duel Monsters Deck is like a sports car; even if you have the resolve to step on the accelerator and the courage to grip the steering wheel, you cannot surpass the inherent limitations of the vehicle itself."
Hayato smiled. "In that case, how about you say that after you've seen the limit of my Deck?"
"Drytron Gamma Eligius's own effect allows me to Special Summon another Drytron monster with 2000 ATK from my Graveyard, other than Drytron Gamma Eligius, after it's Special Summoned. I choose Drytron Beta Rastaban, which was Tributed and sent to the Graveyard earlier."
Beside Drytron Gamma Eligius on Hayato's Field, another starlight phantom solidified from nothingness, taking on the free Gundam-like stance of another limit dragon, Drytron Beta Rastaban. Its crystal wings spread behind it, and the cannon blast device mounted on its wrist aimed at Dragonmaid Sheou.
[Drytron Beta Rastaban] [ATK 2000]
"Next, the effect of Drytron Alpha Thuban in the Graveyard activates. By Tributing Drytron Gamma Eligius, Drytron Alpha Thuban is Special Summoned from the Graveyard, and I add a Ritual Monster from my Deck to my Hand."
"Do you activate a Set Card?" Hayato asked, taking the card that Drytron Alpha Thuban, which had manifested on the Field after Tributing Drytron Gamma Eligius, had searched from the Deck for him. He glanced at the three Set Cards in Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Spell/Trap Zone and confirmed.
Although the negate from Dragonmaid Hestia had been successfully baited out by Cyber Emergency earlier, he hadn't forgotten the other three Set Cards. He also hadn't drawn Harpie's Feather Duster this turn, so he could only use this somewhat foolish method to probe the trap type.
His opening hand was decent; he drew two Drytron monsters and Cyber Emergency. The card he drew was the Drytron Deck's Ritual Spell Card, Meteonis Drytron. Although he didn't draw the accompanying Ritual Monster, he could directly search for it with Drytron Alpha Thuban's effect.
However, to guard against Dragonmaid Hestia's effect, Hayato didn't immediately Special Summon Drytron Alpha Thuban and wait to be negated. Instead, he used Cyber Emergency to bait it out, and he successfully did so, managing to turn the troublesome Dragonmaid Hestia into Dragonmaid Sheou.
Although Hayato still hadn't managed to figure out what those three Set Cards were, he couldn't worry about it too much for now.
Hesitating and shrinking back due to excessive vigilance, thus losing the opportune attack timing, was not Hayato's style.
Looking at the Ritual Monster added to his Hand, Hayato decisively activated the card. "I activate the Ritual Spell Card Meteonis Drytron! Drytron Alpha Thuban and Drytron Beta Rastaban, I will use them as Tributes!"
"Using two Level 1 monsters as Tributes for a Ritual Summon? 1+1 doesn't equal 2?" Kobayashi Hiroyuki was momentarily stunned. After calculating the Total Star Level of the two monsters, he said contemptuously, "A Level 2 Ritual Monster, isn't that just a small fry?"
Although he hadn't studied Ritual Summon Decks much, he had dueled against Duelists who used Ritual Summoning in London and had a basic understanding of the Ritual Summon rules.
The three necessary elements are the Ritual Monster, the corresponding Ritual Spell Card, and Tributes whose Star Level Total is equal to or greater than the Ritual Monster's Star Level.
He didn't believe from the bottom of his heart that two Level 1 monsters could Ritual Summon any powerful monster.
But while Kobayashi Hiroyuki was harboring such thoughts, he saw the phantom of a colossal creature appear behind Hayato as Drytron Beta Rastaban and Drytron Alpha Thuban decomposed into stardust.
"That thing...!?"
"O Stars shining in Space, release your eternal radiance and become the signpost illuminating the future!"
Hayato raised the card in his Hand high. The stardust formed by Drytron Alpha Thuban and Drytron Beta Rastaban gathered towards the card, causing it to be completely enveloped in light. Hayato slammed it onto his Duel Disk. "Ritual Summon, Descent! Wagatama Soul!"
"LV.MAX! Drytron Meteonis Draconids!"
The Pitch-black space formed the matte black body, pure white light constructed the armor for the limbs, torso, and head, nested upon the main body. The Cyber Dragon Constellation hidden in the sky erupted with dazzling starlight, transforming into bright yellow meteors that landed on various parts of the machine giant dragon's armor.
Ice-blue mechanical claws extended, and the machine giant dragon from the Starry Sky opened its orange-red eyes. Sextant-like structures opened on its armor, and light blue light wings spread out. The ultimate Ritual Monster, like a deity, had descended!
[Drytron Meteonis Draconids] [Level 12☆/LIGHT]
[Machine-Type/Ritual/Effect]
[4000/4000]
"Level 12☆? Something is definitely wrong!" Kobayashi Hiroyuki couldn't understand. "1+1 clearly equals 2, you have a whole extra digit for 12, what kind of nonsensical calculation is this!"
"As everyone knows, Kitten plus Puppy can turn into an invincible Gundam. 1☆ + 1☆ = 12☆, I think it's very reasonable."
Hayato made a joke before explaining, "Drytron, to some extent, can be said to be a power that doesn't belong to this World. Originating from the Cyber Dragon Constellation in the sky, it's different from conventional Duel Monsters in every aspect."
"Not only can all the lower-level monsters not be Normal Summoned, but the High-Level Ritual Monsters of Drytron—[Drytron Ritual Monsters]—are Ritual Summoned based not on the Star Level of the Tributes, but on the Total ATK of the Ritual Monsters."
As Hayato said this, Kobayashi Hiroyuki also noticed that the Drytron Meteonis Draconids he had just Summoned had exactly 4000 ATK, which was the Total ATK of Drytron Beta Rastaban and Drytron Alpha Thuban, the two monsters with 2000 ATK each that were used as Ritual Tributes.
"When Drytron Meteonis Draconids is successfully Ritual Summoned, and the Total Star Level of the Tributes used is Level 2 or less, its effect activates," Hayato pointed to the three Set Cards in Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Spell/Trap Zone. "Although I didn't draw a Field Clear Card, Clearing the Field with a Monster Effect is the same."
"Destroy all Spell/Trap Cards on the Opponent's Field!"
"Nani?!"
"It has such a powerful effect along with 4000 ATK?" Kobayashi Hiroyuki frowned. "Clear my Spell/Trap Zone, and then you can attack me without any restraints, right?"
"Noroi Noroi! This situation was already within my, Kobayashi Hiroyuki's, consideration! I set a Breakthrough Skill in my Spell/Trap Zone earlier, which can negate a Monster Effect! You won't get away with using that monster to destroy the cards in my Spell/Trap Zone!"
As he spoke, Kobayashi Hiroyuki pressed the activate Set Card button proudly, but to his surprise, he couldn't activate the Set Breakthrough Skill no matter what he did!?
"Hoh? Not trying to escape, but attempting to approach my Drytron Meteonis Draconids? Weak, weak! How can a soul bound by gravity understand the greatness of the Stars?"
"The Drytron Meteonis Draconids on the Field has the ability to cannot be targeted by the Opponent's Spell/Trap Card Effects. For a true Duelist, it's non-targeting! Your Dragonmaid purity is too low!"
"Now, Destroy all of the Opponent's Spell/Trap Cards, Drytron Meteonis Draconids!"
"Stellaaaaa!!"
Drytron Meteonis Draconids, named after the "Quadrantid Meteor Shower," raised one hand high. The bright yellow gems on its body radiated light, and all the energy in its body converged into its hand. Then, Drytron Meteonis Draconids threw the energy ball in its hand.
The energy ball, having escaped control, suddenly burst, transforming into a sky full of projectiles that shot out, aiming directly at the cards in Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Spell/Trap Zone!
"Tsk, it cannot be targeted by Spell/Trap Card Effects? In that case, I activate this card, Dragonmaid Downtime!"
Facing the rain of projectiles, Kobayashi Hiroyuki moved his finger to the other side and flipped another card. As he activated the Set Card, the Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid on his Field disappeared and flew back into his Hand.
"The Continuous Trap Card Dragonmaid Downtime is a Card whose effect can be activated by Targeting one Dragonmaid on my Field. I Return Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid to my Hand, and then I can add a card other than Dragonmaid Downtime from my Deck to my Hand."
Adding a card from his Deck to his Hand and placing it with Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid, Kobayashi Hiroyuki continued, "At the same time, Dragonmaid Sheou, who manages the Dragonmaids, can also activate its effect. When a Face-up Dragon-Type Monster on my Field other than Dragonmaid Sheou returns to the Hand, I can target one of the Opponent's monsters and destroy that monster!"
As Drytron Meteonis Draconids threw the meteor shower, Dragonmaid Sheou, whose effect was triggered by Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid's leaving the Field, also gained several short-handled throwing knives held between its fingers. As the dense rain of light fell on the cards in the Spell/Trap Zone behind Dragonmaid Sheou, it also threw the small knives in its hand.
"Boom!"
"Crack!"
The cards in Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Spell/Trap Zone and Drytron Meteonis Draconids on Hayato's Field were destroyed simultaneously. In the explosion, Hayato also confirmed the last Set Card; it was the invincible Sakuretsu Armor. Clearly, today's Sakuretsu Armor still couldn't be activated.
However, considering the Set Cards, his old man's board-building ability is quite amazing. Not to mention Dragonmaid Hestia's once-per-turn omni-negate, a Continuous Trap Dragonmaid Downtime provides sustainability for recycling and searching, and combined with Dragonmaid Sheou (transformed from Dragonmaid Hestia), it can achieve a targeting monster destruction.
Then there's Sakuretsu Armor to defend against powerful attacks, and Breakthrough Skill to counter monsters with troublesome effects.
Aside from Little Blue failing during the milling, his old man's strength is actually quite good. Maybe "Undefeated in London" wasn't just bragging.
Meanwhile, across from Hayato, Kobayashi Hiroyuki was quite satisfied with this base trade. After all, the three Set Cards he lost, while not a small stakes, were much better than the Drytron Meteonis Draconids that That Kid had struggled to gather Tributes to Summon.
That Kid only has three cards left in his Hand now. There's no way he can get rid of the Dragonmaid Sheou on my Field. Although the ending hasn't arrived yet, no matter how I think about it, the final Victory in this Duel definitely belongs to me, Kobayashi Hiroyuki! That Kid Hayato is still twenty thousand years too early to defeat me!
"Hehehe, hehehe, hehahahahaha—" Kobayashi Hiroyuki's triumphant three-stage laugh suddenly stopped because he saw the figures of two monsters that had appeared before reappear at the location where Drytron Meteonis Draconids was destroyed on Hayato's Field?!
[Drytron Gamma Eligius] [ATK 2000]
[Drytron Alpha Thuban] [ATK 2000]
"Oh dear, oh dear, you're making a very surprised expression, old man," Hayato said proudly. "'Kid Hayato is still twenty thousand years too early to defeat me,' I suppose that's what you were thinking just now after destroying my Drytron Meteonis Draconids?"
"The monsters that were Tributed earlier have been Summoned back, that's your confused thought, right? The answer is the effect of my Drytron Meteonis Draconids." Hayato held the Drytron Meteonis Draconids card in his hand, which hadn't been sent to the Graveyard yet after being destroyed.
"Even if the starlight is temporarily obscured by dust, the Stars still hang in the same position. Even if they are no longer dazzling due to the passage of years, the Stars remain unchanged."
"The Ritual Summoned Drytron Meteonis Draconids's effect can be activated when it is destroyed. Special Summon any number of [Drytron/Drytron Ritual Monster] monsters from my Graveyard, other than Drytron Meteonis Draconids, whose Total ATK is up to 4000."
"Then, I activate the effect of the Ritual Spell Card Meteonis Drytron in my Graveyard. If this card is in the Graveyard, I decrease the ATK of one [Drytron/Drytron Ritual Monster] monster on my Field by 1000 points, and Return Meteonis Drytron from the Graveyard to my Hand."
[Drytron Alpha Thuban] [ATK 2000→1000]
Kobayashi Hiroyuki was also startled when he heard Meteonis Drytron's effect. He hadn't forgotten what Hayato had said about Meteonis Drytron's effect: after gathering the required Tributes from the Hand and Field, it could Special Summon a Ritual Monster from the Hand and Graveyard.
In other words, even though Drytron Meteonis Draconids was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, Hayato, having Added Meteonis Drytron to his Hand, could still revive Drytron Meteonis Draconids from the Graveyard as long as he gathered the Tributes!
However, after thinking about it, Kobayashi Hiroyuki relaxed again. "You actually voluntarily decreased the ATK of Drytron Alpha Thuban, which could be used as a Tribute. In that case, you can't gather the required Total 4000 ATK on your Field to Summon Drytron Meteonis Draconids."
Hayato smiled. "No, you forgot one monster."
"The Special Summon of Drytron monsters by their own effect has a once per turn restriction, but there is one monster in my Graveyard that hasn't used its own effect to Special Summon yet."
A light shone in Hayato's Graveyard. The figure of Drytron Alpha Thuban, whose ATK had just been decreased to recycle Meteonis Drytron, disappeared, replaced by the reappearance of Drytron Beta Rastaban!
[Drytron Beta Rastaban] [ATK 2000]
"With this, I have two monsters with 2000 ATK again! I activate the Ritual Spell Card Meteonis Drytron from my Hand!"
"Descend once more, Drytron Meteonis Draconids!"
After Tributing the two Drytron monsters on the Field, Drytron Meteonis Draconids rose from the Graveyard. The revived monster immediately locked onto Dragonmaid Sheou, which had destroyed it with throwing knives earlier. Although it was a machine, it held grudges.
[Drytron Meteonis Draconids] [ATK 4000]
Because the Total Star Level of the Tributes used was 2☆, Drytron Meteonis Draconids still had the ability to destroy all Spell/Trap Cards on the Opponent's Field. However, Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Spell/Trap Zone had already been cleared earlier, so the effect had no meaning to activate.
But now, the effect of Drytron Meteonis Draconids to destroy Spell/Trap Cards was no longer needed. At this moment, its ATK, equal to that of Obelisk the Tormentor, was enough to pose a sufficient threat to Kobayashi Hiroyuki.
"The prelude is just about ready. This Duel will end within this turn. First, let Drytron Meteonis Draconids's attack be the opening!" Hayato raised his hand above his head. "Enter my Battle Phase!"
Hearing this, Kobayashi Hiroyuki glared at Little Blue on his Field.
The lower-level monsters of Dragonmaid each have two effects. One effect can be activated when they are Summoned/Special Summoned, and the other effect is used at the start of either player's Battle Phase.
Little Blue's second effect is that she can Return Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid on the Field to the Hand, and then Special Summon a Level 7 Dragonmaid from the Hand or Graveyard. This effect was originally quite suitable when combined with her first effect—milling the top three cards of the Deck to the Graveyard.
However, because the three cards milled earlier were all Pot of Greed, it directly resulted in Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Graveyard currently only containing Dragonmaid Flamme, the one monster that was sent to the Graveyard as Fusion Material for Dragonmaid Sheou. And unfortunately, its Level was 8☆, completely incompatible with Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid's effect.
All the cards in his Spell/Trap Zone were also broken through. Knowing that his monster would inevitably be destroyed during the Battle Phase, Kobayashi Hiroyuki could only watch helplessly from the side.
To Kobayashi Hiroyuki's surprise, the attack target Hayato chose was not the Dragonmaid Sheou in Attack Position, but rather the Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid in Defense Position.
"Drytron Meteonis Draconids, attack Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid."
"Attacking a monster in Defense Position?" Kobayashi Hiroyuki asked, confused, while staring at Drytron Meteonis Draconids with a questioning gaze. "That monster has already shown three effects, could it possibly also have piercing damage ability?"
"Although there are monsters with so many effects that they can't fit on one card, Drytron Meteonis Draconids isn't that excessive. It cannot inflict damage when attacking a monster in Defense Position." Hayato spread his hands, paused for a moment, then proudly inserted a card from his Hand into the Spell & Trap Zone,
"However, if attacking a monster in Defense Position cannot inflict damage, then I just need to change its battle position to Attack Position."
"Quick-Play Spell Card, Enemy Controller!"
As Hayato activated the card, a game controller appeared before him for inputting instructions, and the controller's cable wrapped around Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid on Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Field.
"Uwaah!" Little Blue, tangled by the wires, cried out in surprise, but she couldn't move at all because she was bound. Her wildly swinging tail even knocked over the clothes she had just managed to tidy up again.
"You're controlling my monster, this annoyed feeling!" Kobayashi Hiroyuki gritted his teeth. "It's like the humiliation and awkwardness of having another person watch you use the Restroom when you're the only one in there!"
"Hehehe, I'll take that as a compliment for now. Then, input the code '←→ Be careful of Winged Dragon', Enemy Controller will change the battle position of Little Blue, who was selected as the attack target for Drytron Meteonis Draconids, from Defense Position to Attack Position!"
Hayato shouted a string of meaningless instructions, but the Little Blue opposite him was indeed changed from Defense Position to Attack Position, and was directly facing Drytron Meteonis Draconids with a towering 4000 ATK!
[Dragonmaid Laundry Dragonmaid] [DEF 1600→ATK 500]
[Drytron Meteonis Draconids] [ATK 4000]
"H-Help! What are you doing with such high ATK!" Little Blue, forced to swing her pink fists at Drytron Meteonis Draconids, cried out for help, her gaze fixed on Kobayashi Hiroyuki. "Help me! Why are you just standing there watching!"
"Masaka, Masaka! Have you really given up on me!"
"Uwaah!!!"
When Drytron Meteonis Draconids attacked Little Blue, it didn't use much strength. It just bent down, extended its mechanical claw, and flicked Little Blue's forehead. However, even though the movement was very light, due to its enormous size, even a mere flick easily sent Little Blue flying, crashing into Kobayashi Hiroyuki!
"Bugah!!" Hit directly in the abdomen by Little Blue's dragon horn, Kobayashi Hiroyuki also fell backward onto the ground, while Little Blue also fainted with spiral eyes and was sent to the Graveyard.
[Kobayashi Hiroyuki: 4000→500 LP]
A whopping 3500 points of Battle Damage. It took Kobayashi Hiroyuki a while to recover, and he said somewhat shamefully, "Ya, Yarou! To treat me, Kobayashi Hiroyuki, like this!"
"However, this is as far as you go! Inflicting 3500 points of Battle Damage on me is your limit!"
Looking at the cards in his Hand, Kobayashi Hiroyuki couldn't help but show a proud smile.
In his Hand, besides Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid which was returned to his Hand by Dragonmaid Downtime's effect earlier, he also had a Dragonmaid Ernus which was also searched from the Deck and added to his Hand by Dragonmaid Downtime.
It's not just the Drytron Ritual Spell Card Meteonis Drytron that can be recycled to the Hand from the Graveyard by its own effect. The Dragonmaid Fusion Card he uses, Dragonmaid Changeover, also has the same effect; it can be recycled by returning a Dragonmaid on the Field to the Hand.
Next turn, he can first Normal Summon Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid to search for a Spell/Trap Card from the Deck, then use Dragonmaid Changeover to Return Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid to the Hand to recycle Dragonmaid Changeover. At the same time, this can trigger Dragonmaid Sheou's effect to destroy Drytron Meteonis Draconids.
Then, using Dragonmaid Changeover, he can use the Dragonmaid Chamber Dragonmaid in his Hand and the Level 8 Dragonmaid Ernus as Fusion Material to Summon Dragonmaid Hestia again.
Victory still belongs to me, Kobayashi Hiroyuki!
Across from Kobayashi Hiroyuki, Hayato also nodded. "Ah, that's true. Drytron Meteonis Draconids is fine for clearing Spell and Trap Cards, but when it comes to inflicting Battle Damage, another Drytron Ritual Monster is stronger."
"Inflicting 3500 points of Battle Damage is indeed the limit of what I can do."
"However, my turn is not over yet. In my Main Phase 2, I will activate this winning card!"
"Continuous Spell Card, Psychic Ectoplasm!"
Watching Hayato insert the card from his Hand into the Spell & Trap Zone, neither Kobayashi Hiroyuki, who hadn't had much contact with this type of stall card, nor Drytron Meteonis Draconids, which was appearing in the Duel Monsters World for the first time and lacked experience, knew the effect of this card. At the same time, they had no understanding of what was about to happen next.
However, Marik, who was watching, sighed helplessly when he saw Psychic Ectoplasm. "This operation, it has that flavor. The same old ending."
Kobayashi Sumire, who wasn't very familiar with Duel Monsters, asked, confused, "What's wrong with that Card, the one called Psychic Ectoplasm?"
"It's not a big problem, according to the person himself, it's something like, 'This is the struggle I make for Victory, I am willing to give up my old friend'," Marik imitated Hayato's tone. "The effect of that Psychic Ectoplasm is—"
"During the End Phase of both players, you must choose one monster on your Field and Tribute it, and inflict damage to the Opponent equal to half the ATK of the Tributed Monster." Hayato's mouth curved into a "painful" expression. "For the final Victory, this is a necessary sacrifice!"
"Force yourself to Tribute a monster on your Field?"
Kobayashi Hiroyuki's gaze fell upon Drytron Meteonis Draconids, which was equally bewildered and hadn't reacted yet. He looked at its ATK value.
[Drytron Meteonis Draconids] [ATK 4000]
"Half of 4000, 2000 points?!" Kobayashi Hiroyuki instantly panicked and shouted at Drytron Meteonis Draconids, "You're not going to self-destruct, are you? Don't do anything rash! Don't come over here!!"
However, no matter how much Kobayashi Hiroyuki and Drytron Meteonis Draconids didn't want to see the scene that was about to unfold, Hayato still firmly declared, "Then, I end my turn."
"And then, Psychic Ectoplasm's effect takes effect, Tributing Drytron Meteonis Draconids on my Field!"
"Sacrifice for the great cause!"
The Star Dragon was detonated with a roar. The shockwave swept Kobayashi Hiroyuki away, leaving him sprawled on the ground with his buttocks sticking up, while Hayato took the opportunity to brush back his bangs, looking completely refreshed.
"It's been a while since I self-destructed so satisfyingly. It feels as refreshing as welcoming the first morning of the New Year wearing brand new underwear."
As he stretched, Hayato noticed that as the Duel ended, the figure of Dragonmaid Sheou, which hadn't been destroyed, gradually disappeared from the Field like a normal Duel Monsters image. However, before disappearing, it still maintained enough spirituality, even giving Hayato a polite bow before retreating back into the Deck loaded in the Duel Disk Kobayashi Hiroyuki was wearing.
Hayato's mouth curved up, revealing an expression of interest.
'As expected, it's a Card Spirit? No wonder it has such spirituality.'
'But looking at old man's reaction, he doesn't seem to see Card Spirits. That's a pity, otherwise the Duel might have been more interesting?'
If the Dragonmaid used by Kobayashi Hiroyuki had a bit more divine draw, for example, if Little Blue hadn't milled all three Pot of Greed but only two, and milled a random Level 7 Dragonmaid instead, then there might have been some other variables in this Duel.
"Kuriboh?" The voice of Rainbow Kuriboh sounded in his ear. Hayato lowered his head to look at the last card in his Hand. Rainbow Kuriboh poked its head out from the card it resided in, asking Hayato what he was thinking about.
"Nothing much, just suddenly remembered something." Hayato rubbed Rainbow Kuriboh's soft head with his finger and looked at Kobayashi Hiroyuki's Deck as he sat up from the ground. "Old man isn't the only Duelist who has awakened a Card Spirit but can't see its ability, but I still need to make a necessary confirmation."
"Old man, can I check your Deck?"
