"Whoa! We really won!"
"That was amazing!"
With the duel concluded, even the Spirits who had been wary moments ago dropped their guard. A swarm of little Spirits swarmed around Hikaru Amagi and Fubuki Tenjoin (Atticus Rhodes), piling onto them in excitement as they paraded across the massive body of Thunderclap Dragon—celebrating the victory.
Hikaru basked for a while in the hero's reception. Thanks to this duel, even Kailoura and Tierra were warmly welcomed by the Spirits. But Tierra showed no interest in these infantile "mortal creatures." The moment they approached her, she dissolved into mist, disappearing from sight, leaving behind only the demon who carried Hikaru, ensuring he didn't fall.
Unlike Hikaru, who was still a little reserved, Atticus had completely embraced his role as a "king of the kids," playing games with the Spirits, showing off his good looks, vocal talents, and musical skills. He led them through one exciting activity after another.
The humans and Spirits kept playing until sunset. Only then did Hikaru collapse onto Thunderclap Dragon's back, laying on his back and reaching into his Deck.
Super Thunder Dragon – Thunder Dragon.
This was a seriously powerful card!
Not only was it easy to summon, its stats and effects were absolutely stellar!
With 2600 ATK, it outclassed ace cards like Gem-Knight Prism Aura, Dark Magician, Elemental HERO Neos, Stardust Dragon, and Number 39: Utopia. On top of that, if it would be destroyed by battle or effect, you could banish a Thunder monster from your Graveyard instead!
And that was just the "bonus." Its real power—what made it feared—was this: While this card is in the Monster Zone, your opponent cannot add cards from their Deck to their hand except by drawing.
A devastating lock-down effect that would make entire archetypes break out in cold sweats. And if combined with the "El Shaddoll Winda" Hikaru had obtained with great effort, even in the environment of his original world, this combo would've been top-tier.
In that kind of format, just those two cards on board—one limiting Special Summons, the other shutting down searching—could completely shut down even full-on board-breaker decks like Tenyi Sword Soul.
But…
That was back in Hikaru's original world.
In this one, before evaluating a card's power, you had to consider the meta.
In the GX Duel Academy world, where Pot of Greed and Graceful Charity existed, where searching wasn't everything and most players still relied on good draws, Super Thunder Dragon's lockdown effect didn't hit quite the same.
The same went for Winda. Its 2200 ATK just made people want to beat over it—Special Summon lock or not.
But.
Unlike Winda, Super Thunder Dragon had solid attack, great resilience, and was a universal fusion finisher. As long as Hikaru had some Thunder monsters, he could always Fusion Summon it—even if all he had was Thunder Dragon, he could Normal Summon it and still make a play. Truly a phenomenal and versatile card!
While pondering, Hikaru noticed the card in his hand began to crackle with energy, flickering with light.
Startled, he quickly sat up, turning toward the source—and saw Super Thunder Dragon curling into itself, its lightning retracting, forming a glowing golden orb of energy.
"Don't be alarmed, warrior of humanity," came the rumbling voice of Thunderclap Dragon, whose lightning-linked voice echoed in Hikaru's mind. He lifted his head to see the great dragon speaking to him directly.
"Little Spark—no, Super Thunder Dragon—developed an interest in Fusion. Catalyzed by your power, it evolved into something new. But even for one so close to evolution, a full transformation into a Spirit takes time."
"That small, newly-formed body is proof of that."
Hikaru nodded quietly.
"You… are an alchemist, aren't you?" the dragon asked after a pause.
"I'm just still learning," Hikaru replied.
"I thought so. Your powerful alchemy resonated with Little Spark, sparking its evolution into a new form."
Thunderclap Dragon gazed once more at the now-sleeping Super Thunder Dragon. Then, with a slow motion of its neck, it sent out a soft surge of lightning, returning the creature to card form and placing it gently in Hikaru's hand.
Then, the mighty dragon reared up—its movement shaking the very mountains.
"It's still got some wisdom," Tierra muttered as she reappeared beside Hikaru, controlling the demon steed. She glanced at the card in his hand and said:
"Dueling generates intense energy—energy that can dissipate, take physical form, or become emotion—anchored as hope in someone's heart. That Spirit, curious about everything, was drawn in by your passion for Fusion at just the right moment, moved by your alchemy, and experienced its first impulse to evolve. This might be the first Spirit you've earned purely through your own strength—not a card granted to you, but one born of your connection."
True.
After hearing her say it, Hikaru gently wiped the dust off the card's surface.
A new friend, bonded and fused through pure spirit and Duelist heart!
He rode his demon mount into the wind, casting a sideways glance at Atticus. The older student was laughing alongside a small armored bird, playing in the breeze.
Hikaru smiled.
He carefully slid the Super Thunder Dragon card into his Deck box.
Though small and newly born, it represented the future of Fusion.
Gathering more allies, building bonds, and forming connections in heart and purpose—that was Hikaru Amagi's new understanding of Fusion.