"Activate Equip Spell Card Axe of Despair, equipping it to Destiny HERO - Plasma! Then attack the opponent directly!"
"Blood-Colored Terror!"
[Destiny HERO - Plasma] [ATK 1900 → 2900]
An axe appeared in Destiny HERO - Plasma's hand. Receiving D.D.'s order, Destiny HERO - Plasma leaped high into the air, swinging the sharp axe down at Hayato, as if to split Hayato directly from head to toe!
The only regret was probably that Destiny HERO - Plasma didn't learn from Doom Lord Kazzak, shouting "Destiny HERO never be slaves" in a timely manner.
"In the name of God, I order you to step down!" Hayato wasn't weak either, another card in the Spell/Trap Zone was activated, "Witness my talent that transcends the era, my Godly Talent!"
"Continuous Trap Card Spirit Shielding Sword! When an opponent's monster declares an attack, I pay 1000 Life Points to negate that attack!"
The sharp axe struck Hayato in an instant, sending Hayato flying like a doll being thrown away by the impact force, then disappearing like a dying video game character turning into pixels.
In the place where Hayato was hit, a green pipe that would cause a certain red-hatted character to issue a copyright warning appeared. The unharmed Hayato rose from the pipe, and beside him, his Life Points decreased by 1000.
["Dan Kuroto": 7000 → 6000]
"It's not so easy to attack me. My life can be continued with coins." Hayato glanced at the Life Point display beside him, "So, there are still six chances. But I remember you said you would defeat me in three turns?"
"Damn it, troublesome brat!" D.D. frowned, drawing two cards from his Hand, "I Set two cards. My turn ends."
[D.D.: 4000, Hand 1]
[Destiny HERO - Plasma (Axe of Despair)] [ATK 2900]
[Set Card] x2
"Then it's my turn, draw a card!" Drawing a card, Hayato revealed a healthy smile, "As the game administrator of this Duel Monsters game, I hereby pass judgment! With talent like yours, you simply don't have the qualifications to experience this game. In other words, I'm going to discontinue you!"
"I'll use this card to prove my talent!"
Saying that, Hayato played the Field Spell Card he had added to his Hand using Planet Pathfinder's effect last turn: "Activate Field Spell Card Mausoleum of the Emperor! This is the stage that befits a god!"
Following the Kaiju that burst out of the earth, the ground around D.D. and Hayato was once again ravaged. A burial ground rose from underground, surrounding Hayato and D.D. The candlelight around them faintly created a bizarre atmosphere that could only be found in horror movies.
"Mausoleum of the Emperor?" D.D. frowned. He recognized this card and knew its effect. As long as enough Life Points were paid, Mausoleum of the Emperor could be used to Tribute Summon monsters without Tributing.
D.D. couldn't help but glance at "Dan Kuroto." Because the Mysterious Chinese Pot had Tributed Dogoran, the Mad Flame Kaiju, even after using Spirit Shielding Sword's effect once, "Dan Kuroto" still had a full 6000 Life Points. He could freely spend the Life Points that ordinary Duelists needed to use sparingly.
From "Dan Kuroto's" appearance, he probably wanted to use Mausoleum of the Emperor's effect to Summon high-Level monsters and defeat his Destiny HERO - Plasma while it was in a weakened state without equipped monsters, right?
D.D. glanced at his two Set Cards, revealing a smug expression. One of the cards he Set was the Trap Card Absorption Shield. If "Dan Kuroto" attacked with a high-ATK monster, D.D. would actually gain a big advantage and recover a large number of Life Points.
And to guard against the Trap-negating Red Reboot that "Dan Kuroto" had used before, D.D.'s other Set Card was Malfunction, which he hadn't been able to use last time. By paying 500 Life Points, he could negate the activation of a Trap Card and return it to its original state.
If "Dan Kuroto" used half of his Life Points to activate Red Reboot from his Hand, D.D.'s Malfunction would show "Dan Kuroto" what a Hero's tactics were.
In D.D.'s expectant gaze, "Dan Kuroto" looked at the last card in his Hand, a mysterious smile appearing on his face: "The earlier you appear, the earlier you'll be defeated. The same principle applies to Final Forms and Ace Monsters."
"Watch carefully, this is how this card is used!"
The card in his hand was slammed onto the Duel Disk, and Hayato's body moved stiffly like a zombie, his fingers pointing to the sky: "Take note! The crisis of death is approaching!"
"Using Mausoleum of the Emperor's effect, I pay 2000 Life Points as the cost of Tributing two monsters to Tribute Summon!"
"Emerge and stir, Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca!!!"
["Dan Kuroto": 6000 → 4000]
The innocent ground suffered its third ravaging. An aura that made D.D.'s hair stand on end and felt a wave of crisis accompanied the ground's destruction, flying high into the sky. Only pale cyan, translucent ribbons connected to the massive falcon soaring in the sky like tails.
What Hayato had Summoned was none other than the Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca he hadn't used in a long time, and as soon as it appeared, Wiraqocha Rasca set its sights on the sinful soul on D.D.'s body standing opposite Hayato.
Hearing the eagerness in the falcon's cry, Hayato wasn't in a hurry to launch his attack. Instead, he looked at D.D. smugly: "This is my talent that transcends the era, my Godly Talent!"
[Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] [Level 10 / DARK Attribute]
[Winged Beast Type / Effect Monster]
[1/1]
"Attack and Defense, both 1?!" Breathing in the air of "Death," feeling like he was being targeted by a top predator, awakening the cowardice in his DNA, D.D. stared at Wiraqocha Rasca's extremely low Attack and Defense, which didn't match its exaggerated size at all.
Because he had Destiny HERO - Plasma, which also didn't have outstanding Attack and Defense, D.D. didn't judge the strength of cards based on the Attack and Defense of Duel Monsters like other Duelists. He was quite wary of Wiraqocha Rasca's existence.
"Earthbound Immortal monsters, like Kaiju, because of their exaggerated size, only one Earthbound Immortal can exist on the Field. And among all the Earthbound Immortals, Wiraqocha Rasca is also the one with the strongest effect, matching my Godly Talent."
Hayato calmly stated Wiraqocha Rasca's effect, "As a member of the gods, your opponent's Spell and Trap Cards are all ineffective against Wiraqocha Rasca, and it cannot become the target of your opponent's monsters' attacks. In addition, Wiraqocha Rasca can attack your opponent directly."
"But if it's only to this extent, Wiraqocha Rasca wouldn't be enough to be the Final Boss in the Duel Monsters game." Hayato crossed his arms, saying smugly, "Wiraqocha Rasca's last and strongest effect is, once per turn, skip my Battle Phase and reduce your opponent's Life Points to 1!"
"This effect isn't damage and can't be resisted. Accept this divine power that even stardust and death must submit to, Extreme Star Obedience!"
Just like when Destiny HERO - Plasma absorbed Dogoran, the Mad Flame Kaiju, Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca spread its wide wings, and a cry that seemed to reach the depths of the soul rang out. D.D. felt his body as if it had fallen into an ice cave, all sensations leaving his body in an instant, even his Life Points plummeting rapidly as if skydiving!
[D.D.: 4000]
[D.D.: 1000]
[D.D.: 100]
[D.D.: 10]
[D.D.: 1]
"Cough, cough, heh, heh, heh" After Wiraqocha Rasca stopped its movements, as if he had just completed a full marathon, D.D. was covered in sweat, kneeling weakly on the ground. The sweat on his head dripped onto the ground like rain, and his mouth made heavy gasps like a roar.
"Next turn will be Wiraqocha Rasca's direct attack. Wait for death to approach step by step in fear." Hayato declared, "My turn ends here."
["Dan Kuroto": 4000, Hand 0]
[Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] [ATK 1]
[Time Capsule] [Spirit Shielding Sword]
Shaking his head to cheer himself up, D.D. struggled to look up at "Dan Kuroto" and the monster on his field that was indeed worthy of the title of "God," swallowing saliva.
Despite his unwillingness, D.D. had to admit that "Dan Kuroto," who had Summoned Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca, did have a temperament similar to the "Demon King" or "Demon Dragon" that appeared in the final stages of the game, as he had said.
But that was why D.D. was so unwilling and full of jealousy towards "Dan Kuroto."
"Why, why can you possess such a powerful Duel Monster!" D.D.'s eyes were full of resentment as he looked at Hayato, "You're just a brat who arrogantly thinks you're a god. What have you contributed in the process of obtaining this powerful power?!"
"I have lofty goals and want to become a 'Hero' who transcends others. For this, I even killed the person who created Destiny HERO - Plasma, using his bloody karma as the starting point of my legend! I——"
His words had only just reached halfway when D.D.'s expression showed a moment of distraction, stopping blankly and muttering to himself, "Why did I suddenly say this?"
"Because I don't think a fool like you has the qualifications to possess a powerful card like Destiny HERO - Plasma," taking his hand off the Millennium Rod, Hayato raised his head smugly, "Rules can't restrain my Godly Talent. The attack of Wiraqocha Rasca just now was mixed with a magic that amplified your jealousy."
"That way, curiosity is satisfied." Hayato said, pointing his finger at D.D., "Not only mine, but yours too!"
D.D. didn't understand why "Dan Kuroto" would say that his curiosity was satisfied, but he quickly realized that "Dan Kuroto's" finger wasn't pointing at him at all, but at someone behind him.
With murder in his heart, D.D. suddenly turned around and saw a young man with an expression of disbelief on his face.
"No, that's impossible, why, why is it D.D. you——"
That's the end of the nonsense, let's talk about the game.
[On the topic of Blizzard].
[On the topic of Blizzard]Seriously, it's better to close down early, this is my true feeling as a former Blizzard fan and now a Blizzard hater.
[On the topic of Blizzard]When it comes to Blizzard's CGs, I'm really impressed by Wrath of the Lich King and the classic CG from Warlords of Draenor - Garrosh Hellscream splitting Mannoroth, it's really exciting, Orcs will never be slaves.
[On the topic of Blizzard]The current Blizzard is just using its feet to make games, now it's not even as good as using its feet to make games
[On the topic of Blizzard]I hope that one day I won't see the news of Blizzard, "If you must die, may you die where you belong", Blizzard should really die early
[On the topic of Blizzard]Hand WoW over to Microsoft, Diablo to Asso, World of Warcraft to Gabe, and Hearthstone to Nintendo so I can play cards with the NS at any time
[On the topic of Blizzard]I'm done
(End of chapter)
Chapter 372: Clang Clang Clang! Shocking Truth
"No, you're lying, why, why would it be you, D.D.—"
Under D.D.'s gaze, the boy had an expression of disbelief. "It wasn't you, right? The one who killed my father, it couldn't possibly be you, D.D.!"
Even though he had clearly seen with his own eyes the last Duel Monsters Card his murdered father made before his death—[D·HERO Bloo-D]—appear on the field under D.D.'s control, and clearly heard with his own ears D.D. admit that he committed the crime of murder to obtain [D·HERO Bloo-D].
Despite the conclusive evidence, the boy looked at D.D., still holding onto a shred of trust, wanting to hear D.D. explain what he had just said and defend himself.
"Edo..." D.D. looked at the boy, a smile gradually forming at the corner of his mouth. "Heh heh, hehe, heh hahahaha!"
"That's right, Edo. I am the one who killed your father. See? This is the ultimate power I gained after killing your father and becoming a hero!"
D.D. stepped aside, allowing the boy named Edo to see the monster on the field under his control more clearly. It was precisely the last Card Edo's father completed before his death, [D·HERO Bloo-D]!
Edo had seen the original artwork for this Card in his father's manuscripts. He already knew about the existence of [D·HERO Bloo-D] and considered the [D·HERO Bloo-D] that was the only thing missing from the scene of his father's murder as an important clue in tracking down his father's killer.
The situation was now quite clear. It was D.D. who killed Edo's father and took the [D·HERO Bloo-D] Card!
"Why?" Besides his disbelief, Edo's face showed uncontrollable rage. "D.D., why was it you?!"
"Why? Heh, what a ridiculous and foolish question, Edo. Don't Duelists only value victory?" D.D. sneered and turned away, no longer paying attention to Edo's presence. Instead, his gaze burned as he looked at Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca on the field under 'Dan Kuroto's' control. "As long as a monster can bring me victory, I don't care what kind of cost I have to pay to obtain it!"
"Dan Kuroto, the torment you brought me, I will return it to you in full this turn!" D.D. sharply drew a card from the top of his deck. "My Turn, Draw card!"
"Activate [D·HERO Bloo-D]'s effect! Once per turn, I can turn one monster on the field under my opponent's control into an equip card for this card, and this card gains attack equal to half the attack of the equipped monster!"
Pointing sharply at the exaggerated volume of Wiraqocha Rasca, D.D. laughed somewhat in madness and commanded, "Solidifying Blood! Let's see how you resist this time!"
[D·HERO Bloo-D] spread its broken wings behind it again. A blood-red storm enveloped Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca. Even the strongest Earthbound Immortal, facing the power of this storm, could only be unwillingly drawn into [D·HERO Bloo-D]'s body.
On [D·HERO Bloo-D]'s wings, Wiraqocha Rasca's body parts occasionally protruded, as if struggling to escape. For Wiraqocha Rasca, who had been restrained in the Virtual World for so long, being trapped somewhere was even more unbearable than being Destroyed and sent to the Graveyard.
Seeing the familiar special effect, Hayato narrowed his eyes. "The last person who used this kind of monster lost an eye."
"Maximillion Pegasus? Heh heh, I've heard a little. But how can his Relinquished compare to my invincible [D·HERO Bloo-D]?" D.D. gave a cold smile. "Dan Kuroto, feel the power from your own monster!"
"Polar Star Obedience!"
[D·HERO Bloo-D] raised its right arm. The dragon-headed armguard seemed to come alive, automatically opening. From within, a mass of dark red liquid, viscous like blood, surged out, wriggling and mimicking the shape of Wiraqocha Rasca's head.
As the beak opened, a cry that reached the depths of the soul struck, and Hayato's Life Points rapidly changed!
['Dan Kuroto': 4000 → 1LP]
"Yikes, you're using a bootleg without permission!" Hayato, hit by [D·HERO Bloo-D] mimicking his own monster, was quite annoyed. "Onore!"
Seeing that 'Dan Kuroto' was still so energetic after being affected by the effect, when D.D. himself had almost been unable to get up and was utterly humiliated just now, D.D. frowned in dissatisfaction. "Although it has the same effect, is there still a bit of a gap in its actual implementation?"
"Hmph, it doesn't matter. This Death Duel will only end in a hero's victory. Your monster will become my prize when the time comes!"
These words were like a spark, igniting the rage of Edo behind D.D. "Shut your mouth, D.D.! What kind of hero are you, you guy?!"
Hearing this, D.D. turned his head back to look at Edo, his face full of impatience. "So noisy, Edo!"
Along with D.D.'s dissatisfaction, the [D·HERO Bloo-D] on the field under his control also took action, leaving the Duel Zone and striking towards Edo!
"Ugh!!"
Edo was just a five or six-year-old kid. Unlike Jaden Yuki, who was the same age, he didn't have [Yubel] protecting him. In an instant, he was entangled by a blood-red tentacle extending from [D·HERO Bloo-D]'s body, lifted into the air, unable to move!
"Duel Monsters actually... have physical form?!" Edo's face was full of disbelief. Why could Duel Monsters touch physical form? This was simply an impact on his worldview!
The influence on teenagers is immeasurable.
"Hmph, a hero? Let me teach you, Edo. Heroes are the Avatar of Justice, and Justice will prevail. I've never opposed these two points, but I think their order needs to be adjusted."
Looking at Edo, who was caught by [D·HERO Bloo-D] and brought before him, D.D. grabbed Edo's face with a twisted expression and pulled him closer, so Edo's eyes could clearly see the expression on his face. "Justice will prevail, because history is written by the Victor. In other words, the Victor is Justice!"
"As long as there's the fig leaf of 'Justice', any crime can be covered up, whether it's cheat, fraud, or murder. I will become a hero, in the name of 'Justice'!"
D.D. controlled [D·HERO Bloo-D] to change direction, looking at 'Dan Kuroto', who had been standing with his arms crossed, wearing an expression like he was watching a play. "Edo's father was the first Victim in my Hero's Biography, and you and your monster will be the second, Dan Kuroto!"
"Set a Card, I End my Turn!"
D.D. Set a Card from his hand on the field. Edo's weak voice came from beside him. "A hero... isn't like that..."
[D.D.: 1LP, hand 1]
[D·HERO Bloo-D] (Axe of Despair) (Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca) [ATK2900]
[Set Cards] X3
"Come on, Dan Kuroto. Didn't you say you had Divine Talent and were the Game Administrator of this Duel Monsters game?" D.D. spread his hand and pointed at the captured Edo. "Attack! If you're not worried about this troublesome kid's life at all!"
"But if you can't do that, then in the Next Turn, you'll vanish with your Life Points, which are like a candle in the wind!"
'If you Summon a Monster, the card I just Set is Adhesion Trap Hole, which can reduce a monster's attack to half its original value. Even the legendary Blue-Eyes White Dragon would only meet defeat before [D·HERO Bloo-D] if it fell into this Trap!'
'With Absorption Shield to defend against attacks, plus the existence of this kid who has completely become my shield, this Duel is undoubtedly my victory.'
Looking at D.D., whose face was full of a smug smile and whose confidence seemed to have already secured victory, Hayato said helplessly, "Since you're asking for it, I'll grant your wish. I'll take that kid's life right now."
"My Turn, Draw card."
'Dan Kuroto's' expression was simply too flat. When he said he would "take Edo's life," his tone was as calm as if he were saying, "Let's go eat yakiniku tonight," making D.D. wonder if he had misheard something.
"What did you just say?"
"Although I don't like repeating myself, I just said I would take that kid's life." Drawing a card, Hayato's face showed a healthy smile. "This is a great act of mercy from a God."
"I have a kind heart and can't stand to see others suffer, so let me help that kid find release!"
"During my Standby Phase, the Time Capsule I activated earlier takes effect, adding the card placed inside it to my hand!"
The Time Capsule that had sunk into the ground earlier slowly rose from underground. As the lid of the coffin-like device opened, a card flew out and landed in Hayato's hand.
After catching the card, Hayato didn't keep the suspense. He immediately flipped it over and revealed it to D.D. "The card I added to hand is this one: Change of Heart!"
"Your [D·HERO Bloo-D] is a good monster, but next second, it'll be mine!"
"N-Nani?!"
D.D. had anticipated that the card Hayato put in the Time Capsule might be a restricted powerful card like Card of Demise, Pot of Greed, or Lightning Vortex, or perhaps a high-star monster card that worked with Mausoleum of the Emperor,
But what the heck is Change of Heart?!
Taking a deep breath, and thinking of the Absorption Shield in his Backrow, D.D. recovered his composure.
"Even if you added Change of Heart to your hand, what of it? Don't forget, after absorbing your Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca, my [D·HERO Bloo-D] also gained the ability to not be affected by the opponent's Spell/Trap Cards as long as a Field Spell Card is on the field."
"Change of Heart is Negated for [D·HERO Bloo-D]!"
"Sore wa dou kana!"
Hayato sneered, "As the Game Administrator, only cards that obey my commands have meaning to exist. Since Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca betrayed me, that means it no longer has commercial value!"
"Cards with no commercial value should indeed go out of print!"
Hayato revealed the card he had just drawn from his hand—a Spell Card, Harpie's Feather Duster.
(End of Chapter)
# Chapter 373: Be Banished to the Darkness Along with the Truth
Harpie's Feather Duster, a powerful Spell Card that, aside from its name, has practically no connection to the Harpie Lady Deck. Although not as rare as Red-Eyes Black Dragon, it still possesses a considerably high rarity.
Even after giving one each to Hayato and Joey Wheeler, Mai Valentine still had three in her hand.
The effect of Harpie's Feather Duster is very simple: without any cost, it directly destroys all Spell/Trap Cards on the opponent's field. It's practically the "table-flipping" card of backrow destruction.
Of course, in terms of practicality, Heavy Storm, which can also blow up your own cards, is more useful. However, given the current situation on the field, Harpie's Feather Duster was more than enough.
As Hayato raised Harpie's Feather Duster high and slammed it onto his Duel Disk, a giant feather duster appeared out of thin air. With just one swing, it instantly whipped up a violent tornado, depleting all five cards on D.D.'s backrow in one go!
Whether it was Misdirection, Absorption Shield, Adhesion Trap Hole, or the Axe of Despair and Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca equipped to Plasma - D!
"D-damn it! All my cards were—!" Seeing his full backrow instantly depleted by "Shin Kuroto Dan" with a single card, D.D.'s confidence twisted into panic in an instant. "Now, my Plasma - D—!"
"Huh? What strange things are you saying?" Hayato played Change of Heart, looking at Plasma - D, which had lost the protection provided by Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca and had its control transferred to his field, and showed a wide smile.
"Look, isn't Plasma - D clearly my card?"
It wasn't just Plasma - D that was brought to Hayato's field, but also the young Aster Phoenix, who was being held hostage under Plasma - D's control by D.D.'s command.
"Hehehe, boy, sing and praise the benevolence of God to your heart's content!" As he spoke, Hayato waved his hand, signaling Aster Phoenix to move back and away from the field. Aster Phoenix obediently retreated several steps and stood behind Hayato. "Because the game that's about to take place is adult content, only for those eighteen and over."
Although, coming from Hayato, who was also under eighteen, this statement held no persuasive power whatsoever.
Aster Phoenix obediently stepped back half a step, looking at D.D. on the opposite field with a face full of unwillingness and rage, and Hayato with a confident smile.
Although he always referred to himself as God in a chuunibyou manner when speaking, and although his smile was so sinister it made one feel like he was the villain, at this moment, Aster Phoenix suddenly felt that this man named "Shin Kuroto Dan" was truly a real hero!
Even after just taking a fatal blow from the bastard D.D., with his Life Points dropping to just 1, he could still smile and create a miraculous victory. Aster Phoenix couldn't help but feel ashamed of the fear he had felt inside when he heard "Shin Kuroto Dan" say he was going to "take his life".
D.D.'s state of mind was completely different from Aster Phoenix's.
The meticulous defense set up in his backrow was depleted by one card, and his powerful monster was taken control of and moved to the opponent's field. At this moment, D.D.'s face seemed to wear a mask of pain, and his gaze towards "Shin Kuroto Dan" was full of panic.
Seeing that "Shin Kuroto Dan" was about to issue the attack command to Plasma - D, D.D. was unwilling to accept defeat just like that. He was about to open his mouth to beg for mercy when he heard "Shin Kuroto Dan" on the opposite side looking at the Plasma - D card and nodding repeatedly.
"Hmm, I see. A card inhabited by a soul, truly a genius design. Only this kind of card is worth being included in the game."
"So, D.D., as punishment for opposing me, I shall reveal your 'truth'!"
As he spoke, Hayato glanced at D.D., then turned his head to Aster Phoenix and showed a smile: "Aster Phoenix, why would D.D. commit murder just for a card? Why did D.D. become your guardian? Why has D.D. never used the Plasma - D card!"
"There is only one answer, Aster Phoenix! That is, D.D.'s own kind soul has long been devoured by Plasma - D. The one currently occupying D.D.'s body is an evil soul!"
"What?! Is that how it is!" Aster Phoenix was shocked upon hearing Hayato's words, looking at the bewildered D.D.. "D.D.'s body was actually possessed by an evil power!"
"Precisely! Within the Plasma - D card, the soul of the kind D.D. told me everything." Hayato put on a moved expression. "I never expected the truth to be like this. Evil soul, your destiny shall be changed by me!"
D.D. frowned: "I'm dead? How would I not know? What the hell is an evil soul? I am clearly D.D. him—"
"Silence, Evil Demon! Do not attempt to deceive us with words!" Hayato put on a righteous facade. "I shall take revenge for D.D., who sacrificed himself for justice!"
"Judgment time has arrived. I shall claim victory in this duel." Hayato issued a command to Plasma - D on his field. "To give you the final blow with your own monster... Yosh, name decided!"
"The Unflushed Poop Demon's—Chantala Blood Rain!"
"That's not it, I am clearly—!"
D.D. desperately tried to speak to prove that he was D.D. himself, but saw Plasma - D on Hayato's field instantly transform into a water pillar composed of blood. In the blink of an eye, it struck D.D.'s abdomen, causing him pain and preventing him from speaking further.
Immediately after, the overflowing blood gathered towards D.D. again, completely surrounding his body in a translucent sphere. While unable to move, he could no longer make any sound.
Wearing the blade-like Duel Disk, Hayato calmly paced over to D.D., who was surrounded by blood. He reached into the blood sphere and pulled, grabbing D.D.'s head and pressing it against his own, whispering softly into his ear: "Just kidding, how could I not know you're D.D. himself?"
"Ugh!" D.D. tried to open his mouth to curse, with Hayato holding his head, but Hayato's hand pressed down too tightly, preventing D.D. from even opening his jaw to speak.
"Seriously, scum like you deserve to die. You were just a waste to begin with, and out of greed, you stole someone else's cards, and then killed someone after being discovered." Hayato held D.D.'s jaw, a look of disgust on his face. "Although the Light of Destruction incited that last step, the fact that you're scum hasn't changed in the slightest."
"Afterwards, in order to stay informed about the case investigation in real-time, you bastard shamelessly became the guardian of the child whose father you murdered, and even used the father's cards to kill for pleasure in underground duel arenas. There aren't many people as despicable as you, D.D.."
Saying this, Hayato released D.D.'s head, but before he could beg for mercy, the blood sphere pulled him back in.
"You should perhaps thank me. Originally, after your past actions were exposed, you would only become the object of that boy's hatred, and your reputation would be infamously bad. But now, with my 'help', that child will only remember that you were actually a hero who sacrificed himself to fight against the darkness."
"To some extent, I've fulfilled your dream."
Grabbing D.D.'s shoulders with both hands, Hayato straightened his right leg behind him. "Now, not in the name of 'Dan Kuroto', but in the name of 'Kobayashi Hayato',"
"Be banished to the darkness along with the truth, D.D.!"
With a sudden lift of his leg and a knee strike, the power of the Millennium Item held by Hayato actively participated in the punishment of this duel. As the blood sphere surrounding D.D. violently exploded, D.D.'s soul was completely destroyed and annihilated.
"Fuc—" Even his final curse, D.D. couldn't utter.
Along with this, the power of the Light of Destruction, which was too late to withdraw from D.D.'s body and return to the Plasma - D card, was also severely damaged. With a malicious roar that no one but Hayato noticed, the power of the Light of Destruction vanished from D.D.'s body.
[D.D.: 1 LP → 0]
This Dark Game, initiated by D.D., ultimately ended with D.D.'s defeat. And right as the duel concluded, Hayato also received the duel settlement reward delivered punctually by the system.
Because his Life Points were suppressed to only 1, and he ended the game on the fifth turn, plus achieving difficult conditions like "finishing off the opponent with their own monster" and "not receiving battle damage", Hayato gained a full 1000 DP this time.
However, what surprised and also pleased him was that D.D. had left him a gift—dropping the highest reward obtainable from dueling him, D-Hero - Plasma.
Although the D-Hero - Plasma Hayato obtained was the Physical Card Version, losing the ability to "gain the effects of equipped monsters", Relatively, the Physical Card Version combined the ability to negate the effects of monsters on the field, which the Anime Version D-Hero - Plasma needed the synergy of D-Force to obtain, onto a single card. Rounding up or down, it wasn't considered a buff or a nerf.
Maintaining his usual good habit, he casually took all the cards from the fallen D.D.'s Duel Disk. Glancing at the young Aster Phoenix, who was still immersed in D.D.'s death, Hayato took out a few cards and walked over to him.
"D-Hero - Plasma's card, recovered. But its appearance is truly ugly, completely unfitting my aesthetic." With a disgusted expression, Hayato performed a flexible bend at the waist, looking down at the sad-faced Aster Phoenix. "Answer me, your name."
"Me?" Aster Phoenix looked at the lively Hayato and said politely, "My name is Aster Phoenix, Mr. God Dan Kuroto."
"Not Dan Kuroto, but Shin Kuroto Dan!" Casually changing his name again, Hayato shoved the few cards in his hand into Aster Phoenix's arms. "These terrible cards are a perfect match for an idiot like you who can't even remember my name. Quickly take these few cards and disappear from my sight!"
Ignoring the dumbfounded Aster Phoenix, Hayato's gaze glanced towards the face of the man who had appeared behind Aster Phoenix. That man looked very similar to Aster Phoenix.
What Hayato had just said wasn't entirely false. He hadn't seen D.D.'s soul in the D-Hero - Plasma card, but the souls of the dead who had lost their lives to D.D. all resided within D-Hero - Plasma.
Among them was Aster's Father.
However, without the power of the Light of Destruction, his soul wouldn't be able to stay in the D-Hero - Plasma card for too long. Let this father see his child for a little longer.
# Chapter 374: Run Away!
Pressing a finger against the back of his neck, Kaiba stretched his neck, feeling the "cracking" sound of his bones cracking from maintaining a single posture for too long. He pulled his gaze away from the computer screen.
Because Mokuba had also registered for this KC Cup, Kaiba couldn't just dump all the trivial matters onto Mokuba like before. Instead, he had to split the workload with Mokuba.
A large amount of equipment needed to be cleared with Customs when transported from Japan to America, the renovation of the Duel Arena which had to be completed within three days before the end of the Audition, the arrangement and design of the Tournament process, and so on – all of this had to be handled by Kaiba. Of course, there was also the most important thing: paying taxes to the Tax Bureau.
In "free" America, you could engage in shady activities, join gangs, do drugs, or get a gun, but the one thing you absolutely couldn't do was not pay taxes. For many big shots with dark backgrounds, even the FBI showing up wasn't a big deal, but the Tax Bureau showing up meant big trouble.
Annoyed, Kaiba closed the document. His procrastination had kicked in, and he decided to put off the work at hand for later. He casually opened a folder on his computer, planning to relax for a bit.
Of course, the normal relaxation methods of an adult male couldn't satisfy the strong desires of President Kaiba. The only way he could truly relax and entertain himself was, indeed—
"Hmph, compared to Duel City, you've become more skilled at commanding your Spellcasters, Yugi..."
Watching the opened video file, Yugi used the combo of **Magician's Valkyria** and **Sage's Stone** to gather both **Dark Magician** and **Dark Magician Girl** in a single Turn. Then, he used **Dark Burning Magic** to destroy all cards on the opponent's field and used a Direct Attack to deplete the opponent's Life Points. Kaiba revealed a sinister smile.
"But the Strongest Dragon-Type in my Deck, which has evolved, isn't something that level of Spell Card can conquer. Show me more power and ignite my fighting spirit!"
Scrolling the mouse wheel, Kaiba browsed the Duel Recordings from the Audition today. He had no interest in wasting his precious time on ordinary nameless Duelists. His gaze quickly swept past, searching for Duelists who piqued his interest slightly.
"Samejima Iemitsu? Top 4 of Duelist Kingdom? He uses **Cyber Dragon** just like Hayato, but his Dueling Style focuses on Burn Damage? Hmph, boring."
"Mai Valentine, that mediocrity's girlfriend? Useless except for being good at bullying Third-Rate Duelists."
"This guy is named Ryuzaki? Just an incompetent nobody."
When he clicked on a video, Kaiba's eyebrow twitched, and he opened it with interest to watch.
In this Duel video, both players were relatively unknown in the Duel Monsters world. Logically, Kaiba should have no interest in this Duel, but if one of the Duelists was Kaiba's younger brother, Mokuba, then it was a different story.
"My Turn, Draw Card!" In the video, the Indian guy standing opposite Mokuba drew a card and said proudly in heavily accented English, "Hoho, I didn't expect a kid like you would dare to participate in the Match. Meeting me, you're really out of luck."
"Normal Summon **Senju of the Thousand Hands**. When **Senju of the Thousand Hands** is Normal Summoned successfully, I activate its effect! I can Search Deck for one Ritual Monster and Add it to my Hand!" The Indian guy searched Deck for a card and added it to his Hand, then said proudly, "I didn't expect to be able to Summon my Strongest Monster on the first Turn! It must be the blessing of God!"
"Activate Spell Card **Garma Sword Oath**! I Tribute **Sonic Bird** from my Hand and **Senju of the Thousand Hands** from the Field and Send them to Graveyard! Their combined Levels are Level 8!"
"Ritual Summon **Garma Sword**, which I just Added to my Hand!"
The Indian guy's Hand and Field each had a Monster that rose up as a light pillar. Under the sacred Ritual, the Monster that descended onto his Field using two Monster Cards as Tribute was a ferocious Fiend.
[Garma Sword] [Level 8/DARK]
[Fiend Type/Ritual/Effect]
[2800/2300]
"Hahaha, tremble and fear my powerful **Garma Sword**! I'm sure you've never seen such a powerful and terrifying Monster in your life!" The Indian guy looked at Mokuba with arrogance and didn't Set any cards. "My Turn ends, kid."
Seeing the Indian guy end his Turn like that, Mokuba sighed helplessly, "What, I was actually expecting you to play some kind of combo. Is this all you've got?"
"Although comparing you to Hayato Older Brother is a bit much, it's just as Older Brother said, you're just a Third-Rate Duelist using a Third-Rate Deck." With a condescending smile on his face, Mokuba placed his finger on top of his Deck. "My Turn, Drawing Cards!"
"You really gave me the confidence to break through! You're nothing special, old man!"
Mokuba's relaxed smile, as if he didn't take him seriously at all, made the Indian guy very annoyed. "An arrogant kid is really annoying! And I'm only eighteen!"
Stroking his thick beard, which had grown stimulated by the rich periodic table he had ingested from their "sacred river" since childhood, the Indian guy said angrily, "You keep saying such condescending things. Are you saying you can defeat me in a single Turn?"
"It's not necessarily impossible, old man." Mokuba showed a confident smile, which made Kaiba, watching the video, smile for a rare moment. The two brothers smiled with the same confidence. Unbeknownst to him, Mokuba had gradually grown from a child who needed his protection to someone who could stand on his own.
"I activate the effect of **Thunder Dragon** from my Hand! I Discard **Thunder Dragon** from my Hand and Send it to Graveyard. Then, I can Add up to two **Thunder Dragon** from my Deck to my Hand."
"Then I Normal Summon **Keeper of Dragon Magic** in Attack Position! I activate its effect! When this card is Summoned or Special Summoned successfully, I Discard one card from my Hand and Add one **Fusion** Normal Spell Card from my Deck to my Hand."
"I activate the second effect of **Keeper of Dragon Magic**! After I Reveal **Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon** to you, I can Special Summon one of **Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon**'s Fusion Materials from my Graveyard—specifically, the **Thunder Dragon** that was just Sent to Graveyard by its own effect—in Set Defense Position!"
"Activate Spell Card **Offerings to the Doomed**! I Discard one **Thunder Dragon** from my Hand and Target **Garma Sword** on your Field to Destroy it!"
"Finally, I Activate Spell Card **Fusion**! I Send **Thunder Dragon** from my Hand and **Thunder Dragon** from the Field to Graveyard as Fusion Material! Come forth, **Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon**!"
After a series of brilliant operations, Mokuba was left with the last two cards in his Hand, while on his Field, he had Summoned **Keeper of Dragon Magic** with 1800 ATK and **Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon**, which lowered the average visual appeal of the **Thunder Dragon** Deck. Meanwhile, on the Indian guy's Field, his proud **Garma Sword** was dragged back to the Underworld, wrapped in bandages that emerged from the ground.
Glancing at **Mirror Force** and **Forbidden Lance** in his Hand, Mokuba looked at the stunned Indian guy and spread his palms casually. "Duel Monsters is surprisingly easy, isn't it? It was a pleasant Duel, old man."
"Th-this is impossible! **Garma Sword**, my **Garma Sword**!" The Indian guy had an expression of being unable to accept reality, but what did his inability to accept the facts have to do with Mokuba? The only thing Mokuba and Kaiba were alike in was their cold attitude towards strangers. He calmly commanded:
"Begin the Full Power Attack! Direct Attack the opponent Duelist, **Keeper of Dragon Magic**, **Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon**!"
Watching Mokuba command his two monsters to completely deplete the Indian guy's Life Points, Kaiba closed the video with satisfaction.
It seemed Mokuba had a certain talent in the Duel Monsters domain, just like him.
Thinking this, Kaiba casually closed the participant identity form that was opened next to the video.
According to the information retrieved using the Indian guy's name, that guy was just an ordinary person who couldn't stand being oppressed by the high castes in his country and had spent all his money to run to America. The reason he participated in Duel Monsters was just because he had opened **Garma Sword** in a pack of cards he bought and thought that maybe he could get lucky and become the champion.
Regarding Mokuba's Duel video, Kaiba felt that watching one to understand his brother's level was enough. What he was really interested in were the powerful Duelists. And then—
"Alright, the number is six, so the ATK of your monster will be reduced to one-sixth of its original value. Counterattack, **Red-Eyes Black Meteor Dragon**!"
Watching Jonouchi struggle back and forth with an unknown small fry in the video, his Life Points once dropping below the 1000 point danger line, and then, as expected, relying on luck as if the goddess of fortune was sticking to him, he activated a gambling card to turn the tables and win, Kaiba's face was very ugly.
The dignified Top 4 of Duelist Kingdom, Top 4 of Duel City, the guy who once brought Kaiba a sense of crisis in a Duel, that idiot Jonouchi could also go back and forth with a Third-Rate Duelist, wouldn't that make Kaiba look bad?!
"That idiot, is he the type who won't put in his full power until his Life Points are about to be extinguished!" Kaiba didn't want to see the silly smiling face of Jonouchi after his victory in the screen, closed the video unhappily, and continued searching for Duelists worthy of his attention.
For example, Malik, who once held two God cards.
After finally finding Malik's trace in the complicated Duel recordings, Kaiba exited the video unhappily after watching about five minutes of Malik's Duel recording.
The cards used by Malik in the previous Duels were basically based on the idea of "Summoning God" → "Protecting God" → "Using God to blow up the opponent", but now, after losing all two God cards and having no cards in his Deck with the ability to decide the game, the Dueling idea used by Malik naturally became—
First, five Set cards in the back row, either **Bottomless Trap Hole** or **Blast Armor**, and **Magic Jammer**, to survive in various ways.
Then, use various trash talk to enrage the opponent and lure them into Summoning more than one monster.
When there are two monsters on the opponent's field, he decisively sends a Level 8, 3000 ATK big baby to the opponent's field, and then connects it with **Carth of Demise**, which prevents the monster from attacking or changing its Battle Position, relying on the effect damage caused each turn to play a burn damage strategy.
In the Duel recording that Kaiba clicked on, Malik met Samejima Iemitsu, whom Kaiba had seen before. As the saying goes, "Experience makes a doctor", Malik and Samejima Iemitsu had played burn damage for too long, so naturally they had taught themselves the method of restraining burn damage without a teacher. The result was that the two burn damage players were evenly matched and fought inextricably.
In the end, if Malik hadn't been too young to hold back his anger and activated **Bitter Choice** to add cards from the Deck that could change the battle situation to his hand, but Samejima Iemitsu had used **Skull Invitation** to cut 1500 Life Points, this Duel would have continued until one of the Decks was emptied.
Because of the boring Duel, he couldn't help but yawn. After Kaiba closed the video, his gaze moved down and he was about to look for the names of some familiar Duelists, but he unexpectedly discovered that next to this video, a thumbnail of a Duel recording showed Hayato's laughing face.
After clicking on the video, sure enough, one of the two Duelists appearing in front of Kaiba was Hayato, and the other was a Duelist named "D.D." who had suddenly risen in the professional Duelist circle recently.
However, what made Kaiba a little puzzled was that no matter how he looked at it, it was Hayato, but everyone around him turned a blind eye to him and instead enthusiastically chased after the guy named "D.D.", and even the name Hayato used when participating was "Dan Kuroto", which Kaiba had never heard of.
"Hmph, anyway, he must have used some strange methods, such as hypnosis or something. Instead of focusing on Duel Monsters, he is immersed in those side tricks. He became arrogant and lazy after obtaining the title of Duel King. Don't hold a grudge if I catch up and take away your honor, Hayato."
The corners of Kaiba's mouth slightly raised, revealing a sneer, he muttered to himself.
While watching the Duel video, he recorded the new monsters used by Hayato during the Duel—**Kaiju**—in his memo for further research later. Kaiba casually opened the identity report of "Dan Kuroto". Sure enough, there was no immigration record of the name "Dan Kuroto" in Customs.
That is to say, either this "Dan Kuroto" is just a stowaway who looks very similar to Hayato, or Hayato is using a fake name. After seeing "Dan Kuroto" use **Red Reboot**, Kaiba felt that the latter possibility was the greatest.
Casually enabling the background editing mode of the matching program during the Audition stage, tampering with the data to arrange himself, who also participated in the Audition, and player No. 114514, "Dan Kuroto", together, Kaiba laughed triumphantly.
"He seized the loophole that there is no restriction on the Duel King from participating and wants to compete for the championship as well? Such a competition can arouse my interest." Squinting his eyes, Kaiba couldn't wait to speed up time to tomorrow morning and then have a thrilling and exciting Duel Monsters with Hayato, "But the champion's prize money is not so easy to get. Since you took the initiative to participate, don't blame me for taking the initiative to find you, Hayato Kobayashi!"
—————Made In Heaven———
"Surprise?"
"It's shock, isn't it."
Hayato looked at Kaiba, who was standing opposite him with a smug look, and helplessly covered his forehead.
As expected of Kaiba, he easily saw through my perfect disguise.jpg
Too bad Hayato didn't bring tequila, otherwise he would have really wanted to cosplay this famous scene, but it's a bit of a shame that the role that could replace Kars was taken yesterday.
(The voice actor of D.D. and Kars are both Inoue Kazuhiko)
Inserting the Deck into the Duel Disk, Kaiba ignored the cheers of the surrounding audience who had gathered because of his reputation, and said to Hayato with a high fighting spirit: "Since you participated in the Audition, you shouldn't be surprised to encounter any opponent. After all, Kaiba Corporation's matching program is quite intelligent and will only match players of similar levels together."
"Alright, let's start the Duel quickly, 'Dan Kuroto'!"
Hayato looked at Kaiba, who had a serious face, and his face was also a little serious: "I see, so that's how it is."
"That's right, although I'm a little unhappy, but since I'm facing you, it seems that this is the only way."
While saying this, in Kaiba's expectant gaze, Hayato, without wearing the Duel Disk, patted his left arm and thigh: "The famous President of Kaiba Corporation, the legendary Duelist Seto Kaiba, I can't Duel you without my strong arms and thighs. First of all——"
Hayato's hand reached towards the card box placed on his waist, but just as Kaiba thought he was going to take out the Deck to Duel himself, Hayato suddenly raised his hand: "Referee, I surrender!"
The referee on the side of the Duel heard what Hayato said with his hand raised, nodded, and announced: "Winner, No.1, Seto Kaiba."
"Na, Nani?!" The expression on Kaiba's face was also stunned, and then he reacted - although he didn't know how Hayato did it, but his current identity is not the Duel King, just an ordinary Duelist who has just made a little reputation in the KC Cup, surrendering to the legendary Duelist, the runner-up of Duel City, Seto Kaiba, is not embarrassing at all.
Moreover, this is not a formal match where he loses his qualification, it is just the Audition stage, even if he surrenders, Hayato will only be deducted a little points. The points he has accumulated are still in the top 20 among all participants, and losing one point does not affect his qualification.
Feeling that he had been played by Hayato, Kaiba took a step towards Hayato angrily, but Hayato, who had already planned his escape route, gave Kaiba an evil smile: "Then now, Run Away!~"
Saying that, Hayato told Kaiba what he said earlier about "using his thighs" - a sprint jump jumped out of the world record of about nine meters, drilled into the crowd and disappeared, leaving only countless Kaiba's admirers left on the Duel stand.
"Onorei!"
Hearing Kaiba's angry roar from behind, Hayato smiled. Taking advantage of the fact that the matching system had not arranged a new opponent for him, he began to stroll around the Audition site.
Walking through the crowd, Hayato unexpectedly saw many familiar figures - "Dinosaur" Ryuzaki, Kajiki Fisherman, "Super Power" Alum, etc., and even "King of Maritime Transport" Anasis, who had contributed to collecting star chips for Hayato during the Duel Kingdom, also participated in the KC Cup.
Hayato even heard Uncle Anasis boasting to his opponent that even the Duel King - that is, Hayato himself - had been in a hard fight in his Duel and almost lost. Equivalent exchange, Hayato>Anasis, Hayato>Seto Kaiba, so Anasis≈Seto Kaiba.
Hayato couldn't help but sigh, this uncle with a chin like a butt is really a mathematical genius.
Walking and walking, Hayato saw the side of a Duel stand that had just ended a Duel. I saw on one side of the Duel stand, the loser of that Duel was kneeling on the ground, lost, as if unable to accept his defeat, while his opponent calmly pushed his glasses.
"So strong, obviously just an underage child, but he has such a strong Dueling strength."
"The children of rich people are really different from us ordinary people. They must have been receiving elite education since they were in the womb?"
"Hey? That's not the case. Don't you know him, Amon Garam."
"Garam? Could it be that he is the adopted son?"
"So it has nothing to do with prenatal education. Speaking of which, I seem to have seen several young kids with terrible strength in Duel Monsters."
Hayato's gaze lingered on the face of the boy wearing flat glasses, barely hearing the name "Amon Garam" that was not unfamiliar but not familiar from the mouths of the surrounding passers-by.
In terms of appearance, Amon Garam is not like Ptah Garam, whom Hayato met in Duel Kingdom, after all, he is an adopted son. In terms of age, he looks a little older than Jun Manjoume and Jaden Yuki that Hayato has seen, about eight or nine years old, but the kind of indifference on his face that is not sad or happy because of victory or defeat is difficult for ordinary people to have even at the age of thirty-eight or nine.
Seeming to notice the gaze in the crowd, Amon Garam looked towards Hayato, and after seeing Hayato's face, he was slightly stunned, and then tilted his head in some confusion, as if thinking about why he felt so familiar after seeing Hayato, but he couldn't remember where he had met Hayato.
And just at this moment, Hayato heard the broadcast: "No.114514, Dan Kuroto, Please go to challenge arena 44."
Hayato looked at the stage again and smiled - although the number "44" would make an Italian person unhappy, the Duel stand that Hayato had come to while wandering was just the 44th arena.
That is to say, Hayato's next opponent is Amon Garam.
## Chapter 375: Clouds and Storms
"Amon Garlem."
"Dan Kuroto."
Stepping onto the Duel Platform, Hayato and Amon simply stated their names to confirm their opponents' identities, without exchanging many pleasantries.
For Hayato, Amon Garlem was merely one of the characters who would appear in the future world. The current Amon, not yet fully grown, was not worth Hayato paying much attention to.
For Amon Garlem, although the name "Dan Kuroto" had entered the top ranks in the Preliminary Ranking the previous day, compared to other well-known duelists, he was just a minor character. To Amon, whose goal was to be Champion, he was just one of countless opponents he would defeat along the way.
The Referee confirmed that both duelists were ready, nodded, and announced the start of the Duel, then quickly retreated to the side of the Duel Platform.
Although Hayato might not remember, this Referee happened to be the one who officiated Hayato's Duel against D.D.. He had a particularly deep impression of the massive, terrifying-looking Kaiju used by Hayato.
Hayato turned his head to look at the scoreboard by the arena: "My current ranking is twenty-fifth. The penalty for surrendering is acceptable."
"But I still prefer being first. So, Operation: Defeat Amon Garlem, commencing."
Amon heard Hayato's words and pushed up his glasses with an expressionless face: "It doesn't matter, because I won't lose."
"Duel!" x2
["Dan Kuroto": 4000 LP]
[Amon: 4000 LP]
"I'll take the first turn, Draw!" Hayato seized the right to go first and drew a card. "I activate the effect of King of the Swamp in my hand. During my Main Phase, I discard King of the Swamp from my hand and send it to the Graveyard to add the Spell Card "Fusion" from my Deck to my hand."
"Then, I activate the Spell Card "Fusion"! I use the three Cyber Dragons in my hand as Fusion Material! Here it comes, Cyber End Dragon!!"
As an intense piano melody abruptly sounded from Hayato's Duel Disk, the Fusion Vortex swallowed the three Cyber Dragons from Hayato's hand. The massive Cyber End Dragon extended its three heads from the vortex, standing tall on Hayato's field!
[Cyber End Dragon] [10☆/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine Type/Fusion/Effect]
[4000 ATK/2800 DEF]
"Hmm, it's not Kaiju?" Amon was slightly taken aback.
Although Amon Garlem wore an indifferent expression, in reality, he had spent the entire previous night collecting data on the duelists ranked above him on the points list and memorizing the cards they used.
Duelist #114514, "Dan Kuroto," used a Kaiju Deck with effects that Special Summon them to the opponent's field by Tributing their opponent's monster, and used cards like Owner's Seal to achieve an OTK. His points ranking was just one spot ahead of Amon Garlem before Hayato surrendered to Kaiba.
But throughout yesterday, "Dan Kuroto" hadn't revealed the information that he actually used a Cyber Style Deck.
Hayato also noticed the surprise on Amon's face, but he didn't mind, setting two cards from his hand: "Then I Set two cards and end my turn."
["Dan Kuroto": 4000 LP, 0 cards in hand]
[Cyber End Dragon] [4000 ATK]
[Set cards] x2
It was Amon's turn. Before starting his turn, Amon briefly recalled the dueling style of Cyber Style as he remembered it. Although the current Master, Samejima Iemitsu, had taken a strange route that went against tradition, the past information Amon had collected indicated that the Cyber Dragon Deck primarily focused on an aggro style.
And as the strongest monster of Cyber Style, formed by the Fusion of three Cyber Dragons, Cyber End Dragon not only had a high ATK of 4000 but also possessed piercing damage. Keeping monsters in Defense Position was meaningless against Cyber End Dragon.
However, this point had no influence on the deck Amon was using—
"My turn, Draw!" Having thought of a strategy, Amon drew a card from his deck. "I Attack Position Summon Cloudian - Turbulence."
A large mass of clouds appeared out of nowhere on Amon's field. Within the clouds, a storm seemed to be brewing. The shape of the cloud mass changed rapidly, and finally, human-like eyes and a mouth appeared on the cloud mass!
[Cloudian - Turbulence] [4☆/WATER Attribute]
[Fairy Type/Effect]
[800 ATK/0 DEF]
"As expected, it's Cloudian."
Although Hayato wasn't as diligent and studious as Amon, collecting information overnight, based on his impression of the future Amon Garlem, Hayato also remembered the existence of this deck.
Most Cloudian monsters are WATER Attribute Fairy Type monsters. Because natural clouds and fog can be dispersed but are difficult to destroy, Cloudian monsters have the common effect shared by most monsters where they are not destroyed by battle, but they self-destruct when in Defense Position.
Furthermore, most Cloudian monsters require the consumption of Fog Counters to activate their effects.
"Turbulence, formally known as turbulent flow," Amon explained calmly, pushing up his glasses. "Although seemingly having shape, cloud masses are ultimately fluid. The true form of Cloudian - Turbulence is a high-speed flowing cloud mass."
"What I use is the Cloudian deck associated with natural clouds. Therefore, when I successfully Summon Cloudian - Turbulence, I activate its effect. I Place Fog Counters on Cloudian - Turbulence equal to the number of Cloudian monsters on the field."
Beside the grayish-blue Cloudian - Turbulence, a wisp of cloud quickly materialized, forming a blue and white cloud symbol that began to rotate around Cloudian - Turbulence.
However, this Fog Counter only appeared for a moment before disappearing as Amon activated the effect of Cloudian - Turbulence: "I activate the effect of Cloudian - Turbulence. By removing one Fog Counter placed on it, I Special Summon one Cloudian - Smoke Ball from my Deck or Graveyard."
The Fog Counter that had just appeared rotated closer and closer to Cloudian - Turbulence's body and was swallowed. Then, with a burst of airflow from a hole on top of Cloudian - Turbulence's head, a cute-looking yellow cloud mass appeared on Amon's field.
Seemingly made dizzy by the high-speed rotation inside Cloudian - Turbulence, the dizzy Cloudian - Smoke Ball lay weakly on the field, appearing very weak.
[Cloudian - Smoke Ball] [1☆/WATER Attribute]
[Fairy Type/Normal Monster]
[200 ATK/600 DEF]
Amon was about to explain, but Hayato spoke with interest: "Smoke Ball, the most basic and common cloud."
"Duel Monsters themed around the ethereal and leisurely clouds, truly inspiring."
Hearing "Dan Kuroto's" evaluation of "clouds," Amon neither refuted nor agreed, merely pushing up his glasses, making it unclear whether he agreed with Hayato's thoughts or opposed them: "Is that so? In that case, let me reveal more of the power of the clouds."
"I activate the Spell Card "Cloud Control"! I Tribute one Cloudian monster on the field—that is, Cloudian - Smoke Ball—and Place three Fog Counters on one Face-up Position monster on the field."
Cloudian - Smoke Ball hadn't even had time to recover from its dizziness when it suddenly found its body continuously turning into fog and dissipating. It transformed into three new Fog Counters beside Cloudian - Turbulence.
"The effect of Cloudian - Turbulence does not have a once per turn restriction. This means I can use its effect three more times." Amon ordered, "Activate the effect again! Special Summon the Cloudian - Smoke Ball in my Graveyard and the other two Cloudian - Smoke Balls from my Deck to the field!"
As the three Fog Counters were swept into Cloudian - Turbulence, the previous scene repeated, and three Cloudian - Smoke Balls were successively Summoned to Amon's field. Although their quality wasn't high, Summoning four monsters on the field in one turn was enough to prove that Amon Garlem's strength was extraordinary.
And the cost for this was merely Amon Garlem's one Normal Summon and two cards from his hand.
"Spell Card "Trade-In"! I send one Cloudian - Smoke Ball on the field to the Graveyard and draw two cards from my Deck." After sending one Smoke Ball to the Graveyard and drawing two cards, Amon looked up at the tall Cyber End Dragon and said calmly, "The leisure of the clouds ends here. From now on, I will show you the terror of celestial phenomena, Dan Kuroto."
"I banish the Cloudian - Smoke Ball from my Graveyard from play! From my hand, I Special Summon Cloudian - Storm Dragon!"
The calm airflow surged again. On Amon's field, a ferocious cloud dragon appeared, completely different in style from the previous Cloudian - Smoke Ball. It looked more like a Fiend or Zombie than a Fairy Type!
[Cloudian - Storm Dragon] [4☆/WATER Attribute]
[Fairy Type/Special Summon/Effect]
[1000 ATK/0 DEF]
Perhaps having just accepted the cute appearance of Smoke Ball, many people among the onlookers were startled by the appearance of Cloudian - Storm Dragon.
However, Amon's gaze towards Storm Dragon was very calm, as if he didn't see any difference between the ugly Cloudian - Storm Dragon and the cute Cloudian - Smoke Ball.
"Cloudian - Storm Dragon does not belong to the avatars of clouds, but symbolizes the storm that possesses dominance over clouds. Its effect is, once per turn, I can Place Fog Counters on one monster on the field."
Hayato raised an eyebrow: "But you should only have a total of three Cloudian - Smoke Balls, two of which are already on the field. And the effect of Cloudian - Turbulence has no purpose for the Cloudian - Smoke Ball that was banished."
"I am well aware of that."
As he spoke, Amon pointed his finger at Cyber End Dragon on Hayato's field. "The target of Cloudian - Storm Dragon's effect is a monster on the field, not just a Cloudian on my field. This means that even your Cyber End Dragon on the field is within the range of the effect."
"I choose Cyber End Dragon as the target and Place one Fog Counter on it!"
Cloudian - Storm Dragon, sticking out a scarlet tongue, flapped its iron-blue wings on its back. Its liquid body compressed, and a blast of cold air flew out from its mouth, condensing a Fog Counter beside Cyber End Dragon.
Being an electronic life form, although it didn't suffer any damage from the invasion of high-humidity, low-temperature airflow, Cyber End Dragon seemed very annoyed by the appearance of the Fog Counter beside it, twisting its long tail and becoming restless.
"It's not over yet! I activate the Spell Card "Magical Stone Excavation"! I discard two cards from my hand to add one Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand. I choose "Cloud Control," and I Tribute the second Cloudian - Smoke Ball to activate it, Placing three more Fog Counters on Cyber End Dragon!"
The cold airflow struck again. As the number of Cloudian - Smoke Balls on Amon's field decreased to only the last one, four Fog Counters surrounded Cyber End Dragon on Hayato's field.
Although no actual damage had been dealt so far, nor had Cyber End Dragon been affected in the slightest, the sense of unease caused by Amon's series of operations grew stronger.
"Hmph, Muda da! You can't defeat Cyber End Dragon with your meaningless operations and those weak Cloudian monsters! This is the strongest machine!" Hayato folded his arms across his chest, a confident smile on his face. "Blindly adding Fog Counters to Cyber End Dragon is useless!"
"I never do anything meaningless, Dan Kuroto." Amon calmly pushed up his glasses and played a card from his hand. "Technology has its evolution route, and clouds also have their way of survival. This card is the method I will use to defeat your Cyber End Dragon."
"Spell Card "Diamond Dust Cyclone"!"
As Amon played that card from his hand, a sparkling storm, like one mixed with stars, rose from the ground and swept across the entire field. In an instant, Cyber End Dragon, surrounded by four Fog Counters, was frozen, then torn apart and destroyed by the storm!
"The effect of Diamond Dust Cyclone can only be activated by targeting one monster on the field with four or more Fog Counters," Amon explained. "That monster is destroyed, and for every four Fog Counters, I can draw one card from my Deck."
"Although you possess an overwhelming advantage in actual power, a wise person will play to their strengths."
After drawing a card, Amon waved his hand and ordered: "Now, enter my Battle Phase!"
"Cloudian - Smoke Ball, Cloudian - Turbulence, and Cloudian - Storm Dragon, initiate direct attacks on Dan Kuroto!"