# Chapter 381: The Old Friend Repeatedly Abandoned
As Hayato activated [Overload Fusion] in his Spell & Trap Zone, almost simultaneously, Amelda felt a violent tremor from the Duel Platform beneath his feet.
The ground suddenly cracked open, and from Hayato's Graveyard, one Machine-Type Monster after another emerged, covered in dust and rubble—[Cyber Dragon], [Proto-Cyber Dragon], [Cyber Dragon Zwei], and so on.
"Amelda, watch this. This is the power created for me by [Future Fusion], which you previously interrupted." Hayato looked at the terrifying number of Machine-Type Monsters on his Field, a confident smile on his face. "Even if buried in dust again and again, people ultimately must move towards the future. Even the power within the Graveyard will become the driving force for my advance!"
"The effect of [Overload Fusion] is to Banish the Fusion Material Monsters determined by a Machine-Type, DARK Attribute Fusion Monster from my Field and Graveyard from the game, and Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster!"
As he spoke, Hayato raised his hand and snapped his fingers: "Click~"
"Boom!"
Following Hayato's finger snap, a Machine-Type Monster exploded with a roar.
Triggered by this Monster's self-detonation, dozens of Monsters appearing before Hayato exploded one after another, turning into scattered parts, and were absorbed by a deep black hole that had appeared above Hayato's Field at some point.
One Monster after another was Banished from Hayato's Graveyard, and Amelda felt the high-energy reaction emanating from within the black hole more and more clearly. He remembered quite distinctly that there were exactly thirty-two Monsters sleeping in Hayato's Graveyard, and roughly that many were participating in the self-detonation now.
This many Fusion Material... was it the [Chimeratech Overdragon] that Hayato wanted to Summon with [Future Fusion] earlier, but which he himself had interrupted?!
From within the black hole, the massive mechanical construct, whose appearance had been obstructed once before, slowly emerged, making Amelda feel as if he were facing a formidable enemy.
The aura was secondary; it was the revealed form of [Chimeratech Overdragon] itself—was its appearance perhaps a bit too exaggerated!?
In terms of size, [Chimeratech Overdragon] wasn't particularly large, only about twice the height of [Machina Fortress] on Amelda's Field. However, on [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s thick body, the number of connected mechanical Dragon heads was horrifyingly numerous, enough to make someone with trypophobia almost faint on the spot, truly like a Gorgon from mythology.
"The power of [Chimeratech Overdragon] comes from the number of materials used for its Fusion Summon. Because the Fusion Material I used were all the Monsters in my Graveyard, [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s original ATK/DEF will become the value of thirty-two multiplied by 800."
"However, also because of this power that exceeds the load, when [Chimeratech Overdragon] is successfully Fusion Summoned, all other cards on my Field will be sent to the Graveyard."
As he sent the Set Card on his Field to the Graveyard, and as Hayato's words fell, [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s data was displayed.
[Chimeratech Overdragon] [9☆/DARK]
[Machine Type/Fusion/Effect]
[?/?→25600/25600]
"Attack, 25600?!" Amelda couldn't help but widen his eyes, finding it hard to imagine the number appearing before him. He rubbed his eyes, wanting to see clearly if he had seen an extra zero.
Compared to the infinite Attack of [Obelisk the Tormentor], which surpassed the limits of imagination, [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s Attack, while high, was precisely because it was still within the realm of conventional understanding that it was even more shocking.
"An Attack of this level can decide the outcome of the Duel with just one hit!"
Hayato heard Amelda's comment and just smiled. "Amelda, if your Deck symbolizes the painful memories of your past, then my [Cyber Dragon] is a symbol of the future with infinite possibilities."
"Don't blink now, [Chimeratech Overdragon] is the last Monster you'll see. Be defeated here!"
"Enter my Battle Phase! [Chimeratech Overdragon], destroy [Machina Fortress]!"
"Oni God's Barrage!"
As he spoke, Hayato pointed towards [Machina Fortress] on Amelda's Field. [Chimeratech Overdragon], standing tall behind him, opened its mouth, and a dense laser beam, like falling rain, swept towards the target.
If this Attack hit, Amelda would instantly take a full 23100 points of Battle Damage. Even if this Duel hadn't become a Shadow Duel for some unknown reason, an impact of this magnitude was enough to render someone unconscious!
The dense beams of light descended like raindrops, but just then, Amelda revealed a triumphant smile. "A remarkable offensive, but Kobayashi Hayato, don't think that mere radiance of this level can cleanse the gloom within my heart."
"I'll repeat myself: I will definitely win and stand before that man to give him complete defeat. For that, I am willing to sell my soul to the fiend!" Amelda's Set Card from the previous Turn was suddenly flipped up, and a beam of light shot out towards [Chimeratech Overdragon]. "I'll use this Set Card of mine to launch a counterattack against you!"
"Trap Card, [Absorption Shield]!"
The beam of light that shot out met the rain of beams of light, and just as they were about to collide, it suddenly expanded, transforming into a transparent membrane that blocked Amelda and his [Machina Fortress] entirely.
The dense rain of beams of light, filled with destructive aura, fell upon the seemingly fragile membrane but failed to break through it. Instead, it was as if it provided a large amount of energy to the membrane, making its color much thicker.
As the membrane dissipated, Hayato also saw Amelda's triumphant expression.
"The effect of [Absorption Shield] is to negate the attack of one attacking Monster and recover my Life Points by the value of that Monster's Attack." Looking at his rapidly increasing Life Points, Amelda showed a triumphant expression. "My path of revenge will not be cut off here."
[Amelda: 2400→28000 LP]
But what was somewhat unexpected to him was that Hayato, looking at Amelda's Life Points soaring to a full twenty-eight thousand, revealed a contemptuous smile.
"What's this? So you didn't know. Has no one ever told you that a card like [Absorption Shield] is useless against me?"
As he spoke, Hayato spread his arms. "Or did you think that [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s many heads were just for show?"
"The first effect of [Chimeratech Overdragon] is to increase its power based on the number of materials used for the Fusion. Its second effect is to increase the number of attacks it can make against Monsters based on the number of Fusion Material." Hayato said, waving his hand to issue another command. "In other words, as long as there's a Monster on your Field, [Chimeratech Overdragon] can attack a full thirty-two times!"
"Second Attack!"
[Chimeratech Overdragon]'s dozens of mouths opened again, and the dense rain of beams of light fell once more. This time, Amelda didn't have [Absorption Shield] to absorb the damage.
The immense size of [Machina Fortress], while providing it with ample firepower and weight, also presented a larger contact area. The dense rain of beams of light instantly engulfed it in the smoke and dust of an explosion. Amelda, unable to suppress his pain from the drastic fluctuation in his Life Points, let out a scream.
"Hngh-ahhh!!"
[Amelda: 28000→4900 LP]
The impact of the explosion sent Amelda flying back in an instant, nearly knocking him off the Duel Platform. But just as Hayato was about to say something, from within the smoke and dust that had engulfed [Machina Fortress], an electromagnetic cannon shell suddenly shot out, hitting the central point where [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s many heads connected!
"Boom!"
In just a split second, [Chimeratech Overdragon], which had just been using its Attack power with a large amount of energy accumulated at the connection points of its mechanical Dragon heads, suddenly suffered a heavy blow at this location—no less severe than smashing an ashtray onto someone's flexed bicep. [Chimeratech Overdragon] was destroyed by this dying counterattack, clearly from [Machina Fortress], and sent to the Graveyard.
"It even drags someone to the Graveyard for mutual destruction when it dies?" Hayato quipped. He hadn't expected a response, but unexpectedly, Amelda's willpower was quite good. He managed to prop himself up and stand again, looking at Hayato. "It's not mutual destruction..."
"I told you, Kobayashi Hayato, I will definitely achieve victory, even if it means selling my soul to the fiend named 'War'!"
Accompanied by the sound of metal grinding and gears turning, a buzzing chainsaw extended from within the smoke and dust on Amelda's Field that had engulfed [Machina Fortress]. Waving it around, it dispersed the smoke and dust, revealing a brand new Machine-Type Monster!
"The more violence is used, the more nourishment the fiend named 'War' receives to grow. When [Machina Fortress] was destroyed by battle by [Chimeratech Overdragon] and sent to the Graveyard, its effect activated." Amelda straightened up and looked at the tall humanoid mecha. "Select one card on the opponent's field as a target and destroy that card."
"Then, there's the effect of [Machina Soldier] in my Graveyard. While this card exists in the Graveyard, if a face-up Machine-Type, EARTH Attribute Monster on my Field other than [Machina Soldier] is destroyed by battle or effect, its effect activates."
"Revive from the Graveyard, [Machina Soldier]!"
[Machina Soldier] [10☆/EARTH]
[Machine Type/Effect]
[3000/2500]
Hayato was a little confused. "[Machina Soldier]?! When did..."
Suddenly, Hayato remembered the card Amelda had sent to the Graveyard at the very beginning of the Duel to activate [Machina Redeployment].
"I see, that was when."
"The appearance of this power had already planted its seed at the very beginning of the Duel." Seeing that Hayato understood, Amelda didn't explain further. "[Chimeratech Overdragon] is indeed a very shocking Duel Monster, but unfortunately, I am the victor of this Duel."
"You've exhausted your means. 'Hope', 'future', and such are nothing in the face of cruel reality."
In Amelda's view, Hayato's successive use of [Future Fusion] and [Overload Fusion] was truly astonishing, and the appearance of [Chimeratech Overdragon] pushed this Duel to its climax. However, in front of his Machina Unit, all hope ultimately vanished.
Although it was still Hayato's Turn, and he hadn't declared the end of his Battle Phase, there were no cards left on Hayato's Field. There was no possibility of winning anymore.
Hearing Amelda's words, Hayato glanced at his Hand and revealed a smile. "What nonsense are you talking about, Amelda? Don't I still have a Monster on my Field?"
"Although when I drew this card, I thought it was a wasted card slot, it seems now that the Goddess of Victory truly favors me, Kobayashi Hayato!"
Saying this, Hayato played the card in his Hand. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Cyberload Fusion]!"
"This card is the last card I put in my Deck that can create a miracle. It allows me to select Fusion Material containing [Cyber Dragon], determined by a Fusion Monster, from my Field and Banished Monsters, return them to the Deck, and Fusion Summon one Fusion Monster!"
"Return three Banished [Cyber Dragon] to my Deck! Now, bring me the hope of victory!"
"My old friend, [Cyber End Dragon]!"
The bodies of the [Cyber Dragon] that were detonated by [Overload Fusion] were guided back to the Field by the [Cyberload Fusion] that Hayato activated. Accompanied by a slightly sorrowful piano melody from Hayato's Duel Disk, the Electronic Flow's ultimate technique—[Cyber End Dragon]—made its grand appearance!
It wasn't that Hayato didn't want to use [Cyberload Fusion] to Summon another [Chimeratech Overdragon] with 25600 Attack; it was simply that he only had one [Chimeratech Overdragon] and no more. But [Cyber End Dragon] was enough.
[Cyber End Dragon] [10☆/LIGHT]
[Machine Type/Fusion/Effect]
[4000/2800]
As soon as it appeared, [Cyber End Dragon]'s three heads simultaneously rose, letting out a roar towards the sky. Although it was just a bionic machine, at this moment, [Cyber End Dragon] seemed to possess life.
"[Cyber End Dragon], huh? A powerful Monster with piercing damage ability." Amelda also recognized [Cyber End Dragon]. "But a [Cyber End Dragon] not Summoned by [Power Bond] doesn't have enough deterrence. My [Machina Soldier] has 3000 Attack, so you can only deal 1000 points of damage to me. It's completely insignificant."
Thanks to the [Absorption Shield] from just now, Amelda's Life Points still remained at a full 4900 after being hit by [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s Attack. 1000 points of damage was less than a quarter of his current Life Points, completely acceptable.
"Is this the day [Cyber End Dragon] gets looked down upon? That's rare." Hayato shook his head helplessly, showing the three cards in his Hand. "But Amelda, my old friend finally made its appearance after enduring so much torment. Naturally, I have to increase its combat power as much as possible."
"First card, Quick-Play Spell Card [Enemy Controller]. This card's effect allows me to Tribute one Monster on my Field to gain control of one face-up Monster on the opponent's field until the End Phase, or directly change the battle position of one face-up Monster on the opponent's field."
"I activate its second effect! I change [Machina Soldier] on your Field to Defense Position!" Hayato looked at the game controller that appeared on his Field, and a string of operation commands etched into his DNA were immediately called out: "Input Command: ←→ Beware Winged Dragon of Ra!"
[Enemy Controller] then took effect. A cable made of electric current connected from the controller to [Machina Soldier]. Following the command Hayato called out, [Machina Soldier] was changed to Defense Position.
[Machina Soldier] [ATK3000→DEF2500]
But that wasn't all. Hayato immediately followed up by playing a second card. "Then I activate this card, the Quick-Play Spell Card [Strike from the Blind Spot]!"
"Activate by targeting one face-up Defense Position Monster on the opponent's field and one Attack Position Monster on my Field! Increase my Monster's Attack by the Defense value of the selected Monster until the End Phase!"
After playing the second card, [Cyber End Dragon] on Hayato's Field roared at the [Machina Soldier] forced into a defensive crouch. A green data stream floated out from [Machina Soldier] and was absorbed into [Cyber End Dragon]'s body, and [Cyber End Dragon]'s Attack began to increase!
[Cyber End Dragon] [ATK4000→6500]
After playing two cards in succession, Hayato held the last card in his Hand and glanced at the ready [Cyber End Dragon]. "Take this, [Cyber End Dragon]. This is my final support."
"Enter my Battle Phase! Go, [Cyber End Dragon], attack [Machina Soldier]!"
"Burst Stream of Destruction!"
"Roar!"
Looking at the imposing [Cyber End Dragon] on Hayato's Field, Amelda gritted his teeth. "Even with 6500 Attack, I can withstand it!"
As Hayato's command was given, [Cyber End Dragon]'s three mechanical Dragon heads opened simultaneously. After a roar, three beams of laser intertwined and collectively attacked [Machina Soldier] on Amelda's Field!
This time, [Cyber End Dragon] decisively learned from [Chimeratech Overdragon]'s lesson. The beams of light attack instantly pierced through [Machina Soldier], giving it no chance to kick up smoke and dust and trigger the "smoke without injury rule".
The laser beam that pierced through [Machina Soldier] was only slightly weakened. Its momentum undiminished, it struck Amelda in the blink of an eye, causing his Life Points to plummet like a diver!
"Ugh!"
[Amelda: 4900→900 LP]
This attack was much weaker in impact compared to the one from [Chimeratech Overdragon] earlier, but it was still a full 4000 points of damage. Sweat dripped from Amelda's forehead from taking a large amount of damage for the second time, and his breathing was heavy.
In the [Machina] Deck he used, although [Machina Soldier] wasn't the strongest Monster and there were even stronger beings, Amelda had been quite confident that this alone would be enough to defeat Hayato, especially after the blow that sent [Machina Fortress] to the Graveyard destroyed Hayato's impressive [Chimeratech Overdragon].
But Kobayashi Hayato had created miracles again and again.
His Life Points had been reduced to just 900 by this hit, like a candle flickering in the wind. To make matters worse, that [Cyber End Dragon] with 4000 Attack was still standing tall on Hayato's Field.
It seemed Hayato's attack would end here. Regardless of whether the card Hayato held in his Hand was [De-Fusion] or something else, he likely wouldn't be able to Summon a stronger Monster. He had barely survived this turn. But what should he do next turn?
Amelda couldn't help but look at his Deck.
His Deck's core was [Machina], a symbol of mechanized war, and also, in Amelda's perception, the "fiend" that had destroyed his life and caused infinite pain.
To gain the power for revenge, Amelda needed powerful Duel Monsters, and the [Machina] Deck was the strongest card he could obtain. Again and again, Amelda forced himself to endure the disgust and Duel with the [Machina] Deck, but in his heart, he never considered [Machina] to be his own Deck.
His Life Points were only 900. What kind of card would he have to draw to defeat the [Cyber End Dragon] with 4000 Attack on Hayato's Field?
Furthermore, would the Deck that he hated and resisted respond to him?
He had already abandoned his dignity and was using this sinful Deck, and yet he was going to fail again? If so, when would he ever be able to stand before Seto Kaiba and get his revenge?
Amelda's face darkened, and he slowly lowered his head.
As if sensing the negative emotions in Amelda's heart, Hayato glanced at the card in his Hand. Instead of rushing to activate it, he spoke, "Hmph, Amelda, you've already given up on winning the Duel, haven't you?"
"While your focus solely on hatred is unpleasant, if you fall into pessimism so easily, your hatred is only this much."
"What did you say!"
Hearing these words, Amelda suddenly raised his head and glared at Hayato.
His goal for living until now was revenge. He could accept humiliation, contempt, and anything else, but the one thing he couldn't accept was someone looking down on his hatred.
"I said, your hatred is only that much."
Hayato's face was full of mockery. He pointed at his Duel Disk. "If it can't even support your desire to win, your hatred is simply something more fragile than a glass cup placed on a table in front of a cat."
"A true Duelist is someone who, no matter what situation they face, is filled with the desire for victory and dares to create miracles."
As he spoke, Hayato inserted the card in his Hand into his Duel Disk. "You said you were willing to sell your soul to the fiend, didn't you? Since you've already sold your soul, wouldn't it be a waste if you don't sell it for a good price?"
Hearing Hayato's words, Amelda was slightly taken aback. After a moment of silence, he raised his head again, but this time, his face showed an expression of expectation. "Hmph, being lectured by my opponent... that's truly outrageous. However, there is some truth to what you said."
"The [Machina] Deck is the avatar of the fiend I hate. Thinking about it, selling my soul and not even getting victory in return is indeed too much of a loss." Amelda said, starting to laugh. "I can't let these fiends named 'War' off the hook without squeezing them dry!"
"Then, next turn, I will control these fiends and defeat you, Kobayashi Hayato!"
Hayato looked at Amelda, who had regained his fighting spirit, and nodded in satisfaction. "Mm, compared to that expression just now, this one is indeed more interesting."
"However, I regret to inform you of something." Glancing at the card he had placed in his Duel Disk, Hayato showed a smile. "You no longer have a next turn."
"For victory, I am willing to give up my old friend, [Cyber End Dragon]!"
Amidst the stunned expressions of [Cyber End Dragon] and Amelda, [Spiritual Ectoplasm] activated on Hayato's Backrow.
"I shouldn't have had any expectation for your Duel!"
Under Amelda's furious glare, [Cyber End Dragon] turned into light.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 382: Untitled
False Tamashii: [Gaia the Fierce Knight], [Rainbow Kuriboh]
True Tamashii: [Spiritual Ectoplasm]
Hayato truly squeezed every last drop of value out of [Cyber End Dragon]. First, he maximized [Cyber End Dragon]'s Attack and used its piercing effect to reduce Amelda's Life Points to just 900. These final 900 Life Points were then completely depleted by the 2000 points of Effect Damage caused by [Cyber End Dragon]'s explosion.
[Amelda: 900 LP → 0]
From being full of confidence to losing it, then being encouraged in his despair to regain his spirit, and finally being finished off just as he was filled with expectation for his next Turn, Amelda's emotions had been a rollercoaster. Even after the Duel ended and his and Hayato's Ranking Points were settled, he didn't immediately snap out of it, still immersed in the Duel that had just concluded.
After a long while, he sighed helplessly, full of annoyance. After glaring at Hayato with considerable frustration, he left the Duel Platform without a word.
Did he really need to stay and spout some harsh words? Amelda understood very well that this was just a regular Duel.
Although at the very beginning, upon discovering his "good luck" in being matched against Kobayashi Hayato, Amelda had indeed thought about engaging in a life-or-death Dark Game to eliminate Kobayashi Hayato here and now, he was now somewhat grateful that the Barrier had been broken for some unknown reason at that time.
Otherwise, his soul, having become a Loser, would not have been saved.
Furthermore, after the duration of the Duel, although most of his thinking ability was used in the Duel itself, Amelda couldn't help but feel suspicious about the breaking of the [Seal of Orichalcos].
The Master who had given him the [Seal of Orichalcos] had said that only the three of them who possessed the "Orichalcos Fragment"—the emerald stone worn on the chests of Valon, Amelda, and Rafael—as well as The Master himself, had the power to break the Barrier.
What was the background of that Kobayashi Hayato?
"Forget it, even if I find the answer to that, it has nothing to do with my Revenge." As a Loser, Amelda walked down the Duel Platform, turned back to glance at Hayato, and thought to himself:
"I'll remember this Duel, Kobayashi Hayato. Sooner or later, I'll get my Revenge!"
Thinking this, Amelda suddenly recalled Hayato saying that "Dueling brings smiles." Combining this with the Cards Hayato had used in the Duel, his mouth twitched slightly as he turned his head and disappeared into the Crowd.
Thinking about it carefully, it seemed that Kobayashi Hayato's Dueling only brought smiles to himself. Whether it was that Samejima Iemitsu or Kobayashi Hayato, anyone who played [Cyber Dragon] had a truly twisted heart!
He suddenly didn't feel like getting his Revenge anymore. Dueling against people who used the "Electronic Flow" simply offered no Gaming Experience whatsoever.
On Hayato's side, he was somewhat interested in the reason why Amelda, Valon, and Rafael were participating in the KC Cup. Rafael had previously said they were here by coincidence, and Amelda had said he wanted to make money from Kaiba. These reasons were not enough to convince Hayato.
However, more important than those things, what Hayato was most concerned about right now was the System Panel that popped up after his Duel with Amelda ended.
On the System's [Task] Panel, ever since Hayato became the undisputed King of Games by winning the Duel City Tournament, no new Main Tasks had appeared for some time. Even participating in the KC Cup had only added a Side Task called [World Martial Arts Tournament] with the content "Settlement Reward based on KC Cup Ranking."
But after defeating Amelda, the long-empty Main Task section was finally filled with a new line of text—
[Task Name: The Emperor is Me, Hayato, That Has Never Changed!]
[Task Description: You, who have become the King of Duel Monsters, have discovered someone attempting to threaten you while concealing your identity. As the absolute Emperor, crush their conspiracy, unless you desire Eternal Life]
[Task Content:
Defeat a certain person behind the scenes 0/1
Defeat a certain person in the forefront 0/1
Defeat the Three Swordsmen 1/3
Opposing Force Collapse Level: 0.1%]
[Additional Notes: This Task can be settled at any time, with rewards based on progress]
[Hint Content: Durant.jpg]
[Task Reward Preview: 10000 DP, UR Exchange Ticket X5, Specified Attribute Pre-built Deck]
Looking at the long list of Task content and the generous Task Rewards, Hayato couldn't help but smack his lips.
This System, which hadn't opened for business for half a year, was now making enough to last half a year. It hadn't released a new Task for so long, and then it dropped such a huge one. It was truly an Unexpected surprise.
Although the Task description always made Hayato hallucinate that he was some moldy pink octopus and had a Riddler-like flavor, Hayato could understand that the Task objective was practically screaming "Go, Mill Deck Doma for me."
While he didn't understand what "a certain person in the forefront" and "a certain person behind the scenes" meant, at least one of them was that old geezer Dartz. Instead of guessing here, Hayato was already eager to confront him.
Putting aside everything else, even ignoring the "Specified Attribute Pre-built Deck" and the full 10,000 DP Points, there were five "UR Exchange Tickets"! Hayato had been eyeing some ridiculously expensive UR Cards in the Shop for a long time.
However, the one thing Hayato couldn't figure out was the System's rare inclusion of [Hint Content] in the Task, especially something as strange as [Durant.jpg].
Could it be that the System was Reminding him that besides Dueling, he could also defeat the Target through Melee Combat?
With this doubt, Hayato reorganized his Deck and looked at his next Opponent walking onto the Duel Platform.
Compared to Amelda, this Opponent's fighting spirit was significantly weaker. Despite being a black man, he was unusually timid, hanging his head instead of Boasting arrogantly. His Haircut was also a plain buzz cut, indicating at a glance that he couldn't Duel.
Inserting his Deck into the Duel Disk, Hayato casually brushed his hair upwards and said arrogantly, "Hoho, you didn't run away but approached me, Dan Kuroto? Muda, muda, muda! [Cyber Dragon] is the Strongest Monster, defeating you will be as easy as plucking a withered petal from a roadside flowerbed with my finger!"
"Eeek!"
Seemingly startled by Hayato's Aura, the buzz-cut black guy let out a weak cry and abruptly raised his hands in a French military salute. However, he quickly remembered that Hayato across from him wasn't a policeman with a gun who would make him unable to breathe. He timidly lowered his hands and tremblingly raised his Duel Disk, inserting his Deck.
Lack of fighting spirit meant nothing, no matter how powerful one's Dueling Strength was. Moreover, this black guy's Strength wasn't that great either.
"First hit!"
"Second hit!"
"Third hit!"
"Fourth hit!"
"Fifth hit!"
"Do you dare defy me, who possesses [Chimeratech Overdragon]!"
Before long, facing the Invincible Chimeratech Overdragon, the buzz-cut black guy couldn't organize a strong enough Defense and was completely depleted of his Life Points by Hayato's Lethal Five Consecutive Attacks. He covered his face and ran away crying like a sissy.
With the Settlement of Points, Hayato's Ranking returned to his previous tenth place.
Looking at the familiar Names ahead of him on the Ranking Board, Hayato showed an excited Smile: "Yosh, let's rush up in one go like this. With my Invincible Chimeratech Overdragon!"
Following the [Kaiju] that ran rampant on Arena 4 during the first day's Preliminary Round, rumors of "the Cyber Dragon appearing on Arena 44" also spread on the second day of the KC Cup Preliminary Round. Thanks to the circulating Crowd, information about Player 114514, "Dan Kuroto," was also disseminated.
From the massive [Kaiju] never heard of on the first day to the "Electronic Flow" Cyber Dragon of unknown origin on the second day, as the name "Dan Kuroto" surged up the Ranking Board, breaking into third place, "Dan Kuroto" also caught the attention of countless Duelists who were looking forward to the KC Cup.
Although the KC Cup adopted a rule where Participants were selected through Preliminary Rounds and those in the top ranks would Qualify, the truly famous Duelists were actually holding back a bit during their Duels and not going all out to climb the ranks. In such a situation, they were basically uninterested in the Ranking Board's positions, as long as they could Qualify for the Top 64.
What they were doing now was controlling their Points, intentionally Surrendering to leave their current Arena and move to other Arenas to gather Information on other Duelists. Under these circumstances, many Duelists with powerful Strength stayed around the fortieth or fiftieth place.
These Professional Duelists were not as overly cautious as Amon Garlem, who memorized the Information of all Qualifiers. They were dismissive of the name "Dan Kuroto," which they had never heard of.
After all, the Point system primarily tested a Duelist's speed and consistency in defeating others during Duels. Even Legendary Duelists like Joey Wheeler and Yugi Mutou were only in the teens in terms of Ranking. Only Kaiba, using an extremely Aggro [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] Deck, could consistently occupy the first place.
They believed that this "Dan Kuroto" guy simply had his own knack for Bullying weaker opponents, allowing him to advance rapidly. When it came to the Official Match, which tested offensive capabilities, this Kid definitely wouldn't go far.
It was precisely because of this mindset among the Professional Duelists that not many people specifically tried to probe Hayato's Information. The result was that Hayato was full of enthusiasm in the morning but felt somewhat tired by the afternoon.
Throughout the day, aside from Kaiba, who was arranged to Duel him in the opening match by some shady means, the naive Amon Garlem, and the unexpected encounter with Amelda, Hayato didn't encounter any Duelists with sufficient Strength. They were all Lackeys. Sometimes, with Good Luck, starting with [Power Bond] + three Cyber Dragons, many people couldn't even last a single Turn.
No matter how interesting Duel Monsters with Virtual Projection was, Duels were only fun when there was back-and-forth. Bullying weaker opponents too much only led to annoyance.
After all, not everyone could find Fun in Dueling AI Duelists like President Kaiba.
——————Kaiba: Bullying weaker opponents is so much fun——————
In the evening, in the Hotel Room, Hayato, who had just finished showering, covered his head with a towel to dry his hair and walked out of the Bathroom.
He slapped the [Ojama Yellow], who was causing trouble in the Room, away. Hayato pulled out a Chair and sat down, solemnly taking his Card Box from his belt and taking out the Cards inside one by one.
Normally, Hayato's Deck was always kept in the System's Inventory. Whenever he needed it, he would use the Card Box on his waist as a cover to take it out.
The advantages of doing this were, firstly, preventing his Deck from being lost or stolen by some clumsy guy (Kei: Atchoo!), secondly, he could adjust his deck directly in the system at any time, without having to put the cards in and out one by one.
However, the card box that served as a cover was not empty. It also contained a lot of cards, and in a sense, the value of the cards in this card box was higher than that of the deck Hayato was using---
[Grandsoil the Elemental Lord], [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca], [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder], [Raviel, Lord of Phantasms], and the Three God Cards [Slifer the Sky Dragon], [Obelisk the Tormentor], [The Winged Dragon of Ra].
Rather than saying "highest value", it is more appropriate to say that it is "the most powerful card", although even [Grandsoil the Elemental Lord] has been put in by Hayato to make up the word "God", but it is no exaggeration to say that these cards represent the strongest power Hayato has mastered.
Hayato had not forgotten that before the duel with Amerda, that idiot intended to use the power of the Seal of Orichalcos to start a dark game to take his life, but the barrier dissipated unexpectedly beyond the expectations of the two.
Amerda was confused, but Hayato heard clearly that when the power that dispelled the Seal of Orichalcos appeared, a very clear cracking sound came from his card box.
But at the same time, Hayato was also very clear that the power was definitely not from those duel monsters he was familiar with.
Grandsoil is really just here to make up the numbers.
[Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] has a bit of B, but Hayato has always kept the minimum level of magic power of the Millennium Wisdom Wheel when feeding it, and has not allowed it to be full, but has been keeping it hungry. It is also impossible for the power that has not fully recovered to break through the Seal of Orichalcos.
Hayato is very relieved about the Three God Cards, and is willing to provide them with support, but it is also a bit short to say that they can break through the Seal of Orichalcos. If they really could do that, they would not have been sacrificed by Dartz as sacrifices to the God of Orichalcos in the original timeline.
As for Hamon and Raviel? Although there is a strange setting that "the three Phantom Demons can destroy duel monsters when they appear together", their B is not as good as the Three God Cards at all, and what about them rescuing Hayato?
It would be good if they didn't stab him in the back.
One card after another was taken out by Hayato and placed aside, leaving only one card at the bottom of the card box.
Hayato recalled that the card seemed to be the card that the guy named Limoria gave him before leaving Pegasus' castle after losing to Samejima at Duelist Kingdom.
That seems to be the same name as that guy Limoria, [A Legendary Ocean].
Although Hayato uses a lot of decks, none of them can use this card, and for some reason, the system cannot recycle this card. Hayato simply left it in his hand. Who knows, one day Hayato will start playing an aquatic deck?
Although, the aquatic deck generally does not bring this card, only the [Mermail] deck will use it, and use it to assist in Xyz or Synchro Summons.
Reaching into the card box, Hayato took out this [A Legendary Ocean] and slowly turned it to the front. He was stunned when he looked down.
At this time, [Ojama Yellow] and a group of brothers routinely tried to bully [Rainbow Kuriboh], but because their attack power was 0, they were killed by Rainbow Kuriboh. [Ojama Yellow] cried loudly and came to Hayato to complain.
While climbing onto Hayato's shoulder, [Ojama Yellow] shouted: "Brother, look at that Rainbow bastard, how bad and bad he is, he is bullying us again, brother, you must stand up for us~"
But [Ojama Yellow] who climbed onto Hayato's shoulder was also stunned.
I saw that the card art of the [A Legendary Ocean] that was pinched in Hayato's hand did not look like a drawing printed on the card, but like a real landscape. The temple that was half-submerged in the sea was actually changing dynamically, gradually collapsing!
"Pa."
[Ojama Yellow], who couldn't stand still for a moment, fell from Hayato's shoulder and fell on the table. Covering his ass with both hands, he said to Hayato in a panic: "It's, it's nothing to do with me, brother, this card was like this when I saw it!"
Watching the complete collapse of the [A Legendary Ocean] into the sea, Hayato turned his head silently and looked at the [Ojama Yellow] with a tense expression, and sighed: "I know, it's nothing to do with you. Okay, go aside."
Saying that, Hayato raised his finger and pushed [Ojama Yellow], looking at the [A Legendary Ocean] without the temple in his hand, frowning.
Rarely being treated peacefully by Hayato, [Ojama Yellow] seemed quite surprised.
"Huh? Brother didn't teach me a lesson this time?" Spreading his index finger and thumb and dragging his chin, [Ojama Yellow] conjured up a deerstalker hat and a yellow plaid cloak from nowhere, and a pipe in his hand. [Ojama Yellow] was dressed as a famous detective, and said to himself: "The truth is always one!"
"I see, I see, no wonder brother hasn't used that Rainbow bastard much during this time. Sure enough, men like the new and hate the old. Brother must be tired of drawing that guy in duels."
"Combining it with the fact that brother's tone of voice today is so good..." [Ojama Yellow] smiled triumphantly with an expression that he had deduced something, his eyes narrowed into a line, "Wagagaga, brother finally understands that I am his eternal Tamashii~"
Convinced of his reasoning, [Ojama Yellow] nodded definitely and climbed onto Hayato's head again, suddenly taunting Rainbow Kuriboh, who was chasing other [Ojama] clan members in the other corner of the room: "The king has the talent of the king, and the chef also has the talent of the chef, but Rainbow bastard, your ability is the most useless!"
"The ability to block attacks is garbage at all. Sure enough, only I am brother's only trump card, hahahaha!"
[Ojama Yellow], who was overconfident and standing on top of Hayato's head, laughed with his hands on his hips, completely ignoring the pity and sympathy contained in the eyes of [Rainbow Kuriboh] looking at him like an idiot, and did not notice that Hayato had already put down the card of [A Legendary Ocean], clenching his fists with a gloomy face.
"Ya ge."
Hearing Hayato's unhappy voice under his feet, [Ojama Yellow]'s body also stiffened. Just as he was about to jump off Hayato's head and escape, [Ojama Yellow]'s body was just caught by Hayato in his hand.
Lifted to Hayato's face, looking at Hayato's unhappy face, [Ojama Yellow] swallowed subconsciously:
"Bro, brother?"
"The more I get along with you guys, the more I understand a truth, [Yellow]." While saying that, Hayato let go and threw [Ojama Yellow] into the air, "I can never be kind to you guys, I'm sorry for myself if I don't use violence!"
"I've been making noise there since the beginning, which is so annoying. I'm going to beat you until you cry!"
"Eat my Hokuto Hyakuretsu Ken! ORA!"
----The bruised and swollen Yellow is applying medicine----
The three-day preliminary round passed in a blink of an eye. Hayato successfully qualified with the second place after Kaiba. Yugi was the third place, and Joey was stuck in the tenth place because of his unstable luck and the setting of not playing if he was not in blood. He was almost overtaken by Mai Valentine in eleventh place.
In this regard, Mai twisted the soft flesh of Joey's waist unhappily, and Joey screamed in pain. As for whether Joey was really in pain or pretending to be in pain to give in to Mai, this depends on Joey himself.
On the third day of the preliminary round, Hayato successfully met Yugi. After learning that "Dan Kuroto" was Hayato, Yugi was taken aback and quite surprised.
In the subsequent duel, it was not Dark Yugi who played, but Yugi Mutou. After the fierce fight, Hayato successfully took over Yugi's suicide act of detonating Dark Magician with [Burst Rebirth] by frying and eating [Chimeratech Overdragon] with [Mystical Wok], and won the victory.
In this regard, Hayato was quite satisfied, because strictly speaking, this duel was the first time Hayato really defeated Yugi, not Dark Yugi but Yugi Mutou, which was a regret for himself - the first duel Hayato had after coming to the Yu-Gi-Oh! world was against Yugi Mutou, not Dark Yugi. This duel was a success to complete the revenge.
Joey also met Hayato, but this guy's willpower is strong, but it is only reflected in the unyielding face of the desperate situation. He has not much resistance to the spiritual interference ability of the Millennium Rod. It was not until Hayato took the initiative to release the magic after the duel that Joey realized that "Dan Kuroto" was Hayato.
In addition to Joey and Mai, none of the other people who came to the KC Cup for fun qualified, whether it was Honda and Shizuka, who were not good at duel monsters, or Ryota and Grandpa Mutou, who had a certain strength.
Honda and Shizuka were the first to come into contact, although there were many ordinary people who came to join in the fun like them, but there were also many duelists who coveted fame and fortune. Shizuka's luck was pretty good, and her name was in the 1,000th place without qualifying, but Honda was quite unlucky. After winning only two games, he met several professional duelists in a row and was quickly eliminated.
Ryota still really likes Monster Dragon Gate Dice after all, and with the help of Hayato and Yugi, he has signed a promotion cooperation contract with Pegasus. Monster Dragon Gate Dice will be strongly promoted by the International Illusion Society soon. In exchange, this matter took up a lot of his energy and he did not duel with all his strength. His final ranking was around 500th.
Grandpa Mutou likes duel monsters and also has the strength. But, after all, people are old and their physical strength is not good. He ranked 400th, which is not bad.
Kei's ranking was quite surprising. He actually has a good talent for duel monsters. His ranking was exactly 100th, which is already very strong for a child who has been in contact with duel monsters for the first time, which makes Shizuka and Honda feel a little ashamed.
In addition, what Hayato didn't expect was that Malik, who was actually quite strong, did not qualify. His ranking was 65th.
"After my sister found out that I was also participating, she called me specifically to tell me to pay attention to my health." Sitting next to Hayato, Malik looked helpless, "Although I know this is caring about me, it's really annoying, brother-in-law."
"Come on, call me less of that title, the two of us haven't even started yet." Hayato patted Malik on the shoulder, "So you deliberately controlled the points from the beginning?"
"Yes. In your words, brother-in-law, this is the job of the 'qualifying gatekeeper', right? If you want to qualify, you have to pass me. It feels great."
While saying that, Malik showed a sly smile. It was only at this time that Malik, who was wearing a T-shirt, could be seen as the former leader of the criminal organization "Ghouls".
It wasn't Hayato who led him astray. According to Isis, Malik actually liked trendy things since he was a child. The reason why he triggered the rules of the Tombkeeper clan and was punished was because he wanted to buy a motorcycle and become a racer.
Since the birth of Dark Malik because of the punishment and the murder of his father in public, Malik had been blinded by hatred for a long time and suppressed his nature for many years. Now, the truth has come out and the Dark Personality has been resolved, and Malik can finally be himself again.
Although Ghouls has been disbanded by Malik, the property of Ghouls is quite difficult to handle, because a large part of their property was obtained by killing people and stealing goods. You can't dig up people's graves and return the money, right? Therefore, after donating a large part of the property, Malik also left the remaining property as pocket money with Hayato's acquiescence.
With so much money, Malik, who doesn't need to be careful for the development of the organization, spends money like water. After buying several motorcycles he had wanted for a long time in one go, he also became obsessed with the culture of痛car through the痛car culture.
"Talk when you talk, don't keep giggling there." Hayato pouted, turned his head, and looked back at the huge venue in front of them.
The place they are currently in is the first Kaiba Land in America of Kaiba Corporation, and it is also a super-large Kaiba Land that exists as a "flagship store". Specifically, it is the Kaiba Dome, which is specially used for holding public duel monster competitions in Kaiba Land.
--I also want to know who named it. In that case, the reason why the shape here is the head of a [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] roaring to the sky is obvious.
The Kaiba Dome can accommodate a full 10,000 spectators at one go. The wealthy Kaiba resolutely rejected the operation of selling high-priced tickets, and chose to put all the tickets in a prize pool. The location of the seats depends entirely on luck.
In Kaiba's words, "Duelists who are fully committed to duel monsters can even create their own card draws. Those who don't understand this should watch the game and deserve to be in the last row."
Although Kaiba's tough face, arrogant expression, and windbreaker were quite handsome when he said these words, Hayato wanted to laugh when he thought of the stinky face Kaiba had when he drew a ticket for the dead corner in the last row after demonstrating the extraction of a seat.
The final result was that Kaiba, the dog administrator, directly opened a back door for himself and directly used the spare lounge in the back as his VIP seat.
Correspondingly, the seats of Hayato, Joey, Yugi, Kei, Grandpa Mutou, Shizuka, Honda, Ryota, Malik, Mai, Rebecca and Professor Arthur, a total of twelve people, are all connected together. This probability is simply a miracle among miracles.
The biggest contributor is Joey, who was threatened by Mai's death stare to use God's Draw.
After knowing this, Kaiba's face became even stinkier.
A total of sixty-four players qualified, divided into four groups of sixteen people each: ABCD. At the same time, in order to balance the consideration, the candidates for the group were "completely random" - Kaiba said this in front of everyone, but Hayato, who personally experienced the shady operation on the second day of the preliminary round, would not believe him.
Kaiba was assigned to Group A, Yugi was in Group B, Joey and Mai were in Group C, and Hayato was assigned to Group D. According to the more detailed duel order, Hayato's duel will not start until two hours later at the earliest.
But it was just right. Hayato had been bullying vegetables too much for the past two days and was too tired, so he was happy to stay in the audience and watch the battle between the two players on the duel field.
And just right, Hayato knew both of the duelists who met on the duel stage at this moment, and they knew each other, and they could even be said to have a deep relationship.
"How could it be? I obviously didn't see you appear during the preliminary round." After receiving the opponent's deck from the referee, Joey simply shuffled it a few times and handed it back, looking strangely at his old acquaintance opposite him.
The short boy tugged at his hat, and handed Joey's deck back to the referee while inserting his own deck into the duel disk: "Idiot Joey, because I also kept the undefeated data and kept guarding the arena, of course you couldn't have seen me!"
He is not tall but has a high heart, who else can it be but Dinosaur Ryuzaki?
"Really, why would I have to face you? This is my first duel in public after a long time." Glancing at the cameras surrounding the duel stage, Ryuzaki tugged at his collar uneasily, trying to make it look neat and energetic. "I plan to find an investor after I regain some fame."
"Huh? Who understands those things?"
Joey pouted indifferently, not caring about the surrounding cameras at all. Looking at Ryuzaki, who looked a little nervous, he smiled: "I said Ryuzaki, you're not afraid of losing to me, are you? Hehe, that's not like you."
Hearing this, Ryuzaki also glared: "Who's afraid of losing to you, you area Joey!"
While saying that, Ryuzaki put his arms around his chest: "Don't get me wrong, Joey, I'm worried that dueling with you won't show my strength at all, especially since you're just relying on good luck. It makes me feel ashamed to defeat you, who used dice to strengthen monsters."
"Hey, hey, what do you mean I'm just relying on good luck?"
While saying that, Joey pointed his thumb at himself triumphantly: "Remember, Ryuzaki, the legendary duelist, the strongest Black Dragon user, the top 8 player in the Domino City Regional Tournament, the top 4 player in Duelist Kingdom, the top 4 player in Duelist Kingdom, and Joey Wheeler, the one who almost turned over Kaiba's trash."
"Your name is stinky and long, where did you get the middle name from! And there are too many strange nicknames. You obviously made them up yourself!"
Professional referee, ancestral tool man, wherever you need to go, the heartless sunglasses black-clothed man - Isano raised his hand, looked at his watch and calculated the time, and interrupted the chat between Joey and Ryuzaki, two old acquaintances.
After all, this is not a coffee shop, but the KC Cup competition site. There are many duels arranged next.
"The two players have finished exchanging and shuffling the decks. Please take your place and prepare to start the duel!"
Hearing Isano's voice coming from the broadcast, Joey and Ryuzaki stopped chatting in time and went to their respective positions to prepare. They were not in a hurry to decide the winner, but although they would not read the atmosphere like 明美, Joey also knew that the audience was not here to watch them chat and dismantle each other on stage. This was not to listen to crosstalk.
Standing in his position, Joey lowered his eyebrows and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Raising his head again, looking at Ryuzaki, who was still a little nervous, he showed a sincere smile and thanked him: "Thank you, Ryuzaki."
"Huh? Thank you? Me?"
Ryuzaki was confused by Joey's unclear thanks and asked in confusion.
"Back in Duelist Kingdom, I was indeed what you said, a semi-professional in both the deck and the mentality. I didn't have the qualifications to enter Duelist Kingdom at all." While saying that, Joey looked down at his deck, "Unknowingly, so much time has passed."
"Thanks to the existence of the Red-Eyes Black Dragon, it helped me defeat many enemies. For this reason, I must express my gratitude to you, Ryuzaki."
Hearing Joey's words, Ryuzaki said unhappily: "You bastard, are you mocking me? Are you mocking me!"
"Damn it, don't say it as if I took the initiative to give you the Red-Eyes Black Dragon. You bastard is becoming annoying too!"
"I must teach you a lesson!"
Hearing Ryuzaki's energetic harsh words, Joey couldn't help but show a confident smile: "Hmph, I have grown a lot, Ryuzaki. It won't be so easy to defeat me. Let me and the Red-Eyes Black Dragon defeat you together!"
"Don't always focus on one point! And I'm not what I used to be anymore, okay!"
Under Joey's influence, Ryuzaki's mood became excited, and in the midst of the noise, he unconsciously put his restraints and nervousness behind him, as if he had returned to two years ago, when he had just become the runner-up of the Japan National Duel Monsters Tournament, so high-spirited.
'This Ryuzaki is the Ryuzaki I know.' In his heart, Joey thought so. The eyes of the two met in the air, and they heard the two of them shout in unison:
"Duel!" X2
[Joey: 4000LP]
[Ryuzaki: 4000LP]
"I'll take the first attack without ceremony, Joey!" After entering the duel state, Ryuzaki calmed down slightly and thought about it. Then he realized that Joey's words were actually actively guiding him to let go of his restraints and tension.
However, Ryuzaki is not the kind of person who always keeps the kindness of others to him on his lips. He took Joey's feelings in his heart, and the tough guy Ryuzaki chose to repay him with a full duel!
"My turn, draw!"
"I activate the effect of my [Gilasaurs] in my hand!" After drawing a card, Ryuzaki played one of his hand cards and placed it on the duel disk, "This card can be special summoned directly from my hand, and then when the Gilasaurs is successfully special summoned using its first effect, Joey, you can choose a monster in the graveyard to special summon."
On Ryuzaki's field, a velociraptor who had always been agile ran into the field, making a lot of noise, but did not get any response from other monsters.
[Gilasaurs][3☆/Earth]
[Dinosaur/Effect]
[1400/400]
"Hey, there are no monsters in my graveyard at all. That's too cunning, Ryuzaki!" Joey complained, looking at his empty graveyard.
This made Ryuzaki a little proud: "Hmph, a true duelist can even avoid negative effects and even use them. You're still far behind, Joey."
"The summon of [Gilasaurs] is a special summon, I haven't done a normal summon yet!" While saying that, Ryuzaki drew another card, "The effect of the magic card [Cost Down], I discard a card, and then decrease the level of the monsters in my hand by 2☆."
"Then, I use [Gilasaurs] as a sacrifice to perform a high-level summon. Come out, [Overtex Qoatlus]!"
On the quiet duel stage, a thunder suddenly sounded, and the [Gilasaurs] on Ryuzaki's field was grinning, but suddenly a huge mouth protruded from its side. With the overflowing lightning, the [Gilasaurs] was swallowed into the mouth in an instant, and the giant beast swallowed the [Gilasaurs] in its mouth without chewing it.
[Overtex Qoatlus][8☆/Light]
[Dinosaur/Effect]
[3300/1400]
"Fuhahaha, how is it, Joey? Have you seen the power of my dinosaur monsters!"
Ryuzaki was quite proud of summoning [Overtex Qoatlus] with an attack power exceeding the [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] in one turn. He didn't expect that his luck was not bad and the development was so smooth. "I said, I'm not what I used to be anymore. Don't look at my evolved deck with the eyes of the past!"
"Dinosaur decks are very strong! I set two cards, and the turn ends!"
[Ryuzaki: 4000LP, Hand Card 0]
[Overtex Qoatlus][ATK3300]
[Set Card]X2
As Ryuzaki ended his turn, Hayato heard other spectators around him start discussing:
"That guy, is his name Ryuzaki? Is his title 'Dinosaur' Ryuzaki?"
"I remember he seemed to be the runner-up in the Japan National Tournament before?"
"I thought he was a conservative guy before. He can summon such a powerful monster in the first turn. I didn't expect him to be a bit strong."
"You can consider putting him on the sponsorship list. I'm
Chapter 383: The "Tough Guy's" Duel
[Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] [ATK3200]
Just as Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon, which was Fusion Summoned using Yugi Mutou's Summoned Skull and Joey Wheeler's Red-Eyes Black Dragon as Materials, appeared, it majestically swung its long tail, displaying its handsome physique, standing in remote opposition to Rex Raptor's Super Conductor Tyranno on the field.
Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon glanced indifferently at Rex Raptor, who looked as if he were facing a formidable enemy, snorted, and let out a puff of black flame, not putting Super Conductor Tyranno, which had higher ATK, in its eyes at all.
It was merely an advantage of a mere 100 ATK points. Compared to Super Duel Monsters like Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon and Obelisk the Tormentor that Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon had encountered in Duel City, Super Conductor Tyranno was truly nothing.
However, unlike Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon's disdainful expression, Joey Wheeler's dueling attitude was quite serious.
"ATK is still 100 points short, huh? In that case, I'll use this card to provide support," Joey Wheeler said, inserting a card into the Spell & Trap Zone of his Duel Disk. "Equip Spell Card Claw of Hermos. As an Equip Spell Card specifically for DARK Attribute Dragon-Type Monsters, this card can increase the ATK of Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon, the equipped monster, by 600 points!"
[Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] [ATK3200→3800]
"Yosh, with this, Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon's ATK has surpassed Super Conductor Tyranno!" Joey Wheeler said excitedly. "Alright, here I come, Rex Raptor! Enter my Battle Phase!"
"Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon, attack Super Conductor Tyranno! Pitch-Black Lightning Flame Bullet!"
Following Joey Wheeler's command, Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon completely ignored the sharp steel claws equipped on its hands, instead opening its mouth and fiercely inhaling air. The lightning overflowing on its body, along with the black flame attached to its breath, were swallowed into its belly.
Then, it exhaled.
A dragon breath sphere about half the size of Super Conductor Tyranno's body was exhaled. Looking at the overflowing electric light on the sphere and the destructive aura emanating from the almost unrestrainable black flame, even before being hit, Rex Raptor could feel the destructive power contained within.
"Tch, you've got some skill, Joey Wheeler. Then I'll activate my Set Card, Sakuretsu Armor—"
"—ROAR!!!"
Rex Raptor's hand had just reached towards his Duel Disk, intending to press the activate button in the Spell & Trap Zone to activate the Sakuretsu Armor he had Set last turn and take the opportunity to take down Joey Wheeler's Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon. However, before he could reach out and press the button, he heard Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon, which had just launched its attack, let out a roar.
His finger did indeed press the activate button, but the Sakuretsu Armor he had anticipated did not activate as a result. No matter how many times Rex Raptor tried to press it, he couldn't activate Sakuretsu Armor, and could only watch helplessly as Super Conductor Tyranno was hit by the lightning flame bullet, destroyed and sent to the Graveyard.
Rex Raptor: 4000→3500 LP
"What's going on? Is my Duel Disk broken?"
Just as Rex Raptor was filled with doubt, Joey Wheeler laughed smugly and explained, "Heh heh, this is a Tough Guy's Duel. There's no space for Spell/Trap Cards to interfere."
"When Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon engages in battle, until the Damage Calculation Step ends, your opponent cannot activate Spell Cards, Trap Cards, or monster effects."
"This applies whether Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon launches an attack, or if your monster attacks my Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon."
Hearing Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon's effect, Rex Raptor frowned, because didn't this mean his Sakuretsu Armor had completely lost its opportunity to be used?
Fortunately, the other card he had Set could still be used. "What a troublesome effect, huh? Then I'll flip up this card, Time Machine."
"Its effect can be activated when a monster on your or your opponent's field is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard. That destroyed monster is Special Summoned in the same battle position it was in when it was destroyed, onto the field of the controller at that time."
A machine of enormous size rose from the ground. Its hatch opened halfway before being torn open by the impatient Super Conductor Tyranno with a single claw.
Having taken a trip to the Graveyard, Super Conductor Tyranno was resurrected once again on Rex Raptor's field. Having died once, it bared its teeth and glared angrily at Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon, which had just taken it down.
[Super Conductor Tyranno] [ATK3300]
Seeing this, Joey Wheeler scratched the back of his head somewhat helplessly. "Seriously, you're really troublesome. You were already taken down once, but you came back from the Graveyard again."
"Heh heh, don't underestimate Dinosaurs, Joey Wheeler." Although Rex Raptor was currently at a disadvantage, this didn't affect his pride in his monster. "Dinosaurs have been the rulers of Earth since ancient times. They aren't so easily defeated by you."
"You say they were rulers, but weren't they taken down by a meteor? Even I know that," Joey Wheeler retorted, glancing at his hand. "My Battle Phase ends here. Then, Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon has another effect that can be activated."
"At the end of the Battle Phase in which the Fusion Summoned Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon engaged in battle, I can activate this effect by choosing one Red-Eyes Normal Monster from my Graveyard."
Following Joey Wheeler's declaration, the thick fist of Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon on his field clenched tightly, igniting with black flames, and slammed heavily onto the ground. A sunken pit was violently smashed into the ground by Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon's strike. Pitch-black flames surged from underground like a volcanic eruption, bypassing Super Conductor Tyranno and spreading directly towards Rex Raptor!
"Eek!"
Caught off guard by the flames, although it was just simple high temperature and not yet scorching pain, the incoming black flame still startled Rex Raptor. His Life Points were deducted accordingly.
Rex Raptor: 3500→1100 LP
"The monster I chose is Red-Eyes Black Dragon, which was just sent to the Graveyard because of Fusion. The value of Red-Eyes Black Dragon's original ATK becomes effect damage inflicted upon you, and then Red-Eyes Black Dragon is returned to my Deck."
Having finally calmed down, Rex Raptor heard Joey Wheeler's voice, which was so smug it was almost asking for a beating.
Returning Red-Eyes Black Dragon from the Graveyard and putting it back into his Deck to shuffle, Joey Wheeler was exceptionally pleased because he wasn't being suppressed, but was suppressing someone else. He even hummed a little tune softly: "Hmm~ hmm~, I'll Set one card from my hand, and with that, I end my turn."
"Heh heh heh, did you see how amazing this great one is, Rex Raptor? Red-Eyes is really strong in my hands. Your Life Points are like a candle in the wind."
Joey Wheeler: 4000 LP, Hand 2
[Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] (Dark Dragon Type Claw) [ATK3800]
[Set Card]
'The card I Set is Bribe of the Magic Palace. As long as I have this card, no matter if that guy Rex Raptor has Spell/Trap Cards to destroy my cards like Mystical Space Typhoon or Lightning Vortex, he can forget about getting rid of my Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon.'
'Next turn, I just need to activate Cards of the Red Stone from my hand, send the Red-Eyes Black Dragon in my hand to the Graveyard, and I can activate Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon's effect again. At that time, no matter if that guy Rex Raptor summons a monster in Attack Position or Defense Position next, he'll have to take a full 2400 points of damage again.'
'No matter how I think about it, it's this great one's victory, wahahahahaha! I'm truly a genius!'
Inwardly, Joey Wheeler thought so arrogantly, almost actually laughing out loud. The expression on his face was also one of certainty of victory.
In the audience seats, Mai Valentine, who wasn't scheduled to duel, looked at the expression on Joey Wheeler's face and sighed helplessly, covering her forehead. "That guy Joey Wheeler is getting carried away again. Just because he has a slight advantage, he swells up like that. When will that idiot mature a little?"
Although she didn't know what Joey Wheeler's Set Card was, based on Mai's familiarity with Joey Wheeler, she could conclude that he must have Set some kind of counter card, and was probably feeling smug about his own cleverness right now.
"Joey Wheeler wouldn't be Joey Wheeler if he wasn't getting carried away, would he?" Tristan Taylor also retorted. "After all, that guy's character is just a hothead whose feelings are written all over his face. If he looked like 'everything is within my calculations,' then that guy wouldn't be Joey Wheeler."
"Even though he's already grown into a capable duelist, that guy Joey Wheeler is still as reckless as ever," Hayato, sitting nearby, also nodded in agreement. "Underestimating your opponent and being complacent is one thing; someone once said, 'How can you be a king without being complacent?' But he just said that forbidden phrase..."
As everyone knows, the phrase "candle in the wind" is not something you should say lightly. To actually dare to say such a phrase when holding a great advantage, that guy Joey Wheeler is going to suffer next.
"My turn, draw!"
As expected, hearing Joey Wheeler's mockery, Rex Raptor's fighting spirit was also roused. He fiercely drew a card from his Deck. "You're just temporarily ahead, Joey Wheeler! You're getting a bit too carried away!"
"I activate the Spell Card Mystical Space Typhoon, destroying the Claw of Hermos equipped to Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon!" Rex Raptor played the card he had just drawn. "If I lose this Equip Spell Card, the advantage will return to my side!"
As Mystical Space Typhoon was inserted into the Spell & Trap Zone, a tornado was whipped up on Rex Raptor's field, heading straight towards Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon on Joey Wheeler's field, or rather, towards the Claw of Hermos equipped on Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon's claws!
Seeing this, Joey Wheeler became even more smug. "Muda da! This great one Joey Wheeler already calculated this! Don't even think about destroying my Equip Card, Rex Raptor!"
"I activate my Set Card, Bribe of the Magic Palace! It can be activated when your opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card. It negates and destroys that activation, and then your opponent draws one card from their Deck!"
Watching Mystical Space Typhoon approach, two voices suddenly echoed above Joey Wheeler and Rex Raptor's fields—
"What do you mean by this?"
"Nothing?"
"If you don't mean anything, then don't mean it."
"Then wouldn't it be meaningless?"
"If it's meaningless, why do you still mean it?"
"I just mean it for the sake of meaning it."
Under the PY transaction, the Mystical Space Typhoon activated by Rex Raptor was negated before reaching Claw of Hermos because of the "meaning it for the sake of meaning it". At the same time, Rex Raptor also got the "meaning" - drawing one card from his Deck.
Seeing the drawn card, Rex Raptor glanced at Joey Wheeler with some surprise. "Joey Wheeler, this Set Card of yours is truly unexpected."
Joey Wheeler didn't hear anything wrong with Rex Raptor's tone at all, thinking he was praising him, and said smugly, "How about that? Gave you a surprise, didn't I?"
"A surprise, it is indeed a surprise. But you'd better translate, what exactly is a surprise." Rex Raptor, with a strange expression, played the card he had just drawn. "I activate the card I just drew, the Spell Card Pot of Greed! I draw two cards from my Deck!"
Because of the effect of Pot of Greed, Rex Raptor drew two cards from his Deck. When he saw the cards he drew, his eyes lit up.
At the start of the turn, Rex Raptor had 0 cards in hand. Drawing Mystical Space Typhoon counted as good luck for him, but that was the extent of it. Whether it was destroying Joey Wheeler's Set Card or Claw of Hermos, Rex Raptor had no certainty of victory.
However, thanks to Joey Wheeler's Bribe of the Magic Palace, the cards Rex Raptor drew with Pot of Greed successfully revitalized the situation. He found a way to defeat Joey Wheeler!
"Quick-Play Spell Card Double Cyclone! It can be activated by targeting one Spell/Trap Card on my field and one Spell/Trap Card on your opponent's field. Those cards are all destroyed!"
Rex Raptor played the card in his hand, reaching out and pointing to the Sakuretsu Armor he had Set in his backrow, as well as the Claw of Hermos equipped to Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon. Since Sakuretsu Armor was sealed and couldn't be activated due to Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon's effect, he might as well let it provide some final light and heat!
As Rex Raptor targeted the two cards, a double-helix tornado appeared on the field, sweeping towards the two targeted cards respectively. In an instant, the two cards were swept up into the air, torn apart, and sent to the Graveyard.
[Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] [ATK3200]
"Yosh, with this, I've destroyed your Claw of Hermos." Rex Raptor smugly waved his fist and revealed a confident smile. "Since that's the case, I can use this card without any burden."
"I activate Super Conductor Tyranno's effect!"
# Chapter 384: Super Conductor Tyranno, I Really Like You (Water Brother Face)
"In that case, I have no burden whatsoever using this card!" Ryuzaki said triumphantly, waving his hand. "I activate the effect of Super Conductor Tyranno!"
"The effect of Super Conductor Tyranno?" In the audience seats, Tristan scratched the back of his head. "It has an effect even though its attack is higher than Blue-Eyes White Dragon? Isn't that even stronger than Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"
Duke also chimed in, "After all, at the end of the day, a single Blue-Eyes White Dragon is just a very rare card. There are actually many, many monsters stronger than it."
"Speaking of which, why do most people always compare a monster's appearance to Seto Kaiba's Blue-Eyes White Dragon the first chance they get?"
"Who knows."
On the duel field, Joey Wheeler knew from the start that Super Conductor Tyranno had an effect and wasn't too surprised.
Thanks to his uninformed performance in Battle City, after Battle City ended and everyone returned to Domino City, Solomon Mutou, who had also watched the broadcast of the Battle City Semifinals, was quite displeased with Joey not even knowing card effects. He put him through a round of rigorous training.
Thanks to this rigorous training, Joey's rather lacking Duel Monsters knowledge was improved, and he learned about the effects of some monsters, including Ryuzaki's Super Conductor Tyranno.
"If I remember correctly, the effect of Super Conductor Tyranno requires you to Tribute one monster on your field to inflict 1000 points of damage to me, right?" Joey said somewhat strangely. "But don't you only have one Super Conductor Tyranno on your field?"
Hearing this, the Super Conductor Tyranno on Ryuzaki's field couldn't help but nod, clearly not understanding why Ryuzaki would issue such a command.
Of course, it didn't notice Joey's thoughtful gaze, and inexplicable pity, when looking at it.
"Heh heh, the effect of Super Conductor Tyranno does indeed require Tributing a monster on my field to activate, just as you said, but I *do* have a monster on my field, don't I?"
As Ryuzaki spoke, he snapped his fingers. "To use Kobayashi Hayato's words, sacrifice yourself for the greater good, Super Conductor Tyranno!"
"Super Conductor Tyranno, I really like you, and for you, I'm going to Tribute you!"
Super Conductor Tyranno looked completely bewildered, because it thought it was supposed to be the only monster Ryuzaki could battle with?
Oh no, I've become ammunition!
The distracted Super Conductor Tyranno's body moved on its own. A large amount of lightning danced across its surface with a roar, wrapping it into a ball of electricity that bypassed Demon Dragon - Dark Magic Dragon and directly struck Joey!
"Ugh!"
[Joey: 4000 LP → 3000 LP]
"He actually Tributed his own monster!"
"And so decisively!"
"It's almost like he feels no guilt!"
"Such a strong sense of déjà vu!"
Listening to Tristan and Duke's exaggerated exclamations, one after another, like a comedy duo, Hayato felt his fists clenched.
"I feel like you guys are always hinting at something? I'll take you on."
Marik sat beside Hayato, trying hard to suppress his smile, lest he be targeted by Hayato first.
"He Tributed his own monster, the sense of déjà vu is really..." Joey rubbed his chest, which had been shocked, and subconsciously shifted his gaze towards Hayato's position in the audience seats.
Even though he's the King of Games, he provides such abnormal duel demonstrations for others every day. Hayato, you've done nothing but bad things! You're truly despicable!
"Although you dealt me 1000 points of damage, Ryuzaki, doesn't that mean you have no monsters left to defend against my Demon Dragon - Dark Magic Dragon?" Joey said, glancing at the last card in Ryuzaki's hand.
"Even if that monster in your hand can be Summoned, it's just a Level 4 or lower monster at most. It can't possibly withstand my Demon Dragon - Dark Magic Dragon."
"Even though Super Conductor Tyranno's attack was higher than Demon Dragon - Dark Magic Dragon after it lost Dark Dragon Type Claw, you Tributed it without hesitation. What exactly are you trying to do, Ryuzaki?"
Hearing Joey's question, Ryuzaki's face broke into a triumphant smile. "Heh heh, this is a trial, Joey. A trial from the past."
"A trial?"
"Unlike you, who were one of the Top 4 in Battle City and gained considerable recognition after your duel with Seto Kaiba, I was once the runner-up in the Japan National Duel Monsters tournament, but that was a long time ago. To gain more attention, I must showcase my strength as much as possible in this duel!"
"Just defeating you with Super Conductor Tyranno isn't enough. What I need is a duel where I go all out!"
"With this one monster, the most powerful monster in my deck!"
Glancing at his hand, Ryuzaki stated firmly, "When I sent Super Conductor Tyranno to my graveyard, the conditions necessary for its Summon were met!"
As he spoke, he held up his last hand card high. "For the Summon of this monster, I banish Speedy Raptor and Super Conductor Tyranno, these two Dinosaur-Type monsters from my graveyard!"
A monster Summoned by banishment from the graveyard as a cost?! Immediately, Joey frantically recalled the attributes of Speedy Raptor and Super Conductor Tyranno.
Fortunately, although Super Conductor Tyranno was a LIGHT Attribute monster, Speedy Raptor was not DARK Attribute but EARTH Attribute. It wasn't Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End, which Joey had initially suspected was "one soul guiding Darkness and one soul guiding Light."
Furthermore, Joey belatedly remembered that Chaos Emperor Dragon had actually been listed as a Forbidden Card and couldn't be used in official matches at all. Ryuzaki wouldn't make such a basic mistake.
Normally, after confirming that the upcoming monster wasn't Chaos Emperor Dragon, which could clear the field indiscriminately, Joey should have felt relieved. However, he felt increasingly uneasy.
This feeling of unease grew even stronger as the souls of Speedy Raptor and Super Conductor Tyranno dissipated from Ryuzaki's graveyard. With a certain inexplicable beast-like intuition, Joey could sense that something was about to emerge from Ryuzaki's hand!
"Ultimate ruler from ancient times, supernova of destruction, descend upon the world once more! Use your power that crushes all things to guide destiny onto the correct path!" Ryuzaki excitedly slammed the card down. "Witness the ultimate dinosaur!"
The moment Ryuzaki slammed the card onto the Duel Disk, a strange smell of sulfur permeated his field, as if something had leaked.
# Chapter 385: Ultimate Conductor Tyranno
"——Boom!"
Suddenly, a powerful heartbeat echoed. Its might was truly terrifying; even before its true form appeared, an exceptionally dreadful presence swept across the entire Field!
"——Boom!"
Joey was startled by the heartbeat. Facing it directly, he felt a clearer sense of threat than anyone else—a threat stemming from biological instinct, like being targeted by a top predator in the food chain!
"——Boom!"
After the third heartbeat, an abrupt silence followed, so profound it was as if the heartbeats just now were merely hallucinations felt by the over ten thousand people present. But this didn't mean the prelude to that existence's summon had ended there!
On the contrary, the auditory and olfactory shock from that existence was sufficient. Next came the visual shock!
Under everyone's gaze, an incomparably magnificent and dazzling light, like the instant of a supernova explosion, bloomed on the Field. Beam after beam, countless brilliant lights were cast into the slightly dim sky, completely tearing apart the gloom and revealing the most direct stellar light, as if unfiltered by an ozone layer!
It wasn't the light of world-ending destruction; it was the deep crimson light capable of creating miracles!
"Come forth! My Ace Card!" Ryuzaki, completely immersed in the Duel, shouted excitedly, "Ultimate Conductor Tyranno!"
As Ryuzaki called out its name, behind him, a phantom image of an extremely massive, even exaggerated, size slowly revealed its form within the deep crimson light. Its height of dozens of meters nearly pierced the ceiling of the Kaiba Dome, obscuring everyone's view.
Its thick tail swayed slowly; even such a subtle movement stirred up a wave of wind on the Field. The giant dinosaur, a fusion of pitch black and dark red, overlooked Joey's "Demon Dragon - Dark Magician" on his Field. The crimson-purple gems on its body lit up one after another. What a terrifying presence!
[Ultimate Conductor Tyranno][10☆/LIGHT]
[Dinosaur-Type/Special Summon/Effect]
[3500/3200]
Appearing on Ryuzaki's Field was none other than the invincible, strongest big brother of the Dinosaur-Type monsters, the apex of Dinosaur-Type monsters even in Hayato's previous life's environment, a symbol of absolute violence, an embodiment of oppressive power, nicknamed "Lackey Destroyer" — Ultimate Conductor Tyranno!
Although it was jokingly called the big brother who couldn't survive three turns because it was often negated and destroyed by cards like Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit and Infinite Impermanence, this didn't affect Ultimate Conductor Tyranno's status among Dinosaur-Type monsters—though, the main reason was that there weren't many capable Dinosaur-Type monsters.
Its simple Summoning Conditions, requiring only banishing two Dinosaur-Type monsters from the Graveyard to summon, not even using a Normal Summon; an Attack of 3500 points, which is 500 points higher than the legendary Blue-Eyes White Dragon; and 3200 Defense points, plus a mass suppression effect, truly made it a considerably powerful card.
In the audience seats, Hayato nodded in approval. It was truly impressive that Ryuzaki managed to obtain such a powerful card.
As for how Ryuzaki obtained this card, that kind of thing wasn't important at all.
To paraphrase someone else's words, "You don't need to understand Duel Monsters matters that clearly."
Joey looked at the giant Ultimate Conductor Tyranno, nervously swallowed, and thought back. He realized that in his past duels, he had never seen a monster of such exaggerated volume appear. Not even Obelisk the Tormentor could compare to the Ultimate Conductor Tyranno before him; only Slifer the Sky Dragon, when its length once approached a hundred meters, had the qualification to rival it.
And, an Attack of 3500 points.
Although Joey had seen monsters with Attack higher than 3500 points before, such as Kaiba's Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, Obelisk the Tormentor whose normal Attack was 4000 points and could even increase to infinity after using its ability, and Hayato's Cyber End Dragon, etc.
But not being a Fusion Monster, and not being an exception like a God Card, yet still being able to reach 3500 Attack points with just one independent monster, Ultimate Conductor Tyranno's presence was truly immense.
Especially when his "Demon Dragon - Dark Magician" on the Field had its Dark Dragon Type Claw Equip Card destroyed, making its Attack even lower than Ultimate Conductor Tyranno's.
"Enter my Battle Phase! Here I come, Joey!"
Ultimate Conductor Tyranno overlooked "Demon Dragon - Dark Magician" and roared, almost slowing everyone's heartbeat by a beat. Dust on the ground stirred up, and Ryuzaki pointed his finger at Joey's Field:
"Attack "Demon Dragon - Dark Magician", Ultimate Conductor Tyranno!"
"Supernova Blast!"
Ultimate Conductor Tyranno stretched its majestic body to its fullest. Starting from its tail, the crimson-purple gems covering its entire body lit up with brilliant light one after another. Witnessing this giant beast concentrating its full power in its mouth, preparing to unleash it, Joey also roared with burning passion: "Although the outcome is certain, we can't lose to you in spirit!"
"Strike back, "Demon Dragon - Dark Magician"!"
Following Joey's command, "Demon Dragon - Dark Magician" and Ultimate Conductor Tyranno simultaneously launched an attack against each other. The light bursting from Ultimate Conductor Tyranno's mouth suddenly intensified for an instant; the high-temperature energy cannon rapidly pierced through "Demon Dragon - Dark Magician"'s body, while "Demon Dragon - Dark Magician"'s final blow also landed heavily on Ultimate Conductor Tyranno's face, making it stagger.
[Joey: 3000 → 2700 LP]
Joey covered his face with one hand, shielding himself from the strong light emitted when Ultimate Conductor Tyranno's attack landed. After the light slightly receded, he opened his eyes and looked at Ryuzaki opposite him.
"Demon Dragon - Dark Magician" was undoubtedly destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, and its dying blow made Ultimate Conductor Tyranno retreat a step, but it was only one step back.
"So... so powerful."
Ryuzaki, who was relieved that his attack went through, heard someone in the audience seats whispering.
"So there are such powerful monsters among Dinosaur-Type monsters?"
"To be able to recover from such a difficult situation at the start of the turn, that Ryuzaki is truly amazing."
"I heard he was the runner-up in the Duel Monsters National Tournament in Japan, and almost became the Champion."
"I see, no wonder he's got some skill. Even Joey Wheeler, a Top 4 player of Duel City, is being suppressed."
Hearing the audience's comments about him, Ryuzaki couldn't help but feel a bit smug.
After all, Ryuzaki, who had a clear understanding of his own strength from the beginning, didn't come to the KC Cup with the goal of competing for the top three prize money. He had no confidence in defeating Kobayashi Hayato, Yugi Mutou, or Seto Kaiba.
His goal was truly just as he told Joey, to build up his name recognition and enter the professional duelist circle.
'Indeed, it was the correct choice to specifically Tribute Super Conductor Tyranno just now to complete the summon of Ultimate Conductor Tyranno.'
Listening to the cheers of many of the audience who had been converted into his fans, calling out "Ryuzaki," "Ryuzaki," and "Rex Raptor," Ryuzaki had somewhat grasped the audience's mindset.
Between the optimal duel logic to achieve victory and the victory itself, which was more important?
Was it duel logic?
No.
Was it victory?
Not that either.
During the duel process, the back-and-forth, intense exchanges between both players, and the appearance of powerful, flashy, cool, and majestic monsters, were the most important things.
Bystanders who only half-understood Duel Monsters couldn't understand the duel logic at all. For them, as long as the duel was interesting enough, it was sufficient to focus their preferences on the duelist. And a fan base, to some extent, was more important for a professional duelist than a win rate of a hundred victories in a hundred battles.
While using the Invincible Library Exodia or a stall/burn deck could effectively increase the win rate, the audience would definitely not be interested in such boring duels. Besides that, how would investors sell tickets and collect their investment returns?
As for how to gain fans even if the duel was interesting but the duel was lost? The fans would naturally find ways to justify it, just like Water O Moon O's videos don't win every time but attract a large amount of fans because they are quite interesting.
This was also why Ryuzaki could have directly destroyed Joey's "Demon Dragon - Dark Magician" with Super Conductor Tyranno, but insisted on replacing Super Conductor Tyranno with the stronger Ultimate Conductor Tyranno.
"My turn ends." Feeling the audience's passion, Ryuzaki was in a good mood. He gave Joey a smile full of fighting spirit. "You must have more strength, Joey. In that case, use your full power to defeat me, 'Rex Raptor'!"
[Ryuzaki: 1100 LP, Hand 0]
[Ultimate Conductor Tyranno][ATK 3500]
Joey naturally also heard the people around him shouting Ryuzaki's name. If it were someone with slightly weaker mental fortitude, hearing that even the audience had started supporting his opponent while at a disadvantage might make them feel lost and lose their fighting spirit.
But Joey wasn't that fragile. The Ultimate Conductor Tyranno summoned by Ryuzaki ignited not only the audience's passion but also Joey's fighting spirit: "Even if you didn't say that, I would definitely do it!"
"Although you're also strong, Ryuzaki, my goal is to become one of the Top 3 in the KC Cup and get revenge on Kaiba, so I will definitely win!" Saying this, Joey excitedly drew a card from his Deck. "My turn, draw!"
"I activate "Cards of the Red Stone" from my hand! I send "Red-Eyes Black Dragon" from my hand and one "Red-Eyes Black Dragon" from my Deck to the Graveyard, and draw two cards from my Deck!"
Joey sent the "Red-Eyes Black Dragon" from his hand, which was recycled by "Dark Factory of Mass Production" last turn, and another "Red-Eyes Black Dragon", which was returned to the Deck by "Demon Dragon - Dark Magician"'s effect, to the Graveyard. He replenished two cards to his hand from the Deck. Including the cards drawn during the Draw Phase this turn, he had a total of three cards in his hand.
"I activate this card, the Spell Card "Painful Decision". After glancing at the card in his hand and thinking for a moment, Joey placed a card in his Duel Disk's Spell & Trap Zone. "I draw two cards from my Deck, and my opponent chooses one of them."
As he spoke, Joey drew two cards from his Deck. Two cards with only their backs showing appeared on his Field. "If you choose a Monster Card, Ryuzaki, then I can Special Summon the chosen monster to the Field, ignoring its Summoning Conditions, and add the other card to my hand. If it's not a Monster Card, both cards are sent to the Graveyard."
Hearing this, Ryuzaki curled his lip in disdain: "Joey, your gambling cards have finally evolved to the point where you're testing someone else's luck instead of your own?"
"Hey, don't say it like I particularly like using a gambling deck!" Joey immediately retorted. "It's not like everyone thinks gambling cards aren't strong, so the price of gambling cards is particularly cheap, that's why I use them, right? Do you think the gambling cards I used before are stronger than the Red-Eyes Deck I'm using now?"
When Joey asked this, Ryuzaki was genuinely stunned. Recalling Joey's unreasonable luck, where even gambling cards with equal earnings and risk always landed on the earnings side, he nodded affirmatively: "That's definitely true!"
"If you were using a pure gambling deck, you would have defeated Seto Kaiba long ago!"
"How annoying! I don't want to use a gambling deck!" Joey also threw a tantrum. Are you kidding me? I saved up my pocket money and various prize money, plus the other two Red-Eyes Kaiba gave me, just to finally build this Red-Eyes Deck. You want to persuade me to go back to using a gambling deck?
No way!
"Hurry up and choose which card!" Joey didn't want to continue this topic that made him feel annoyed and disheartened. Ryuzaki also scratched his head, feeling a bit troubled. "Damn it, it's somehow difficult to choose, even though it's a one-in-two choice."
Ryuzaki, who never had any expectation for his own luck, hardened his heart, gritted his teeth, stomped his foot, and closed his eyes: "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, Eeny, meeny, miny, moe!"
"Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, okay, I've decided on this one!" Ryuzaki, who had been pointing his finger back and forth between the two cards, suddenly opened his eyes and pointed his finger at the card on his right side. "I choose this one!"
As Ryuzaki chose the card, the two cards Joey drew because of "Painful Decision" were also flipped over, revealing their true appearance.
The card on Ryuzaki's left side was "Fusion", and the card he chose on his right side was none other than the last "Red-Eyes Black Dragon" in Joey's Deck!
"Alright! Thanks, Ryuzaki, you gave me another "Red-Eyes Black Dragon"!" Joey ignored Ryuzaki's displeased expression, added "Fusion" to his hand, and waved his empty hand. "Soar, "Red-Eyes Black Dragon"!"
[Red-Eyes Black Dragon is Normal Summoned!]