"Of course…"
"Only this card can resist You Feng's swift assault."
Ryo Marufuji turned his head slightly, determination gleaming in his eyes.
"I understand, big brother! I will win against Kaede!" Sho Marufuji nodded earnestly.
---
The Next Day – Duel Academy
The campus buzzed with excitement. Today marked one of the most anticipated duels in Duel Academy's history.
Students from every dorm — Obelisk Blue, Ra Yellow, and Slifer Red — gathered in full force. Even duelists from international branches of Duel Academy arrived to witness this legendary match.
Yū Feng vs. Ryo Marufuji.
"Chancellor Sheppard, all preparations are complete. We've activated the Academy's grandest duel field and launched the global live broadcast!" announced Professor Chronos de Medici with a slightly smug grin.
"With this, regardless of the outcome, our academy will gain unprecedented publicity!" Chronos added with a chuckle.
"Well done! I've invited key figures from the dueling world," Sheppard responded.
"Rex Godwin from the Satellite Security Bureau…"
"Seto Kaiba from KaibaCorp…"
"Leaders from all four Duel Academy branches are present. This match is more than a duel — it's a world-class event."
The crowd roared, the stadium's 50,000-seat capacity filled to the brim.
"I can't believe even Kaiba is here!"
"And look — security chiefs from the Satellite Sector too!"
"This is bigger than any tournament so far."
Professor Chronos took center stage, his voice amplified across the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Duel of the Century!"
"Let's begin with our proud graduate and model Obelisk Blue student — Ryo Marufuji! Today marks his final graduation duel!"
"Give him a memory worthy of legend! Please welcome — Ryo Marufuji!"
With grace and calm, Ryo stepped into the arena, his duel disk already activated.
"And now, the challenger! A new rising star — You Feng!"
"Known for his bold, unpredictable style — he dares to challenge the top. Let's give him a warm welcome!"
Unlike Ryo's fanfare, You Feng's introduction was brief — Professor Chronos clearly favored Ryo. Spectators noticed the bias, but You Feng remained unfazed, stepping into the arena with a light smile.
"You Feng — show me your true strength!"
"Then see if you're worthy of mine!" You Feng answered coolly.
"DUEL!!"
They activated their duel disks in sync, the arena pulsing with energy as the crowd erupted.
The battle began.
---
Opening Move: You Feng
Light Attribute / Level 1 / Warrior-Type
ATK: 800 / DEF: 1000
When this card appeared, the crowd immediately recognized the setup.
"You Feng starts with Edea the Heavenly Squire! A classic opening for an Emperor Deck!"
"Right away, he's setting up for a Tribute Summon!"
In the stands, Jounouchi cheered: "Let's go, You Feng! Prove yourself!"
Even Yugi Mutou nodded in approval.
Meanwhile…
"Who are you rooting for, Asuka?" Misawa Daichi asked.
"I… can't say. They're both friends. This duel is too intense — they're betting their decks. I don't want either of them to lose."
"The stakes make everything tenser," Judai Yuki muttered. "If I had to wager my HERO deck, I'd hesitate. These two are on another level."
Back on the field:
You Feng's voice rang out:
"Activate Edea's effect! When Special Summoned, I can summon a monster with 800 ATK / 1000 DEF from my deck, except another Edea!"
"But this turn, I can't Special Summon from the Extra Deck."
Suddenly—
"Hold it!!"
Ryo Marufuji raised a card.
"I activate the hand effect of Maxx "C"!"
(Proliferating G in earlier drafts, but canonically known as Maxx "C".)
"By sending this card to the Graveyard, every time you Special Summon this turn, I draw one card."
"You'll have to choose: continue expanding and let me draw, or stop and limit your play."
Kaiba smirked from the stands. "Good timing. Ryo is exploiting the risk of aggressive summoning. Either You Feng lets him gain card advantage, or stalls his play."
Rex Godwin leaned forward, intrigued. "Duel Academy has evolved impressively. This atmosphere is electrifying."
Chronos chuckled from the sidelines. "Heh! You Feng, prepare to be swallowed by Ryo's Cyberstorm! You're outclassed!"
Unfazed, You Feng smiled.
"Well done, but don't get cocky."
"There are ways around your Maxx "C"."
"I Special Summon Eidos the Underworld Squire!"
Dark Attribute / Level 2 / Spellcaster-Type
ATK: 800 / DEF: 1000
Ryo drew a card immediately.
You Feng continued:
"Now I activate my Continuous Spell — The Monarchs Stormforth!"
"When I Tribute Summon this turn, I can Tribute one of your monsters instead!"
"But since you have none, I'll proceed normally."
"Eidos' effect now triggers: I gain an extra Tribute Summon this turn."
"I Tribute Edea and Eidos…"
"Appear now! The might of the shadows — Erebus the Underworld Monarch!!"
A storm of dark energy exploded across the field. You Feng's two squires vanished in a blaze, and from the smoke emerged a towering, regal figure cloaked in darkness.
Dark Attribute / Level 8 / Fiend-Type
ATK: 2800 / DEF: 1000
Gasps echoed throughout the stadium.
---
Summary of Effects:
Edea and Eidos provide combo acceleration for Tribute Summons.
Maxx "C" threatens card advantage to disrupt tempo.
The Monarchs Stormforth allows flexible tribute conditions.
Erebus can shuffle an opponent's card back into the deck upon being Tribute Summoned — a devastating effect.
---
Ryo narrowed his eyes.
"You've summoned Erebus so quickly…"
"This is no ordinary duel."
"You've improved."
You Feng's eyes lit up.
"Ryo, the duel is just beginning."