Chapter 476: Memories Sleeping in the Star Arrangement, Time of Awakening
Under Samejima's explanation, Hayato finally understood why the Previous Master/Instructor had misunderstood him as someone who came to Challenge a Dojo.
Just as Hayato had learned from Samejima before, in order to expand its influence and maintain its development, Samejima, the current Master, proposed and implemented the distinction between "Inner Gate" and "Outer Gate" for the ancient "Cyber Style".
Of course, they didn't say it like that openly, as such a division sounded like classifying the apprentices based on their merit. If they paid the same amount, why would your Title be cooler than mine? Nominally, the Dojo opened in America was called a "Branch School", operated like a chain store or Branch Location.
Furthermore, most of the disciples brought to America were those who had completed a part of their training and belonged to the most potential and talented group within the Cyber Style Dojo. This was to ensure that the "Cyber Style" Dojo could establish a firm foothold in America, currently the most prosperous country in the World.
However, at the same time, Samejima also mentioned to Hayato that he had plans to open a Branch Location in that rising country, showing truly unique foresight.
There were many benefits to opening a Branch Location. For example, it would allow the "Cyber Style" Dojo, which had been relatively reclusive before, to showcase its appearance more and build Fame, while also lowering some barriers to recruit more apprentices. Additionally, it could jump out of the original old market and open up a new market, much like opening a Double Expansion in StarCraft.
But, along with that came other troubles. The ripples brought by the reform within the "Cyber Style", the need to adapt to the culture of the new market, and most importantly, the market in America wasn't only Targeted by the "Cyber Style".
Even before the "Cyber Style" opened its Branch Location, the "Cyber Style"'s old Opponent, the "Psychic Style", had seen the benefits of having a Dojo here. And they were even more decisive than the "Cyber Style", directly moving their Headquarters here.
The result was that the "Psychic Style", which had already passed the adaptation period with the local culture and started recruiting disciples, and had gained some ground in the American market, noticed that their old Opponent, the "Cyber Style", also planned to develop in America. Was there any possibility of peaceful coexistence?
"I see, so these days the 'Psychic Style' has been openly and secretly sending people to find trouble and attack the 'Cyber Style''s reputation?" Hayato Realized and nodded. "And the people who came to find trouble were all disguised; ordinary disciples couldn't possibly contend with the Opponent."
"So, you invited this old man over to hold down the fort for a bit, and also serve as an instructor," he said to Samejima.
"You Kid, I feel like you're looking down on me, aren't you?" The Previous Master/Instructor, who had recovered from the previous Duel, sighed and glanced at Hayato, humming Annoyed. "It's just you Kid, you look tall and big like a Mafia member, but you turned out to be the Duel King. I was careless, I didn't dodge, and you ended up winning."
"Does the Duel King need three heads and six arms or something?" Hayato spread his hands helplessly. However, at the same time, because of that Duel just now, he had experienced the Previous Master/Instructor's methods and knew that he was indeed extraordinary.
An Opening Hand with three Fusion Summons, De-Fusion on the Second Turn, and discarding Cyber Ogre from his Hand. An ordinary Duelist would be amazing if they could block two Fusion Summons in the first Turn. After all, Chimeratech Rampage Dragon's Double Attack with 4200 ATK could crush a pile of Small Fry, and on the Second Turn, he could even bring out a Cyber Ogre 2 with surging ATK.
Then he used "De-Fusion" to dodge Damage, and Cyber Ogre from his Hand to surge ATK again. If Hayato hadn't drawn the "Spiritual Energy Entity" and "Gaia The Fierce Knight" Combo to finish him off instantly, by the next Turn, he would have faced a Cyber Ogre 2 with 5900 ATK and a Cyber End Dragon that could pierce defense, a Double Attack.
He truly mastered the "Cyber Dragon"'s signature moves of surging ATK and Fusion.
According to the Duelist Strength Levels set by the "Gospel of Truth" setting book officially released by "Yu-Gi-Oh!", the Previous Master/Instructor's Deck, being a simple mix of "Cyber Dragon" + other "Cyber Style" cards, was only ☆☆☆☆. But in terms of experience, courage, technique, and Luck, rating him ☆☆☆☆☆ was not an exaggeration.
Of course, people can't be compared to dogs. Although Joey Wheeler 's Luck Level in the official setting book is also ☆☆☆☆☆, just like Crazy Diamond and Star Platinum both have A-rank destruction Power, that guy Joey Wheeler 's Luck has always been off the charts. And a Duelist's Strength is never unchanging Data like in a Video Game.
Take Solomon Muto for example. His Deck, technique, and experience are all very rich, and his Luck is also quite good. But because of his courage, he was Kidnapped by Kaiba and forced into a Duel using the Virtual Projection System, which directly gave him a Heart Disease. And he even fainted later because of Kaiba's act of tearing up his Wife's Card.
The Previous Master/Instructor glanced at Hayato and sneered, "Who told the official Promotion about you to always be 'A nineteen-year-old boy reached the peak of Duel Monsters and became the Duel King'? Go find someone on the street to judge, are you really nineteen?"
"Nobody believes it, neither do I, but I am nineteen," the one-meter-ninety-five tall Hayato leaned back strategically, shrugging proudly, then looked at Samejima. "However, as long as we get through this period and establish a firm foothold here in America, there won't be any problems, right?"
"Yes, actually, I've also been going to the Dojos of the 'Psychic Style' and other styles these past few days to 'seek guidance'. After all, there's a saying, 'Courtesy demands reciprocity', isn't there?" Samejima rubbed his increasingly sparse hair and showed a kind Smile.
However, Samejima's personality was only kind to others. If someone thought he was easy to bully because of his usual gentle personality, they would be greatly mistaken. After all, people who play tactical games like Duel Monsters have dark Hearts, not to mention Samejima plays a variant of "Cyber Style", the "Trap-Heavy Deck Cyber Style".
Since the "Psychic Style" people came to find trouble every day, even if there was no concrete Evidence to prove that the troublemakers were sent by the "Psychic Style" or other styles, as they also needed to maintain a good public image, there was no reason why their people could find trouble while our people couldn't Challenge a Dojo.
Anyway, since Samejima was eliminated by Hayato in the KC Cup, he no longer had to prepare for Matches every day. He simply learned from Hayato and used an alias to find trouble with the "Psychic Style" and other styles every day. After all, a certain Master Tactician said that all Strategy is Base Trade.
Advantageous Base Trade is a guaranteed win, even Base Trade is about striking first, disadvantageous Base Trade is a gamble. Samejima truly grasped the Essence of this path. It was also because of this, being busy with Base Trading, that he missed the Incident that occurred in the KC Cup not long ago. Because on that day, he was doing his Daily Life Base Trade and didn't go to the KC Cup to watch the Match. Watching the highlight reel afterward was the same anyway.
It was also because today he had just gone to overturn a small Dojo that was causing trouble for the "Cyber Style" along with the "Psychic Style", which led to Hayato, who looked DIO-like and ready to get high at any moment, entering the "Cyber Style" Dojo without an introduction and being mistaken for a challenger by the Previous Master/Instructor.
But now, the misunderstanding had been resolved. Hayato felt refreshed after playing a Card game, and the Previous Master/Instructor wouldn't dwell on the fact that he had misunderstood someone.
Of course, even so, this stubborn old man still found it hard to show Hayato a good face. After all, he was defeated in three Turns with full Life Points under the gaze of many apprentices, which was quite Lost Face.
But suddenly, as if he remembered something, the Previous Master/Instructor confirmed with Samejima, "Wait, Samejima, this Kid is indeed the Duel King, right? He's the person you said you gave that Card to!?"
Seeing his Teacher suddenly so excited, Samejima nodded, not understanding why. "It's him, it's him."
"Are you talking about this Cyber Dragon Nachster?" Hearing the Previous Master/Instructor mention it, Hayato also took out the Card that Samejima had given him, the so-called "Ultimate Secret Tradition" of the "Cyber Style", the Cyber Dragon Nachster Card, from his Card Box.
Seeing that Hayato had indeed taken out Cyber Dragon Nachster and even accurately stated the Card's name, the Previous Master/Instructor's face couldn't help but show a thoughtful Expression. He sized Hayato up and down, seemingly making some decision in his Heart.
At the same time, he muttered softly, "His Strength is sufficient, and if he is recognized by Cyber Dragon Nachster, he should also have enough Qualification..."
Hearing his Teacher mention "Qualification", Samejima instantly understood the Previous Master/Instructor's meaning and said with a sense of Realized, "Speaking of which, yes, since Hayato-kun has the ability to be recognized by Cyber Dragon Nachster, then he should also have the Qualification to inherit that Power."
"But Teacher, are you sure you want Hayato to inherit that Power?"
The Previous Master/Instructor thought for a moment, then nodded without hesitation. "'Cyber Style' has never been a sect restricted by Sectarian Bias. Anyone with sufficient Qualification has the opportunity to inherit this Power that has been passed down to this day. This is what allows our 'Cyber Style' to continuously develop and Evolve."
"Huh?" Samejima Scratched the back of his head. "No, Teacher, I meant, you're so petty, Hayato publicly defeated you and made you Lose Face, aren't you going to make things difficult for him?"
"Nonsense, am I that petty of a person!" The Previous Master/Instructor sternly rebuked Samejima, glaring at him fiercely. When have I ever been petty? That's called chivalrous spirit and seeking revenge for grievances, okay? I repay kindness and I repay grudges, okay?
Being told that by Samejima, even if he was petty, he couldn't be petty now. He had just been thinking of taking the opportunity of testing this Kid to make things difficult for him in an Upright manner... No, he didn't think anything.
The Previous Master/Instructor stood up and looked at Hayato, who didn't understand what the two Riddlers in front of him were talking about, and said seriously, "May the Radiance of the Cyber Dragon Constellation guide your way."
With that, he walked past the disciples practicing Drawing Motion in the Dojo and entered the Room behind the main hall of the Dojo.
Following the Direction the Previous Master/Instructor left, it was only then that Hayato noticed an abstract pattern hanging high in the Dojo. It depicted the Proof of graduation from the "Cyber Style" - Cyber End Dragon, spreading its wings that covered the sky under the illumination of starlight, with its three dragon heads moving in different directions.
However, due to the Radiance of the starlight, a Shadow was also cast behind the conspicuous Cyber End Dragon, and a dragon-headed Darkness lit up with crimson Eyes in the Shadow.
Thanks to the Plot he had seen before, Hayato naturally knew that within the "Cyber Style", there existed a hidden "Shadow Cyber Style". And unlike the Real Card Adaptation of the "Shadow Cyber Style", the "Shadow Cyber Style" Monsters in the Anime could achieve the Monster Stealing Effect of equipping themselves with the Opponent's Monsters from their Graveyard with just a Single Card, without needing additional Card support.
"I say, Mr. Samejima?" Hayato guessed, "What you were just talking about inheriting, could it be about that 'Shadow Cyber Style'?"
"Hayato-kun, you even know about the Existence of 'Shadow Cyber Style'?" Samejima was a little surprised. He looked around to make sure the surrounding disciples hadn't heard what Hayato just said, and quickly lowered his Voice. "It's not 'Shadow Cyber Style', and this is a secret within our 'Cyber Style'."
"Specifically, we have to start from the origin of our 'Cyber Style''s Legacy."
Saying that, Samejima led the way, taking Hayato into the space behind the "Cyber Style" Dojo.
The origin of the "Cyber Style", its initial Power came from the starry sky, or more precisely, from the "Cyber Dragon Constellation" above the celestial dome.
Samejima had briefly mentioned this before giving Hayato the Cyber Dragon Nachster Card. But now, Samejima began to explain in more detail.
Legend has it that within the arrangement of the Zodiac Signs in the night sky, there is a mysterious and mighty Power contained. The Radiance cast by the starry sky is the mystery passed down by the "Cyber Style", and the initial and most fundamental evolution of this mystery is "Cyber Dragon".
But besides the Radiance, the light of the starry sky also created unique Shadows. Passed down alongside the "Cyber Dragon" in a similar yet different Form is the "Shadow Cyber Style", exemplified by Cyberdark Dragon.
But what Samejima was taking Hayato to see now was not the "Cyber Style" which symbolized "Projection" or the "Shadow Cyber Style" which symbolized "Shadow", but the "Light" Power of the starry sky itself, the "Cyber Dragon Constellation" itself, which was restored by tracing back the origins of these two Powers.
The ultimate of the "Cyber Style"'s Legacy, even the Previous Master/Instructor and the current Master Samejima had never witnessed the full might of that ultimate. But Samejima described it as "Memories Sleeping in the Star Arrangement, Time of Awakening".
Looking at the majestic Statue standing before him at the very end of the inner Room of the "Cyber Style" Dojo, a Statue that inspired a sense of reverence from the depths of one's Heart just by looking at it, Hayato couldn't help but Rant:
"I thought I was Shouma Yusa, but how am I seeing Yami Kuroda's Cards?"
"It's certainly an Accident that surprised me, but it's also reasonable. This is very O. Henry."
(End of Chapter)
# Chapter 477: Cyber Style vs. Shadow Cyber Style
It was a clear day, and the sun on Bleecker Street was quite pleasant. The sun cast gentle warmth upon the ground and the leaves in the park, and the evaporating moisture made the air smell quite fresh and natural.
Inside the "Cyber Style" Dojo at 177A Bleecker Street, the Apprentices of the American Branch were lined up neatly, practicing drawing cards together using the Simulation Duel Disk devices attached to their wrists. Their movements were uniform and full of vigor.
Behind the main hall where the "Cyber Style" Dojo Apprentices were practicing, Hayato received a metal iron box from Samejima, who held it with a solemn expression.
On Hayato's shoulder, the unseen Rainbow Kuriboh floated nearby, curiously examining the box in Hayato's hand. It was covered in mechanical details and several glowing lights, looking very sci-fi, and seemed to contain something. "Kuriri?"
After handing the iron box to Hayato, Samejima turned around and pushed the opened chest of a statue placed in a corner of the room back into place. The iron box had been hidden inside it before.
"This is the ultimate Legacy of the 'Cyber Style', passed down through generations, yet still uninherited." On the other side, the Previous Master/Instructor walked over, holding a Deck, and looked at Hayato seriously. "Do you truly have the qualification to grasp the truth of this Starlight from the Heavens?"
"Even if you talk about it so mysteriously, I can't give you a definite answer either," Hayato said, examining the exquisite iron box in his hand. He looked at it for a long time but couldn't figure out how to open it.
More precisely, the box didn't even have a seam. If Samejima and the Previous Master/Instructor hadn't been so serious, Hayato might have suspected that the thing in his hand was actually just an unopenable metal block.
There wasn't even a "keyhole" or anything similar. Hayato even specifically imitated a certain main rider.
"I'm going to bring smiles to all Heavy Trap Stall Duelists, and I mean it." Holding one end of the box with each hand, Hayato shouted as he exerted force, "I am Lulu!"
But unfortunately, Hayato was not a rider who could authorize things physically. The box in his hand remained motionless.
This made Hayato envious. If he had the grip strength of Hanma Alien, would he still be unable to open something like this?
Weighing the box in his hand, Hayato said regretfully, "Hmm, it seems I don't have the qualification to open this thing either."
Glancing at the statue next to Samejima, Hayato said with a hint of regret, "It's a bit regrettable that Drytron is right before my eyes, yet I cannot reach it."
Upon seeing that statue, Hayato had actually already known the true identity of the "Cyber Style"'s "ultimate Legacy", because the statue was clearly the "Boss Monster" of the famous Drytron Series, Drytron Meteonis Draconids.
As for why Hayato put "Boss Monster" in quotes, even though Drytron Meteonis Draconids is undoubtedly the ultimate Boss Monster of the Drytron Deck?
As everyone knows, Destiny HERO - Destroyer Phoenix Enforcer, the Boss Monster of Destiny HERO, appears in various Decks. Therefore, it's perfectly reasonable for a few copies of Herald of Ultimateness, Herald of Perfection, and Cyber Angel Benten to be mixed into a Drytron Deck. After all, who can refuse "cool" Monsters with powerful Effects?
This is why Drytron Meteonis Draconids and Drytron Meteonis Dracodes, despite being the main Boss Monster and second-in-command of the Drytron archetype, can only appear in OTK/Aggro Decks due to their "Level 12" and "cannot be Normal Summoned" conditions.
From this, it can be concluded that Duelists are actually NTR Enthusiasts. Argument successful.
Although Hayato was no longer the Newbie he was when he first arrived in the Yu-Gi-Oh! World, with hardly any Effect Monsters in his Deck, and he now had several backup Decks, who could refuse a Meta Deck that was undoubtedly overpowered for the DM Era?
Furthermore, the Drytron Deck satisfied two-thirds of the most common XPs among Duelists. As a Dragon Enthusiast and Machine Enthusiast, Hayato had no resistance to the cool Drytron.
However, if the box containing Drytron couldn't be opened, there was nothing he could do.
Looking at the disappointed Hayato, Samejima smiled. "Of course, you can't open it by doing that, Hayato-kun."
"Do you remember what I mentioned to you during the KC Cup? Cyber Dragon Herz is closer to the Secret Technique of 'Cyber Style' than Cyber Dragon. This doesn't mean that the Power of Cyber Dragon Herz absolutely surpasses the potential of Cyber Dragon, but rather—"
With a click, Samejima put on his Duel Disk and received a Deck handed to him by the Previous Master/Instructor.
"—the 'Key' to unlocking the ultimate Legacy of 'Cyber Style' is the Cyber Dragon Herz Card."
Saying this, Samejima took a deep breath and inserted the Deck into his Duel Disk. However, as the Duel Disk expanded, a strange twitch appeared on Samejima's face, as if he had been shocked by static electricity or something, and his body bent slightly.
"Are you okay, Mr. Samejima?" Seeing this, Hayato quickly stepped forward to help Samejima up, but Samejima extended his hand far away, stopping Hayato from approaching.
Standing straight, Samejima's breathing became heavy. "Hayato, if you know about the existence of 'Shadow Cyber Style', then it means you should also know about its danger."
"As the 'Shadow' cast by the 'Starlight' of 'Cyber Style', 'Shadow Cyber Style' is actually closer to the 'Starlight' than 'Cyber Style'. Therefore, only through the clash between 'Shadow Cyber Style' and Cyber Dragon Herz can one reach the truth of the 'Starlight'."
"My Teacher and I have entrusted the ultimate Legacy of 'Cyber Style' to you, so Hayato-kun, show me your Radiance and let me know that there is indeed a possibility for that 'Starlight' to bloom in your hands!"
After hearing Samejima's words, Hayato gazed at the sweat gradually seeping from Samejima's forehead, knowing that he was already beginning to bear the burden on his body that came with constantly using "Shadow Cyber Style".
Taking out the Cyber Dragon Herz Card from the Card Box on his Waist, Hayato took a deep breath, calming his mind.
"I understand, Mr. Samejima." Hayato took out the Deck that had been reorganized in the System's Warehouse and placed Cyber Dragon Herz into it, inserting it into the Duel Disk, which automatically shuffled it. "I will end the Duel as quickly as possible."
"Shadow Cyber Style", as the counterpart to "Cyber Style", contains more than just simple Power. However, the saying "powerful Cards often come with great Risks" is most fitting to describe "Shadow Cyber Style".
In the Plot Hayato knew, Ryo Marufuji, known as "Kaiser", had his body completely worn out due to the burden of "Shadow Cyber Style"; his Heart, especially, deteriorated to the point where he could no longer Duel.
And now, Samejima was using a Deck that was no different from self-harm in order to help Hayato obtain Drytron. Therefore, Hayato naturally had to try his best not to disappoint him and achieve his Goal as quickly as possible before Samejima suffered a significant burden.
The Previous Master/Instructor stood between Hayato and Samejima, right in front of the Drytron Meteonis Draconids statue, acting as the Referee for their Duel. "Whether the Legacy of 'Cyber Style' throughout history has a chance to bloom rests on the two of you. Give it your all in this battle."
"I Declare, Duel Start!"
"Duel!" Hayato and Samejima shouted in unison, drawing their Hands.
[Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand 5]
[Samejima: 4000 LP, Hand 5]
"I'll take the First Turn! My Turn, Draw!"
Hayato seized the First Turn, drawing a Card.
Compared to "Cyber Style", the Duel Style of "Shadow Cyber Style" used by Samejima changes, and it's relatively weaker in terms of ATK boosting. Therefore, Hayato chose to go first.
The Card he drew this Turn was the Spell Card Graceful Charity. Drawing this Card before Samejima's Turn began was quite lucky for Hayato, because with this Card, he could freely spend Cards and then perform a trick of turning an empty Hand into a full Hand with just one Card, the only Stakes being letting Samejima Draw one Card.
And the Cards in Hayato's Hand were extremely easy to play out within one Turn.
"I Activate the Effect of Cyber Dragon Nachster from my Hand! Once per Turn, I Send one Monster other than this Card from my Hand to the Graveyard, then Special Summon Cyber Dragon Nachster from my Hand in Attack Position!"
Sending one Card to the Graveyard, Hayato placed Cyber Dragon Nachster from his Hand onto the Duel Disk in Attack Position.
"Additionally, when Cyber Dragon Nachster is Normal Summoned or Special Summoned, I can Special Summon one Machine Type Monster with 2100 ATK or DEF from my Graveyard to the Field! After this Effect is Activated, I cannot Special Summon Monsters that are not Machine Type until the End Turn!"
On Hayato's Field, a Cyber Dragon derivative model that was softer and more slender than the most basic Cyber Dragon, and had a pair of metal Wings added to its back like a flying dragon—Cyber Dragon Nachster—was Summoned.
[Cyber Dragon Nachster] [Level 1/Light]
[Machine Type/Effect]
[200/200]
"A completely new Cyber Dragon I've never seen before! As expected, Hayato, you are full of Miracles and possibilities!" Samejima exclaimed, watching the blue light spots on Cyber Dragon Nachster shine, the hexagonal halo connecting its back Wings project purple rays, and a phantom model construct beside it.
"However, a Machine Type Monster with 2100 ATK or DEF, huh? The Card you just Sent to the Graveyard was indeed Cyber Dragon, wasn't it?"
Hayato nodded. The Cyber Dragon that had been Sent to the Graveyard just seconds ago seemed to have just passed through the Graveyard for a quick visit, and was Special Summoned to the Field in the Zone next to Cyber Dragon Nachster. "After all, for a Machine Type Monster with 2100 ATK, even the first one I think of is Cyber Dragon."
"Then, I Special Summon Cyber Dragon from my Graveyard to the Field in Attack Position! Then, I Chain the Effect of Cyber Dragon Vier from my Hand! I Activate it when Cyber Dragon is Summoned or Special Summoned! I Special Summon Cyber Dragon Vier from my Hand in Defense Position!"
Beside Cyber Dragon Nachster, the light and shadow model of Cyber Dragon that it had projected earlier transformed from phantom to real. Cyber Dragon raised its Skull and coiled around Hayato's Field. And beside Cyber Dragon, Cyber Dragon Vier, with its slender body entirely silver and only its mechanical joints purple, appeared discreetly alongside Cyber Dragon.
[Cyber Dragon] [ATK 2100]
[Cyber Dragon Vier] [Level 4/Light]
[Machine Type/Effect]
[1100/1600]
"Because of Cyber Dragon Vier's Effect, as long as it exists in the Monster Zone, the ATK and DEF of all Cyber Dragon on my Field increase by 500 Points! Also, Cyber Dragon Vier and Cyber Dragon Nachster have the Effect that while they are on the Field or in the Graveyard, their Card Name is treated as Cyber Dragon!"
[Cyber Dragon] [ATK 2100 → 2600]
[Cyber Dragon Nachster] [ATK 200 → 700]
[Cyber Dragon Vier] [DEF 1600 → 2100]
Hayato played a Card from his Hand. "However, the ATK and DEF boosting Effect can be ignored for now, because I will use the Effect of King of the Swamp from my Hand! I Discard this Card from my Hand to the Graveyard to add one Polymerization from my Deck to my Hand!"
"Then, I select Cyber Dragon on my Field, and Cyber Dragon Nachster and Cyber Dragon Vier, which are treated as Cyber Dragon, as Fusion Material! Activate the Spell Card, Polymerization!"
"The number of Cyber Dragon is three! I will Overlay them!"
"Watch closely, Samejima! This is my Struggle!"
"Fusion Summon! Cyber End Dragon!"
The Power of Polymerization unfolded. The three Cyber Dragon on Hayato's Field were engulfed and their forms twisted. The Symbol of "Cyber Style" after being combined—Cyber End Dragon—Descended onto Hayato's Field!
[Cyber End Dragon] [ATK 4000]
Even without relying on Cards like Power Bond or Limiter Removal that come with huge Risks, Cyber End Dragon, Fusion Summoned from three Machine Type Monsters, initially possessed a formidable 4000 ATK, comparable to Obelisk the Tormentor.
But Hayato's Operation was not yet finished.
"You Summoned Cyber End Dragon on the first Turn? Even within 'Cyber Style', only a handful of people can do that," Samejima praised, but his gaze was fixed on the two remaining Cards in Hayato's Hand. "And you still have a lot of potential left, don't you?"
"I Activate the Spell Card, Cyber Repair Plant! This Card can only be Activated if there is a Cyber Dragon in my Graveyard!" Hayato inserted a Hand Card into the Spell & Trap Zone. "I can choose to Activate one of Cyber Repair Plant's two Effects, but since I have three or more Cyber Dragon in my Graveyard..."
"Only a Child makes choices, and I want them all!"
# Chapter 478: "Shadow Cyber Style isn't good at ATK boosting"? Hayato: You're talking nonsense!
"I activate both effects of Cyber Repair Plant. From my Graveyard, I return one LIGHT Attribute Machine Type monster to the Deck, then I add one LIGHT Attribute Machine Type monster from my Deck to my Hand."
Hayato caught the card that popped out of his Graveyard and returned it to his Deck, then drew the card he searched for. "Cyber Dragon Nachster returns to the Deck. The card I searched for is this one, Cyber Dragon Core. And I haven't performed a Normal Summon this turn yet."
"I Normal Summon Cyber Dragon Core in Defense Position. Then I activate its effect. When it is successfully Summoned, I can add one "Cyber" or "Cybernetic" Spell/Trap Card from my Deck to my Hand."
Cyber Dragon Core [Level 2 / LIGHT]
[Machine Type / Effect]
[400 ATK / 1500 DEF]
Although its Level is only 2, Cyber Dragon Core is positioned as the "Core". It's normal for its ATK and DEF to be slightly weaker than the fully armed Cyber Dragon. Besides, it doesn't rely on its stats; its main strength comes from the effect it can activate upon Summon.
Drawing the card searched by Cyber Dragon Core from his Deck, Hayato Set it in his Spell/Trap Zone. Holding the last card in his Hand, he said to Samejima, "This is truly an intense Duel, Mr. Samejima. Let's replenish our Hands."
Ignoring Samejima's comment of "This is only the first turn, isn't it?", Hayato activated the last card in his Hand. "I activate the Spell Card Graceful Charity. Due to this card's effect, both players draw until they have six cards in their Hand."
Saying this, Hayato, who had no cards in Hand, drew six cards directly, while Samejima, who originally had five cards in Hand, could only draw one.
Seeing the cards he drew, Hayato raised an eyebrow. Samejima, who was waiting for Hayato's move, noticed this.
"Did you draw something good?"
"Ah, yes, a very useful card." Hayato nodded and activated the card in his Hand. "I activate the Spell Card Time Capsule. This card allows me to banish one card from my Deck face-down from the game."
"Then, during my second Standby Phase after activation, Time Capsule will be Destroyed, and I will add the face-down banished card to my Hand."
The Time Capsule, shaped like an Egyptian Pharaoh's Coffin, appeared on Hayato's Field. Hayato searched for a card from his Deck and placed it inside the Time Capsule. However, because it was face-down, Samejima didn't know which card Hayato had put inside.
Afterward, the Coffin closed and slowly sank underground.
Holding five cards in his Hand, Hayato Set two of them in his Spell/Trap Zone, declaring, "I Set two more cards. My turn ends here."
"It's your turn now, Mr. Samejima."
[Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand 3]
Cyber End Dragon [4000 ATK]
Cyber Dragon Core [1500 DEF]
Time Capsule [Set Card] X3
"You Summoned Cyber End Dragon on the first turn, Set Traps for Defense, and still have three cards in Hand. As formidable as ever, Hayato-kun." Samejima glanced at the six cards in his Hand, his fingers resting on his Deck. "However, you need to be careful next."
"The danger of 'Shadow Cyber Style' is not something ordinary Duelists can withstand."
"My turn, Draw!"
As Samejima made the motion to Draw a card from his Deck, Hayato was quite surprised to find that the drawn card was sparking with electric current between itself and the Duel Disk!
"Ugh!" The electric shock transmitted through his fingertips made Samejima frown. Although he knew beforehand about the danger of "Shadow Cyber Style", the fact that even Drawing a card would put a burden on his body was something Samejima hadn't expected.
But only this kind of Deck, which almost counts as "life-costing", possesses the power to activate the ultimate Legacy of "Cyber Style".
"I activate the card I drew this turn, the Continuous Spell Card Cyberdark World!"
As Samejima inserted the card into his Duel Disk's Spell & Trap Zone, red-purple electric current began to spread out from his feet, flowing with green, data-like warping lines, constructing intricate patterns in the air.
Although it was just a Continuous Spell Card, the presence of Cyberdark World after activation was almost like that of a Field Spell Card.
"As an effect that can be activated when Cyberdark World is activated, I can add one "Cyberdark" monster from my Deck to my Hand with a different name from any in my Graveyard. Since I don't have any cards in my Graveyard, I will add Cyberdark Claw directly from my Deck to my Hand."
After searching for a card, Samejima revealed the Cyberdark Claw he had just added to his Hand. "Then, I activate the effect of Cyberdark Claw in my Hand. I discard it from my Hand to add one "Cyberdark" Spell/Trap Card from my Deck to my Hand."
"Next, I will activate Cyberdark Horizon, which was added to my Hand by the effect of Cyberdark Claw. This card's name can be treated as a "Cyberdark" card, so it can be searched by Cyberdark Claw. And during the turn Cyberdark Horizon is activated, I cannot Special Summon non-Machine Type monsters from the Extra Deck!"
Three cards were played in succession, but in reality, only the first card Samejima activated, Cyberdark World, was truly used. With just that one card, Samejima's "Shadow Cyber Style" began to operate as a "one-card combo starter".
The green lines around Samejima converged into a complex concentric circle, forming a three-dimensional Passage. Samejima held a card in his Hand. "In 'Cyber Style', there have always been concepts like 'growing together with your monsters' and 'striving with all your might to achieve dazzling radiance'. However, 'Shadow Cyber Style' is different."
"As the 'Shadow', 'Shadow Cyber Style' has always pursued the result, not the process, from beginning to end. To achieve final Victory, it's not surprising to use any means necessary." Samejima said, letting out a long sigh.
"Due to the conflicting ideas, no matter how much 'Cyber Style' Duelists of past generations honed their skills, they found it difficult to adapt to the power of 'Shadow Cyber Style'. This is one of the reasons 'Shadow Cyber Style' was sealed away. I don't know if there will be a successor of 'Cyber Style' in the future who can inherit the power of 'Shadow Cyber Style'."
"But now, to fully unleash the power of your Cyber Heavenly Dragon Head, I am willing to make the resolve to sacrifice my monsters!"
With that, although Samejima's breathing was heavy, he still resolutely sent the card into the Passage beside him. "The effect of Cyberdark Horizon is to Send one Dragon or Machine Type "Cyber" monster with a different Attribute from my Hand and Deck respectively to the Graveyard, then add one "Cyber" monster from my Deck to my Hand, and Send one Machine Type "Cyber" Fusion Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard."
"I Send the DARK Attribute Machine Type monster Cyberdark Edge from my Hand and the LIGHT Attribute Machine Type Cyber Dragon from my Deck to the Graveyard! I add Cyberdark Dragon from my Deck to my Hand, and I Send Cyber End Dragon to the Graveyard!"
"Sorry, my old friend, Cyber End Dragon. Rest in the Graveyard for now."
A total of three cards were sent to Samejima's Graveyard. With the power of these three cards filling it, a dragon-like monster somewhat similar to Cyber Dragon flew out of the Passage beside Samejima and into his Hand.
Taking a deep breath, looking at the six cards remaining in his Hand, Samejima declared, "Next, don't blink, Hayato-kun, because the true might of 'Shadow Cyber Style' is only just beginning."
"Using the effect of Cyberdark World, during my Main Phase, I can Normal Summon one "Cyberdark" monster from my Hand in addition to my Normal Summon. The monster I will Summon is Cyberdark Chimera."
In the deep red-purple World, green lines outlined a slender dragon shape. The figure of Cyberdark Chimera manifested from within, appearing somewhat similar to Cyber Dragon.
However, compared to the elegant Cyber Dragon with its sci-fi aesthetic, the devices beside Cyberdark Chimera, like pitcher plant leaves equipped with sharp blades, made it appear terrifying and sinister.
Cyberdark Chimera [Level 4 / DARK]
[Machine Type / Effect]
[800 ATK / 2100 DEF]
"Once per turn, I discard one Spell/Trap Card from my Hand to activate the effect of Cyberdark Chimera." Samejima Sent a card to the Graveyard. "From my Deck, I add one Power Bond to my Hand."
"Power Bond?" Hayato also frowned. As one of the two famous Machine Type ATK-boosting cards alongside Limiter Removal, Hayato was naturally familiar with Power Bond. He even had one himself.
Its basic use is the same as Polymerization, but only Machine Type monsters can be Fusion Summoned by Power Bond, and the ATK of the Summoned monster is Double. The drawback and Risk are that if the Fusion Monster is still on the Field at the End Phase, you take Damage equal to that monster's original ATK.
And the most classic pairing with Power Bond is the Cyber End Dragon on Hayato's Field with 4000 ATK. Its piercing effect and the ATK doubling have a 1000% synergy. However, if you can't defeat the opponent in one turn, you'll be instantly defeated.
And now, Samejima has obtained Power Bond. Is he about to start ATK boosting?
Hayato couldn't help but become vigilant.
"Using the effect of Cyberdark Cannon in my Hand, I discard it from my Hand to add one "Cyberdark" monster from my Deck to my Hand. The card I add to my Hand is Cyberdark Horn."
After discarding another card from his Hand to search for a card, Samejima announced to Hayato, "With this, my preparations are complete."
"I activate the Spell Card Power Bond! I will use Cyberdark Dragon and Cyberdark Horn from my Hand, Cyberdark Chimera on my Field, and Cyberdark Cannon and Cyberdark Claw from my Graveyard, a total of five "Cyberdark" monsters, as Fusion Material!"
"Nani?! Even monsters from the Graveyard?!"
As Power Bond was activated, watching the chosen Fusion Material being swallowed one by one by the vortex of Polymerization, even though the monster hadn't appeared on the Field yet, Samejima could clearly feel his stamina being rapidly drained. If this continued for too long, what would be drained next would be his life force.
However, he could still endure.
Straining to lift his head, Samejima explained, "The effect of Cyberdark Chimera being Sent to the Graveyard as Fusion Material is not just for searching Power Bond."
"During the turn I activated its first effect, my non-Dragon or non-Machine Type "Cyber" monsters cannot be used as Fusion Material, and once per Fusion Summon, I can banish monsters from my Graveyard as Fusion Material."
Samejima pointed one hand towards the sky. There, the power of five "Cyberdark" monsters converged in one place. The terrifying power even distorted the red-purple space of the Cyberdark World beneath their feet.
"This is the 'Shadow' beneath the 'Starlight', and the 'Darkness' hidden behind 'Cyber Style', the Darkness that locks away hell and annihilates radiance!"
"Fusion Summon! Cyberdarkness Dragon!!"
"CyberDarkness-Dragon!!!"
The red-purple sky was torn apart. Cyberdarkness Dragon, a composite of various killing machines, seemingly an agent of "Death" and "War", flew arrogantly above Samejima's Field, spreading its bone-like wings made of sharp blades!
Cyberdarkness Dragon [Level 10 / DARK]
[Machine Type / Fusion / Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2000 DEF → 4000 ATK / 2000 DEF]
Cyberdarkness Dragon, Summoned by fusing five "Cyberdark" monsters into one, reached a staggering 4000 ATK with the support of Power Bond, matching the Cyber End Dragon on Hayato's Field!
But Hayato knew this wasn't the limit of 'Shadow Cyber Style', because Cyberdarkness Dragon hadn't used its most classic 'Shadow Cyber Style' effect yet.
"The effect of Cyberdark Chimera being Sent to the Graveyard as Fusion Material is that when it is Sent to the Graveyard, I can Send one "Cyberdark" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard with a different name from one already in the Graveyard. Since I banished Cyberdark Cannon for the previous Fusion Summon, I Send the second Cyberdark Cannon from my Deck to the Graveyard."
"Then, Chain to the effect of Cyberdark Chimera, an effect that can only be activated when Cyberdarkness Dragon is Special Summoned. I Equip one Machine Type or Dragon Type monster from my Graveyard to Cyberdarkness Dragon as an Equip Card!"
Samejima took out the Cyber End Dragon that was previously Sent to the Graveyard by Cyberdark Horizon, and loudly declared, "From my Graveyard, I Equip Cyber End Dragon to Cyberdarkness Dragon!"
"Then, the ATK of Cyberdarkness Dragon will increase by the value of Cyber End Dragon's original ATK!"
"Fight for me, Cyber End Dragon!"
The Cyber End Dragon that was previously Sent to the Graveyard by Cyberdark Horizon appeared on Samejima's Field, but not as an independent monster. Instead, it was restrained by the claws beneath Cyberdarkness Dragon on Samejima's Field, its power completely seized and controlled!
Cyberdarkness Dragon [4000 ATK → 8000 ATK]
"Attack Power, 8000 points!"
Samejima roared, his eyes sharp as he looked at Hayato. "This attack embodies my complete understanding of 'Shadow Cyber Style'! Here I come, Hayato!"
"Enter my Battle Phase!"
Chapter 479: If Your Card Slips During an Electric Shock, Your Dueling Career is Over. Just Cover It Up With a Louder Voice.
What does 8000 ATK mean?
In the OCG meta of Hayato's previous life, the rules used 8000 LP, and 8000 ATK meant that a single attack from one monster was enough to achieve victory in the case of a direct attack.
Under the DM rules of 4000 LP, 8000 ATK meant that when many duelists painstakingly summoned their ace card onto their Field and proudly anticipated seeing their opponent having no way against their high attack power ace card,
8000 ATK could not only instantly defeat most ace monsters, but if that ace card's ATK didn't exceed 4000, it could even take out the opponent duelist as well.
And the risk Samejima paid was merely that if he couldn't instantly defeat the opponent by the end phase, he would take effect damage equal to {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*'s original attack of 2000 points.
On Hayato's side, although summoning **Cyber End Dragon** with 4000 ATK on the first turn was quite impressive, he was still within {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*'s lethal range of 8000 ATK.
"Armored Cyberdark Dragon, attack **Cyber End Dragon**,"
Samejima swung his hand forward.
"Ultimate Dark Burst!"
The **Cyberdark Cannon** on {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*'s back lit up with an orange-red light of destruction. If this strike hit **Cyber End Dragon**, Hayato's Life Points would be cleared!
Because of this, Hayato didn't hesitate to flip up his Set Card in the Spell/Trap Zone: "Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, **Mystical Wok**! This card allows me to tribute one of my monsters, then I recover Life Points equal to that monster's ATK or DEF value."
"Rather than letting you destroy **Cyber End Dragon** like this, I'd rather stir-fry it and eat it."
A large pot appeared below **Cyber End Dragon** as Hayato activated the Set Card, sending it to the Graveyard. This caused {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon* to lose its attack target, and Hayato's Life Points recovered accordingly.
[Hayato: 4000 → 8000 LP]
"You chose to send **Cyber End Dragon** to the Graveyard? In that case, {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*, which triggered battle replay, can select an attack target once more." Samejima said, his gaze falling upon the other monster on Hayato's Field.
Hayato's lips curled into a smile: "That's true, but the other monster on my Field is **Cyber Dragon Core** in Defense Position. {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon* doesn't have **Cyber End Dragon's** piercing damage effect, so no matter how high its attack power is, it can't inflict damage to me by attacking **Cyber Dragon Core**."
"Is that so? But what if I add this card?"
Saying this, Samejima played a card from his Hand. "Although Normal Spell Cards cannot be activated during the Battle Phase, I can activate this Quick-Play Spell Card, **Enemy Controller**, from my Hand!"
"Here I activate its first effect. I change the battle position of your **Cyber Dragon Core** on the Field from Defense Position to Attack Position."
[**Cyber Dragon Core**] [DEF 1500 → ATK 400]
Watching the joystick and buttons on a game controller appear on his Field and perform an operation, causing Hayato's **Cyber Dragon Core** to change battle position to Attack Position, Samejima waved his hand and ordered: "Attack again, {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*, Ultimate Dark Burst!"
The orange-red radiance manifested again, and this time the attack target changed to the weaker **Cyber Dragon Core** instead of **Cyber End Dragon**. However, because of the **Mystical Wok** used earlier, Hayato's Life Points increased from 4000 to 8000. Even if he took this hit, he would still have 400 Life Points remaining.
However, if possible, Hayato naturally didn't want his Life Points to drop that low. After all, compared to a narrow victory by locking LP, he preferred a full-health victory.
"He actually had that move! **Mystical Wok** just now didn't manage to bait out the negate, and I was thinking of saving this card for later." Hayato pressed the Activate Set Card Button on his Duel Disk. "But that's right, there's no point in not using a card when you should."
"Activate the card set earlier by **Cyber Dragon Core's** effect search, the Continuous Trap Card **Cybernetic Hidden Technology**! Once per turn, when an opponent's monster declares an attack, I can send one **Cyber Dragon** or a Fusion Monster that lists **Cyber Dragon** as fusion material from my Field to the Graveyard to activate this card, destroying that attacking monster!"
"And while on the Field or in the Graveyard, **Cyber Dragon Core** can be treated as **Cyber Dragon**!"
Saying this, Hayato snapped his finger and swung his palm forward: "Sacrifice for the great cause, **Cyber Dragon Core**, destroy {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*!"
**Cyber Dragon Core** transformed into a streak of light, crashing into Samejima's {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon* on the Field like a self-destructing meteor just before {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*'s attack arrived. It detonated itself at the instant of impact, vowing mutual destruction.
But Hayato didn't hold out hope that this card would successfully activate. Although he hadn't played much with **Cyberdark** Decks before, Hayato was somewhat aware of {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*'s effect as a boss monster.
And sure enough, in response to the **Cybernetic Hidden Technology** Hayato flipped up, Samejima activated {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*'s second effect.
"When the opponent activates a Spell/Trap/Monster Effect, {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*'s effect chain activation!" Samejima ordered. "Send the **Cyber End Dragon** treated as an Equip Card on my Field to the Graveyard to negate and destroy that activation!"
"Dark Contraction!"
The **Cyber End Dragon** grabbed by {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon* was released, discarded as the target of **Cyber Dragon Core's** self-destruct. The explosion engulfed and crushed **Cyber End Dragon**, but from the smoke, {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*, having lost its equip card, flew out unharmed.
[{铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*] [ATK 8000 → 4000]
The explosion engulfed not only **Cyber End Dragon** and **Cyber Dragon Core**, but also the **Cybernetic Hidden Technology** Hayato had just activated was destroyed. This left Hayato's Spell/Trap Zone with only one unknown set card and **Time Capsule**. His Front Row was empty, yet he had to face {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*, whose attacks had been repeatedly thwarted but was now finally coming to attack.
As the boss monster of the **Shadow Cyber Style**, {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon* possesses an extremely useful omninegate. It can negate the activation of any Spell/Trap/Monster Effect, at the stakes of sending an equip card from the Field to the Graveyard.
Hayato had previously wanted to use **Mystical Wok** to bait out this negate, but Samejima endured and didn't activate it, preferring to watch Hayato's Life Points soar to 8000. He only used this effect when {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon* was about to be destroyed.
However, **Cybernetic Hidden Technology** and **Cyber Dragon Core** weren't entirely useless. At the very least, {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon* lost its sole equip card. While losing its card countering ability, its ATK also returned to its initial 4000.
The orange-red beam passed through Hayato's body. Hayato truly experienced what dueling against the **Shadow Cyber Style** felt like. It was as if his body was instantly pierced by a high-voltage electric current. The momentary pain and numbness lingered on his body, interwoven and refusing to dissipate. His Life Points decreased as a result.
[Hayato: 8000 → 4000 LP]
It felt like a specialized version of **Dark Game's** electric shock penalty, except it caused less damage to the soul and more physical injury to the body.
"Ugh—"
However, this muffled sound wasn't made by Hayato, but by Samejima, who had commanded {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon* to attack Hayato.
Only to see his hand tremble slightly. Seems like he almost couldn't endure the pain brought by dueling with the **Shadow Cyber Style**.
Gasping for air, Samejima glanced at his Hand and set his last card in the Spell/Trap Zone: "I set the last card in my Hand, end turn."
"Then, because {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon* exists on my Field, due to **Power Bond's** effect, I take effect damage equal to its original attack—2000 points."
As soon as he finished speaking, Samejima's Duel Disk suddenly released a large amount of lightning, spreading from Samejima's arm throughout his entire body. Even though Samejima had previously endured the burden that using the **Shadow Cyber Style** placed on his body, under this powerful electric shock, he couldn't bear it any longer and cried out in pain:
"Hngh... Aaaaargh!!"
"Samejima-san!" Seeing this, Hayato also recovered from the pain caused by the attack and called out to Samejima, "Are you alright!"
"I... I can still endure it." Propping himself up on his knees with both hands to barely stand, Samejima answered Hayato breathlessly.
He could feel the electric current still coursing through his body, paralyzing his muscles. Straightening his body, Samejima raised a hand to wipe away the sweat dripping from his forehead, his gaze meeting Hayato's.
The power of the **Shadow Cyber Style** is a forbidden existence. Maintaining a **Shadow Cyber Style** duel consumes the duelist's pure will. Even calling its stakes 'life-consuming' is too light a term; not everyone can persist through repeated electric shocks and continue dueling while remaining conscious.
Although Samejima didn't say anything more, from his gaze, Hayato understood his idea.
"I understand, Samejima-san." Placing his finger on the Duel Disk, Hayato said firmly, "I won't let you down with this expectation and hope."
[Samejima: 2000 LP, Hand 0]
[{铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*] [ATK 4000]
[Set Card] [**Cyberdark World**]
"My turn, draw!"
"At this instant, I activate the set card in my Spell/Trap Zone." As Hayato drew a card, Samejima activated the card in his Spell/Trap Zone. "Continuous Trap Card, **Cyberdark Invasion**."
Both players in this duel are not enemies or in conflict. Neither Hayato nor Samejima intended to harm the opponent in their hearts. But to fulfill the **Cyber Style's** long-held wish passed down through generations, neither of them could hold back against the opponent at this moment.
Without fully immersing themselves and having their fierce duelist spirits collide, it wouldn't be enough to generate sparks that could shake the starlight.
"**Cyberdark Invasion's** effect is: Once per turn, target one **Cyberdark** Effect Monster on my Field, and equip it with a Dragon Type or Machine Type Monster from either player's Graveyard as an Equip Card, increasing its ATK by 1000."
Samejima pointed his hand in Hayato's direction. "The one I will select is your **Cyber End Dragon** from your Graveyard, Hayato."
The **Cyber Style's** ultimate technique—the figure of **Cyber End Dragon** appeared on the Field once more due to the card effect. But despite being a powerful monster with a high attack power of 4000, **Cyber End Dragon's** three appearances never managed to make a lasting impact, being grabbed by {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon* as an equip card again.
However, because **Cyber End Dragon** was equipped by **Cyberdark Invasion's** effect and not {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*'s own effect, {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*'s ATK only increased by 1000 points, rather than gaining **Cyber End Dragon's** ATK. But, because it gained an equip card again, it could once more activate its powerful ability to negate any effect activation.
[{铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*] (**Cyber End Dragon**) [ATK 4000 → 5000]
"Although **Cyber End Dragon** also exists in my Graveyard, if you, Hayato, drew a card like **Monster Reborn**, there's still the possibility of destroying {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*. So, as a safety measure, I equipped the **Cyber End Dragon** from your Graveyard."
Listening to Samejima, Hayato looked at the card he had drawn, showing a helpless expression: "He actually took control of my monster! How annoyed. Usually, I'm the only one who gets to steal other people's monsters."
"In that case, I activate the Spell Card **Change of Heart** from my Hand! This card allows me to gain control of your {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon* on the Field until the end of the turn."
"Then I chain activate {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*'s effect! I send **Cyber End Dragon**, treated as an equip card, to the Graveyard to negate **Change of Heart's** activation!"
As expected, the **Change of Heart** Hayato activated was negated by {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*. The priest, half-angel, half-fiend, was annihilated by {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*'s effect the moment it manifested, forcibly terminating Hayato's monster stealing attempt.
"**Change of Heart**, huh? If you didn't draw **Monster Reborn**, you can't defeat {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*." Samejima said seriously. "And as long as **Cyberdark Invasion** exists, {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*, which can activate its effect almost infinite times, is invincible. The key cards you activate cannot take effect before it."
Hearing this, Hayato chuckled: "You can't just throw around the 'invincible' buff, Samejima-san. And when did you get the misconception that '**Change of Heart** is my key card this turn'?"
"The card I'm going to activate is this one, the Spell Card **Magical Stone Excavation**! By sending two cards from my hand to the Graveyard, I can return one Spell Card from the Graveyard to my Hand!"
After activating **Change of Heart** and having it negated, Hayato's Hand size was three cards. **Magical Stone Excavation** requires discarding two cards from the Hand, meaning after activating this card, Hayato's Hand will only have the card that was recycled.
Although Hayato didn't declare which card he would recycle, Samejima had already guessed what that card was.
After all, Hayato never accepts a loss. Recycling one card by sending two from his hand to the Graveyard means that card is more precious than the 'three'.
Adding a green Spell Card from the Graveyard to his Hand, Hayato inserted it directly into the Spell & Trap Zone:
"The rule of victory is already decided. In this turn, I'll show you how I defeat {铠狱龙-电子暗冥龙} *Armored Cyberdark Dragon*."
"Activate the Spell Card for the second time, **Graceful Charity**!"
Today, let me teach everyone a new tongue twister:
West Eight bought a mysterious Chinese pot, and packed up all the watermelons in the restaurant.
Next to West Eight came a baka, wanting the watermelons West Eight packed up.
West Eight wouldn't give the baka the watermelons West Eight packed up, but the baka insisted on the watermelons West Eight packed up.
Don't know if West Eight cursed the baka West Eight, or if the baka cursed West Eight baka.
West Eight went back to pack the pot, and the baka kept cursing West Eight was a baka.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 480: Cyber End Dragon: Just Destroy It, Quickly. I'm Tired.
"Activate Graceful Charity. By this card's effect, I draw cards until I have six in my Hand."
"My Hand is also 0, so I can also draw six cards."
To maintain the Duel Monsters environment, Graceful Charity was limited to one, allowing only one copy in the Deck. However, for every policy, there's a countermeasure. A powerful card that lets you draw six cards in one turn, even with the side effect of letting your opponent draw for free, who wouldn't want to use it multiple times?
Hayato and Samejima each drew six cards.
After checking his Hand, Hayato glanced at Samejima opposite him. From his expression, it seemed Samejima had drawn some good cards, but the cards Hayato drew weren't bad either.
"First, I activate the effect of Cyber Dragon Core in my Graveyard. When only my opponent controls a monster and I control none, I can banish Cyber Dragon Core from my Graveyard, then Special Summon a Cyber Dragon monster from my Deck,"
"And the one I will Special Summon is Cyber Dragon Nachster, which was returned to the Deck by Cyber Repair Plant's effect earlier. Then, using Cyber Dragon Nachster's effect, I Special Summon Cyber Dragon with 2100 ATK from my Graveyard."
[Cyber Dragon Nachster] [ATK 200]
[Cyber Dragon] [ATK 2100]
Currently, before the truly "terrifying" Armored Cyberdark Dragon, which is imposing in appearance, aura, and might, even the usually cool Cyber Dragon seems a bit inferior. However, Hayato wasn't planning to defeat Armored Cyberdark Dragon with just the two monsters on the Field.
"I haven't performed a Normal Summon this turn yet. I Tribute Cyber Dragon Nachster on my Field to Tribute Summon another Cyber Dragon in Attack Position."
The figure of Cyber Dragon Nachster disappeared, replaced by the figure of another Cyber Dragon. Two Cyber Dragons stood on Hayato's Field, their eye monitors fixed on Samejima's Armored Cyberdark Dragon opposite them.
Although it is Machine Type, Armored Cyberdark Dragon gives the feeling that it truly has its own consciousness. The direct gaze of the two Cyber Dragons provoked it, and the Cyberdark Claw wrapped around Cyberdark Dragon opened and closed as if threatening.
The mere existence of Armored Cyberdark Dragon was a burden on Samejima's body. Every movement constantly released weak electric current, stimulating Samejima's body, especially his heart. Enduring the discomfort, Samejima guessed, "Two Cyber Dragons, huh? What a shame. If there were three, you'd have the Fusion Material for Cyber End Dragon."
"I can't do anything if I didn't draw it, and actually, I only have one Cyber End Dragon in my Deck. Even if I had the Materials, I could only Fusion Summon a monster like Cyber Twin Dragon."
Furthermore, I don't have Polymerization in my Hand either, not even Overload Fusion or Cyberload Fusion.
However, even if he had Polymerization in Hand, with Hayato's current resources, he could at most Summon Cyber Twin Dragon or Chimeratech Rampage Dragon. Although they have the ability for multiple attacks, they are just a joke in front of Armored Cyberdark Dragon.
But although he doesn't have Polymerization, Hayato did draw another card that can combine the power of his monsters.
"I Activate the Spell Card Inheritance of Power. This card can transfer the ATK of one monster on my Field onto another monster, increasing its ATK. However, as a cost, the monster that offered its power will be sent to the Graveyard."
Inserting the Inheritance of Power card into the Spell & Trap Zone, Hayato declared, "Sacrifice yourself for the greater good, Cyber Dragon! And the other Cyber Dragon, receive this final power!"
A cable extended from one Cyber Dragon on Hayato's Field and connected to the other Cyber Dragon. The energy within the former flowed entirely into the latter's body along a transparent pipe, causing the other Cyber Dragon to crackle with electric current.
[Cyber Dragon] [ATK 2100→4200]
After absorbing its companion's power, Cyber Dragon's ATK instantly doubled as if Limiter Removal had been used, even surpassing Armored Cyberdark Dragon's ATK!
However, as the one providing the power, after transferring all its energy, Cyber Dragon's eye monitor instantly dimmed. It fell like scrap metal, dissipating and entering the Graveyard.
After watching Cyber Dragon enter the Graveyard, Hayato turned his gaze to Armored Cyberdark Dragon: "With this, I've successfully surpassed you. Now, enter my Battle Phase!"
"Cyber Dragon, Attack Armored Cyberdark Dragon!"
"Destruction Ray!"
The Cyber Dragon, empowered by Inheritance of Power, opened its mouth, and a beam of blue laser erupted from it, striking towards Armored Cyberdark Dragon. And Armored Cyberdark Dragon naturally wouldn't just sit there and wait. Even without Samejima's command, it spontaneously shot out a thick energy cannon as a counterattack.
Their attacks collided, and the resulting heatwave nearly incinerated the red-purple Cyberdark World beneath Hayato and Samejima's feet. Hayato and Samejima could barely keep their eyes open because of the hot wind.
Although Armored Cyberdark Dragon had a considerable advantage in its basic power, the immense effect of Inheritance of Power allowed Cyber Dragon to surpass Armored Cyberdark Dragon at this moment. Just like before, Inheritance of Power once again helped Hayato defeat a stronger opponent with a weaker one.
Although its official name seems to be "Evolution Burst," Cyber Dragon's Attack, renamed "Destruction Ray" due to Hayato's preference, broke through Armored Cyberdark Dragon's counterattack like a hot knife through butter after a brief stalemate, directly striking the latter's body.
"Boom!"
The spot Cyber Dragon hit happened to be a connection point on Armored Cyberdark Dragon's body. After being hit by the powerful Attack, it was instantly detonated on the spot. Amidst the soaring flames, Armored Cyberdark Dragon turned into fragments.
"Ugh!" Samejima grunted from the Battle Damage. However, while feeling the impact, he also felt a slight sense of relief, likely because Armored Cyberdark Dragon had left the Field.
[Samejima: 2000→1800LP]
"Set three cards. My turn ends here."
After defeating Armored Cyberdark Dragon, Hayato saw that Samejima's expression seemed to have improved slightly and couldn't help but feel relieved. However, he didn't relax just because he had defeated a strong opponent.
The essence of this Duel was mutual stimulation between Hayato and Samejima. Hayato needed to stimulate Samejima to use the 'Shadow Cyber Style' in its most extreme state, and then Samejima would create pressure and a desperate situation for Hayato. To bring out the full potential of 'Shadow Cyber Style,' Samejima needed to achieve 'Break Through and then Stand.'
Armored Cyberdark Dragon is powerful, but only after defeating it can the greatest power of 'Shadow Cyber Style' be released. And now, Hayato could already feel the approaching sense of threat.
[Hayato: 4000LP, Hand 1]
[Cyber Dragon] [ATK 4200→2100]
"Hoo~ That was amazing, Hayato-kun." Samejima held the six cards in his Hand, using deep breathing to adjust his state, while also praising Hayato, "You actually managed to defeat Armored Cyberdark Dragon."
"From the day I took over the responsibility of 'Cyber Style' Master from Teacher, I actually tried using 'Shadow Cyber Style'. But even I could only use it up to Armored Cyberdark Dragon at most, unable to fully control its entire power."
The Previous Master/Instructor standing nearby had a very surprised expression upon hearing Samejima's words: "Hey, Samejima! I didn't know anything about this! You actually hid such a dangerous thing from me and did it!?"
"After all, everyone is curious, and I'm no different, Teacher." Samejima smiled apologetically. "Besides, if it were anyone else, hearing something like 'Although your talent is outstanding, you're still far from being able to use the Forbidden Deck,' they would probably develop a rebellious streak, right?"
"Of course, in the end, it was just as you said, Teacher. I couldn't fully control the power of 'Shadow Cyber Style'. I retreated before witnessing the deepest power."
Pausing for a moment, Samejima placed his finger on his Deck, looking at Hayato with a smile: "Thanks to you, Hayato-kun, under your pressure, I clearly felt it. The shackles I thought were permanent have been broken. That darkness is opening up to me."
"Then be careful, Hayato-kun. I'm going all out—no, I'm putting my life on the line!"
"My turn, Draw a card!"
Samejima let out a loud shout full of spirit as he drew a card. The wind lifted the hem of his trench coat with the Draw action, as if he was about to soar into the sky the next second.
Then, Samejima played the card he had just drawn onto his Duel Disk: "I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, Trap Booster!"
A cannon barrel-like device appeared on Samejima's Field. As Samejima sent a card from his Hand to the Graveyard, the cannon barrel lit up as if fully charged and ready to fire.
"I Discard one card from my Hand, then I can Activate one Trap Card from my Hand without Setting it. I Activate the Continuous Trap Card Reincarnation Judgment from my Hand!"
"Once per turn, I can declare a Type, and the Type of all monsters in both players' Graveyards becomes the Declared Type." Samejima played the Reincarnation Judgment card onto the Field. "The Type I Declare is Dragon Type!"
As Samejima activated the Reincarnation Judgment card, dozens of lights flew out from the card and surged into both players' Graveyards, causing all monsters in both Samejima's and Hayato's Graveyards to become Dragon Type.
Generally, the tactic of changing all monsters in both players' Graveyards to Dragon Type is often seen in Buster Blader Decks, aiming to maximize monster ATK. Or it's used to Fusion Summon monsters from the Graveyard with cards like Dragon Mirror.
But Samejima's sole goal in doing so was for just one monster.
"Because of Reincarnation Judgment's effect, all monsters in my Graveyard have now become Dragon Type, including Cyber End Dragon." Samejima said, playing a card. "Activate the Spell Card Cyberdark Impact!. Return Cyberdark Dragon, Cyberdark Horn, and Cyberdark Edge from my Graveyard to the Deck!'"
"Fusion Summon Cyberdark Dragon!"
The figures of the three monsters—Cyberdark Dragon, Cyberdark Horn, which were sent to the Graveyard as Fusion Material for Armored Cyberdark Dragon by Cyberdark Chimera's effect earlier, and Cyberdark Edge, which was sent to the Graveyard by Cyber Horizon's effect before that—manifested from Samejima's Graveyard and merged together.
Although it lacked the participation of Cyberdark Cannon and Cyberdark Claw compared to Armored Cyberdark Dragon, even so, Cyberdark Dragon, which just descended onto Samejima's Field, still possessed an imposing aura!
[Cyberdark Dragon] [Level 8/Dark]
[Machine Type/Fusion/Effect]
[1000/1000]
A Level 8 Fusion Monster with only 1000 ATK? But Hayato didn't underestimate Cyberdark Dragon because of this. He knew Samejima hadn't fully exerted his power yet, and a more powerful existence was still to come.
"Cyberdark Dragon has an effect that increases its ATK based on the number of cards in my Graveyard. Each card increases its ATK by 100 points. Also, when Cyberdark Dragon is Special Summoned successfully, it can Equip one Dragon Type monster from either player's Graveyard, increasing its ATK by the equipped monster's Original Attack.'"
Samejima revealed a card he had just retrieved from his Graveyard. "The one I choose is Cyber End Dragon, which was changed to Dragon Type in my Graveyard. Cyberdark Dragon gains Cyber End Dragon's 4000 ATK. Then, because I have a total of 10 cards in my Graveyard, Cyberdark Dragon gains another 1000 ATK!'"
Cyber End Dragon wasn't sure how many times it had jumped from the Graveyard onto the Field. With no ripples in its heart and even wanting to laugh, it was once again used as an Equip Card, locked firmly beneath Cyberdark Dragon by its claws.
Just Destroy it, quickly. I'm tired.
Cyber End Dragon felt that it didn't matter if it was sent to the Graveyard again in the next second; it wasn't the first time it had bounced back and forth between the Field and the Graveyard anyway.
[Cyberdark Dragon] (Equipped with Cyber End Dragon) [ATK 1000→5000→6000]
"'6000 ATK, truly terrifying.'" Hayato exclaimed, looking at Cyberdark Dragon gripping Cyber End Dragon. "'So strong, too strong.'"
Before Cyberdark Dragon could feel proud of its increased power, it discovered with a bewildered expression that along with Cyber End Dragon's power, countless black chains had appeared from who knows where and were now tightly wrapped around its joints!
"'What is that?!' Samejima also noticed the chains binding Cyberdark Dragon." Without thinking, he looked at Hayato, the only one who could possibly be behind this, and sure enough, he saw a Curse of Darkness flipped face-up in his Spell/Trap Zone.
"'The Continuous Trap Card Curse of Darkness can decrease the ATK of one monster on the opponent's Field by 700 points, and it cannot Attack or change its battle position.'" Hayato pointed to the flipped Set Card and explained, "'After all, that's 6000 ATK. It wouldn't be good if it attacked my Cyber Dragon with only 2100 ATK.'"
Hayato's Life Points are only 4000. If it hit him with a single punch, even with Cyber Dragon blocking, he'd be left with minimal Life Points in an instant. What's more, Samejima also has Cyberdark Invasion, which allows him to Equip a Cyberdark monster with an Equip Card that increases its ATK by 1000 once per turn.
[Cyberdark Dragon] [ATK 6000→5300]
Even as he watched Cyberdark Dragon's ATK decrease and also being unable to move due to Curse of Darkness's existence, Samejima still said, "It's no use, Hayato-kun. You can't stop that monster's Descent."
"I Tribute Cyberdark Dragon, a Cyberdark Fusion Monster with Level 10 or lower on my Field that is equipped with Cyber End Dragon..."