"Just now, using the smoke from the destruction of Malefic Truth Dragon, Paradox timely discarded the Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon that was a Bricked Hand into the Graveyard, activating the Set Card Rainbow Life as its Cost.
Paradox might have even factored Yusei's psychology into his strategic predictions, sensing the wrath hidden within his mind from having his cherished Card taken. To maximize the benefit of Rainbow Life, he even went so far as to fake screams and lure Yusei into attacking multiple times.
And Yusei indeed acted as Paradox predicted. Because he had lost Stardust Dragon, he couldn't maintain a calm mind and recklessly launched continuous Attacks without waiting for the smoke covering Paradox to dissipate, allowing Paradox to Recover an additional 1900 Life Points.
It was the classic "no damage in smoke" trope.
All his Monsters had already attacked. Yusei looked at Paradox's Life Points, which were higher than the combined ATK of eight Blue-Eyes White Dragons, and was quite annoyed at his lack of composure.
"I Set one Card. My Turn ends." Setting the last Card from his Hand, Yusei helplessly ended his Turn.
[Paradox: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[Junk Warrior] (Weaponized Gauntlet) [ATK 4400]
[Junk Servant] [ATK 1500]
[Doppelganger Token] [ATK 400]
[Domino] [Set Card]
"I'm sorry, Mr. Hayato. Because of my Reckless action, his Life Points actually increased instead," Yusei turned around and said apologetically to Hayato.
Hayato comforted him, saying, "Don't say that. At least you took down his two Malefic Monsters, didn't you? Besides, in Duel Monsters, Life Points are Infinite as long as they don't reach zero."
After a pause, Hayato looked at Paradox's Hand, which had only one Card left. "The most important thing should be cards in hand. Yusei Fudo, you broke Paradox's Set Card for us and depleted his Hand to only one Card. You've done well enough."
"It's Paradox! Don't pronounce my name with that awkward Japanese English accent!" Paradox interrupted.
Then, as if specifically to spite Hayato, Paradox began his Turn.
"My Turn. During the Draw Phase, I apply the Effect of Malefic World. As a substitute for drawing a Card, I Add one random Malefic Card from my Deck to my Hand."
Paradox's Duel Disk automatically shuffled his Deck and popped out a Card, which Paradox caught. After glancing at the drawn Card, Paradox revealed a triumphant smile. "Heh heh, is that really true, Hayato Kobayashi?"
"Because Yusei Fudo just destroyed my two Malefic Monsters and Sent them to the Graveyard, the Card I just drew this Turn happens to meet the Activation Condition!" Paradox inserted the Card he just drew into his Spell & Trap Zone. "I Activate the Normal Spell Card, Malefic Selector!"
"You can activate this effect by Banishing Malefic Cyber End Dragon from my Graveyard and Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon, which was discarded by Rainbow Life, from the Graveyard! I Add two Malefic Cards from my Deck to my Hand."
"Next is the Quick-Play Spell Card, Malefic Cross! I Special Summon Malefic Truth Dragon from my Graveyard in Attack Position, ignoring its Summoning Condition!"
Malefic Cross, an Effect almost identical to Monster Reborn but limited to Malefic Monsters, appeared on Paradox's Field. A rift opened in the starry Malefic World, revealing the four eyes of Malefic Truth Dragon peeking out, observing Yusei and the others.
As the rift fully opened, Malefic Truth Dragon, which had been destroyed by Junk Warrior's limit-breaking "Serious Punch" earlier, returned to Paradox's Field.
[Malefic Truth Dragon] [ATK 4000]
"He Summoned Malefic Truth Dragon again, huh? Speaking of which, Johan's Cards sure have a rough time," Judai Ranted. There was a period when Johan was possessed by Yubel, and at that time, Rainbow Dragon also took on a reversed, Dark Form, Rainbow Dark Dragon. And now there's Malefic Truth Dragon. It almost feels like Johan's Rainbow Dragon is particularly suited for turning Dark.
Yugi glanced at the Junk Warrior on Yusei's Field. Although the doubled ATK from Charging Warrior's Effect was gone, the ATK increase from the Weaponized Gauntlet and Junk Warrior's own Effect still remained.
"Even with 4000 ATK, if Malefic Truth Dragon doesn't have a Malefic Monster to Send to the Graveyard to use its Effect, Junk Warrior's ATK is still higher."
Hearing this, Paradox let out a cold laugh. "That's true, but I never said I would destroy Junk Warrior through Battle."
"First, I Normal Summon Malefic Paradox Gear in Attack Position. Then I Activate the Effect of Malefic Paradox Gear. Because the Field Spell Card Malefic World exists, I can Tribute Malefic Paradox Gear and Special Summon Malefic Parallel Gear from my Deck, then Add one Malefic Monster from my Deck to my Hand."
[Malefic Paradox Gear] [Level 1☆/DARK]
[Machine Type/Effect]
[0 ATK/0 DEF]
Bearing the 0 ATK/0 DEF stats typical of support monsters, Malefic Paradox Gear, structured like a humanoid with three mechanical arms, appeared on Paradox's Field and immediately began spinning wildly, stirring and twisting the Space-Time within Malefic World, wrapping it around itself.
After the spinning slowed, Malefic Parallel Gear, with even thicker gears, appeared in place of Malefic Paradox Gear.
[Malefic Parallel Gear] [Level 2☆/DARK]
[Machine Type/Tuner Monster/Effect]
[0 ATK/0 DEF]
"A Tuner Monster!?" Seeing that Paradox had also Summoned a Tuner Monster, coupled with the Level 10☆ Non-Tuner Monster Malefic Truth Dragon already on his Field, Yusei was startled and uncertain. "Is he going to Summon a Level 12☆ Synchro Monster?!"
However, Paradox looked at the Malefic Parallel Gear that appeared on his Field with considerable disgust.
"No, I will not use Synchro Summoning. I refuse to use that Summoning Method that Destroys the World," Paradox said through gritted teeth. "Not because I lack the ability to wield the Weapon, but out of aversion to a Weapon stained with Sin and blood. I will not use Synchro Summoning."
"I don't need a Summoning Method like Synchro Summoning. I can end the dirty history of Duel Monsters with these Malefic Monsters!"
As Paradox spoke, he raised his Hand and pointed at the Malefic Truth Dragon on his Field.
"Malefic Truth Dragon inherits all the Effects of Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon. Besides the Effect to Increase ATK, Rainbow Dragon has a second Effect that is also inherited by Malefic Truth Dragon."
"By Banishing the sole Malefic Paradox Gear in my Graveyard, all Cards on Both Players' Fields are returned to their Owner's Decks!"
"Let everything return to its origin! This is my Resolve to save the World!!"
Malefic Truth Dragon's four dark yellow eyes closed, and its Body transformed into a mass of black Lightning, entwined with the seven differently colored Gems remaining on its Body. The Phantom of Malefic Paradox Gear from Paradox's Graveyard flew into the black Lightning, and then, Lightning burst forth!
Wherever the Lightning went, everything returned to its original Form, whether it was Yusei's Junk Warrior, Weaponized Gauntlet, Junk Servant, Doppelganger Token, the Continuous Spell Card Domino, and his Set Sakuretsu Armor on his Field, or Paradox's own Malefic Parallel Gear on his Field.
Under Malefic Truth Dragon's Power to restore everything, even Malefic World, which is essential for the existence of Malefic Monsters, was dispelled from the Field!
[Paradox: 25700 LP, Hand 2]
[Yusei Fudo, Judai, Yugi, Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
"He actually managed to use the same Effect as Johan's Rainbow Dragon, returning all Cards to the Deck."
"This is bad now."
Judai looked at Paradox's Hand and said worriedly.
"The opponent has already performed a Normal Summon, and the Special Summon of Malefic Monsters requires the Malefic World that was just returned to the Deck," Yusei was also a bit nervous. "There shouldn't be any danger, yet I feel..."
Yusei and Judai were very nervous, but Hayato and Yugi exchanged glances. Although they hadn't communicated their Hands, not even with Code or Hint, just the look in their eyes conveyed their steady confidence.
'It's that Monster again, isn't it?' they both thought simultaneously, even hallucinating Kaiba, who wasn't present, grumbling, "Using such a weak monster again."
Paradox looked at the Domino City Commercial District Central Plaza, which had returned to its original appearance after Malefic World left.
Paradox came from the Future, one of the few Humans who survived until the very end in that desperate Doomsday. However, he still died.
The Paradox standing here now is an artificial Human who inherited almost everything from the deceased "Paradox," except for the name itself. Naming himself after the Paradox, he abandoned almost all his self along with that name in order to carry out his ideology of saving the Future.
The living Paradox was a Psychic Duelist. A "Psychic Duelist" is essentially a Duelist like Judai, Hayato, and Yugi, who can Materialize Duel Monsters and possess the ability to harm others. The Damage in a "Psychic Duelist"'s Duel is as real as in a Dark Game.
However, because Paradox had activated Malefic World at the very beginning of the Duel, the previous Battle was confined within the Territory of Malefic World. Therefore, after Malefic World was returned to the Deck by the Power of Malefic Truth Dragon, the Central Plaza that reappeared was still in its original state.
Aside from the Central Stage of the Duel Monsters Convention that Yubel had proactively destroyed earlier, there was no Damage elsewhere.
"Hmph, I didn't have the time to observe before, but now it seems this Era is indeed beautiful," Paradox's lips curled into a sneer, though it was unclear whom his sarcastic Smile was mocking. "However, I will Destroy this beauty."
Paradox closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, only coldness and Resolve remained in his Gaze.
"For the Birth of a new World, the Destruction of the old World is Inevitable. Sacrifice yourselves for the greater good!" Paradox played the Card in his Hand. "I Activate this Card, Malefic Territory!"
"As part of Malefic Territory's Activation, I Activate one Malefic World from my Deck. And as long as the Malefic World activated by Malefic Territory's Effect exists in the Field Zone, Neither Player can Target Cards in the Field Zone with Effects!"
The Malefic World that was returned to the Deck by Malefic Truth Dragon was Activated by Paradox again. The space around the five people was replaced once more, and just as Paradox said, this newly activated Malefic World even gained Resistance to being Targeted by Effects.
"Because he had Malefic Territory in his Hand, which can directly Search for Malefic World, he was able to Activate Malefic Truth Dragon's Effect so recklessly earlier..." Yusei clenched his teeth. "The other Card is the Malefic Monster that Malefic Paradox Gear Searched earlier. This feeling is---!!"
"Ah, you guessed right, Yusei Fudo. Are you connected with your Cards?" Paradox flipped over the last Card in his Hand, revealing a white Dragon Type monster. "The Card Searched by Malefic Paradox Gear's Effect earlier was this Card!"
"By Sending Stardust Dragon from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard, I Special Summon Malefic Stardust Dragon from my Hand!"
"And now, Enter Battle Phase!"
Under Yusei's angry Gaze, Stardust Dragon appeared on Paradox's Field filled with reluctance. Malefic World's black Lightning wrapped around the White Dragon's Body. Half a helmet, restraining Armor and wing attachments, and a tail spear were forcibly attached to Stardust Dragon.
In front of Yusei, the cuckold, the blondie Paradox forcibly used Electric Current to corrupt and blacken Stardust Dragon, putting Black Stockings on it and Brainwashing it.
Completely blackened, Stardust Dragon went through a brief Struggle filled with reluctance, and like Rainbow Dragon and Cyber End Dragon before it, became a Malefic Monster completely under Paradox's Control.
[Malefic Stardust Dragon] [Level 8☆/DARK]
[Dragon Type/Special Summon/Effect]
[2500 ATK/2000 DEF]
"Another Dragon Type that was converted from LIGHT Attribute to DARK Attribute," Yugi looked at Yusei with a Serious expression. "That Monster is the Monster that was taken from you, Yusei, isn't it?"
No, Stardust Dragon is clearly Wind Attribute, isn't it? Hayato muttered to himself about Yugi's usual Rule Bending.
"Stardust Dragon..." But Yusei didn't answer Yugi immediately. Instead, he looked up at the cold and emotionless Malefic Stardust Dragon, his face as if wearing a Pain Mask.
After a long time, he finally replied to Yugi, "Please, Yugi, Hayato, Judai, please help me. Please defeat Stardust Dragon!"
Before Hayato and the others could react to Yusei's request, Paradox aggressively asserted his Presence. "To deal with you guys, this Card is better."
"You, whose Field is empty, take this blow from Yusei's Ace Monster!"
"Sonic Burst!!"
# Chapter 497: Neos-san, Johan-san, Lend Me Your Strength!
From the attack name Paradox shouted when he ordered his monster to attack, Hayato could clearly tell that this guy's skill level in dueling wasn't very high.
After all, it's well known that every Duelist has their own set of stylish attack names, like President Kaiba's "Burst Stream of Destruction".
Moreover, even the same monster will have different attack names depending on the person. For example, for the Level 8 Big Baby, [Lava Golem], Marik would call out a lame name like "Volcanic Cannon of the Demon God", while Joey Wheeler 's would become the instantly cool-sounding "Joey Flame".
Hayato could even pat his chest and declare that no one understands attack names better than him.
On the other hand, this guy Paradox, not only doesn't use a summoning chant when summoning a monster, doesn't call out a cool name when a monster activates its effect, but even now, when controlling [Malefic Stardust Dragon] to attack, he's too lazy to even think of a new name and directly borrowed the attack name "Sonic Burst" that Yusei Fudo used when [Stardust Dragon] attacks.
This Paradox guy is just lame.
However, facing the attack of [Malefic Stardust Dragon], not everyone was as relaxed as Hayato.
"A direct attack with 2500 ATK. Getting hit by that would be a bit bad," Judai said, standing behind Yusei Fudo, while casually slapping a card onto his Duel Disk. "Go, Neos!"
[Yusei Fudo → Judai: 4000 LP, Hand 0 → 5 → 4]
Starlight converged into a physical form. Judai's card spirit in a transparent state—[Elemental HERO Neos Alius]—instantly appeared on the Field as Judai played the card, crossing its arms in a defense position to block the attack of [Malefic Stardust Dragon].
"Sonic Burst" descended, but the seemingly illusory and transparent [Elemental HERO Neos Alius] completely blocked the impact, only letting a few strands of breeze blow past Judai and the others.
"Tsk, that card again."
Paradox looked at the card Judai played, which blocked the attack of [Malefic Stardust Dragon] in the same way as before, and said, annoyed, "You guys, did you glue the useful cards to your Hand?"
"Don't say it like that, that's the most basic bond between a Duelist and their Deck," Judai rubbed his nose. "[Elemental HERO Neos Alius]'s effect is that during the opponent's attack declaration, I can Special Summon it from my Hand in defense position, and [Elemental HERO Neos Alius] Special Summoned by this effect will not be battle destroyed."
[Elemental HERO Neos Alius][Level 7 / LIGHT]
[Warrior Type / Effect]
[2500 / 2000]
"Then, when [Elemental HERO Neos Alius] is Special Summoned, I can add to my Hand one Spell/Trap Card or [Polymerization] that lists an [E HERO] monster card name from my Deck."
While adding a card to his Hand, Judai took a step forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Yusei Fudo. Yusei Fudo turned his head to look at Judai.
"Having a Companion taken away and being controlled to do things they don't want to, the pain of witnessing all of that, I understand it deeply too."
"Then, I'll be the one to defeat your [Stardust Dragon], Yusei Fudo! It's a promise!"
Saying this, Judai gave a thumbs-up, a brilliant smile on his face.
"Hmph, boring drama," Paradox frowned and declared, "You guys got lucky and saved your lives."
"In that case, my turn will end here for now."
[Paradox: 25700 LP, Hand 0]
[Malefic Stardust Dragon][ATK 2500]
[Malefic Territory]
Field: [Malefic World]
"2500 ATK, it's not easy to Summon a monster with over 2500 ATK in a single turn," Judai's finger rested on his Deck. "However, nothing is impossible for a Hero!"
"My turn, draw a card!"
Drawing a card, Judai was momentarily stunned, then used it without hesitation: "I activate this card, the Spell Card [Cup of Ace]!"
"[Cup of Ace]?"
Hearing Yugi's confused voice, Judai explained, "This card's effect is to flip a coin. If it's heads, I can draw two cards, and if it's tails, the Opponent Duelist draws two cards."
"Although it relies a bit on luck, because [Pot of Greed] was put on the Forbidden List in the future, a friend of mine who likes fortune-telling strongly recommended I use this card."
Judai said this with considerable confidence on his face. Looking at the coin that appeared on the Field, spinning in the air after being tossed, Judai stated with certainty, "As a Duelist, the most important thing is to have the confidence to believe in yourself. The power of belief is omnipotent."
"The coin's result is, of course, heads—Nani?! Tails!?"
Judai proved through personal experience that you shouldn't speak too confidently. Even if you have absolute certainty, don't set a flag beforehand, after all, flags are meant to be broken.
The coin used to determine the [Cup of Ace]'s effect landed on the Ground, clearly showing tails face up, meaning Paradox would get two cards for free.
"Heh heh, as a classic comedian, your skill level is quite good, Judai Yuki," Paradox said, drawing two cards, a "nature's gift," and mocked, "Presumably, in the history where Duel Monsters were destroyed, you might have become a good comedian. At least, I don't know what you were thinking giving your opponent cards from your Hand."
"Damn it, you're rubbing it in after getting a good deal!" Judai felt super awkward. "I knew I shouldn't have listened to Sartorius! What decent person would use a Deck with more risk than benefit!"
"Whatever, I only lost one card from my Hand, I still have five cards."
Judai said, declaring to the [Elemental HERO Neos Alius] on his Field, and waved his Hand upwards: "During my Main Phase, I activate the effect of [Elemental HERO Neos Alius], returning it to my Deck, and then Special Summoning one [E HERO] Normal Monster from my Deck!"
As he spoke, the body of [Elemental HERO Neos Alius] on Judai's Field was about to completely become transparent and disappear, but just then, Paradox spoke up to interrupt: "Judai Yuki, you truly are a Hero. Not only did you bring me two cards, but it seems my Hand size still isn't enough, so you plan to continue providing me with cards."
"Because of your [Cup of Ace] just now, I added this card from my Deck to my Hand. Now I will chain to your [Elemental HERO Neos Alius]'s effect and activate it!" Paradox smiled proudly, revealing a monster card.
"[Maxx "C"]!!"
"Nani!?" X3
Aside from Yugi, Hayato, Judai, and Yusei Fudo all exclaimed in surprise, clearly knowing about the [Maxx "C"] card.
There was no need for the three of them to explain further. As the chain resolved, [Elemental HERO Neos Alius] on Judai's Field returned to the Deck, and then a [Elemental HERO Neos] with a physical form was Special Summoned from Judai's Deck. [Maxx "C"]'s effect also took effect accordingly.
Simultaneously, drawing a card from his Deck, Paradox also actively explained the effect of [Maxx "C"].
"[Maxx "C"]'s effect is activated by sending it from the Hand to the Graveyard. An effect will apply until the End Phase of this turn. Each time the opponent successfully Special Summons a monster, I will draw a card from my Deck, and [Maxx "C"]'s effect can apply during the opponent's turn."
Although it was just a simple explanation of [Maxx "C"]'s effect, Yugi, who had a quite active mind, instantly understood how powerful this card was.
"Each time they successfully Special Summon a monster, they can draw a card! Even if the opponent Special Summons only once, they break even by drawing one. And if they encounter a Deck like Yusei Fudo's that can Special Summon multiple times within a single turn, drawing over ten cards in one go isn't impossible!"
Yugi looked seriously at the [Maxx "C"] that Paradox had just sent to the Graveyard. "In Duel Monsters, the importance of the Hand is almost considered a strategic resource. Once this [Maxx "C"] is discarded, if you want to build your Field, you will inevitably give the opponent a large quantity of cards. But if you don't build your Field, you are easily suppressed by the opponent. What an amazing card!"
"Heh heh, I told you, my Deck gathers the most powerful cards from various eras. This [Maxx "C"] is a very useful card, how could I possibly miss it?"
Paradox said proudly, while Hayato said helplessly to Yusei Fudo, who had stepped back behind Judai, "How many times has that guy said that?"
"Haven't counted, about six or seven times."
Judai looked at the [Elemental HERO Neos] that appeared on his Field, then looked at the cards in his Hand, and couldn't help but hesitate.
[Elemental HERO Neos][Level 7 / LIGHT]
[Warrior Type / Normal]
[2500 / 2000]
Aside from one being an Effect Monster and the other a Normal Monster, [Elemental HERO Neos Alius] and [Elemental HERO Neos] can almost be said to be completely identical. After all, the spirits residing in these two cards are both [Elemental HERO Neos].
With 2500 ATK, it's exactly even with the [Malefic Stardust Dragon] on Paradox's Field. He could barely achieve an operation like mutual destruction, but if that's all he did, the next turn would be bad.
Although the effect of [Malefic World] sounds quite weak, directly cutting down the limit of divine draw, it also ensures that the lower limit is to consistently draw [Sin] cards, and the characteristic of [Sin] monsters only needing one card without other prerequisites to Special Summon is quite tricky.
Judai didn't want to leave behind Life Points reduced to a flickering candle for Yugi and Hayato to perform operations. Wouldn't that make his future self, who had grown for ten years, seem foolish?
Although the cards in his Hand could be used to continue building his Field, conversely, it would also cause Paradox's Hand to increase, which would also strengthen his attack potential next.
Since being attacked cannot be avoided anyway, Judai's choice, of course, was to face the effect of [Maxx "C"] and continue building his Field!
"Activate Magic Card [Robber]! This card's effect is to choose one card from the opponent's Graveyard and add it to my Hand. I choose the [Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon] in your Graveyard!" A robber with a shovel appeared in front of Judai. "Before defeating [Malefic Stardust Dragon] and taking back [Stardust Dragon] for Yusei Fudo, let's pay some interest first, Paradox!"
"Lend me your strength, Johan!"
Seven-colored rainbow light radiated with it. The phantom of [Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon], which was sent to the Graveyard by [Malefic Truth Dragon]'s effect before, appeared behind Judai and joined Judai's Hand!
"Tsk, taking the [Rainbow Dragon]? However, [Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon] is unlike [Malefic Truth Dragon]. To Summon its effect, you must have the accompanying [Crystal Beast]s to use it. Or are you simply trying to take back that card?" Paradox said with a cold laugh.
Hearing this, Judai drew a card from his Hand but wasn't in a hurry to activate it: "Sore wa dou kana?"
"My bond with Johan is an existence that has crossed Time-Space! Right here, I'll let you witness the combination of my power and Johan's power!"
"Activate Magic Card [Polymerization]! I'll use the [Elemental HERO Neos] on my Field and the [Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon] from my Hand as Fusion Material!"
"The radiance that guides the World now leads to a new Space! The power of unity calls forth the strongest warrior! Descent, born from the Fusion vortex!!"
"Fusion Summon! [Rainbow Neos]!!!"
The [Polymerization] vortex that engulfed the two monsters gradually calmed down. Above Judai's Field, sacred white feathers fell.
Giant angel wings spread. [Elemental HERO Neos] in another form, wearing holy armor, appeared like an angel saving the World. Its aura was overwhelmingly powerful.
[Rainbow Neos][Level 10 / LIGHT]
[Warrior Type / Fusion / Effect]
[4500 / 3000]
"4500 ATK?! Equal to [Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon]'s ATK!" Yugi exclaimed in surprise. "Is this the power of the future Judai?"
At that time, during the KC Cup, Yugi had dueled the young Judai of this era once. Although he saw Judai's future potential, even Yugi didn't expect the potential Judai possessed to be so great.
Drawing a card because of another Special Summon, Paradox really didn't expect that Judai Yuki's goal in taking the [Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon] from his Graveyard was actually to Fusion Summon such a monster. Even he, from the future, saw this monster for the first time.
After all, although the future fell into doomsday, causing previously sealed away confidential information to be completely revealed, the data Paradox could find only included the cards used by people from the past like Judai in public occasions. Some cards that were never used publicly were fundamentally not recorded.
Judai's [Rainbow Neos] is one of them. After all, the two required materials for this card are respectively the [Elemental HERO Neos] unique to Judai Yuki, and the other is the [Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon] unique to the Legendary Duelist Jesse Andersen. Neither of them are Professional Duelists who show their faces in public occasions. Even if they had dueled each other, it was all in private. How could others possibly know that their ace cards could actually also Fusion?
However, even if [Rainbow Neos]'s ATK reached as high as 4500, Paradox still wasn't flustered. His current Hand had a full three cards, and among them was one card specifically used to counter cards that activate effects on the Field.
(Author's Note: Revice Plot———The yandere became a loser in the battle of "who is more important, me or your family", guarded an empty room for several years, and halfway through pulled a normal guy as a substitute to squeeze, found the taste wasn't bad, then the guy couldn't take the squeezing anymore and ran away due to various pressures, met a scumbag and tried squeezing him but found the taste wasn't good, and finally went back to find the true love in his heart who was living a happy life with his family?)
(Also, this week when the demon Bel from Revice said the line "My aibo is only him", there was a comment on Bilibili that made people laugh to death——"aibo, referring to Blue-Eyes White Dragon" (The voice actor for demon Bel is Tsuda Kenjiro, who is also Kaiba))
(End of Chapter)
# Chapter 498: What a Beautiful Thing, This Liberation
After Summoning **Rainbow Neos** to the Field, Judai looked down at his last three remaining cards: **E•HERO Flash**, **E•HERO Bubbleman**, and a Spell Card of unknown purpose.
The effect of the **Rainbow Neos** he summoned is, once per turn, you can choose one type of card to send to the Graveyard, then return the corresponding target card to the Deck. They are---
"one monster on your Field" corresponding to "monster(s) on the Opponent's Field",
"one Spell/Trap Card on your Field" corresponding to "Spell/Trap Card(s) on the Opponent's Field",
and "the top card of your Deck" corresponding to "card(s) in the Opponent's Graveyard".
Logically, it seemed like just by activating the second effect to return the Field Spell Card that Paradox previously activated back to his Deck, he could destroy the condition necessary for **Malefic Stardust Dragon**'s existence, killing two birds with one stone.
The problem is, Judai's **Rainbow Neos** is different from the real-life card version of **Rainbow Neos**, which has a simpler effect. His **Rainbow Neos** has the prerequisite of "returning the target card to the Deck," meaning it's the accursed targeting effect!
And unfortunately, the **Malefic Territory** that Paradox previously activated happened to provide **Malefic World** with targeting resistance. Furthermore, this resistance exists on the activated **Malefic World** itself, so even destroying **Malefic Territory** would be useless.
The third effect, which returns card(s) in the Opponent's Graveyard to the Deck, wouldn't be very meaningful if used now. Therefore, Judai chose to activate the second type of **Rainbow Neos**'s effect.
"I haven't performed a Normal Summon yet this turn. I Set one card from my Hand. I Normal Summon **E•HERO Flash** in Attack Position, then use the effect of **E•HERO Bubbleman** in my Hand."
"When **E•HERO Bubbleman** is the only card in my Hand, I can Special Summon it directly!"
**E•HERO Bubbleman**, who looks like a bootleg Batman, and **E•HERO Flash**, whose English name is simply "Flash", appeared together on Judai's Field. Looking at these two somewhat similar "Hero" monsters, it's hard not to suspect if DC's Justice League ran to the wrong set again.
**E•HERO Flash** [Level 4 / LIGHT]
[Warrior Type / Effect]
[1100 ATK / 1600 DEF]
**E•HERO Bubbleman** [Level 4 / WATER]
[Warrior Type / Effect]
[800 ATK / 1200 DEF]
Although it has the nickname "Greed Hero", it's a pity that the necessary condition to activate **E•HERO Bubbleman**'s draw effect is "acting alone," meaning there can't be other cards on your Field when it's summoned. So this time, the "Greed Hero" couldn't help Judai get a free card.
In response, **E•HERO Bubbleman**, standing on Judai's Field in Defense Position, imitated Batman's accent and said in a low voice, "I'm Bubbleman."
However, Judai wasn't planning to use it to gain card advantage this time anyway, but rather wanted it to be the necessary sacrifice for **Rainbow Neos** to activate its effect.
"Another Special Summon, huh? In that case, my Hand increases to four cards, while your Hand is now empty," Paradox said, drawing a card. "Furthermore, they're all weak monsters with less than 1500 ATK."
Hearing this, Judai smiled. "Heh heh, don't underestimate my 'Hero' monsters, Paradox. Even the smallest heart of justice can bloom into a dazzling light of hope."
Extending his finger towards the deity-like **Rainbow Neos**, Judai said loudly, "Once per turn, I activate the effect of **Rainbow Neos** to send **E•HERO Bubbleman** on my Field to the Graveyard!"
"Then, because the type sent to the Graveyard is 'monster on my Field', return all monsters on your Field, Paradox, to the Deck!"
"What!?" Hearing that Judai was going to tribute him, **E•HERO Bubbleman** also had a bewildered expression.
There's no reason! Clearly, the "Flash" who is always tributed in bootlegs is **E•HERO Flash** standing next to me, so why is it me, who imitates Batman, that suffers!?
Sigh, this, this isn't right, right? Who, who is trying to trap me today? Judai-san, you're trying to trap me, right!?
"Sorry, **Bubbleman**, this is a necessary sacrifice!" Judai said with a righteous expression, clenching his hand into a fist and swinging it out. "Then, let **Stardust Dragon** find liberation, **Rainbow Neos**!"
"Beyond the Rainbow Hole!"
As the reluctant **E•HERO Bubbleman** turned into a blue radiance and rose up, **Rainbow Neos**'s hands came together in front of its chest, gripping the radiance that **Bubbleman** had become, transforming it into a giant, multicolored spear.
Spreading the rainbow wings on its back, it leaped high into the air. **Rainbow Neos** maintained a throwing form, locking onto **Malefic Stardust Dragon** from above, then hurled the spear of light!
Paradox, whose Spell/Trap Zone had no Set cards to activate, watched helplessly as the spear of light landed, then transformed into a swirling, multicolored portal that rapidly expanded, instantly capturing **Malefic Stardust Dragon**.
**Malefic Stardust Dragon** inherited **Stardust Dragon**'s ability "Sacrifice's Sanctuary", which can negate and destroy destruction effects. Even the indiscriminate power of destruction like Dark Hole could be resisted. But **Rainbow Neos**'s effect wasn't destruction, but a gentle redemptive power. Therefore, even **Malefic Stardust Dragon** didn't have the ability to escape this power, disappearing into the Rainbow Hole under the gaze of Judai and the others.
However, before Judai could relax even slightly, he saw a rapidly spinning scythe shoot out from within the gradually closing Rainbow Hole, piercing the chest of the completely defenseless **Rainbow Neos**!!
"Nani!"
Seeing **Rainbow Neos**'s body, whose chest was pierced by the scythe, wrapped in visible grudge spirits, its size continuously shrinking until it even entered a paper talisman, Judai was quite unexpected. Turning his head to look at Yusei Fudo, who was equally bewildered, he said, "Yusei-san, you never mentioned **Stardust Dragon** had this kind of effect!"
"Why does even the effect that bounces it back to the Deck also cause my **Rainbow Neos** to be destroyed?"
Yusei Fudo also didn't understand what happened. "**Stardust Dragon**'s effect should indeed only have the ability 'Sacrifice's Sanctuary'. I couldn't possibly be mistaken. That guy Paradox said that Sin Monsters inherit all the power of the original monsters, so the effect of 'Sacrifice's Sanctuary' shouldn't change either."
"But what in the world---"
Just then, Hayato spoke up from the side. "I guess it's **Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit**, right?"
"**Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit**?" Hearing this, Fudo Yusei was also startled. After recalling for a moment, he vaguely remembered there seemed to be a card with that name, and that card's effect seemed like...
"Oh? I didn't expect that Fudo Yusei, who lives in the future, couldn't guess what happened, but Hayato Kobayashi, who lives in an era without even Tuner Monsters, guessed this card."
Standing on the "Shinri-go", Paradox sent **Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit**, which was added to his Hand by **Maxx "C"**, to the Graveyard. And on his Field, the expressionless girl **Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit**, who had recycled the scythe and paper talisman, completely ignored Paradox and vanished directly.
However, before vanishing, **Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit** did glance at Hayato. After their gazes met, **Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit** nodded with an expressionless face, as if saying hello, then dispersed into a rabbit-shaped will-o'-the-wisp.
"When the effect of a monster on the Field or a face-up Spell/Trap Card is activated, I can discard **Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit** from my Hand or Field to destroy that card whose effect was activated."
Paradox said proudly, "Although I cannot negate that effect, at least I can achieve mutual destruction. You cannot defeat me, who has gathered the strongest cards from every era!"
"Tsk, I miscalculated. The field setup I did all at once just now instead provided the opponent with a countermeasure." Judai looked somewhat troubled at the only **E•HERO Flash** remaining on his Field, but he wasn't overly disheartened by **Rainbow Neos** being destroyed. Instead, he said seriously, "Stop being so proud, Paradox!"
"Although it's not my full power, at least take this Direct Attack!"
"Enter Battle Phase! Then **E•HERO Flash** Direct Attack the Opponent Duelist!"
"Godspeed Storm!"
(End of Chapter)
"Godspeed Storm!"
Following Judai's attack command, the body of his E•HERO Flash on the Field was covered in lightning, transforming into a phantom that struck towards Paradox.
Paradox still had three cards in his Hand, but looking at the incoming E•HERO Flash, he showed no fear. He puffed out his chest and directly endured the Direct Attack!
[Paradox: 25700 → 24600 LP]
With an ATK of only 1100 points, it barely hurt Paradox's Life Points, which were over twenty thousand. the attack from E•HERO Flash hit directly, but to him, it felt like nothing more than scratching an itch.
"My Turn ends."
Judai ended his Turn, turned sideways to look at Hayato and Yugi, and tilted his head playfully, "Hehe, I accidentally got tricked."
"You're really carefree, there's nothing I can do about you, Judai," Hayato said, stepping forward, but Yugi reached out and stopped him.
"Leave the next Turn to me, Hayato," Yugi said, looking spirited and seemingly eager to try. "If you went up, I'd be worried this Duel would end before I even got a chance to play."
"You have that much confidence in me? Then I'll leave it to you, Yugi."
Hearing this, Hayato also lowered his raised Duel Disk and stepped back to stand in a line with Yusei Fudo and Judai, while Yugi stood in front.
"Mutou Yuugi, said to be a Legendary Duelist accompanied by the Soul of a Pharaoh whose name is unknown, and who once stood alongside Hayato Kobayashi as Duel King," Paradox repeated the information he knew about Yugi. "But unfortunately, this game will end soon. Even Mutou Yuugi, you cannot stop it."
"My Turn. During the Draw Phase, I apply the effect of Malefic World to add a random Malefic card from my Deck to my Hand."
After looking at the card he drew, Paradox sneered and added it to his Hand, then drew another card. "In the past few Turns, your struggles were indeed spectacular, and you successively defeated my Malefic Monsters."
"However, the Sin of Duel Monsters will not disappear because of temporary concealment. I pay 2000 Life Points to activate the Spell Card Dimension Fusion, allowing both players to Special Summon as many banished monsters as possible onto the Field!"
As soon as Judai and Yugi switched places, Paradox unleashed this powerful play.
[Paradox: 24600 → 22600 LP]
As Paradox paid the 2000 Life Points, which were insignificant to him, Dimension Fusion took effect, opening several distorted wormholes on his Field.
From those wormholes, the Malefic Monsters that had been banished earlier appeared one by one.
"Come forth, the 'Original Sin' of Duel Monsters!"
"Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"
"Malefic Cyber End Dragon!"
"Malefic Paradox Gear!"
Since Paradox was the only one who had banished monsters in the Duel so far, Yugi could only watch helplessly as Paradox Special Summoned all the Malefic Monsters he had banished earlier, while he could only look on.
[Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon] [ATK 3000]
[Malefic Cyber End Dragon] [ATK 4000]
[Malefic Paradox Gear] [ATK 0]
"Next, I activate the effect of Malefic Paradox Gear," Paradox sent the Malefic Paradox Gear that had just arrived on the Field to the Graveyard and searched two cards from his Deck. "While Malefic World exists, I Special Summon Malefic Parallel Gear from my Deck, and then add one Malefic Monster to my Hand."
"The card I add to my Hand is Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon. I send Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my Deck to the Graveyard to Special Summon Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"
[Malefic Parallel Gear] [ATK 0]
[Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon] [ATK 2400]
By merely playing one Dimension Fusion, Paradox easily Summoned a total of four monsters onto the Field at the cost of 2000 Life Points, and he still had three cards in his Hand.
The only thing to be slightly relieved about was that the newly appeared Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon and Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon, like Paradox himself, inherited everything from the original monsters, including their Vanilla Monster status. They didn't gain any troublesome effects just because they became Malefic Monsters.
"Blue-Eyes, and Red-Eyes!"
"Did he even steal Joey Wheeler's card...?"
Looking at Yugi's serious expression, Paradox's mouth curved into a smirk. "Seeing the cards of your Partner and Opponent in my Hand, what kind of feeling do you have now, Mutou Yuugi?"
"Don't worry, I will properly unleash their power, using this power of sin."
Paradox's gaze sharpened. "I originally planned to finish you off quickly, but since you insist on resisting to the end, I'll make an exception just this once!"
"I Tune the Level 2 Malefic Parallel Gear on the Field with the Level 8 Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"
"Nani!?"
Yusei Fudo was also startled. Seeing this, Paradox scoffed, "Don't think you're the only one who can use Synchro Summoning, Fudo Yusei. It's your constant struggles that made me decide to use Synchro Summoning."
"My previous conflicting feelings had no reason to exist. Since I want to save the world, I will inevitably destroy the world. For that, I will use any power, no matter how defiled!"
Paradox raised his hand upwards, and behind him, the gear structures in various places on Malefic Parallel Gear spun rapidly, transforming into two pitch-black Synchro Rings. They looped around Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon, one above and one below, turning it into eight shining stars, lined up and bound by black lightning.
"Darkness born from the dimensional rift, on this stage transcending space-time, raise the curtain of ruin!"
Paradox's gaze instantly became extremely fierce. "Synchro Summon, Malefic Paradox Dragon!"
A towering black pillar of light rose from the black Synchro Rings, surrounded by ominous black gales. From the storm, a pair of wide black dragon wings spread open, and a colossal flying dragon let out a roar, scattering the surrounding aura!
"Roar!!!"
[Malefic Paradox Dragon] [Level 10 / Dark]
[Dragon Type / Synchro / Effect]
[4000 / 4000]
"So big!" Judai looked up at Malefic Paradox Dragon, which was almost as tall as the nearby buildings. "The size is too exaggerated!"
"When Malefic Paradox Dragon is successfully Synchro Summoned, I can choose one Synchro Monster that exists in the Graveyard and Special Summon it, ignoring its Summoning Conditions. Also, as long as Malefic Paradox Dragon exists on my Field, the ATK of monsters on the opponent's Field decreases by the combined ATK of all monsters on my Field except for Malefic Paradox Dragon."
"I Special Summon Stardust Dragon from the Graveyard. Then, because I have Stardust Dragon, Malefic Cyber End Dragon, and Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon on my Field besides Malefic Paradox Dragon, the ATK of all your monsters decreases by their combined ATK of 8900 points!"
[E•HERO Flash] [ATK 1100 → 0]
"Bad! Flash's ATK has become zero!" Yusei Fudo looked very tense. "If we get attacked, our Life Points will become zero!"
"To save the world, no one will block my path. Get ready to be devoured by the power of sin," Paradox said with a cold laugh. "Don't worry too much, the pain will only last an instant."
"Enter my Battle Phase. First is the attack of Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Destroy E•HERO Flash with 0 ATK!"
"Black Flame Bullet!"
Its pitch-black body donned white armor that rewrites will. Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon opened its giant mouth full of sharp teeth and spat out a scorching pitch-black fire bullet without hesitation, which landed on E•HERO Flash!
"Ugh!"
Flash, whose ATK had been reduced to 0, was instantly destroyed. The burst of heat made the four of them, including Yugi, very uncomfortable, and their Life Points decreased accordingly.
[Yugi: 4000 → 1600 LP]
"Because E•HERO Flash was destroyed by battle, its effect activates," Judai recovered from the attack and said. "I banish the destroyed E•HERO Flash and three E HERO monsters from my Graveyard, including Elemental HERO Neos, Elemental HERO Neos Alius, and Elemental HERO Bubbleman, to add one Normal Spell Card from my Graveyard to my Hand."
Taking out and banishing the four cards from his Graveyard, Judai searched for a card and threw it towards Yugi. "Use my power, Mr. Yugi!"
"Oh, leave it to me!" Yugi raised his hand without turning around and accurately caught the card Judai sent him, adding it to his Hand.
"Hmph, you merely recycled one card, and it seems the card in your Spell/Trap Zone isn't a Trap that responds to an Attack Declaration," Paradox was quite cautious; he was just probing with Red-Eyes Black Dragon. "Then this is the final blow, Legendary Duelists from various space-times!"
"Be buried along with the history of Duel Monsters!"
"Malefic Cyber End Dragon's Direct Attack! Eternal Evolution Burst Stream!"
The laser beams from the three-headed giant machine dragon came. Paradox watched confidently as the beams crossed more than half the Field, about to hit Yugi and the others directly, who had no monsters to act as a shield.
But just then, Judai, who was standing behind Yugi, spoke once again. "The moment Malefic Cyber End Dragon attacks, I Chain to the Attack Declaration! I activate the Set Card in my Spell/Trap Zone!"
The meaning unknown card that Judai had set last Turn was revealed.
"Quick-Play Spell Card, Kuriboh Flute!" After activating the Set Card, Judai took a card from his Deck and placed it horizontally on his Duel Disk. "From my Deck, I Special Summon Winged Kuriboh to the Field in Defense Position!"
"Kuriboh Kuriboh!"
Amidst the melodious sound of the flute, a fluffy monster with cute little wings appeared on Judai's Field in Defense Position, facing the attack of Malefic Cyber End Dragon.
"Winged Kuriboh, huh? The effect that prevents all Battle Damage after it's destroyed," Paradox looked at the Winged Kuriboh that appeared on the other side, first recalling its specific effect, then letting out a cold laugh.
"What a foolish move, Judai Yuki. You couldn't have forgotten the effect of Malefic Cyber End Dragon, could you?"
"In front of Malefic Cyber End Dragon, which inherited the Piercing Battle Damage ability of Cyber End Dragon, Winged Kuriboh can't protect you either!"
Paradox laughed triumphantly, watching as Malefic Cyber End Dragon's attack destroyed and pierced through Winged Kuriboh.
However, the impact of the subsequent explosion, just before reaching Judai and the others, was blocked by a barrier.
A voice came from the other side: "Sore wa, dou kana?"
With his arms crossed over his chest, Yugi's aura was high. He looked at the other fluffy monster that supported the barrier—the Kuriboh that appeared from his Hand.
"If it were just Judai's Winged Kuriboh alone, it indeed couldn't block the attack of Malefic Cyber End Dragon, but I activated the effect of Kuriboh from my Hand, discarding it to make one instance of damage zero."
Yugi's gaze was sharp. "The power of unity has power that transcends despair. Don't underestimate our resolve to stop you, Paradox!"
"That's right, no matter how despairing the future, humans have the ability to change it," Judai looked up at Paradox. "I have always believed this, and I have always strived towards this goal."
Hearing Yugi's words, Paradox fell silent for a moment, then scoffed, "From your perspective, you are undoubtedly righteous, right?"
"If everyone in the future could be like you, perhaps the future world wouldn't have reached the point of ruin..."
For the first time, Paradox showed an expression of lament in front of them.
"Even a ruined future must have a way to save it, but it's definitely not by altering history. Even if the past is just unimportant history to you, but for others living in the past, this era also holds irreplaceable important value!"
Recalling all the memories from this era, Yugi said firmly.
"Beautiful memories..." Paradox's mouth curved into a smirk. "That's why I said, you know nothing. It's precisely because I've lost things that I understand the beauty of all this more than you do. And it's to make the world stay in this beautiful era that I must erase the existence of Duel Monsters!"
Because of the effect of Winged Kuriboh, Yugi and the others would not take any more Battle Damage during this Turn. Even though Malefic Paradox Dragon and Stardust Dragon hadn't attacked yet, continuing to attack would be meaningless, so Paradox directly ended his Battle Phase.
"My Battle Phase ends here. Enter Main Phase 2." After thinking for a moment and looking at the three cards in his Hand, Paradox drew two of them and inserted them into the Spell & Trap Zone. "In the Spell/Trap Zone, I Set two cards. Turn end."
[Paradox: 22600 LP, Hand 1]
[Malefic Paradox Dragon] [ATK 4000]
[Malefic Cyber End Dragon] [ATK 4000]
[Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon] [ATK 2400]
[Stardust Dragon] [ATK 2500]
[Malefic World] [Set Card] X2
Field: Malefic World
Chapter 500: Talking Down Fails - Without Battle, There Is No Survival!
It was Yugi's turn. He wasn't in a hurry to draw a card and start his turn, but instead asked Paradox, "There's one thing I can't understand. As the era develops and progresses, human material civilization becomes more advanced. Shouldn't the ability to change the world be stronger?"
Among the people present, Paradox could be said to be from the most distant future, while Yugi, or rather Dark Yugi who had appeared at this moment, could be said to be from the most distant past.
Although he hadn't recovered his memories and didn't know who he truly was, Dark Yugi had some understanding of the era a thousand years ago. Compared to a thousand years ago, although some parts of the current world had worsened, overall it was developing in a good direction.
He completely failed to understand Yusei's previous words to Paradox about the conflict between material and spiritual civilization.
"You are wrong, Mutou Yuugi, you haven't seen the true nature of humanity yet, because the era you live in hasn't fully unearthed humanity's inherent flaws."
Paradox paused, "Sloth, envy, wrath, pride, lust, gluttony, and unrestrained greed... The prosperity of material civilization has led to the decline of spiritual civilization. The darkness of the Human Heart, which cannot be suppressed, will swallow the world."
"This cannot be changed by how humans develop civilization, because this is the fundamental nature rooted deep within humanity, because this is humanity's 'Original Sin'!"
"Original Sin..." Yusei frowned, pondering Paradox's words.
Unlike Yugi and Judai, who lived in the past, in Yusei's era, due to the development of the era and the advancement of technology, the gap between the rich and poor had grown increasingly large. Along with this came increasingly unscrupulous scheming between people.
In Yugi's era, even a wealthy scion like Kaiba attended the same School and class as a poor guy like Joey Wheeler . By Judai's time, even Duel Academy had begun to differentiate students based on ability; excellent students enjoyed luxurious villas and private meals, while poor students could only live in collective dormitories and eat pickled radishes.
In Yusei's era, the upper class lived in towering buildings looking down on the entire city, while the lower class didn't even have the qualification to enter those upper areas, only the right to survive in garbage dumps. Even so, they still faced the trouble of having their last remaining living space being taken away.
All of this seemed to be exactly as Paradox said. Although material civilization was gradually strengthening, spiritual civilization was in decline.
"You, Yusei Fudo, who know the historical development of the future you come from, should be able to understand the truth of what I'm saying, right?" Paradox noticed Yusei's deep thought and continued to drop bombshells, "You remember the 'Energy Depletion' I mentioned before, correct?"
"Several decades from now, or rather, just over ten years ago for you, your father, Dr. Fudo, discovered a particle, 'Ener-D'. Using this particle as a power source, he achieved an unprecedented great feat, creating the world's first Perpetual Motion Machine, and named his son, you, after 'Ener-D'."
"The foundation of the Perpetual Motion Machine, the unique property of 'Ener-D', is that it can read the Human Heart. By performing Synchro Summoning during Duels on a D-Wheel, a special wavelength can be connected to the Perpetual Motion Machine. People's elevated Dueling Hearts can generate a large amount of positive 'Ener-D'. This potential energy is absorbed and converted by the Perpetual Motion Machine and supplied back to the D-Wheel in the Duel, generating more 'Ener-D'."
"This cycle continues. As long as there are Duels in the world, an inexhaustible and infinite supply of energy can be provided."
Yusei nodded, "That is indeed correct."
"Since the energy is inexhaustible, how did humanity fall into Energy Depletion? Furthermore, even without the Perpetual Motion Machine providing infinite energy, there are still other finite energy sources available, right? How could it lead to ruin?"
To Yusei's question, Paradox's answer was, "It's also because of the Human Heart, Yusei Fudo. The Perpetual Motion Machine's energy is infinite, but the efficiency of obtaining it has a limit. However, humans, who know not what satisfaction is, will always think 'a little more, just a little more'."
"The 'Zero Reverse' that cost your father, Dr. Fudo, his life was the Perpetual Motion Machine's warning to humanity. But humans are beings who can abandon the future for immediate profit. No one took 'Zero Reverse' to heart, and no one was awakened by it."
Paradox smiled contemptuously, "In the future, humanity's material civilization reached its peak driven by infinite energy, but they still relentlessly demanded endlessly from the world without restraint, and this desire polluted everything else."
Saying this, Paradox pointed his finger at the monsters on his Field.
Corresponding to Mutou Yuugi and Hayato Kobayashi's era, Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon.
Corresponding to Judai Yuki's time, Malefic Cyber End Dragon.
And from the Synchro Era, Stardust Dragon and Malefic Paradox Dragon.
Paradox didn't explicitly state it, but even Judai understood his meaning.
"Duel Monsters, too, were polluted by the desire of the Human Heart?"
"In the beginning, Duel Monsters were indeed as pure as they were in your eras, but as the profit generated by Duel Monsters and the interests involved grew larger and larger, even Duelists could no longer Duel purely," Paradox looked at the monsters on the Field and clenched his fist,
"To operate the Perpetual Motion Machine based on 'Ener-D' which can read the Human Heart, one necessary driving force is a passionate Duelist Spirit."
"But when the hearts of the Duelists driving the Perpetual Motion Machine are no longer filled with passion and dreams, 'Ener-D' can no longer remain in a completely positive state. Negative 'Ener-D' even caused the Perpetual Motion Machine to gradually reverse!"
Paradox's words unfolded a scene before Yusei's eyes as if he were there, and he could already imagine that kind of desperate situation: "Could it be..."
"Duel Monsters brought humanity the Perpetual Motion Machine, and it was also Duel Monsters that took away the Perpetual Motion Machine that humanity was not qualified to possess!" Paradox looked down at Yusei and the others. "In the desperate situation of Energy Depletion, there were still people in the future who thought of re-awakening the hope and light in the Human Heart."
His gaze lingered on Yusei's face for a long time, and he couldn't help but recall his companion who, in order to save the world, didn't hesitate to sacrifice himself and replace his personality data with "Yusei Fudo".
"Unfortunately, it was too late."
"The reversing Perpetual Motion Machine self-destructed and went out of control, and the world was destroyed as a result."
After Paradox recounted everything about the future, even Yusei had to admit that such a future was indeed quite desperate.
"My father invented the Perpetual Motion Machine to benefit humanity and solve the energy crisis, but it actually became the root of the sin that destroyed humanity..."
Yusei lowered his head,
"Could it be that the existence of the Perpetual Motion Machine was a mistake..."
Paradox's tone was calm as he looked at Yusei and said, "No, there was nothing wrong with the existence of the Perpetual Motion Machine, because even without the Perpetual Motion Machine, humanity would still self-destruct one day due to their inflated desire. The Perpetual Motion Machine merely accelerated this process."
"The Perpetual Motion Machine is a treasure, but it is a treasure that humanity is not qualified to possess, because humanity has an Original Sin that cannot be eradicated."
"'Ener-D' was born relying on Duel Monsters. As long as Duel Monsters are destroyed, tragedies like 'Zero Reverse' will not occur in the future, and the future will not be destroyed. Although it is regrettable, this is the only method!"
Paradox said firmly, "It doesn't matter what kind of resentment you have towards me. As long as I can save all of humanity, I am willing to become a killer and a butcher!"
"I will destroy the world, and then, I will create the world!"
"You still have a chance now. Give up the battle and entrust the future of the world to me to change!"
Looking at Paradox, Yugi took a deep breath to calm his composure.
Undoubtedly, purely from his standpoint, Paradox was not acting for selfish desire. His actions were driven by a heart of justice that could be called great.
The four of them, Judai, Yugi, Hayato, and Yusei, fought to protect the era that held precious memories with important people, while Paradox fought for countless innocent victims he had never met. Both sides were on the side of justice.
However...
"I'm sorry, Paradox, I completely understand your thoughts and your ideal. But, I'm sorry." Yugi's finger rested on his Duel Disk. "This duel is not a battle between justice and evil, but a struggle between us with conflicting standpoints, with the goal of annihilation!"
"For the future, you are willing to bear the sin of destroying the past, but we also have the resolve to destroy the future in order to protect the present!"
"My turn, draw a card!"
Yugi sharply drew a card. The card he drew left a golden arc in the air, like a single draw from a peerless swordsman!
"Activate Magic Card, Pot of Greed! I draw two cards from my Deck, then Normal Summon Magidogged Rijin in Attack Position."
The Spellcaster dressed as a clown appeared on Yugi's Field. Yugi immediately continued, "While Magidogged Rijin is in the Monster Zone, I can gain an additional Normal Summon/Set of a Spellcaster monster during my Main Phase this turn, in addition to my Normal Summon/Set!"
"Tribute Magidogged Rijin! Normal Summon Dark Magician Girl!"
Dark Magician Girl appeared in the light points as Magidogged Rijin left the Field. However, she read the room and wasn't overly playful or active as usual. She seriously gripped the wand in her hand and nodded to Yugi behind her.
However, due to Malefic Paradox Dragon on Paradox's Field, Dark Magician Girl's power was instantly stripped away.
Dark Magician Girl [2000/1700 → 0/1700]
Yugi also nodded in response. After sending the Tributed Magidogged Rijin to the Graveyard, he spoke again, "When Magidogged Rijin is sent from the Field to the Graveyard, I can add 1 Spellcaster Normal Monster from my Deck or Graveyard to my Hand. I add Dark Magician from my Deck to my Hand."
After searching for the card, Yugi picked up the three cards in his hand and revealed them all at once: "Paradox, we won't retreat. If we don't battle, our era cannot survive!"
"Our era, we will protect it!"
"Activate this Polymerization that Judai gave me! I fuse Buster Blader and Dark Magician from my Hand!"
The Polymerization that Judai had added to Yugi's hand with E•HERO Flash's effect manifested. A vortex drew Dark Magician and Buster Blader from Yugi's Hand.
Subsequently, the mighty magical swordsman appeared!
"The strongest magic to crush darkness, the ultimate blade to subdue evil dragons, manifest on this battlefield that transcends space-time!"
Yugi raised his arm and shouted,
"Fusion Summon! Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin!"
Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin [Level 8 / Dark]
[Spellcaster Type / Fusion / Effect]
[2900 / 2400]
"Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin's ATK will increase by the number of Dragon-Type monsters on both players' Fields and in their Graveyards X 500 points. At this moment, the total number of Dragon-Type monsters is seven, therefore Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin's ATK increases by 3500 points!"
Malefic Paradox Dragon, Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon, Stardust Dragon, and in Paradox's Graveyard, Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Malefic Stardust Dragon, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon. The power of seven Dragon-Type monsters gathered towards Dark Paladin on Yugi's Field, giving it a great boost.
The only drawback was that Paradox's Malefic Cyber End Dragon was the most out of place; despite having "Dragon" in its name, it isn't a Dragon-Type monster, and Yugi didn't pull a top-tier 'Obelisk is also a Dragon' kind of move.
Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin [ATK 2900 → 6400]
Under the power boost from the numerous Dragon-Type monsters, Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin's ATK soared to a high of 6400, more than two Blue-Eyes, truly powerful.
However, along with the power of the Dragon-Type monsters came the effect of Malefic Paradox Dragon.
"A Fusion of Buster Blader, which specifically counters Dragon-Type monsters, and Dark Magician, huh? If I hadn't used Synchro Summoning so unscrupulously to Summon Malefic Paradox Dragon, I might have been defeated right here."
Paradox looked at the Malefic Paradox Dragon on his Field, his mood felt a bit awkward.
In the ruined future, among Paradox and his three companions, only "Jonny", who he never saw eye-to-eye with, used Synchro Monsters. Yet now, even he was using Synchro Monsters, and even relying on Synchro Monsters to win.
His goal was to destroy Duel Monsters, especially Synchro Summoning, but to achieve his goal, he himself was using Synchro Monsters. In some ways, it echoed the name Malefic Paradox Dragon, truly a paradox.
Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin [ATK 6400 → 0]
"It's useless. Your efforts cannot surpass the 'Sin' of Duel Monsters. All resistance is futile." Paradox looked coldly at Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin, whose ATK was reduced to 0.
The combined ATK of his other monsters on the Field besides Malefic Paradox Dragon was 8900. Any monster appearing opposite him would have its ATK reduced by this amount. Ordinary Duel Monsters had no possibility of breaking through this amount.
Mutou Yuugi's efforts, no matter how much it united the power of the monsters on the Field and in the Graveyard, was ultimately futile and couldn't change anything at all.
"As long as the 'Sin' of Duel Monsters exists, as long as Malefic Paradox Dragon is on my Field, your only outcome is defeat, and the future is destined for destruction." He coldly delivered his verdict.
However, Yugi smiled confidently, "Sore wa dou kana?"
"How our future turns out should be decided by us ourselves." Yugi played a card from his hand. "The puzzle of victory is complete. I will personally annihilate your 'Sin' monsters this Turn!"
"Activate Quick-Play Spell Card, Forbidden Chalice! It increases the ATK of 1 monster on the Field by 400, and its effects are negated."
"The monster I choose is your Malefic Paradox Dragon on the Field!"
As Yugi played Forbidden Chalice, a golden cup that seemed capable of granting any wish appeared above Malefic Paradox Dragon's head. Blood-red wine poured out as the golden holy cup tilted!
"Nani!?"
Under Paradox's surprised gaze, Malefic Paradox Dragon, drenched in the red wine, had its power forcibly contracted and restrained. The oppressive aura that had constantly surrounded the Field was completely dispelled!
Malefic Paradox Dragon [ATK 4000 → 4400]
As Malefic Paradox Dragon's power was locked, Dark Magician Girl and Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin, who had been suppressed for a long time, regained their original power, straightened up and stood tall again.
Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin [ATK 0 → 6400]
Dark Magician Girl [0/1700 → 2300/1700]
"Humans carry an ugly side, but conversely, humans also have a side of hope and dreams, existing interdependently like two sides of a coin." Gazing at Paradox, Yugi played another card. "But I believe that humanity's future is absolutely not limited to the single possibility of dark destruction, but holds infinite possibilities filled with radiance!"
"I pay 1000 Life Points! I Activate Magic Card, Diffusion Wave-Motion!"
Mutou Yuugi: [1600 LP → 600 LP]
"Diffusion Wave-Motion?"
"This is bad!"
Paradox was also somewhat surprised after seeing the card Yugi used.
"Diffusion Wave-Motion's effect is: Target 1 Spellcaster monster you control with a Level of 7 or higher; this turn, other monsters you control cannot attack, and the target monster must attack each monster your opponent controls once. Monsters destroyed by this attack cannot activate their effects, and their effects are negated!"
"In other words, Paradox, this Turn you will face a four-hit attack from the only Level 7 or higher Spellcaster monster on my Field - Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin!"
"Enter Battle Phase! And now, I will show you humanity's possibility!"
Yugi waved his hand forward: "Dark Paladin, attack Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"
"Super Magical Severing Wave Slash!"
Gathering the power of bonds, Super Magical Swordsman - Dark Paladin swung a blade at Paradox's Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Mystical Power transformed into a slash that flew out and instantly destroyed it!
"Ugh!"
Paradox: [22600 → 18600 LP]
"Next, it's Malefic Cyber End Dragon!"
"Second Super Magical Severing Wave Slash!"
"Ergh!"
Paradox: [18600 → 16200 LP]
"Attack Stardust Dragon!"
"Super Magical Severing Wave Slash, triple strike!"
"Ugh!!"
Paradox: [16200 → 12300 LP]
"The final blow, attack Malefic Paradox Dragon!"
Yugi clenched his fist and said loudly, "Our future, we will decide it!"
"The final Super Magical Severing Wave Slash!"
The surging Mystical Power transformed into a moonlit slash, piercing and cutting off the head of the giant Malefic Paradox Dragon. Immediately, Malefic Paradox Dragon's massive body exploded with a roar!
Even Paradox, standing on the Shinri-go, couldn't stand steady and kept making sounds due to the battle damage:
"Ergh ah!!!"
Paradox: [12300 → 10300 LP]
Smoke enveloped Paradox's Field. Through the hazy smoke and the empty Field, Yugi could see the fallen Paradox getting back up from the D-Wheel in Duel Mode.
"With this, you have no monsters on your Field, Paradox," Yugi said, holding a card in his hand, about to place it on his Duel Disk. "Then my Battle Phase ends, and in Main Phase 2, I—"
"Zzzzt!"
However, Yugi, who was about to insert the card into his Duel Disk, froze. He found that he couldn't place the card in his hand into the Spell & Trap Zone. Looking closer, Yugi was surprised to find that his Duel Disk was showing that he was still in the Battle Phase!?
"Your future, you will decide it. You said that just now, Mutou Yuugi."
Paradox's voice came. Yugi looked up again and saw a huge shadow behind the tall building behind Paradox, as if from the abyss, which had appeared at some point.
"Humans have the power to change the future, you want me to believe that, right?"
In the mind of Paradox, who had straightened his body, scene after scene appeared—
The rampaging Perpetual Motion Machine driving an overwhelming army of Meklord;
War turning all the great achievements of human civilization into ruins and fires;
Countless people dying on the ground and underground;
The Earth turning into a burning fireball.
At the same time, figures appeared in Paradox's mind—
Himself, alone after losing his loved ones, wandering in the doomsday;
Then, the meeting with "that person";
The few survivors huddling together under "his" leadership, and he too received warmth from others;
But, even though "he" sacrificed himself, it was still too late to save the world. His companions grew old and fell one after another.
"That kind of future, that kind of absolutely unacceptable future, I must change it."
"How could I entrust our efforts, and the destiny of the entire world, to you!"
"Just based on the word 'believe'?"
"Impossible!!"
Paradox suddenly raised his head, a red radiance flashing in his eyes. Synchronizing with his movement, two scarlet lights also lit up in the huge shadow of the tall building behind Paradox.
"Mutou Yuugi, you said it, didn't you? Your future is decided by yourselves." Paradox had a distorted expression and pressed the button on his Duel Disk to activate a Set Card. "Then, conversely, my future must also be decided by me, decided not to be entrusted to you!"
"Open Trap Card, Malefic Paradigm Shift!"
Paradox laughed wildly, surrounded by the phantom of the Set Card he activated. The black shadow behind him surged up from the ground, swallowing half of Paradox's body!
"When Malefic Paradox Dragon is destroyed, I will Tribute my body and halve my Life Points,"
"Special Summon Malefic Truth Dragon from my Deck!"
Paradox: [10300 → 5150 LP]
Even larger than Malefic Paradox Dragon's body, the figure of Malefic Truth Dragon emerged from the shadow and manifested!
"Roar!!!"