# Chapter 501: The Strongest Monster
[Malefic Truth Dragon] [Level 12 / DARK]
[Dragon / Special Summon / Effect]
[5000 ATK / 5000 DEF]
"A Level 12 Dragon-Type Monster with 5000 ATK? So it's not just [Five-Headed Dragon]?"
Watching Paradox merge with [Malefic Truth Dragon], Dark Yugi muttered to himself.
Inside the [Millennium Puzzle], Yugi Mutou was a little puzzled: "Aren't you surprised, Aibo?"
"I can't help it, Aibo. After all, Paradox gave me too strong a sense of déjà vu before," Dark Yugi thought to himself. "First, there were the [Malefic] monsters that inherited everything from the original monsters, which just happen to correspond to [Toon] monsters. Then there was [Malefic Paradox Dragon], which corresponds to [Relinquished]. At that time, I was already wondering if there would be a monster corresponding to [Thousand-Eyes Restrict]."
"Now that you mention it, it really is Pegasus's template," Yugi Mutou said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Perhaps that's why Paradox wanted to kill Pegasus?"
Although he was speaking ill of Paradox in his thoughts with his Aibo, Dark Yugi still maintained a rather cold look on the surface: "By paying his Life Points as a cost, he Summoned the 5000 ATK [Malefic Truth Dragon]."
"Its ATK is almost equal to the Life Points he lost."
"Ah, that's right, because this is the truth of this world, isn't it?" Paradox's lower body merged into the head of [Malefic Truth Dragon]. "If you don't give up something, you can't save anything. This is the true path to salvation!"
"Try to overcome this final trial, Duelists!"
[Paradox: 5150 LP, Hand 1]
[Malefic Truth Dragon] [5000 DEF]
"[Malefic Truth Dragon]'s attack indeed has the right to be called the apex among Duel Monsters, but Paradox, don't forget that the ATK of my [Dark Paladin] on the Field has increased to 6900 due to the increase in the number of Dragon-Type Monsters! Now I am stronger!"
[Dark Paladin] [ATK 6400 → 6900]
Yugi declared, "Furthermore, due to the effect of [Diffusion Wave-Motion], [Dark Paladin] must attack each of your monsters once to end the Battle Phase. The attack continues!"
"This is the real final attack! [Dark Paladin] attacks [Malefic Truth Dragon]!"
"Super Magical Severing Wave Slash, Five consecutive strikes!"
The magical swordsman once again swung his weapon, unleashing a deadly fifth consecutive strike, as if to finish off the [Malefic Truth Dragon] currently merged with Paradox, just like he had slain the other Malefic Dragons before.
However, just as the crescent-shaped magical energy slash was about to hit [Malefic Truth Dragon], a figure that even Yugi hadn't expected blocked the slash.
The black dragon wearing white armor was torn apart and destroyed by the slash bit by bit, its body gradually dispersing. Yugi cried out its name in surprise: "[Red-Eyes Black Dragon]? How could this be!?"
Blocking the way of [Dark Paladin] was none other than the [Red-Eyes Black Dragon] that Paradox had sent to the Graveyard earlier with the effect of [Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon]!
"Humans bear [Sin], but contradictorily bury [Sin] beneath the truth, unaware that the [Sin] always exists and never disappears, and will eventually surface with the truth. This is the effect of [Malefic Truth Dragon]."
Paradox took a [Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon] card from his Duel Disk's Graveyard Zone. "When [Malefic Truth Dragon] is destroyed by any means, I can banish one [Malefic] monster from my Graveyard as a substitute."
"Until this [Sin] is completely eliminated, I will exist with [Malefic Truth Dragon] and will not fall!"
The figure of [Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon] dispersed in front of [Malefic Truth Dragon]. At the same time, because there was one less Dragon-Type Monster in Paradox's Graveyard, the ATK of [Dark Paladin] also decreased accordingly.
[Dark Paladin] [ATK 6900 → 6400]
"Since it's in Defense Position, it won't take any more battle damage..." Yugi frowned, looking at the [Malefic Truth Dragon] that couldn't be destroyed. "In that case, I end my Battle Phase, and in Main Phase 2, I Set one card. End Turn."
[Yugi: 600 LP, Hand 0]
[Dark Magician Girl] [1700 DEF]
[Dark Paladin] [6400 ATK]
[Set Card]
To be honest, the fact that Paradox's [Malefic Truth Dragon] would have an effect to banish a monster to achieve immunity to destruction wasn't entirely unexpected by Yugi.
After all, just as [Relinquished] can take control of the opponent's monsters on the Field, and [Malefic Paradox Dragon] can take control of monsters from the opponent's Graveyard, Pegasus's [Thousand-Eyes Restrict] can substitute an Equip Monster for destruction, so it was reasonable that [Malefic Truth Dragon] could substitute a [Malefic] monster from the Graveyard for destruction.
However, while he had somewhat anticipated it, thinking about it and being prepared for it were two different things. At least for now, Yugi, who was out of resources, couldn't think of any perfect way to break through [Malefic Truth Dragon].
After banishing [Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon], Paradox's Graveyard still contained [Malefic Cyber End Dragon], [Malefic Paradox Dragon], [Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon], [Malefic Parallel Gear], and [Malefic Paradox Gear], a total of five [Malefic] monsters. This meant that [Malefic Truth Dragon] would have to be destroyed five more times using various means before it could be defeated.
During this process, Yugi and the others, who only had 600 Life Points, had to be as careful as walking on thin ice, or else a single mistake would lead to defeat.
But [Malefic Truth Dragon] has a high DEF of 5000 points. How easy is it to destroy a monster with such high DEF five times?
Yugi could only feel slightly fortunate that [Dark Paladin] had a high ATK due to the large number of Dragon-Type Monsters in Paradox's Graveyard, and that when he Tributed [Magician's Valkyria] to Summon [Dark Magician Girl] in the previous turn, he didn't Summon her in Attack Position for "aura" or "style points" or similar things, but chose Defense Position for safety.
"You're not thinking, 'Fortunately, I Summoned [Dark Magician Girl] in Defense Position,' are you, Mutou Yuugi?"
Paradox's voice came, interrupting Yugi's thoughts.
"My turn! I use the effect of [Malefic World] to add a random [Malefic] card to my Hand." After drawing a card from his Deck, Paradox looked at the card in his Hand, a smile playing on his lips, and said, "I told you, I won't hand the future over to you. No matter how much you defend, you can't stop the arrival of ruin!"
"I Activate the Spell Card [Pot of Avarice]! Using this power of greed, I return five monsters from my Graveyard to my Deck, then draw two cards." Paradox said, taking five cards from his Graveyard and showing them. "The monsters I choose are these five Dragon-Type Monsters!"
"Oh no!"
Yugi's pupils contracted. He watched as Paradox put the five cards into his Deck and shuffled, then drew two cards. At the same time, the surging magical energy surrounding [Dark Paladin] on Yugi's Field also withered as the number of Dragon-Type Monsters decreased!
The phantoms of [Red-Eyes Black Dragon], [Blue-Eyes White Dragon], [Ultimate Crystal God - Rainbow Dragon], [Malefic Paradox Dragon], and [Malefic Blue-Eyes White Dragon], five Dragon-Type Monsters, dispersed one by one behind [Dark Paladin].
[Dark Paladin] [ATK 6400 → 3900]
"In this way, the advantage comes to my side," Paradox said with emotion, looking at the cards he had drawn. "Certainly, with bonds, your enthusiasm and dreams can create temporary miracles, but under the influence of [Sin] like greed, the bonds between people will gradually break, and you will ultimately fall into despair."
"Now, I shall give you release!"
Paradox said, playing the card in his Hand: "Change [Malefic Truth Dragon] to Attack Position! Then I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Forbidden Lance]! I decrease the ATK of my [Malefic Truth Dragon] on the Field by 800 points, but I give it the ability to not be affected by other Spell/Trap Card effects!"
"Enter my Battle Phase! [Malefic Truth Dragon] attacks [Dark Paladin]!"
[Malefic Truth Dragon] [ATK 5000 → 4200]
Looking at the [Malefic Truth Dragon] on Paradox's Field whose ATK had decreased to 4200 points, Yugi was somewhat puzzled. If it had been the [Malefic Truth Dragon] with 5000 ATK just now, if it attacked the [Dark Paladin] whose ATK had decreased to 3900 points, it would have dealt a total of 1100 points of damage, reducing Yugi's Life Points to 0.
However, Paradox seemed to be playing it safe to guard against Yugi's Set cards, such as [Dimensional Prison], [Sakuretsu Armor], [The Sanctity of Silence], or similar cards, by decreasing [Malefic Truth Dragon]'s ATK in exchange for resistance to Spell and Trap Card interference.
But because of this, the gap in ATK between [Malefic Truth Dragon] and [Dark Paladin] decreased to only 300 points, making it not lethal enough.
"Are you wondering that such an attack isn't lethal enough? Hmph hmph, then let me tell you another effect of [Malefic Truth Dragon], Mutou Yuugi," Paradox said smugly. "When a [Malefic] monster on my Field battle destroys an opponent's monster, I can Activate the effect of [Malefic Truth Dragon]."
"Destroy all monsters existing on the opponent's Field, and inflict damage to the opponent equal to the number of destroyed monsters X 800 points!"
Paradox pointed smugly at Yugi's [Dark Magician Girl]: "You didn't expect this, Mutou Yuugi! The Duel Monster you trust has just become the final puzzle piece of despair!"
"When [Malefic Truth Dragon] destroys [Dark Paladin], your [Dark Magician Girl] will also be destroyed as a result, and I will harvest your final Life Points!"
"Sink into this! [Malefic Truth Dragon]'s attack!!"
Paradox, who didn't understand the rules of Duel Monsters very well, had no intention of shouting an attack name, or perhaps the attack name of [Malefic Truth Dragon]'s attack was simply "[Malefic Truth Dragon]'s Attack". In any case, under Paradox's command, his literal "lower body" - [Malefic Truth Dragon] - produced a large amount of ominous black mist in front of it.
The mist transformed from a phantom into substance. What appeared before [Malefic Truth Dragon] were steel nails like raindrops. As soon as they solidified, they shot towards [Dark Paladin]!
"Hmph hmph, at a time like this, it's time for the hero to appear! After all, the Protagonist should appear at such a critical moment!"
Hayato Kobayashi, who had been waiting for this moment for a long time, stepped forward and stood beside Yugi, saying arrogantly, "Even if I have to resist the countless evil Forbidden & Limited List with one hand, I, Hayato Kobayashi, am still invincible in this world!"
"Let me show you the darkest and most profound existence in Duel Monsters! Come forth, my invincible Tamashii!"
Hayato slapped the card in his Hand: "Kuriboh, save me!"
In front of the rain of steel nails, the helpless [Rainbow Kuriboh] appeared, driving a screen of light, its face as if saying, "What a pain, I can't do anything about you."
"When an opponent's monster declares an attack, I equip [Rainbow Kuriboh] from my Hand to the attacking monster! A monster equipped with [Rainbow Kuriboh] is stripped of its ability to attack!" Hayato said smugly, crossing his arms over his chest. "Even if [Malefic Truth Dragon] gained the ability to be unaffected by Spell/Trap effects, it cannot be immune to monster effects."
"Do you dare defy me, who possesses [Rainbow Kuriboh]!?"
"Oh oh oh, well done, Mr. Hayato!" Judai cheered from behind, while softly commenting, "But then again, it's still that 'Kuriboh, save me' move, huh."
"Hayato, you really must have [Rainbow Kuriboh] stuck to your Hand, you always draw it in times of crisis," Yugi said, standing beside him and smiling at Hayato.
Hayato also turned his head to look at Yugi: "Do you have the right to say that about me? Don't you always use [Kuriboh] to take hits too?"
Yusei, listening to their words, was somewhat silent.
Judai's [Winged Kuriboh], Yugi's [Kuriboh], and Hayato's [Rainbow Kuriboh]... why are they all using [Kuriboh] series cards? Although I also have [Junk Kuriboh], everyone else used theirs but I didn't. Should I voluntarily leave the team?
"Damn it, it's the invincible [Rainbow Kuriboh]! If this card is equipped, my [Malefic Truth Dragon] won't be able to attack, then that would be terrible—"
The tension on Paradox's face suddenly disappeared, replaced by a contemptuous look, "Just kidding!"
"Hayato Kobayashi, as a Duel King, although you have left behind the largest number of card data in history, making it impossible to figure out what Deck you use, there are a few cards that have been circulating in many of your Decks for a long time."
"[Spiritual Energy Entity], [Change of Heart], [Mystik Wok], and [Rainbow Kuriboh]! Did you think I wouldn't guard against you?!"
Paradox smugly played a card from his Hand: "Chain to the effect of [Rainbow Kuriboh] equipped to [Malefic Truth Dragon], I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Change of Heart]! I transfer [Rainbow Kuriboh], which is treated as an Equip Card, to another correct target monster! I choose [Dark Paladin]!"
"In this way, [Malefic Truth Dragon]'s attack continues!"
Under the effect of [Change of Heart] activated by Paradox, [Rainbow Kuriboh] was forcibly transferred to [Dark Paladin]. Losing the protection of the rainbow screen, the dense steel nails fell again. Although [Dark Paladin] tried his best to dodge and block with his agile movements, unfortunately, he was ultimately hit and pierced by several steel nails through his neck.
[Yugi → Hayato: 600 → 300 LP, Hand 0 → 5 → 4]
"Then, the effect of [Malefic Truth Dragon] Activates!"
Paradox stretched out his finger and pointed into the air. The power of [Malefic Truth Dragon] gathered into a dark sphere in his Hand. He looked down arrogantly and said, "In this duel, we are destined to battle until one side disappears."
"Having witnessed human history and long seen through humans who have never changed for thousands of years, only becoming more stubborn and extreme, just as you don't believe in my method, I also don't believe in your dreams and bonds!"
"Your own future is decided by yourselves! I will create a brand new future with my own hands! You will be crushed into meat paste here!!"
Paradox threw the sphere in his Hand, blasting towards [Dark Magician Girl] on Yugi's Field.
"Boom!!"
End of Chapter
"Boom!!"
Watching the Attack he personally unleashed detonate precisely on Hayato Kobayashi and their side of the Field, the powerful impact stirred up the accumulated dust on the ground, turning it into smoke and dust that enveloped the Field. As time passed, Paradox confirmed from the slightly dispersed smoke that Hayato Kobayashi and their Field was indeed empty.
It seemed that the Effect of **Malefic Truth Dragon** had indeed Destroyed **Dark Magician Girl** from the Field.
"Alright, it's finally over," Paradox looked down at the ground with a calm gaze, neither sad nor happy.
He wasn't an egoist who sought to Destroy Duel Monsters out of selfish desire. From beginning to end, what drove his actions was the great cause of saving the world.
Mutou Yuugi, Judai Yuki, Fudo Yusei, and Hayato Kobayashi, they were all Legendary Duelists who left behind glorious deeds in history. Paradox actually greatly admired their will to protect their world.
If not for the conflict of stances, Paradox would not have made a move against them. And even now, having killed Hayato Kobayashi and the others due to the conflict of stances, Paradox felt no joy from it.
This was a necessary sacrifice for the great cause of saving the world.
Whether it was the lives of Hayato Kobayashi and the others, or himself...
Paradox lowered his head, looking at his body that had become one with **Malefic Truth Dragon**.
Before his death, Paradox was a Psychic Duelist. Having been reconstructed with an artificial body, he inherited this power, and thus many things in his Duels transformed from mere phantoms into physical entities.
For example, the true damage dealt to Paradox's Opponent, or the "Tributing half of his body" that Paradox had just truly done.
The current Paradox, in order to Summon **Malefic Truth Dragon**, had truly lost half of his body.
"The Legendary Duelists have finally fallen into the Hands of my **Malefic Truth Dragon**, and at the same time, I have become inhuman," Paradox clenched his fist, feeling the power within his body.
"**Malefic** Monsters, the 'Shinri-go' that travels through time, and the power of **Malefic Truth Dragon**!"
"With this, it proves that my salvation for the world is on an absolutely correct Path of Truth!" Paradox looked towards the Clock not far away. The time was less than ten minutes away from Pegasus's originally scheduled arrival at 12:00 sharp.
"Z-one, Aporia, Antinomy, although the distance of Space-Time separates us, I who stand here can feel your will is with me," Paradox looked up at the air with a firm gaze, waiting for the Helicopter carrying Pegasus to appear. "I will save the future of this world in your stead!"
Suddenly, a voice rang out, entered Paradox's ears: "Yare yare daze."
"Nani?!" Paradox lowered his head again with a surprised expression, looking into the smoke and dust. "This voice is!"
"That was really in the nick of time. If it weren't for the Set Card Yugi played, we might have really lost," Hayato's figure gradually emerged from the smoke and dust, a confident smile on his face. "Don't think you can defeat us that easily, Paradox."
"In Chain to **Malefic Truth Dragon**'s Effect, I activated Yugi's Set Card, **Interdimensional Matter Transporter**, banishing **Dark Magician Girl** from my Field until the End Phase."
"If there's no monster that can be Destroyed, **Malefic Truth Dragon**'s Effect Damage naturally won't occur."
[Hayato Kobayashi: 300 LP]
"Tsk, your vitality is surprisingly tenacious." Paradox gritted his teeth, seeming very annoyed. "You've only managed to survive precariously for one more Turn. What else can you do?"
"On my Field, I have **Malefic Truth Dragon** with 5000 ATK, and my Life Points are over 1000% of yours. Your efforts are nothing more than the death struggle of fish caught on the shore, fruitlessly consuming their own oxygen!"
"I Set one card. My Turn ends here. And in the next Turn, your ruin ending still won't change!"
[Paradox: 5150 LP, Hand 0]
[**Malefic Truth Dragon**] [ATK 4200 → 5000]
[Malefic Territory] [Set Card]
[Malefic World]
"Then, at the End Phase of your Turn, **Dark Magician Girl**, who was banished by the Effect of **Interdimensional Matter Transporter**, is Special Summoned back to the Field."
As Hayato's words fell, **Dark Magician Girl** reappeared on the Field, patting her chest and looking shaken, seemingly quite frightened by the near-death experience she just had.
Although **Dark Magician Girl**'s actions were alluring and her figure was quite good, unfortunately, the five people present were all emotionless duelists, not interested in women and only focused on dueling.
[**Dark Magician Girl**] [ATK 2000 → 2300]
It was Hayato's Turn. He wasn't in a hurry to draw a card, but first glanced at the cards in his Hand.
Spell Card **Magical Stone Excavation**, Spell Card **Wonder Wand**, Spell Card **Converging Current**, and one inexplicable Spell Card. Including the **Rainbow Kuriboh** he used previously, Hayato could be said to have drawn a "Perfect Hand" at the start. If it were a 1v1 Solo Duel, this kind of Opening Hand would only suggest lying flat on the spot, because he wouldn't know how to set up his Field at all.
However, this Duel was a 4 vs 1 Tag Duel. An Opening Hand that was terrible in other situations was at this moment truly a "Perfect Hand" worthy of the name. And with just one more card capable of securing victory, Hayato was certain of victory.
"To decide the victory, my Hand is still missing a key card that can seal the deal. And whether I can draw that card is the key to this Duel."
"But a True Duelist can even decide their own draw! I will directly Destiny Draw!"
Hayato raised his right hand used for drawing a card above his head, spreading his five fingers, as if to grasp the entire world in his Hand.
"Open! The Future Circuit that illuminates my Path! This is my Creation of Heaven and Earth! My Future!"
"My Turn, Draw!"
The card on top of the Deck was drawn by Hayato. Accompanying it was a suffocating high heat that enveloped the surroundings before it even arrived, like the sun falling to the ground!
"Ya☆ta☆ze! With this, the Winning Equation is complete!" Hayato glanced at the Level 10 Boss Monster drawn into his Hand, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Then, I activate the Equip Spell Card, **Wonder Wand**! This card can only be equipped to a Spellcaster-Type Monster, increasing the equipped Monster's ATK by 500 points!"
"I grant this powerful Equip to you, **Dark Magician Girl**!"
"Hmm?"
**Dark Magician Girl**, looking confused, suddenly had her head hit. She found it was a Wand that fell from the sky. It looked even stronger than the one she originally used.
Paradox looked disdainfully at **Dark Magician Girl**, who, although she felt the Wand looked familiar, still foolishly switched to **Wonder Wand**. "Just increasing ATK by 500 points? You fantasize about defeating my **Malefic Truth Dragon** with just this much? That's far too little!"
[**Dark Magician Girl**] (**Wonder Wand**) [ATK 2300 → 2800]
Yusei Fudo and Judai also felt that Hayato's action of equipping **Wonder Wand** to **Dark Magician Girl** was a bit strange. As for Yugi, he immediately recalled what Hayato did during the Duelist Kingdom: "Hayato, you're not thinking of... again?"
"Since you've accepted the gift I sent, then as a return favor, offer up your existence, **Dark Magician Girl**!" Hayato had a solemn expression, but unfortunately, the corners of his mouth couldn't stop lifting. "By sending **Dark Magician Girl** equipped with **Wonder Wand** to the Graveyard, I draw two cards from my Deck!"
"Huh?"
The confused **Dark Magician Girl** only then belatedly remembered that the Wand in her Hand wasn't it the card Hayato equipped and sent to the Graveyard after taking her from Yugi's Hand during Duelist Kingdom?!
Unfortunately, it was already too late.
**Dark Magician Girl** was teleported away to who knows where by the power of **Wonder Wand**, while Hayato drawn two cards.
They were **Gaia the Fierce Knight** and **Spiritualism**.
Although he finally drawn a Monster Card, unfortunately, even if it was **Gaia the Fierce Knight**, it could only serve as one link in his upcoming Field Setup.
Hayato turned his head and glanced at Yusei Fudo behind him: "Yusei Fudo, lend me your power. That card in your Graveyard."
"That card?" Yusei Fudo recalled his Graveyard and nodded at Hayato. "Go ahead and use it, Hayato!"
"Okay, then, I activate the Effect of **Charging Warrior** in the Graveyard! By banishing itself, I add one Tuner Monster from the Graveyard to my Hand! I choose **Junk Synchron**!"
Light gathered in Hayato's Hand. The figure of **Charging Warrior**, which Yusei Fudo had discarded previously in order to increase **Junk Warrior**'s ATK, reappeared after a long time, bringing **Junk Synchron** to Hayato's Hand.
Catching the **Junk Synchron** card, Hayato didn't add it to his Hand, but instead, along with **Gaia the Fierce Knight**, sent them both to the Graveyard: "I activate the Spell Card **Magical Stone Excavation**! By sending two cards from my Hand to the Graveyard, I can then choose one Spell Card from the Graveyard to recycle and add to my Hand."
"The one I choose is the Spell Card **Theft**! Judai!"
"Oh, let's go, Mr. Hayato!" Judai took the card from the Graveyard Zone on his Duel Disk and threw it to Hayato. "Let the opponent see the power of the Duel King!"
Catching Judai's card, Hayato played it and activated it: "Then, I activate the Spell Card **Theft** I added to my Hand! This card's Effect is that I can temporarily steal one card from the opponent's Graveyard for my use. Paradox, you should know which card I'm going to choose, right?"
"Masaka, it's **Stardust Dragon**? Tsk, do you want to help Fudo Yusei get his Monster back?" Paradox snorted coldly. "That won't do! **Stardust Dragon** is an important power to complete my plan!"
"In Chain to **Theft**, I activate my Set Card **Call of the Haunted**! To Special Summon **Stardust Dragon** from my Graveyard in Defense Position! This way, even if you can steal a card from my Graveyard, there won't be many choices left. And at the same time, I gain a safety measure against being Destroyed by Effect."
[**Stardust Dragon**] [DEF 2000]
Although **Malefic Truth Dragon** seemed very powerful in all aspects, in the end, he is also a **Malefic** Monster, and the Lifeline of **Malefic** Monsters is always that card, **Malefic World**.
Although Paradox's **Malefic Territory** provided **Malefic World** with Resistance against being Targeted, the problem is that in Hayato Kobayashi's Information, there is **Harpie's Feather Duster**, a card that doesn't Target. If he had that card in his Hand, it would be troublesome.
Seeing **Stardust Dragon** appear on the opponent's Field, Yusei Fudo's expression was very unpleasant, but Judai patted his shoulder.
"Judai?"
"Don't worry, Yusei Fudo, Mr. Hayato is the strongest among us," Judai chuckled, turning his head to look at Hayato's Left Hand. There, Judai sensed an extremely familiar great power.
"That card..." Yubel emerged behind Judai. They also felt that card. "Seems like the victory or defeat has already been decided."
"After all, it's Mr. Hayato. And to save the world, Mr. Hayato probably used his full power. Mr. Hayato is indeed still that amazing. Then I should also put in more effort," Judai comforted his friend. "Let's continue to work hard and become stronger together, Yubel. You don't want to see the future where the world is Destroyed, right?"
"Me? Compared to things like the world's destruction, I care more about you, Judai. If the world isn't Destroyed but you disappear, I couldn't bear to live in a world without the person I deeply love," Yubel wore a cold expression, but what they said was full of deep love for Judai. "Furthermore, the world is something created together with the person you love."
"For me, the world is what I create together with Judai."
"Yubel..."
Seeing Judai being affectionate with his spirit, Yusei Fudo was confused.
Isn't this a duel where the future of the world is at stakes? Is it really okay for you two to be so lovey-dovey like this? Someone is still dueling up ahead.
However, seeing Yugi on the other side also looking at Hayato with full confidence, Yusei Fudo also relaxed a bit.
Judai and Yugi have both proven that they possess strength worthy of the name as Legendary Duelists, and since both of them have so much confidence in Hayato, Mr. Hayato will surely display his great strength as a Duelist, fully demonstrate his glory as the Duel King, and play a perfect duel.
On the Duel Field, after Special Summoning **Stardust Dragon** with **Call of the Haunted**, it was Hayato's Turn to choose one card from Paradox's Graveyard to take.
"How about it, Hayato Kobayashi, which card is your choice?" Paradox mocked. "Is it this **Malefic Cross**, or **Malefic Selector**? Pity, they are all cards exclusive to the **Malefic** Deck. There is a **Dimension Fusion** that's quite good though."
"But unfortunately, you absolutely cannot pay the 2000 Life Points required for **Dimension Fusion**, hahahaha!"
Unexpectedly, Hayato replied, "Since you, Paradox, recommended it so much, then I'll choose **Dimension Fusion**."
"It's not Paradox, it's Paradox!" Paradox corrected, annoyed, taking the card from his Duel Disk and throwing it towards Hayato. "A foolish choice! You spent so many resources just to take a card from me that you cannot use?"
"Cannot use?" Hayato showed a smile. "That's not necessarily true."
"My Life Points are only a flickering candle at 300 points, indeed, I cannot pay 2000 Life Points to activate **Dimension Fusion**," Hayato played the inexplicable card from his Hand. "But, if I add this card..."
"Continuous Spell Card, **Anti-Magic Strategy**! This card allows me to not have to pay Life Points to activate Spell Cards!"
"Then, activate **Dimension Fusion**! Special Summon as many banished Monsters for both players as possible!"
Hayato pointed his Hand towards the sky: "Advance, towards the distant beyond!"
"Gather once more, Warriors who save the world together! As long as my heart still holds ambition for the distance, the expedition will not end!"
"**Elemental HERO Neos**, **Elemental HERO Flash**, **Elemental HERO Bubbleman**, **Elemental HERO Neos Alius**!"
"And **Charging Warrior**!"
Five pillars of light slammed down vertically onto the ground. Within these sacred pillars of light, the Monsters that were banished in the previous battle all returned to the Field!
Seeing this, Paradox said coldly, "Hmph, so what? They are just more small fry. Don't forget, I can also enjoy the Effect of **Dimension Fusion**!"
"I also Special Summon my banished Monster! Come forth, **Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon**!"
Corresponding to the five pillars of light on Hayato's Field, a pillar of light also appeared on Paradox's Field. **Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon**, the one that was banished instead of being Destroyed previously, was Special Summoned in Defense Position. However, compared to the five imposing pillars of light on Hayato's Field, with only one banished Monster, Paradox's Field looked very lacking in aura.
[**Elemental HERO Neos**] [ATK 2500]
[**Elemental HERO Bubbleman**] [ATK 800]
[**Elemental HERO Flash**] [ATK 1100]
[**Elemental HERO Neos Alius**] [ATK 2500]
[**Charging Warrior**] [ATK 300]
[**Malefic Red-Eyes Black Dragon**] [DEF 2000]
Although Paradox always treated Hayato and the others with a disdainful attitude, he was very careful and cautious during the duel. Even when Special Summoning Monsters, he only put them in Defense Position to avoid being caught with a weakness and heavily attacked. Only the one with the highest ATK, **Malefic Truth Dragon**, was in Attack Position.
To defeat Paradox through battle, no matter how you look at it, it seems the only way is to attack **Malefic Truth Dragon** and then inflict 5150 or more Battle Damage. But to achieve this Damage, the required ATK for the Monster must be at least 10150 points, which is simply too difficult.
After Hayato played the **Dimension Fusion** and **Anti-Magic Strategy** combo, he still had the last three cards in his Hand. After Setting one of the cards in his Spell/Trap Zone, Hayato took out a single card from his Hand and said, "Paradox, you seemed to have said that your Deck gathered the most powerful cards from every era, right?"
"It's Paradox, not Para— no, never mind," Paradox had a conditioned reflex, and after pausing for a moment, continued to say, "That's right. To achieve the Goal of Destroying Duel Monsters, I collected many powerful Monsters from various eras."
"Is that so?" But I think there are at least a few cards you haven't collected. You must be quite envious of the cards you haven't collected, right?" Hayato smiled, flipping the card in his Hand, revealing its yellow border.
However, it wasn't the pale yellow border of a normal Duel Monster, but a dazzling golden yellow like the Radiance of the Sun!
"I have a kind heart and can't bear to see others suffer, so let me show you the Great Power at the Apex of Duel Monsters!" Hayato played the card in his Hand. "I will Tribute these three Monsters on my Field: **Elemental HERO Neos**, **Elemental HERO Neos Alius**, and **Elemental HERO Flash**!"
Hearing the number of Tributes Hayato mentioned, both Yusei Fudo and Paradox were stunned.
In the future, Synchro Summon was almost the most mainstream Summoning Method, followed by Fusion. Tribute Summon was not nonexistent, but it was mostly for supporting purposes and not the key to deciding the victory or defeat of a duel, and very few people's Ace Card would be a Tribute Summoned Monster.
Generally speaking, seeing a Tribute Summon that Tributes one Monster was already rare. Tributing two was even rarer. As for three, they had never even heard of it.
However, Paradox was from the even more distant future after all. Having carefully studied the past to change history, he suddenly remembered something—in the notes for Duel King Hayato Kobayashi, seems like there was a note about him being the "Ultimate Duelist who commands the Three Egyptian Gods" and being "Good at Tribute Monster Strategy"!
However, in the data files, it was completely impossible to keep the data for the Three Egyptian Gods, so much so that Paradox only remembered now that Hayato possessed the Three Egyptian Gods!
And it is said that the Three Egyptian Gods require three Monsters as Tributes to be Summoned!
"Oh, Almighty God, witness my great feat! Bow down! My Infinite Radiance, the Sun God will descend here!"
"**The Winged Dragon of Ra**!!"
**Malefic World**, covering the space, was suddenly torn open with a huge gap. A golden scorching sun burst in, descending onto the surface. Ominous black lightning constantly tried to repair the damaged area, but couldn't even get close, and was completely burned away by the sacred flames wrapped around the golden sphere.
**The Winged Dragon of Ra** in its Sphere Mode floated in the air. According to common sense, at this time, the Duelist needs to Chant the Ancient Egyptian Hieratic Text on **The Winged Dragon of Ra** card to gain the Qualification to Order **The Winged Dragon of Ra**. Those who cannot Chant the text can even have Control taken by those who can.
However, Hayato had no intention of indulging **The Winged Dragon of Ra**.
"Divine-Beast of the Heavens, I forgot the rest, in short, give me a Henshin!"
An extremely perfunctory Chant, but it indeed received a response from **The Winged Dragon of Ra**. The sun wheel high in the air expanded, the golden God Card towered above all beings!
[**The Winged Dragon of Ra**] [Level 10/Divine-Beast]
[Divine-Beast Type/Effect]
[?/?]
"**The Winged Dragon of Ra**'s first Effect is that its ATK and DEF are equal to the Total Stats of the Tributed Monsters! The power of these three Monsters, **Elemental HERO Neos**, **Elemental HERO Neos Alius**, and **Elemental HERO Flash**, returns to the Hand of God!"
Hayato snapped his fingers, and **The Winged Dragon of Ra** also roared towards the sky quite cooperatively, its ATK and DEF soared wildly.
[**The Winged Dragon of Ra**] [?/? → 6100/5600]
"Then, **The Winged Dragon**'s ATK and DEF can be further increased by Tributing other Monsters on my Field!" Hayato sent the other two Monsters on his Field to the Graveyard without hesitation. "Witness the Radiance of the God!"
[**The Winged Dragon of Ra**] [6100/5600 → 6900/6800 → 7200/8000]
"Enter Battle Phase!" Hayato still had one last card in his Hand, his finger pointed at Paradox, who was connected to **Malefic Truth Dragon**. "As the stakes for a Duelist personally entering the Field to Duel, are you ready to taste the Power of the Sun God?"
"Tsk, even if it's a God, I can still use **Malefic Truth Dragon**'s Effect to be Immune to Destruction, and the God's Attack can only reduce my Life Points by 2200 points!" Paradox still retorted stubbornly.
"No, it's already over," Hayato shook his head, playing the **Converging Current** from his Hand. "Gods are only affected by the effects of Spell Cards used in the current Turn. I use the Quick-Play Spell Card **Converging Current**, to increase Ra's ATK by its DEF Value! Also, other Monsters on my Field cannot Attack."
"However, this is the final Attack."
Hayato declared loudly: "End this Duel, Ra!"
"God Blaze Cannon!!"
[**The Winged Dragon of Ra**] [ATK 7200 → 15200]
The Sun's Fire attacked Paradox. Everything in his sight was filled with light and heat. Paradox was somewhat entranced.
This is, your combined attack...
Seems like my plan, has failed...
Sorry, Z-one, I'll go ahead first...
Paradox closed his eyes and muttered, "My heart and actions are as clear as a mirror..."
"All I have done is for justice..."
"Boom!"
[Paradox: 5150 LP → 0]
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 503: Kaiba: I Smell the Aura of Blue-Eyes
As Paradox's Life Points were depleted, the Sun God's flames, shooting straight into the sky, tore apart the Malefic World.
The remnants of the shattered Malefic World fell like glass shards from a giant mirror, gradually dispersing into crystalline light points as they plummeted, reflecting the history of Duel Monsters contained within them.
Speaking in a "bird language" that even Hayato only half-understood, like "Can other God Cards do that?", "Just being able to appear in a duel like this means I've already won big," and "The real Tamashii is me, Winged Dragon!", Ra retracted its solar flames with a satisfied expression and returned to its card.
Beside the Shinri-go D-Wheel, which had crashed to the ground and seemed unusable, lay Paradox, separated from **Malefic Truth Dragon**, flat on his back.
Hayato's final blow didn't need to kill Paradox; it merely destroyed **Malefic Truth Dragon**, which had fused with Paradox. However, being an attack from Ra, the top-tier God Card even among the Three Egyptian Gods, the molten-gold, severed-iron solar flames severely damaged the artificial skin covering a large area of Paradox's body, exposing the mechanical structure beneath.
Furthermore, Paradox had lost his entire lower body. With only half of his face still relatively intact, he looked up at the sky. From a distance, he heard the sound of helicopter propellers from above.
Was it Pegasus? Paradox wasn't sure, but he no longer needed to find out the answer.
A lifeless arm appeared in Paradox's left eye's line of sight. The Duel King, who had just moments ago arrogantly commanded a deity to deliver judgment, was now squatting beside him, grabbing the wrist where he wore his Duel Disk and fiddling with it, trying to remove it.
However, because the Duel Disk Paradox used was a future model, although it looked similar to the classic original Duel Disk, the structural details were different. Even Hayato, who was quite skilled at "borrowing" Duel Disks from others, took a while to remove it, and while he was at it, he also took some unnecessary things.
"Ah, sorry, here you go." Hayato, who was no ordinary office worker, wasn't very interested in Paradox's hand, which he'd accidentally pulled off. He placed it back on Paradox's chest and then took out the deck from Paradox's Duel Disk.
"How do you feel?"
"Hmm, probably couldn't be any worse," Paradox replied subconsciously, a difficult smile forming at the corner of his mouth, sparking with electricity. "However, I truly witnessed an incredible view. If all humans could be like you, the future wouldn't have been destroyed..."
"That's impossible, isn't it? Humans aren't a hive mind. It's precisely because of the countless differences between countless individuals that humanity has infinite possibilities."
Hayato stood up, holding the deck, and looked down at Paradox again.
"It's truly a shame that Duel Monsters has a future that brings destruction to the world, but to deny Duel Monsters for that reason would be too much of a pity."
"Bullets made of gunpowder have brought sadness to the world, but you can't deny the smiles that fireworks in the night sky bring to people's faces."
"Try to believe that we can guide the world towards a different future, Savior from the Doomsday."
Paradox tilted his head, his intact half of the face pressed against the ground. Looking at Hayato, he closed his eye.
"Full of pretty words, Duel King. However, as a loser, I can only choose to believe you."
"Everything I have, take it as spoils if you want it, although you've already taken most of it," Paradox's voice was weak. "I hope it truly can, as you say, change the destroyed fut..."
Doomsday Future, last survivor, Paradox, function ceased.
"Is he... dead?" Hayato was silent for a moment, then bent down, supporting Paradox's neck and turning his head to the side, revealing his intact half. "At least, he ended as a human."
The solemn atmosphere didn't last long. Hayato picked up Paradox's deck, looking at **Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit**, **Maxx "C"**, and other cards in Paradox's deck that he hadn't used but which even Hayato coveted. Tears of sentimentality flowed uncontrollably from the corner of his mouth.
Behind Hayato, Judai watched Hayato collecting spoils with a look of embarrassment. "As expected of Mr. Hayato. So he already had this habit back then?"
"Hayato kept this habit all the way into the future?" Dark Yugi and Yugi Mutou swapped back after the duel, like magical girls de-transforming. Yugi was a little helpless that Judai, who came from ten years in the future, also knew about Hayato's habit.
He had originally thought that in front of the guests from the future, they, the veterans and senior figures, should maintain a good image. But looking at Judai's expression, it was clear that Hayato hadn't restrained himself much over the next ten-plus years.
Hayato wasn't deaf. After the duel ended, with the previously fleeing crowd not having returned, the plaza was very quiet, so he naturally heard Yugi and Judai's conversation.
"Don't make me sound like some kind of fiend! I have a serious purpose." Turning around, Hayato held several cards with semi-transparent black borders in his hand. He threw one of the cards towards Yusei Fudo.
Yusei Fudo subconsciously caught it with both hands and looked. The card shattered the instant it touched Yusei Fudo, turning into a stream of light that entered Yusei Fudo's deck. Following its trace, Yusei Fudo found that the card that absorbed the stream of light was his **Stardust Dragon**.
The **Stardust Dragon** card, which had turned blank after being stolen, was restored to its original appearance. Looking at **Stardust Dragon**, recovered after being lost, even Yusei Fudo, who usually didn't show much emotion, revealed a genuine, bright smile.
Looking up, he thanked Hayato, who was distributing cards from his era to Judai. "Thank you very much, Mr. Hayato!"
"Wow, looking now, I didn't expect Paradox to have stolen so many cards!" Looking at the large pile of cards Hayato stuffed into his hands, Judai couldn't help but exclaim. "But even though he stole so many, he didn't use all of them."
"After all, what you rely on in a duel isn't just powerful cards. The duelist's own strength is also a very important aspect," Hayato said. Seeing Judai curiously rubbing the glass-like outer shell of the semi-transparent cards, he reminded him, "Also, if you damage that outer shell, I won't help you deal with the history alteration that might occur, Judai."
"Huh? Will something like that happen?" Hearing this, Judai obediently stopped his hands and properly put the cards into his backpack. While he was at it, he opened a snack bag and fed the orange cat "Pharaoh" who had been sleeping in the backpack.
Although the four of them were fiercely dueling Paradox outside, this guy and Professor Banner, whom he had swallowed, seemed to have had a good sleep.
Just then, Hayato heard the sound of helicopter propellers above the Central Plaza. Although there was still quite a distance from the ground, the airflow blowing towards the ground had already messed up his haircut.
Turning his head, Hayato looked at the clock in the Central Plaza and found that it was still five minutes before the original time Pegasus was supposed to arrive at 12:00. This made Hayato feel a little unexpected. Why did Pegasus arrive early?
But in the next second, a rope was thrown from the descending helicopter. A man in a long white trench coat, without wearing gloves, grabbed the rope and leaped out of the helicopter, rappelling down to the ground!
"Thud."
Pointed leather shoes stepped on the ground. The famous Dragon Enthusiast, Kaiba Seto, ignored the unexpected expressions on the faces of the four people in front of him and said with a cold face, "Twenty minutes ago, KaibaCorp's satellite monitoring detected some duel data."
"To dare to use **Blue-Eyes White Dragon** in Domino City, and it seems you even created other Blue-Eyes without permission. That's truly looking down on me!"
Kaiba's target locked onto Judai, who hadn't finished putting all the cards into his backpack yet. He was still holding two cards in his hand.
The **Red-Eyes Black Dragon** on top, which had a strange border, was instantly ignored by Kaiba. Although **Red-Eyes Black Dragon** was a rare card worth over several million dollars on the market, Kaiba didn't even spare a glance for that cheap card.
However, the card below **Red-Eyes Black Dragon**, although only a corner of the card art and even only a fingertip of the claw were visible due to **Red-Eyes Black Dragon** blocking it and the angle Judai was holding it at,
But!
For Kaiba, who had to stare at **Blue-Eyes White Dragon** for twenty minutes every night before sleeping to get a baby-like sleep until 8 AM, just by this fingertip, he could be sure that card must be **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**!
"You are, Mr. Kaiba Seto!?" Before Hayato and Yugi could say anything, Judai looked up and down at Kaiba with a surprised expression. "You're kidding, right? Why does Mr. Kaiba from ten years ago look exactly the same as Mr. Kaiba from ten years later?"
"This isn't just good at preserving his looks, is it? It's practically like in an anime with a continuous worldview where the main creative staff were too lazy to even draw new designs and just reused characters from the previous work to save trouble!"
Yusei Fudo was also quite surprised. "It's actually that legendary duelist who wields the legendary **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**, whose strength is only below the Duel King, Kaiba Seto?"
Yusei Fudo came from several decades in the future. By that time, Duel Monsters had developed for so many years. During that time, quite a few once very famous duelists, along with the cards they used, were forgotten and eliminated by the meta and the era. Only a few people could leave their names.
The Father of Duel Monsters - Pegasus J. Crawford,
The Duel King always accompanied by the Soul of the Nameless Pharaoh - Mutou Yuugi,
The Duel King with a diverse style reigning over the era - Hayato Kobayashi,
The Black Dragon user of Dice and Coin - Katsuya Jounouchi,
And, the strongest below the Duel King, who controls three **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**, Kaiba Seto.
Yusei Fudo even knew that his good friend, Jack Atlas, although like most people he really liked the first-generation Duel King Hayato Kobayashi, he greatly admired Kaiba Seto.
Even once before during leisure time, Jack Atlas had unintentionally complained to Yusei Fudo, asking why his Ace Monster, **Red Dragon Archfiend**, which also had 3000 ATK like **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**, didn't have a Fusion form of three.
"Humph, you're being too noisy and long-winded." Kaiba gave a cold snort, not taking Yusei Fudo's flattery to heart. For him, the phrase "only second to the Duel King" was completely unnecessary.
Even though the current Kaiba could get along normally with Hayato in everyday life, the goal of defeating Hayato and becoming the truly strongest had never disappeared from his heart, not even for an instant.
However, if Kaiba knew that Yusei Fudo's evaluation of him came from several decades later, and that he never succeeded in his life, Kaiba's expression at that time would surely be very interesting.
Staring straight at Judai, who was holding the backpack with a curious expression, Kaiba frowned. "You, who exactly are you? And what exactly is going on with that **Blue-Eyes White Dragon** of yours?"
"Ah, this **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**? Uh, I say this card is a card a guy who wanted to rewrite history got from ten years later, do you believe it?" Judai said, also extending his thumb and pointing to himself. "Also, my name is Judai Yuki, and I also came from ten years in the future."
Hearing Judai's explanation, not only did the serious expression on Kaiba's face not disappear, but his expression turned even fouler. He even turned his head and glanced at Hayato beside him.
"Judai Yuki? That name, you mentioned it to me before, Hayato Kobayashi. I remember you told me he was an eight-year-old child." Kaiba glared at Hayato. "This is eight years old!?"
"And what's this about people from the future? You guys think I'm an idiot who's easy to fool, huh?!"
"Uh, Kaiba, Yusei Fudo and Judai are both people from the future. They're really not lying to you," Yugi testified for Judai's words. "Judai also really came from ten years in the future."
Hayato was usually not serious, but Yugi had always had the appearance of an honest person. So hearing Yugi's words, even though Kaiba still didn't quite believe it, he also slightly calmed his serious expression. His gaze swept over Jellyfish Head Judai and looked towards Crab-haired Yusei Fudo.
After thinking for a moment about whether Starfish (Nickname for Yugi), who also had a seafood-like hairstyle, also came from the future like the other two, Kaiba asked, "You also came from ten years later?"
"No, Yusei Fudo came from several decades later, although I'm not entirely sure, but at least twenty or thirty years or more."
Judai proactively introduced Yusei Fudo to Kaiba, but didn't notice that Kaiba's expression got even fouler.
"According to what Yusei Fudo said, future Domino City seems to have been rebuilt, and people from the future all ride motorcycles called 'D-Wheels' and duel on the roads—"
"Enough!"
Judai's introduction was interrupted by Kaiba. Kaiba raised the Duel Disk he was wearing on his left hand and said angrily, "That's enough crazy talk. I don't have free time to keep listening to your nonsense."
"Since you keep saying things that are off-topic and stalling for time, then let me defeat you with a duel and then interrogate you about what's going on with that Blue-Eyes in your hand!"
Hayato couldn't help but rant, "As expected, in the end, dueling solves the problem."
"Is this the world of Duelists? A☆da☆zei!"
End of Chapter
# Chapter 504: Meek to Outsiders, Fierce Against Insiders
So, Judai and Kaiba stood on opposite sides of the Open Space and immediately began Dueling.
[Judai: 4000 LP, Hand 5]
[Kaiba: 4000 LP, Hand 5]
"Hmph, I'll let you take the First Turn, Kid." Although Kaiba was actually less than 20 years old while Judai was already over 20, due to the difference in their height and aura, even Judai didn't feel anything was wrong with Kaiba calling him "Kid".
"Although I feel quite happy being able to Duel Mr. Kaiba, even I feel the reason for the Duel is a bit too hasty," Judai muttered to himself, complaining, his finger on his Deck. But the expression on his face was very excited. "However, in that case, it's not like I can't get a little serious."
"My Turn, Draw!"
Glancing at the card he drew, Judai's mouth curved upwards: "Yosh, I drew a good card."
"I Attack Position Summon **E HERO Solid Soldier**, then activate the effect of **E HERO Solid Soldier** when it is Summoned successfully. From my hand, Special Summon one 4☆ or lower Hero Monster. I choose **Elemental HERO Stratos**."
**E HERO Solid Soldier**, wearing small shields on its arms and light armor, it clearly excels at defense, appeared on Judai's Field. Simultaneously, a blue figure soared into the sky behind him; **Elemental HERO Stratos**, wearing a propeller flying backpack, appeared alongside **E HERO Solid Soldier**.
[E HERO Solid Soldier] [4☆/EARTH]
[Warrior Type/Effect]
[1300/1100]
[E HERO Stratos] [4☆/Wind]
[Warrior Type/Effect]
[1800/300]
"Hmph, small fry are just small fry, no matter how many gather. However, E HERO, huh..."
Kaiba glanced towards Hayato.
Hayato didn't respond to Kaiba's intense stare. Instead, looking at the Elemental HERO Stratos Judai Summoned, he remarked: "If you have three Stratos, who wouldn't want to become a Hero?"
Hayato ignored him. Kaiba let out a cold snort, looked back at the Field, thinking to himself.
Because of recent business cooperation, the relationship between KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions could be considered to be in an ambiguous phase. Kaiba was also quite knowledgeable about Industrial Illusions' movements, and thus knew that what Pegasus was originally scheduled to release at the Duel Monsters Convention today was the E HERO Deck.
Actually, in the previous "KC Cup", Kaiba and other Duel Monsters enthusiasts who had paid attention to the match had already seen the E HERO Deck. Hayato Kobayashi's fake identity "Dan Kuroto" at the time, as well as a young man named "Judai Yuki", had both used it.
Hayato is a Major Shareholder holding 30% of Industrial Illusions. Judai Yuki's background, after Kaiba's investigation, also revealed that his father was a designer in Industrial Illusions' Card Design Department. Therefore, when Kaiba learned that the cards newly released by Industrial Illusions were E HERO, he once had the conjecture that Hayato might have been riding the popularity wave to promote the new Deck before.
This silly-looking guy in front of him, who smiled like Normal Monster Joey Wheeler , indeed looked very much like the young man named "Judai Yuki". While claiming to be "Judai Yuki", he was also using a new version of E HERO that even Kaiba didn't know. This seemed to provide some evidence that he indeed came from the future and wasn't lying.
However, even if the opponent really came from the future, it didn't matter. Kaiba glanced at his perfect hand, his mouth curved upwards.
Before my invincible Blue-Eyes, ordinary Duelists couldn't hope to close the gap with me even in ten years. Wait until the next Turn and watch me crush the opponent in one Turn~
After Judai used E HERO Solid Soldier's effect to Special Summon Elemental HERO Stratos, there was still subsequent effect resolution.
"When Elemental HERO Stratos is Normal Summoned or Special Summoned successfully, one of its own effects can be activated. The first effect is, destroy Spell/Trap Cards on the Field up to the number of other Hero monsters you control," Judai introduced to Kaiba. "But because there are no Spell/Trap Cards on the Field, I will choose to activate its second effect."
"Add to hand one Hero Monster from my Deck," Judai said. He took out a card he searched from his Deck and showed it to Kaiba; it was a female Monster wearing cool black armor. "The card I added to my hand is this **Elemental HERO Shadow Mist**."
Kaiba, however, watched Judai's search with an indifferent expression. But Hayato, who was watching from the side, his eyelids twitched.
'First the Hero big brother, then the Hero big sister, Future Judai sure plays fancy,' Hayato thought to himself. 'What he's going to perform next, could it be that classic Hero Deck combo?'
'He was clearly slacking off and giving away cards when Dueling Paradox, what's with this guy suddenly getting serious when Dueling Kaiba? Was he beaten badly by him before?'
Adding Elemental HERO Shadow Mist to his hand, Judai looked at Kaiba and chuckled: "Mr. Kaiba, what comes next is the most exciting part of my E HERO Deck. Don't blink."
"I Activate the Spell Card **Polymerization**! From my hand, I choose **Elemental HERO Liquid Soldier** and Elemental HERO Stratos on the Field as Fusion Material!"
The vortex of Polymerization swallowed a monster in Judai's hand wearing liquid armor and the Elemental HERO Stratos on his Field. A streak of pure white entered Kaiba's sight.
"The endless power of the storm and the pure power of flowing water converge, transforming into protective solid ice standing firm!"
"Fusion Summon! **Elemental HERO Absolute Zero**!"
Its armor, like the ice and snow of the polar regions, was pure and flawless white. The angular armor did not give off a chilling aura, only a coolness that calmed one's mood. Crystal-clear ice flowers bloomed on the Ground where its battle boots stepped, lifting this warrior that appeared on Judai's Field!
[E HERO Absolute Zero] [8☆/Water]
[Warrior Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2500/2000]
"Simultaneously with the successful Fusion Summon of Elemental HERO Absolute Zero, the effect of Elemental HERO Liquid Soldier, which was sent to the Graveyard as Fusion Material for a Hero Fusion Monster, activates," Judai said, drawing two cards from his Deck. "I draw two cards from my Deck, then choose one card from my hand to discard."
"I discard this **Cross Keeper**, then activate the Spell Card **Fusion Recovery** to recycle Elemental HERO Stratos, which was used as Fusion Material, and the Polymerization Spell Card to my hand."
After Judai's round of hand exchange operation, looking at the five cards in Judai's hand, even Kaiba became a little serious.
According to common sense, "Fusion Summon" should be a Summoning Method that results in card disadvantage. Starting with two Fusion Materials plus one Polymerization Spell Card, it requires at least three card resources to "Fusion Summon" a powerful monster.
But at this moment, Judai not only Summoned Elemental HERO Absolute Zero with ATK comparable to Dark Magician on the Field, and an E HERO Solid Soldier with only 1300 ATK that Kaiba didn't pay attention to, he still had a full five cards in his hand.
Not only did he not suffer card disadvantage, he even gained card advantage.
"Solid, gas, and liquid, huh..."
Judai didn't pay attention to Kaiba's muttering. He inserted the Polymerization Spell Card he just recycled into the Spell & Trap Zone and activated it again: "I will activate the Polymerization Spell Card again. This time, the Fusion Materials I choose are Elemental HERO Shadow Mist from my hand and E HERO Solid Soldier on the Field."
"The shadow covers the ground, then the ground absorbs the shadow, and what is born afterwards is the radiance that creates miracles!"
"Fusion Summon! **Elemental HERO Sunrise**!"
Its flowing blue cape was lifted by the breeze passing through the Central Plaza. Its broad chest, its sharp gaze through the ox horn helmet, and the stylish weapons on its two armguards, like a shining sun wheel split in half!
[E HERO Sunrise] [7☆/Light]
[Warrior Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2500/1200]
"E HERO are heroes who wield Elemental Power 'Elemental' to uphold justice. They are good at combining multiple elemental powers to create miracles," Judai said proudly. "When Elemental HERO Sunrise is Special Summoned successfully, its effect can be activated: Add to hand one **Miracle Fusion** from my Deck."
"However, before that, chain activate the effects of E HERO Solid Soldier and Cross Keeper in my Graveyard."
"First is the effect of Cross Keeper. When Cross Keeper is in my Graveyard, when I successfully Special Summon an E HERO Fusion Monster, I can banish Cross Keeper from the game, draw two cards from my Deck, then choose one card from my hand and return to bottom of Deck."
Just as Judai banished Cross Keeper from the game, drew cards from his Deck, and then put one card into the bottom of his Deck, the effect of E HERO Solid Soldier began resolving.
At the location on Judai's Field where E HERO Solid Soldier disappeared, a stone pillar rose. The side of the pillar opened like an elevator, and Elemental HERO Shadow Mist, which was previously used as Fusion Material, walked out from it, half-crouching in Defense on Judai's Field.
[E HERO Shadow Mist] [4☆/Dark]
[Warrior Type/Effect]
[1000/1500]
"When E HERO Solid Soldier is sent to the Graveyard by the effect of a Spell Card, I can Special Summon one Hero Monster from my Graveyard, other than E HERO Solid Soldier, in Defense Position on my Field."
After Judai finished speaking, because of the effect of Elemental HERO Sunrise, he searched for one Miracle Fusion and added it to hand.
"Then, the effect of Elemental HERO Shadow Mist. When this card is Special Summoned, Add to hand one 'Change' Quick-Play Spell Card from my Deck."
Another card was added to hand by Judai. Now his hand size is still five cards, but the monsters on the Field have increased again. After a combo-like sequence of plays, the board is quite impressive.
[Elemental HERO Absolute Zero] [ATK 2500]
[Elemental HERO Shadow Mist] [DEF 1500]
[Elemental HERO Sunrise] [ATK 2500→3100]
Hmm?
Kaiba looked at Elemental HERO Sunrise, whose ATK was just 2500 points, somewhat puzzled how his ATK had become 3100 points in just the blink of an eye.
"Elemental HERO Sunrise has the ability to increase ATK based on the number of different Attributes among monsters on my Field. As I introduced before, E HERO are heroes who are good at utilizing elemental power."
"Because I have Elemental HERO Sunrise (LIGHT Attribute) on my Field, Elemental HERO Absolute Zero (WATER Attribute), and Elemental HERO Shadow Mist (DARK Attribute), Elemental HERO Sunrise's ATK increases by 3x200, which is 600 points."
On Elemental HERO Sunrise's left arm, on the scythe-shaped half-sun wheel, three decorative pillars lit up with black, blue, and white tri-colored faint lights, seemingly absorbing elemental power through this.
Then, Judai, as if mentioning it casually, remarked casually: "Hehe, in that case, my E HERO monster has successfully exceeded 3000 ATK! It's higher than your Ace Monster Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Mr. Kaiba!"
"Hmph, you're being proud too early about that. What's the big deal about just exceeding Blue-Eyes' ATK by 100 points?"
Letting out a cold snort, Kaiba continued, "If you think this level gives you the possibility of defeating me, then look forward to being crushed by my Blue-Eyes next Turn!"
Looking at the annoyed expression that Kaiba couldn't help but show on his face, Judai chuckled inwardly: 'Looking at this expression, Mr. Hayato was indeed right. Mr. Kaiba has liked Not Shuffling since ten years ago. He must have already gathered three Blue-Eyes White Dragons and Polymerization in his hand by now, right?'
'Then I'll use this...'
Having an idea in mind, Judai set three cards from his hand: "Set three cards. My Turn ends here."
[Judai Yuki: 4000 LP, Hand 2]
Monsters: (Omitted)
[Set Card] X3
"Then it's my Turn!"
As soon as he heard Judai declare his Turn end, Kaiba impatiently drew a card. "Draw!"
Confirming the card he drew, the smile on Kaiba's face became even more proud. As if certain victory was in his grasp, he looked at Judai with an aggressive gaze and said arrogantly: "It seems this Duel is already over."
"I have to admit that you indeed have some strength, but before my Blue-Eyes, you still cannot escape being annihilated." Kaiba said as he spoke, he directly took out a full four cards from his hand. "Since your E HERO Deck focuses on Fusion, then I will use this tough, invincible, strongest Ultimate Fusion Monster to grant you complete defeat!"
"Activate the Spell Card Polymerization, using three Blue-Eyes White Dragons from my hand as Fusion Material!"
Four cards that seemed glued together were sent to the Graveyard by Kaiba. Kaiba extended a finger and pointed towards the sky. Behind him, three Blue-Eyes White Dragons manifested, soaring up towards the sky, merging into one entity through the power of Polymerization!
"Let the form of the evolved strongest Dragon be imprinted in your mind and forever fall into fear of it!"
"**Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon**!"
Chapter 505: Wow, I wonder what President Kaiba's Set card could be?
"ROAR!" x3
After the power of [Fusion] faded, the gigantic three-headed white dragon spread its wings, blotting out the sky and sun. Its ferocious draconic heads looked down upon Judai, who was surrounded by three [E·HERO] monsters.
[Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon][Level 12/LIGHT]
[Dragon/Fusion/Effect]
[ATK 4500/DEF 3800]
"The power created by combining three [Blue-Eyes] can surpass even the gods! Bow before Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon!" Kaiba raised his hand with a savage grin, pointing at Judai. "If Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon exists in the Extra Deck, Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon can attack three times during one Battle Phase! Your monsters cannot protect you!"
"Now, I enter my Battle Phase!"
Neither Hayato, Yugi, nor Judai, who was facing Kaiba, found anything wrong with Kaiba's declaration. However, Yusei, also watching from the sidelines, was exceptionally surprised by Kaiba's overly confident action of ignoring Judai's Set cards.
"He's just entering the Battle Phase like that!?"
Yusei looked Kaiba's Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon up and down. He couldn't believe that such a monster, which practically screamed "power offense," could possess resistance to Spell/Trap Cards in addition to its immense ATK and triple attack capability.
Puzzled, Yusei turned his head towards Hayato, seeking an answer.
However, Hayato simply shook his head at Yusei. "Puzzled by Kaiba's confidence? Why not just keep watching, Yusei."
Facing the imposing aura of Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon, Judai's expression remained calm. Indeed, the three Set cards in his back row were not mere decorations. After Kaiba declared the start of the Battle Phase, his hand hovered near a button on his Duel Disk, ready to activate one of the Set cards at any moment.
"Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon has 4500 ATK. It would be bad if you managed to attack three times, Mr. Kaiba." Judai calculated the maximum damage Kaiba could inflict.
On his field were E·HERO Absolute Zero with 2500 ATK, E·HERO Sunrise with 3100 ATK, and E·HERO Shadow Mist in Defense Position. If Judai didn't use any card effects, the three attacks from Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon could inflict a total of 3800 battle damage.
But that was only if Judai didn't activate any cards.
"That E·HERO Sunrise's effect probably isn't limited to just searching a card when Summoned and gaining ATK based on Attributes. Since you claim it has the power to create miracles, its strength must surely be more than that."
Although directly declaring the Battle Phase might seem utterly reckless, Kaiba calmly analyzed the situation before attacking.
"Gaining ATK based on the Attributes of other monsters on the field... on the surface, it seems appropriate to defeat the other monsters first to weaken it. And common mediocrities would most likely do just that. But I, Seto Kaiba, always make it a habit to challenge the limits!"
Kaiba waved his hand towards E·HERO Sunrise. "Then the first monster to be annihilated will be that E·HERO Sunrise! Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon, attack it!"
"Hyper-Neutron-Blast!"
The three heads of Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon tilted upwards in unison, beams of azure light converging in their mouths. Then came a triple torrent of light, seemingly capable of grinding everything to dust and erasing its existence from the world!
Seeing Kaiba choose E·HERO Sunrise as the attack target, Judai sighed helplessly. "Still couldn't hide it, huh? Even though this should be its first appearance in this era. Or is it Mr. Kaiba's superhuman dueling intuition as a legendary duelist?"
The E·HERO Sunrise Judai had Summoned indeed had a trap-like third effect, just as Kaiba suspected. When another HERO monster on his field, other than E·HERO Sunrise, declared an attack during battle, he could target one card on the field and destroy it.
When others, as Kaiba speculated, adopted the tactic of attacking other HERO monsters to weaken E·HERO Sunrise, they would fall into the trap and have their powerful monsters, painstakingly brought out, destroyed by this effect. But Kaiba, by choosing to attack the E·HERO Sunrise at its peak ATK, had coincidentally avoided triggering this effect.
As the attack from Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon approached, Judai wasn't flustered. His right fingers, already prepared, twitched and pressed the button.
"Well, I wasn't expecting this move to defeat you easily anyway, Mr. Kaiba. If that's the case, then I guess I just have to transform!"
A Set card on Judai's field flipped open. Kaiba frowned, wary of what the Quick-Play Spell Card appearing on Judai's field might do to his [Blue-Eyes], but unexpectedly, the power flying out of the card struck E·HERO Absolute Zero on Judai's field directly.
"Not strengthening the targeted E·HERO Sunrise, nor weakening the attacking Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon?" Kaiba looked puzzled at the card Judai activated, seeing a figure leaping into the light within it.
"The Set card I activated is the Quick-Play Spell Card Mask Change! Its effect lets me transform one HERO monster I control into an M·HERO monster with the same Attribute from my Extra Deck."
Judai explained, watching E·HERO Absolute Zero become encased in its own solid ice under the influence of Mask Change's power.
"Even heroes aren't omnipotent. Heroes can stand in the light and strike down darkness walking in the open, but they cannot reach the evil hiding in the shadows. For this reason, heroes don masks, also walking in the shadows to uphold justice. This is the Masked Hero, 'M·HERO'!"
Judai extended his palm towards E·HERO Absolute Zero. "Let the solid ice transform into gentle flowing water! Awaken with the power of the water's flow!"
"Masked HERO Acid!"
[M·HERO Acid][Level 8/WATER]
[Warrior/Fusion/Effect]
[ATK 2600/DEF 2100]
The pillar of ice suddenly shattered, sending shards flying everywhere. Though seemingly thin ice that would break on impact, when it collided with the attack of Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon, it was the latter's attack that was stopped.
Moreover, Kaiba's Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon was struck by the ice shards. The moment of contact instantly transferred its heat away, leaving a patch frozen solid. As a large number of ice shards flew about, Kaiba watched in astonishment as his Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon was forcibly turned into an ice sculpture!?
"E·HERO Absolute Zero is a hero who channels the power of ice and snow within his body, fighting with armor and fists. When he transforms into Masked HERO Acid, the power within him loses its constraints and is released." Judai explained to Kaiba. "When E·HERO Absolute Zero leaves the field, all monsters on the opponent's field are destroyed."
"This move is called, Aurora Goddess's Pardon."
Judai said this, smugly placing his hands on his hips. Unexpectedly, Masked HERO Acid, the transformation of E·HERO Absolute Zero, turned around and tried hard to deny to the others that his move had such a strange-sounding name.
"Tsk, looks like that Judai kid's taste in naming things didn't improve much later on. If it were me, the names I'd come up with would definitely sound much better." Hayato said, nodding affirmatively. "Like 'Ice Heaven Hundred Flower Burial' or 'Ice Age'."
"Although they sound a bit better than 'Aurora Goddess's Pardon', aren't they fundamentally the same thing?" Yugi retorted dryly.
"Because E·HERO Absolute Zero was sent to the Graveyard by Mask Change, its effect was triggered. So, although its ATK is very high, your Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon, which has absolutely no destruction protection, is destroyed. Your plan fell through, Mr. Kaiba."
On the field, Judai spoke proudly, then glanced at Masked HERO Acid. "Also, when Masked HERO Acid is Special Summoned, it actually has an effect to destroy all Spell/Trap Cards on the opponent's field and decrease the ATK of all opponent's monsters by 300 points."
"However, Mr. Kaiba, you have no Set cards at all." After a pause, Judai gave a confident smile. "But it doesn't matter anymore. With no monsters on your field, victory will be mine next turn."
Hearing this, Kaiba snorted coldly, looking at Judai who had prematurely declared his victory. "Soitsu wa dou ka na?"
"Hm?"
After replying to Judai, Kaiba didn't rush to do anything. Instead, he turned his head, looking towards Hayato and Yugi beside him.
'Hayato, Yugi, you two can always achieve things beyond your opponent's imagination. You can think of and implement solutions to any sudden situation in a duel in mere moments, and even anticipate your opponent's thoughts to respond accordingly.'
'Even in absolutely disadvantageous situations, you can continue dueling with a smile and achieve victory.'
'The anomaly that just occurred in the central plaza... you must have defeated some powerful enemy again. It seems you haven't slacked off due to victory and are still growing stronger.'
'My Deck yearns to defeat you, my heart filled with belligerent passion. And before I defeat you, I will evolve together with [Blue-Eyes], until I catch up to your footsteps and surpass you!'
Glancing at the card in his hand, Kaiba's lips curled into a smirk.
"After destroying Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon, you think you've secured victory, but you have no idea what kind of existence you have awakened." Kaiba raised the card from his hand high above his head. With his motion, although no Field Spell Card or similar card was activated, the sky suddenly darkened.
"When Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon is destroyed, the ultimate dragon in my hand meets the conditions to be Summoned!"
"Infinite time hides within that primal white power! Within the resounding echo of resonating souls, spread your trembling feathers! Emerge from the azure abyss!"
As Kaiba chanted the somewhat cringeworthy but incredibly imposing lines with his magnetic voice—lines that would sound awkward coming from anyone else—light bloomed from the ice sculpture of Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon.
But, although it was pure white light, it gave off a feeling of wanting to devour everything and drag it into the abyss.
"That is?!" Yusei's eyes widened as he saw the dragon shape spreading its wings amidst the light as the ice sculpture of Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon gradually cracked open.
"If you hoped that freezing could seal Blue-Eyes until the end of time, then now, awaken from the seal at time's end!"
Kaiba shouted loudly, and the winged white dragon finally broke free from the ice!
"Deep-Eyes White Dragon!!"
"WRAAAARRRGGHH!!!"
[Deep-Eyes White Dragon][Level 10/LIGHT]
[Dragon/Effect]
[ATK 0/DEF 0]
It was a new white dragon that even Hayato and Yugi were seeing for the first time. Summoned by Kaiba, looking at Deep-Eyes White Dragon's unique form—so different from other [Blue-Eyes], as if from another dimension, strange yet beautiful—even Yugi found it hard to remain calm. "A White Dragon with 0 ATK!"
[Blue-Eyes White Dragon] had "power offense" etched into its very DNA, a trait inherited by its other derivatives. Yet Kaiba, who usually looked down on monsters with weak ATK, actually put a monster with 0 ATK in his Deck?
"When a [Blue-Eyes] monster is destroyed, Deep-Eyes White Dragon can be Special Summoned from my hand. Then, when Deep-Eyes White Dragon is Special Summoned by this effect, the opponent will also suffer the wrath of the dragons from the abyss of the Graveyard that descend alongside Deep-Eyes White Dragon!"
The ring connecting the wings on Deep-Eyes White Dragon's back lit up. As its wings beat, stardust scattered onto the ground, which then ignited with blue flames, morphing into the forms of the monsters in Kaiba's Graveyard!
Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon!
Four Dragon-Type souls, guided by the power of Deep-Eyes White Dragon, though mere phantoms, performed the motion of breathing attacks, and indeed, four distinct blasts shot towards Judai!
"Urgh!"
[Judai Yuki: 4000 → 1600 LP]
"Each Dragon-Type monster in the Graveyard inflicts 600 points of effect damage to the opponent! And Deep-Eyes White Dragon can inherit the power of Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon in the Graveyard!"
[Deep-Eyes White Dragon][ATK 0/0 → 4500/0]
Kaiba looked at Judai, whose LP had drastically dropped due to the bombardment from the four [Blue-Eyes] in the Graveyard, and said gravely, "Then, let's continue the unfinished battle, Deep-Eyes White Dragon."
"Attack E·HERO Sunrise!"
"Burst Stream of the Abyss!!"
"Woah!"
[Judai: 1600 → 200 LP]
E·HERO Sunrise with 3100 ATK couldn't withstand the attack of Deep-Eyes White Dragon, whose ATK had risen to a staggering 4500 after inheriting the power of Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon. It was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, and Judai's LP dropped by another 1400 points, leaving him with only 200 LP remaining.
"With this, your LP are like a candle in the wind, boy." Kaiba stated with a savage grin. If it had been Blue-Eyes Alternative Ultimate Dragon, he could have attacked twice more to completely wipe out Judai's LP, which would have been a guaranteed kill. Unfortunately, it wasn't.
Unaware that he had just raised a "candle in the wind" flag, Kaiba ended his Battle Phase since all his monsters had attacked. Just when Judai thought he would Set a card and end his turn, Kaiba played the last card in his hand.
"In my Main Phase 2, I activate the Spell Card Card of Demise! My hand is replenished to five cards, and as a cost, during my fifth Standby Phase from now, I must discard my entire hand."
Speaking shamelessly, Kaiba, having activated his last card Card of Demise, drew five cards at once, casually Setting four of them.
"I Set three cards face-down, then Summon one monster in face-down Defense Position. My turn ends."
Kaiba looked at Judai as if victory was already assured. "I can feel the winds of victory blowing at my back! And you will face defeat at the start of your turn!"
Although Kaiba didn't say what his Set cards were, Hayato, who knew Kaiba's usual tricks all too well, already understood clearly from his words.
"Wow, Seto Set three mysterious cards. I'm so excited to see what they are."
As everyone knows, when Kaiba Sets one card and Summons a monster, the Set cards are ____ and ____, and when Kaiba has a high-ATK monster on the field, the two Set cards are ____ and ____.
End of Chapter
(if you see any proplem tell me as if you donet tell me i am not gone look at all )