"Set one card. End turn."
After clearing away the other cards, AA-ZEUS Set one card.
"Bad news." Seeing AA-ZEUS end its turn, Astral couldn't help muttering softly.
Beyond AA-ZEUS, there was actually one more Set card.
"Since AA-ZEUS directly clears all other cards on the field, why still Set one?" Tori Meadows was a bit puzzled.
"That means the Set card also has a special purpose. Perhaps a card that coordinates with AA-ZEUS."
"But even if that card is useless, AA-ZEUS with four materials is already very powerful!"
Even without speaking of AA-ZEUS's simple, easy Summoning method, just AA-ZEUS's effect alone was already extremely troublesome.
"3000 DEF. If Yuma were to deal with it, he'd need Utopia and Double or Nothing! But that would take at least three cards. And even if the Xyz Summon of Utopia succeeded, it could be instantly sent to the Graveyard by AA-ZEUS.
Even with Quick-Play Spells to keep finding ways to battle during Battle Phase, there's still the possibility of being cleared and sent to the Graveyard again.
Even more, you might not even Xyz Summon before being sent to the Graveyard by AA-ZEUS directly!"
Yuma's monsters were mostly quick-Summoning-then-quick-Xyz monsters. But no matter how many, one turn couldn't withstand two clearings!
"Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon has a chance to directly detach all its Xyz materials, but before Photon Dragon attacks, it would probably be sent to the Graveyard by AA-ZEUS first. Divine Arsenal AA-ZEUS - Sky Thunder truly is a powerful Xyz Monster."
Just thinking of finally gathering two Xyz materials, only to be sent to the Graveyard by AA-ZEUS before overlaying, made Yuma feel his teeth ache.
"It's fine."
At this moment, Hikaru suddenly spoke.
He seemed to have no worries at all about being the opponent's next target, and casually said:
"Indeed, AA-ZEUS, your effect is indeed very powerful. But that power doesn't have much impact on my duel."
"Eh, really?" Yuma asked in astonishment.
"Indeed, if it's someone specializing in Fusion Summoning, they can conduct Fusion in advance without needing to Summon, which prevents material monsters from being sent to the Graveyard directly." Astral lowered his head, pressing his chin, thinking. "But... the Fusion Monster produced would still be cleared by AA-ZEUS, right?"
"Then just don't let it clear." Hikaru looked at his hand cards and gave a slight smile.
"My turn, draw."
He drew a card, his eyes lit up, put it away, then continued: "Activate Spell Card, Branded Fusion!"
Right off the bat, Fusion!
Yuma and Astral had a sudden realization.
But what surprised them more was still ahead.
Hikaru held the card between two fingers of his right hand, raising it beside him, and said with a chuckle: "Branded Fusion, cards with this name can only be activated once per turn. On the turn this card is activated, I cannot Special Summon monsters other than Fusion Monsters from my Extra Deck."
Extra Fusion Monster Special Summon self-restraint?
For a Fusion user, this wasn't restraint. But viewed through all duelists' eyes, this was already a rather serious restraint.
"Such a powerful self-restraint should also have a correspondingly strong effect, right?"
"That's right. Branded Fusion's effect is: from my hand, Deck, or field, I can use 2 monsters as Fusion Materials to Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster that uses 'Fallen of Albaz' as Fusion Material!"
"So that's it!" Astral suddenly had a realization.
Directly Fusion-ing monsters from the Deck meant not needing to worry about materials being sent to the Graveyard.
But...
He shook his head.
This was something Xyz couldn't do, something only Fusion could do.
"I send Fallen of Albaz and Helshaddoll Hollow from my Deck to the Graveyard."
"The Fusion condition is Fallen of Albaz and 1 monster with ATK 2500 or more.
Fusion Summon!"
A little dark figure appeared on Hikaru's field. Then it cried out, absorbing Hollow's power into its own body, then rapidly expanding, growing larger, finally transforming into a silver-white great dragon.
Titaniklad the Ash Dragon. Level 8, DARK Attribute, Dragon-Type. ATK 2500.
"This card applies when Fusion Summoned. This turn, this card is unaffected by other monsters' effects from Special Summoned monsters from the Extra Deck. Also, this card's ATK is increased by the combined original Levels of the monsters used as Fusion Materials, times 100."
Titaniklad the Ash Dragon, ATK: 2500 → 3800.
"3800 ATK!" Yuma shouted.
At the same time, Astral had a realization: "So that's it. A clever Fusion!"
"Eh eh, what is it?" Tori Meadows was slightly puzzled.
"Applies when Fusion Summoned." Kite unusually recited and explained the logic during a duel. "Applies-when-Summoned is a rather special kind of effect. So long as the Summon succeeds, whether or not negation effects have applied, it won't be negated. In other words, at this very moment, Titaniklad the Ash Dragon won't be sent to the Graveyard by AA-ZEUS."
At the same time, he couldn't help admiring Hikaru's skill.
Using just 1 card to reverse the situation, making Divine Arsenal AA-ZEUS - Sky Thunder with its full 4 Xyz materials unable to display full power.
"Not over yet." Hikaru continued. "Hollow's effect. When this card is sent to the Graveyard by an effect, send cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard equal to the original Attributes on the field.
Now, on the field are LIGHT Attribute AA-ZEUS and DARK Attribute Titaniklad the Ash Dragon. So I send the top 2 cards of my Deck to the Graveyard."
Was this a mill setup then?
Kite looked at Hikaru's Deck.
Hikaru took the two cards and glanced at them, brow slightly furrowing.
"I send Future Fusion and Dogmatika Theo the Iron Punch from my Deck to the Graveyard."
Terribly bad milling.
It seemed Visas's "evenly matched" wasn't just talk. It was probably this way for everyone in the duel.
That was why Kite would eat Maxx "C" and AA-ZEUS could only overlay once and Set a card before passing.
In this duel, it wasn't only comparing dueling but also comparing extra things.
Before Kite had thought it through, he'd actually already understood.
That kind of thing was fighting spirit!
And Hikaru was absolutely one of the world's rare, most spirited people about "Fusion Summoning"!
"Battle. Titaniklad attacks AA-ZEUS!"
AA-ZEUS was strong, but couldn't handle Titaniklad. It could only be destroyed by Titaniklad's attack!
But AA-ZEUS clearly wasn't completely undefended either.
"Open Set card. Xyz Tribalrivals."
On the card art, two alchemists were having a big pillow fight.
"While this card exists in the Spell and Trap Zone, Xyz Monsters with 2 or more Xyz Materials cannot be destroyed by effects. While this card exists in the Spell and Trap Zone, after the damage calculation step of a battle between my Xyz Monster and an opponent monster, activate. Destroy that opponent monster. This effect can only be activated and resolved if my monster has 2 or more Xyz Materials."
So that was it.
A Trap protecting AA-ZEUS itself!
"Looks like it's to prevent Fissure or Raigeki-type cards from resolving the powerful AA-ZEUS with one card." Astral, after seeing this card, quickly realized AA-ZEUS's line of thinking.
"And even without activating its first effect, encountering the current special situation, it can bring out this card's second effect and deal with the opponent's monster. AA-ZEUS, what a cool robot." Astral's identity as a big robot and tokusatsu enthusiast showed signs of stirring. Fortunately he cared more about the duel and didn't say anything absurd.
"But this way, Light's Ash Dragon will also be destroyed!"
"An ace monster finally Summoned." Tori Meadows felt regretful too.
The mighty Ash Dragon had just triumphed over the invincible AA-ZEUS, only for a pillow to come flying from who knows where and slam into its forehead. The next second, Ash Dragon was sent to the Graveyard.
This way, Hikaru had no way to continue operating in battle.
"Impressive. Using just one Fusion to break through my power." AA-ZEUS was slightly moved. "As expected of the Absolute Fusion User widely spoken of in the spirit world. But now that the Fusion Monster has been dealt with, what will you do?
Next, you face Mr. Riumheart with 8 hand cards."
"A very simple matter... I will Fusion as I always do." Hikaru shrugged, picking up a card from his hand.
"Main Phase 2."
"Activate Spell Card, Frightfur Patchwork!"
Frightfur Patchwork, as always, reporting for duty!
"This card can add 1 Edge Imp and 1 Polymerization from my Deck to my hand!"
"I add Edge Imp Chain and Polymerization from my Deck to my hand!"
Gathered the Fusion Spell and Fusion Materials?
Frightfur, next was it going to be a Frightfur Fusion Monster?
As expected of the Absolute Fusion User, the Fusion Monsters he used truly varied.
"The Fusion condition is 1 Despia monster and 1 LIGHT or DARK monster."
Hikaru revealed a monster in his hand: "I fuse Despian Comedy in my hand with Edge Imp Chain!"
"Before the sacred tomb, a visit is made. Demon of Despia, descend here!"
"Fusion Summon!"
"Level 8, Despian Quaeritis!"
Who are you looking for, appearing in dazzling fashion!
With Hikaru's operation, an enormous battle-axe composed of teeth and bones spun down with a crash. Then, dark demonic armor strode out from a purple square.
Despian Quaeritis. Level 8, LIGHT Attribute, Fiend-Type. ATK 2500.
This monster exuded an ominous aura all over, looking rather mighty and terrifying.
"Edge Imp Chain's effect. When this card is sent from the hand or field to the Graveyard, I can add 1 Frightfur card from my Deck to my hand." Hikaru lightly raised his left hand, and the second Frightfur Patchwork ejected from his Deck.
Then he examined his hand and Graveyard.
Honestly, if he had a choice, he wouldn't want to put a card like "Despian Comedy" in his Deck. But he had too few Despia monsters on hand at the moment. To use a Despia deck, he had to include this card.
Good news, after long fighting in the Branded Dimension, he'd actually gained quite a few brand-new Despia cards. Actually, this Despian Comedy was a card he'd recovered during this period.
"Set two cards."
Hikaru examined his hand, lightly shook his head, and stuffed cards into the Spell and Trap Zone.
Setting aside that Battle Phase had already ended, his hand and Extra Deck alone couldn't support more Fusions.
If his Extra Deck had The Bystial Lubellion or Lubellion the Searing Dragon, he could actually conduct multi-stage Fusions and mill stronger cards, rather than purely gambling on the quality of blind milling.
If he could precision-mill, who would want to gamble on blind milling?
Even Tearlaments could go five cards deep with bad luck and still not move.
"End turn."
"At this instant of turn end, Titaniklad the Ash Dragon's effect in the Graveyard activates.
Activated during the End Phase of the turn this card was sent to the Graveyard. Choose 1 Dogmatika monster or Fallen of Albaz from my Deck to add to my hand or Special Summon.
From my Deck, I Special Summon Dogmatika Ecclesia the Virtuous."
Blonde foodie crossed her arms in a cross, guarding Hikaru's field.
Dogmatika Ecclesia the Virtuous. Level 4, LIGHT Attribute, Spellcaster-Type. DEF 1500.
"When Ecclesia is Normal or Special Summoned, activate. Add 1 Dogmatika card other than Ecclesia from my Deck to my hand. After this effect's activation, until the end of the turn, I cannot Special Summon monsters from my Extra Deck. I add Dogmatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted to my hand."
Like Despian Comedy, this too was a card only recently added to Hikaru's deck. But this wasn't the body-card of the Fleurdelis spirit. It was a card collected during the opening of more habitats in the Branded Dimension. Its original soul had already dispersed, and its whereabouts were currently unknown.
"Eh!?"
"Such serious self-restraint!"
"But it's already End Phase now."
"And it looks like there's no intent to Fusion at this timing."
More than dealing with AA-ZEUS, the spirits paid more attention to Hikaru's current operation. On hearing Hikaru say he couldn't Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck, they were clearly greatly surprised.
"Even Extra Deck Special Summon restriction cards exist in your Deck?"
"Of course. My Fusion is inclusion, is integration, is creation. Regardless of what kind of card, so long as it can participate in Fusion, it's part of Fusion."
Hikaru's words and actions were united. Riumheart had nothing to question.
After all, Hikaru's legend had spread widely in the spirit world. Like the famous Chimerafflesia that "defeated Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon," it too had spread under such circumstances. So the spirits didn't question Hikaru.
Instead, as his teammate, Kite couldn't help falling into deep thought.
The pinnacle of Fusion Summoning.
He himself didn't have much interest in Summoning methods.
Yes, although he was ostensibly the "strongest duelist" in their world, actually he wasn't someone specializing in Xyz Summoning or obsessed with Xyz Summoning.
Not only was he not, he was even one of the few duelists in their world who still used Fusion Summoning!
For him, using Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon and winning through Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon was the more meaningful thing.
But actually it wasn't like that.
Kite thought deeply.
Before coming to the Synchro Dimension.
He'd actually just been treating Galaxy-Eyes purely as a tool to save his brother. He'd hunted Number cards, not out of any kindness, but to collect these cards to make his brother better. Therefore, after "everything was resolved," he'd actually been lost.
He was only, only fulfilling the responsibilities a "team big brother" should bear as always. Pushed by responsibility, he'd walked to today.
Coming here, seeking out AA-ZEUS, was only to obtain the chance to communicate with Hart, and then... choosing Hikaru as this teammate.
But this choice, was it truly out of his own reason, or out of some subconscious instinctive choice?
Perhaps his duelist's instincts were truly reminding him.
When Zane repeatedly mentioned "Hikaru" as an excellent duelist before him, he'd possibly already, in his subconscious, wanted to meet this duelist.
Because the Hikaru from Zane's mouth was a pure, unblemished, absolute Fusion duelist.
And he, under layers of responsibility, thoughts, and guilt, had become not so pure, not enough of a duelist.
Kite was intelligent enough, strong enough, sharp enough. So after AA-ZEUS answered him, he'd been watching Hikaru's duel.
A true duelist had no way to hide their thoughts during a duel. Hikaru's use of Fusion was genuine. Naturally, Kite, watching up close, could better understand his own deficiency.
Not pure enough.
So then.
At what point in this duel had he realized this?
Was it Hikaru's turn?
Was it AA-ZEUS's words?
No.
He suddenly came to himself and looked at Riumheart.
It was...
"One of the strongest Dragon-Riders"!
Roar!
At his ear, an enormous dragon's roar seemed to echo.
As expected.
You think so too, don't you, Galaxy-Eyes!
He looked at Riumheart.
So then, the "god" he truly wanted to challenge wasn't AA-ZEUS!
Let me see, the duel of the so-called "strongest spirit."
"My turn."
Under Kite's gaze, Riumheart quietly drew a card from his Deck.
He looked over his hand for a moment, pondered, and revealed one card.
"Field Spell Card, Peaceful Planet Calarium!"
Cherry blossoms slowly bloomed in the cosmos, and golden radiance gradually illuminated the entire dueling arena.
"Cards with this name can only be activated once per turn. This card's third effect can only be used once per turn. As the effect of this card when activated, I can add 1 Mannadium monster or Visas Starfrost from my Deck to my hand!
I add Mannadium Torrid from my Deck to my hand."
"His hand was already full, and he's still adding to it..." Astral furrowed his brow.
"Normal Summon, Mannadium Torrid."
Like AA-ZEUS's monsters, Torrid was also a Level 2 monster, only Torrid was a Tuner.
"Activate Mannadium Riumheart's effect in my hand!"
Here it comes!
Everyone brought their full attention to bear.
"I summon myself"!
This was the symbol of most spirits completely liberating their power!
"While this card is in my hand, during my or the opponent's Main Phase, target 1 Mannadium monster on my field or a monster with 1500 ATK and 2100 DEF to activate. Destroy that monster and Special Summon this card."
"I destroy Torrid and Special Summon myself."
A gold-glowing warrior, under the blessing of light, lightly leapt onto the field.
Mannadium Riumheart. Level 4, LIGHT Attribute, Warrior-Type. ATK 1500. DEF 2100.
"My own effect. When this card is Normal or Special Summoned, activate. Add 1 Mannadium card other than Mannadium Riumheart from my Deck to my hand. Mannadium Torrid's effect. When this card is destroyed by battle or card effect, activate. Special Summon 1 Mannadium Tuner monster from my Deck.
Field Spell Card, Peaceful Planet Calarium's function!
When a face-up Tuner monster on my field is destroyed by battle or card effect, target that monster to activate. Special Summon that monster!"
Under the light and cherry blossoms, several monsters had almost instantly appeared on its field!
Mannadium Torrid. FIRE Attribute, Level 2, Fairy-Type. ATK 0.
Mannadium Meek. WATER Attribute, Level 2, Fairy-Type. ATK 0.
Two transparent little orbs appeared beside Riumheart's hand. Different monsters dwelled inside each, looking like miniature worlds.
"Special Summoned two monsters at once, even including two monsters of the same Level!"
"It's not going to overlay two Rank 2 monsters and then overlay AA-ZEUS, is it?"
"Calm down, Yuma. It's... probably going to Synchro!"
Synchro Summon!
Yuma came to himself.
This duel was going to gather Fusion, Xyz, and Synchro, three different Summoning methods!?
"I add Mannadium Abscission from my Deck to my hand. Then Special Summon Mannadium Fearless from my hand, and activate this card's effect."
With Peaceful Planet Calarium on the field, LIGHT monsters gained ATK equal to the number of Tuner monsters in the Graveyard times 100. If he activated a Spell Card first, then because there wouldn't be a monster with 1500 ATK and 2100 DEF on the field, this Mannadium Fearless couldn't be directly Special Summoned.
Mannadium Fearless. Level 2, EARTH Attribute, Fairy-Type. ATK 0.
"Target 1 monster on my field to activate. Destroy that monster, add Peaceful Planet Calarium from my Deck to my hand. If Peaceful Planet Calarium already exists on my field, I can instead add 1 Mannadium Spell or Trap Card other than Mannadium Abscission to my hand!
I destroy Meek and add Loka Samsara to my hand."
Bang!
The monster just Special Summoned instantly exploded the next second and vanished from the field.
"When Meek is destroyed, activate. Special Summon Meek from my Deck."
A second Meek.
"Activate Spell Card, Loka Samsara." Immediately after searching, Riumheart revealed this card. "Reveal 1 Mannadium monster or Visas Starfrost in my hand for the opponent to see, to activate. Draw 2 cards from my Deck, then return 1 hand card to the bottom of my Deck.
I reveal a third Meek, draw 2 cards from my Deck, and place Meek at the bottom of my Deck."
Meek in hand, such a classic opening.
"With Level 2 Torrid on the field and Level 4 myself, conduct a Synchro."
It's, it's coming!
Hikaru swallowed.
"Gather the power of three worlds, manifest.
Synchro Summon, Mannadium Trilosukuta."
Mannadium Trilosukuta. Level 6, LIGHT Attribute, Fairy-Type. ATK 2300.
Here it came!
Hikaru saw a mermaid he could recognize even reduced to ashes, dressed in shining armor, appear before Riumheart.
"When Trilosukuta is Synchro Summoned, target 1 Level 2 Tuner monster in my Graveyard to activate. Special Summon that monster. Monsters Special Summoned by this effect have their effects negated.
I Special Summon Torrid from my Graveyard."
"Activate... Visas Starfrost's monster effect in my hand. While this card is in my hand, target 1 monster on the field with a different Type and Attribute from this card to activate. Destroy that card and Special Summon this card."
"Destroy Fearless, Special Summon.
My true self, the strongest spirit.
Visas!"
The stars circled, time flowed. Within the stars, an enormous miniature cosmos slowly gathered. Then a warrior identical to Riumheart appeared with intense light!
Visas Starfrost. Level 6, LIGHT Attribute, Warrior-Type. ATK 2100.
"Fearless is destroyed, Special Summon another Fearless from my Deck. During the turn this effect activates, in my Battle Phase, Synchro Monsters on my field gain 500 ATK."
"Eh?" Yuma suddenly discovered a strange doubt. "Trilosukuta is also a Tuner monster? Visas is also a Tuner monster? Then aren't all the monsters on the field Tuners?"
He waved his fingers, calculating: "I remember Synchro World's Synchro Summoning requires a Tuner and a non-Tuner monster. This way there'd be no non-Tuners, right?"
"Indeed, Yuma..." Astral also nodded. "Could this spirit have made an operational error? Strange..."
"No. There's no such logic." Riumheart suddenly raised his hand and waved his finger. "Synchro Summoning has never been so narrow."
"Uh?"
"Even if all are Tuners, a Synchro Summon can still be conducted. Human. Astral." He raised his hand and pointed at the field. "Using Level 6 Visas Starfrost and Level 2 Fearless, I tune!
The Synchro condition is 1 or more Tuners and 1 LIGHT monster!"
"He can actually use all Tuners!?"
"This, is this reasonable?"
"Haha, this is our Great Leader's power. He can easily perform miracles similar to the Synchro World gods!"
The spirits were quite anticipating what came next.
"Behold my form in four emotional states!"
"Synchro Summon, Visas Amritara!"
A warrior seven-tenths similar to him in appearance, but stouter, with more colored streamers on his clothes, slowly appeared.
Visas Amritara. Level 8, LIGHT Attribute, Warrior-Type. ATK 2500.
"Still Special Summoning."
"So many Special Summons. If I had Maxx 'C,' how many cards would I draw?"
After only a few turns, Yuma was already coveting the Maxx "C" in Riumheart's hand.
"When it is successfully Synchro Summoned, activate. Add 1 Spell or Trap Card that mentions 'Visas Starfrost' by name from my Deck to my hand."
That would be too much!
This absolutely wouldn't do!
"Activate the effect of Dogmatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted in my hand! During my or the opponent's Main Phase, if a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck exists on the field, activate. Special Summon this card from my hand. If other Dogmatika monsters exist on my field, I can also choose 1 face-up monster on the field. That effect is negated until the end of the turn!"
"Oh?" Riumheart lightly raised his brow.
A non-targeting negate.
The purple-haired knight brandished her enormous two-handed sword, a shield floating on her left hand, and stood elegantly on Hikaru's field.
Dogmatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted. Level 8, LIGHT Attribute, Spellcaster-Type. DEF 2500.
"Negate your effect."
Amritara's effect was negated. It didn't successfully search a card. Even its name was mercilessly erased.
"Impressive..." Among the surrounding spirits, some realized this card's power. No, more precisely, they realized Titaniklad's power.
Not only could it grant immunity to Extra Deck monster effects, after leaving the field, it could also Special Summon Ecclesia to search a "monster negate." Titaniklad this card was truly too all-purpose!
Riumheart watched the power of the card in his hand gradually disperse, finally being negated, and lightly shook his head. But his face still wore the same warm smile as always.
Or rather, he had no other emotions.
However, playing to this point, Riumheart slightly stopped his action and looked at Hikaru: "Although I've never crossed hands with you before, Hikaru, I've long observed your deeds across various spirit dimensions.
But no matter how well you watch, it's still not as good as truly playing a match."
"Activate the effect of Mannadium Abscission in my Graveyard. Banish it from my Graveyard to activate. Special Summon 1 Visas or a monster with 1500 ATK and 2100 DEF from my hand. Special Summon a second me."
The monster zone was about to run out of room!
"Next, conduct a Synchro Summon!"
"Using LIGHT Attribute Level 4 me on the field, and LIGHT Attribute Level 6 Trilosukuta, I tune."
"This time it's a Tuner and non-Tuner!"
Riumheart spread both hands, as if opening wings: "Let me see your true hearts."
"The Synchro condition is 1 or more Tuners and non-Tuners, LIGHT or DARK Attribute."
"Synchro Summon, Level 10, Chaos Angel!"
Wings.
Hikaru's expression turned slightly serious.
Chaos Angel. Level 10, DARK Attribute, Fiend-Type. ATK 3500.
"When this card uses a LIGHT monster as Synchro Material, Synchro Monsters on my field are unaffected by monster effects activated by the opponent.
Then, when this card is Special Summoned, target 1 card on the field to activate. Banish that card."
Riumheart looked around, pointed at Quaeritis. "I banish your Despian Quaeritis."
Nice.
Hikaru felt slight delight inwardly.
Quaeritis was banished by Chaos Angel's power. The next second, Quaeritis was isolated by this world and vanished from this cosmos.
"At this instant, activate Quaeritis's effect."
"Oh?"
"This card's name effect can only be activated once per turn. When this face-up card leaves the field due to the opponent's effect, activate. Choose 1 Despia monster or Fallen of Albaz from my Deck to add to my hand or Special Summon.
From my Deck, I Special Summon, Ad Libitum of Despia!"
Like a jester, a demon with slender sharp claws appeared.
Ad Libitum of Despia. Level 8, DARK Attribute, Fairy-Type. DEF 2000.
"At this instant, further activate Trap Card, Branded Banishment!"
A Trap was flipped over.
"Target 1 Despia monster or Level 8 or higher Fusion Monster in my Graveyard to activate. Special Summon that monster! After that, I can apply a special Fusion once.
Using monsters on my or the opponent's field as Fusion Materials, banish them and Fusion Summon 1 Level 8 or higher Fusion Monster."
At this point he could revive Titaniklad the Ash Dragon from the Graveyard, then conduct a field Fusion. Whether Predaplant Triphyoverutum or Starving Venom Fusion Dragon, both were very good choices. Not only could he handle Chaos Angel, which was so troublesome for him, he could even turn things around and continue resisting.
"He can actually achieve Fusion using the opponent's field in this situation?"
"So, so impressive. This posture, the Great Leader is actually being suppressed."
Riumheart couldn't help lightly clapping: "Beautiful, played beautifully, Hikaru. As I recall, you have several Fusion Monsters that can use my field for direct Fusion, don't you?
If this were a one-on-one duel, at this point, I might have to praise you.
But sorry."
?
"Maxx 'C' let me draw a very interesting card. D.D. Crow!"
"..." The faces of Yuma's group froze from the hope that had just risen, then turned to terror.
"Branded Banishment's effect requires the monster to be successfully Special Summoned before the Fusion can be conducted, correct?
But I've drawn D.D. Crow now. By discarding it, I banish Titaniklad the Ash Dragon in your Graveyard. You'll have no way to revive it and conduct the Fusion!"
As his voice fell, the crow snatched away the Fusion Monster in Hikaru's Graveyard. Because of this, Branded Banishment's effect regrettably fired empty.
Hikaru furrowed his brow at Riumheart.
Riumheart still maintained his warm smile and continued: "Hikaru, your name is well-known. Your actual dueling is indeed impressive.
Precisely because of that, I feel I must display some power that can only be used by 'me' beyond 'me'!
You're a duelist pursuing ultimate Fusion, so you should also find this method interesting.
Banish Visas Starfrost and myself from the Graveyard, conduct a Graveyard-Contact Fusion!"
"Eh!?"
"What?"
Yuma, Astral, Tori Meadows all watching cried out simultaneously. Kite, who'd been carefully contemplating Riumheart's dueling, was also greatly astonished.
What was a Graveyard-Contact Fusion?
"Special Summon, Vicious Astraloud!"
Great blade, mechanical arm, octopus claws.
Multiple varieties of power mixed onto Visas's body. A terrifying "demon" appeared with a roar.
Vicious Astraloud. Level 8, DARK Attribute, Fairy-Type. ATK 3000!
"He can Fusion Summon a Fusion Monster out of nothing after finishing Synchro Summoning?" Kite stared blankly at this scene.
Graveyard-banish Fusion was rare but not unheard of. Not needing a Fusion Spell Card was acceptable.
But the truly unacceptable point was that this card was almost freely given!
After Synchro ends, just pull the card out!
"When this card is successfully Special Summoned, target 1 monster on the field other than this card to activate. Destroy that monster. This card's ATK increases by half of the higher value between the target's original ATK and original DEF."
"Destroy Dogmatika Fleurdelis, increase ATK!"
Vicious Astraloud, ATK: 3000 → 4250!
"ATK 4250!"
"Terrifying."
"Not over yet. Using Level 8 Visas Amritara and Level 2 Meek, I tune!"
"This, this again a Tuner-only Synchro!"
This time Riumheart didn't chuckle. He flicked his arm and gathered power.
Endless golden light-power gathered on him. As he lightly walked forward, a golden halo appeared behind him, and layer upon layer of silver armor gradually covered his body.
"Realize the true meaning in your heart."
Clang.
A gold-and-silver, exceptionally cool "masked knight" appeared in the very center of the dueling arena!
"Synchro Summon, Level 10.
Mannadium Prime-Heart!"
Mannadium Prime-Heart. Level 10, LIGHT Attribute, Fairy-Type. ATK 3000.
"Enter Battle Phase!"
"Because of Fearless's effect, during Battle Phase, Synchro Monsters on my field gain 500 ATK. Also, LIGHT Attribute Synchro Monsters on my field gain ATK equal to 100 times the number of Tuners in my Graveyard. I currently have 8 in the Graveyard."
Prime-Heart, ATK: 3800 → 4300. Chaos Angel, ATK: 3500 → 4000.
"In one turn, I can attack a number of times equal to the number of Tuners used as Synchro Materials. My Summoning materials this time were 2 Tuners, so I can attack twice." He commanded the two other monsters to attack. Only, the knight was destroyed while the priestess remained on the field.
That invincible fist punched empty with a bang.
"Dogmatika Ecclesia the Virtuous is not destroyed by battle by monsters Special Summoned from the Extra Deck."
"Oh? There's such an effect." Prime-Heart was slightly surprised but quickly calmed down.
Clearly, an ample hand gave him more "answer" strategies: "Quick-Play Spell Card, Forbidden Chalice. Target 1 face-up monster on the field. That monster's ATK increases by 400 until the end of the turn and its effects are negated."
The silly foodie priestess saw an ill-intentioned woman pass her a cup of wine. Without thinking, she gulped it down.
"I attack Dogmatika Ecclesia."
Boom.
Prime-Heart clenched his fist in place, then punched through the air, shattering Ecclesia. It also had Hikaru face Prime-Heart's presence directly!
"I attack the opponent directly!"
Saying that, Prime-Heart didn't personally act. He commanded Vicious Astraloud to attack. Hikaru, seeing this, widened his eyes and spread both hands, staring at Vicious Astraloud's attack. The next instant, the raging angel swung its enormous blade and slashed at Hikaru's body.
Fury!
Sorrow!
Fear!
Three uncanny emotions erupted in Hikaru's body simultaneously. His pupils dilated, his body trembled all over.
This wasn't supernatural power, nor would it cause actual harm. But this emotional eruption could easily drive emotionally stable people into mental disorder, or even make them lose control of their bodies from multiple emotional outbursts!
Team Amagi, LP: 8000 → 3700.
"Gu... ah..." Hikaru rubbed his head. Tierra beside him also gave it a squeeze.
He shook his head, felt it wasn't enough, then wildly shook his head like shaking off water.
So messy.
In that instant just now, Reiji Akaba's repulsive face, the frustration of card packs full of common cards, and the strangeness and fear of when he'd first come to this world had almost simultaneously erupted in his heart!
Too hard to bear!
"Set one card. End turn."
He heard this and hurriedly shook his body, opening the Set card: "Wait, open Set card!"
"Hmm?"
"Quick-Play Spell Card, Branded in Red."
"Target 1 Despia monster or Fallen of Albaz in my Graveyard to activate. Add that monster to my hand. After that, I can apply a special Fusion effect.
Using monsters in my hand or on my field as Fusion Materials, Fusion Summon 1 Level 8 or higher Fusion Monster. Monsters Special Summoned by this effect cannot attack directly this turn."
Hikaru opened his Graveyard, picked up Ad Libitum, and displayed it to everyone: "I add Ad Libitum from my Graveyard to my hand, then fuse it with Elemental HERO Prisma in my hand!"
"Fusion Summon, Level 8, Elemental HERO Escuridao."
Elemental HERO Escuridao. Level 8, DARK Attribute, Warrior-Type. ATK 2500.
"Then at this instant, Ad Libitum's effect. When this card is sent to the Graveyard or banished from the hand or field as a Fusion Material, target 1 Despia monster or Level 8 or higher Fusion Monster in my Graveyard or banished, other than Ad Libitum, to activate. Special Summon that monster.
I Special Summon the Level 8 Fusion Monster you banished, Despian Quaeritis."
"...Hmm?"
Prime-Heart looked slightly puzzled: "Why activate only now? If used during Battle Phase to recycle Despian Comedy in the Graveyard, you could not only Fusion Summon a monster but also Special Summon Quaeritis, without losing Life Points."
Using it now not only wasted a hand card but lost over four thousand Life Points. That didn't feel worth it at all!
"Life Points, as long as I have enough left, that's fine." Hikaru rubbed his forehead and gave a small laugh. "What's more, this is a team duel. I also need to prepare a bit for my teammate."
!
"Ah!"
Yuma understood in the first instant.
"So that's it. Level 8. Hikaru, this person, all the Fusion Monsters he's used from the beginning until now are Level 8! Even some of the Fusion Materials are Level 8!" Astral also came to himself with a sudden realization and great astonishment. "Kite's Xyz Monsters have all been Rank 8 from the start... Hikaru, what a terrifying duelist, to have even considered this aspect!?"
"He's actually thinking about how to help his teammate while facing the Great Leader!?"
"Really? This Hikaru is actually this impressive!?"
"My god... the Absolute Fusion User truly isn't an empty title."
Listening to the discussion outside, Prime-Heart had also long recovered: "So that's it. Not bad, indeed an excellent duelist."
He turned to look at Kite: "Then, it's your turn."
Kite spoke in a low voice for a moment, glanced at Hikaru, and said: "Impressive. Didn't expect you to still have spare capacity for thought under such high pressure."
"Aren't you the same? Same to you. Nothing much."
Kite lightly shook his head.
...
STONES 💎
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