"This is my strongest Elemental HERO! When [Elemental HERO Shining Neos Wingman] is Fusion Summoned, it can activate a destruction effect based on the number of Attributes among monsters on the field!"
[When this card is Special Summoned: You can destroy cards your opponent controls up to the number of different Attributes among monsters on the field.]
There were exactly two Attributes among the monsters present—LIGHT and DARK—allowing Ren to destroy two of the opponent's cards.
"With [D - Force] empowering Plasma, it's unaffected by card effects, right? Then with this swing, I'll slash away your Earthbound Immortal and your Set card together!"
The elemental power of light and darkness gathered along Shining Neos Wingman's blade, illuminating the HERO City hidden within the darkness.
"—Radiant Cosmic Wing Slash!!"
"It's useless!"
The robed Shadow Duelist slowly raised her hand, revealing a pale, slender woman's arm hidden beneath the black cloak.
"Ren Austin, none of your battle methods hold meaning before me. Because I understand you better than anyone."
With that rasping voice, the destiny-born barrier of blood spread from the Shadow Duelist's field, sealing every light within this dark HERO City.
"No one can escape the shackles of destiny—not even a HERO!"
"What—?! Shining Neos Wingman!"
Trapped within the Blood Barrier, the elemental energy gathered upon Neos Wingman's sword shattered into the darkness.
Korys gasped. "The destruction effect… didn't work?!"
"When [D - Force] is placed face-up on top of my Deck, the face-up [Destiny HERO - Plasma] on my field negates the effects of all monsters you control!"
A blood barrier that functioned like Skill Drain—only one-sided.
The radiant light of Shining Neos Wingman was completely sealed, the field reverting to a city drowned in shadow.
Within that darkness stood the HERO of Bloodbound Fate, and the towering Earthbound giant within the blackened city.
Every flicker of light and shadow reflected the Duelists' hearts, saturated with despair.
"Bound by the chains of destiny, beneath this darkness, every effort is meaningless."
Deprived of its effects, [Elemental HERO Shining Neos Wingman] could neither destroy cards nor gain Attack from monsters in the Graveyard.
[Shining Neos Wingman, ATK: 3100]
[Destiny HERO - Plasma, ATK: 3200]
A mere 100-point difference, yet within the blood-stained darkness, Plasma completely overwhelmed the strongest Elemental HERO.
"Then all I have to do is break those chains—shatter this darkness—and my efforts won't be in vain."
"Nani?"
At that moment, a confident smirk—one she'd picked up from Miles—curved Ren's lips.
That kind of confidence didn't belong in this hopeless darkened realm.
"It's simple. All it takes is one card to overturn everything you just said!"
Drawing from her hand, the light of the Spirit Eyes expanded around her, transforming the scenery from beneath her feet.
"To pierce through this Dark City—Elemental HEROes have a battlefield of their own! Field Spell Card, [Skyscraper], activate!"
Ren's Field Spell clashed head-on with the Shadow Duelist's. The newly activated [Skyscraper] immediately replaced the previous [Dark City].
The shining skyline of HERO City illuminated the city of destiny's darkness.
Striking the classic pose with his arms crossed, Shining Neos Wingman stood atop the towering skyscraper that rose with the Field Spell's manifestation, ascending to the pinnacle of the luminous city.
"In the [Skyscraper] field, when an Elemental HERO battles a monster with higher ATK, it gains 1000 Attack! And Plasma's Attack is just 100 points higher than Shining Neos Wingman's!"
A 100-point gap turned into a 1000-point surge.
"And once [Destiny HERO - Plasma] is destroyed, the Blood Barrier sealing all effects will vanish too!"
When [Destiny HERO - Plasma] is destroyed by battle, Shining Neos Wingman would regain his effect—and inflict damage equal to the destroyed monster's Attack.
With the rising brilliance of [Skyscraper], Ren was ready to shatter destiny itself. The empowered [Elemental HERO Shining Neos Wingman] would strike through the darkness and fate alike.
Korys cheered in excitement. "You're incredible, Ren! I love you so much right now!"
Fighting with everything she had—changing the future—this was the fruit of her entire holiday's worth of effort.
"Cut through destiny's chains, Shining Neos Wingman! —'Skyscraper Burst!'!!"
Wrapped in radiant light, Shining Neos Wingman dove from the skyscraper's peak like a blazing arrow, crashing headlong toward the blood-drenched Plasma ahead.
Even the Shadow Duelist herself seemed briefly awed by Ren's unwavering resolve; her crimson eyes flickered for the first time.
"Ren Austin... were you this strong back in your second year at Fusion Academy?"
Then, the Shadow Duelist flipped her Set card. A crimson D emblem burst forth from the Trap Card.
"—Trap Card, [D - Boost], activate!"
[If "D - Force" is face-up on top of your Deck, draw the 2 cards beneath it.]
The way to draw even while [D - Force] sat atop the Deck—was through the Trap [D - Boost], which drew the two cards beneath it.
After its activation, the Shadow Duelist's empty hand increased from zero to two cards.
"Drawing at a time like this? You're already too late!" Ren shouted. "With this strike, Shining Neos Wingman will crush the 'destiny' you keep preaching—and make you pay for everything you've done!"
Under the glow of [Skyscraper], the radiant Shining Neos Wingman clashed head-on with the blood-drenched Plasma. Their collision—just a few centimeters apart—froze as though time itself had stopped.
Both heroes, embodiments of destiny and the elements, were halted by a single card flicked from the Shadow Duelist's fingers.
In that instant, even the unstable dimension trembled.
"Release ultimate power—Quick-Play Spell Card, [Super Polymerization]!"
...
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