The "Blue-Eyes Hotel," under the Kaiba Company's banner, is equipped with dedicated dueling facilities inside.
President Kaiba Seto, as expected from the world's number one card lover, thoughtfully considered that there might be problems unable to be resolved over the table, which ultimately have to be settled with a card duel; thus, he specially equipped the hotel with a world-class dueling arena.
In fact, not just the hotel, but nearly all facilities related to the Kaiba Company — compatible ones — basically are all equipped with corresponding dueling spaces.
From President Kaiba's perspective, he probably thinks there's nothing in the world that can't be solved by playing cards. Gatherings with friends, negotiations between business tycoons, seeking help for procedures...
... the end of all things can develop into an intense and thrilling duel.
The more impressive area of the president is that he is steadily and smoothly promoting his "dueling mindset" to infect others around the world. This past year, the dueling atmosphere has increasingly intensified across different regions, to the extent that it's rumored even national leaders carry Duel Discs during their meetings; whether true or false...
Dueling with Mr. Phoenix hasn't happened in quite a while; the last time was back when Youyu had just traversed last year. Back then, Youyu only held "pure Elemental Heroes," while Mr. Phoenix was using incomplete Destiny Heroes.
This designer in the International Fantasy Society should be considered first-class in card printing, as seen in his Destiny Heroes series and the card "Blood Devil D" he entrusted to Youyu earlier, showcasing Mr. Phoenix's prowess in card printing.
Therefore, regarding the new Hero cards he mentioned, Youyu still holds expectations.
They arrived at the dueling ground and stood firm, Judai and Ed, the two little ones, were already leaning together against the railing in the spectator area.
Within such a brief moment after meeting, they developed from complete strangers into very close friends — mainly thanks to Judai.
Judai seems to have had this talent from a young age, possessing a natural quality that attracts others to become friends with him.
"Your dad seems awesome!" said little Judai from the railing.
"Yeah! My dad is very impressive!" little Ed nodded.
But thinking for a moment, the silver-haired little gentleman then earnestly added, "But not as awesome as Youyu brother."
Mr. Phoenix on the field almost tripped.
He coughed, adjusted his glasses, "Well then, time to begin."
Youyu nodded, activating his Duel Disc.
"Duel!" x2
[Youyu, LP 4000]
[Mr. Phoenix, LP 4000]
Indeed, unlike the 8000 Life Points modified to match physical card rules in the "Dark Side of the Dimension" movie, a year later in Linked World, even though dueling rules became more standardized, the Life Points cap remained at 4000.
The Duel Discs have now been upgraded, the new generation from Kaiba Company no longer requires duelists to exchange and shuffle cards. They are equipped with automatic shuffling functions.
With automatic shuffling completed, both stood firmly in their positions, and the duel began.
"I'll go first."
Seeing the indicator light up on the Duel Disc, Mr. Phoenix immediately began his action.
"My turn, draw a card." said Mr. Phoenix, "First, activate 'Pot of Greed,' drawing two cards to the hand.
Then activate the Magic Card 'Take Over 5' from the hand!" (anime card)
Youyu: "!"
Mr. Phoenix, truly a card-printing big shot, immediately played a desirable and impressive card!
If memory serves, this card is frequently used by Yuki Judai in the later stages of GX. To this day, it hasn't had a physical card version. It is a Divine Card that integrates burying cards and drawing cards functions!
"Take Over 5, send the top five cards from the Card Deck to the graveyard." Mr. Phoenix swiftly revealed five cards and placed them in the Duel Disc's graveyard area, "And during the next turn's preparation phase, you can banish 'Take Over 5' and a card with the same name from the graveyard, drawing one card from the Card Deck."
Sending five cards to the graveyard in one go, and able to draw one card without losing hand size... that's not all. This card allows drawing a card and banishing a card with the same name from the Card Deck besides compressing deck space further.
Though not necessarily a Divine Card like "Pot of Greed" that everyone must carry if released, this card still serves as a valuable tool for many decks.
"Activate the Magic Card 'Over Destiny' from my hand!" Mr. Phoenix continued, "Select a 'Destiny Hero' Monster in the graveyard and special summon a 'Destiny Hero' with a level less than half that Monster's from the Card Deck.
I choose the 'Destiny Hero Malicious' in the graveyard, Level six. Therefore, I special summon from the Card Deck, Level one, 'Destiny Hero Disk Commander'!"
The illusory image of the Malicious Hero briefly flashed by, blue light shimmered, and the long-figured, blue Hero studded with flying discs soared out. Though unimpressive in appearance, both in stars and attack seem weak, it's actually the backbone of the "Destiny Hero" series.
[Destiny Hero Disk Commander, Defense Power 300]
"Activate the effect of 'Malicious' in the graveyard!" Mr. Phoenix continued, "Banish the 'Destiny Hero Malicious' from the graveyard, special summon a card with the same name from the Card Deck.
Come on! Second 'Destiny Hero Malicious'!
The chaotic black vortex flew from his Card Deck, the robust figure with black wings of the Destiny Hero slammed down, crossed arms half-squatting on the field.
[Destiny Hero Malicious, Defense Power 800]
"Then Normal Summon 'Destiny Hero Captain Tenacious!'"
The Destiny Heroes continued to appear, this time appearing was a shirtless, muscular figure that, with an orange-red hairstyle, resembles... a Destiny Hero in the third stage of a Super Saiyan.
If following the standard "hair length determines strength," this one should also be a strong one.
[Destiny Hero Captain Tenacious, Attack Power 800]
"'Captain Tenacious,' 'Malicious,' 'Disk Commander!'" Mr. Phoenix raised his arm high, pointing straight to the sky, "I offer up three 'Destiny Hero' Monsters as tribute!
Summoning condition is three 'Destiny Hero' Monsters!
Now, unleash the fate's shackles —
—— Destiny Hero Dogma, Special Summon!!!"
A deep black column rushed upwards, a majestic giant shadow appeared. A white sword glimmering with cold light cut through the curtain of light, the Hero, in black heavy armor, stepped out, imprinting deep cracks on the ground.
Wearing a helmet with demonic gray-white horns on both sides, wrapped in thick white chains on the chest, with wide wings like a cloak spread behind.
[Destiny Hero Dogma, Attack Power 3400]
"Set three face-down cards, ending the turn."
Dogma appeared, and Judai's eyes were already shining: "Oh wow, amazing! A super cool Hero! Summoning such an impressive Hero in the first turn... Ed, your dad truly is strong!"
"Right?" Little Ed started to boast.
...however, doesn't this still look like a Destiny Hero? Youyu thought.
As if reading Youyu's mind, Mr. Phoenix smiled: "Feel free to attack, Mr. Youyu. Soon, you'll witness the new Hero!"