Chapter 7 - Collision Course

Marco woke up at just before eight in the morning, which was unusually early for a Sunday. It was for a very good reason though - his round one duel in the International Duel Championship was scheduled to start in around four hours, and he needed time to prepare. After the usual morning routine, he turned on his computer to check the pairings for round one.

"It just occurred to me, I haven't even checked who my opponent is yet." - he thought - "Not that it really matters, since I don't know what they'd play anyway."

While he waited for the computer to boot up, he received a text message from Jonas.

"When does your duel start? I'll come by and watch if you don't mind." - it read.

"4 hours. I presume your duel was yesterday?" - Marco sent back a reply.

"Yeah, against some dude playing Genex, easy win. Who are you dueling?" - Jonas asked.

"I'm checking that now."

"As prepared as always I see. Anyways, I'll come by your place before the duel starts." - Jonas sent one final reply, as Marco opened up the IDC website, and started looking for his name.

"There it is. And my opponent is…" - he paused for a second - "…Levi Heidrich. Never heard of him."

Marco grabbed the deck box right next to him, and took his deck out.

"I mean it's round 1, it won't be that hard to get through." - he said, looking at the top card of his deck, which was Deskbot 009 - "Right?"

He was quietly worried, perhaps too much so, about being paired up with someone he has no chance of beating immediately in round one, even though he knew the odds of that were fairly low.

He spent the next three hours drawing test hands and revising his deck, and they went by in a flash.

"Maybe I should put in an additional Gear Gigant X." - he thought - "No, wait, I'm rambling. I only have three 004s in my deck anyways, how would I summon it?" - he put his head in his hands out of desperation, then heard a knock on the door. His parents weren't home, so he went down to see who it is himself.

"Jonas!" - he exclaimed in surprise of seeing his friend at the door - "Wait, is it already eleven?"

"Yep!" - Jonas replied - "Did you lose track of time?"

"I totally did."

"Well, better get ready. Your duel's in a small arena at the edge of town, it'll take us a bit to get there."

"Yeah, let me just get my deck."

Jonas waited at the front door for about a minute, as he heard faint noises of Marco scrambling around upstairs, trying to find his duel disk.

"I swear, if I hadn't come around he would've been so late." - he thought, as he watched his friend rush down the stairs.

"Let's go." - Marco said.

"So, who are you dueling?" - Jonas asked.

"Some guy named Levi Heidrich." - Marco replied - "No idea who he is. What about you?" - he looked over in Jonas' direction.

"Never heard of him either." - he replied.

They spent the next half an hour chatting about the tournament, then something crossed Marco's mind.

"How are the others doing?" - he asked - "I forgot to check up on them."

"Hannah's duel is scheduled at exactly the same time as yours, so we won't know about her until that's done, but Daniel won his round one duel." - Jonas answered - "I texted him to ask if he'll come around and watch but he didn't reply. Maybe he has something else to do today."

"I wonder what it could be." - Marco said absentmindedly.

"Yeah, I wonder." - Jonas smirked - "I wonder who else he'd be watching today."

Marco pretty much ignored his comment, instead thinking about his own duel as they slowly approached their destination.

The arena itself was tiny, barely bigger than the main one in their school. As they slowly walked in through the front entrance, they noticed that it was somehow even smaller on the inside. The stands around the duel field, which looked like they could barely seat a hundred people, were practically empty, as only one person showed up to watch this duel.

"Hi guys!" - the person waved from the stands, as Jonas climbed up to sit next to them, leaving Marco to prepare for his duel.

"I thought you wouldn't show up." - Jonas said - "Why didn't you reply to my text?"

"I read it, and then just forgot." - Daniel gave a brief answer.

"Why are you here anyways?" - Jonas asked.

"I just thought I'd come support my friend, why are you asking?"

"I just thought you'd be off watching Hannah, that's all."

"Shut up." - Daniel said, then pointed his finger at Jonas, and paused for a bit, as if he wanted to follow up what he said, but instead just repeated his previous words - "Shut up."

Jonas only laughed in reply, and they both looked at the right side of the duel field, where Marco was standing, getting more worried by the second.

"Where is this guy?" - he muttered - "And I thought I'd be late."

Just as he said that, he overheard footsteps, and as if on cue, Levi entered the arena.

"Sorry I'm late. Let's just get this over with quickly." - he said, readying his duel disk.

"Well that's a bit rude. Is he not expecting a fight?" - Marco thought, looking at his opponent. He was about a head shorter than him, and resembled a twelve-year-old child in every way bar his voice, which was that of an adult, and despite his name, contained no hint of a German accent. He had short, brown hair with sparse red streaks in it, wore a bright green t-shirt and blue jeans - a combination of colours that was almost painful to look at. His duel disk matched his appearance, with a bright green solid vision blade, a blue frame and a red central unit.

"Well, I'll give him a good fight." - Marco thought, and readied his duel disk, which was much simpler than Levi's, with a white frame and central unit and a rainbow-coloured blade.

IDC - Round 1 - Duelists remaining: 512

"Duel!" - they both exclaimed simultaneously.

"I'll take the first turn!" - Marco said.

Turn 1 - Marco (LP - 4000 / Hand - 5 / Field - X)

"Draw!" - he observed his hand.

"Not bad." - he thought - "I didn't draw Deskbot 003 but I can work with this."

"Could you hurry up already?" - a voice came from the other side of the arena.

"Sorry I have to think!" - Marco shouted back at him - "He's really starting to get on my nerves and I only met him a few minutes ago." - he mumbled.

"Since you're in such a rush, I'll summon Deskbot 002! (EARTH/Machine/Level 2/ATK 500/DEF 500)" - a familiar small green robot appeared in front of Marco, sporting a yellow visor with the number 002 on it, and a mechanical pencil instead of a gun.

"Aw, look at the cute little robot." - Levi said.

"Next, I'll activate Machine Duplication!" - Marco decided to ignore him - "It allows me to Special Summon two more Machine-Type monsters with 500 or less ATK from my deck, as long as they have the same name as one already on my field. So come out, two Deskbot 002!"

"Your useless robots are multiplying." - Levi continued to mock Marco's plays, much to the latter's annoyance.

"When Deskbot 002 is Special Summoned, I can add one Deskbot card from my deck to my hand, and since two were summoned, that means two searches." - Marco said, and revealed the two cards he was adding to his hand - "How's that for useless?" - he asked, but Levi just yawned in reply.

"Now I'll place the two cards I just added to my hand, the Scale 1 Deskbot 008 and Scale 10 Deskbot 007 in my Pendulum Zones, and set the Pendulum Scale!" - two bright white pillars appeared either side of him - the one on the left had Deskbot 008 in it, a pink robot with a small book in its right hand, and on the right Deskbot 007, a predominantly yellow robot wielding two halves of a pair of scissors, one in each hand.

"Using this, I'll Pendulum Summon Deskbot 009! (EARTH/Machine/Level 9/ATK 500/DEF 500)" - a robot appeared, much larger in size than the ones around him, yet still comparatively small. Its body was covered in various household objects - it had a stapler on its shoulder, a paint brush in its left hand and a large pair of scissors in the right.

"More low-ATK monsters, eh?" - Levi said, and Marco barely stopped himself from yelling obscenities in his direction.

"Not for long." - Marco replied - "First of all, each Deskbot 002 gives all Machine-Type monsters other than itself a 500 ATK boost."

Deskbot 002 (x3): ATK 500 + 1000 = 1500

Deskbot 009: ATK 500 + 1500 = 2000

"Next, I'll use the effect of Deskbot 009. Until the end of your turn, it gains the combined ATK of all other Deskbot monsters on the field."

Deskbot 009: ATK 2000 + 1500 + 1500 + 1500 = 6500

"Their ATK is not so low anymore, is it?" - Marco said joyfully - "I end my turn."

"Let's see if he's as good as he thinks he is, or is just full of himself." - he thought.

"Oh, it's finally my turn." - Levi said, clearly thinking that Marco's turn took too long.

"He's a bit of a douche, isn't he?" - Daniel commented in the stands, and looked at Jonas briefly, who just nodded.

Turn 2 - Levi (LP 4000 / Hand - 5 / Field - X)

"Draw!" - Levi said.

"Unlike you, I won't dawdle around." - he continued - "Because I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Super Quantum Red Layer (FIRE/Warrior/Level 5/ATK 2000/DEF 800) from my hand!" - a large warrior appeared in front of him. Its armour was almost entirely red, apart from a few grey armour plates on its torso, thighs and shoulders, and it had metal claws attached to both its arms.

"Next up, I Normal Summon Super Quantum Green Layer! (WIND/Spellcaster/Level 4/ATK 1600/DEF 1400)" - another person appeared next to Red Layer. His armour, sparser than Red Layer's, was entirely green, and he wore two capes - one shorter one around his neck, and a longer one around his waist.

"When Green Layer is summoned, I can Special Summon another Super Quantum monster from my hand, so come forward, Super Quantum Red Layer!" - another red warrior appeared on the field, to the left of the one that was already there.

"Not done yet!" - Levi said, even though nobody was interrupting his turn - "I overlay my 2 Level 5 Super Quantum Red Layers! Come forth, majestic fire beast, and turn your enemies to ashes! Xyz Summon! Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger! (FIRE/Machine/Rank 5/ATK 2600/DEF 2000)" - the monster that appeared was simple in design compared to the monsters it was made out of. Simply put, it resembled a red mechanical lion.

"Is it now my time to point out that none of your monsters have enough ATK to get past Deskbot 009?" - Marco asked, poking fun at Levi's earlier statements.

"Who said I was going for 009?" - he replied - "First off, I'll use Magnaliger's effect. I detach one Xyz Material, and destroy one monster on the field. Let's get rid of that pesky Deskbot 002!" - the mechanical lion started charging towards the helpless Deskbot 002, stepping on it and turning it into a pile of desk supplies, before returning back to Levi's field.

Deskbot 002 (x2): ATK 1500 - 500 = 1000

Deskbot 009: ATK 6500 - 500 = 6000

"I must admit; I wasn't expecting him to do that." - Marco thought - "I expected him to go for 009, so I could use its effect, but this is fine."

"Battle Phase! Let's get rid of the other two 002s!" - Levi exclaimed, then mumbled - "Wow, that was a weird sentence."

Magnaliger once again charged towards Marco's field, stomping the defenceless Deskbot 002, while Green Layer shot a green flame out of its fist which consumed the sole remaining 002, and turned it into a pile of ashes instead of a pile of pencils.

Marco: LP 4000 - 1600 - 1100 = 1300

Deskbot 009: ATK 6000 - 500 - 500 = 5000

"Okay, so he is good. But I'm not out for the count yet." - Marco thought.

"I'll set two cards, and end my turn!" - Levi said - "Let's see you bounce back from this one. But first, the effect of Deskbot 009 wears off."

Deskbot 009: ATK 5000 - 4500 = 500

Turn 3 - Marco (LP - 1300 / Hand - 3 / Field - Monsters: Deskbot 009, Pendulum Cards: Deskbot 007, Deskbot 008)

"Draw!" - Marco said, then looked at the card he drew - "Deskbot 003, how nice to see you! A bit late, but still nice." - he thought, and proceeded to summon it.

"Come forth, Deskbot 003! (EARTH/Machine/Level 3/ATK 500/DEF 500) And since you're in such a hurry, I'll use its effect immediately, allowing me to Special Summon another Deskbot from my deck - so come out, Deskbot 001! (EARTH/Machine/Tuner/Level 1/ATK 500/DEF 500)" - to the left of Deskbot 009 appeared 003, a yellow bot much smaller than it, with a ruler and a compass as weapons. On its right was an even smaller blue robot, with a green pencil in its hand in place of a sword, and a pencil sharpener for a torso.

"Next, Deskbot 001 gains 500 ATK for each Machine-Type monster on the field…"

Deskbot 001: 500 + 1000 = 1500

"But it doesn't matter, because he won't be sticking around for long. I tune my Level 1 Deskbot 001 and Level 9 Deskbot 009! Synchro Summon! Deskbot Jet! (EARTH/Machine/Level 10/ATK 500/DEF 500)" - a giant blue pencil case appeared, being piloted by Deskbot 001. Deskbots 003, 004 and 005 were on the lower platform of the case, operating its various weapons, most of which were pencils. A purple robot, name of Deskbot 006, was slightly above them, in charge of the jet's thrusters, and Deskbot 002 left its workstation and was just running around the ship.

This chaotic, yet silly sight, didn't stick around for long.

"I activate the effect of Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger! I detach the second Xyz Material, and destroy Deskbot Jet." - Magnaliger changed its attack compared to last time, as Jet was too big for it to stomp. Its mechanical mouth absorbed the red orb representing its last Xyz Material, and shot a large red fireball towards Deskbot Jet, eradicating it in an instant.

"Now I've destroyed your boss monster, what are you going to do?" - Levi gloated.

"Come on, I'm not that stupid." - Marco replied, much to Levi's surprise - "I wanted you to destroy Jet, so my next monster can be safe! Using my set Pendulum Scales, I Pendulum Summon Deskbot 007! (EARTH/Machine/Level 7/ATK 500/DEF 500)" - a bright yellow robot appeared, same as the one in his Pendulum Scale.

"So this was your big plan." - Levi said, and wanted to start mocking Marco again, but was briefly interrupted.

"Deskbot 007 gains 500 ATK for each Deskbot in the graveyard!" - Marco said, and Levi's eyes widened - "I count 3 002s, and one each of Deskbot 001, 009 and Deskbot Jet! I presume you can do basic maths, right?"

Deskbot 007: ATK 500 + 3000 = 4500

"Battle Phase! Deskbot 007, attack Super Quantum Green Layer!" - Marco exclaimed, but his attack was swiftly stopped.

"And I presume you were expecting a Trap Card! I activate Zero Gravity, which changes the battle positions of all monsters on the field, and stopping your attack!"

Deskbot 003: DEF 500

Deskbot 007: DEF 500

Super Quantum Green Layer: DEF 1400

Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger: DEF 2000

"Damn it, still can't get him. At least my monsters are safe now." - Marco thought - "I end my turn." - he said.

"Good! Time to end this!"

Turn 4 - Levi (LP 4000 / Hand - 1 / Field - Monsters: Super Quantum Green Layer, Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger, Spells/Traps: 1 set)

"Draw! The stage is set for my victory! I don't even need any of the cards in my hand to beat you!" - Levi said.

"He's so confident, but all of Marco's monsters are in defense, how is he going to win?" - Daniel asked, and looked at Jonas, who was intently focused on the duel.

"He's arrogant, but he's good. Very good." - Jonas replied - "He's got to have something up his sleeve to back up that confidence."

Levi pointed at Magnaliger on his field, sitting down in defense position, and said:

"See Magnaliger here? He's powerful, but power is pointless without someone who can use it well. He needs an Xyz Material to be attached to him to attack, simply put, he needs a pilot."

"Maybe he doesn't have anything left." - Daniel said, but Levi immediately continued.

"I use the effect of Magnaliger, allowing me to attach one Super Quantum monster from my hand or field to it as Xyz Material. Super Quantum Green Layer, reporting for duty! Step forward, and pilot this magnificent beast!"

Green Layer turned into a green orb of light, which started orbiting around Magnaliger, as Levi changed the monster into attack position.

"Next up, I activate Super Quantal Mech Sword Magnaslayer!" - a bright rainbow-coloured glow surrounded Magnaliger - "When activated, Magnaslayer turns into an Equip Card, equipped to Magnaliger, and it gives it 100 ATK for each of its Ranks!"

Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger: ATK 2600 + 500 = 3100

"Battle Phase! Magnaliger, attack Deskbot 003!" - the red lion started charging towards 003, but suddenly changed direction, and started charging towards the other yellow robot on Marco's field.

"Wait, what happened?" - Levi asked, clearly confused.

"While Deskbot 007 is on the field, it's the only Deskbot monster you can attack!" - Marco answered.

"Minor inconvenience. Mech Sword Magnaslayer allows the equipped monster to deal piercing damage, and both of your monsters have the same DEF, so your days are numbered anyways!" - Magnaliger continued its charge, ramming into Deskbot 007 with such force that the tiny robot disintegrated. Levi patiently looked on, and waited for Marco's life points to drop to 0, and was shocked when the display next to him came up.

Marco: LP 1300 - 600 = 700

"This is why you shouldn't get too arrogant." - Marco said victoriously.

"How… how are you not done for?" - he asked.

"I activated the effect of Deskbot 003, which boosts the stats of one Deskbot on the field by 500 for each Deskbot card on the field. Both ATK and DEF, so 007's DEF went up to 2500 as you attacked." - Marco explained, then looked over at Levi, who looked no less confident of his victory, much to Marco's surprise.

"Another minor inconvenience." - his opponent screamed, and his voice almost cracked - "Will you stop resisting already?"

Daniel couldn't help but throw in another comment from the stands, this time under his breath because he was afraid Levi might hear him.

"Is this guy insane? His turn is practically over." - he mumbled, but was once again immediately proven wrong.

"Not done yet!" - Levi shouted.

"Like hell you're not done mate, you have no monsters left to attack with!" - Daniel raised his voice.

"But I'm not! I said at the start of the turn I can beat you with only the cards I have on my field, and I will!" - Levi said, and the three other people in the arena looked at him in confusion - "I activate the effect of Super Quantal Mech Sword Magnaslayer, and send it to the graveyard!"

Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger: ATK 3100 - 500 = 2600

"By sending it to the graveyard, I allow the monster that was once equipped with this card to make two additional attacks this Battle Phase!"

The mood in the arena changed instantly.

"No way." - Marco, Daniel and Jonas all proclaimed, with near simultaneity.

"Now, Magnaliger, attack once more!" - Levi paid no attention to their comments, and continued with his turn, sending Magnaliger charging towards the helpless Deskbot 003.

"One attack left!" - he yelled, with a hint of insanity in his voice - "Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger, direct attack!" - the red lion started charging with greater speed than all of its previous attacks, and rammed into Marco full force, knocking him back close to the edge of the arena.

Marco: LP 700 - 700 = 0

Round 1 winner: Levi Heidrich

"Finally done with this." - Levi calmed down, and slowly started walking towards the exit of the arena, as Daniel rushed down from the stands, Jonas calmly following him. Despite Daniel's urgency, Marco was perfectly fine, and got up on his feet a few seconds later.

"Are you OK?" - Daniel asked anyway.

"Yeah, I'm fine." - Marco said - "That guy's quite something isn't he?"

"Quite." - Jonas said - "He didn't even lose any life points. Definitely have to watch out for him I reckon."

"I bet you guys are disappointed." - Marco looked down at the floor.

"Not disappointed. Bad days happen. If anything, you should be grateful that you lost this early, when only the two of us were watching." - Jonas said quickly, not allowing Marco to get himself down.

"Thanks for the consolidation, I guess."

Daniel wanted to add something to the conversation, but felt something vibrate in his back pocket. He looked at his phone to find out Hannah sent him a text. The message was short and quite clear.

"I won!" - it read.

"It seems our resident Majespecter player is having more luck than you." - Daniel said, showing the two around him the message.

"Well I'm glad someone is." - Marco was less upset, though still visibly disappointed about his loss, and the group started walking towards the exit.