Jason tapped the paper with his pen, rubbing his forehead in despair. Come on, how am I supposed to know what monster is fused with Armail to form Dragoness the Wicked Knight? Who even uses that card? He skipped the sentence and went to the next one.

A few rows lower, Oliver wasn't doing any better. His exam paper resembled an abstract painting, of lines, circles, corrections and blotting. He took the tip of his pencil in his mouth, trying to gather his thoughts.

As always, Andora was in good shape. She had finished most of her multiple choice questions, and was ready to start the essay. It didn't surprise him. He was fairly certain she would make it.

Supervising the exam was Hannah. She checked the time, and walked to the microphone.

"Attention, you have one hour left. Remember, the results are permanent, and binding. In order to be accepted for the team trials, you need to get a minimum of 70%. Also, only the first four from each dorm will qualify."

Several students sighed out loud, and some protested. Jason just ignored them, and returned to the next question. Name two cards that can destroy defense position monsters. Hm, I think I know this one.

CHAPTER 7

The Ra Yellow lounge was filled with students. All awaited one thing: the results of the Pro Tournament results. Most knew about the coming selection, and all were eager for a chance at making it to the team. Some however just didn't care. The exam itself had been hard enough, so they didn't really expect to pass it anyways.

Marcus had mixed feelings. He passed the practical test with flying colors, but the theory had brought him down. He had never been good at book munching. He preferred to do his duel learning with a deck and a duel disk. Still, he had high hopes. An entrance into the tournament would certainly open new doors. And new chances meant a new hope to learn the truth.

Van Dunkan entered the lounge, greeted by the cheers from most of the students. The Ra Yellow homeroom teacher was well known for his temperate life. If there was a conflict, he would be the first to settle it. If a student would be right over a teacher, he would do everything to help him out.

The teacher took up a clipboard, and looked around.

"Everyone, I'm pleased to tell you that we have four students that have got the minimum entry mark. So here we go. If you hear your name, please step forward: Reggie Donald, Lorene Dorry…"

"Please, please, let my name be there. Please…" thought the boy.

"…Marcus Tyrene, and Patrick Helel". concluded the teacher.

The boy felt like a millstone was lifted from his chest. I'm in, I did it.

"Due to the fact that there are multiple candidates for the position, we will have to…drop the excess. And there's only one way to do that."

Several duelists cheered, as the four candidates took up their duel disks. Marcus sighed. Well, at least it's not another written exam. So let's get started.

0 0 0 0 0 0

Rossler walked into the chancellor's office, and handed Gould a list.

"Are those the final results?"

"Yes. It seems like we'll have to do some trimming on the excess. We have plenty of good students, so we'll have to do some serious selecting."

"I'll leave that for each dorm to decide" said the chancellor.

"I doubt that would be the best idea."

"That's what you said last time."

"And didn't we even qualify fourth?"

"True, true, but we at least we got experience."

Rossler frowned, and backed towards the door.

"I'll be in my office if you need me sir."

He left the room, leaving Gould alone. "I'm getting too old for this" he thought with a sigh.

0 0 0 0 0 0

The Sliver Red dayroom was just as busy. Since it was smaller that that of the other two dorms, the students were packed like sardines. Oliver was next to Jason, his main priority being not to get stepped on. The talking ceased as Lloyd walked in. Oliver held his breath. He wanted to qualify to be sure.

"All right, the result are in. And we have four candidates."

Many cheered, as Lloyd began to read from his list.

"If you hear your name, take a shout. Priscilla Swan, John Anderson, Tyler Hall…"

"Here we go, one more spot. I'm in or I'm out!" thought Jason at the end of his whit.

"…and Jason Winn." concluded Lloyd.

The four duelists stepped forward, in the cheer and applause of the others. Oliver cheered, trying not to show his disappointment. Lloyd shook their hand, and took a step back.

"All right, gents and lady, let's get the duels on the road, so we can decide who gets to represent us."

0 0 0 0 0 0

Obelisk Blue students crowded around Deborah Sail, their homeroom teacher. She made her way to a small podium, and motioned to them to be silent.

"Well, it seems like we have a first time for this exam. On first and second place, with a 97% correct, we have Andora Summerside and Koji Ikumi. In third place at 78% we have Lance Howart, and fourth, at 72% Manna Upright."

As the applause died down, Deborah motioned the winners to approach.

"Congratulations! Now remember, only one can be on the team. So good luck on the coming duels."

Each of the candidates took a duel disk, and headed to their rooms to get their decks.

0 0 0 0 0 0

Jason made his draw, analising his options. He managed to win the first duel fairly easily, but at the moment he was pinned down. His life points were at a mere 1800, while his opponent had 2500. His only monster was Junk Warrior, and he was trapped by chains on a Nightmare Wheel. He also had a face-down.

His opponent had Fire Princess in play (1300/1500), as well as Solemn Wishes. Jason looked at the cards in his hand. Shoot, I don't have all I need to win this turn.

"I pass."

Tyler 2500 – Jason 1800

"My draw! And thanks to my Solemn Wishes, I gain 500 lp, and thanks to my Princess, you ,loose that many. And let's not forget about Nightmare Wheel."

The torture device began to spin, shredding the back of the warrior. At the same time, Fire Princess shot a fireball, striking Jason."

"One more move. I play Linear Accelerator Cannon. At the cost of my Fire Princess, I can deal 650 damage!"

A futuristic cannon appeared, and sucked the spellcaster into it. It's muzzle glowed bright red, shooting a laser beam, making Jason shield his eyes.

"I end my turn. Make yours. Your last one."

"Come on Jason! Don't let me down now!" shouted Oliver from the side.

"What do you think I'm trying to do here?!"

Tyler 3000 – Jason 150

"Last turn? Let's see."

"First of, I activate my Limit Reverse trap card, allowing me to summon Tuningware from the graveyard."

A small robotic creature rose from the ground. It's arms were long and thin, and it wore a frying pan as a helmet (100/300).

"Next, I summon Nitro Synchron."

"Big deal! Those two aren't strong enough to deal enough damage for the win."

"Who says I'm using them for an attack? I tune Nitro Synchron, Junk Warrior, and Tuningware, to summon my favorite monster."

Junk Warrior broke free from the Nightmare Wheel, and dissolved into five green stars, as well as Nitro Synchron and Tuningware. With a loud battlecry, Colossal Fighter landed before Jason (2800/1000) (3600/1000).

"That's my man!" shouted Oliver.

"Colossal Fighter, direct attack!" shouted Jason.

The warrior struck Tyler with his fist, knocking him on his back.

Tyler 0 – Jason 150

All students cheered, crowding around him, lifting him on their shoulders. Oliver followed jumping, trying to congratulate him.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!"

"T…thanks. Just give me a minute." he shouted, trying to cover the noise of the crowd.

He jumped from the arms of the cheering students, and walked to Oliver.

"So how do you feel?" asked the blonde duelist.

"What do you mean?"

"To be on the team. Any famous words of wisdom before you leave?"

"Well, to be frank, I've got mixed feelings".

"Don't tell me you're backing out."

"I never said that. I'm dueling, and it makes no difference if it's here or in some other place."

"Okay, I'll be cheering for you in front of the TV." said the boy quietly.

"Thanks. I can use all the support I can get."

"Who do you think are the remaining players?"

"Don't know, but the blues are holding their trials today as well. And so far, I can bet my Power Tool Dragon that Andora's one of them."

"Good point."

Jason noticed the sadness in his eyes.

"What's wrong Ollie?"

"Come on, isn't it obvious? I wanted to join the team as well. I never got the chance to do something worthwhile with my life. And besides, I own you something."

"What?"

"My life. Remember back at the abandoned dorm? You got us out of there safe. And let's not forget about my self esteem. You got me over my fears and back in dueling again!"

He bowed his head in silence, rubbing his foot in the ground.

"Pathetic, aren't I ? You did all that, and I can't even be your partner in the tournament!"

Jason knelled, looking him in the eyes. "You already did enough. You're my friend. And knowing that you cheer me on is just as good as having your deck on my side."

"R…really?"

"Really."

He grabbed him by the hand, and ran of towards the Obelisk dorm.

"Where are we going?" shouted Oliver.

"I want to see whose going to be my partner in the team".

0 0 0 0 0 0

The Obelisk Blue students were gathered in a circle, cheering either of the two duelists. Andora was in the circle, facing her opponent, a medium height Japanese boy, with short dark hair, and an athletic body.

"Got to hand it to you, not many people have the guts to play that kind of deck" said the boy.

"Good, then you know that orthodox tactics don't work on me!"

"Don't flatter yourself. My tactics are anything but orthodox. But you'll see that for yourself. Time to duel!"

Koji 8000 – Andora 8000

"Given it's such an important duel, I can't rush things. So I just set a monster, and three face-downs, and end my turn".

"I thought Japanese were more offensive orientated."

"Good strategies take time. You especially should know that. And besides, rushing into something unknown is a foreign concept to me."

"Do you EVER speak like a normal person?" retorted the girl.

"Only if I need to. Now make a move, we need to have a winner for the dorm!"

"He's so confident!" said one of the girls on the side.

"And talented." added another.

"He's simply the best!" swooned another.

"Take her down Koji-kun. She's got nothing on you!"

Andora sighed. Thank God I'm not a fangirl.

"Are you going to make a move today?"

"Yes. Anything to shut them up. I summon Koa'ki Meiru Urnight."

A powerful neigh echoed, and a disturbing creature galloped in. It resembled a centaur, with a single eye on it's forehead, and armed with a lance and shield (2000/1500).

"He may look primitive, but he's effective. So I reveal my Titanium Core of Koa'ki Meiru to summon Koa'ki Meiru Ice from my deck!"

The centaur struck the ground with it's lance, and water gushed forward. It took the shape of a headless humanoid, armed with a sharp icicle (1900/1200).

"Better hope you have a good defense! Attack his face-down!"

The blue creature thrust it's icicle, revealing a furry three-eyed creature. It shrieked, shattering.

"Please tell me you're not playing fiends."

"Hardly. Sangan is only here as a searcher. So I can now take any monster with 1500 ATK or less from my deck to my hand."

"Last I checked, not on the field. So you're opened for a direct attack."

"Or so you think. I chain Revival Ticket! By destroying a card on the field, I can summon back the monster you just destroyed."

A portal opened in the ground, and Sangan bounced back, scratching it's fur (1000/600).

"And since the card I just destroyed was Tech Reach, I can add any Machine-type monster from my deck, as long as it doesn't have more than 1000 ATK."

Andora narrowed her eyes. So he plays machines. Question is what kind? Ancient Gears, Gadgets, Cyber? Whatever it is, he has the upper hand. He blocked one of my attacks, and got two monster back to his hand. Worst, if I attack again, he gains another monster. He's a dangerous duelist. I'd be a fool to underestimate him.

"Urnight, attack Sangan!"

The centaur slashed the fiend, crushing it.

"Why thank you." chuckled Koji, as the girls on the side cheered and clapped their hands.

"I set a card, and end my turn. And in order to keep my monsters in play, I discard Titanium Core of Koa'ki Meiru for Urnight. As for my other monster, I use the effect of Titanium Core of Koa'ki Meiru from my graveyard. At the cost of 500 lp. I can pay the maintenance of one of my Koa'ki Meiru monsters. Over to you."

Koji 8000 – Andora 7500

The girls booed, then cheered, as Koji made his draw. God, this is getting on my nerves.

"Doesn't that bother you?"

"Who, them? I never ask them to do that. They do it just to express their feelings."

"Oh, do you think they'll feel the same if you loose?"

"I really don't care. First, I won't loose. Second, I don't duel for the fans."

"Then what do you duel for?"

"Famous question for the meaning of life. If you really want to know, it's because it's a challenge."

"And by the way my hand looks, it's time for me to return the favor of your last attack. So I play Kozaki's Tech Research. Since two monsters of the same type were added to my hand last turn, I can special summon one of them. And my choice is Tech Genus Cyber Magician SC-01."

A ball of sparks formed, and began to take shape. It became a young mage, wearing a cross between a robe and a futuristic armor (0/0). Okay, definitely have no idea what that's supposed to be. Tech monsters? Where does he have such cards?

"Then the second effect of my spell activates. By discarding the second monster, I can draw one more card. And the fun doesn't stop there. My magician is also a Tuner. That means I can synchro summon…"

"With what? You have no other monsters on the field!" shouted Andora.

"But I do have in my hand. And that's where my mage comes in. If I want to synchro summon, the remaining materials can come from my hand."

"You've got to be kidding!"

"Does this look like a joke? I discard Tech Genus Rush Rhino, to synchro summon this."

Five green stars shot towards the sky, and a lout battlecry rang trough the crowd. A warrior armed with an axe, wearing a futuristic green uniform landed before Koji, sparkling with energy (2300/1000), (2600/1300).

"Ladies, say hello to Tech Genus Power Gladiator WAX-1000!And just like the gladiators of old, he shall fight to the death for your entertainment."

The girls shouted, clapping their hands, as Koji took a bow. Andora just gave him a desgusted look.

"And that's not all. Since one of the cards in my graveyard is Tech Genus Gardna GD-100. With it in my graveyard, all Tech Genus I control gain a bonus. Now they're stronger, by 300 points".

"Come, on, don't look too sad. I'm just better than you. And my place is in the tournament!"

"In your dreams!"

"Or in this case, your nightmares. Gladiator, strike down Urnight!"

"Activate trap!" shouted Andora.

As the card lifted, it was struck by a bolt of lightning, setting it back.

"What the…"

"My rhino had an effect as well. If he's used for a synchro summon, my monster gain the same effects as those of Ancient Gear monsters. You can't activate spell or traps until the end of the damage step!"

The warrior struck the centaur with it's axe, slicing it in the middle. Both sides collapsed, vanishing before they touched the ground.

"I place a face-down and end my turn!" said the boy, amidst the cheers of his fans.

Andora drew, annoyed and worried at the same time. Okay, not that big of a problem. I can use the effect of Koa'ki Meiru Ice to destroy his monster. Better hope I don't get any more problems.

"Your monster may be strong, but it still has a few problems. Since it's a special summoned monster, I can use the effect of Koa'ki Meiru Ice. At the cost of a card, I can destroy any monster that was special summoned!"

"That's if you can pull it of! I activate the trap Tech Frame MST. Since I have a Tech Genus in play, I can choose a type of effect. And for as long as I control this card, that effect is negated. And naturally, I choose monsters."

No, I need my monster's effects to win.

"I hope I didn't do something wrong." said Koji with a smile.

Andora narrowed her eyes, and reached for her hand.

"I switch my Koa'ki Meiru Ice to defense mode, and set one more monster. Since it's my End Phase, I pay 500 lp. for Titanium Core of Koa'ki Meiru".

Koji 8000 – Andora 6400

"You should have left your monsters in attack mode" laughed Koji. "To begin, I summon Tech Genus Werewolf BW-03."

Like it's name sake, the creature resembled a werewolf. It's left arm was purely metallic, ending with a large pincer, as well as other metallic parts on it's body (1200/0), (1500/300). It howled in bloodlust.

"Time to clean your field!"

"Then bring it on!" shouted Andora trough her teeth.

"I wouldn't be in such a hurry if I were you. Take my Gladiator for instance. If it attacks a monster with a defense lower than it's ATK, the difference is dealt as damage. And it would suit me best if I were to attack your Ice."

The girl went pale, as the warrior struck the iced being, shattering it into flakes.

"Werewolf, destroy the other one!"

The beast slashed the hidden monster, revealing a green creature, the lower part of the body being a shapeless mass of wind (1500/1200). "So much for Koa'ki Meiru Tornado" thought Andora.

"Not the best start huh? Well, I have one more move. I chain Bit Charge. Since one of my Techs destroyed your monster, I can destroy that monster, and draw a card."

"Why would you do a stupid thing like that?!"

"Because I can now use the effect of my Werewolf. If he's destroyed, I can add another one from my deck to my hand. And just to help you out, this effect applies to ALL of my Tech Genus monsters".

This is crazy. If I destroy any of his monsters, he can just get another replacement.

"I play one face-down and pass."

Andora made her draw. Perfect.

"All lucky streaks end sometimes! And this should do. I summon Koa'ki Meiru Sandman."

The ground before Andora turned to sand, and a shape began to emerge. It was roughly humanoid, with massive arms and short legs (1900/1200).

"Then I play Iron Core Immediate Disposal, to send Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru from my deck to the graveyard. Then I play a face-down" she added mysteriously.

"Is that all?"

"Not quite. I still have this: Mystical Space Typhoon! And I use it on your trap. With it gone, my monsters are now free to use their effects again."

"I end my turn. And if you're that big of a genus, don't attack next turn."

Koji 8000 – Andora 4500

"Luck? I don't need luck. I'm a genus. My deck works with the precision of a Swiss watch. The proof is the game thus far. And I can make a bet, that I can win without loosing any life points!"

"Big words. Can you prove them?"

"I'll let my cards do that! I play Magnetic Circle LV2. With this, I can summon any level 2 Machine from my hand. And I choose Tech Genus Striker WA-01"

In discharge of electricity, a human dressed in a blue high tech combat suit rose, taking a combat position (800/0), (1100/0).

"And since I special summoned a level 4 or lower monster, the second effect of my Werewolf from my hand activates, allowing me to special summon it!"

The mechanized beast rose next to the striker, it's claw spinning.

"The duel ends here! I play Dual Nature. With this, I can select any monster that has more than one Type, and double it's ATK until the End Phase."

"More than one type? What do you mean? All your monsters are Machines!"
"Wrong again! All Tech Genus have not one, but two Types. My Gladiator and Striker are also Warriors, and Werewolf is also a Beast-Warrior. So the ATK of my monster will double, enough to finish you!"

The axe wielding warrior glowed, raising it's axe to the sky (5200/1300). Andora's eyes opened in shock.

"I play Card Rotator. At the cost of a card from my hand, I can change the position of all your monsters."

Sandman knelled, shielding itself with it's massive arms. This is it! If he attacks with his Gladiator, I'm done. Koji pointed his hand to the sand creature.

"Werewolf, attack!"

The creature let out a howl, leaping forward. Andora smirked, pressing a button on the disk.

"Here's something to remember: pride goes before the fall. I play the trap Koa'ki Meiru Barrier. Since I have two Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru in my graveyard, I can negate your attack and destroy your monsters!"

"But you only have one!" shouted Koji.

"To borrow a line from you, WRONG! Titanium Core of Koa'ki Meiru is treated as Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru by all card effects."

"Who says pride goes before the fall? A pitiful god who takes away what we have more dear to us! I activate my face-down: Peril Removal Surgery! Since I have a Machine-type monster in play, I can negate your trap and inflict 1000 damage to you!"

He's starting to loose control. That's a good thing for now. He duels by intellect, not instinct. If I can keep him of his edge, I should turn this around.

"Pal, pride IS your fall! I chain the effect of my Sandman. By tributing it, I can negate and destroy your trap. Which means my barrier can now do it's thing, and destroy your monsters!"

The creature vanished, replaced by a violent sandstorm. Koji shielded his eyes with his sleeve, as his creatures were sucked into the tempest. The gladiator looked around confused, as did the other two monsters. They struck an invisible wall, making them explode into orbs of light. Koji looked towards his opponent shocked and amazed.

"Get up Koji-kun! You're still the best here!"

"Come on girls, let's give him our special cheer!" shouted another.

"One, Four, Six, Eight, you can't take down our mate!"

"Nine, Five, Eight, Four, he's going to run you trough the floor!" they cheered and whistled.

Good grief, they're about as annoying as his attitude.

"I play two face-downs and end my turn."

"You said you could win without loosing life points? If you think you can pull that of, you're no genus, you're insane!"

"Watch your mouth!" snarled Koji.

"It's a free country and academy, I can say what I want! So I play Urgent Synthesis. By returning an Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru from my graveyard to my deck to special summon a level 4 Koa'ki Meiru from my graveyard. And I choose Sandman."

The rocky creature rose from the ground once again, hitting the earth with it's fists.

"You had your fun, now it's my turn. I offer my monster to summon Koa'ki Meiru Valafar."

Flames burst around Sandman, dissolving him to dust. A formidable demonic creature rose, flapping it's wings (3000/2100). For the first time since the start of the duel, Koji looked scared.

"Time to even the odds! Valafar, direct attack!"

The fiend shot two beams of energy from it's eyes, striking the Japanese boy in the chest. The girls on the side screamed, hugging each other. Koji griped his chest, looking angrily.

"Don't get your hopes up yet! A true genus can make the best of a bad situation. So I activate Damage Gate. Since you inflicted damage, I can summon any monster from my graveyard with an ATK equal to or less than the damage I just took. So ladies, your favorite Roman destroyer is back!"

A dark door opened, revealing a graveyard in the distance. Footsteps were heard, and Tech Genus Gladiator stepped trough the passage, covered with dirt, it's armor scratched (2300/1000), (2600/1300).

"I destroyed him once, I can do it again!"

"Had a lucky break, and you think I can loose? Just finish your turn so I can put you out of your misery!"

"Fine, just as soon as I give up 500 lp. to keep Valafar in play." she said with desgust.

Koji 5000 – Andora 4000

Koji drew, ignoring the cheers of the fans. He was angry. Not because he had lost nearly half of his life points, not because he had just been humiliated. He was angry because he realized that the girl he was facing was more skilled than him. Loosing had never been in his battle plan, but as he stared at the field, that idea began to seem more and more clear.

I have only half of what I need to summon my best monster. I need to keep her of until my next turn, and this should do it.

"For starters, I play the spell Tech Trade. At the cost of a Tech Genus from my hand and 500 lp. I can draw 2 cards".

He quickly snatched two cards and grinned.

"Perfect, just perfect. Since this monster was added to my hand by a card effect, I can special summon it. He may not be as handsome as my gladiator, but he's effective non the less. Come out, Tech Genus Mech KV6"

A metallic sphere rolled out, and began to change. It sprung arms and legs, as well as a pair of antenna, each toped with a mechanical eye (1000/500), (1300/800).

"I place a face-down. That should do."

Andora drew, filled with new hope, but prudence as well. He didn't switch his monsters to defense mode. He clearly knows of my monster's effect. Valafar can take down any of his monsters, and this one should help me take down the other.

"Going into defense? I guess that genus attitude didn't last very long! And I intend to remove it altogether. I summon Koa'ki Meiru Bergzak."

A warrior clad in black, with a black and white mask, armed with two swords, landed on the field (2000/200). Koji didn't bother to give an answer.

"Time to shatter your defenses! Bergzak, strike down his mech!"

As the warrior leaped towards the metallic insect, one of the boy's cards rose.

"Reveal Call of the Haunted! Be reborn, my Tech Mage."

The ground burst open, revealing the young spellcaster, battered, and covered with scars (0/0), (300/300).

"Of course, since a replay took place, you can choose another target if you want."

"Fine, then I redirect my attack to your mage!"

"Well, I have some objections to that. So I chain Urgent Tuning! With this, I can conduct a synchro summon during the Battle Phase. So I tune my Mage and my Mech, to summon this."

Five green stars rose to the sky, merging into a new shape. The monster was a young girl, with pink long hair, wearing a magician suit (1900/1500), (2200/1800).

"Meet Tech Genus Wonder Magician! Who needs Dark Magician Girl with her around."

"Blasphemy!" shouted a few male duelists from the audience.

"Looks to me like the odds have changed once again! Your warrior has nothing to attack that wouldn't lead to his own destruction."

"That may be, but Valafar's a different story! And he can take down your Gladiator."

Koji let out a chuckle.

"Are you aware of my mage's special ability Andora?"

"Does it matter?"

"It does. I told you, I'm not your average garden variety duelist. I'm also a pioneer, as is this deck. Industrial Illusions chose me to test the newest concept of dueling before releasing it on the market."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, my monster is also a Tuner."

"A synchro monster that's also a Tuner? I've never heard of that."

"None have! And here's one more shock for you: I tune my Mage and my Gladiator to summon my ace."

"But…you can't do that! Not during my turn."

"I can. For the monster I summon is no ordinary synchro monster, but an Accel Synchro monster!"

"A what monster?!"

"A…C….C….E….L" said Koji letter by letter. "I can only summon this monster by using a Tuner that's also a Synchro monster, but as a compensation, I can do it even during your turn if I want to!"

Both monsters vanished into ten green stars, shrouded in blinding light. The result was awesome indeed. The creature resembled a Gundam robot, colored green and silver. It had four bat-like wings, and carried a long assault rifle (3300/2200), (3600/2500). Andora opened her mouth, but no sounds came out. The audience as well were speechless at the sight of the titan.

"The future has arrived! Unleash your might, Tech Genus Blade Gunner MAXX-10000!"

Andora felt her heart stop.

"I…I have to end my turn. But not before I pay 1000 lp. to keep my two monsters in play and add a face-down."

Koji 5000 – Andora 3000

"Progress is the future! And future will hit you hard. For now, I summon Tech Support Platform SB-09".

Roars of engines were heard, as a black jet descended from the skies. It began to change shape, becoming a backpack, merging with the massive robot.

"My monster is also a Union monster. As for his effect, let me show you. Your obsolete fiend is getting on my nerves, so it's my compassion to put it out of it's misery. Blade Gunner, strike him down!"

The robot raised his rifle, unleashing a barrage of lasers.

"Activate trap: Core Shield! Since you selected one of my monsters as an attack target, I can move all my Koa'ki Meiru monsters to defense mode. Then, if there is a monster in your graveyard with a lower ATK and level as my monster, I can remove it from the game to gain life points equal to half of it's DEF. And I choose your Tech Gardna, to lower your monster's ATK."

Valafar shielded himself with it's wings, as the lasers shredded his body. He collapsed in smoke, vanishing. A tear began to form in Andora's eyes, and it took all her strength to hold it back.

"Getting attached to your monsters is useless! You feel pain for nothing but a meaningless piece of paper. And this should prove it. If a monster equipped with this specific Union monster destroys a monster by battle, I can cut my monster's ATK by half and have it attack again!"

The machine raised it's rifle once again, the volley shredding Bergzak to pieces. The light from the detonations made Koji's eyes glisten, cold and ruthless.

"I end my turn. Make your draw if you can."

Andora reached for her deck, trembling and broken. She had no way of winning and she knew it. Her best monsters were gone, and the cards in her hand were of no use. It's hopeless. I blew my chance! He was right, he's superior. And me, I…

"AN!!!"

She slowly turned her head in the direction of the sound. She saw Jason running towards the crowd, with Oliver closely behind him.

"Jason, hold up… What the hell is that?!" shrieked the blonde duelist at the sight of the giant robot.

The girl turned her head slowly, her hair usually so neatly kept falling irregularly around her face.

"Jason, I'm about to lose the duel!"

"An, you need to get up! You need to get back up and fight!"

"I…I don't think I can do that."

"You can. I need you. I need you by my side on the team!"

"Your team?"

"Yes, I won the duel. I represent my dorm! And I want you to be by my side!"

"But…how can I ? None of the cards I have are of any use!"

"That doesn't mean anything. You just have to consider all of your options."

"All of my options?"

"Make your draw! I trust you. Just like you gave me strength in that duel, use my strength!"

She felt calm, as her fingers reached for the deck. All of my options. All that I can do. She made her draw. Now this is what I call a miracle.

"So, do you intend to play something today?"

"I'll let you judge that. I use the spell Card of Sanctity, allowing us to draw until we have six cards."

She made her draws, and her eyes widened. Of course, this is the answer.

"You may have a monster that was never played before, but no monster is indestructible. And your machine is going down NOW!"

"I'd like to see you try!"

"You want that, fine! I remove Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru from my hand, to special summon the latest addition to my deck. Rise up, Koa'ki Meiru Maximus!"

An ear shattering roar echoed all around the area, followed by the sound of wing beats. As the clouds parted, a dragon as large as the metallic giant descended. It's color was metallic grey, it's limbs were thin and sharp (3000/2500).

"Jason, I think we're back in business!" said Oliver.

Koji narrowed his eyes, staring his opponent down.

"You may have a big dragon. Big deal. Blade Gunner is still stronger!"

"Power without knowledge is useless. I'm surprised you don't know that. But before I use my monster's effect, I play this: Spell Shattering Arrow. Now, all face-up spell cards you have on the field are destroyed, and you take 500 damage for each one. And last I checked, Union monsters are Spells when equipped to monsters"

A silver arrow slashed forward, striking the monster's backpack, making it explode.

"Your monster's done. Maximus has one effect, and it's a simple one: once per turn, I can destroy any one of your cards."

As the dragon opened it's jaws, Koji raised his hand.

"Blade Gunner, escape!"

The metallic giant glowed, and vanished in an instant.

"What in the world…"

"My monster has an effect as well. At any point during your turn, I can remove my monster from the game until the End Phase."

Andora looked at her monster, then at her opponent. She had no more fear. All she wanted was to say those two simple words.

"Direct attack!"

The dragon opened it's jaws, unleashing a stream of blinding light. Silent and merciless, it pushed the spectators back, blinded. Koji's fans screamed, running for cover, while the Japanese boy staggered, crushed by the shere force of the impact. He managed to get back up, gasping for breath.

"I place two face-downs and pay 500 lp. to keep Maximus in play. Make your move."

A portal opened, and Blade Gunner returned to the field. Though it was impossible to distinguish any emotions on the face of the machine, it was clear that it wanted revenge.

Koji 1500 – Andora 2500

"I won't loose! Do you hear me! I'm a genus. The best. I have the power to win, and you're nothing but an amateur freshman before me!"

"Okay…genus" replied Andora, while at the same time trying to hold back her laughter. "If you can't admit you're still human, then defeat will be all that worst."

"Why you…I WILL NOT BE MOCKED! Blade Gunner, strike down her dragon!"

Andora just pressed a button on her disk.

"Activate trap: Reactive Matter! Until the end of this turn, a Koa'ki Meiru monster cannot be destroyed by battle, as long as I cut my life points in half. And there's one more thing…but that will have to wait."

Koji took a step back. What am I doing? Am I acting on instinct? No, I can't lower myself like that! I have to win. I have to win because…

"Superior" said Jason.

"What do you mean?" asked Oliver.

"I think An just figured out the best strategy to win."

"Huh?"

"Just look. He plans everything in advanced. He thinks every move. She got him out of his tempo. If she can keep this up for one more turn, she'll win."

"I play a face-down and pass" said the boy angrily.

The two duelists had become like the two polls of a magnet. One burning with anger, the other as calm as the breeze of a summer morning.

"The duel ends here. I play the spell Prohibited Chalice. This gives your monsters an additional 400 ATK, but it also negates it's effects. Your monster won't dodge destruction this time!"

"Like hell you will! Activate face-down: Skill Bounce! Since you used an effect that targets one of my monsters, the same effect is now applied to one of your monsters!"

The dragon glowed, as it raised it's majestic head (3400/2500). Andora looked to her opponent.

"You just waisted your card. I never intended to win by a direct attack. I intend to win by destroying the source of your arrogance."

"You lie!"

"I never lie if I can avoid that. So I play my final spell card: Iron Core Armor. With this, if my dragon battles, your monster looses 100 ATK for each of it's level. And if my math's right, that would be a full thousand."

The dragon roared in approval, eager to remove the source of it's anger.

"Maximus, attack Blade Gunner."

The dragon took flight, taking the machine in it's sight. It's jaw opened, launching a beam of pure light.

"That means nothing to me you hear! My hand is perfect, you'll pay next turn! I shall win!"

"Pal, you need a strong dose of reality. Try taking a look at your monster!"

Koji moved his look to Blade Gunner, and covered his mouth in shock. The robot had collapsed on one knee, it weapon fallen to it's side. (800/2200).

"WHAT DID YOU DO?"

"I said Reactive Matter has another effect, didn't I ? The monster that battled with my own, it looses ATK equal to the ATK of that monster."

"No!" he said trough his teeth.

The beam of energy struck the mech, dissolving it to ashes.

"NOOOOO!"

Koji 0 – Andora 950

0 0 0 0 0 0

Andora walked to Jason. She raised her eyes, trying to hold back the tears she knew would come.

"Thank you."

Before Jason could answer, she wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his neck. She was crying, of that there was no doubt in her mind. But despite the tears, she was at peace. Feeling Jason's arms embrace her, she felt secure. There was no more fear.

All was well.

0 0 0 0 0 0

FEATURED CARD REVIEW

Koa'ki Meiru Maximus

Level 8 / WIND / Dragon / ATK 3000 / DEF 2500

This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned by removing from play 1 "Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru" from your hand. During each of your End Phase, destroy this card unless you send 1 "Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru" or 1 "Koa'ki Meiru" monster from your hand to the Graveyard. Once per turn, during your Main Phase, you can select and destroy 1 card your opponent controls.

Maximus has some potential, but only limited. Dragon type is fairly supported, making it bait for FGD. Being level 8 makes it tributable for Trade In and Advanced Draw. It's summoning requirements however limits it's use to the Koa'ki Meiru deck, and even that is debatable. Having to remove the Iron Core from your hand is terrible, since you cannot recover it.

It's effect is simple. Destroying any card is good, but the requirements make the investment questionable. Bottom line, Koa'ki Meiru decks are for skilled players only.

Rating

1 / 5 Traditional and Advanced format

3 / 5 Art

NON TCG CARDS USED

Tech Genus Cyber Magician SC-01

Level 1 / LIGHT / Spellcaster / Tuner / ATK 0 / DEF 0

When this card is selected as a Synchro Material for the Synchro Summon of a Synchro Monster, the other Synchro Material Monsters can be sent from your hand. This card is also treated as a Machine-Type monster. When a Spell or Trap Card you control which targets a Machine-Type monster affects this card, this card's original ATK and DEF are halved. When this card is destroyed, you can add 1 card of the same name from your Deck to your hand. You cannot use it this turn.

Tech Genus Striker WA-01

Level 2 / Warrior / EARTH / Tuner / ATK 800 / DEF 0

When your opponent controls a monster and you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. This card is also treated as a Machine-Type monster. When a Spell or Trap Card you control which targets a Machine-Type monster affects this card, this card's original ATK and DEF are halved. When this card is destroyed, you can add 1 card of the same name from your Deck to your hand. You cannot use it this turn.

Tech Genus Werewolf BW-03

Level 3 / DARK / Beast-Warrior / ATK 1200 / DEF 0

When you successfully Special Summon a Level 4 or lower monster, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. This card is also treated as a Machine-Type monster. When a Spell or Trap Card you control which targets a Machine-Type monster affects this card, this card's original ATK and DEF are halved. When this card is destroyed, you can add 1 card of the same name from your Deck to your hand. You cannot use it this turn.

Tech Genus Rush Rhino

Level 4 / EARTH / Beast / ATK ??? / DEF ???

If this card is used for a synchro summon, if that synchro monster attacks, your opponent cannot activate spell or trap cards until the end of the Damage Step. This card is also treated as a Machine-Type monster. When a Spell or Trap Card you control which targets a Machine-Type monster affects this card, this card's original ATK and DEF are halved. When this card is destroyed, you can add 1 card of the same name from your Deck to your hand. You cannot use it this turn.

(NOTE: in the anime, this card's effect is unknown. The added effect may not correspond to the real life card).

Tech Genus Power Gladiator WAX-1000

Level 6 / Warrior / EARTH / Synchro / ATK 2300 / DEF 1000

1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
During battle between this attacking card and a Defense Position monster whose DEF is lower than the ATK of this card, inflict the difference as Battle Damage to your opponent. This card is treated as a Machine-Type monster. When a Spell or Trap Card you control which targets a Machine-Type monster affects this card, this card's original ATK and DEF are halved. When this card is destroyed, draw 1 card. That card cannot be used this turn.

Tech Genus Blade Gunner MAXX-10000

Level 10 / Machine / EARTH / Synchro / ATK 3300 / DEF 2200

1 Synchro Tuner Monster + 1 or more non-Tuner Synchro Monsters
By sending 1 card from your hand to the Graveyard, negate the effect of an opponent's Trap Card that affects this card and destroy it. Once during your opponent's turn, you can remove this card from play until the End Phase.

Tech Genus Wonder Magician

Level 5 / LIGHT / Synchro / Tuner / ATK 1900 / DEF 1500

1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters

The above cards were used by Dark Glass during episode 74 of Yugioh 5DS.

Tech Genus Gardna GD-100

Level 3 / EARTH / Rock / ATK 100 / DEF 1800

While this card is in your graveyard, Tech Genus monsters you control gain 300 ATK and DEF. This card is also treated as a Machine-Type monster. When a Spell or Trap Card you control which targets a Machine-Type monster affects this card, this card's original ATK and DEF are halved. When this card is destroyed, you can add 1 card of the same name from your Deck to your hand. You cannot use it this turn.

Tech Genus Mech KV6

level 2 / EARTH / Insect / ATK 1000 / DEF 500

If this card is added to your hand by a card effect, you can special summon it. When a Spell or Trap Card you control which targets a Machine-Type monster affects this card, this card's original ATK and DEF are halved. When this card is destroyed, you can add 1 card of the same name from your Deck to your hand. You cannot use it this turn.

Tech Support Platform SB-09.

Level 2 / WIND / Machine / Union / ATK 600 / DEF 200

Once per turn, you can equip this card to a Machine-Type monster you control, OR unequip it to Special Summon this card in face-up Attack Position. If the equipped monster destroys a monster as a result of battle, you can halve it's ATK until the End Phase and attack once again in a row. (A monster can only be equipped with 1 Union monster at a time. If the equipped monster would be destroyed, this card is destroyed instead.)

Dual Nature

Spell / Normal

Select 1 monster you control that has more than 1 Type. Double the ATK of that card until the End Phase.

Tech Deal

Spell / Normal

Pay 500 lp. and discard 1 Tech Genus monster to draw 2 cards.

Skill Bounce

Spell / Quickplay

Activate if your opponent is targeted by a card effect. Select 1 monster your opponent controls and apply the same effect to that monster until the End Phase.

Kozaky's Tech Research

Spell / Normal

Activate if 2 or more monsters of the same Type were added from your deck to your hand during your previous turn. Special summon 1 of them, and discard the other to draw 1 card.

Tech Reach

Trap / Normal

If this card is destroyed, add 1 Machine-type monster from your deck with 1000 ATK or less.

Core Shield

Trap / Normal

Activate if a Koa'ki Meiru monster you control is selected as an attack target. Switch all Koa'ki Meiru monsters to defense mode, and remove from play 1 monster in your opponent's graveyard with a lower level and ATK that the Koa'ki Meiru monster you control with the highest ATK.

Reactive Matter

Trap / Counter

Activate if a Koa'ki Meiru monster would be destroyed by battle. Negate it's destruction and halve your life points. During the next battle Phase, the monster that would destroy this card looses ATK equal to the ATK of the monster it previously battled.

Peril Removal Operation

Trap / Normal

Activate if you control a Machine-type monster. Negate the activation of 1 of your opponent's trap cards and inflict 1000 damage to your opponent.

The above cards are my own creation

Revival Ticket

Trap / Normal

When a monster(s) on your field is destroyed by battle, destroy one card on your field for each monster destroyed. Special Summon the monster(s) destroyed by battle during this turn to your field, and gain Life Points equal to all the Battle Damage you recieved this turn.

Used by Yusei during episode 54 of Yugioh 5DS