Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh or anything designed by its original creator. I do own every character and card I've created. (If I ever create those.)
A/N: As one might've noticed already, I'm rewriting the first chapter in an attempt to improve their quality. As readers, would you like me to first rewrite those chapters, or should I choose to prioritize the next chapters instead? And in the first case, is there any chapter you specifically think should be fixed? Please let me know. Also, as usual, read and if possible, review and/or tell me how I can improve as an author.
In front of Loki Mansion, one of the three dorms at the academy -more specifically, the dorm of the Lokinians- Rick was ready to duel. His Duel Disk was already activated, but he hadn't drawn his five opening cards yet.
Across him stood no-one else than the head of Loki Mansion: Miss Nora Moreno. She was the one who challenged Rick to a duel. He had no idea why, but he accepted regardless.
After all, his own philosophy stated that he could never turn down a challenge to a duel.
Standing on the sidelines were Ilian and Max, Rick's roommates and his best friends at the academy. They too had no idea what was actually going on, but thought it would be best if they didn't interfere with this sudden battle.
Now Miss Moreno activated her own Duel Disk, getting in a proper position to fight. A small breeze went to her long black hair, but she didn't mind.
"Are you ready?" She asked.
"Even if it was the middle of the night, I would still be ready" Rick replied, having a small smile on his face. It could clearly be seen that he would enjoy this duel a lot.
Taking that reply as a 'Yes', she nodded.
"DUEL" They shouted together.
Yu-Gi-Oh European Duel Academy
Turn Thirteen: Vanilla Invasion: Prove Your Worth
Some time before Miss Moreno challenged Rick, he, along with Max and Ilian were hanging out somewhere close to Loki Mansion. Lately, they hung around regularly at this place, near the edge of the island. This was mostly because, while it was close to their dorm, it was deserted most of the time.
They were also lucky because even if it was December already, it wasn't really cold yet. Whether it had something to do with the location of the island or not was unknown to the trio.
There was a second reason though why the three chose their isolated place over anywhere else: they were practicing. That is to say, Max was mostly practicing while Rick and Ilian took turns to duel him, and if Rick was dueling, Ilian also took notes of the duel so that he could help developing Max's tactics. Therefore, it was better to be somewhere quiet.
So far, six duels had been played, and Max had lost every single one of them. But that wasn't the most important matter. For now, improving was enough. And once he improved enough and started winning, they could advance the training.
His final goal, which perhaps would not even be achieved this year, maybe not even the year after that, was to become a duelist strong enough to face his older sister Emma. One day, he will challenge her to a duel and fight with all he has.
Currently, he was having his seventh duel today, and it looked as if he would lose this one too. Having 1700 Life Points and an empty field, it was obvious he wouldn't last long against Rick's 'Explosive Magician', with 2500 attack points, enough to end the duel this turn.
"'White Lightning Spell'" Rick declared, signifying the end of this duel.
The wizard in white clothes hit Max with a strong lightning bolt, causing him to fall down.
"I win" Rick said, deactivating his Duel Disk, causing the hologram to disappear as well.
He then walked to Max, stretching out his right arm to help him get up.
"That was a nice duel."
Max gave a wry smile, while he got hold of the hand in front of him. Even though he knew he wasn't good enough to win against either of them, losing seven times in a row was frustrating.
"Even if you say so, I'm still unable to defeat you two."
"Although you didn't win, you were able to bring Rick's Life Points below 4000. This is the first time you have accomplished this" Ilian joined the conversation. "At this rate, you might be able to challenge Emma before the end of the semester."
Max thought about it. Dueling Emma would make him happier than anything else right now. But he would be patient. Not yet. I won't duel her until I'm worthy of facing her in a battle.
"However," Ilian went on. "isn't it almost time to start using your powerful cards? Even though this is only training, you haven't used those cards even once."
The cards Ilian referred to were some rare cards Max once got from his father. At that time, Emma forbad him to use those cards. He kept them in his deck regardless, only to never use them.
"You mean those cards, right? No, after our triangle duel during our first week at the academy, I took them out of my deck. Until Emma says I'm ready to use those cards, I won't use them."
"Okay," Rick said. "You shouldn't force yourself, and neither can we force you to use those cards. Even so, I think you're ready to use them."
Max gave him a somewhat surprised look. "You really think so?"
"Absolutely. And I'm sure that when you do, they will respond to you as well."
Now Ilian too couldn't follow anymore with Rick's logics. "What is that supposed to mean?" he asked, looking confused.
Rick smiled, then took his deck out of his Duel Disk. He shuffled it thoroughly before inserting it again in his Duel Disk.
"The card I'll draw is 'Defender the Magical Knight'" Rick predicted.
Max and Ilian gave him another, even more astonished glare while he drew the top card of his deck. Showing them the card, their amazement became even bigger. Rick was holding, as he had foretold, 'Defender the Magical Knight'.
"Impossible," Ilian stammered. "How did you know that?"
Rick put the card back in his deck. "A duelist has a special connection with his deck, unlike any other bond. And if the bond between those two is strong enough, anything can happen. A duelist doesn't choose his deck, a deck responds to the soul of the duelist." Well, there's no way I could've known that certainly. But at least it turned out right.
He then turned his face to Max. "So if you decide to use those cards, they will definitely reply to your desire to face Emma."
Max still was unable to understand everything Rick had just said, but at least one thing was clear to him: there would be a day where he would use those cards. And probably sooner than he originally thought.
"I see," he replied, gaining some confidence in the process. "Until then, please keep training me."
'Of course', Rick wanted to say, but before he had the chance to do so, he was interrupted by his growling stomach.
"I'm sorry," he said in an embarrassed tone. "But because of the intense training I'm really hungry now."
Max nodded. "Yeah, I'm also starving. Perhaps we should eat something at our dorm first, and come back in the afternoon.
Ilian agreed with that as well. Unlike the other two, he wasn't exactly famished, but he understood that it would be pointless to keep training in their current conditions. Moreover, they did deserve a break from their morning practice.
Taking their belongings- in other words, their duel equipment- they headed back to their dorm.
It took them approximately 15 minutes to return to Loki Mansion. Putting their belongings in their room, they went to the cafeteria to get lunch.
Although it wasn't lunch time yet, at which time every student would get a proper meal, there were always prepackaged sandwiches if necessary. Ilian and Rick each took one, and Max took two, showing how hungry he actually was.
"Come to think of it: why didn't we take some sandwiches this morning before we left?" Ilian suddenly asked. "If we did, we wouldn't have to come back all the way."
"Then we'll just remember this for next time" Rick replied.
Max barely even bothered to listen. Instead, he was already eating his first sandwich, gesturing they should eat too.
Realizing Max was right to start eating, both Rick and Ilian followed his lead and ate their lunch. Before they knew, they had already finished eating.
Max was the first to get up from their table. "Shall we do some more training?"
Giving him an intense glare, Rick nodded. "Sure, I'm in."
Afterwards, Ilian got up as well, ready to continue their practice session. While not as obvious as his friends, he too wanted to have a few more duels.
While leaving the cafeteria and heading to their room, they came across their headmaster, Miss Moreno. The trio didn't pay much attention to her until she addressed them instead.
Or to be more precise, she addressed Rick.
"Do you have anything important to do right now?" she asked him.
Slightly taken back by that question, he turned around. Honestly, training Max was an important matter. Not just for him, but also for Ilian and himself. Therefore it would be a logic decision to say they were in a hurry and leave it at that.
"Why the sudden question?"
Even though Rick didn't want to waste any time he could use to train and duel Max, he knew his teacher would have a good reason to ask him about his plans. Even though the chances were slim, it could be something even more important than his current plans.
"Please duel me" was her reply.
Hearing those words, Rick had a weird feeling. Leaving the actual request aside, the tone was so humble it was almost embarrassing. If one did not know better, it would be nearly impossible to think this was a teacher asking something to a student.
At the same time, although hating to break a promise to someone, he had the desire to accept her challenge. Not because he felt sorry for her, but because he would never just turn down a challenge, let alone one from a strong opponent, which she definitely must be, considering her job.
"I'm sorry," he said, turning to Max and Ilian "but you'll have to go on ahead without me."
In the end, his desire to duel his teacher had taken the upper hand.
"Okay, I accept your challenge."
A few minutes later the two stood face-to-face, ready to engage in combat. Also, Max and Ilian had decided to stay and witness the duel themselves. Ilian knew this was a rare opportunity to see a teacher in action, and Max had learned that he could pick up a lot from watching others. That's why neither of them could pass on this chance.
Unable to hold his excitement, Rick had already activated his Duel Disk, unlike his opponent, who did nothing but observe.
Finally, she activated her own Duel Disk, getting in a proper stance while doing so.
"Are you ready?" Even though it was quite obvious Rick was ready – one could even call that an understatement – Miss Moreno still wanted to make sure he was.
"Even if it was the middle of the night, I would still be ready" Rick answered. These words were able to confirm everyone's thoughts. In return, Miss Moreno gave a small nod.
"DUEL" They both exclaimed.
Rick immediately wanted to draw an opening hand, but just before he did so, something occurred to him.
"Who takes the first turn?" He wondered.
"How about rock-paper-scissors?"
"Sure," Rick said, already making a fist with his right hand. Likewise, Miss Moreno did the same. Counting to three, they both revealed their hand. In the end, Rick's scissors lost, and therefore Miss Moreno got the first move.
Afterwards, they drew their opening hand, only for Nora to instantly draw a sixth card.
"I summon Emissary of the Afterlife" Miss Moreno declared.
A vile-looking monster, largely resembling a reaper made an appearance. Wearing a dark cloak while holding a scythe in both hands could give one the feeling he was the embodiment of death itself.
Emissary of the Afterlife: (Lv4, Fiend, ATK 1600 DEF 600)
"I'd never expected our teacher to play an undead-themed deck" Max said after seeing the first card of the duel.
"I don't think she does," Ilian corrected his friend. "If I remember well that card has an effect related to normal monsters."
But that would mean… No, she wouldn't play that kind of deck, right?
"I set one card face-down. Turn end."
"Draw" Rick spoke. It was a calm tone, but it still hinted his excitement to fight a new opponent.
"I summon Skilled Dark Magician to the field."
A wizard entered the duel field. Wearing a dark armor, most notably on his shoulders and head. Wielding a magic wand in his right hand, he gave a composed impression, standing firmly.
Skilled Dark Magician: (Lv4, Spellcaster, ATK 1900 DEF 1700)
"Skilled Dark Magician, attack her Emissary of the Afterlife."
Citing a strong magical incantation, he used the power to fire a ball of dark matter to the opposing creature. Upon contact between the two, the monster instantly died.
LP Miss Moreno: 8000 – 300 = 7700
"Since my monster is destroyed, its ability activates; now each of us can add a level 3 or lower normal monster to our hand from our deck."
"Normal monster? But I don't have any cards like that" Rick claimed, somewhat surprised.
Meanwhile, Ilian's former suspicions were confirmed: "I knew it; she's piloting an Exodia deck."
"Are you sure?" Max inquired.
"I'm quite positive. I can't think of another deck that would make use of such a card."
Interestingly enough, since his first statement was rather loud, both Rick and Miss Moreno were able to overhear it without problems. Therefore, Nora simply turned to Ilian while she showed him the card she had chosen.
It was not an Exodia limb.
It was a level 2 monster: 'Atlantean Pikeman'.
Surprised, both Rick and Ilian couldn't help but show their amazement as of why someone would use a card like that.
"It's true this card is used a lot in Exodia decks, but there are other decks that make use of this card as well, including mine" Nora elaborated.
"In other words, you're playing a 'Vanilla' deck" Ilian said. "A level two, I assume, considering you could have chosen a level three monster as well with that card."
"I guess there's no point in hiding now, is there. Even so, I'm impressed you figured it out already, after seeing only two cards. At least this explains your outstanding grades among the first years."
Meanwhile, Rick couldn't help but smile. As expected of Ilian, probably the strongest duelist in Loki Mansion. Figuring out an entire strategy after seeing two cards, I doubt anyone else could do that.
"Even so, this isn't my duel, so for now I'll just watch from the sidelines. But I must warn you in advance: Rick is without doubt the strongest duelist in Loki Mansion" Ilian stated.
Miss Moreno then returned her attention to Rick, the one she was really facing. "Will you do anything else this turn?"
Rick gave a quick glance to the cards in his hand before declaring: "Turn end."
"Understood, it's my turn then."
She drew a card. "I play Enchanting Fitting Room. In exchange for 800 Life Points I can check the top four cards of my deck and special summon every level three or lower normal monster among those cards."
"In other words, depending on the cards you can summon up to four monsters at once" Rick noticed. Dangerous card.
In an instant, four red curtains appeared in front of Loki Mansion's headmaster, each one hiding a card.
"First card," She said, carefully lifting the top card of her deck. "Clown Zombie. Since it's a level two, I can summon him in attack mode."
The first curtain opened, and revealed an undead clown, having only one eye open, and wearing a purple hat. More frightening though, was the truly fiendish laugh it had, justifying the fear one could have of clowns.
Clown Zombie: (Lv2, Zombie, ATK 1350 DEF 0)
"Second card" Once more she took the card on top of her deck. "A level one: Charcoal Inpachi. I'll summon him in defense mode."
The second curtain showed a gigantic wooden creature, burnt to cinders so hard smoke was still coming out of it.
Charcoal Inpachi: (Lv1, Pyro, ATK 100 DEF 2100)
Two cards, and already two monsters. If this keeps up I'll have to face four monsters, not to mention what else she can do this turn.
"Third card" The third curtain revealed its card, only to show a spell card: Thousand Energy. "No monster, therefore this card will be shuffled back into my deck."
That's a relief. Only one more card, just hope she doesn't pull another monster.
"Fourth card" For the last time, Miss Moreno picked a card from her deck. "Galaxy Serpent. And I'll summon it in attack mode as well."
The final curtain went up, and a small blue dragon was shown. A slender body, and two wings to ensure it could fly. Compared to the other creatures on the field, his appearance was majestic.
Galaxy Serpent: (Lv2, Dragon, ATK 1000 DEF 0)
Three monsters at once. Even though they're rather weak and have no abilities, there's no doubt I'm at a disadvantage.
"I activate White Elephant's Gift. In exchange for sending Galaxy Serpent to the graveyard, I can draw two cards."
Miss Moreno placed the dragon in the graveyard and drew her two cards, already thinning her deck a lot for just the third turn.
"I set one card face-down. Your turn."
Seeing his teacher end her turn so easily surprised Rick a bit. Although she earned herself a lot of card advantage, she ended up doing nothing with it.
"Draw. I summon 'Crusader of Endymion' to the field in attack mode."
As Rick played his card, a human clad in a blue armor appeared. Barehanded, his outfit was the only thing that could possibly give an impression he was about to battle.
Crusader of Endymion: (Lv4, Spellcaster, ATK 1900 DEF 1200)
"Skilled Dark Magician, attack her Clown Zombie" Rick immediately ordered.
The wizard raised his wand and started and incantation, but before he had the chance to complete his spell he was assaulted by a hoard of rats emerging from the other side of the field.
The magician did his best trying to launch an attack regardless of the countless rats, but in the end his attempt failed and they overwhelmed him, killing him in the process.
LP Rick: 8000 – 50 = 7950
"What happened? Why is my monster destroyed?" Rick asked.
"My trap card Attack of the Cornered Rat weakens an opponent's monster in battle as long as I give up an equal amount of Life Points."
LP Miss Moreno: 7700 – 600 = 7100
"Furthermore, this is a permanent trap, so every time we battle, I can change the outcome in my favor."
"I see," Ilian said to Max, who was still next to him. "Because her monsters have low stats and no effects, she uses cards to cover those drawbacks. Therefore she can alter the attack points while also using other cards to maintain hand advantage. Even though it's fairly difficult to use a deck without effect monsters, she's still able to wield it really well."
"In that case, what are the weak spots in that deck? How can Rick defeat it?"
"He should first get rid of her traps. Her monsters are almost, if not completely, harmless. If she is unable to use cards to aid her monsters, they won't survive longer than one turn."
"So all Rick has to do is to eliminate her traps. That can't be that hard, right?"
"I might be wrong, but since I was able to think of this, there's no doubt Miss Moreno knows this as well. If that's true she definitely thought of a few countermeasures to protect her traps as well. In other words, Rick will have a hard time dealing with her."
While Max and Ilian had discussed the strategy of Nora's deck, Rick was planning the rest of his move. As long as that card remains, attacking is out of the question, and I have nothing to get rid of it. At the same time, I have nothing to defend myself in her next turn.
"Turn end."
In the end, Rick decided that there was nothing he could do but wait for the next turn.
"My turn" Miss Moreno announced. "I summon Atlantean Pikeman to the field."
A small amphibian creature joined the battle. Although the monster itself looked harmless, he was holding a spear longer than himself, making him a lot more threatening.
Atlantean Pikeman: (Lv2, Sea Serpent, ATK 1400 DEF 0)
"Atlantean Pikeman, attack his Crusader of Endymion."
The green pikeman charged in on his enemy, but he was unable to make a dent in his armor, even with his giant weapon. However, the moment the warrior started his counterattack…
"Furthermore, I activate the effect of Attack of the Cornered Rat. I pay 600 Life Points to decrease the attack of Crusader of Endymion by 600."
LP Miss Moreno: 7100 – 600 = 6500
Once more the field flooded with rats who assaulted the solitary warrior. Together they were easily able to weaken him before being pierced by the opponent's spear.
LP Rick: 7950 – 100 = 7850
"Clown Zombie, attack Rick directly with 'Acrobatic Hell Dance'."
The clown – or the zombie, whatever one wished to call it – did a double back flip towards his victim before slicing Rick's stomach using his scythe.
LP Rick: 7850 – 1350 = 6500
"I guess that makes us even, doesn't it" Nora Moreno inquired. "I end my turn."
If you're talking about Life Points, you're absolutely right. But if you take a look at our fields, there's no doubt I'm at a disadvantage. In that case…
"It's my turn" Rick said, eagerly watching what he drew.
Just what I needed. Now it's time to turn everything around.
"I summon Breaker the Magical Warrior in attack mode."
A new warrior appeared on Rick's empty field. Entirely dressed in a red armor with a few gold accents, he had a shield in those same colors in his left hand and a shining sword in his right one.
Breaker the Magical Warrior: (Lv4, Spellcaster, ATK 1600 DEF 1000)
"When this card is normal summoned, he gains a Spell Counter which I can use to destroy a spell or trap card on the field. Therefore I'll use his effect to get rid of your Attack of the Cornered Rat."
The sword now shone even more brightly, fixating all energy in order to eliminate that single card. However, moments before his attack could be completed, the blade's light disappeared, returning to its original state, leaving Miss Moreno's trap card unharmed.
Rick could only stare in amazement as his entire plan failed. He knew it failed, but why was it unsuccessful, he wondered.
At that moment, he noticed a second trap next to his original target.
"I activate the continuous trap Skill Drain. In exchange for 1000 Life Points, this card negates the effects of every monster on the field. Therefore, your monster's effect is cancelled."
LP Miss Moreno: 6500 – 1000 = 5500
Max and Ilian both knew what that card meant. Currently, monster effects are at least as important as spells and traps. But if those monsters are taken away, a deck's power can decrease by almost 50 percent, depending on the number of monsters in one's deck.
Ilian also realized that because Miss Moreno hardly used effect monsters, her deck almost could even things out.
While not putting in the same thought as Ilian, Rick at least knew he was at an even bigger disadvantage than during his previous turn. Not only was he now unable to attack, his monsters were stripped of their abilities as well.
"Turn end" Rick said.
Winning would be really hard.
Max: "The situation doesn't look good at all."
Rick: "I know. But I'll keep fighting until one of us wins."
Ilian: "Even so, you're at a severe disadvantage, no matter how you look at it."
Rick: "As I said; I'm aware of my position. What I don't know is: why am I challenged all of a sudden?"
Max: "You think there's a reason she challenged you?"
Ilian: "And what would that reason be?"
Max: "I'm unable to find a good one."
Ilian: "Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh European Duel Academy: 'Attack Sealed! Effects Sealed! The Only Outcome Is?'"
Rick: "The outcome is either victory or defeat, regardless of anything else."