A/N: Day 2 of our 5 day special. Enjoy everybody.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Cardfighting fans around the world! Are you ready?!" Sachi called out through her mic. "Day 2 of the second round of the Vanguard World Tournament is currently underway! And boy have we seen some crazy cardfights already!" Cheers came from the crowd as people looked at the monitors to see the fights going on. "Players are currently battling it out for points to add to their team's score! Only four teams can make it to the next round, and that fact seems to be apparent to everyone as they battle their heart out! Let's take a look at some of the front runners now."
The monitor changed and showed Aurora just finishing up a cardfight. "Aurora Fujou has just managed to earn her team another point. Her only loss yesterday as to Rose Orchards and she seems fired up to make up for that lost opportunity. She may be a first timer to the big leagues, but she's proven she can hold her own. The same holds true for the other members of Team Cosmic Trio, Dan Kisha and Anthony Ferges. Both are on a hot streak today, gathering points left and right."
The next fight it showed was one currently going on between Rose and another player. "Rose Orchards is a high ranking fighter in the Euro League. She and Team Beautiful Thorn are showing that these girls aren't just here for looks. Underestimate them and you'll be in for a world of hurt."
A quick screen change brought up Sophia. "We also have the youngest player in this tournament, Sophia Perez. Don't let looks deceive you, this little girl has shown that she can fight with the best of them. She's earned a significant number of points for Team Southern Jungle."
After that, it showed Allen winning yet another fight. "And of course we can't forget the leader of the team currently in first place. Allen Demacio and his Conquest Empire clan are a force to be reckoned with. He's showing no mercy in his fights as he brings Team Apocalypse's points up further and further."
Cheers from the crowd were going nuts as people fully enjoyed the fights going on. The next player featured was William as it showed him dealing the finishing blow to his opponent.
"He's so strong…" his opponent muttered in defeat as he disappeared from the virtual plain William was on, moving to his next fight.
William fixed his hair as he waited for his next opponent to show up. He didn't have to wait long however, as a new figure appeared before him. A blonde girl in her teens with violet eyes. Sarah Radcliffe of Team Sightless Vision.
Sarah widened her eyes as she recognized her opponent. "You're William Lewis…"
"So you've heard of me? I'm flattered." William said with a warm smile. "Hang on. Haven't I seen you somewhere before? Where was it…" William thought to himself for a moment before snapping his fingers. "Ah right! You're a member of the team that won the Wild Card Tournament!"
Sarah nodded her head in confirmation. "That's right. My name is Sarah Radcliffe."
"I saw your fight in the finals. Very impressive." William told her. "But let's see if it's enough to beat me."
"Oh this is bound to be a good one folks!" Sachi said with excitement. "We've got two players in teams from the current top 10 standings. William Lewis and Sarah Radcliffe. William is a top standing fighter in the Euro League, taking first place twice in it. He's lead Team Round Table far in this tournament. Sarah on the other hand is a member of Team Sightless Vision. Despite only getting in through the Wild Card Round, this team has shown that they've got the skills to pay the bills. How will this fight turn out?"
Sarah took a deep breath. 'Keep your cool Sarah. You can't afford to be nervous here, even if he's one of the Euro League's best fighters. Remember, your fighting for Kimiko. He's just another obstacle. You can do this.'
William drew his opening hand and looked over at Sarah. "You ready?"
Sarah did the same and nodded her head. "Yeah. Let's do this."
Simultaneously, both players flipped their starting Vanguards over. "Stand up! Vanguard!"
"Wingal Brave!"
Wingal Brave
Grade 0, Power: 5000
"Neon Messiah!"
Neon Messiah
Grade 0, Power: 5000
"I'm first." Sarah said. "I ride Destiny Dealer!"
Destiny Dealer
Grade 1, Power: 7000
"Moving Neon Messiah back with forerunner." Sarah said. "Turn end."
[Turn 2. Hand: William(5), Sarah(5).]
"My turn. Stand and draw." William said. "Ride! Blaster-friend, Barcgal!"
Blaster-friend, Barcgal
Grade 1, Power: 7000
"Wingal Brave moves back thanks to forerunner." William explained. He thought to himself. 'She's a Link Joker user. Meaning I can't afford to call out too many rear guards for her to lock. However, based on what I saw in her other fight she can't lock my units before getting to grade 3. So I'll work with that in mind for now.'
"Calling Wingal Youth." William said. "Wingal Youth attacks your Vanguard!"
"Guard!" Sarah said as she quickly defended herself with a 5000 shield unit.
"Boosted by Wingal Brave, my Vanguard will attack!"
(7000+5000=12000)
"No guard."
"Very well then. Drive check." William said. "No trigger."
"Damage check, no trigger." Sarah said.
[Damage: William(0), Sarah(1).]
"Since an attack boosted by Wingal Brave hit, it's skill activates." William explained. "It moves to the soul and I search my deck for a card with Blaster in its name and add it to my hand." William looked through his deck and added the card he wanted, showing it to Sarah. "Adding Blaster Blade to my hand. And with that, I'll end my turn."
[Turn 3. Hand: William(6), Sarah(4).]
"Stand and draw." Sarah said. "I ride Arrester Messiah."
Arrester Messiah
Grade 2, Power: 9000
"Arrester Messiah attacks with a boost from Neon Messiah!"
(9000+5000=14000)
"No guard."
"Drive check. Critical trigger! All effects to the Vanguard."
"Damage check." William said. He turned the top two cards over. "No triggers for me it seems."
[Damage: William(2), Sarah(1).]
"Turn end." Sarah said.
[Turn 4. Hand: William(6), Sarah(5).]
"Stand and draw." William said. "Ride! Star Hope Trumpeter!"
Star Hope Trumpeter
Grade 2, Power: 9000
"Next I move Wingal Youth back and call Swordsman of Light, Blaster Rapier Laura in front of it." William said. He showed a knowing grin. "Laura has Resist, meaning you can't touch her with your locks."
'So he's trying to keep me from locking his rear guards. That just means I'll need to focus more on boosting my offense rather than hindering his.'
"Star Hope Trumpeter will attack." William said.
Sarah held up the critical trigger she had gotten last turn. "Guard!"
"Drive check." William said. "Heal trigger. Power to Laura and I recover one damage. And now Laura will attack with a boost from Wingal Youth."
(7000+5000+7000=19000)
"No guard. Damage check, no trigger."
[Damage: William(1), Sarah(2).]
"Since the attack hit, Wingal Youth's skill activates." William explained. "I look at the top seven cards of the deck and add a card with Blaster Blade in its name among them to my hand." William grabbed a copy of Blaster Blade Exceed and revealed it. "Since I added a card to my hand this way, Wingal Youth goes to the soul."
'So now his only rear guard is one with Resist. He really knows what he's doing.'
"I'll end my turn with that." William said. "Over to you."
[Turn 5. Hand: William(7), Sarah(4).]
"Alright then. Stand and draw." Sarah said. "With your holy light, wash away all darkness from this world! I ride Alter Ego Neo Messiah!"
Alter Ego Neo Messiah
Grade 3, Power: 11000
"Next I call Myga Messiah." Sarah said. "My Vanguard will start things off, with a boost from Neon Messiah!"
(11000+5000=16000)
"No guard." William said.
"Twin drive. First check, no trigger. Second check, heal trigger. Power to Myga and I recover one."
"Damage check." William said. "No trigger."
[Damage: William(2), Sarah(1).]
"Myga is up next! And it's coming straight for your Vanguard!"
(9000+5000=14000)
"Sorry, but I'll have to guard that one." William said, holding up a trigger from his hand with 10000 shield.
"Turn end."
[Turn 6. Hand: William(6), Sarah(5).]
"My turn then. Stand and draw." William said as he began his turn. "Righteous warrior of legend! Bring hope to this battlefield and banish all darkness! Ride! Blaster Blade Exceed!"
Blaster Blade Exceed
Grade 3, Power: 11000
"Blaster blade Exceed's skill! Counterblast!" William said. "Myga Messiah is retired!"
Sarah gasped as her grade 2 unit was wiped off the field and sent straight to the drop zone. "No way!"
"I'm far from done! Stride Generation!" William called out. "Holy Divine Knight, Gancelot Peace Saver!"
Holy Divine Knight, Gancelot Peace Saver
Grade 4, Power: 15000+
"Stride skill! I counterblast and add a copy of Blaster Blade Exceed to my hand!" William said. "Next I call another Laura behind the Laura already out on the field!"
Sarah grit her teeth. 'Another Resist rear guard.'
"Gancelot attacks first!" William said. "Gancelot Peace Saver's skill! I countercharge and gain plus one drive!"
"No guard." Sarah said.
"Very well then. Quadruple drive. First check, critical trigger. Critical to Gancelot and power to Laura. Second check, no trigger. Third check, no trigger. Final check, another critical trigger. Once again, I give the critical to my Vanguard and the power to Laura!"
"Ngh, damage check." Sarah said, cursing her opponent's luck at pulling a double critical. "First check, no trigger. Second check, no trigger. Third check, critical trigger. All effects to the Vanguard."
[Damage: William(2), Sarah(4).]
"A double Laura attack is coming your way!"
(7000+10000+7000=24000)
"Generation guard!" Sarah called out. "Death Star-vader, Demon Maxwell!"
Death Star-vader, Demon Maxwell
Grade 4, Shield: 15000
"With its skill, I lock Neon Messiah! Adding 5000 to the shield!"
"I believe that will end my turn then." William said. "Your move, Sarah Radcliffe."
[Turn 7. Hand: William(8), Sarah(4).]
"Alright then. Stand and draw." Sarah said as she began her turn. "Stride Generation! Genesis Dragon, Integral Messiah!"
Genesis Dragon, Integral Messiah
Grade 4, Power: 15000+
"Stride skill! I call Lady Fencer of Matter Transmision to rear guard!" Sarah said. "Unfortunately, I can't lock either of your rear guards since they both have Resist. But no matter!" Grabbing another two cards from her hand, Sarah quickly called them out to her field. "I call Dunamis Messiah and Ideal Ego Messiah!"
'She's setting up her formation the same as always.' William observed. 'She was saving those units in her hand for this moment. Clever.'
"Lady Fencer's skill increases her power by 2000 whenever she's called or unlocked." Sarah explained. "Boosted by Dunamis Messiah, Lady Fencer attacks! Using her skill, I counterblast to soul charge and add 5000 power!"
(9000+2000+5000+7000=23000
'She used this same attack pattern before. She'll attack with all her rear guards and lock them, then attack with her Vanguard and unlock them all at once.' William thought. 'It was a good thing I got rid of her Myga Messiah when I did.'
"No guard." William said. "Damage check, no trigger."
[Damage: William(3), Sarah(4).]
"Lady Fencer locks herself due to using her skill." Sarah explained. "However, I can use Dunamis Messiah's skill to unlock her. Then I add 4000 power to Ideal Ego Messiah and lock Dunamis. Now Ideal Ego will attack!"
(11000+4000=15000)
"I guard!" William said, holding up a grade 1 from his hand.
"Ideal Ego's skill. I soul blast and lock it after it attacks and look at the top three cards of the deck. Then I call one of them as a locked card. Calling Sacrifice Messiah as locked."
'Darn. It would have to be that unit wouldn't it?'
"Lady Fencer's coming in! Using her skill to add 5000 power!"
(9000+2000+5000=16000)
"No guard. Damage check, draw trigger. Power to the Vanguard and I recover one."
[Damage: William(4), Sarah(4).]
"Here goes! Integral Messiah attacks! Integral's skill!" Sarah declared as she counterblasted and flipped a copy of Flageolet Messiah face up in her G Zone. "I unlock all of my locked cards! Then, since three or more were unlocked, I draw a card, soul charge, and add 10000 power! Also, since Neon Messiah was unlocked, I can send him to the soul to add Ideal Ego Messiah from my deck to my hand!"
(26000+10000=36000)
"No chance! I guard with Maiden of Divine Spring, Lien!" William said. "By paying a soul blast, she nullifies your attack!"
'I figured he'd have a sentinel with that big hand of his.' Sarah thought. "Triple drive! First check, no trigger. Second check, critical trigger. All effects to Lady Fencer! Third check, no trigger." Even though the attack from her Vanguard was guarded, she was far from finished. "Boosted by Sacrifice Messiah, Ideal Ego attacks!
(11000+7000=18000)
William held up a grade 2 from his hand. "Guard."
"Lady Fencer attacks next! Using her skill to add 5000 power!"
(9000+2000+5000+5000+7000=28000)
"Sorry but I can't afford to let that attacks through. Generation guard!" William called out. "Little Great Sage, Maron!"
Little Great Sage, Marron
Grade 4, Shield: 15000
"Lady Fencer locks herself, but I unlock her with Dunamis Messiah's skill." Sarah explained. "She'll take the 4000 power from Dunamis, and then I use Sacrifice Messiah's skill to countercharge and add 3000 to Lady Fencer."
"Sadly you lost the critical effect from the trigger. And this is your last attack, meaning you can't finish me off." William said.
"Then I'll just take you down next turn! And I'll attack your front row Blaster Rapier, Laura to do it!"
'Limiting my options. She's not half bad.' William thought. 'Unfortunately for her, this game is already mine.'
"Lady Fencer attacks Blaster Rapier, Laura!"
(9000+2000+3000+4000=18000)
"No guard." William said as he sent his rear guard to the drop zone.
"Turn end." Sarah said. "All my rear guards are unlocked. Then, I soul blast with Alter Ego Neo Messiah's skill to draw two cards."
[Turn 8. Hand: William(5), Sarah(8).]
"Stand and draw." William said. He looked at the state of the game. 'She's got 8 cards in her hand. A solid defense. However, I know at least two of them are grade 3s. One from her triple drive and the other from the card she got off of Neon Messiah. She probably has a perfect guard too, and maybe even a heal trigger. Regardless, I will break through!'
"Generation Zone release!" William called out. "Sword of destiny! Slice through this battlefield and carve out my future! Stride Generation! Divine Knight King, Alfred Holy Saver!"
Divine Knight King, Alfred Holy Saver
Grade 4, Power: 15000+
"Stride skill! I add Blaster Blade to my hand!" William explained. Then I call Favorite Pupil of Light and Darkness, Llew and two copies of Floral Paladin, Flogal!"
"So you're finally going on an all out attack, are you?" Sarah said. "Are you truly so confident that you can break through my defense?"
"Why don't we find out." William told her. "I call Aspire Painter. With its skill, I countercharge. Then I call Blaster Blade over it."
Sarah tensed up. 'He really thinks he can do it. What's he planning?' Sarah shook the thoughts out of her head. 'No! I can't be intimidated here! I have to win! For Kimiko!'
"Skill of Alfred Holy Saver." William explained. "I target my rear guard Blaster Blade and add 3000 power. Then, Blaster Blade gains the ability to twin drive on its first attack of the turn."
Sarah's eyes widened. "You can twin drive with a rear guard?!"
"That's right!" William said. "But first up will be Llew's attack boosted by Flogal! And with Llew's skill, it gains 3000 power and a skill since it's being boosted by Floral Paladin, Flogal!"
(9000+3000+4000=16000)
"Guard!" Sarah said, quickly holding up a critical trigger from her hand.
"With the skill Llew gained, I send him to the soul and superior call Blaster Blade from the deck! It then gains 3000 power!" William explained. "And now it'll attack!"
(9000+3000=12000)
"Once again, I guard!" Sarah said, using a grade 1 from her hand.
"Well then I'll just have to have Alfred charge in with a boost from Flogal!"
(26000+4000=30000)
"Perfect guard!"
"Alright then. Triple drive!" William called out. "First check, critical trigger! All effects to my standing Blaster Blade! Second check, no trigger! Third check, draw trigger! Power to Blaster Blade once again, and I draw!"
Sarah looked at her hand. 'It's alright. I can still block it.'
"Here goes! Blaster Blade attacks with a boost from Blaster Rapier, Laura!"
(9000+3000+10000+7000=29000)
"Generation guard! Large Wheel of the Cosmos, Cosmo Wreath!"
Large Wheel of the Cosmos, Cosmo Wreath
Grade 4, Shield: 15000
"Cosmo Wreath's skill! Lock one of your back row rear guards! Then, it gains 5000 shield!"
William looked down at his field. "Very well then. Lock the Flogal behind Alfred."
"I'm not done yet! I also guard with this!" Sarah said, using a critical trigger from her hand. "Now even if you draw two trigger, you won't be able to break through my guard."
"Twin drive." William said. "First check, no trigger. Second check, no trigger."
Sarah breathed a sigh of relief. 'I did it. I managed to survive.'
"Miss Radcliffe, there's something you might want to know." William said. "You managed to lock one of my Flogals, but I still have another out. And it has a very interesting skill."
Sarah felt her body tense up. "What is it?"
"After a battle that Blaster Blade attacks, I can counterblast and send Floral Paladin, Flogal back to the deck." William explained. "I then get to restand Blaster Blade."
Sarah's eyes widened. "Restand it?!"
"That's right, and now I'll have it attack once more! Go Blaster Blade!" William called out. "Finish her!"
(9000+3000+10000=22000)
Sarah looked at the cards in her hand. 'I only have two cards in my hand. Ideal Ego Messiah and Arrester Messiah. That's only a 5000 shield. Even with Lady Fencer's intercept, it won't be enough.'
"No… guard…" Sarah said. "Damage check. First card, no trigger. Second card… no trigger."
[Damage: William(4), Sarah(6).]
'I lost… I wasn't strong enough…' Sarah thought to herself.
"That was a good cardfight, Sarah Radcliffe." William said. "You're far stronger than most of the fighters I've seen in this tournament."
Despite being sad about her loss, Sarah managed a small smile. "Thanks. It was an honor to fight you. Hopefully we can fight again later."
"I look forward to it."
With that, william was teleported away leaving Sarah all by herself until her next opponent was decided. She slapped her hands against her cheeks. 'No feeling sorry for myself. The only thing I can do is keep fighting and do everything I can to make it to the next round.' She looked up at the virtual sky. 'Let's do our best, Marcus, Daiki. Kimiko's counting on us.' She thought about the fight she had just had. 'William Lewis. He was a seriously strong fighter. We need to be prepared to fight him again later.'
Elizabeth: So how are you faring so far, William?
William: I'm doing well. As long as we keep winning, we should be making it to the semi finals without any issue.
Aurora: Rose Orchards. William Lewis. There's so many strong fighters here. We'll need to be at the top of our game if we're gonna win.
Sophia: Oh boy! I think it's my turn next!
Aurora: Hey, isn't her opponent from Team Apocalypse? Careful Sophia. This could be a tough fight.
Next Time: Cursed Dragon of the Void