Greetings, community! Dvdryms here with Chapter 73. First, in response to your questions.
—To Muda: Scrap-Iron Scarecrow is an Action Card because the Action Field in this Duel reproduces cards used by the legendary Duelists of the past as Action Cards.
—To Pogo: Yubel is still within Zarc's soul as he's the inheritor of the Supreme King, but didn't have a chance to awaken before he was consumed by darkness. That's why it didn't manifest.
And now, on with the story!
Chapter 73 – The Miracle Drawn by the Pendulum
After drawing his card, Zarc surveyed the situation on the field. Yuya had Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon equipped with Odd-Eyes Ritual Gate, along with Odd-Eyes Pendulum Gate and two face-down cards. Yukio had Disaster Karma in attack mode, Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon and Summoner Magician in defense mode, Supply Line Guard and two face-down cards on his field. As for Zarc, he had his Monster self, Supreme King Servant Dragon Crystal Wing along with Zero and Infinity on his Pendulum Zones. He then brought up everyone's Life Points.
Yuya – LP: 3650
Yukio – LP: 8400
Zarc – LP: 9800
"Not a bad situation, but it could be made to look even more hopeless." Zarc smirked. "Let's go. I activate the Spell Card Bountiful Harvest, whose effect allows me to draw five cards from my Deck if the combined Level of all Monsters I control is lower than my opponent's. Then, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Revive from the Extra Deck, Supreme King Servant Dragon Denwen! And from my hand, come, Supreme King Servant Knight Eligos (Dark/Machine/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1300/LV: 5/SC: 3) and Supreme King Servant Dragon Lindwurm (Dark/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 500/DEF: 1100/LV: 3)!"
Three beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Denwen, a mechanical Monster clad in black armor with green energy lines running through it that held a whip crackling with electricity, and a teal-colored dragon with gold armor pieces attached to its body and green energy lines running through it upon landing on the field.
"I activate Lindwurm's effect, sending it to the Graveyard in order to Special Summon a "Supreme King" Pendulum Monster from my Graveyard or Extra Deck and draw a card from my Deck." Zarc continued. "Return to my side once more, Supreme King Servant Dragon Odd-Eyes!"
Following Zarc's words, Lindwurm's body transformed into an arcane gate, out of which emerged Supreme King Servant Dragon Odd-Eyes.
"Due to its effect, Denwen can be treated as a Synchro Monster when it's Pendulum Summoned from the Extra Deck." Zarc declared. "Prepare to experience power that transcends the limits of mortals and steps into the realm of the divine. I tune the Level 10 Crystal Wing with the Level 2 Denwen!"
As Crystal Wing turned into ten stars that transformed into a stream of light and Denwen turned into two giant rings that the beam shot through, Zarc chanted.
"O endless dragon, descend from the tower of double helix! Spin all creation of infinitude that regresses to zero, and establish the law of heaven and earth's origin! Accel Synchro Summon! Manifest now, Level 12! Supreme King Servant Dragon Ouroboros (ATK: 4000/DEF: 3500/LV: 12)!"
A colossal dragon clad in white armor with green energy lines running through it, a massive blade attached to its right arm and two infinity symbol-shaped wings protruding from its back materialized on Zarc's field, letting out a furious howl.
"Ouroboros…" Ryo spoke with a trembling voice. "The irrational monstrosity that obliterated me and Fubuki. This is bad. If that thing is allowed to use its effect, Zarc will obliterate them."
"I was prepared for this!" Yukio shouted. "I activate the Counter Trap Card Black Horn of Ascension! Through its effect, when my opponent would Special Summon a Monster, I can negate that Monster's summon and destroy it! Say farewell to your Ouroboros!"
True enough, Ouroboros's body started crumbling and eventually disappeared from Zarc's field.
"Nice!" Yugo cheered. "Now they don't have to deal with that overpowered dragon and its rewinding effect!"
"Yes, that was the optimal strategy." Yuri remarked. "Why face something so powerful when you can simply avoid doing so? However, Zarc doesn't seem very perturbed by his Monster's loss."
"Like I said before, we've analyzed your strategies so far." Yukio said. "Thanks to everyone's efforts, we have a chance at beating you now!"
"It's truly a shame…for you, that is." Zarc sneered. "I wished to offer you a quick and painless death, yet you rejected that. Oh well, brutal and messy it is. The Monster in my hand can be Special Summoned by banishing a "Supreme King Servant Dragon Odd-Eyes" from my field. The dichromatic eyes that scorch Heaven and Earth alike! Let no foe escape from your piercing gaze! Descend now, Level 10! Supreme King Servant Dragon Transient-Eyes (Dark/Dragon/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 10/SC: 0)!"
An imposing Monster that was nearly identical to the evolved form of Yuya's dragon, only with green energy lines running through its body, appeared on Zarc's field, letting out a piercing howl.
"I guess I should have expected this, but it doesn't make it any less distasteful…" Yuya muttered. "To think that our beloved Monsters would be mocked in such a way…"
"I activate Supreme King Servant Dragon Transient-Eyes' effect." Zarc declared. "Once per turn, I can send a Pendulum Monster from my field to the Graveyard in order to increase Transient-Eyes' attack by an amount equal to that Monster's Scale Value multiplied by 500 until the End Phase, while also preventing it from being destroyed by card effects. I choose to send the Scale 3 Eligos to the Graveyard (Transient-Eyes ATK: 3000→4500). Moreover, since it left the field, Eligos' effect activates. Through it, I can declare the names of three cards in my opponent's Deck, and if they are present, I can banish them. If not, I take 500 points of damage for every card. Yuya, I declare that Nexus-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, Smile World and Smile Universe are in your Deck."
A spectral whip appeared on Zarc's field, striking Yuya's Deck and dragging out the declared cards, causing them to disappear.
"That can't be…" Yuya seemed shocked. "My cards…were destroyed?"
"Just like how those pathetic cards vanished, so will your lofty ideals scatter like dust along with your life, Yuya." Zarc let out a sinister smile. "Now, let's battle! Supreme King Servant Dragon Transient-Eyes, destroy Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon! Furthermore, thanks to my dragon's effect, all battle damage you receive from "Supreme King" Monsters I control is doubled! Take this!"
Transient-Eyes opened its maw wide, unleashing a powerful blast that pierced through Karma Dragon's chest and destroyed it, with Yuya being sent tumbling backwards and almost off the platform he was standing due to the massive explosion that engulfed him.
Yuya – LP: 3650→1250
"Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon's effect…activates…" Yuya wheezed out while struggling to stand up. "Through it…it's placed on my Pendulum Zone…upon destruction…"
A column of light appeared on Yuya's left side, with Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon rising to its top.
"In addition, the destroyed Odd-Eyes Ritual Gate's effect activates." Yuya continued. "Thanks to it, I can add the Quick-Play Spell Card Odd-Eyes Fusion Gate from my Deck to my hand."
"It looks like another hybrid between the Heavenly Dragons will be born in your next turn." Zarc remarked. "However, my Battle Phase isn't over yet. Through its effect, Supreme King Servant Dragon Transient-Eyes can attack an additional number of times equal to the Scale Value of the Pendulum Monster sent to the Graveyard through its effect. The downside is that it can only attack my opponent's Monsters, but that suits me just fine. Go, Transient-Eyes! Destroy Summoner Magician and Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon first!"
Transient-Eyes spread out its wings, unleashing a barrage of blasts that obliterated Yukio's two defense position Monsters.
"Finally, Transient-Eyes will destroy Disaster Karma!" Zarc exclaimed. "Do it, my Monster!"
Transient-Eyes opened its maw wide, unleashing a powerful energy blast that headed straight for Disaster Karma. Yukio's dragon made an attempt to counter it with his own flames, but was quickly overwhelmed and vaporized by the blast, with Yukio being sent skidding backwards due to the shockwave.
Yukio – LP: 8400→6000
"Karma Manifestation's effect…activates…" Yukio wheezed out. "Through it…I will add it to my hand."
"Another turn, another step closer to extinction." Zarc grinned. "I place a card face-down and end my turn, with my Monster's attack returning to normal (Transient-Eyes ATK: 4500→3000)."
"With yet another brutal assault, Zarc has cleared Sakaki Yuya and Tachibana Yukio's field almost effortlessly!" Nico Smiley cried out. "However, don't lose heart, everyone! I'm sure these two can find a way to turn this situation around like they've done so far!"
"My turn!" Yuya announced. "Draw! As you predicted, Zarc, I'll show you another possibility born from our bonds! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Odd-Eyes Fusion Gate, whose effect allows me to Special Summon an "Odd-Eyes" Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck and a Fusion Monster from my Graveyard with their effects negated! Come back to my side, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Starve Venom Fusion Dragon!"
Two beams of energy erupted from the ground, solidifying into the forms of the two dragons as they landed on Yuya's field.
"This time, you need my strength?" Yuri smirked. "I can't be helped, I suppose. You guys would be hopeless without me after all."
"Through Odd-Eyes Fusion Gate's effect, I will perform a Fusion Summon by using the summoned Monsters!" As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuya and Yuri chanted together. "Dragon with dual-colored eyes! Become one with the poisonous dragon and transform into the power that leads to supremacy! Fusion Summon! Come forth, Level 10! The shining dragon with sympathetic eyes, Supreme King Violet Dragon – Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon (Dark/Dragon/Fusion/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 3300/DEF: 2500/LV: 10/SC: 1)!"
A new dragon with dichromatic eyes and a body structure similar to Starve Venom's, only colored violet and white with several green and red gems attached to its body, which had several bladed protrusions extending from its wings, appeared on Yuya's field amidst a shower of petals.
"How pretty…" Yuzu murmured like she was in a trance. "So this is the combined power of Yuya and Yuri."
"Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon's effect activates." Yuya declared. "Since this card was Fusion Summoned while using only Monsters on the field as materials, it gains attack equal to the combined attack of all Monsters my opponent controls until the End Phase (Venom Dragon ATK: 3300→14400). Furthermore, Odd-Eyes Fusion Gate will remain on the field as long as my Monster remains on the field."
"An attack of 14400!?" Nico shouted. "This is incredible! Sakaki Yuya managed to bring out a truly imposing Monster! However, will it manage to put a dent on Zarc's near-impenetrable defenses!?"
"Battle!" Yuya exclaimed. "Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon, destroy Supreme King Servant Dragon Transient-Eyes!"
"I'm afraid that won't work." Zarc grinned. "Once during either player's turn, Transient-Eyes cannot be destroyed by battle. That means your attack will only serve to increase my Life Points!"
"I won't let that happen!" Yuya shouted as Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon discharged copious amount of violet aura from its wings and prepared to charge. "I activate the Trap Card Strife Renewal! Through its effect, I can reduce the battle damage my opponent would receive during this turn to 0 and increase my Monster's attack by an amount equal to the amount of damage they would have received!"
Following Yuya's words, Venom Dragon slammed on Transient-Eyes, but failed to destroy it due to a barrier that appeared around its body. Immediately afterwards, Yuya's Monster was enveloped by a crimson aura.
(Venom Dragon ATK: 14400→25800)
"That was a good plan." Edo commented. "While it failed to destroy Transient-Eyes, at least Yuya prevented Zarc from gaining any more Life Points and raised his Monster's attack. Moreover, since Yukio is aware of Transient-Eyes' effect now, he should have an easier time formulating a strategy to destroy it."
"I end my turn with that." Yuya said. "At this moment, Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon's effect ends, reducing its attack (Venom Dragon ATK: 25800→14700)."
"My turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! First, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Revive from the Extra Deck, Clearwing Fast Dragon, Lunar Glow Paladin and Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon in defense mode! And from my hand, come, Union Magician (ATK: 200/DEF: 300/LV: 1/SC: 8) and Dharma-Eye Magician (ATK: 2000/DEF: 2500/LV: 7/SC: 2)!"
A massive wave of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Yukio's Monsters upon crashing on his field.
"Domination Magician's effect activates, allowing me to draw five cards from my Deck." Yukio continued. "Then, I—"
"I was waiting for this." Zarc cut off Yukio's words. "I activate the Trap Card Pendulum Curse. Through its effect, if my opponent successfully activated a Pendulum Effect, I can destroy all cards on their Pendulum Zone and inflict 1000 points of damage for every destroyed card! Learn your place, mortal!"
Two bolts of black lightning erupted from Zarc's card, destroying Yukio's Pendulum cards and striking him next, forcing him on his knees as he let out an agonized scream.
Yukio – LP: 6000→4000
"Pendulum Curse has an additional effect, namely preventing all Pendulum Monsters on my field from being affected by card effects for the rest of this turn." Zarc said. "Now then, what will you do?"
"First things first." Yukio said as he stood up. "I Overlay the level 7 Dharma-Eye Magician and Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon!"
As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy and were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yukio chanted.
"Dragon born from pitch-black darkness and obscured by the stars' radiance! Become the avatar of wrath and let your furious cry resonate across the cosmos! Xyz Summon! Appear now, Rank 7! Dark Anthelion Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/R: 7/SC: 10)!"
Dark Anthelion appeared on Yukio's field, letting out a furious howl.
"It's not over yet." Yukio said. "I tune the Level 7 Clearwing Fast Dragon with the Level 1 Union Magician!"
As Clearwing turned into seven stars and Union Magician turned into a single ring surrounding them, Yukio chanted for the second time.
"Shining dragon with brilliant wings that carry the unbreakable bonds! Soar through the skies of freedom faster than light itself! Synchro Summon! Arise now, Level 8! Shinewing Rapid Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 8/SC: 2)!"
The evolved form of Clearwing appeared on Yukio's field, illuminating the field with the glow radiating from its pristine white armor.
"But wait, there's more!" Yukio smirked. "I activate the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Dimension Force, using its effect on Dark Anthelion to reconstruct the Overlay Network with it!"
As Dark Anthelion turned into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yukio chanted for the third time in a row.
"Blazing dragon locked deep within the sun's embrace! The time has come to pierce the veil of light and unleash the relentless tides of everlasting darkness upon our foes! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Descend now, Rank 8! Darkbright Sunspot Dragon (ATK: 3400/DEF: 2600/R: 8/SC: 11)!"
The dragon clad in black armor with violet energy lines pulsating throughout it and six large panels extending from its back appeared on Yukio's field with a thunderous roar.
"As expected of Tachibana Yukio, he brought out two powerful Monsters with relative ease!" Nico announced. "Still, will his attack have better luck than Sakaki Yuya's!?"
"I guess we'll find out!" Yukio exclaimed as he jumped on Shinewing's back. "Battle! Shinewing Rapid Dragon, attack Transient-Eyes! Shining Edge of Convergence!"
"So your aim is to make me waste my Monster's effect here?" Zarc sneered. "Suit yourself, but I'll be taking your Monster in compensation! Counterattack, Transient-Eyes!"
"Sorry, but I'm not in a generous mood today, so I won't be giving you anything!" Yukio launched his Duel Anchor, attaching it on a platform on his left and sailing through the air, quickly grabbing the Action Card situated there as he landed. "That's just what I needed. I activate the Action Spell Half Unbreak, which prevents my Monster's destruction by this battle and halves any battle damage for the rest of this turn! Therefore, Shinewing won't be destroyed!"
True enough, the two dragons clashed, producing a powerful shockwave, but neither of them was destroyed from that battle.
"Now Transient-Eyes is defenseless." Yukio pointed out. "Go, Darkbright Sunspot Dragon! Destroy Supreme King Servant Dragon Transient-Eyes! Extinction Nova!"
"At this moment, I also activate the effect of Strife Renewal in my Graveyard!" Yuya exclaimed. "Through its effect, the first Monster destroyed by battle during this turn is banished!"
Following Yuya's words, a massive violet-colored blast erupted from Darkbright Sunspot Dragon's core, vaporizing Transient-Eyes with ease.
"Not bad, you two." Zarc praised his opponent. "However, Transient-Eyes' final effect activates. Through it, when this card is destroyed by battle, I receive no damage from that battle while my opponent receives twice the amount of damage I would have received. Therefore, you'll receive 800 points of damage, Yukio!"
A pillar of crimson flames erupted underneath Yukio, bathing him in scorching flames as he screamed once more and almost fell, but forced himself to remain standing upright through sheer force of will.
Yukio – LP: 4000→3200
"Damn those fiendish dragons and their effects…" Yukio cursed. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."
"It's my turn!" Zarc announced. "Draw! I summon Supreme King Servant Valkyria Gerhilde (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 2000/LV: 4/SC: 8)!"
A female Monster with demonic features clad in russet-colored armor and holding a lance appeared on Zarc's field.
"Gerhilde's effect activates." Zarc continued. "When this card is summoned successfully, I can Special Summon a "Supreme King" Fusion Monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Arise once again, Supreme King Servant Dragon Starve Venom!"
Gerhilde stabbed its lance on the ground following Zarc's words, opening a fissure out of which Starve Venom climbed out and landed on Zarc's field.
"Next, I activate the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Boundless Force." Zarc stated. "Through its effect, I can target a "Supreme King" Xyz Monster on my field or Graveyard and use it as material to Xyz Summon an Xyz Monster that's one Rank higher than it from my Extra Deck."
"A Rank-Up-Magic Spell Card, eh?" Yuto narrowed his eyes at that. "Then, it's certain 'that' dragon is coming next…"
"Using Supreme King Servant Dragon Dark Rebellion in my Graveyard, I will reconstruct the Overlay Network!" As Dark Rebellion emerged from the ground and transformed into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Zarc chanted. "The laments of the departed shall crush the rebellious spirits! Spread your pitch-black wings and become the emissary of despair! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Come forth, Rank 5! Supreme King Servant Dragon Dark Requiem (Dark/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/R: 5/OU: 1)!"
A Monster looking almost identical to Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon, only with green energy lines running through its body, appeared on Zarc's field, letting out a furious howl.
"Through its effect, Boundless Force is attached as an Overlay Unit to Dark Requiem (Dark Requiem OU: 1→2)." Zarc continued. "Then, I activate the Spell Card Supreme King Treasure, whose effect allows me to draw a card from my Deck for every "Supreme King" Monster on my field, in this case four. Next, I activate Gerhilde's effect, using it and Starve Venom as materials through it in order to Fusion Summon!"
As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Zarc chanted for the second time.
"Kin with the venomous body! Become one with the fiendish war maiden and let your lethal poison erode the foundations of the world! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 10! Supreme King Servant Dragon Greedy Venom (Dark/Dragon/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 3300/DEF: 2500/LV: 10)!"
An imposing dragon that resembled Greedy Venom Fusion Dragon, only with green energy lines running through its body, appeared on Zarc's field, letting out a piercing roar that caused everyone to wince.
"Zarc demonstrates his prowess yet again by bringing out two powerful dragons in a single turn!" Nico shouted. "Will our two warriors be able to withstand the upcoming onslaught!? I believe I speak for everyone when I say that I hope they will!"
"I detach an Overlay Unit to activate Supreme King Servant Dragon Dark Requiem's effect." Zarc declared. "Through it, I can reduce the attack of all Monsters you control to 0. Moreover, my dragon's attack is doubled for every Monster affected by this effect until the End Phase. Do it, Dark Requiem!"
Following Zarc's prompt, Dark Requiem's wings opened wide, unleashing tendrils of darkness that bound all four Monsters on both players' fields. At the same time, a raging dark aura enveloped Dark Requiem's body.
(Dark Requiem ATK: 3000→6000→12000→24000→48000)
"Oi, oi, what the Hell is that!?" Allen cried out in shock. "An attack of 48000!? If they receive it head-on, they're done for!"
"Yukio, Yuya…" Sayaka put her hands together in prayer. "Please, survive this…"
"There's more to come, so don't relax just yet." Zarc let out a sinister smile. "I activate Supreme King Servant Dragon Greedy Venom's effect. Once per turn, I can destroy all Monsters my opponent controls with attack lower that this card's attack and increase Greedy Venom's attack by 1000 for every destroyed Monster. Moreover, cards and effects cannot be activated in response to this effect. Take this!"
Greedy Venom slammed its claws on the ground, causing a countless number of poisoned vines to erupt from the two Duelists' fields and destroy all their Monsters. At the same time, Greedy Venom was enveloped by a violet aura.
(Greedy Venom ATK: 3300→7300)
"Since Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon left the field, Odd-Eyes Fusion Gate is destroyed and its effect activates, allowing me to add Odd-Eyes Synchro Gate from my Deck to my hand." Yuya said. "Moreover, Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon's effect activates. Since it was destroyed, I can place it in my Pendulum Zone and Special Summon Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon from my other Pendulum Zone in defense mode!"
Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon rose to the top of the column of light that appeared on Yuya's right side, while Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon emerged from the left column of light and landed on Yuya's field.
"At this moment, Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon's effect activates!" Yuya declared. "Through it, I—"
"Not so fast!" Zarc interrupted Yuya. "I activate Greedy Venom's effect! Once during either player's turn, I can negate the activation of an opponent's Monster effect and prevent it from activating its effects until the End Phase!"
"Damn it, he was so close!" Sawatari cursed. "If Yuya had used Karma Dragon's effect, it would have reduced Zarc's Life Points to zero! Figures that oversized lizard wouldn't let that happen…"
"Let's start with you first, Yuya!" Zarc exclaimed. "Battle! Supreme King Servant Dragon Dark Requiem, destroy Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon!"
Dark Requiem's mandible was enveloped by energy as it charged forward, piercing through Karma Dragon's chest and destroying it.
"The 48000 attack Dark Requiem attacked first?" Shun wondered. "Even though it would be more efficient for Greedy Venom to attack? Unless…"
"Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon's effect activates." Yuya stated. "Through it, I can place it on my Pendulum Zone since it was destroyed."
"Good for you, but I'm afraid it won't help you much." Zarc stated. "Dark Requiem's effect activates! Once per Battle Phase, if it successfully destroys a Monster, it can declare an attack once again! Attack Yuya directly and finish him off, Dark Requiem!"
"Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon's Pendulum Effect activates!" Yuya exclaimed. "The first time I would take battle damage every turn, I do not!"
Following Yuya's words, Dark Requiem charged forward, only to smash into a viridian barrier that materialized in front of Yuya and blocked its attack.
"Not a bad trick, Yuya." Zarc said. "Now then, I could continue attacking you, but I believe it's only fair for Yukio to share in the terror. Therefore, Supreme King Servant Dragon Greedy Venom will attack Yukio directly!"
"I activate the Trap Card Pendulum Reborn!" Yukio shouted. "Thanks to its effect, I can Special Summon a Pendulum Monster from my Graveyard or Extra Deck! Revive, Eternity Zero!"
A portal appeared on Yukio's field, with Eternity Zero emerging from it.
"I see what you're planning." Zarc remarked. "However, I'm afraid it won't work. Due to its effect, Greedy Venom's attack cannot be modified by card effects apart from its own. Therefore, it's still your loss!"
"As if!" Yukio exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card Dazzling Illusion! Thanks to its effect, when you attack a Spellcaster-type Monster, I can negate the attack and end the Battle Phase!"
"Amazing!" Nico cheered. "Despite being cornered once again by Zarc's ferocity, our two defenders managed to outmaneuver him once again! Go, you two! The four dimensions are counting on you to win this!"
"It's a shame that they're getting their hopes up for nothing." Zarc said. "However, I suppose I can't complain, since the more they hope, the more they will despair once the end comes. I place a card face-down and end my turn, with Dark Requiem's attack returning to normal (Dark Requiem ATK: 48000→3000)."
"My turn!" Yuya announced. "Draw! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Odd-Eyes Synchro Gate. Through its effect, I can Special Summon a Synchro Monster from my Graveyard and an "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" from my Extra Deck, which will be treated as a Level 1 Tuner Monster. Return to my side, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Clear Wing Synchro Dragon!"
Two beams of light erupted from the ground, solidifying into the forms of Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Clear Wing Synchro Dragon upon landing on Yuya's field.
"Yosh, it's my turn now!" Yugo cheered. "Go, Yuya!"
"I tune the Level 7 Clear Wing Synchro Dragon with the Level 1 Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!" As Clear Wing turned into seven stars and Odd-Eyes turned into a single ring surrounding them, Yuya and Yugo chanted together. "Dragon with dual-colored eyes! Gain the shining wings of light and soar to the summit of supremacy! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 8! The shining dragon with piercing eyes, Supreme King White Dragon – Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon (Dark/Dragon/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 8/SC: 10)!"
A dragon with dichromatic eyes clad in white armor reminiscent of Clear Wing's, which had two wings protruding from its back and several mirrors attached to its body, appeared on Yuya's field while letting out a sonorous roar.
"Another hybrid?" Zarc sneered. "When will you learn, Yuya? You can combine as many powers as you wish together, but they can never hope to match mine. It's simply impossible."
"The impossible exists only to be overcome as you'll soon find out." Yuya countered. "Due to its effect, Odd-Eyes Synchro Gate will remain on my field as long as Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon is on the field. Then, I summon Entermate Thousand-Faced Artist (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 1)!"
A Monster clad in a colorful outfit reminiscent of a clown and wearing a mask that seemed to change form every second appeared on Yuya's field.
"I activate Thousand-Faced Artist's effect, which allows me to either copy the effects or the attack of a Pendulum Monster on the field until the End Phase." Yuya continued. "I choose to copy Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon's effects. Then, I activate—"
"Supreme King Servant Dragon Greedy Venom's effect activates, negating the activation of Thousand-Faced Artist's effect and its effects in general until the End Phase." Zarc cut off Yuya's words. "Trying to use your dragon's effect in a roundabout manner was clever, but ultimately futile."
"Then it's a good thing I was expecting this." Yuya smirked. "I activate the Trap Card Transmutation Summon, whose effect allows me to target a Monster I control and treat it as a Normal Monster until the End Phase. I choose Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon, which means Supreme King Dragon Zarc's effect can no longer protect your Monsters against it."
"Hoh?" Zarc raised an eyebrow. "I see. It seems you're not as dull as I thought."
"I activate Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon's effect." Yuya declared. "Once per turn, I can target a Monster my opponent controls, destroy as many Monsters my opponent controls as possible and increase this card's attack by an amount equal to the targeted Monster's attack until the End Phase. I will target your 7300 attack Greedy Venom! Do it, Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon! Theoretic Mirror!"
"I activate Dark Requiem's effect!" Zarc exclaimed. "By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can prevent its destruction by battle or card effects for this turn and increase its attack by 1000 (Dark Requiem ATK: 3000→4000)!"
Following Zarc's words, waves of light erupted from the mirrors attached to Wing Dragon's body and struck Greedy Venom, destroying it.
"At this moment, Supreme King Servant Dragon Greedy Venom's effect final activates!" Zarc bellowed. "When this card is destroyed, my opponent's Life Points are halved while I gain Life Points equal to the original attack of all "Supreme King" Monsters that were destroyed during this turn! Suffer for your arrogance of opposing me, mortals!"
Streams of poison erupted underneath Yuya and Yukio, bathing their bodies and causing them to scream in pain as it burned them. At the same time, Zarc was enveloped by a violet aura while laughing.
Yuya – LP: 1250→625
Yukio – LP: 3200→1600
Zarc – LP: 9800→12100
"Poor, poor children." Zarc shook his head. "Why do you choose to suffer so? Why do you continue to fight for humanity's lost cause? Surrender. Embrace the sweet release of oblivion. You know it's inevitable no matter how much you struggle."
"This nonsense…again?" Yukio spat out as he stood up despite his shaking legs. "Give it…a rest already. I'm sick and tired…of hearing your voice. No matter what, we're not backing down here. Too much is riding on this Duel. Isn't that right, Yuya?"
"That's right…" Yuya said as he also stood up, glaring at Zarc. "If we give up here…who will save the world? More importantly…who will save you from this lonely and cursed existence you've sentenced yourself to? So no, we don't need any sweet release or anything like that. The cards in our Deck and the wishes of those watching us are all that we need to keep on fighting until the end."
"The foolishness of a human who thinks they can change anything as long as they put their mind to it." Zarc sneered. "Then, by all means, keep fighting and bleeding. You will come to acknowledge that some things cannot be overturned and some fates are inescapable."
"No, it's you who will realize how wrong your twisted conviction is." Yuya countered. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."
"My turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card Magic Reconstruction, banishing Pot of Greed from my Graveyard through its effect in order to copy its effect and draw two cards. Next, using the Scale 2 Swordmaster Magician (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1300/LV: 4/SC: 2) and the Scale 8 Black Fang Magician (ATK: 1700/DEF: 800/LV: 4/SC: 8), I will rebuild my Pendulum Scale!"
The two columns of light appeared once again on Yukio's field, with his Monsters rising to their top.
"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 3 through 7." Yukio declared. "Pendulum Summon! Revive from the Extra Deck, Hope Magician! And from my hand, come, Chimeric Magician (ATK: 1100/DEF: 1300/LV: 3/SC: 5) and Tune Magician (ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 4/SC: 8)!"
Three beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Monsters upon landing on Yukio's field.
"Tune Magician's effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon a "Magician" Pendulum Monster from my Deck in defense position with its effects negated, while Chimeric Magician's effect allows me to add a "Fusion" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand." Yukio stated. "I choose to add the Spell Card Fusion to my hand and Special Summon Iris Magician (ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000/LV: 4/SC: 8)!"
Tune Magician's staff started spinning, forming a portal out of which Iris Magician emerged and landed on the field.
"I activate the Spell Card Fusion, using Hope Magician and Chimeric Magician as materials to Fusion Summon!" As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yukio chanted. "Spellcaster with the chimeric body! Arcane master of salvation! Gather your power now under the baton's guidance! Fusion Summon! Show yourself, Level 7! The warrior whose song echoes across the battlefield, Harmonious Melody Paladin (ATK: 2700/DEF: 1800/LV: 7/SC: 8) in defense mode!"
The magician holding a baton-shaped wand in its right hand and a musical sheet on its left, which was clad in violet robes with several armor pieces on its body, appeared on Yukio's field.
"Since Hope Magician left the field, its effect activates, allowing me to draw a card from my Deck." Yukio continued. "Then, I tune the Level 4 Iris Magician with the Level 4 Tune Magician!"
As Iris Magician turned into four stars and Tune Magician turned into four rings surrounding them, Yukio chanted for the second time.
"Gathering winds will now turn into a furious squall ravaging everything in its path! Become the personification of the storm itself! Synchro Summon! Emerge now, Level 8! The warrior wreathed in raging gusts, Tempestuous Gale Paladin (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2800/LV: 8/SC: 2) in defense mode!"
The Monster clad in thick, white armor with several parts of it colored green and armed with two large war fans appeared on Yukio's field.
"I activate Tempestuous Gale Paladin's effect." Yukio declared. "When this card is summoned successfully, I can return either all of your Monsters or all your Spells and Traps back to your hand, and then deal 400 points of damage for each returned card. I choose to return all of your Spells and Traps, which means you'll receive 1200 points of damage since you have three of them! Do it, my Paladin! Auster Tempest!"
Tempestuous Gale Paladin swung one of its war fans, generating a large amount of wind that blew away Zero, Infinity and Zarc's face-down. Zarc was also struck by the wind, causing him to wince.
Zarc – LP: 12100→10900
"Oh, what's this!?" Nico shouted. "Zarc has finally received some damage after several turns! Not to mention, since Zero and Infinity are no longer on the field, Yukio has a chance to inflict a significant amount of damage to Zarc!"
"That's exactly what I intend to do." Yukio declared. "I activate Harmonious Melody Paladin's effect. Once per turn, I can select a Pendulum Monster on my field and have it gain attack equal to the total attack of all other Pendulum Monsters on my field until the End Phase. However, only that Monster can attack. I choose to increase Eternity Zero's attack. Do it, Harmonious Melody Paladin! Symphonic Reinforcement!"
Harmonious Melody Paladin started waving its baton, with streams of energy emerging from its body and that of Tempestuous Gale Paladin's body that enveloped Eternity Zero.
(Eternity Zero ATK: 3500→9200)
"I also activate Black Fang Magician's Pendulum Effect." Yukio continued. "Through it, I will target your Dark Requiem and halve its attack until the End Phase (Dark Requiem ATK: 4000→2000). In exchange, Black Fang Magician is destroyed."
"Good!" Gongenzaka clenched his fist. "With this, Yukio is set to deal massive damage! Teach him not to underestimate a human's steadfast spirit, Yukio!"
"Don't get too cocky, mortal." Zarc growled as his hand stretched out once again, grabbing an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Crush Action. Through its effect, I can destroy all Action Cards you add to your hand for this turn, so I'm afraid there will be no decisive blow for you."
"I might not be able to end you, but I will make you bleed at least!" Yukio exclaimed. "Battle! Eternity Zero, destroy Supreme King Servant Dragon Dark Requiem! At this moment, I activate Swordmaster Magician's Pendulum Effect, which allows me to increase my Monster's attack by 600 until the Battle Phase's end (Eternity Zero ATK: 9200→9800)! Go, Eternity Zero! Eternal Saber!"
Eternity Zero's saber-staff was surrounded by a storm of energy that solidified into the shape of a blade. With a mighty strike, Eternity Zero cleanly bifurcated Dark Requiem, generating a massive shockwave that struck Zarc and caused him to howl in pain.
Zarc – LP: 10900→3100
"Dark Requiem's effect activates!" Zarc bellowed. "When this card is destroyed by battle or card effect, I can deal damage equal to the difference between its original attack and current attack to the controller of the card that destroyed it! Take 1000 points of damage, Yukio!"
A bolt of black lightning fell from the sky, striking Yukio and causing him to scream in pain. His vision blurred for a few moments and he stumbled, almost falling down, but forced himself to remain standing despite the stabs of pain throughout his body.
Yukio – LP: 1600→600
"Feel free to congratulate yourself for the damage you inflicted on me." Zarc said with a venomous tone. "After all, this was your last chance to defeat me."
"Nothing fazes you, huh…?" Yukio muttered. "We'll see how long you'll be able to keep the confident façade up. I place a card face-down and end my turn, with Eternity Zero's attack returning to normal (Eternity Zero ATK: 9200→3500)."
"It's my turn!" Zarc roared. "Draw! First, I will place Supreme King Gate Zero and Supreme King Gate Infinity in my Pendulum Zones once again!"
The two columns of light appeared once again on Zarc's field, with his two Monsters rising to their top.
"Allow me to show you the power of my mightiest Scale." Zarc declared. "I will banish Zero and Infinity from my Pendulum Zones in order to rebuild my Pendulum Scale with the Scale 0 Supreme King Gatekeeper Absolute Zero (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000/LV: 8/SC: 0) and the Scale 13 Supreme King Gatekeeper Ephemeral Infinity (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000/LV: 8/SC: 13)!"
Zero and Infinity vanished from Zarc's Pendulum Zones, with two new Monsters taking their places. One was a mechanical Monster clad in silver armor with crimson energy lines running through it, which held a large halberd and had an oversized ring floating behind it, while the second was a mechanical Monster clad in black armor with gold energy lines running through it, which held an ornate spear and had the infinity symbol hovering behind it.
"The evolved forms of Zero and Infinity, huh?" Reiji remarked while straightening his glasses. "If that is the case, their power might be truly formidable."
"Moving on, I activate the Field Spell Card Oscillating Universe." Zarc continued. "Through its effect, I will Special Summon Absolute Zero from my Pendulum Zone and place my other self in it."
"Odd-Eyes Pendulum Gate's effect activates." Yuya stated. "Since the targeted Monster left the Monster Zone, this card is destroyed."
"He's placing Zarc in the Pendulum Zone?" Sora wondered. "Why would he do that? Now he won't be able to use any of its effects. Unless…"
"Unless the goal was to release it from Pendulum Gate's binding." Amon continued. "That means he will either wait until next turn to Special Summon it through Oscillating Universe's effect…or even worse, he has the means to do so right now."
"I activate Supreme King Dragon Zarc's Pendulum Effect." Zarc said, confirming Amon's fears. "By releasing a "Supreme King" Monster on my field, I can Special Summon my other self from the Pendulum Zone by ignoring its summoning conditions."
Following Zarc's words, his Monster self flew outside of the column of light, letting out a furious roar that shook the coliseum.
"How dreadful!" Nico cried out. "Supreme King Dragon Zarc is free to once again wreak havoc on Sakaki Yuya and Tachibana Yukio's fields! The situation is becoming bleak once again!"
"Absolute Zero's effect activates." Zarc stated. "When this card leaves the field, I can place it in an empty Pendulum Zone. Now, it's time for yet another Pendulum Summon! Come to my side and serve me, Supreme King Servant Valkyria Rossweisse (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1200/LV: 4/SC: 10)!"
A single beam of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the form of a female demon clad in silver armor with green energy lines running through it, which held an oversized shield in its left hand.
"I activate the Spell Card Supreme King Brethren Chain." Zarc declared. "Through its effect, I can Special Summon two Level 4 or lower "Supreme King" Pendulum Monsters from my Deck with their effects negated if my opponent controls more Monsters than I do. Appear, Supreme King Servant Dragon Solidwurm (ATK: 1000/DEF: 2000/LV: 4/SC: 2) and Supreme King Servant Dragon Blazewurm (ATK: 1900/DEF: 500/LV: 4/SC: 8)!"
A rift in space appeared above Zarc, with his two Monsters emerging from it and coming to hover next to Rossweisse.
"I activate Valkyria Rossweisse's effect." Zarc stated. "Once per turn, I can target this card and as many other "Supreme King" Monsters on my field as I wish in order to make those Monsters' Levels equal to the sum of their Levels. I will target the Level 4 Blazewurm and Solidwurm, which means all three Monsters' Levels will become 12. Then, I will Overlay my three Level 12 Monsters!"
As his three Monsters turned into a stream of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Zarc chanted.
"The fangs of madness shall shatter the boundary between illusion and reality! May your wicked intentions swallow the whole world into the depths of the abyss! Xyz Summon! Descend now, Rank 12! Supreme King Servant Dragon Jabberwock (Dark/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/R: 12/OU: 3)!"
An imposing dragon with black scales with green energy lines running through them covering his body, which had huge black feathery wings sprouting from its back, a long neck, large, round eyes, four antennas growing from its head and a barbed tail, appeared on Zarc's field.
"A Rank 12 Xyz Monster…" Yuto muttered. "This is getting ridiculous. Just how many of these Monsters does Zarc have?"
"Battle!" Zarc exclaimed. "My other self will destroy Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon! Heavenly Wrath!"
"I activate the Trap Card Cursed Guidance Armor!" Yukio shouted. "Through its effect, I will target Eternity Zero and force all your Monsters to attack it during this Battle Phase! Therefore, Zarc's attack target changes to Eternity Zero!"
"Of course, you will use Eternity Zero's effect, reducing Zarc's attack to 0 for this battle, but preventing me from receiving any battle damage." Zarc remarked. "Isn't that right?"
"Spot on." Yukio smirked. "Counterattack, Eternity Zero!"
Zarc opened its maw wide, unleashing a powerful energy blast that headed straight for Eternity Zero. However, Yukio's Monster swung its sword-staff with a swift move, causing the beam to disperse harmlessly.
"Not bad, but let's see how you'll handle my next move." Zarc grinned. "Go, Supreme King Servant Dragon Jabberwock! Attack Eternity Zero! Condemnation Howl!"
"You're attacking even though your Monster's attack is 0?" Yukio narrowed his eyes at this. "I see, a Monster effect, eh?"
"That's right." Zarc's grin became wider. "I detach an Overlay Unit from Jabberwock to activate its effect! When it battles an opponent's Monster, Jabberwock isn't destroyed by battle and the damage is reduced to 0! Then, my opponent must either send the Monster Jabberwock battled to the Graveyard or receive damage equal to its attack! Now, what will your choice be!?"
"You bastard…" Yukio grimaced. "I don't have a choice here, do I? I will send Eternity Zero to the Graveyard."
"Since you selected the second option, Jabberwock's effect continues." Zarc let out a malicious smile. "Thanks to it, I can destroy a Monster on my opponent's field and attach it as an Overlay Unit to my Monster. Moreover, cards and effects cannot be activated in response to this effect. I choose to destroy Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon! Vorpal Chain!"
Several chains erupted from the ground underneath Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon, piercing through Yuya's Monster and causing it to transform into an Overlay Unit that began orbiting Jabberwock.
(Jabberwock OU: 2→3)
"Since Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon was destroyed, Odd-Eyes Synchro Gate is also destroyed and its effect activates." Yuya stated. "Through it, I will add Odd-Eyes Xyz Gate to my hand."
"Shame you won't have a chance to use it." Zarc said as his hand extended, grabbing an Action Card from a distant platform. "Nice catch. I activate the Spell Card Wonder Chance to allow my other self to attack once again. I choose to attack you directly, Yuya! Heavenly Wrath!"
"Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon's Pendulum Effect activates!" Yuya exclaimed as the energy blast that erupted from Zarc's mouth approached him. "The first instance of battle damage is reduced to 0!"
"In that case, I will have Absolute Zero in my Pendulum Zone attack you directly through Oscillating Universe's effect!" Zarc bellowed. "Do it, my Monster!"
"I activate the Trap Card Entermate Safe Point!" Yuya declared. "Through its effect, I will banish Entermate Thousand-Faced Artist and Entermate Block Spider from my Graveyard to reduce the damage to 0!"
"However, I still have one more Monster." Zarc pointed out. "Ephemeral Infinity will also attack you directly, Yuya! This is the end of the line for you!"
"I'm not giving up just yet!"
Deploying his rollerblades, Yuya dashed forward with all the speed they could muster, sailing through the air and landing on the platform across from him. Seeing that he was aiming for the Action Card placed on the other platform, Zarc motioned at Jabberwock, which charged forward and attempted to swipe Yuya with its claws. However—
"Hands off my friend! Go, my Monsters!"
Tempestuous Gale Paladin and Harmonious Melody Paladin suddenly appeared in front of Jabberwock, blocking its claws with their weapons. The dragon howled, but was unable to push them aside in time as Yuya claimed the Action Card just as Ephemeral Infinity's lance was about to reach him.
"I activate the Action Spell Victim Sanctuary!" Yuya shouted as a semi-transparent barrier appeared around him, blocking Ephemeral Infinity's weapon. "Through its effect, I can reduce the battle damage to 0, and then I can destroy one of my opponent's Monsters! I choose to destroy Jabberwock!"
"Useless!" Zarc stated. "Jabberwock cannot be targeted or destroyed by my opponent's card effects!"
"Well, at least I managed to avoid being knocked out." Yuya said before turning to Yukio. "Thanks for the assist back there, Yukio. You're a lifesaver."
"Any time." Yukio gave him a thumbs-up. "It's a good thing that Zarc left my other two Monsters and focused solely on you."
"A mistake I won't repeat twice, I assure you." Zarc said. "I end my turn, with the Pendulum Effects of Absolute Zero and Ephemeral Infinity activating. Thanks to Absolute Zero's effect, the attack of all "Supreme King" Monsters on my field is doubled, while thanks to Ephemeral Infinity's effect, I gain 1000 Life Points for every "Supreme King" Monster on my field, in this case 2000."
Following Zarc's words, both he and his Monsters were enveloped by a golden aura.
(Supreme King Dragon Zarc ATK: 4000→8000)
Zarc – LP: 3100→5100
"Doubling his Monsters' attack and further increasing his Life Points at the same time?" Serena grimaced. "Isn't the hurdle becoming way too high here?"
"Not to mention that if those Monsters still retain Zero and Infinity's effect, Zarc is nearly untouchable and will keep growing stronger with every turn that passes." Yuzu commented. "This isn't good. If things keep going like this, they'll be driven into a corner they won't be able to escape from."
"Do you perhaps understand better the folly of continuing to oppose me?" Zarc asked. "Moreover, you're running out of time. I estimate that a little over half an hour is left before ARC-V explodes, taking the four dimensions with it. In the unlikely scenario you still have a way to win, you'd better make haste."
"No pressure whatsoever…" Yuya muttered. "My turn! Draw! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Odd-Eyes Xyz Gate, whose effect allows me to Special Summon an "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" from my Extra Deck and an Xyz Monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Come to my side, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"
Two beams of energy erupted from the ground, solidifying into the forms of Odd-Eyes and Dark Rebellion upon landing on the field.
"My strength is yours, Yuya." Yuto declared. "Once again, let's unite our powers to defeat our enemy and restore peace!"
"Due to Odd-Eyes Xyz Gate's effect, Dark Rebellion is treated as a Level 7 Monster." Yuya stated. "Let's do this, Yuto! I Overlay the Level 7 Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"
As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuya and Yuto chanted together.
"Dragon with the dual-colored eyes! Unleash that black scale of wrath and eradicate all opposing enemies! Xyz Summon! Come forth, Rank 7! Dragon with eyes of rage, Supreme King Black Dragon – Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/R: 7/OU: 2)!"
Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon appeared on Yuya's field, letting out a furious howl.
"Battle!" Yuya exclaimed. "Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, attack Supreme King Servant Dragon Jabberwock! Lightning God Strike of Revolution!"
"Fool." Zarc sneered. "Have you already forgotten about Jabberwock's effect? Thanks to it, I can detach an Overlay Unit to prevent its destruction by battle and reduce the damage to 0. Then, you must choose whether to send it to the Graveyard or receive its attack as damage. I believe the choice is obvious."
"Not as obvious as you'd think." Yuya smiled. "I choose to receive Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon's attack as damage!"
"What's this!?" Nico shouted. "Sakaki Yuya chose to receive the 3000 attack of his dragon as damage!? Just what is he planning!?"
"…Have you finally snapped due to the stress, or did you realize it's pointless to resist?" Zarc wondered. "Either way, it matters not. Receive 3000 points of damage!"
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Odd-Eyes Epoch!" Yuya declared. "Through its effect, if I'm about to take damage while I control an "Odd-Eyes" Pendulum Monster, I can reduce that damage to 0! Then, if I activated this card during my Battle Phase, I can banish a Dragon-type Monster from my Extra Deck or Graveyard, in this case Dark Rebellion from my Graveyard, in order to target an "Odd-Eyes" Monster on my field that has already declared an attack and have it attack once again, with my opponent being unable to activate card effects until the battle is over! So, let's try this once again, Zarc! Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, destroy Supreme King Servant Dragon Jabberwock! Lightning God Strike of Revolution!"
Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon opened its maw wide, unleashing a violet-colored energy blast that enveloped Jabberwock, vaporizing it.
"Jaberwock's final effect activates!" Zarc declared. "When this card is destroyed, I can destroy all Monsters on my opponent's field and all cards on their Pendulum Zones! Furthermore, thanks to Absolute Zero and Ephemeral Infinity's Pendulum Effects, the battle damage from the previous battle is reduced to 0 and I gain Life Points equal to the amount of damage I would have taken!"
A large number of sharp chains erupted from the ground, destroying all cards on Yuya and Yukio's Monster and Pendulum Zones. At the same time, Zarc was surrounded by a golden aura.
Zarc – LP: 5100→8100
"I destroyed his Monster, yet we paid a heavy price for that…" Yuya remarked. "Since my Xyz Monster was destroyed, Odd-Eyes Xyz Gate is also destroyed. I end my turn with that."
"My turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw!"
As he checked his drawn card, Yukio felt something pulsing within his chest. For a moment, he witnessed the hazy image of a new Monster appearing in front of him before vanishing. At the same time, he could swear he caught a glimpse of Ray appearing behind Zarc before she vanished.
I see. Yukio thought. This is your last gift to us, huh? Then, I will make sure to use it to its fullest!
"I activate the Spell Card Pre-Preparation of Rites, whose effect allows me to add a Ritual Spell Card and a Ritual Monster from my Deck to my hand." Yukio continued. "Then, I activate the Ritual Spell Card I just added to my hand, Mystical Ritual of Integration. Through its effect, if there are five "Paladin" Spellcaster-type Monsters on my field, Graveyard, banish zone or face-up in my Extra Deck, I can Ritual Summon the appropriate Ritual Monster through this card's effect without offering tributes!"
An ornate altar surrounded by five statues resembling Yukio's five Paladins appeared on his field. As a massive pillar of multi-colored light erupted from it, Yukio chanted.
"The five brilliant lights scattered across the dimensions shall now become one! Wield the everlasting flame of souls and march upon the starlit path! Ritual Summon! Come forth, Level 12! Supreme Arcane Champion – Integration Paladin (Light/Spellcaster/Ritual/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 5000/DEF: 4500/LV: 12/SC: 12)!"
A female Monster clad in pure white armor with golden gems embedded on it, which had five concentric magic circles floating behind its back and held an oversized staff with blades of light extending from its ends, appeared on Yukio's field.
"That Monster…" Zarc's lips curled in distaste as he clenched his chest. "I see, it's the ultimate manifestation of Ray's power resting within you, huh? Is that supposed to be your secret weapon, you discarded trash?"
"One of them." Yukio smirked. "I activate Integration Paladin's effect. Once per turn, I can have all Monsters on the field apart from this card and in all players' Graveyards and banish zones be treated as Normal Monsters until the End Phase, while their effects are negated. I'm sure you know what that means, right?"
"My other self's protection effects no longer apply, eh?" Zarc said. "The same tactics as usual, is it? However, my attack is still higher than your final hope's attack."
"Perhaps, but don't forget that I'm not fighting alone." Yukio grinned. "Now, let's battle! Integration Paladin, attack Supreme King Dragon Zarc!"
"What's this!?" Nico shouted. "Tachibana Yukio is attacking even though his Monster's attack is lower!? Does he have some secret plan!?"
"I activate Odd-Eyes Pendulum Gate's effect in my Graveyard!" Yuya abruptly declared. "By banishing it from my Graveyard along with as many "Odd-Eyes Gate" cards as I wish, I can increase the attack of an attacking Pendulum Monster by 1000 for every banished card until the End Phase! I will banish all five "Odd-Eyes Gate" cards from my Graveyard to increase Integration Paladin's attack by 5000 (Integration Paladin ATK: 5000→10000)!"
"An attack of 10000!" Serena exclaimed. "Now it has surpassed Zarc's attack!"
"Go, Yukio!" Yugo cheered. "Take down that overgrown lizard!"
"Thanks to Integration Paladin's effect, all my opponent's Monsters are banished when destroyed!" Yukio bellowed. "Do it, Integration Paladin! Chaos Order Override – Gigant Strash!"
The blades of light protruding from Integration Paladin's weapon extended, with chaotic storms of energy swirling around them. Integration Paladin then swung its weapon, unleashing enormous crescent waves of energy that slashed Zarc's body at various places, generating a massive explosion that engulfed the dragon as it howled. At the same time, Absolute Zero and Ephemeral Infinity glowed.
Zarc – LP: 8100→10100
"This is! Could it be!?" Nico announced in obvious excitement. "Has the fearsome destroyer finally been slain!? Even though Zarc's Life Points have once again been increased thanks to his Pendulum Monsters, this could be a huge step towards victory!"
"They did it!" Yuzu cheered. "With their combined power, Yuya and Yukio managed to destroy Zarc!"
"I knew it." Yuto smiled. "If it's them, they can climb over any wall and destroy all limits."
"Alright!" Shuzo also shouted with fervor. "I knew that you, the aces of You Show, could pull this off! A fine example of burning souls indeed."
Similar excited remarks could be heard both in the coliseum and across the four dimensions, with everyone feeling confident that the worst had passed. However, as if to dash everyone's hopes, a sinister laughter echoed within the cloud of smoke still obscuring Zarc's field.
"Oh, I don't like this one bit…"
Following Yukio's murmur, Zarc's voice echoed once again.
"Well done, you two. I never expected you would actually get as far as destroying my other self, something which even Ray failed to accomplish. However, don't be deceived by appearances. My true form is far more formidable as you will soon find out!"
The smoke and particles floating around suddenly coalesced into a dense orb of darkness. After a few seconds of deathly silence, the sky darkened as a massive storm erupted, bolts of lightning crashing everywhere and waves of energy flowing out of the orb and destroying platforms left and right. Although Integration Paladin did its best to shield the two youths, they had to rely on their dexterity and agility, desperately jumping from platform to platform as they dodged debris and stray bolts of energy. In the midst of all this chaos, Zarc bellowed.
"When Supreme King Dragon Zarc leaves the field, I can Special Summon this Monster from my hand, Deck or Graveyard! Behold, the true manifestation of my power! Arise, Level 13! Transcendental demon king that subjugates the infinite dimensions, Supreme Demon Emperor Dragon Zarc (Dark/Dragon/Fusion/Synchro/Xyz/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 7000/DEF: 7000/LV: 13/SC: 13)!"
The dark orb suddenly expanded and cracked in several places as six massive wings with oversized crimson gems on them extended from it. Shortly afterwards, the rest of the orb crumbled, revealing the form of a massive black dragon with crimson energy lines running through its body and golden armor plates attached to it. Six overgrown arms extended from its torso, while its legs resembled four elongated spikes with crimson flames dancing around them and its tail had become thicker. Finally, several horns in the shape of a crown protruded from its head and its seven eyes glared at the two Duelists.
"This is…" Yuya seemed shocked. "Level 13…? Just…what is that creature…?"
"Didn't I tell you?" Zarc's humanoid form, which sprouted from the dragon's torso, spoke with a sinister grin. "This is the power I attained after my separation and subsequent resurrection through absorbing numerous negative emotions. For all intents and purposes, this form is the manifestation of humanity's dark side, their malice, despair and evil intent personified. How can you mere mortals possibly hope to oppose such bottomless power?"
"This is truly hopeless…" Leo muttered as he fell to his knees. "We are all doomed. The end of the world I fought so hard to prevent…is finally coming to pass…"
"I refuse to believe that." Reiji countered. "As long as there is life and the will to fight, there is hope. If these two are still standing, we are not allowed to despair."
"I sense that despite revealing my true power, everyone still believes you can somehow overcome me, Yuya, Yukio." Zarc remarked. "Good. Watching that hope slowly die will be incredibly satisfying. Bear witness to a glimpse of my power! When I'm Special Summoned, I can send all Monsters my opponent controls to the Graveyard and increase my attack by an amount equal to the sent Monsters' original attack! That means Integration Paladin will vanish!"
Following Zarc's words, the dragon opened its maw wide, unleashing a wave of flames that enveloped his opponents' fields and vaporized Integration Paladin.
(Zarc ATK: 7000→12000)
"If that was a glimpse, I definitely don't want to see the rest…" Yukio murmured with a lopsided smile. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."
"Then, it's my turn!" Zarc announced. "Draw! Now then, let's put an end to everything. I said otherwise before, but the sin of destroying my original form merits some punishment. Therefore, I will start with you, Yukio! Battle! I will attack you directly! Final Devastation!"
"I activate the Trap Card Surprise Assist!" Yukio exclaimed. "When I'm about to receive a direct attack, I can look through my Deck and Special Summon the first Level 4 or lower Monster I come across, while all other cards are sent to the Graveyard! Let's do this!"
Yukio began checking the cards in his Deck, sending the first three to the Graveyard before he finally came across a Monster.
"That's a good one, I guess." Yukio said. "I will Special Summon Conviction Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK: 950/DEF: 350/LV: 2) in defense mode!"
A Monster clad in a russet robe-shaped armor and holding a trident-shaped staff appeared on Yukio's field. Immediately afterwards, it received the massive wave of darkness that erupted from Zarc's mouth and was promptly vaporized.
"Conviction Magician's effect activates." Yukio declared. "When this card is destroyed, I can take a Monster from either player's Graveyard and add it to either player's hand. I choose…to take Astrograph Magician from Zarc's Graveyard and give it to Yuya."
"Astrograph Magician?" Yuzu wondered. "Why this card? It's useless to Yuya."
"Who knows." Serena said. "However, Yukio must have had a good reason to do this."
Truth be told, Yukio wasn't certain why he chose to do this. He simply had a strong feeling that he should use Conviction Magician's effect to add Astrograph Magician to Yuya's hand. While it seemed like a pointless move, Yukio decided to follow his instinct.
"I don't know what you're planning, but petty tricks are useless against me." Zarc said. "My effect activates! When I destroy an opponent's Monster, I can Special Summon a "Supreme King Servant Dragon" Monster from my Deck, Extra Deck, Graveyard or banish zone with its effects negated until the start of my next turn by ignoring its summoning conditions, inflict 500 points of damage to the opponent and banish a card from the top of their Deck! Revive, Supreme King Servant Dragon Disaster Karma!"
A pillar of dark blue flames erupted on Zarc's field, with Disaster Karma emerging from it. At the same time, several bolts of black lightning struck Yuya and Yukio, causing them to double over and scream in pain.
Yuya – LP: 625→125
Yukio – LP: 600→100
"Due to my effect, my attack increases every time a player's Life Points change by an amount equal to the difference (Zarc ATK: 12000→13000)." Zarc smirked. "Now then, put an end to this stubborn human, Disaster Karma! Attack Yukio directly!"
"Like Hell you're going to end me like this!" Yukio shouted as he started running, aiming for the Action Card on the opposing platform. Barely evading the stream of crimson flames that Zarc shot at him, Yukio made the jump and grabbed the Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Chivalry, whose effect—"
"I activate the Action Spell No Action!" Zarc exclaimed, his outstretched limb having grabbed an Action Card earlier than Yukio. "Your Action Spell's effect is negated and my dragon's attack resumes!"
"Then, I activate the Trap Card Defense Draw!" Yukio stated. "Through its effect, the damage is reduced to 0, and I can draw a card from my Deck!"
A semi-transparent barrier appeared around Yukio, shielding him from Disaster Karma's attack.
"Not bad, but your field is completely empty now." Zarc pointed out. "Go, Absolute Zero! Attack him directly and—"
"I activate the Action Spell Big Escape!" Yuya, who had started moving at the same time as Yukio did and had claimed an Action Card from a platform above him, shouted. "Through its effect, the Battle Phase ends!"
"So you've managed to prolong your suffering for a few minutes." Zarc sneered. "In that case, I have a present for you since you admirably entertained me for so long. It's absolute despair. I activate the Spell Card Space-Time Supremacy. Through its effect, I can create an Extra Monster Zone and move a Monster on my field to it. I choose to move myself to it."
"He actually created an additional Monster Zone?" Jack narrowed his eyes at this. "Is there no limit to his power after all?"
"As long as I occupy this Extra Monster Zone, you cannot attack any other Monsters apart from me." Zarc said. "For the final touch, I activate the Spell Card Supreme King Assembly Ceremony. Through its effect, I can Special Summon as many "Supreme King" Monsters as I wish from my Graveyard or banish zone with their effects negated if I control a "Zarc" Monster and failed to inflict battle damage to my opponent during the Battle Phase. Assemble to my side once again, my servants! Supreme King Servant Dragon Transient-Eyes, Supreme King Servant Dragon Greedy Venom, Supreme King Servant Dragon Dark Requiem and Supreme King Servant Dragon Crystal Wing!"
A massive rift in space appeared above Zarc, with his four Monsters emerging from it and coming to hover next to him alongside Disaster Karma. At the same time, bolts of black lightning started raining from the sky, while pillars of crimson flame erupted from the ground.
"Oh, come on now!"
Yukio shouted as he and Yuya were forced to dodge like crazy, jumping from platform to platform in order to evade the chaotic onslaught unleashed upon them. However, disaster struck when Yuya attempted to jump to another platform, only for one of his rollerblades to malfunction, sending him straight off the platform instead and into a free fall.
"Yuya!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Yukio jumped off the platform, diving after Yuya as he launched his Duel Anchor. Barely catching the falling Yuya with his outstretched arm, Yukio sailed through the air as they both crashed into a platform below them. While Yuya was simply roughed up by the landing, Yukio wasn't so fortunate, as the force of the fall broke his arm, causing him to let out a muffled scream.
"Yukio!" Yuya shouted as he rushed to his fallen comrade. "Are you all right?"
"Been…better…" Yukio said through gritted teeth as he forced himself up while clutching his broken arm, only to fall on his knees once again. "Damn it… I'm running on fumes at this point…"
"It looks like this is the end of the line for real this time." Zarc remarked as he made a gesture, instantly causing the rampaging phenomena to subside. "At this point, you can only choose between death by my hands and death by the reactor which is close to meltdown. Less than ten minutes remain until it explodes. I suppose that was all your pitiful bonds and connections amounted to in the end. Whatever pitiful power you could muster from them was unable to match mine. I end my turn, with the Pendulum Effects of my Monsters doubling my Monsters' attack and increasing my Life Points. Moreover, since my Life Points increase, my other self's attack will further increase."
After saying so, Zarc and his Monsters were surrounded by a golden aura.
Zarc – LP: 10100→16100
(Zarc ATK: 13000→19000→38000, Transient-Eyes ATK: 3000→6000, Disaster Karma ATK: 3300→6600, Greedy Venom ATK: 3300→6600, Crystal Wing ATK: 3000→6000, Dark Requiem ATK: 3000→6000)
"T-This is…truly hopeless…" Nico spoke with a faint voice. "With six powerful Monsters on the field, there's absolutely no way for Tachibana Yukio and Sakaki Yuya to overturn the overwhelming difference in power. This…just might be the Duel's…no, the world's end…"
Everyone watching had fallen silent, the hopelessness of the situation and the fear of impending death having stunned them. Yuya wasn't unaffected by the oppressing atmosphere either as he fell to his knees, staring at his Deck with an almost vacant look.
"What's wrong?" Zarc let out a malicious smile. "Are you done for? Have you finally realized how futile your efforts were? You're welcome to surrender any time you wish and spare yourself any further humiliation and suffering."
"I…" Yuya muttered as his hand hovered above his Deck. "Perhaps, I…"
"Not so fast, Entertainment Duelist." Yukio said as he grabbed Yuya's arm. "Isn't this your perfect stage?"
"My stage?" Yuya wondered. "What are you talking about…?"
"Turning a hopeless situation around and escaping from nigh-inescapable pinches should be your forte, no?" Yukio smiled. "Also, don't you still have something to convey to Zarc's soul? The Sakaki Yuya I know wouldn't stop fighting until his Dueling got through to the other person. Isn't that right?"
"Get up, Yuya!" Yugo shouted. "The fight isn't over until the last Life Point has been extinguished! Until then, you must keep fighting!"
"What's with that disgraceful appearance, Yuya?" Yuri smirked. "The Duelist that defeated me is not allowed to wear such a hopeless expression while groveling on the ground. Even if you feel like keeling over, just walk it off and get up already."
"Don't lose hope just yet, Yuya!" Yuto exclaimed. "We've accomplished the impossible many time before so far! Remember, as long as the possibility isn't zero, there's always a path to victory! You simply have to find it!"
Prompted by the three boys' words, the rest of the audience, as well as the people in the four dimensions, all started cheering together.
"We believe in you!"
"Our worlds are counting on you!"
"You can do it!"
"Don't lose to that monster!"
"Hoh, are those the pitiful cries of the weaklings I'm hearing?" Zarc laughed. "I guess it's natural to cling on to unrealistic hopes in the face of oblivion. You can shout all you want, but the result won't change. Humanity is doomed, and there's nothing you can do about it, Yuya!"
"That's wrong!"
Yusho's voice suddenly echoed above everyone else's, prompting Yuya to turn to him. Yusho smiled as he resumed speaking.
"Do you remember what I've always told you, Yuya? You can't do anything if you're frozen in fear. Instead—"
"—have courage…and take a step forward if you want to win!"
Yuya finished his father's words as he rose up to his full height with a determined expression on his face, glaring at Zarc.
"So, you will persist in fighting?" Zarc sneered. "Foolishness. In the face of absolute despair I represent, your chances of victory are non-existent."
"That's not true." Yuya countered as he lifted his Pendulum. "After all, the harder you try to push us into despair, the greater the hope that is born when we push back will be. Yes, just like how the Pendulum swings!"
"That's just mere sophistry!" Zarc bellowed. "You've lost! Accept it and perish!"
"I will connect everyone's hopes together beneath the arc of light!" Yuya declared. "This is the last turn, Zarc! My, no, our turn!"
At that time, a bright light was emitted from Yuya's Pendulum, which had begun swinging on its own, with the same radiance being emitted from his Extra Deck. Yukio was surprised to see that the source of it was the blank card that he had received after the battle with Ray and had given to Yuya at the start of the Duel. At the same time, Astrograph Magician on Yuya's hand also began to glow.
"Could this be…?" Yukio muttered as a smile appeared on his face. "See, I knew you could do it, Yuya…"
"Swing, Pendulum!" Yuya shouted. "More and more! And lead us to our future! Draw!"
Upon checking his card, Yuya let out a small smile as he spoke.
"As expected, our hope hasn't vanished yet. Using the Scale 1 Astrograph Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 8/SC: 1) and the Scale 8 Chronograph Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1700/LV: 6/SC: 8), I Set the Pendulum Scale!"
The two columns of light appeared once again on Yuya's field, with Astrograph Magician and a Monster clad in a red robe with runic symbols engraved on the inside and energy lines running through it, which held a blade made out of energy in its right hand, rising to their top.
"Astrograph Magician…became a Pendulum Monster?" Zarc narrowed his eyes at this. "Moreover, Chronograph Magician? I've never heard of such a Monster before. But even so, setting a somewhat unusual Pendulum Scale won't be nearly enough to beat me, Yuya!"
"Chronograph Magician's Pendulum Effect activates." Yuya announced. "When I perform a Pendulum Summon while I have Astrograph Magician in my other Pendulum Zone, I can Pendulum Summon Monsters of any Level or Rank from either player's hand, Extra Deck, Graveyard and banish zone!"
"What did you say!?" Zarc exclaimed. "To think there was such a powerful Pendulum Summon…how is it possible that you acquired it yet I couldn't!?"
"That's because it's not just my power." Yuya responded. "Everyone's wishes are contained within this Scale. I will definitely not let them go to waste! Let's go, Yukio, Yuto, Yugo, Yuri! Lend me your power once more!"
The four boys' eyes started glowing in response to Yuya's call, with Yuya's eyes doing the same.
"Let's do this, Zarc!" Yuya said. "This is the Pendulum's full potential! Apex Pendulum Summon!"
An oversized Pendulum appeared above the field, drawing a number of arcs on the sky and opening a massive Pendulum portal that enveloped the whole stadium.
"Awaken and slash through the darkness!" Yukio declared as he stood up to his full height while his eyes glowed silver. "Resurrect from my Graveyard, Heavenly Dragon which presides over Ritual, Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon!"
A blue-colored wave of energy erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the form of Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon upon landing on Yuya's field.
"The time has come to hunt your prey." Yuri smirked as his eyes glowed violet. "Revive from Yuya's Graveyard, Heavenly Dragon which presides over Fusion, Starve Venom Fusion Dragon!"
A violet-colored beam of energy erupted from the Pendulum portal next, solidifying into the form of Starve Venom as it landed next to Chaos Karma.
"Show us your splendor once again!" Yugo shouted as his eyes glowed light green. "Revive from Yuya's Graveyard as well, Heavenly Dragon which presides over Synchro, Clear Wing Synchro Dragon!"
A white-colored beam of energy erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the form of Clear Wing as it landed next to Starve Venom.
"Rise up against the tyranny of Zarc!" Yuto declared as his eyes glowed light purple. "Revive from Yuya's banish zone, Heavenly Dragon which presides over Xyz, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"
A dark-colored energy beam erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the form of Dark Rebellion as it landed next to Chaos Karma.
"Illuminate the path leading to the future with your dual-colored eyes!" Yuya said as his eyes glowed red. "Revive from my Extra Deck, Heavenly Dragon which presides over Pendulum, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"
A crimson-colored energy beam erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the form of Odd-Eyes upon landing on Yuya's field, with all five dragons howling together as one.
"This is…" Ruri seemed concerned as she looked at Yuto's eyes glowing. "Isn't this the same phenomenon as when Zarc was trying to take them over?"
"No, this feels different." Rin remarked. "I think…they're somehow synchronizing again, but as a means to give power to one another."
"How ridiculous." Zarc scoffed at the sight of the five dragons howling at him. "You claim to have reached the apex of Pendulum, yet you've wasted it by merely bringing out the five Heavenly Dragons? Yuya, you've only managed to let whatever small chance of victory you had left slip from your grasp!"
"The fun has only just begun!" Yuya announced with a wide smile. "Bringing out our five ace Monsters was only the start of this final act! From here on out, it's the climax! I activate Astrograph Magician's Pendulum Effect! Once per turn, I can perform an Integration Summon if the materials needed for it are present on my field!"
"What did you say!?" Zarc cried out in shock. "An Integration Summon!? From you filthy mortals!?"
"Our desires…" Yuri said.
"Our feelings…" Yugo continued.
"Our conviction…" Yuto spoke next.
"Our strength…" Yukio said.
"Everything will become one!" Yuya declared as he clasped his hands together. "Behold, Zarc! This is the true Integration Summon! I will use the five Heavenly Dragons on my field as materials to summon their ultimate form!"
Following Yuya's words, Astrograph Magician raised its staff high, forming a massive magic circle on the sky. As the five dragons were absorbed into it one by one, Yuya, Yukio, Yugo, Yuto and Yuri chanted together as one.
"Unwavering belief will now unleash the ultimate power with the Pendulum's beat! Awaken now, the trump card that will burn away all evil, and become the light of hope to illuminate a world overwhelmed by darkness! Integration Summon! Be born, Level 0! Transcendental dragon god which reigns across the infinite dimensions, Supreme God Dragon Arc-V (Light/Dragon/Ritual/Fusion/Synchro/Xyz/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 5000/DEF: 5000/LV: 0/SC: 0)!"
An oversized pillar of light erupted from the ground, illuminating the entire coliseum and forcing Zarc to shield his eyes as his Monster self howled in agony. Eventually, the light died down, revealing the form of a massive golden dragon with a serpentine body that had pure white marking engraved on its body and five horns growing from its head. Twelve massive wings in a V-shape that resembled a mix of dragon and angel ones could also be seen sprouting from its back, which several gold-colored gems were attached throughout its body.
"Supreme God Dragon…Arc-V?" Zarc's face contorted with hatred. "You lowly motes of filth, you dare to try and surpass me while calling yourselves God!? However, know this! Even if you summon a God, it's meaningless if the Devil is still stronger!"
"Then, I will prove once and for all that your lonesome strength is no match for our combined one." Yuya said. "Let's go, everyone!"
"Supreme God Dragon Arc-V's effect activates!" Yukio continued. "The effects of all cards on my opponent's field are negated!"
"Useless!" Zarc bellowed. "My other self's effects cannot be negated!"
"However, the effects of your Gates and Oscillating Universe are negated." Yuto spoke next. "Do it, Arc-V!"
The golden dragon opened its wings wide, releasing a rain of particles that enveloped Zarc's field and causing almost all of his cards to lose their luster.
"Let's settle this!" Yugo exclaimed. "Battle! Supreme God Dragon Arc-V, attack Supreme Demon Emperor Dragon Zarc!"
"Have you fools lost it completely?" Zarc laughed. "My other self's attack is still much higher than your Monster's attack!"
"Ever the overconfident simpleton." Yuri grinned. "Supreme God Dragon Arc-V's effect activates! When this card battles an opponent's Monster, I can double its attack for every different summoning method present on my opponent's field until the End Phase! Lo and behold, you have all five summoning methods present, meaning I can double my Monster's attack for a total of five times!"
Following Yuri's words, five magic circles appeared in front of Arc-V, with its beam blast being enlarged every time it passed through one of them.
(Arc-V ATK: 5000→10000→20000→40000→80000→160000)
"Impossible!" Zarc cried out in shock. "An attack of 160000!? Even so, my other self's effect prevents it from being destroyed by battle with Level 1 or above Monsters and reduces the battle damage to 0!"
"Haven't you noticed, Zarc!?" Yuya smiled. "Supreme God Dragon Arc-V is a Level 0 Monster, so your Monster self cannot escape from it! Receive the combined power of humanity's endless possibilities! Go, Supreme God Dragon Arc-V! God Requiem Howl!"
The massive golden blast enveloped Supreme Demon Emperor Dragon Zarc, with the dragon howling in pain as it slowly started to disintegrate. After a few seconds, the dragon's body was completely vaporized, with Zarc being sent flying backwards.
"Strange…" Zarc muttered while bathed in the golden light. "I should be feeling pain and rage…and yet, what's this strange feeling welling up from my soul…? Ah, I see… How could I have forgotten…? This is…"
The former human turned Duel Monster closed his eyes as a small genuine smile appeared on his face for the first time in ages.
Zarc – LP: 16100→0
Yuya and Yukio: WIN
"I-It's settled!" Nico screamed in apparent joy, tears running from his eyes. "After a climactic showdown with many twists and turns, Sakaki Yuya and Tachibana Yukio seize the victory in this Duel! Engrave this scene in your minds, everyone, for we have witnessed a true miracle today!"
"That's all well and good, but what about the reactor?" Yukio wondered. "If that thing is still set to blow up, we're…"
Yukio's words trailed off as he saw Arc-V pointing one of tis claws at the reactor, emitting a golden beam that struck it and caused it to power down.
"Well, I guess this settles that problem." Yuya said as the coliseum started disappearing, leaving only the members of the Lancers and their allies standing on the ruins of Academia. "But where's Zarc? Don't tell me…he was destroyed by Arc-V's power?"
"I'm…still alive…though I suppose that will change…soon enough…"
Yuya and Yukio turned around, only to see Zarc lying a few meters away from them. His wings had been torn off, while his body seemed to slowly crumble.
"So this is defeat, huh…?" Zarc remarked. "Such a bittersweet feeling… It pains the heart indescribably…yet there's also a sense of satisfaction mixed in it… How odd…"
"That was what you had forgotten, Zarc." Ray's specter suddenly appeared next to her fallen friend. "The frustration and simultaneous satisfaction from a loss after giving it your all. You were so afraid of defeat that you became obsessed with victory. Because of that, you lost sight of who you were and turned into a monster."
"That's right…" Zarc said as he turned to Yuya and Yukio. "You were right about me, Yuya, Yukio. I was weak…and foolish. I thought…that I would have no worth if I didn't keep on winning…if I wasn't adored by my fans… That's why I gave in to their desires…and shared in their darkness… It was easier to blame everything on humanity's faults…than try and change myself…grow past the weak me… But a part of me…always knew I was mistaken…and sought defeat at your hands…"
"At last, you admit it." Ray let out a small smile. "Geez, that's why you'd been causing me no small amounts of grief with your stubbornness ever since we were kids."
"Can't…refute that…" Zarc chuckled as he looked at Yuya, Yukio, Yuto, Yugo and Yuri, who had all approached their progenitor. "That's why…you all have to be better than me. The world…doesn't need another misguided destroyer…"
"Oi, why are you looking at me especially!?" Yugo complained upon noticing Zarc's glance. "Want me to kick your ass!?"
"No reason…" Zarc said. "Yugo, you are very passionate, reckless and hot-headed…but your heart is usually in the right place. Listen to it, and you'll be just fine…"
Zarc then turned to Yuri.
"Out of all my alter egos…you were the one who synchronized the most with me… You tried to drown your loneliness with power…just like how I did long ago… However…you don't need that anymore, do you? After all, you've found people…willing to accept you now. If you open up your heart to them…and to anyone else willing to be close to you…you can definitely attain the companionship you wish for…"
"I suppose there are worse fates out there than having to fraternize with a bunch of imbeciles." Yuri said with a smirk.
"You might want to do something about your manners too…" Zarc remarked before turning to Yuto. "You are kind and considerate, Yuto…but you tend to bottle up your more negative feelings until they explode… Sometimes, it's just better to share your frustrations and troubles with those who care about you…instead of playing the hero by shouldering everything on your own until you crumble under that weight…"
"I'll…try to take that advice to heart."
"See that you do…" Zarc then gazed at Yukio. "You…were an unexpected blind spot…but I'm glad you were there… You're a strong human, but you've been fighting so far only as a means to survive… Tell me…do you perhaps have a dream of your own now…?"
"I'm not that sure about that." Yukio said. "However, I can at least protect dreams. That's the best answer I can give right now."
"That's enough…for now." Zarc nodded as he turned to Yuya. "You said before that you want to change this world through your ideals. That you wish to end strife by bringing smiles to everyone. However…the true battleground, the Duel waged in the hearts of humans between good and evil is eternal, and the price for losing that battle is heavy indeed. I lost to the weakness of my own heart and became a Monster that almost destroyed the world. You…do you truly have the resolve to participate in this endless struggle without losing your spirit as I did? Can you continue fighting without breaking until the end of your life?"
"…I know how difficult this fight will be, and it's probably one I won't be able to conclude in my lifetime." Yuya said. "However…it's the only fight truly worth fighting. I won't lose to the darkness in my own heart, and I won't lose to the darkness in other's hearts. I will show them a better way and impart my will at them. Then, one day, I'm sure we'll all be able to smile together from the bottom of our hearts."
"Good answer." Zarc smiled. "If it's you…no if it's all of you…then you might be able to grasp the future I once sought for."
At that moment, Zarc's deterioration worsened, alarming everyone.
"I'm at my limit…" Zarc muttered. "Soon, I will have to leave this world behind. My only regret…is that I cannot do more to atone for all the damage I've caused, all the lives I've taken… But at least…I'm content that the world is in good hands."
"I also need to leave this world soon." Ray said as she turned to her reincarnations. "I'm not as good with words as Zarc is, so I will only say this much; take care of these boys. As long as you're there to support them, they won't lose their way."
"You can leave it to us, Ray." Yuzu stated. "We won't let Zarc's tragedy repeat for a second time."
"That's good." Ray nodded before turning to Reiji. "Reiji, my dear younger brother… You know, I always wanted to have a younger sibling to play with and spoil. It's a shame that we never got to know each other, but it can't be helped. Knowing that you simply exist is still a blessing for me. While it embarrasses me a bit since we barely know each other…I need to ask you a favor."
"A favor…?" Reiji asked. "From me? What is it? If it's within my power, I will grant it."
"Please…take care of our father." Ray said while glancing at Leo, who was kneeling on the ground with a downcast expression. "I know that he committed great crimes and brought suffering to many people in his misguided attempts to save the world and bring me back…but he's still our father. If possible, I want you to do the best you can for him."
Reiji was silent for a few seconds, but then sighed.
"That's quite the big favor you're requesting of me here… I wouldn't be surprised if everyone in the four dimensions asks for his head on a pike for what he's done. For your sake though, I'll do the best I can…sister."
"I'm grateful, Reiji." Ray smiled, turning to Leo next. "I suppose this is farewell for good, father. You've committed a lot of crimes, but I can't bring myself to hate you for it. If there is a next life, perhaps we can meet there again, and you will have my forgiveness if you've truly repented."
"Please…can't you stay here…?" Leo spoke with a hoarse voice. "After everything I did…I still can't save you…? Do I have to lose you as well like I did with your mother…?"
"My time in this world had long ended." Ray spoke with a solemn tone. "You were chasing a dream as insubstantial as a wisp of smoke instead of paying attention to the new family you created. I don't know what will happen from now on, but you must do your best to make up for all the sins you've committed. Also, do try to get along better with Reiji and Himika-san."
Leo remained silent with his head lowered. At that moment, Zarc's body crumbled entirely and scattered into dust, leaving behind only the softly glowing specter of Zarc's human form, who turned to Ray and grinned as he extended his hand.
"It's time. Will you come along with me, Ray?"
"You bet I will." Ray grasped Zarc's hand with a smile. "After all, you'd probably lose your way to the afterlife if I'm not there to guide you."
"Always having the last word, huh…? Well, that's why I like you so much."
After saying so, both Zarc and Ray turned into orbs of light that shot upwards, disappearing from sight as they turned into a rain of light particles. After a few moments of silence, Yukio spoke.
"Eh, guys, I think we need to address the elephant, or rather the dragon in the room. Why is the dragon still here?"
Everyone turned to the spot Yukio was pointing and were surprised to see Arc-V still hovering above the ruins of Academia. They were even further shocked when a voice echoed through their minds.
[Do not worry, we will not tarry here for much longer. There are simply some loose ends we need to take care of before returning to the Duel Monsters world.]
"That voice…" Yukio's eyes opened wide. "Is that you, Observer?"
[Yes, indeed. I'm borrowing Arc-V's body for a while to channel my will through it. First of all, congratulations are in order. You accomplished a nearly impossible task and safeguarded the four dimensions, along with any other worlds unfortunate enough to catch Zarc's attention, including our own. For that, you have my gratitude.]
"Eh, guys, who's that strange voice talking in my head?" Yugo asked while looking around in confusion. "Should I be worried?"
"That's…a long story we'd better save for later." Yukio said. "Seriously, it still gives me headaches when I remember it…"
[As one of my rewards, I shall free the people still imprisoned in the reactor. Since I sense there are some people close to you among them, I assumed you would want to be here for that.]
Following the Observer's words, Arc-V opened its mouth wide, letting out particles of light that enveloped Leo's machine. Immediately afterwards, several streams of light shot out, entering the dimensional rifts. However, a few of them landed in front of the Lancers, solidifying into the forms of people.
"It can't be…" Allen spoke with a trembling voice as he recognized one of the people. "Anna!? Is that you, Anna!?"
"Oh, if it isn't Allen!" A young girl with red and brown hair rushed forward, trapping Allen in a headlock. "What do you mean by 'is that you, Anna?'. Have you already forgotten the face of your sister? If so, I will get really mad!"
"It's you alright!" Allen muttered while half-laughing, half-gasping for air. "I'm so glad…is what I would say if you weren't chocking me! Let go already, you brute!"
"What did you say!?" Anna yelled as she drove her fist into Allen's head. "Someone needs to be disciplined! Come here, you little twerp!"
"Anna-san, I'm so glad…" Sayaka said with a tear rolling down her eye as she watched the Kozuki siblings 'bond'. "Good for you too, Allen. But if Anna-san is back, then maybe…"
A group of three could be seen approaching the Lancers, and more specifically Kaito, who looked like he couldn't believe his eyes as he started with his mouth gaping.
"It can't be…can it? Father? Mother? Haruto?"
"Yes, it's us!" A young boy with short, light blue hair and yellow eyes rushed to Kaito and embraced him. "I'm so happy to see you again, nii-san!"
"Haruto…it really is you!" Kaito returned the embrace while tears were streaking down his face. "You're alright! I'm so glad… I'm so glad…"
A man with blond hair sticking out in various directions and light purple eyes accompanied by a woman with light blue hair and blue-grey eyes approached the two brothers with warm smiles on their faces.
"Kaito… At long last, we reunite once again, son." The man said with a gentle expression. "We've missed you terribly."
"You've been such a brave young man, Kaito." The woman spoke next. "You fought so hard for everyone's sake. But it's alright now. The fight is over and our family is back together again."
"Father… Mother…!"
All four members of the Tenjo family embraced, reveling in the fact that they were all safe and back together again.
"Faker, Misaki-san, Haruto…" Byron spoke with a cracking voice. "Thank all the powers that be that you're alive and well. I'm so sorry…that I was so useless back then…that I couldn't help you. Because of me, you—"
"Stop right there, Byron." Faker said as he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You did the best you could under the circumstances we found ourselves in. I didn't blame you for what happened then, and I won't ever do so. More importantly, shouldn't you also greet your important person?"
Byron turned his gaze at the direction Faker was pointing at and was surprised at seeing a young man with long flowing silver hair and blue eyes standing a few meters away from everyone with a small smile on his face.
"Christopher… Oh, my son!"
Byron rushed to embrace his oldest son, with Christopher returning the embrace.
"It's so good to see you again, father." Christopher said. "Being trapped into a card was really stifling. I'm looking forward to seeing mother, Michael and Thomas again."
"Yes…" Byron said amidst sobs. "I was always…always praying this day would come. Now… our family will be whole once again… Words alone cannot describe how overjoyed I am!"
"This is what we've been fighting for." Yuya said with a smile on his face as he looked at the reunited families. "It was definitely worth all the harsh struggles and battles. Don't you agree, Yukio?"
"You said it." Yukio also smiled. "All's well that ends well, I suppose."
"Yes, that's right." Serena said as she approached Yukio. "Since you fought so hard, it's only fair you get a reward."
"Reward? What rewar-mmgfm!?"
Yukio was stunned as Serena grabbed his collar and suddenly pulled him into a kiss. Everyone else watching was too shocked to react in any manner, while some had averted their eyes out of embarrassment. After a few seconds, Serena broke the kiss, leaving Yukio gasping for air like a fish out of water.
"Hm, left you speechless?" Serena let out a mischievous smile. "That's a first. Maybe I should do this more often?"
"Serena, what do you think you're doing!?" Yuzu scolded the indigo-haired girl. "Such a thing like k-kissing…you shouldn't be doing it in front of everyone! Where did you learn of that anyway!?"
"I saw it in Ruri's memories when the Professor was trying to join us together." Serena said, having failed to notice Yuto and Ruri frantically waving and gesturing at her to stop talking. "She always did this with Yuto every time he won a match, so I thought I'd try it as well."
"Yutooooo…"
A hand clasped the terrified Xyz Duelist's shoulder as that haunting voice was heard. Slowly turning around while beads of sweat were running down his face, Yuto saw the face of a demon staring at him. While Shun was smiling, his severe expression was terrifying enough to make everyone want to run and burrow inside the deepest hole they could find.
"Shun… If you could just wait a second, I swear I can explain…"
"Oh, you will explain alright." Shun spoke with a foreboding tone. "We will have a nice, long discussion where you will spit out everything about your relationship with my sister. If you even think about lying…well, I don't really have to say it, do I?"
Yuto paled upon hearing that, his expression morphing into a vacant one. At the same time, Yugo was busy waving his hand in front of the petrified Yukio.
"Yukio? Oiiii, Yukio? Are you there? Eh, guys, I think he's broken."
"What a child." Yuri huffed. "To think he would be so shaken merely by locking lips with a girl, it's kind of pathetic."
[You all seem to be having fun down there.] The Observer remarked, prompting everyone to turn their attention to the dragon still hovering above them. [While I hate to break this pleasant atmosphere up, we really should get back to business. The dimensions must be separated once again before this unstable union damages them any further.]
"Separated?" Yuya asked. "Does that mean we won't be able to see everyone ever again?"
[Not exactly. Dimensional travel technology already exists, so travel between the dimensions shouldn't be an issue. I will also leave a little present behind to help you in that regard, and something extra for Standard, the home world of the Lancers' core members. Once again, thank you all for ending this battle. I sincerely hope there will never be a need for intervention on my part, at least not in your lifetimes. Now then, is everyone ready?]
"Ready as we'll ever be." Yuya said. "Everyone, I guess we'll see each other again soon. Stay safe."
The people present nodded. Immediately afterwards, Arc-V's body let out a blinding radiance that enveloped the four dimensions and the people living there as it shot upwards, with Astrograph Magician and Chronograph Magician following after it. After confirming that the dimensions were separating properly without any issues, the three Monsters turned into streams of light that headed for parts unknown…
Card Corner
Supreme King Servant Knight Eligos
ATK: 2200, DEF: 1300, LV: 5, SC: 3
Dark/Machine/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, when a "Supreme King" Monster destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, send the top card from their Deck to the Graveyard.
Monster Effect: When this card leaves the field, you can declare the names of up to three cards in your opponent's Deck; banish them if they are present in your opponent's Deck. If not, take 500 points of damage for every card you guessed wrong.
Supreme King Servant Dragon Lindwurm
ATK: 500, DEF: 1100, LV: 3
Dark/Dragon/Effect
Monster Effect: You can send this card from your field to the Graveyard; Special Summon a "Supreme King" Pendulum Monster from your Graveyard or face-up from your Extra Deck and draw a card from your Deck.
Supreme King Servant Dragon Transient-Eyes
ATK: 3000, DEF: 2500, LV: 10, SC: 0
Dark/Dragon/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: You can banish a "Supreme King" Monster on your field; Special Summon this card from your Pendulum Zone and destroy a Monster on your opponent's field.
Monster Effect: You must first Special Summon this card by banishing a "Supreme King Servant Dragon Odd-Eyes" from your field. Monsters your opponent controls cannot target Pendulum Monsters for attacks, except this one. Once during either player's turn, this card cannot be destroyed by battle. All battle damage your opponent receives from "Supreme King" Monsters you control is doubled. Once per turn, you can send a Pendulum Monster from your field to the Graveyard; increase this card's ATK by an amount equal to that Monster's Scale Value x 500 until the End Phase, and also prevent this card from being destroyed by card effects during that turn. In addition, this card can attack your opponent's Monsters a number of times equal to the Scale Value of the sent Monster apart from its regular attack. When this card is destroyed by battle, you receive no damage from that battle while your opponent receives twice the amount of damage you would have received.
Supreme King Servant Valkyria Gerhilde
ATK: 0, DEF: 2000, LV: 4, SC: 8
Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can target a "Supreme King" Fusion Monster you control; when that Monster declares an attack, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the battle's end.
Monster Effect: When this card is summoned successfully, you can Special Summon a "Supreme King" Fusion Monster from your Graveyard with its effects negated. Once per turn, you can use this card and "Supreme King" Monsters on your field as materials to perform a Fusion Summon. If you do, both this card and all other materials are banished.
Supreme King Servant Dragon Dark Requiem
ATK: 3000, DEF: 2500, R: 5
Dark/Dragon/Xyz/Effect
3 Level 5 DARK Monsters
Monster Effect: Monsters your opponent controls cannot target Xyz Monsters for attacks, except this one. Once per turn, you can detach an Xyz Material from this card; reduce the ATK of all Monsters your opponent controls to 0, and then double this card's ATK for every Monster affected by this card's effect until the End Phase. Once per Battle Phase, if this card successfully destroys an opponent's Monster, it can declare an attack for a second time. Once during either player's turn, if this card would be destroyed by a card effect, you can detach an Xyz Material from it to prevent its destruction and have it gain 1000 ATK. If this card is destroyed, inflict the difference between its current and original ATK as damage to the controller of the card that destroyed it.
Supreme King Servant Dragon Greedy Venom
ATK: 3300, DEF: 2500, LV: 10
Dark/Dragon/Fusion/Effect
"Supreme King Servant Dragon Starve Venom" + 1 "Supreme King" Monster
Monster Effect: Monsters your opponent controls cannot target Fusion Monsters for attacks, except this one. This card's ATK cannot be modified by effects other than its own. Once per turn, you can destroy all Monsters your opponent controls with ATK lower that this card's ATK, and then increase this card's ATK by 1000 for every destroyed Monster. Cards and effects cannot be activated in response to this effect. Once during either player's turn, you can negate the activation of an opponent's Monster effect and prevent it from activating its effects until the End Phase. If this card destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, you can have it gain its effects (you can only gain one effect at a time). When this card is destroyed, your opponent's Life Points are halved while you gain Life Points equal to the original ATK of all "Supreme King" Monsters that were destroyed during this turn.
Entermate Thousand-Faced Artist
ATK: 0, DEF: 0, LV: 1
Dark/Spellcaster/Effect
Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can target a Pendulum Monster on the field; copy either its ATK or its effects until the End Phase.
Supreme King Gatekeeper Absolute Zero
ATK: 3000, DEF: 3000, LV: 8, SC: 0
Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: You can only place this card on your Pendulum Zone by banishing a "Supreme King Gate Zero" from your Pendulum Zone or through its Monster Effect. This card cannot leave your Pendulum Zone through your opponent's card effects. You take no damage as long as this card is on your Pendulum Zone. During your End Phase, double the ATK of all "Supreme King" Monsters you control.
Monster Effect: The ATK of all "Supreme King" Monsters you control is doubled during both players' Battle Phase. When this card leaves your field, you can place it on an empty Pendulum Zone.
Supreme King Gatekeeper Ephemeral Infinity
ATK: 3000, DEF: 3000, LV: 8, SC: 13
Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: You can only place this card on your Pendulum Zone by banishing a "Supreme King Gate Infinity" from your Pendulum Zone or through its Monster Effect. This card cannot leave your Pendulum Zone through your opponent's card effects. If you took no damage because you used the Pendulum Effect of "Supreme King Gatekeeper Absolute Zero", you can gain Life Points equal to the original damage you would have taken. During your End Phase, gain 1000 Life Points for every "Supreme King" Monster you control.
Monster Effect: Once during either player's Battle Phase, you can target a "Supreme King" Monster on your field; increase its ATK by an amount equal to your Life Points until the Battle Phase's end. When this card leaves your field, you can place it on an empty Pendulum Zone.
Supreme King Servant Valkyria Rossweisse
ATK: 2000, DEF: 1200, LV: 4, SC: 10
Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can target a "Supreme King" Xyz Monster on your field; increase its ATK by 500 for every Xyz Material attached to it.
Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can target this card and as many other "Supreme King" Monsters on your field as you wish; make those Monsters' Levels equal to the sum of their Levels.
Supreme King Servant Dragon Jabberwock
ATK: 0, DEF: 0, R: 12
Dark/Dragon/Xyz/Effect
3 Level 12 "Supreme King" Monsters
Monster Effect: This card cannot be targeted or destroyed by your opponent's card effects. When this card battles an opponent's Monster, you can detach an Xyz Material from it; prevent its destruction and reduce the damage to 0. Then, your opponent receives damage equal to their Monster's ATK unless they send it to the Graveyard. If they do so, you can destroy another Monster on your opponent's field and attach it as an Xyz Material to this card. Cards and effects cannot be activated in response to this effect. If this card is destroyed, you can destroy all Monsters on your opponent's field and all cards on their Pendulum Zones.
Supreme Arcane Champion – Integration Paladin
ATK: 5000, DEF: 4500, LV: 12, SC: 12
Light/Spellcaster/Ritual/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: Monsters on your field are unaffected by the effects of your opponent's Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz and Pendulum Monsters. If this card is destroyed, you can Special Summon a Spellcaster-type Monster from your Deck, Extra Deck or Graveyard by ignoring its summoning conditions.
Monster Effect: This card cannot be destroyed by battle or your opponent's card effects, and you take no damage from battles involving it. All your opponent's Monsters are banished when destroyed. Once per turn, you can have all Monsters on both fields and in all players' Graveyards and banish zones be treated as Normal Monsters and have their effects negated until the End Phase. If this card destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, you can Special Summon a Pendulum Monster from your Deck or either player's Graveyard. If this card is destroyed, you can Special Summon as many Monsters as you wish from your Pendulum Zone, and then you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.
Supreme Demon Emperor Dragon Zarc
ATK: 7000, DEF: 7000, LV: 13, SC: 13
Dark/Dragon/Fusion/Synchro/Xyz/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon "Supreme King" Monsters, and each time you do, destroy a card on your opponent's field for every Monster Pendulum Summoned. If this card is in your Pendulum Zone, you can Special Summon it by ignoring its summoning conditions, and then you can destroy all other cards on the field apart from this one.
Monster Effect: (This card is also treated as a Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Monster, and has a Rank equal to its Level). This card can only be Special Summoned from your hand, Deck or Graveyard if a "Supreme King Dragon Zarc" leaves your field. This card is always treated as a "Supreme King" card. This card's effects cannot be negated. When this card is Special Summoned, send all of your opponent's Monsters on the field to the Graveyard and increase this card's ATK by an amount equal to the combined original ATK of these Monsters (cards and effects cannot be activated in response to this effect). As long as this card remains on the field, all victory conditions apart from your Life Points being reduced to 0 do not take effect. This card cannot leave the field through or be affected by your opponent's card effects, it cannot be destroyed by battle with Level/Rank 1 or higher Monsters, and you also receive no damage when it battles such Monsters. All your Monsters are unaffected by the effects of your opponent's Fusion, Synchro, Xyz and Pendulum Monsters. Every time a player's Life Points change, increase this card's ATK by an amount equal to the difference. When your opponent adds a card from their Deck to their hand outside of their Draw Phase, send that card to the Graveyard and draw one card from your Deck. When this card destroys an opponent's Monster, you can Special Summon a "Supreme King Servant Dragon" Monster from your Deck, Extra Deck, Graveyard or banish zone with its effects negated until the start of your next turn by ignoring its summoning conditions, inflict 500 points of damage to the opponent and banish a card from the top of their Deck. If this card is destroyed, you can place it on your Pendulum Zone.
Conviction Magician
ATK: 950, DEF: 350, LV: 2
Dark/Spellcaster/Effect
Monster Effect: When this card is destroyed, you can take a Monster from either player's Graveyard and add it to either player's hand.
Astrograph Magician
ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000, LV: 8, SC: 1
Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can perform an Integration Summon if the tributes required for it are present on your field.
Monster Effect: Pendulum Monsters on your field cannot leave it through your opponent's card effects. Each time you Pendulum Summon successfully, you can add a Pendulum Monster from your Deck to your hand.
Chronograph Magician
ATK: 2000, DEF: 1700, LV: 6, SC: 8
Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: When you perform a Pendulum Summon when you have Astrograph Magician in your other Pendulum Scale, you can Pendulum Summon Monsters from either player's hand, Extra Deck, Graveyard and/or banish zone by ignoring their Levels or Ranks.
Monster Effect: Pendulum Monsters on your field cannot be destroyed by battle, and all damage you receive from battles involving them is halved. Each time you Pendulum Summon successfully, you can destroy a card on your opponent's field.
Supreme God Dragon Arc-V
ATK: 5000, DEF: 5000, LV: 0, SC: 0
Light/Dragon/Ritual/Fusion/Synchro/Xyz/Pendulum/Effect
Pendulum Effect: If this card is in your Pendulum Zone, you can Special Summon it by ignoring its summoning conditions, and then you can place a Pendulum Monster from your Deck, Extra Deck, field, Graveyard or banish zone in its place.
Monster Effect: (This card is also treated as a Fusion, Ritual, Synchro and Xyz Monster, and has a Rank equal to its Level). Must be Special Summoned by the Pendulum Effect of Astrograph Sorcerer by offering a "Pendulum Dragon", "Ritual Dragon", "Fusion Dragon", "Synchro Dragon" and "Xyz Dragon" as tributes, and it cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. This card's effects cannot be negated. When this card is Special Summoned, negate the effects of all cards your opponent controls. If there are Synchro, Xyz, Ritual, Fusion or Pendulum Monsters banished and/or in any Graveyard(s), this card is unaffected by your opponent's card effects and cannot leave the field apart from being destroyed by battle. All Monsters you control are unaffected by the effects of your opponent's Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz and Pendulum Monsters. Effects that would affect cards in your hand or Deck affect the opponent instead. If this card battles an opponent's Monster, double its ATK for every different summoning type present on your opponent's field until the End Phase. During damage calculation, you can also send Monsters from your field to the Graveyard to double this card's ATK for every different summoning type sent to the Graveyard. If this card is destroyed, you can return all cards in your Pendulum Zones back to your hand (if there are any) and place it in your Pendulum Zone.
Half Unbreak
Action Spell
Prevent a Monster you control from being destroyed by battle and halve all damage from battles involving it for the rest of your turn.
Rank-Up-Magic Boundless Force
Normal Spell Card
Target a "Supreme King" Xyz Monster on your field or in your Graveyard; Special Summon a "Supreme King" Xyz Monster from your Extra Deck that is one Rank higher than that Monster by using it as material, and then attach this card to it as an Xyz Material (this Special Summon is treated as an Xyz Summon). During your Standby Phase, if the Monster summoned by this card's effect is on your field while this card is in your Graveyard, you can attach it as an Xyz Material to it.
Supreme King Brethren Chain
Normal Spell Card
If your opponent controls more Monsters than you do, you can Special Summon two Level 4 or lower "Supreme King" Monsters from your Deck with their effects negated.
Victim Sanctuary
Action Spell
Reduce an instance of battle damage to 0, and then you can target and destroy a Monster on your opponent's field.
Odd-Eyes Epoch
Quick-Play Spell Card
If you're about to take damage while you control an "Odd-Eyes" Pendulum Monster, reduce that damage to 0. Then, if you activated this card during your Battle Phase, you can banish a Dragon-type Monster from your Extra Deck or Graveyard; target an "Odd-Eyes" Monster on your field that has already declared an attack and have it attack once again, with your opponent being unable to activate card effects until the battle is over.
Mystical Ritual of Integration
Ritual Spell Card
If there are five "Paladin" Spellcaster-type Monsters on your field, Graveyard, banish zone or face-up in your Extra Deck, Ritual Summon a "Supreme Arcane Champion – Integration Paladin" from your hand without offering any tributes. The activation of this card and the Ritual Summon cannot be negated.
Space-Time Supremacy
Normal Spell Card
Create an Extra Monster Zone on your field and move a Monster on your field to it. Your opponent can only target that Monster for attacks. If the Monster is destroyed, you receive damage equal to its attack.
Supreme King Assembly Ceremony
Normal Spell Card
If you control a "Zarc" Monster and failed to inflict battle damage to your opponent's Life Points, you can activate this effect; Special Summon as many "Supreme King" Monsters as you wish from your Graveyard and/or banish zone with their effects negated. You can banish this card from your Graveyard to target a Monster that had its effects negated; restore its effects. You cannot activate this effect on the turn this card was sent to the Graveyard.
Strife Renewal
Normal Trap Card
Reduce an instance of battle damage your opponent would receive to 0, and then increase the ATK of one of your opponent's Monsters by an amount equal to the damage they would have received. During either player's turn, you can banish this card from your Graveyard; the first Monster that is destroyed by battle that turn is banished.
Transmutation Summon
Normal Trap Card
Target a non-Normal Monster you control; treat it as a Normal Monster and prevent it from being targeted by your opponent's card effects until the End Phase.
Pendulum Curse
Normal Trap Card
When your opponent successfully activates a Pendulum Effect, you can destroy all cards in their Pendulum Zones and inflict 1000 points of damage to them for each destroyed card. Pendulum Monsters on your field cannot be destroyed by card effects on the turn you activated this effect.
Surprise Assist
Normal Trap Card
When you're about to receive a direct attack, you can look through your Deck and Special Summon the first Level 4 or lower Monster you come across. All other cards you drew are sent to the Graveyard.
And with that, Chapter 73 concludes, along with the Duel against Zarc and this entire arc in general. Hopefully, the conclusion of the Duel was satisfactory. I was on the fence a bit about adding the reunions between the lost family members of the Xyz Duelists here, but thought that it would lose the impact if I showed it in a flashback. That's why I put it here.
Well, that's all for now. The next chapter is the beginning of the final arc of this story. I estimate it will take about twelve chapters to end the story, give or take a chapter, but that might change. As always, please read, review, favorite and follow.
See you all next time!
