It had only been half-an-hour into the Village's Vanguard Tournament, and already eight intense cardfights had concluded. Sean hadn't expected the event to move this quickly, or even be this neatly coordinated. Despite there only being two judges, there were few hiccups, and all matches had concluded without incident. It was a clean, fun, tidy experience, which matched the shop perfectly. At the moment, the participants were milling around the play area- with no matches left, there was no reason to stay seated.

Currently, Shu had planted himself in one corner of the play area, scanning the crowd while fiddling with his deck. In the other corner, he spotted Sean in a group of other players around his age. From the looks of it, with all the joking and casual conversation, they were all familiar with each other. He smiled- this was the first time in quite a while he saw Sean with anyone new. Sean had always been one to avoid crowds or new things; getting him to try anything unfamiliar was almost always a losing battle. Most kids feared getting picked last, but for as long as he knew him, Sean feared getting picked at all. Now, it seems that he had opened himself up to a whole new world.

Ah, the wonders of Vanguard. Can turn even the most extreme recluse into a socialite. Now if only I could get the guys on the robotics team to play.

"Alright, cardfighters, that's time! Round one is over!" announced Tyler. "If you lost, please meet me at the front register for your participation packs. If you won, please enjoy this short break."

Shu nodded to no one in particular before examining the tournament bracket. His next opponent was some guy named Aster, which was perhaps the most pretentious name he'd encountered yet. He could already picture the Sage uniform coating the guy. Nonetheless, he had a few minutes to kill, and thus put his deck back in his box before reaching for his phone. Time to check the regular haunts. Let's see, no new card reveals, no games on sale yet. He kept shuffling through his timeline before something caught his eye. Looks like Card Shark was opening yet another location on the Pacific coast, with plans of expanding out to the Atlantic.

That chain is like an evil species of weed. They're everywhere nowadays. Man, what I wouldn't give to have Lucky Draw back. He took a brief look over the shop he was currently in. Glad I found this place. It's almost as great. Almost.

"Ah, you must be my next opponent." Shu's attention shifted towards a nearby voice, catching an eyeful of who must've been Aster. Well, he certainly looked like an Aster- pale skin, well-groomed hair with a single died streak, meticulously maintained Sage uniform. He extended one of his clean hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you...Shu, correct?" His voice was soaked with a slight smug satisfaction.

Despite his reservations, Shu extended his own hand. "Yep, that's me. You must be Aster." The two met in a polite handshake.

"Indeed I am. I just thought I'd get to know my next adversary before I fight him. Shall I meet you at table four?"

"Uh, yeah, sounds like a plan." Tone down your language, you're not a Shakespeare character.

"Excellent. I look forward to an impressive bout." He strode off to block B. Shu didn't exactly wanted to get started right away. Given the few seconds he knew Aster, it was pretty clear he wouldn't make good company, and he had a few minutes to spare anyway. But then again, his regular websites were pretty barren at the moment. Either he'd have to surf aimlessly, unable to save face later, or spend a few minutes with a guy who probably just made a weird first impression. The choice was made for him- sighing, he headed off to table four, weaving past a few millers.

He took a seat across his future opponent, who was occupying himself by expertly shuffling his deck. Shu fished his own deck out of his box, picking his brain for an adequate conversation starter. Asking where he went to school was a bit daft, given how recognizable the uniform was. Maybe he could take a shot at how the first round went? It seemed worth trying. "So, what deck did you play against in your last match?"

"Oh, some pile of Dark Irregulars drivel. For such an unorthodox clan, the deck was unremarkable. Synergetic, but uninspired."

"I'm guessing it wasn't much of a fight."

"It was...adequate. But for someone on my skill level, it was little more than a warm-up."

"Fancy yourself something of a cardfighting expert yourself?" Shu chuckled. This guy may not be leaving a terribly positive impression, but his vocabulary was amusing.

"Of course. As of now, I've won twenty-nine games in a row. I'm hoping to make this my thirtieth."

"That's an impressive streak. I'll make this fight extra challenging to make sure you've earned it."

Aster narrowed his eyes a bit. "Please do. The locals at this shop have utterly failed to pose a challenge."

Shu cleared his throat. This guy was grating. "So you're not a regular?"

"Not remotely. I'm only here because a friend invited me."

"Ah, that explains the two other Sage uniforms. Which one's your pal?"

"The boy with the earrings. He invited me and one of the newer students. As an old friend, I was in no position to refuse."

So he's loyal. Well, chalk up one redeeming trait among a sea of suck.

"I assume you're not a regular either," said Aster.

"I'm not, no. My local shop got snatched up by a chain, and I don't intend on going back."

"Interesting. Mind telling me why?"

"Are all cardfighters ready to start?" Tyler interrupted.

"Ah, seems like a story for another time." Aster reached for his starting vanguard. "Let us begin."

Shu just nodded. This'd be a long fight.

"Let round two begin!"

"Now stand up, Vanguard!"

Genesis had gotten far more aggressive as of late. While they have always been largely independent of the United Sanctuary's grasp, their recent moves had been more brazen and self-serving than ever. Efforts to curb the conglomerate by outside groups had fallen apart, and with each victory the company gained more prestige and clout. Top leaders of the Sanctuary worried that if these actions continued unpunished, they'd eventually become untouchable. Swallowing their pride, a council of the Sanctuary's elite hired a pack of pirates from Magallanica to forcefully curb Genesis's influence. The next night, the company's proud new frigate, the Silewe Nazarata, was ambushed in misty waters, surrounded by rotting wooden ships.

"I ride! Living Figurehead!" A seaborne zombie had emerged on the bow of the dreadnaught.

Living Figurehead- Grade 0/6000 Power/10000 Shield

"I ride! Advance of Dusk, Astraeus!"

Astraeus- Grade 0/6000 Power/10000 Shield

"I'm up first. I draw, and ride Guardian Sorcerer, Negroshield."

Negroshield- Grade 1/7000 Power/0 Shield

"Thanks to Figurehead, I draw. Now for Negroshield's on-place skill- I draw a card, then discard a card from hand. And that'll be it for me."

End of Turn 1

Hand Count- Shu 6, Aster 5

Damage Count- Shu 0, Aster 0

Aster nodded. "Already filling your drop zone? You're pretty savvy for a Granblue player, but you'll come to regret riding a low Power unit. I draw, and ride Rainbow Riding Messenger, Iris."

Iris- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

"Thanks to Astraeus, I draw an additional card. Now I call Stellar Guardian, Aether."

Aether- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

"When Aether is placed, I can check the top two cards of my deck, place one into my soul, and place the other on the top."

Well, he's wasting no time farming for soul.

Iris turned authoritatively towards her homunculus subordinate. "Aether, you shall be the first to punish this interloper. Attack!" The machine whirred to life, its lance-like arms radiating a mysterious astral energy. Leveling its weapons at the undead opponent, it fired a pair of searing energy shots, both of which closed in at an unholy speed.

Strength- 8000

Negroshield raised his staff above his head. "Headless Grenadier, you're up!" From beneath the ship's deck, an undead minion scrambled to the surface via an infernal portal. As its name suggested, it was a headless ghoul, dressed in a Napoleonic uniform, lept towards the oncoming fire, producing a tower of light and flames. The deck remained intact, but so did the enemy vanguard.

Headless Grenadier- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

Defense- 17000

Negroshied chuckled. "What else ya got, doll?"

"Impudence," growled Iris. "The next assault shall be headed by me!" The hawk on her shoulder took flight with a mighty screech as she unfurled her golden scroll.

Strength- 8000

"Fine by me. I don't guard."

"Drive check...no trigger." Iris began chanting in some sort of arcane language, causing her familiar to glow with an auroral energy. It dived towards its target, leaving a trail of colors behind it, slashing past Negroshield like a colorful harpoon. After the attack, the hawk barreled back to its master, the light having finally faded. The slash was flashy, but without much impact.

"Alright, damage check...no trigger."

"That'll do it for my first turn. Over to you."

End of Turn 2

Hand Count- Shu 5, Aster 6

Damage Count- Shu 1, Aster 0

"I draw." So far so good. If he restrained himself a bit, he could weather a future storm. "I ride Envy Shade."

Envy Shade- Grade 2/9000 Power/5000 Shield

"When she's placed, I can discard a card to put the top two cards of my deck in my drop zone, then return a card from there to my hand. I'm bouncing Living Bomb. Next up, I use Grenadier's skill from the drop zone. By counter blasting one and discarding a card, I can call him from drop to RC and buff him by 4k."

Aster nodded. "Impressive. Not only did you prevent a point of damage with that card, but you set up your drop zone to fetch him later. Finally, a fighter with some level of expertise."

"You're too kind."

Envy turned to look behind her, her body creaking and cracking sickeningly. "Grenadier, I require your support." She snapped back, staring down Iris with her cold, dead eyes. "You! Prepare for your reckoning!" Drawing a phantasmal knife from her boot, she reared back for a fierce sling.

Strength- 21000

Iris grimaced. She was well aware of the talents of the headless minion- if this attack hit, the pirates would gain quite the bounty. On the other hand, wasting resources on defense would leave her group without the means for a proper counterattack. "Bah, II don't guard."

"Drive check...no trigger." With a swift and decisive motion, Envy flung her knife towards Iris. It cut past like an arrow, leaving a small but burning gash in Iris's skin.

"Damage check," said Iris, putting pressure on her wound. "No trigger."

"Since an attack Grenadier boosted hit, I can retire him to draw two cards. And that'll do it for me."

End of Turn 3

Hand Count- Shu 7, Aster 6

Damage Count- Shu 1, Aster 1

"Trying to keep my counter blasts to a minimum, eh? An admirable effort, but for naught, I'm afraid. I stand and draw. I ride Smith Among the Stars, Ilmari."

Ilmari- Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield

"Since I rode on Iris, I can counter blast one to soul charge two cards. Next, I move Aether back, and in its place I call another Ilmari. Finally, I call Battle Maiden of Clouds, Nephele."

Ilmari twirled his hammer over his head. "Come forth, forces of fate!" He slammed his weapon against the deck, summoning two pillars of light to erupt to his flanks. The first spawned a practical clone of himself, though duller in color. The second pillar spawned a female hoplite, with ornate ivory armor and a proud, gilded halberd alongside her shining silver shield. Her raven hair cascaded out of her helm and down her back. She lowered her weapon towards the enemy ghoul, powerful emerald eyes locking in.

Nephele- Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield

Ilmari turned towards his new companion. "Nephele, thrust forward!"

"As you wish, my vanguard," obeyed the hoplite. She dashed forward, striding like she was in flight, golden weapon at the ready.

Strength- 10000

Envy's eyes glinted with a ghastly twinkle. "Arrogant Witch, Negrobrace will guard that attack!" As Nephele swung her weapon downward, it rang blade-first into a pair of overly decorated bracers, attached to a bewitching feminine ghoul. The witch cackled arrogantly as Nephele tried to muscle past her barrier before admitting defeat. As Nepehele retreated, Negrobrace winked before fading into a pale green smoke.

Negrobrace- Grade 2/9000 Power/5000 Shield

Defense- 14000

Ilmari gritted his teeth. "Bah! Then I shall break you!" His hammer began to glow with a molten heat, warping the air around him.

"When Ilmari attacks a vanguard, I can draw a card, then place a card from my hand into my soul. Oh, and since I drew a card outside my draw phase, my rearguard Ilmari gains 2000 Power."

Strength- 10000

"Alright. I don't guard."

"Very well. Drive check...Apostle of Lucky Star Jurojin, a welcome sight. Since it's a critical trigger, I give 10000 Power to my rearguard Ilmari, and add one damage to this attack."

"Ouch. Well, let's check my damage trigger. First...no trigger. Second...Ravenous Mimic, a critical trigger. That's 10000 Power for Envy Shade."

Aster's smirk faded a bit. "Luck isn't ready to abandon just yet, hmm? Very well, Aether boosts my rearguard Ilmari for one last attack on your vanguard. Again, I draw a card, and move a card from my hand to my soul. Don't forget the 2000 Power bonus."

Strength- 32000

"Ooh, gotta stop you right there, chief. I guard with Living Bomb."

Living Bomb- Grade 0/5000 Power/15000 Shield/Critical Trigger

Defense- 34000

Aster hummed. "Well, you've seemed to have held me to just two damage. I pass my turn to you."

End of Turn 4

Hand Count- Shu 5, Aster 5

Damage Count- Shu 3, Aster 1

"I stand and draw." Shu paused. Given how much his opponent had been building up soul, the next turn would be explosive. Going all out now would be foolish- he'd close the gap in damage, but wouldn't leave himself enough cards to survive the next onslaught. Guess he'd have to hold back just a little more. "Say, you seem like the theatric type. Mind if I chant?"

"Be my guest."

"Thanks. Behold, the ultimate defyer of death and eater of armadas. I ride Sea Serpent King, Leviathus."

Leviathus- Grade 3/12000 Power/0 Shield/Protect Marker

"I'm using his once-per-turn skill. By counter blasting one, I can mill the top two cards, then call two units with different grades from my drop zone. I superior call Negrobrace and Cold Steel Swordsman, Negrofoil, and both get an extra 5k."

Negrofoil- Grade 3/12000 Power/0 Shield/Protect Marker

"Using the second part of Leviathus's skill. By discarding a card and soul blasting one, he gains 15k. Now for Negrofoil's on-place- by discarding a card, I can mill two cards and return a card from my drop zone to my hand. Negroshield is bounced. Last up, I call Headless Grenadier and First Mate, Sharpeyed Vasco to rearguard."

Sharpeyed Vasco- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

Aster plastered a polite smile on his face. "A decent formation, I suppose. However, you're still holding back. Perhaps you're trying to throw the match?"

"Looks like you're onto me. Anyway, I'm moving onto the battle phase. Negrofoil attacks your vanguard. His battle skill lets me counter blast one to draw a card and add 5k to this attack."

Strength- 22000

"Very well, I don't guard. Damage check...no trigger."

The gargantuan sea serpent's eyes alit with a ghastly glow. "Brace yourselves, for I shall lead the next assault! Grenadier, support your lord!" Leviathus slowly drew back, gathering gallons of fresh air into his hellish maw.

Strength- 33000

Ilmari grimaced. "A mighty attack, but if I don't guard…" He looked to his flanks with a sullen expression. "I have no choice. Ilmari and Nephele, intercept! Jurojin and Iris, join this defensive effort!" At once, the warriors to his sides lept to the defense, joined by a jolly but diminutive star spirit and a familiar girl with her hawk. The quartet pooled their magic force, producing a sizable and stable barrier, etched with the symbols of Cray's zodiac.

Defense- 45000

"Very well, my twin drive." Leviathus's left horn began to glow with the same ghastly light as his eyes. "First...no trigger." His right horn lit up in a similar unsettling light. "Second...no trigger." He finally unhinged his jaw, pouring a tidal wave of hellish green flames onto the frigate's deck. "STYGIAN NEGROSTORM!" The flames melted through the barrier, bathing the defending quartet in otherworldly pain. Despite making short work of the defending forces, the torrent of hellfire dealt no lasting damage to the enemy vanguard. At most, it just left the deck charred and battered.

Ilmari brandished his hammer. "Your attack has failed, hellbeast! I am still standing!"

Leviathus seemed unbothered by the whole ordeal. "Yet you stand alone. You have little to defend yourself from the next attack. Negrobrace, take Vasco's support and crush this insect."

Negrobrace smirked. "Not my prefered partner for this, but I can't deny my vanguard's request." She clanged her bracers together, before mumbling some sort of arcane ancient language.

"When Vasco boosts, I can mill one to give him an extra 4k."

Strength- 26000

Aster nodded. "Well, it'd be a waste to guard this one. I supposed I can let this through. Damage check...no trigger. Oh well."

"Well, that's it for me. I pass my turn over to you."

End of Turn 5

Hand Count- Shu 6, Aster 3

Damage Count- Shu 3, Aster 3

Aster smirked. "Forgive me, but my assumption of you was incorrect."

"Huh?"

"I thought I'd finally found someone who could pose something of a challenge, but it seems all you're capable of is tying the score."

Shu blinked. Great, he's just crossed the line from annoying to straight-up dick.

"Well, such is life. I stand and draw." Aster took a breath. "Maiden of pure moonlight, illuminate this battlefield in your enlightened glow. Vanquish my foes with arrows true! I ride Charioteer of the Silver Moon, Selene!"

Selene- Grade 3/13000 Power/0 Shield/Force Marker

Shu maintained his composure despite the theatrics in front of him. Chant or no chant, that's a really good card to be bringing out at this point. Still, I have the hand to stave him off. This won't be too bad…

"By riding Selene, I gain a Force II marker for my rearguard. Next, I call- Battle Maiden of Dawn, Aurora, and Charioteer of the Golden Sun, Helios."

Aurora- Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield

Helios- Grade 3/13000 Power/0 Shield/Force Marker

"I use Aurora's on-place skill. With a single counter blast, I reduce the next soul blast cost by two cards, and give two rearguards 3000 Power. I give the bonuses to Aurora herself and Aether."

"Guessing you used Aurora's skill for Helios."

"You catch on quickly. Normally, I'd have to soul blast three cards, but because of Aurora, I just have to soul blast one. I draw two cards, then put a card from my hand into my soul. Since I put a grade 3, Helios gets 15000 Power, and I put Jurojin from my drop zone at the top of my deck."

A great combo, but the real show is just getting started. Here comes Selene…

"Finally, the time has come for Selene to truly shine. With one counter blast and three soul blasts, I draw a card, then enhance my vanguard based on what cards were sent to the drop zone. For the grade 3, an extra drive check. For the grade 2, an additional critical. And for the grade 0, I can reveal one trigger unit from my hand before putting it on top of my deck." Aster revealed a card. "Protector Among the Clouds, Sanjana, is a worthy target, I'm sure you'll agree."

"A draw sentinel," Shu thought aloud. "You really want this to be the last turn, huh?"

"A commendable guess, but I'm no simpleton. You have two perfect guards in your hand, and even though I have two units that have gone critical, I can't end it. However, I can force you to shed those perfect guards and corner you, therefore neutering your capabilities. I may not be able to end it here, but I don't have to. As soon as your next turn is over, victory is mine."

Shu just nodded. As annoying as this drama king was, he had a point. He'd have to consider his next moves very, very carefully.

The silver-coated noble raised her weapon authoritatively. "Assemble, forces of Genesis! Destroy our unwanted guests!" Thin pillars of light emerged from the deck, revealing two new figures. One, a golden-armored, godlike figure in a blinding chariot. The other, a radiant maiden with hair like cascading golden thread, clad in a white toga adorned with purple trim and an iron cuirass. Smiling, she brandished a silver longsword, creating arcs of light as she spun it. The amount of light was flamboyant, blinding, and somewhat frightening to the creatures of the deep.

Selene turned her attention to her female subordinate. "Aurora, take Aether with you and create an opening. The Force II Gift should be more than enough, but just in case…" She turned to the towering sea monster. "I'm activating Aether's soul blast! With the cost of one, this attack gains 4000 Power!" The homunculus behind Aurora radiated with a menacing red aura, roaring to life as the energy from its lances flowed to its partner's sword.

Aurora grinned. "Full speed ahead!" she cried, dashing towards the sea serpent with her blade at the ready. With a single bound, she readied her fiercely glowing blade for a powerful slash against Leviathus's head.

Strength- 28000/2 Critical

Leviathus slithered back, unperturbed. "I guard with Flotsam Witch Doctor, Negromend!" Before Aurora's weapon made contact with the sea serpent's skull, a banshee in a tattered medic's kit appeared. She summoned a brackish barrier of underworld water to bring the sword swing to a pitiful halt, draining all light and energy from the blade. As Aurora landed, the ghoul had disappeared, leaving just a chortling demon to stare her down. Shivering a bit, she leapt back to her vanguard.

Negromend- Grade 0/5000 Power/20000 Shield/Heal Trigger

Defense- 32000

Selene, unflapped, notched a pair of pure moonlight arrows onto her proud bow. "Let's see you defend this attack, monster!" After a dramatic charge, she let both bolts loose, each soaring like shooting stars towards her opponent. "Your resistance is in vain!"

Strength- 13000/2 Critical/3 Drive

"Be it so," growled Leviathus, "the contract must be completed. With a Protect I Gift, your attack is negated!" Within less than a second, a towering auroral shield shimmered before Leviathus, causing the oncoming projectiles to shatter harmlessly into splinters of light.

Defense- Perfect Guard

"Well, that's one of your two Perfect Guards I no longer have to worry about. Time for my triple drive. My first check, as you know, is Sanjana. That is an additional card for me and 10000 Power for Helios. Second...no trigger. And finally, third...ah, Cyber Two-Tails, a critical trigger. Another 10000 Power for Helios, as well as one more damage on his attack. Now, my enhanced Helios will attack your vanguard."

Strength- 48000/2 Critical

Shu had to bite back on his instincts. He could use one of his other PGs to shut down this attack, but that'd leave him without some of his best defense cards, and if he couldn't finish this guy next turn, he'd be sunk. On top of that, he had no cards for counter blasts, making his comeback options limited. While he'd take two damage from this attack, he would scrape by for another round. Like it or not, it was better to just eat the attack. "I don't guard. Checking the damage triggers...nothing for the first...and nothing for the second either."

Helios let loose a pair of radiant arrows, glowing blindingly like solar prominences. Each smashed into Leviathus's decaying body, producing massive bursts of stellar light to illuminate the battlefield. The sea serpent began to writhe in pain, letting out a shriek like a distressed banshee.

"Cap'n!" yelled Negrofoil in a rare showing of concern.

"Stay with me, darling!" shouted Negrobrace.

Leviathus finally settled, one of his horns finely severed, lower jaw dripping with rivers of phantasmal blood. "The contract...is not yet complete."

Selene smirked. "Whatever this 'contract' is, you won't live to see its completion."

"And with that, my turn is over."

End of Turn 6

Hand Count- Shu 3, Aster 6

Damage Count- Shu 5, Aster 3

"I stand and draw." Shu took a minute to examine his hand. "Sorry, need a second to check my drop zone."

"What is there to plan?" Aster chided. "You're cornered, and I have more than enough cards in my hand to keep damage to a minimum. You've already lost."

"I wouldn't be so sure," Shu smiled, putting down his overstuffed drop zone. Deflating this guy was going to be fun. "First, I ride Leviathus on top of my old Leviathus, and gain another Protect I Gift. Next, his once-per-turn- I counter blast one and mill two to call a Vasco and Deep Trench Dragon, Imprisoned Dracoshark over my Negrobrace."

Imprisoned Dracoshark- Grade 3/12000 Power/0 Shield/Protect Marker

"With Leviathus's follow-up, I soul blast one and discard a card to buff him by 15k. Now, I'm ready to attack."

Aster scoffed. "Is that all? You had me under the impression you had more under your sleeve than a simple power boost."

"Try being patient sometimes. First, Vasco boosts Negrofoil. With Vasco's skill, I mill one to boost this attack by 4k, and with Negrofoil's skill, I counter blast one to draw a card and give this attack an additional 5k."

Strength- 34000

"You'll have to try far harder than that. I guard your attack with a Cyber Two-Tails and an Iris from my hand."

Cyber Two-Tails- Grade 0/5000 Power/15000 Shield/Critical Trigger

Defense- 38000

"Alright, how's this? With Grenadier's support, Leviathus takes aim at Selene."

Strength- 33000

"That won't go anywhere. With Sanjana, your attack is nullified.

Sanjana- Grade 0/5000 Power/0 Shield/Draw Trigger

Defense- Perfect Guard

"Thought you'd use that. Still, I got my twin drive. First check...Living Bomb, a critical trigger. All effects to Dracoshark. Second check...Living Shade, another critical trigger."

Aster's smile faded quickly. "You must be joking…"

"Obviously, the effects go to Dracoshark. Finally, Vasco boosts Dracoshark. Since Vasco is boosting, I can mill one to add 4k to this attack, on top of the 1k for each card in the drop zone Dracoshark usually gets."

Strength- 66000/3 Critical

Aster grimaced. "This, this has to be a cruel joke. No one can be this lucky."

"Guessing you can't guard this attack?"

"I may not be able to stop this attack, but if I draw a heal trigger, I can strike back and end this charade. First...no trigger. Second...no trigger. Third...S-Sanjana, a draw trigger."

With its chains broken into rusted fragments, the dragonic sea monster surged towards Selene with a fury unseen by mortal eyes. Aurora, Aether, and Helios all lept from their positions to defend their mistress, only to be torn to stardust one after the other with rabid swipes and bites. With a full body tackle, the beast burst through Selene's prized chariot, leaving it in scraps, and grabbed its driver by the throat. Continuing to surge at breakneck speeds, it rapidly dragged the haughty warrior against the frigate's deck, leaving a trail of shredded celestial steel in its wake. As it finally reached the other end of the ship, it dove into the cold, black water, bringing a battered charioteer with it.

Negrofoil sighed. "It's over, cap'n. That girlie won't bother us no more."

Leviathus chuckled. "The contract is complete. Pirates, return to your vessels and prepare cannon salvos. This peacock of a ship must be sunk." He dove beneath the water as the other Granblue pirates scrambled to follow his command. Throughout the night, hellish cannonfire could be heard in the nearby fishing hamlets, each explosive digging into the once proud arc. By the next sunrise, the phantom fleet had disappeared, and all that was left of the Silewe Nazarata was a floating figurehead adorned with the now sullen mark of Genesis…

End of Turn 7

Hand Count- Shu 6, Aster 2

Damage Count- Shu 5, Aster 6

Shu Wins

Shu smiled. "Tough luck, man."

Aster glowered. "Luck, indeed. I wouldn't be so haughty, if I were you. If not for those critical triggers-"

"Let me stop you right there, chief. Let me show you my hand." He placed the six cards in his hand on the table. "One Protect I Gift, one PG, and four other cards. Know what that means."

Aster's glowered continued, thought a bit crestfallen. "You mean you had two more negates at the ready. But that's not a guarantee you'd survive another turn."

"Really? What could you have done to break through? You barely had enough soul to use Selene again, and if you did, you wouldn't have enough to proc Helios for another big swing. Doesn't matter what you'd do if there weren't any triggers- you lost."

Aster sputtered. "Y-you-"

Shu began to gather his cards. "Well, I'd like to say I hope to fight you again, but I really, really don't."

"Bah. As if I'd bother to fight someone so dependent on luck."

Shu shrugged playfully. "Glad to see you agree." With his cards firmly back in his box, he left his opponent to sulk sorely. That was another round down, with only a couple of matches to go. This tournament was in the bag.

A/N: Wow, this is the story's shortest chapter thus far. This is even shorter than the first chapter, and that one barely has a cardfight! Hope this chapter didn't disappoint, and I'll see y'all soon.