After a full thirty minutes of cardfights, the second round of the tournament had finally concluded. There were fewer people milling around than the last round- some of the poorer sports had left early after getting their participation packs. In one corner of the area, two of the Sage students were trying their hardest to comfort their sulking colleague, to admittedly little success. A particularly keen-eyed observer might have seen an adult man slinking out from the bathroom, a bulky backpack strapped to his back as he lumbered towards the door.

At the moment, two groups of high schoolers had coalesced in the play area. One included most of the Sutter Cardfight Committee- Sal, Midori, Nat, Carlos, and a slightly refreshed Adam. Sal and Midori were recounting their fights, casually joking along the way. The second was composed of Sean, Lucas, and Shu, who were in the midst of a similar conversation.

"Man, Sean told me you were good," opened Lucas, "but good enough to put Preppy in his place."

"Preppy?" chuckled Shu.

"It's what he calls Aster," Sean explained.

"Yeah, I got that. But is 'Preppy' really the best you got?"

"No, but I can't use the words I want to because there are children here," said Lucas.

"Ah," chuckled Shu. "Well, glad to be of service. Anyway, how do you know Sean?"

"Was going to ask you the same thing. Sounds like you've known him longer than I have."

"We went to the same elementary and middle schools. Been friends since, what, the first grade?"

"Second," corrected Sean. "But still, we've been seeing each other for years."

"Yep. You?"

"Huh?" asked Lucas.

"How do you know Sean?"

"Oh, eighth grade. This guy was by his lonesome for a while, so I thought I'd take him under my wing."

"Ah, an extrovert adopting an introvert. Tale as old as time."

"Yeah, well," chuckled Sean. "I owe a lot to both of you."

"Okay, cardfighters, that'll be it for round two," interrupted Tyler, speaking to the crowd. "If you lost your matchup, come up to the counter for your packs. Winners, head on over to Mr. Khalan to determine your next pairing."

Sean was a bit confused. "Don't we just face the next person in the bracket?"

Shu shook his head. "Nah, they said at the beginning that the semifinalists would have to draw lots for their match."

"It's supposed to keep things interesting," added Lucas. "You could be playing anyone for the next match. Don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to this."

Sean just nodded. A layer of unpredictability in a tournament setting wasn't unsuspected, ironically, but the chance of facing any three of Lucas, Sal, or Shu wasn't exactly a welcoming one. His record against Sal and Lucas was hilariously one-sided, and if Shu was able to beat Aster, his skill level was truly impressive. Regardless of his drawing, he'd be walking into a losing matchup.

It sucks, but at least I know all the finalists. I'd hate to come this far only to lose to some stranger.

All four teenagers approached the right corner of the play area, meeting up with the shop's owner. The man wore a polite smile, and held a small, nondescript box in his hands. "Hello, cardfighters. It's nice to see a younger crop of finalists this season. In order to determine your pairing in the semifinals, you'll each be drawing a slip of paper from this box. The player who drew the '1' will play '2,' and '3' will play '4.' Please refrain from opening your paper before everyone has drawn. Who would like to take the first draw."

"That'd be me," Lucas volunteered. He plunged his hand into the box, rummaged a bit, then pulled out a slip of paper that was stapled shut.

"Okay, who's next?"

"Guess that'll be me," Shu said, plucking out a second slip.

"Alright, I'm up third," said Sal, quickly drawing her slip.

Sean took a breath. "Here goes." He put his hand in, almost dropping his slip as he pulled it.

"Well then," said Mr. Khalan, "let's see who you'll be paired up with."

As Sean and Shu tried to pry the staple out of the slip, Sal and Lucas simply tore their's open. "Right, I got four," said Lucas.

"Two," said Sal.

"I'm one," said Shu.

"And that makes me three," said Sean, who had finally gotten his slip open. "Guess I'm playing you, Lucas."

"That's great," Lucas grinned. "I'm looking forward to seeing how much you've improved."

Shu chuckled. "Looks like I'm headed for a rematch with you, little lady."

Sal nodded. "Looks like, big guy. Hope you haven't fallen behind."

"Well, I made it to the semis, didn't I?"

"Getting smart already? Can't even wait for the match, huh. Shameful."

"Very well, we have our pairings," interjected Mr. Khalan. "Will numbers one and two please head over to table one to prepare for your match? Numbers three and four, please head to table seven for yours. If any of you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask me or Tyler."

All four teenagers nodded before heading off to their respective tables. Sean trailed closely behind Lucas, mentally preparing himself for the fight to come. He had yet to even win a game against the Nova Grappler connoisseur, so the odds were, to put it generously, less than favorable. On the other hand, playing someone so familiar helped drain his anxiety- stakes or no stakes, playing a friend was always preferable. Taking a breath, he took a seat at the designated table, and pulled out his deck.

"Hey," Lucas said. "Just wanted to let you know I'm proud of you."

"Huh?" Where is this coming from?

"A couple of months ago, I barely saw you outside of school, and you rarely tried anything new. Now, you're out in a shop tournament, playing a game you've never heard of. You've come a long way."

"You think so?"

"I know so. Lemme ask- where would you usually be on a Saturday?"

"I see your point. Just...I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything." Lucas grinned. "Now, you better give it your all, or I'm taking what I said back."

Sean chuckled. "Sure thing."

"Hey, about to get started?"

Sean turned to face the newer voice. "Nat? Midori?"

"Indeed," nodded Midori. "We're here to see how far you've come."

"Well, if he could stop Forficatus," said Nat, "then I'd say the odds are in his favor."

"Don't count me out, Nathaniel," said Lucas. "We haven't even started yet."

"Alright, if the decks are shuffled and the starters are out, the semifinals can get started," said Tyler, projecting his voice across the play area.

Sean reached for his starting vanguard. "Well, there's no time like the present. Let's have a good fight. And Lucas?"

"Yep?"

"Thanks."

"Let's get the semifinals started!" said Tyler.

"Now stand up, Vanguard!"

In their wandering to find worthy opponents, Brach and his posse had passed through the territories of all six of Cray's nations. They kept "notes," so to speak, on the combat potential of most areas. Zoo? For a bunch of eggheads and literal pansies, not bad. Magellanica? Not bad, just a bit waterlogged. But any fighter worth their salt knew the best fights for wanderers laid in the Dragon Empire and the United Sanctuary. Few could put up a better struggle than professional soldiers, especially ones who were constantly sharpening their skills in the fires of combat. In the outskirts of one of the Sanctuary's many shining cities, Brach's mob had made arrangements to have a friendly throwdown with the local garrison of Royal Paladins. Had there been spectators, it would've been a sight to see.

"I ride! Cosmic Dragon Squire, Gawain!"

Squire Gawain- Grade 0/6000 Power/10000 Shield

"I ride! Muscle Babyface, Kid Stern!"

Kid Stern- Grade 0/6000 Power/10000 Shield

"Guess I'm going first," said Sean. "I draw, and ride Cosmic Dragon Soldier Gawain."

Soldier Gawain- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

"First, I'm using my starter's skill. When I ride on Squire, I can draw a card. Now, I'm using Soldier's skill- I can discard a card to check the top seven cards for a Cosmic Dragon Knight, Gawain, and add it to my hand." He did so, revealing the card among the top seven. "The rest are shuffled back. And that's all for me."

End of Turn 1

Hand Count- Sean 6, Lucas 5

Damage Count- Sean 0, Lucas 0

"Awesome, I draw. I ride Muscle Kilo, Bursting Serr."

Bursting Serr- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

"With Stern's skill, I draw a card. And now I'm going on the offensive."

Nat cocked his head. "Already? You're usually a lot more aggressive than this, Robertson."

"I'd say it's a good call, you just need a little patience," said Midori.

"Serr attacks your vanguard," continued Lucas.

Strength- 8000

Sean hesitated. Nat was right, Lucas usually opened with at least two attacks, but just a vanguard swing? Something was up. Still, no sense in denying damage when he had none to work with. "I don't guard."

"Drive check...no trigger."

"No trigger for me either."

"Well, that's my turn. I'll let you off with just that warning."

End of Turn 2

Hand Count- Sean 6, Lucas 7

Damage Count- Sean 1, Lucas 0

"I draw." Sean examined his hand, then his board. After a few seconds of contemplation, a realization hit him like a nasty sucker punch. "Oh."

"What?" Nat inquired.

Midori adjusted her glasses. "Care to explain, Sean?"

"Only one counter blast," sighed Sean. "Can't do most of the plays I want to with only one counter blast."

Lucas smiled. "Can't let you have a full field so early on, bud. Sorry."

Sean shook his head. "No, no, I think I have a way to make this work. First, I ride Cosmic Dragon Knight, Gawain."

Knight Gawain- Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield

"When he's placed, I can counter blast and soul blast one each to call a grade 2 or lower unit from my deck. I superior call Crossgal."

Crossgal- Grade 1/7000 Power/10000 Shield

Gawain raised his iconic greatsword to the heavens. "I call upon thee, my royal ally!" On command, a bolt of searing holy lightning struck the earth behind him, summoning a battle-hardened hound to the field. The hound let out an intimidating howl before gnashing its teeth at the alien.

Serr nodded. "Not bad, not bad at all. But how are you going to get the rest of your friends out here, big guy?"

Gawain smiled. "You underestimate us. I call High Beast Tamer, Maxime!" To the knight's right emerged a series of spinning sigils, eventually shattering to reveal one of his many companions.

Maxime- Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield

Serr gritted his teeth. "Oh, I know where this is headed…"

"With Maxime's skill, I soul blast one and discard a card to call a grade 1 High Beast unit from my deck. I superior call Rotegal. And since there's another unit in the column I placed him in, I draw a card, and give him 3000 extra Power."

Rotegal- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000

Maxime cracked her whip authoritatively, leading another bolt of ordained lightning to strike the battlefield, this time behind herself. From it emerged another warhound, this one with a deep crimson fur.

Serr shook his head. "Yep, shoulda seen this coming. The Royal Paladins always seem to find some way to pack the field."

Gawain planted his greatsword blade first into the earth. "As I've said, never underestimate us. And now, the Royal Paladins ride! Maxime and Rotegal will open the assault! Since she's being boosted by a High Beast, she gains 5000 additional Power!" Maxime once again unfurled her whip, flourishing it a bit, ready to deliver a deadly lash against the diminutive alien.

Strength- 26000

Serr groaned. If the attack hit, it'd result in a boon for his opponent, which would be unpleasant later. On the other hand, this push was far too powerful to block at the moment. "Yep, not gonna guard." Maxime, with a sharp battle cry, cracked her whip against her target's skin, easily cutting through his spandex uniform. "Damage check," Serr grunted, staggering backward. "No trigger."

"Since Maxime's attack hit, I get to draw a card," said Sean, rotely.

"Nice move," smiled Nat. "He's more than made up for Maxime's discard cost."

"Now, I have Crossgal boost Gawain to attack Serr again."

Strength- 17000

"Yeah," Lucas responded, "not guarding that either."

"Gotcha. Drive check...no trigger."

"Lesse, damage check...no trigger here either."

"Since it's now my end phase and I have one or less face-up cards in my damage zone, I move Crossgal to my soul to counter charge one. And that's my turn."

End of Turn 3

Hand Count- Sean 7, Lucas 7

Damage Count- Sean 1, Lucas 2

"Right, I stand and draw." Now it was Lucas's turn to survey his field and hand. "I'm guessing you capped it at two attacks to limit how many counter blasts I can use?"

Sean smiled. "I learn from the best."

"Well, it was a good idea, but it won't be enough. Let's see how you deal with five whole attacks. First up, I ride Muscle Mega, Showboat Anco."

Showboat Anco- Grade 2/9000 Power/5000 Shield

"Since I rode on Serr, I can move him from my soul to an open RC."

Anco cackled gleefully, snapping his fingers repeatedly. "Let's get started, boys!" He thrust his right arm outwards flamboyantly. "Muscle Mega, Rocksteady Iliac! Muscle Kilo, Grabby Oppo!" He then thrusted his left outwards in a likewise fashion. "Muscle Kilo, Jobber Poll! And another Showboat Anco!" In a flurry of shining sigils, a storm of fresh alien fighters descended to the battlefield.

Rocksteady Iliac- Grade 2/9000 Power/5000 Shield

Grabby Oppo- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

Jobber Poll- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

The vanguard Anco turned and smiled towards his identical counterpart in the rearguard. "Well, who's this handsome devil?"

The rearguard Anco flashed a toothy grin. "Oh, stop it, you magnificent specimen!"

As the rest of the paladins grew unsettled with this odd show of narcissism, Gawain racked his brain to prepare a proper defensive strategy. This would indeed result in five attacks, and he had to think carefully about which of them were to be blocked.

Anco twirled. "First up, I'm having Iliac and Oppo attack!" The rock alien began to stir, signalling to his companion with a guttural roar. Screeching gleefully, Oppo leapt onto Iliac's back, grabbing hold with his many spindly hands.

Strength- 17000

Gawain remained resolute. "I guard with Ruby Dragon Knight, Hildred!" In a flash, a knight clad in glistening red armor rushed towards the lumbering assailant. She rammed spear-first into Iliac, causing the alien to stagger backwards in a sudden sharp movement. Desperate to keep the assault going, Oppo leapt fervently off Iliac's back, only to have his storm of punches blocked unceremoniously by Gawain's greatsword. Whining, he crawled back to Anco, alongside a slightly wounded Iliac.

Hildred- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

Defense- 20000

Anco guffawed. "Well, we're just getting started. With the support of Poll, my beautiful colleague will charge next!"

"You got it, stud!" the rearguard Anco obeyed, flashing a thumbs up before bolting towards Gawain.

Strength- 17000

"I guard with Verdant Green Axe, Bertilak!" answered Gawain. "And Maxime will intercept!" As Anco trampled his way towards Gawain, Maxime sprang forward, hoping to stop the assaulting alien. Her efforts were cut short as Anco muscled past her with a dashing shoulder tackle. He wound up for a powerful sock to the knight's jaw, only to find his fist brought to a sudden halt against an axe's shaft. He put more force against his push past, only to find stiff resistance from a verteran knight.

"Having a rough go?" taunted Bertilak. "They don't make fighters like they used to."

Anco groaned. Not having enough strength to break through, he flipped back to his formation.

Bertilak- Grade 2/10000 Power/5000 Shield

Defense- 20000

"Next, I'll have Serr boost my vanguard Anco for an attack on Gawain. Serr lets me discard a card to soul charge one and boost this attack by 3k. Also, I use Anco's battle skill- by counter blasting one, I can restand a rearguard and give it an extra 3k. I restand Iliac."

Well, that'll enable the fifth attack. He's only on grade 2 and I'm already in trouble.

"I don't guard," answered Sean.

"Checking the drive trigger...Concession Jerk, Chugg is just what I needed. This guy will boost Iliac by 10k, and give me an extra card to work with."

"Woof, good timing. Damage check...no trigger."

"For attack number four, I'm having Iliac charge in again. Since I restood him, I can counter blast one on swing to restand a rearguard with 5k. I restand Anco, and his skill kicks in- when he stands during my battle phase, he gains an extra 3k."

"A fantastic combo," observed Midori. "Lucas is really ramping up the pressure on Sean."

"Yeah, Anco's a pain to deal with," Nat muttered. "This is bad…"

Sean looked at his hand. If he did his math right, then the rearguard Anco would be attacking for a bit less than Iliac. He could let this attack through and easily guard the next one. It'd be one less card for his next turn, but it'd be a necessary sacrifice to prevent Lucas from gaining a huge lead. "I don't guard. Damage check...Quartz Dragon Knight, Odi. Bad timing for a critical trigger. Still, that's 10000 Power for my vanguard."

"Great," chucked Nat. "With that damage trigger, Robertson's fifth attack won't be strong enough to break through."

Lucas shrugged. "Welp, that stinks. Still, since it's the end of my turn, I have a couple of skills to activate. Since I have five or less cards in hand, I can move Oppo to my soul to draw. And since I have one or less face-up cards in my damage zone, I can move Poll to my soul to counter charge one. And that'll do it; I pass my turn."

End of Turn 4

Hand Count- Sean 5, Lucas 5

Damage Count- Sean 3, Lucas 2

"I stand and draw." Sean surveyed the field one more time. Hardly a do-or-die scenario at first glance, but given how many attacks Lucas could usually muster on grade 3, he had to tread carefully. He'd have to build a field while maintaining a decent defensive hand. Luckily, he had just the card to make it happen. "I ride Cosmic Dragon General, Gawain Skycutter."

Gawain Skycutter- Grade 3/13000 Power/0 Shield/Force Marker

"By riding Skycutter, I gain a Force II Gift for my vanguard circle. Next, I use Skycutter's on-place skill- by counter blasting one, I can search my deck for a Knight Gawain and call it to my rearguard. I superior call Knight Gawain, and since I've placed him in the same column as Rotegal, I draw a card and buff him by 3000."

Nat nodded. "He used this combo on me. Robertson's in trouble."

"With one counter blast and one soul blast, I activate Knight Gawain's skill. I can search my deck for a grade 2 and call it to my rearguard. I superior call Bertilak from my deck. Now, for Bertilak's skill. When he's called from the deck, I can counter blast one to call a grade 1 or lower unit from my deck. I superior call a Soldier Gawain from my deck."

"That's three superior calls from your deck in a row," marveled Lucas. "And you've barely touched your hand. Geez, man."

"Last up, I call a Crossgal from my hand to rearguard."

Skycutter reared on his dragonic mount, leveling his greatsword at the enemy formation. "Crossgal and Bertilak will lead the first assault!" Bertilak roared boisterously, peeling off towards Anco, his emerald axe glistening as the sun approached its zenith.

Strength- 17000

Anco cracked his knuckles as he pondered his options. He may not be a fancy, big city mathematician, but he knew that the enemy general would be swinging in for at least two damage. He'd need to keep harm at a minimum if he wanted to survive and make his regular stunning comeback. He whisted. "Oppo, get down here!" As Bertilak drew closer to his target, a screeching copper-skinned alien lept from seemingly out of nowhere. Ever the professional, Bertilak pivoted and brought down his axe on the intruder. With a skull-splitting wail, Oppo was crushed under the axeblade, fading into stardust. Without the momentum to continue, Bertilak leapt back to his vanguard's side.

Defense- 19000

Skycutter's mount began to unfurl its wings. "The second assault shall be helmed by myself! Prepare yourself!" He began to ascend to the skies, holding his sword aloft, bathing it in sunlight.

"Skycutter's passive gives all cards with Gawain in their name an extra 5000 Power. And since my vanguard is a Gawain, and is being boosted by a Gawain, this attack gets an extra 10000 Power."

Strength- 31000/2 Critical

Lucas looked at his hand. "Sure, I can take a critical. I don't guard."

Midori shook her head. "Not the best play," she murmured.

Nat turned to her. "What makes you say that?"

"Twin drive," said Sean, rotely. "First check...Kreugal, a critical trigger. I give the Power to my rearguard Knight Gawain, and the extra damage for my vanguard."

"Oh," realized Nat. "If Sean gets another critical trigger-"

"It'll be all over," finished Midori. "Reliant on luck, yes, but still a possibility."

"Second check," continued Sean. "No trigger."

"So that's three checks, yeah?" asked Lucas. "Lesse, first check… no trigger. Second check… no trigger. Third check… hey, another Chugg. I give the 10k boost to my vanguard Anco, and draw an extra card."

Skycutter tore past Anco in a scathing divebomb attack, slicing through the unfortunate alien like a hot knife through butter. With an aerial loop, Skycutter landed back at the head of his formation to admire his work. His opponent laid crumpled on the ground, a massive gash across his abdomen, leaking a colorful liquid he could only assume was blood. Iliac and the other Anco tried their best to prop up their leader, who was in the middle of a coughing fit.

"Come on, boss! Stay with us, you magnificent bastard!" the rearguard Anco pleaded. Iliac likewise let out a concerned rumble.

"I'll be fine. I think I got my second wind," groaned the vanguard Anco, before falling to his knees again. "Nope, no, false alarm."

Skycutter wiped his blade clean. "Apologies, you are indeed worthy opponents. However, the time has come to end this match. Knight Gawain, Rotegal! I'm counting on you!"

"At once, my liege!" replied the subordinate knight. Rotegal barked and snarled. Like his leader, Gawain leveled his greatsword before charging at a practically broken Anco. He had the wind at his back- this thrust would be decisive. It had to be.

Strength- 41000

Anco could barely muster the strength to look up towards the rushing knight. "Muscle Babyface, Charismatic Leva; Muscle Mega, Boomerang Thorac, I need you!" Gawain's charge was slowed as a pair of aliens emerged to defend their boss. While the female alien was quickly dispatched with an overhead swing, and the boney minion was defeated just as swiftly with a horizontal cut, as Gawain brought his weapon down to finish the deed, the blade was caught against Anco's palm. Regardless of how much pressure Gawain put against the alien, his opponent would not budge.

"Ah, this must be my second wind!" Anco chuckled weakly. "Sorry, soldier. Better luck next time."

Charismatic Leva- Grade 0/5000 Power/20000 Shield/Heal Trigger

Boomerang Thorac- Grade 2/9000 Power/5000 Shield

Defense- 44000

"Yeah, should have seen that coming. Anyway, since it's the end of my turn and I have no face-up damage, I move Crossgal to my soul to counter charge one. I pass my turn over to you."

End of Turn 5

Hand Count- Sean 7, Lucas 3

Damage Count- Sean 3, Lucas 5

"I stand and draw." Lucas took his card, then paused to survey his field.

"Boy, that last turn really left Robertson in a bad spot," Nat mused. "Five damage and only four in hand."

"His position isn't as weak as it seems," said Midori. "He still has most of his rearguard intact. If he has the proper cards, he can overwhelm Sean with numerous attacks."

"Time to kick this into high gear," Lucas smiled. "I ride the king of combat-"

"And the lord of the ring," chuckled Sean.

"The one and only, baby! I ride Muscle Ultima, Undefeated Brach!"

Undefeated Brach- Grade 3/12000 Power/0 Shield/Accel Marker

"Thanks to Brach, I get an Accel II Gift, meaning one more RC and one more card for me. Next, I'm calling Thorac, Chugg, and Serr to my rearguard."

Every rearguard circle is filled. He's going all out. I better guard carefully…

"Next up, I'm using Brach's once-per-turn skill. By soul blasting two cards, I give my entire front row a 5k boosts. And now I come charging in!"

Brach chortled as his crew got into position. "Listen 'ere, Skycutter. You guys have put up a damn good fight, but I gotta end it here and now." Two of his hands snapped their fingers. "Chugg, Iliac, you guys get this party started!" Once more, the rocky giant let out a guttural roar before lumbering menacingly towards his opponent, each step splintering the ground beneath him.

Strength- 19000

Skycutter calmed his mount. This was just one of many incoming attacks; it would be foolish to panic now. "I guard with Rotegal!" A crimson canine beast leapt from behind the general, charging defiantly at the incoming attacker. Iliac, without skipping a beat, swatted the canine away, who faded into the sunlight with a pained yelp. Iliac then swung violently at his intended target, only to be blocked effortlessly by Skycutter's greatsword. The deflection was forceful enough to cause the rocky alien to stagger backwards. "I will not fall so easily!" shouted Skycutter.

Defense- 23000

Brach smirked. "Alright, then how about something with more oomph? Serr, Anco, you're up!"

Anco saluted playfully. "Aye-aye, boss man!" He leapt skyward, disappearing into the harsh sunlight, before descending foot first.

Strength- 22000

Skycutter didn't hesitate. "I guard again! Kreugal!" Another canine beast leapt from behind the general, using his shoulder to launch itself towards Anco. The impact of the collision was enough to knock the flamboyant fighter off-course, landing back-first on the earth.

"Okay, rude," groaned Anco, before flipping back to Brach's side.

Kreugal- Grade 0/5000 Power/15000 Shield/Critical Trigger

Defense- 28000

Brach nodded. "Not bad, not bad. But we're just getting started! Thorac, you're up next!" The boney alien nodded in turn, before rearing back and tossing both of his weapons. Each projectile cut through the air, ready to tear through Skycutter's armor.

Strength- 19000

Gawain reared on his mount. "I guard with Maxime! Bertilak will intercept to cover the excess damage!" A pair of dutiful soldiers dashed to the defense of their leader, each taking a boomerang's slash before fading away. Each projectile made it's way back to Thorac, who grimaced at his failure.

Defense- 23000

"You've done a good job holding your ground, bud, but now Brach attacks with Serr's support! First, I use Brach's battle skill- with one counter blast and a discard, I can add one drive to this attack, and restand one of my rearguards with an extra 5k. Iliac is back and ready for action! Next, Thorac's skill- when my vanguard attacks, I can counter blast and soul blast once each to restand him and have him gain 5k."

Strength- 25000/3 Drive

"With Iliac now standing, Lucas has three more attacks after this," observed Midori.

"Yeah, and Sean is already down one intercept," added Nat. "He'd not cornered, but he can't really defend for the rest of the turn."

Sean scanned his hand. Guarding this attack with his current cards would be more or less impossible. "I don't guard."

"Alrighty, let me check my triple drive. First...nothing. Second...Muscle Babyface, Unflappable Pyra just netted me a draw trigger. I give the Power to Anco and draw a card. Third...no trigger."

Well, at least he didn't get a critical. That PG would be trouble though. "Damage check...no trigger."

"For attack number five, I'm having Iliac charge in once more. Since he's attacking after being restood, I can counter blast one to restand and buff a rearguard. Anco stands with an extra 5k from Iliac and an extra 3k from his own skill."

Strength- 19000

"Knight Gawain intercepts. Thanks to Skycutter, cards with 'Gawain' in their name gain 10000 Shield during my opponent's turn."

Defense- 28000

"Well, he stopped that attack, but now he has no front row," murmured Nat. "A comeback at this point will be tough."

"I think that depends on whether he can superior call next turn or not," said Midori.

"Next up," said Lucas, "Anco comes crashing in."

Strength- 32000

"I guard with Peridot Dragon Knight, Muriel," answered Sean.

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

Defense- 33000

"Man, you're not making this easy for me. Still, I got one more attack. For my seventh and last swing, Thorac comes crashing in."

Strength- 24000

Sean looked at his much reduced hand. He could guard this attack, but that'd leave him without many cards to make a counterattack, or defend against the next onslaught. "I'll have to let that one through. Damage Check...Diamond Dragon Knight, Sunniva, a draw trigger. Guess I'll be taking an extra card."

"Nuts, bad timing for a damage trigger. Still, I'm out of attacks. I'll pass my turn to you."

End of Turn 6

Hand Count- Sean 4, Lucas 4

Damage Count- Sean 5, Lucas 5

Sean breathed in. "I stand and draw." This was it- his only real chance for a counterattack. He knew he wouldn't survive another big push like the previous turn, and if he couldn't finish it here, he might as well scoop. He just had to put enough faith in his deck and hand. "I reride Gawain Skycutter, and get another Force II Gift; I'm putting it on one of my rearguard circles. With his on-place skill, I counter blast one to superior call a Knight Gawain from my deck. And since I placed him in the same column as Rotegal, I draw and buff him by 3000."

Lucas narrowed his eyes a bit. "And you're just getting started, I guess?"

"Yep. With one counter blast and one soul blast, I activate Knight Gawain's skill to superior call Maxime from my deck."

"And if you're calling her-"

"I soul blast one and discard a card to call a High Beast from my deck. I superior call Rotegal, and since I'm calling him to a column with a rearguard, I draw and give him an extra 3000 Power."

"He just paid for Maxime's discard and built a full formation," awed Nat. "He's going all out."

"It's do or die," said Midori. "If he can't deal the last point of damage here, the game is lost."

"For my first attack," began Sean, "Rotegal boosts Maxime. And since Maxime is being boosted by a High Beast, I add 5000 Power to this attack."

Strength- 26000

Lucas drummed his fingers. "Well, I gotta block this somehow. I intercept with Anco and Iliac. Since my vanguard is the same grade as yours, Iliac gets an extra 5k Shield."

Defense- 27000

"Next up, I'm having Soldier Gawain boost Skycutter for an attack on your vanguard." This should bait out the PG. Without it, the next attack should be enough to overwhelm him.

Strength- 31000/2 Critical

"With Pyra, your attack is nullified."

Unflappable Pyra- Grade 0/5000 Power/0 Shield/Draw Trigger

Defense- Perfect Guard

"Let me check my twin drive. First check…Muriel, a heal trigger! That's 10000 Power for my rearguard Knight Gawain, and one less damage for me. Second...Quartz Dragon Knight, Odi; a critical trigger! I give all the effects to the same Gawain."

"Double triggers?" gasped Nat.

"He's certainly thinned his deck enough to make it possible," said Midori. "It should be more than enough to break through the two cards Lucas has left."

"For the final attack, my other Rotegal boosts Knight Gawain to finish Brach." With the two triggers and the Force II marker, this attack is way too big to stop with just two cards. This is it…

Strength- 51000/3 Critical

Lucas grinned. "Sorry to have to do this to you, buddy, but I'm nullifying that attack too."

Nat's jaw dropped. "No way…"

"With another Pyra, the attack is stopped cold!"

Defense- Perfect Guard

"You're joking!" groaned Nat.

Sean sighed. "I end my turn." He totally shut me down. Even with double triggers, I couldn't scratch him…

End of Turn 7

Hand Count- Sean 6, Lucas 0

Damage Count- Sean 5, Lucas 5

Nat gritted his teeth. "Sean was so close to finally ending the game…"

Midori adjusted her glasses. "I wouldn't get too worked up. With no cards in hand, Lucas's options are limited. It all comes down to what's on the top of his deck."

"I stand and draw," said Lucas. He drew his fresh card, and smirked. "Perfect timing…"

Midori sighed. "If that's what I think it is, this match is practically over."

"Meet the perfect melding of muscle and metal! A pure specimen of combat prowess! I rise Muscle Apex, Unrivaled Brach MAX!"

"Indeed it is. Lucas just added to his winning streak."

Unrivaled Brach MAX- Grade 3/12000 Power/0 Shield/Accel Marker

"That's another Accel II Gift for me!" said Lucas, drawing an extra card. "Now for MAX's on-place skill- I soul blast a grade 3 card to draw a card, then call a card from my hand to an RC. I superior call an Undefeated Brach! And since he's a grade 2 or higher, my front row gets a 5k buff! Finally, I call Serr!"

He just emptied his whole hand. This'll hurt…

"First up, I'll have Serr attack your vanguard!"

Strength- 8000

"Huh?" Sean puzzled. "Why would you do that? That attack isn't strong enough."

"Oh, you'll see," grinned Lucas. "Next, Chugg will boost Iliac to charge in at Skycutter!"

Strength- 19000

Sean alternated between scanning his hand and his formation. He had serious doubts on whether he could survive this turn without burning through all his defensive options, and there was no guarantee that he could turn it around next turn. But if Lucas could draw into his power card, then maybe he could too. Also, he could take two more hits before losing; perhaps his best option was to just let one through and pray for a damage trigger. "I don't guard. Damage check...no trigger." Aw crap…

"Just one more! Thorac attacks next!"

Strength- 19000

And thanks to his skill, he can attack again after the vanguard swing. I don't think there's a way out of this, but I gotta try. "I guard with a Bertilak from hand, and Maxime will intercept."

Defense- 23000

"Oh, I ain't done yet! My rearguard Brach attacks next! Don't forget the Accel bonus!"

Strength- 22000

"I intercept with Knight Gawain. Since Skycutter is my vanguard, he gains an extra 10000 Shield."

Defense- 28000

"Alright, then, it's up to MAX boosted by my other Serr! I activate MAX's battle skill- by moving three resting rearguards to my soul, I can stand two of my other rearguards and give them an extra 5k! My rearguard Brach and Iliac are back in action!"

Sean was pummeled by a series of realizations. "Is that why you attacked with that unboosted Serr? And since this is a vanguard swing-"

"Yep, I counter blast one and soul blast one to restand Thorac and buff him!"

Strength- 17000

"This is ridiculous," murmured Nat. "Robertson just stood his entire front row back up."

"And Iliac is one of them," added Midori. "That's one additional attack on board. Unless Sean's next card is a heal trigger, he'll be overwhelmed."

"I don't have much of a choice," sighed Sean. "With Sunniva, MAX's attack is nullified."

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

Defense- Perfect Guard

Lucas nodded. "Not giving up? I like your spirit, but I still have another wave of attacks. Anyway, twin drive. First check...no trigger. Second check...Leva, a heal trigger! One less damage for me, and 10k to Thorac! Now, my rearguard Brach attacks again, stronger than ever!"

Strength- 27000

"I guard with Odi."

Odi- Grade 0/5000 Power/15000 Shield/Critical Trigger

Defense- 28000

"Man, you're going all out. But let's see you stop a super boosted Thorac attack!"

Strength- 34000

"I guard with Muriel and Hildred."

Defense- 43000

"No cards in hand and no intercepts left," said Nat. "Sean's totally out of options."

"Not to mention, Iliac can restand a rearguard and grant it an additional 5000 Power," added Midori. "With that bonus, Thorac will be attacking for 39000. Even if Sean got a hold of a heal trigger, the extra Power won't be enough to halt the last push. Regardless of what Sean does now, he's lost."

"For attack number seven, Iliac is coming atcha!" declared Lucas. "With his battle skill, I counter blast one to restand Thorac and give him another 5k!"

Sean sighed. "Well, you got me. Damage check...Kreugal. Ouch."

As the sun began to approach it's afternoon perch, the battle finally ended. Despite enduring multiple stampedes of colorfully costumed aliens, the Royal Paladin garrison was nonetheless overwhelmed under overwhelming offensive pressure. The aftermath of the pitched clash was still fresh- the Paladin's front line had been obliterated, and the few remaining beasts and soldiers were sheathing their weapons and licking their wounds, figuratively or literally. Their general, perched on his exhausted mount, was busy being tended to by his remaining medics.

MAX strolled confidently towards Skycutter. "Oy, General! That was a mighty fine brawl. You soldier boys are always a good challenge." He outstretched one of his augmented hands. "No hard feelings, yah?"

Skycutter smiled warmly. "Of course not. You and your band fought most honorably. We were bested, fair and square." He met the giant's hand with his own. "I hope we may battle another day."

MAX laughed merrily. "Same here! Best stay on top of your game!"

End of Turn 8

Hand Count- Sean 0, Lucas 2

Damage Count- Sean 6, Lucas 4

Lucas Wins

Sean sighed again. "Guess it was a longshot."

Lucas smiled. "Ah, don't be so hard on yourself. You've really improved. If I hadn't drawn into MAX, I'd have been cratered."

"No kidding," grumbled Nat. "Robertson, you're luck knows no bounds."

Midori adjusted her glasses, ignoring her friend. "You did admirably, Sean. You've all but mastered the Royal Paladins."

"No kidding," nodded Lucas, gathering his cards. "At this rate, I don't like the chances of our next match-up."

Sean smiled sheepishly. "Thanks, guys. Still kinda sucks to lose in the semis."

"Yeah, I know that feeling. Still, I'm proud of you." Lucas stood up, strode towards his friend's side, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "And you should be, too."

Sean felt an odd cocktail of embarrassment and happiness rise within his stomach. He knew his friend was right, despite the loss; he should indeed be proud of himself. He managed to hold his own up until the top cut, all against his own inexperience, uncertainty, and self-doubt. He rose to the challenge, and despite not making it the furthest he could go, he could walk away knowing he'd come far since being handed that trial deck.

Take that, you stupid voice.