"It seems that all that attacking has left Robertson without anything to guard with! With only two attacks, Lang has secured herself a huge lead!"

"I wouldn't count him close to out yet. Nova players usually like having lots of face-up damage to work with. I think we're about to see what he can truly do."

"Why would Robertson let those attack through?" fumed Nat. "Surely he had something to block those blows."

"Don't be foolish," Midori sighed. "With four damage, he can activate Andromedus's self-damage effect for the optimum Power boost, and increase the number of skills he can use this turn. He took that damage on purpose to maximize his pressure exertion."

"Or he may not have had the best defensive hand," Erica suggested. "Maybe he didn't really have a choice. His next move or two will make it clear."

"I stand and draw," Lucas began. "Let's see, who to ride...ooh, how about the combat king himself? I ride the lean, mean, Supreme Fighting Machine, Andromedus Buster!" Rocket Tonfa gave a haggard but still playful salute as he was beamed off the deck. When he left, Serathiel spotted a twinkle in the distance. As seconds ticked, that twinkle became a dot, then a blurry mass, then a rapidly approaching colossus of metal. He yelled for his ranks to brace themselves, and as expected, the gigantic battlebot skidded onto the deck, his hefty foot kicking up bits of the deck. It shifted into a proud stance, towering above each and every one of his opponents.

Andromedus Buster- Grade 3/12000 Power/0 Shield/Accel Marker

"By riding him, I gain an Accel II Gift, which will come in handy for the next skill. See, when Andromedus is placed, I can soul blast one and discard a card to move the top card of my deck to my damage zone." Andromedus punched a command into his headset, opening his abdominal cavity, revealing an intricate labyrinth of wires and hardware. Reaching in, he hastily jerked out a bulbous, sphere-like contraption, and crushed it in his palm. He erupted like a display of oversized sparklers, but after the surge, he still stood proud, practically glowing. "Limiter removed! That's five cards in my damage zone, meaning for this turn, my front row gets a 5k boost!"

"I was correct," Midori said. "He's hoping to accomplish a counteroffensive effective enough to make her next turn fizzle."

"Or just KO her outright," Carlos said. "That'd certainly be one way to clinch a final spot."

"Let's go, Busters!" Lucas grinned. "I call Chainsaw Gladii, Particle Collision Rifle, Gatling Fist, and Frost Shuriken to rearguard!" Andromedus again punched a few commands into his headset, and on command, a series of light beams brought forth a small army of battlebots, from the wiry ninja and bulky gunner from before, to a hovering cannoneer and a gladiator-like blader.

Particle Collision Rifle- Grade 3/12000 Power/0 Shield/Accel Marker

Chainsaw Gladii- Grade 3/12000 Power/0 Shield

"Guess you were right too, Erica," mused Adam. "I'm guessing the only card he's holding onto is useless as an attacker."

Veronica scanned her opponent's now massive formation. True, he was down to one in hand, but with a field like this, that didn't really matter. He'd manage to turn a small disadvantage to a huge offensive threat. She'd have to watch what she guarded with and when if she was ever going to get to grade 3 herself.

"Let's see you weather this storm," Lucas said. It wasn't really a taunt, but it definitely was a warning Veronica would take to heart until her turn came around. "To kick things off, Frost Shuriken lends his support to Piston Pummel. He's charging straight for Serathiel!" A familiar sight played out, as the azure war machine prepared its weapons and began it's winding warpath.

Strength- 22000

"Guarding that with Dolly Roll Aidroid," Veronica responded. In a flash, a cherub-like, hovering robot popped out pushing a flat-bedded cart. She put all of her strength into a hearty push, sending the cart careening towards the encroacher. The cart slammed into the battlebot with such force it knocked it completely off it's many legs, collapsing like a dropped rope. It came back online quickly, but lacked the power to continue for a pursuit, and thus retreated back to his leader.

Dolly Roll Aidroid- Grade 0/5000 Power/15000 Shield/Critical Trigger

Defense- 24000

"Activating Frost Shuriken's after-battle skill, I counter blast one and move him to my soul to restand the rearguard he boosted, and buff it by 4k. Since I'm restanding a Buster, I can also draw a card. For the next blow, Gatling Fist boosts Chainsaw Gladii!" The gladiator revved both his blades, dusting his immediate surroundings with a light shower of sparks. Using the wheels on his heels, he tore off to literally cut through his opponent.

Strength- 26000

Veronica decided to let this one slide- she couldn't block everything, and besides, this blow would proc Aglibol's skill. It was a risk worth taking. "I don't guard." Chainsaw Gladii spun like a deadly top, cutting away at Serathiel with reckless swings. While clearly hurt, the angel managed to struggle back up to his feet. "Damage check...no trigger. Since I added a new card to my damage zone, Aglibol gets 3k Power and 5k extra Shield."

Lucas faltered briefly, as if he forgot the effect. That extra Shield would be a pain in the neck later. "Well, I still landed that hit. Next, I'm having Particle Collision fire off! With one counter blast, I add a whopping 10k to this attack!" The hovering battlebot, leveled both barrels, charging compressed particles with shocking speeds. As soon as both rifles gleamed with unnatural strength, it fired two heavy streams towards Serathiel's general direction.

Strength- 32000

"I guard with Gabriel." A new cherub appeared to shield his leader, this one a youthful brunette in glittering gold robes and a silver bugle. Blowing a single but lengthy note, he managed to summon a golden curtain of a barrier, both streams bouncing off like they were fired from super soakers, not space-age weaponry.

Gabriel- Grade 0/5000 Power/30000 Shield/Critical Trigger

Defense- 39000

"Dang. Since Rifle's boosted attack didn't hit, I have to retire him. But it's not all bad- I get a fresh draw out of that, and that also triggers Piston's Pummel's draw effect." Lucas smiled- it looked like he wouldn't end it this turn, but he was drawing enough to make it so defense later wasn't out of the question.

"Like what you drew?"

"More that I'm drawing at all. But now for the big one- Andromedus is coming to clobber Seratheil!" His vanguard rocketed upward, the rifles attached to his back flying off and beginning to circle their user. Andromedus thrusted both arms forward, each hand slowly clicking and shifting to form additional cannons. "Get ready to feel the sting of the Combat King's Dekacannon!"

Strength- 17000

Veronica looked up, slightly unimpressed. "I don't guard."

"Then it's time for my twin drive! First card...is Gatling Rivet Buster, a heal trigger! I give the Power to Chainsaw Gladii, and recover one! May mess with my Power a bit, but on top of my end phase heal, it'll pay off big! Second...no trigger." Andromedus let loose with every firearm at his disposal, coating the angelic formation with a hailstorm of beam energy. When the dust cleared and Andromedus landed, Seratheil looked positively haggard, his uniform torn and he himself coughing up a storm.

"Damage check...no trigger. As you've probably guessed, I give another 3k Power and 5k Shield to Aglibol."

"Well I've got skills to proc, too! At the end of the first battle he attacked, I can counter blast one and discard two cards to have him and another front row rearguard stand back up! I'm restanding Chainsaw Gladii, triggering his own ability- when he stands during my battle phase, I can soul blast one to restand the rearguard behind him! That also triggers Gatling Fists's skill- when he restands during phase, I can add 4k to his next boost!"

"Lucas has all three columns standing at attention," Sean marveled. "He's going all-in before she's even grade 3."

"Even if he can't end it, he'll be in a great position," Kiki murmured. "Amazing."

"She doesn't look too worried, though," Sal said, leaning to one side. "She must have something in hand worth hanging onto."

"Knowing her, that's definitely the case," Tyler sighed. "She'll tough it out, and turn it around if Lucas isn't careful."

"That's impressive," Veronica admitted. "Guess you're attacking with Chainsaw next?"

"You got a good read on me, that's for sure," Lucas nodded. "With a boost from Gatling Fist, here comes Chainsaw!" Revving his blades again, the battlebot shot forward, weaving a path across the deck.

Strength- 39000

"I intercept with Aglibol, and use his defense skill. With one counter blast, I can look at the top four cards of my deck, call two to GC, and place the rest at the bottom. I superior call...a Serathiel and Booster Shot Angel." As Aglibol leapt to the defense, he banged on his shield, summoning two new figures. One was an identical copy of his leader, the other was a young female angel wielding a syringe as tall as she was, like a cumbersome lance. The sheer numbers of the defenders was enough for Andromedus to signal a retreat, which Chainsaw begrudgingly obliged. Each defender, satisfied, faded away into twinkling lights.

Booster Shot Angel- Grade 0/5000 Power/15000 Shield/Critical Trigger

Defense- 44000

"That's a very...Gold Paladin skill for an angel to be using," Sean observed. "Must've been an alliance unit."

"Gold Paladin and Angel Feather," Tyler mused morosely. "Guess things don't change that much."

"Good defense," Lucas said. "Still, that's not the end for Chainsaw- since that was his second battle, I can move him to my soul to draw an extra card, and retire one of your rearguards. Rescue Ray is outta here." Without warning, Chainsaw Gladii charged full speed at the enemy formation. He tackled the enemy pegasus, slamming into the poor beast before he overclocked and exploded.

Veronica nonchalantly moved her rearguard to the drop zone. For someone who just lost her front row, Sean observed, she's remarkably calm.

"Let's do it one more time! Andromedus is mounting an encore to die for!" Again, Andromedus burst skyward, preparing each of his guns for another carpet bombing of the enemy formation.

Strength- 16000

Veronica's response was immediate. "Guarding that with Angel of Divine Providence, Raphael." A white robed cherub sparked onto the scene, surrounded by miniature stars and carrying a staff taller than he was. As he spun it, the stars around him formed a circular pattern, making the staff look like a frenzied clock hand. Eventually, a lime-green barrier had been created between the battlebots and the angels.

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

Defense- 29000

"Great, he's shut out," groaned Sal. "So much for an early victory."

Lucas must have reached the same conclusion, as his bravado gave way to mild bewilderment. "Okay, um, I'm checking my second twin drive. First...Boson Flash Buster, a draw trigger." He paused. He could give this to Andromedus and hope for a second trigger, but the odds weren't in his favor for that, especially not with a draw trigger. On the other hand, it'd be pretty riskless to pump up Piston Pummel for a guaranteed pounding. Normally, he'd be all for risks- he played Novas, for crying out loud- but in such a high stake game, risks weren't the best idea. "I give the Power to Piston Pummel, and draw! Second...no trigger." Andromedus opened fire, but even his concerto of laser fire failed to break Raphael's barrier. If he could grumble, he certainly would do so as he slowly sank back into position.

Veronica shrugged playfully. "Sorry the encore didn't pan out. What else you got?"

"What I got is one more attack! Piston Pummel comes in swinging! Since he restood this turn, I can add 5k and menace to this attack! If you're guarding from hand, you'll need two or more!" Piston Pummel, radiating stellar energy from all his augmentations, began his raging warpath, cocking his weapons one at a time along the way.

Strength- 28000

Veronica nodded. This'd only put her at five, meaning she had no reason to worry. "I don't guard." Piston Pummel screeched to a halt, towering over Serathiel as he aimed each of his arms. Letting loose each fist in rapid succession, it pounded away at the angel, who found himself at the absolute limit, using every ounce of magic in his veins just to stay standing. "Damage check...Fresh Syringe Angel, a draw trigger! I'll happily take that extra card."

Nat huffed. "Robertson should have just let it lie. That's one more card she has to work with next turn."

Adam chuckled. "Well, unless he's psychic, I don't think he knew she was going to check that."

"Plus his position is great," Carlos added. "He has a huge hand, and he's already pushed her to five damage. Something huge would have to happen for him to be in trouble."

"I dunno," Erica said. "Given how calm she's being, I'm guessing she actually has something huge in store."

Lucas looked at the field, then smiled slightly. "Guess that's all for the battle phase. Thanks to Andromedus's effect, I send one card from my damage zone to the bottom of my deck. Over to you."

End of Turn 5

Hand Count- Lucas 8, Veronica 4

Damage Count- Lucas 3, Veronica 5

"Talk about coming back from a beatdown! With that, Robertson has managed to secure himself a comfortable defensive position while cornering Lang!"

"I'm interested to see if Lang can make up all that lost ground. Knowing her ace monster, I'm betting she can at least build a decent formation."

"I stand and draw," Veronica said, nonplussed. She had an uphill battle, that was true, but the announcers exaggerated her deficit. She had all she really needed to completely turn the tables. Even if this wasn't an ideal kill turn, she could still leave him without anything to finish the job. First step- get the power card on board. "Holy warrior, strike with relentless and righteous fury. Blind those who fight for selfish gain. I ride Ivory-Wing Commandant, Barachiel."

As she placed the card down, a great flash of light scorched the battlefield. It looked like someone set the sun directly on top of the deck, blinding the battlebots. The light slowly grew less harsh, and an awe-inspiring angel took the stage. Dressed in an ivory long coat and ornamented grey leather armor, he wielded a powerful looking rifle in one hand and a thick tome in the other. His glorious golden hair was tucked neatly on a tight fitting officer's cap. Completing the visage of a heavenly savior was a metallic wing floating inches from his back, ringed with four powerful wings that could have belonged to pegasi.

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

"Thanks to him, I'm getting myself a Protect II marker for my back row."

"Protect II?" Adam was genuinely surprised. "I'm sure the extra Shield would help later, but-"

"I think it's a good move," Nat offered. "Now that rearguard can intercept. Besides, Protect I wouldn't do much good against Robertson's deck, given that it cares more about the quantity of attacks than quality."

"And Protect III wouldn't accomplish much, given Nova Grappler's dearth of control options," added Midori. "This is already a poor matchup for Angel Feather, but Protect II may actually yield something positive."

Lucas looked at his opponent's new vanguard with interest. "Don't know that one, actually. Guessing he has a revival effect or something? The announcer said something like that."

Veronica nodded. "He did kind of spoil it. Don't want to keep you waiting though. Using Barachiel's once-per-turn skill, I counter blast two cards to call a unit from my damage zone and two from my drop zone. From the damage zone, I superior call Nuriel, and from my drop, I superior call Armoniel and Ivory-Wing Scalpel Swordsman, Kushiel." Barachiel flexed his four wings, flipping through his tome for the appropriate spell. Summoning three spheres of condensed light, he scattered them with a flap of his wings, sending each to a separate spot on the battlefield. Behind him sprouted Nuriel, to one side Armoniel, and to the other a new figure. A tall, masculine angel clad in a black-and-red uniform, he carried a long-handled, scalpel-like longsword in one of his weathered hands.

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

"Three units just like that?" Lucas awed out loud. This new vanguard meant business.

"That's not the half of it. Since the call was successful, I can soul blast one to draw a card, then place a card from my hand into my damage zone. Adding Jerahmeel to my damage face up. Next, I'm using Armoniel's skill. Once per turn, I can soul blast one to have you move a rearguard to your damage zone, then heal one."

"That's a nasty removal skill," Tyler observed. "No other deck can fetch stuff back from the damage zone, meaning whatever he chooses is more or less gone for good."

Lucas must've known that too, given how he knit his brow. "Guess I'll get rid of Piston Pummel." Armoniel leveled his lance, concentrating across from him, before firing a piercing beam of light from his weapon's tip. Like a surging snake, it coiled around Piston Pummel. Despite the struggle, the entire battlebot became little more than a mass of light, gradually fading into sparks. At least I can get what's essentially a counter charge, he comforted himself.

Veronica showed no signs of stopping. "Next, I call Ivory-Wing Restraint Jailer, Adriel." Another light shower came down, this one behind Kushiel. From it emerged another angel, this one clad in a long leather uniform accented with various belts and long straps. He wore a brown blindfold, and free floating leather ropes circled around him.

Adriel- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

"Using his skill, I counter blast one to have you move a rearguard to your damage zone, then heal one. But since you only have the one...well, not a hard choice." Adriel flicked a wrist, sending the restraints flying towards Gatling Fist. They wrapped around the battlebot like a series of snares, taking care of him much like Piston Pummel.

"This isn't good," Kiki worried. "With no rearguards, Lucas will have to find a way to fill up his formation after guarding three big attacks."

"It can't be that bad," Sean thought aloud. "He's got eight in hand, and one of them is a perfect guard. I think he'll be able to block what he needs to."

"Not what she has in her damage zone," Tyler muttered.

"Before we get started, you should know about Barachiel's passive skill," Veronica said. "During my turn, my front row gets 1k for each card in both player's damage zones. Since you have three and I have five, that's an 8k buff for my attackers. Now, with a boost from Adriel, Kushiel takes aim at Andromedus. When he attacks, if I have four or more points of damage, I can soul blast one to counter charge one and tack on an extra Critical. Not to mention is permanent 5k boost thanks to having four or more damage." The swordsman angel spread his wings, slowly brandishing his weapon before surging forward like a falcon.

Strength- 38000/2 Critical

Lucas nodded. This was getting hairier by the second- this was a far tougher fight than he expected from an Angel Feather user. This was a positively huge attack, and with his current deck, he'd need to burn two cards to hang on. Not to mention that nasty continuous boost. But right now, the immediate threat needed to be dealt with. "I guard with Gatling Rivet and Coil Flail." As Kushiel rocketed forward, two robots beamed down to obstruct his path. They were laughably ineffective, both cut in twain with single swipes. When Kushiel tried to deliver a third swing to the enemy leader, however, he was sidestepped easily. He wheeled to try to deliver a thrust, but changed directions at the last minute to avoid being stomped on.

Gatling Rivet Buster- Grade 0/5000 Power/20000 Shield/Heal Trigger

Coil Flail Buster- Grade 1/8000 Power/10000 Shield

Defense- 42000

Veronica didn't seem too disappointed. "One trigger out of the way," she told herself quietly. Louder, she continued to ramp up the pressure. "Next, I'm having Nuriel boost Armoniel for another shot at Andromedus. Since I have four or more cards in my damage zone, Nuriel gets an extra 5k when boosting." It was the spearman's turn to charge. Leveling his weapon, he took off, shooting straight like an ivory arrow.

Strength- 30000

Lucas had to bite the bullet here; even if it meant giving the next attack a bit more oomph, he couldn't block this and still have enough cards to rebuild his now empty field. "I don't guard." Armoniel dove into Andromedus's chest, twisting his spear as the battlebot let out a metallic screech. He swatted at his attacker, but by then, Armoniel had already retreated. "Damage check...nope, nothing."

"That'll turn my 8k front row buff into a 9k one. And with that, I'm having Pravuil lend his support to Barachiel. Since I added a new card to my damage zone this turn, Pravuil boosts lends an extra 5k." Flipping through his tome, Barachiel found a new incantation. With a mutter, he raised his rifle so the barrel pointed squarely at Andromedus's head. The gun began to accumulate pure light at its head in massive amounts, a growing sphere of the heavens at the ready.

Strength- 34000

"This attack pattern makes no sense," said Nat. "If she knows he has a perfect guard, shouldn't she attack with her vanguard second, not last?"

"I have a bad feeling about this," Carlos said. "She wouldn't attack this way unless she had some sort of move in the works."

"Think the vanguard restands?" Adam suggested. "That'd explain why she'd use him last."

"That's not Angel Feather's style. No, there has to be something else…"

Lucas reacted as expected. "With Boson Flash, that attack is going nowhere."

Boson Flash Buster- Grade 0/5000 Power/0 Shield/Draw Trigger

Defense- Perfect Guard

Managed to draw it out, she thought with a sly smile. "That's too bad. Twin drive: first...second...not a single trigger." Barachiel fired his rifle, sending a white-hot beam of energy surging towards Andromedus at blistering speeds. With a hurried punch into his headset, Andromedus managed to summon a spherical battlebot with spindly arms. Cradling a ball of black, otherworldly energy in his wiry fingers, it headed face-first into the energy beam. The result was a predictable but nonetheless blinding explosion. For all the drama of the angel's attack, it didn't seem to produce anything.

Lucas moved the cards from the guardian circle to his drop zone. "Ooh, such a shame. Guess you'll have to pass to me and hope for the best, huh?"

"Now what kind of player would I be if I gave up before pulling out my hidden ace?"

Lucas's grin retreated. "I don't understand."

"I'm activating Jerahmeel's skill from the damage zone. At the end of the battle my grade 3 vanguard attacked, I can discard two cards to superior ride him, then place the top card of my deck in my damage zone face down."

Nat gaped. "I'm sorry, she can what?"

"I knew it," sighed Carlos. "She's not done after all."

Veronica's smile grew. "They say to 'turn the other cheek,' but true justice must be taken into righteous hands. Great golden angle, bring divine judgement to this troubled world! I superior ride Awakened Ivory-Wing Exalt, Jerahmeel!" The entire deck was blinded and shrouded with a violent flash of white light. As the light parted, it was revealed the skies around the battlefield had become a beautiful painted gold, with silver clouds and a bronze sun.

"Woah…" awed Kiki. "It's...amazing."

But that was only half the picture. Standing in Berachiel's place was the most angelic figure Sean had ever seen. Suspended in the middle of a golden ring was an inspiring figure, muscular and glad in golden cybernetic armor resembling that of a medieval templar. He carried a lengthy metal staff in each hand, the left topped with a relic, the right topped with a worn but glowing tome of magic. Dotting the surrounding ring were eight auroral wings, keeping the warrior aloft with strokes of their multicolored feathers.

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

"When I ride Jerahmeel on a grade 3 unit, I get two Protect Markers instead of the regular one, and 10k is added to my front row. Now for the coup de grace- when he's placed, I can soul blast a grade 3 to stand all rearguards on Protect Markers."

"But that's three rearguards!" Nat protested. "You can't just...do that!"

"Didn't Lucas do the same thing last turn?" Erica droned.

"I can understand his hysteria," Midori admitted. "Veronica once again has three attacks, and Lucas must have drained most of his defensive cards already. The game may already be over."

"I restand Kushiel, Armoniel, and Nuriel," Veronica stated. The godlike angel effortlessly fired a pulse of energy over his formation, causing the three warriors to regain every ounce of strength they had lost trying to break through the Grappler defense. "No matter what, nothing escapes the watchful eyes above! Revelating Revolution!"

Lucas just stared in disbelief. The situation had reversed faster than he could have foreseen. She had pulled a stunt similar to the one he accomplished last turn by having another row of attackers ready to go. The difference was that her deck was built to take those blows and come back later; this was all about offense, and now that he stalled, he was in serious trouble. Even if he threw up the guard, victory now relied on what card he'd draw next turn. All he would muster was, "Crap."

"To kick off the second round of attacks, I'm having Kushiel swing in! Activating his soul blast to add one Critical and counter charge one!" The swordsman, glowing with a holy fury, charged again, like a vengeful falcon. Lucas could see how sharp the blade had become.

Strength- 32000/2 Critical

Lucas grimaced. That was a magic number; a single 20k Shield wouldn't be enough to stop this attack. He had a one-card answer, but he knew he had to save if for later. "I guard with Gatling Rivet and Drill Joust!" Two battlebots charged into the fray, hoping a collision with the assailant would disrupt the plan. Both were quickly dispatched with a single, lengthy cut, but Kushiel knew better than to try to keep pushing. Given what happened last time, it was better to fall back.

Defense- 37000

"You're persistent, that's for sure. It's a good trait to have, but it won't save you here. Jerahmeel attacks next!" The leading angel crossed his staffs, pulling them apart slowly. As he did, rivers of runes and light streamed together to form a perfectly spherical mass in front of him. It looked like a small star, surrounded by rings of rotating magic characters; the impact alone could easily vaporize anything in its path.

Strength- 22000

"I'm guarding that too- let's go, Deflect Staff Buster!" With a determined stroke of all eight wings, Jerahmeel sent his attack forward, the gigantic sphere looking to consume all in it's path. It grew closer and closer, only to come to a sudden stop. From his aerial vantage point, Jerahmeel could see that a lone battlebot- a lanky piece riding a cloud-like hoverboard- was pushing back on the sphere with his ornate bo staff. "You'll need two triggers to get past this!"

Deflect Staff Buster-Grade 0/5000 Power/30000 Shield/Critical Trigger

Defense- 42000

Veronica nodded. Kid's tenacious as hell, she thought. Most other fighters would have given up by this point. He was truly one of Tyler's students. "Twin drive: first...second...Raphael, a heal trigger! The 10k goes to Armoniel, and I recover one!" The struggle between Deflect Staff and Jerahmeel's attack reached a boiling point. After what seemed like a full minute, the magic sphere finally broke. The resulting burst atomized the defender, and blinded the entire field in an eye-gouging brightness.

"He held on by the skin of his teeth," Adam said. "And with only one damage left on board, he's still in this."

"The situation isn't nearly as hopeful, though," Midori said sadly. "Without any rearguards and with only one card left in hand, Lucas's chance of building a formidable enough board to deal two damage is practically nil."

"To cap things off," Veronica continued, "I'm having Nuriel boost Armoniel again! Think you can block this, too?" This time, the spearman twirled his staff like a deadly baton, leveled it suddenly, then threw it with all his might. The javelin glowed with such intensity it resembled a flying wyvern rather than a mortal weapon.

Strength- 52000

Lucas chuckled nervously, glancing at the lone card left in his hand. "Well, they don't really print cards with 45k Shield. I don't guard." The spear flew through Andromedus's midsection, disappearing into the horizon as the mighty colossus collapsed to his knees. "Damage check...no trigger."

"Since Nuriel's boost was successful, I move him to the soul to draw a card and counter charge one. That's my turn." Once again, she crossed her arms in satisfaction. "You're up."

End of Turn 6

Hand Count- Lucas 1, Veronica 6

Damage Count- Lucas 5, Veronica 1

"That right there is what we call a 'runback!' With just one turn, Lang has gone from longshot to hotshot! Unless Robertson has something up his sleeve, it won't be much longer before Team Miracle moves on!"

"No kidding. With no rearguards and only one card in hand, there's not much Robertson can do to turn this around, especially against Lang's strong defenses."

"This bites," Sal sighed. "He has to deal two damage against a six card hand and three beefy intercepts."

"Right," Sean worried. "Those Protect II markers add 10000 Shield, and even that grade 3 can step in."

"I...honestly don't see how he can win at this point," Kiki said. "Guess this is as far as we go."

Tyler remained silent. Veronica was as good as ever, maybe even a little bit better than when he last saw her play. Even his star student would have trouble against her- if anything, he was surprised he held on as well as he did.

"Knowing Lucas," Sal sighed again, "he'll go back on the offensive. Guy doesn't know when to quit."

"In a blaze of glory," Sean agreed. "Well, either way, it's been one heck of a match. Excellent play all around."

"Oh, for sure. Team Miracle really knows their stuff." She smiled slightly. "If it comes down to it, I'm hoping they go 2-0 against Juggernaut."

Kiki blinked. "You're not mad?"

"Not really. A little disappointed, maybe. But mad? We lost to a good team. No shame in that. We're playing for fun, aren't we?"

"...Yeah."

"Then don't sweat it. Making semis the first time around is already a good showing."

"Win or lose, we were just here to have fun," Sean added. "As long as we did, then it's all okay." He turned to give her a full glance. "And for what it's worth, I think you did the Village proud."

Kiki smiled back with a genuine but bashful look.

Meanwhile, Lucas's brain was reaching the unfortunate conclusion that victory was out of his reach. He hung on in the last round through sheer determination (and stubbornness), but it didn't seem worth it. Scooping wasn't really his style, but he didn't have anything to make a flashy comeback. "I stand and draw." He looked at the fresh draw. Particle Collision...not bad, but in order to make this work, I need another attacker.

"Still hanging in?" Veronica asked, impressed. "Your determination is something else."

"It's not over 'til it's over," Lucas responded.

Veronica cocked an eyebrow. This really was Tyler's student. She couldn't count how many times he said that during a game.

"I ride a fresh Andromedus over my old one!" The head battlebot, previously brought to its knees by the previous onslaught, glowed like a white dwarf. His silhouette raised itself back to its feet, and the light scattered like shattered glass. Good as new, Andromedus was back in it, regardless of his grim surroundings. "That's another Accel II marker for me, meaning another RC and another card." Come on, I need something to attack with…he pleaded internally. Taking a peak, he finally saw a comforting sight. "I needed this! I call Drill Joust and Particle Collision Rifle! And with Andromedus's skill, my front row gets a 5k buff!"

Veronica scanned the trio of battlebots. His rearguard was sparse, but still capable of battering her vanguard. It was a shame it wouldn't be enough to even deal one damage; a comeback at this stage would've been incredibly impressive.

"I'm kicking things off with Particle!" Adjusting his aerial position, Particle Collision fired a couple of quick bursts from his guns, a probing attack to soften the enemy defenses.

Strength- 22000

"I'm intercepting with Kushiel, using the Protect II marker to give him 10k Shield. On top of that, I'm guarding with Rescue Ray." Neither shot hit their mark, and Jerahmeel remained staunch and righteous.

Defense- 27000

"Drill Joust is next!" After a couple of aggressive revs, the centaur robot threw his weapon like a javelin. He figured this was his only chance to attack before the angels let loose again.

Strength- 19000

"Armoniel will step in this time." The angelic spearman darted towards the projectile and swatted it out of the air with a quick sweep before vanishing.

Defense- 27000

"Using Drill Joust's skill, I counter blast and soul blast one to restand Particle with an extra 3k! And with that, he fires away again!" The larger of the rearguards fired another set of shots, adding a third burst for good measure.

Strength- 25000

"Raphael will guard." With a flash of light, a cherub popped in, summoning a circular barrier in front of Jerahmeel. Each shot splintered helplessly against the shield, and the seraph still stood firm. The battlebots were slowly growing discouraged due to how easily they were being shut out.

Defense- 32000

Lucas grunted. He knew this wasn't the best board, but being blocked at every turn was becoming annoying. "Andromedus, you're up!" Andromedus thrusted upward, his rifles forming in a circular pattern around him. Spinning like a front-facing twister, they fired their beams at a singular point in front of their user. Rearing back, Andromedus smashed the sphere of energy with one of his fists, coating himself in the beam's energy. He rocketed doward like a cyclonic missile. "Spiral Galaxy Smash!"

Strength- 17000

"Gabriel's gonna put a stop to that." Andromedus's drill-like charge ran smack into the same sonic barrier from before. He struggled against it for what seemed like hours before he finally ran out of energy.

Defense- 42000

"That's awful," Carlos gulped. "Even if he got double triggers-"

"But he's got a restanding vanguard, and another rearguard swing coming up," Adam said."That has to count for something."

"Not when she has three cards left in hand and only four damage," Nat despaired. "I knew Rbertson didn't have the chops to play at this level."

Lucas's own mood wasn't much better. "Are you kidding me?" he mumbled. "Twin drive! First…second...no triggers? Come on…Whatever, I'm using his after battle skill! I counter blast one and discard two cards to restand him and another front row rearguard! Particle stands at attention!"

Veronica blinked. He really was sticking to that mantra; any other cardfighter worth their salt would have thrown in the towel. She looked back at her last three cards- only two had a defense shield, but that was enough to stop one attack, meaning she'd make it through at five damage. "You don't give up," she thought aloud. "Admirable, but…"

"Andromedus gets one more shot!" The colossus repeated his attack pattern from before, but even behind the spectacle, Lucas knew he only had one hope- a critical trigger. If he drew anything else, the game was over. "Again! Spiral Galaxy Smash!" Andromedus came crashing down once again, making a beeline straight for Jerahmeels's abdomen.

Strength- 17000

"I'm guarding with Aglibol and Dolly Roll." Just like that, a holy knight and mechanical assistant flew down to throw up an impromptu barrier. Andromedus's rally attempt fell just as flat as the first one.

Defense- 32000

"Is Robertson going to land a single attack?" Nat groaned. "She's just showing off at this point."

Erica ignored him. "Come on, man, at least pull something."

"He's been digging for a while," Carlos commented. "He's bound to...hopefully…"

"Twin drive," Lucas said, breathy with anticipation. "First...no trigger. Second...F-Flame Spin Buster!" Even he seemed surprised by the pull. "That's a critical trigger! I give both effects to Particle!"

Veronica's own expression changed from bemused interest to light mortification. He just had to draw the one card that could save him.

"Woah, we've got a bonafide miracle trigger on our hands, folks! Hope Lang held onto something with enough Shield to shut that down!"

"Given Particle Collision's battle skill, I doubt it. Even then, given how she's guard, I'd be surprised if her last card had any Shield at all."

Veronica hated when the commentators knew their stuff. Her lone card in hand was another Barachiel, a card with a whopping zero Shield. Given how she already burned through two heal triggers, the game was basically over. Lucas figured the same as he geared up for the last attack. "Particle Collision ends us off! Using his battle skill, I counter blast one to tack on an extra 10k!" This time, the battlebot skipped all pretense of probing or mobility, powering up both guns past their maximum output. Each rifle shone like a quasar, the air around their user warping to unsettling levels.

Strength- 45000/2 Critical

Veronica didn't know whether to be bitter to be defeated by a lucky draw, or smiled at the irony of losing in such a way. She owed a lot to luck, good and bad, and given her old workplace, it seemed fitting to fold to a fortunate pull. "You got me. I don't guard." The energy wave engulfed the angelic formation, razing their part of the deck and the tower behind them in a torrent of blistering heat. "Damage checks...one...two...well, that's game." The waves subsided as she finished that sentence. Jerahmeel was alone, his ring of wings completely vaporized, and he himself barely able to suspend himself. Bit by bit, he lost his strength, his body fading inch by inch into a shimmering light shower. His head barely had time to disappear before the Megalon-Engine shut down.

End of Turn 7

Hand Count- Lucas 2, Veronica 1

Damage Count- Lucas 5, Veronica 6

Lucas Wins

There were immediate cheers as the match finished. Even if Lucas had won through a good drive check, the fight itself was determined to be fantastic- exciting, down to the wire, and filled to the brim with excellent play. Lucas himself wasn't exactly relishing in the applause, as he was still trying to process his unexpected victory.

"Yeah!" Adam bellowed from the stands. "Team Village coming in clinch! Woo!"

"You got lucky, Robertson," Nat mumbled, "but a deal's a deal. You shall remain my rival."

"I'm sure he's thrilled," Erica whispered to Carlos, who tried not to laugh.

Lucas took a look across the platform to try to gauge his opponent's reaction. To his surprise, there wasn't a trace of bitterness in her face. A bit of disappointment, definitely, but she was smiling, not glowering in the slightest. It took a while, but she joined in on the applause. "You, uh," he stammered, unsure of how to proceed. "You fought really well."

"Same to you," she said. "Lucky draw or not, you've shown me you know what you're doing."

"Thanks." He paused. "You're not mad about missing the finals?"

"A little bit," she admitted, "but that can't be helped now. Besides, your whole team showed they can handle themselves." She picked up her deck. "I have full confidence you'll clobber Juggernaut."

Lucas blinked lizard-like as she turned to leave. He was trying to ponder what that meant when he felt a series of slaps on the back.

"Way to go, big guy!" Sal congratulated. "We're on our way up thanks to you."

"MVP," Sean agreed with a chuckle. "Honestly never thought we'd make it this far."

"Almost didn't," Lucas smiled. "Those guys are real good."

"Good enough to corner you that easy," Sal chortled. "I think you used up all your trigger luck for a while."

"So," Kiki breathed in. "Looks like we're finalists." She smiled fragilly. "Thanks to you."

"Ah, no big deal," Lucas grinned. "Guess there's only one thing left, though."

"Hmm?"

"We just gotta win. No big deal, right?"