POV 1 Yuya
Master of Pendulum (4000lp) vs Deku (4000lp)
Action Field: on
Crossover
"You're not using your Action Field?", I wonder.
"To see what's missing in your dueling I need to see it unhindered. But, since I have less experience than you, I will not hold back. Also, thinking back on the last duel had in my past, it was wrong to hold back against Ghost Girl, as I once criticized someone else for only using only half of their power, even if his reason and mine are very different."
If his intents to help me are honest, then I should accept. Not taking a victory in the last duel, so that one in this comes across as more suprising wouldn't be a good strategy for a betrayal, if this was one. However while I think this, he uses the superpowers Chihiro mentioned, having small green lightning appear around him and jumping over several Crossover platforms to pick an Action Card from the very top.
"You might be stronger under this field than your normal one.", I mutter, "I activate Performapal Monkeyboard in my left Pendulum Zone-"
"I activate the Action Spell Re-Bounce!", Izuku counters, "Monkeyboard returns to your hand and you cannot place him there for the rest of the turn!"
He immediately makes the moves to gather another Action Card. The way he jumps around is insane! I decide to look for a platform with card on ground-level, but from above, with a snap of his fingers he creates a gust of wind to blow it away, I jump after the card and fall on the ground, barely getting it.
"Chihiro really wasn't kidding.", Yugo mutters.
"I wish I could fight him. But he intends to be a therapist for Yuya. What a waste.", Yuri mutters.
Our ability to change decks would pale against those powers, were this not only useful in Action Duels and fist fights.
"I hate to say it, but he's right. We shouldn't get too impressed here.", Dark Rebellion says.
"I just barely got Overworld Miracle, so I get to summon a token. And Re-Bounce does not prevent me from using the monster effect of Monkeyboard, I discard it to reduce the level of Odd-Eyes Dragon in my hand by one! I tribute the token to summon him!"
I immediately hop onto Odd-Eyes, but Izuku already has another Action Card.
"I use Crush Action, which destroys all Action Cards we might find this turn!", he counters before I can start running with Odd-Eyes.
"Let's all remember that all of his dueling skills are implied to be only 2 days old at most.", Odd-Eyes says.
Yes, we should, but judging from the last duel he clearly is a quick learner to the degree that it might not matter.
"But we also should remember what he did against Naturia Exterio.", Odd-Eyes argues.
"I set three cards and end my turn."
Let's hope Twin Big Shields, Amnesia and Last Minute Cancellation are enough for the time being. I could have summoned Odd-Eyes Link Dragon, but giving him a Link arrow would be a bad idea. Not if If I can't attack yet.
"My turn, draw. I activate the effect of Vision Hero Faris, discarding another copy of him to summon him. When he's summoned I can place a Vision Hero from my deck in my backrow. I choose Vision Hero Poisoner."
"At this point, I can equip Odd-Eyes with Twin Big Shield, this prevents two instances of destruction per turn.", I declare.
"I tribute Faris and Poisoner in my backrow to tribute summon Vision Hero Witch Raider! I can now destroy your entire backrow!"
"I activate Last Minute Cancellation, changing Odd-Eyes to defense position! And since my face-down Amnesia was destroyed, Witch Raider loses his name, meaning he can't rely on Vision Hero support for the rest of this turn."
I spot an Action Card, next to a stream of the data storm. I run towards it, while Izuku, holding onto Witch Raider gets ahead of me and blasts the platform to pieces.
I hop onto Odd-Eyes' beak, he tosses me forward, but Izuku creates another gust of wind to blow it away.
"I attack with Witch Raider!", he says and Witch Raider blasts Odd-Eyes to pieces.
He runs towards the Action Card he blew away, sending Witch Raider to block my path and picks it up.
"I use Wonder Chance so he can attack again!"
I spot and Action Card on a platform to my left, but Witch Raider's attack hits me before I can get the card. (Master of Pendulum LP: 4000-1300) Picking up the card a moment too late, I find the card Draw. Wouldn't necessarily saved me either way.
"We didn't hang out a lot before becoming one, but Izuku's right, you are not your real self here.", Yugo says.
"I activate the Action Card Draw.", the card I get is Performapal Inflater Tapir. It would have helped me, but getting the Action Card, drawing a card and activating the drawn card would have required me to be much, much faster.
"I set a card and end my turn.", Izuku says, "Yes, something feels off. What even was your dueling like before?"
"My dueling was supposed to entertain. Obviously I can't use that style now.", I answer.
"And yet you converted the Invaders of the XYZ dimension with it.", Odd-Eyes says.
"And yet you tried in your last move against Ghost Girl. And I'm giving you an opportunity to do so for one duel. It's not like you were making intentionally boring move or mistakes, but you didn't carry yourself like an entertainer would.", he explains, "I set one card and end my turn."
"My turn, draw. I activate Performapal recasting, I shuffle Inlfater Tapir back into my deck to draw 2 new cards."
Guitartle and Trump Girl. I definetly need another Action Card. Should I place them both in the Pendulum Zone to draw something that could be used as a ride?
"To give you an obvious hint: Your normal self would have simply done one of those things on the fly.", Yuto says.
"How about you take the Action Card first. The risk of placing the wrong pendulum cards is higher.", Odd-Eyes says.
I look for an Area with multiple platforms. That would make it difficult for Witch Raider to race through the platform. In this moment however, Izuku decides go on a separate route to get a card. So I jump on a higher up platform, suddenly a building appears in front of me. But the Action Cards gets blown right into my hand. I only get Avoid, so I have to take Guitartle's draw.
I wonder who or what is reconstructing Link VRAINS right now.
"I set Scale 6 Performapal Guitartle in my right Pendulum Zone and in my left I place Scale 2 Trump Girl, she doesn't have a pendulum effect, but Guitartle's effect allows me to draw a card right now!"
"Meanwhile, I got the Action Card High Dive, increasing the power of Witch Raider (ATK: 2700-3700)"
"That makes things certainly makes things more difficult. But I drew Performapal Skullcrobat Joker, who then allows me to search for a Performapal. I choose Performapal Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix. And Pendulum Summon him! Circuit of my Soul show yourself! Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning conditions are 2 pendulum monsters! I set the Link Markers with Light Phoenix and Skullcrobat Joker! LINK SUMMON, Come forth, Heavymetalfoes Electrumite! (ATK: 2000 Markers: Bottom-left, Bottom-right)"
"Took a while for the panic buy cards to show up. At least the stranger ones, that don't match up with our decks.", Yuri comments.
"That's unexpected.", Izuku deadpans.
"When summoned I can add a Pendulum Monster from my deck face-up to my Extra Deck. I choose Lizardraw. Then I use Electrumite's effect to destroy Trump Girl in my pendulum zone and add Lizardraw to my hand. I place Lizardraw in my Pendulum Zone and use his effect to draw a card and then shuffle him into my deck. Since a card in my pendulum zone left the field, Electrumite lets me draw another card. Then I activate Super Hippo Carnival. I summon Performapal Hip Hippo from my deck, and fill the rest of my main monster zones with Hippo Tokens. Until they are gone, you cannot attack Hip Hippo or any other monster I might summon.
I equip Hip Hippo with United we Stand he gains 800 ATK for every monster I control. (ATK: 800-5600) I equip Electrumite with All-Out-Attack. I attack your Witch Raider. Since Raider is your only monster, Electrumite gains the ATK of every other monster on the field that didn't attack yet! (ATK: 1800-7400)"
While I Electrumite tries to strike Witch Raider, I ride with Hip Hippo for other potential Action Cards.
"I activate Battle Break! This destroys Electrumite and ends the Battle Phase."
Thankfully, I already have the correct crd: "I use Avoid, I negate my own attack! There is no attacking monster once Battle Break resolves, so Electrumite survives and the Battle Phase continues! I attack with Hip Hippo!"
Deku tries to use his finger gust to blow Hip Hippo away, but finds that he can only mildy slow it down, he then jumps up as high as he can, and grabs an Action Card from a platform he just barely reaches.
"I use Miracle! The damage is halved and Witch Raider survives! (Deku LP: 4000-3050) Since I took damage I place Poisoner in my backrow!", Deku counters.
"I end my turn. High Dive expires (Witch Raider ATK: 3700-2700) but the boost from All-Out-Attack stays and can become even higher unless you 1. Destroy Electrumite 2. Take away my other monsters for force them to attack first or 3. Destroy All-Out-Attack itself. I end my turn."
"You skipped a number just to fit into Yusaku's catchphrase.", Starve Venom notes.
"I don't know your best, but clearly this isn't it. Tell me what did you do with your entertainment dueling earlier and why can't you use it here?", Izuku asks.
"Oh, that? In a town tormented by inequality, I could prevent a bloody rebellion and unite them peacefully. In a destroyed city, I could win over its agressors over to my side.
I could also purge a horrifying demon's souls that possessed an infant. I haven't actually seen a soul-crushing failure of that already, but I was warned it simply wouldn't work here. I have give enough hints about my deck-changing abilty, but there's someone that for understandable reason doesn't quite appreciate my entertainment."
"Hm. I actually have one answer that might help you. If you don't get it yourself however, I will only reveal it to you if you win.", he says.
"Funny thing is, that Curran girl we met while looking for Firewall Dragon complained about Crystal Seer being a cliché cryptic mentor.", Clear Wing says.
"My turn, draw. I activate Vision Fusion. I banish Poisoner and send Witch Raider to the GY, to Fusion Summon! Body Destroying Substance and hunter of evil mages, show us salvation worthy of Admiration! FUSION SUMMON! Come forth, Level 8, Vision Hero Adoration!"
"Oh, here we go again, he's gonna revive Witch Raider.", Yugo worries.
"He has to take out the silly hippos first you dunce, that combo will be of no use until he does that.", Yuri chides him.
"Like last time, I use Revision to revive Witch Raider. Adoration, try to hold his tokens with your tassels, Witch Raider, counterattack with your Magic rifle."
"I hop onto Electrumite then!", I say and do, "And all few tokens Adoration doesn't snatch up will follow me."
"Maybe I should try to-", he charges up more energy and runs towards me, punching Electrumite away. I don't fall off, but that's only because my, what should I even call that, 'movement' of being ounched away is stopped by a platform.
"He can do that with even more strength?", Yuto says, trying to stay as calm as he usually is.
"I had know idea whether that would work, but it seems I don't get as injured as I would get in real life when using my power here.", Izuku notes and takes an Action Card from the ground.
"Friendly advice, it doesn't negate all physical damage.", I say, thinking back about our duel against Revolver or that against Blue Angel, Roget and Chihiro.
"Then maybe-, huh I can't quite tell how much more power I did use, though currently I can only go from 8% to straight-up 100%. Adjusting to that will be difficult. I attack one token with Adoration (Hip Hippo ATK: 5600-4800) and end my turn."
"That risk is our chance.", Dark Rebellion says.
"Myturndraw! I use Taming the Giant Beast, getting Inflater Tapir back to my hand! I Link Summon Master Radiant with 3 Hippo tokens! (Radiant ATK: 2100-300 Adoration ATK: 2800-1900 Witch Raider ATK: 2700-1800 Hip Hippo ATK: 4800-3200-4100) I attack Witch Raider with Radiant!"
The attack hits without an issue. Izuku sends out Adoration to go into the opposite of him, I send Electrumite at Adoration
"No! Wrong order! It should have been a simple attack at Adoration! Wait, that's not an order that's a needless detail, uhm-", Starve Venom is confused.
It isn't! Oh wait, it actually is, I could have depleted his Life Points without the second boost of All-Out Attack. (Electrumite ATK: 7400-11500)
Of course, when I look back at him, he already has found an Action Card.
"I'm honestly confused as to why Severin would give him an Action Field with Dark's restrictions if he can use an ability like this.", Yuto says.
"I activate Zero Penalty, targeting Electrumite!", Deku says.
"I discard Inflater Tapir to negate that damage!", dammit, I was too worried about his Action Card gathering abilities. (Hippo ATK: 4100-3300)
"Hippo, attack him! Master Radiant, follow him!"
I jump off Hippo and Master Radiant jumps towards him. However, this is unneed as I find an Action Card below a platform next to me.
I hear a monster scattering into pieces. (Deku LP: 3050-2550)
"*huff* I activate the Action Spell Fire Crystal, inflicting 800 points of damage to you! (Deku LP: 2550-1950) Since Poisoner was banished from Vision Fusion you can't place anything in your backrow now. I have fought worse opponents, but to this day, I don't think anyone's skills at gathering Action Cards have worried me enough to make me mess up like this. I think, this is getting interesting.", I say with a grin.
"So is your spirit invigorated again, again?", Odd-Eyes questions.
"Oh, it's just because of my powers.", Deku humbly says.
"Funny coincidence.", Clear Wing chuckles.
"And I've decided to intentionally use powers that give me cards in the middle of a duel and Action Duels against opponents who have no idea about them and I did that long before I was on this very journey. So who of us is really less fair here? But this might have brought back my spirit. Maybe next turn, I can show you my true style."
"To think this wouldn't have happend and that you would've just used Electrumite's effect regularly before trying to take out his defense position monsters. Though you of all people would know everything at how useful and convenient Action Cards can be. And when did you become a challenge seeker?", Odd-Eyes wonders.
And to add on to Odd-Eyes statement you should finally arrive at the REAL answer as to how you duel without your entertainment style being able to sway your opponents.
You don't have endless time for roundabout self-doubt.
Yes, I will arrive at an answer after this! But first, let's look for another Action Card. Master Radiant is still chasing for Izuku, who has trouble holding him off without Witch Raider and Adoration. Another reappearing building blocks me, but a window appears open and I grab a card from a platform lying on a table.
"I use Power Crystal on Radiant, this permanently gives him 800 ATK (ATK: 3000-3800) And this one doesn't expire. I end my turn."
"My turn, draw. I use Magical Mallet to reshuffle my entire hand into my deck and get a new one. I use Recurring Vision, you place 2 Vision heroes in my backrow and I draw a card. Which do you choose?", he asks.
"I decide to give you both copies of Faris.", I answer.
"I normal summon Vision Hero Gravito. His effect permits me to add the banished Poisoner to my hand. Then I tribute Gravito to summon each Faris! I can only use his summoning effect once per turn and for that single time, I place Minimum Ray from my deck on the field. Show yourself circuit of the greatest Hero! Arrowheads confirmed!
The summoning conditions are 2 Hero monsters! I set the Link Markers with both copies of Vision Hero Faris! Show me a miraculous road to victory! LINK SUMMON!
Come forth, Link 2, Xtra Hero Wonder Driver! (ATK: 1900-1000 Markers: Up, Down)"
Then he chases for another Action Card, Master Radiant engages in a scuffle with Wonder Driver., easily overpowering him, I follow him on Hip Hippo, but he increases the power he uses in his superpower to effortlessly outspeed me.
"I don't feel hurt.", he says as he picks up his Action Card, "Being in this virtual space apparently makes it easier to control myself. I guess this could teach me how to use my power more effectively once I can use all of it without heavily hurting myself, but maybe if I can remember what this state feels like, I can even reach full control over One for All faster.
Oh, I am muttering to myself again, ain't I? I activate Underworld Avoid, which summons a token. I immediately sacrifice the token to summon Minimum Ray from my backrow!
(ATK: 1200-300) Minimum Ray now allows me to destroy a level 4 or lower monster, Hip Hippo is gone now! And since I summoned him to Wonder Driver's bottom marker, I get to reset Vision Fusion from my GY. I flip it ip instantly and use it to fuse Minimum Ray and Poisoner!
Gunner that eliminates threats unsightable by the normal eye and he who strikes down his enemies in secret, show yourselves unleashing your full power! FUSION SUMMON!
Enter the fray, Vision Hero Release! (ATK: 2700-1800) I use his effect on himself. Now his ATK returns to his base ATK and I can boost a hero by the changed amount!
Which means, the drop from Master Radiant is a boost now! (Release ATK: 1800-2700-3600) Now, Release, attack Master Radiant! Unlimited Smash!"
Release unleashes a bunch of stray blasts of light. That may make it more difficult to dodge sideways, but if I stay or even better, simply turn around on my monster and simply run forward, I have no problem of evading them. He orders Release to fire a straight blast and closes our distance with a jump himself. I jump straight into the blast. Since he doesn't hit the monster nothing happens. Though it kind of stings a little.
"Well, that definetly looks impressive, but how does it help you get an Action Card?", Odd-Eyes questions.
This way. I comically pretend to trip and pick one up straight from the ground.
"Haven't used a silly trick like that for a while, hehe", I mutter.
"Honestly, quirk or not, I doubt I would have taken part in this scuffle. Even if dueling takes the role of physical combat and Action Dueling mixes normal dueling with that, I still don't think it would've fit this system.", he smiles nervously at the thought.
"Weren't you attacking my monster?", I ask, looking at the card in my hand. It is Reverse Pain.
"Oh, right yes.",(Master of Pendulum LP: 1300-700), "Then I attack directly with Wonder Driver."
"I use the Action Spell I got here, Reverse Pain reverses pain into healing, just as the name says. (Master of Pendulum LP: 700-2600)"
"Good to know it's not a misnomer.", Starve Venom snarks.
There are better lines to make fun off, their summoning chants for example.
"I set a card and end my turn.", Izuku says, "Now, I definetly can see your real dueling. But how will you do it when it's for serious stakes?"
"I will find that answer in this duel. I set Parrotrio in my left pendulum scale, where it has a scale of 2. Then I draw for Guitartle's effect. I Pendulum Summon Performapal Odd-Eyes Light Phoenix into the Extra Monster Zone and Skullcrobat Joker at Wonder Driver's upwards marker and Stargazer Magician from my hand.
I overlay Light Phoenix and Stargazer Magician! From the depths of Purgatory, sing the song of rebellion dedicated to restless souls! Let it echo for all eternity and appear! XYZ SUMMON!Rank 5, Dark Requiem XYZ Dragon! I detach one of his overlay units, to take away all of Release's ATK and boost Requiem by his base ATK! (Release ATK: 3500-0 Requiem ATK: 3000-5700) Joker, take out Vision Hero Release!"
Scullcrobat Joker heads over to Release, trying to use a trick on him, but Izuku flips up a trap card.
"I activate Last 1 and Fusion Alteration one leaves with a single Life Point (Deku LP: 1950-1), While the other one can banish a Fusion Monster leaving the field to leave one that can be summoned with the same set of material in its place. I choose Vision Hero Heart. (ATK: 2600) I doubt you will continue this attack. Also Mininmum Ray and Poisoner return to my backrow.", He says jumping around the platforms, looking for the next card.
Looking very dissapointed, Joke heads back to me.
"I won't. Unlike Horrible Retribution, Heart is still there when you take the damage, so you could get Witch Raider in your backrow. So I will end my turn for now.", I say.
Requiem's boost also ends. (ATK: 5700-3000)
"Meanwhile, I received another Action Card and I draw for my turn now! I activate Skyscraper 4 Dream's Metropolis! If my attacking Vision Hero is weaker than your monster, I can negate that damage and swap it out with a Vision Hero stationed in my backrow. But Vision Heroes with the same name can only attack monsters with the same name twice per turn. I attack with Heart into Requiem!"
As Requiem prepares a counterblast, Heart dissolves into light and Poisoner appears in his stead.
"Poisoner allows me to halve Requiems ATK. (ATK: 3000-1500) Poisoner attacks into Joker and is replaced by Minimum Ray! He destroys Skullcrobat Joker with his card effect. I attack into Dark Requiem! As he has only 1200 ATK! I bring forth Heart again. I activate the Action Spell Lifer Anchor, increasing my LP until they are equal to yours. (Deku LP: 1-2600) Heart, attack Requiem!"
"Requiem, toss the platforms at him!", Requiem swats Crossover's platforms into Heart's face with his wings. I see a card falling to the ground and race for it.
"I activate Suprise Star! The next monster I summon gains a level!", I see another Action Card on the ground a few feet away, but at this point Heart defeats Requiem.
(Master of Pendulum LP: 2600-1500)
"Ch, looks like that trick wasn't good enough.", but I do pick up the other Action card. It's only Acceleration. And with Deku's playstile so far, he'll only do effect damage with an Action Card. I could set it, but then I can only use it during the opponents turn. In this system my pendulum zones are part of the backrow, but on the other hand I don't have a huge amount of traps on my hand.
"Back to you.", Izuku says.
"My turn, draw! I activate Aurora Draw, I get two cards. I use Quick Perform, this adds a Performapal to my hand from literally anywhere, but if I summon it this turn, it's effects are negated. From my Extra Deck, I add Skullcrobat Joker to my hand. With Suprise Star, his level equals to 5 now! I activate Magical Pendulum Box, I draw 2 cards once more, but if even one of the two cards isn't a pendulum monster, I have to discard both right away. DRAW! I drew Performapal Monkeyboard and Performapal Odd-Eyes Synchron. I normal summon Odd-Eyes Synchron who gains a level from Suprise Star and Pendulum Summon Skullcrobat Joker. Time to unleash a new power!"
Odd-Eyes, you may shape this card.
"What is that for?", he asks, "And did we really recharge our energy in only 3 duels in one of which you expended quite a bit for a flashy finisher?"
I won't quit being an entertainer once I return to my world, that just won't happen. But Zarc's entertainment wasn't perfect either to you, was it? Then show me what you would approve of, how you would entertain. And yes, with my regained spirit and now 9 people connected, I think we can recover it faster.
"On a different note, you're not gonna accept my desire without question either, are you?", he asks.
But I also can't find a compromise if I don't know what you truly wish to be.
"Fine. I'll think of something I'd find cool.", Odd-Eyes says.
"But also, is your or our spirit strong enough now to make energy waste not an issue anymore?", Clear Wing wonders.
"Zarc never moped around, so of course now that he's stopped, he can make use of his amazing powers again and as he said, were 9 guys now!", Dark Rebellion says.
"I tune the Level 3 Odd-Eyes Synchron with Level 4 Skullcrobat Joker! Burning Conflagration, become unstoppable! Synchro Summon! Come forth, Level 7, Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon! (ATK: 2500) You now can't put your Vision Heroes from the GY into the backrow during the Battle Phase. I can also summon a monster from my pendulum zone to the field! I choose Parrotrio. (DEF: 500) This allows me to put Monkeyboard into the Pendulum Zone again, which means I draw a card from Guitartle.
Then I activate the effect of Monkeyboard to add Performapal Longphone Bull to my hand. I activate Column Switch, putting Meteorburst Dragon into the Main Monster Zone."
Firewall can you help me again with the card shape, I need a Link Monster right now!
Even more cards? The Sagess is going to argue with you quite a bit about this.
The higher my spirit, the higher my power, we're not gonna get an opportunity like this again.
Then you could save it until you truly need it. I don't think it dissipates from disuse.
We're also not going to have lots of opportunities to build up CCE, so I need a card now I could use again in the future.
That is another way to look at it. I will aid you on your terms. But you're not just going to argue with Kaede for using CCE but also with Yusaku for befriending Izuku.
Alright. Ironically, let it be something similar to a card Yusaku has. He might argue with me over this Action, but our bond is a part of this journey. The card that appears now within my Extra Deck is Decode Talker Extend.
"I Pendulum Summon Odd-Eyes Synchron from my Extra Deck and Longphone Bull from my hand. Longphone Bull now allows me to add a Performapal with 1000 or less ATK to my hand. I choose Life Swordsman! Appear, Circuit that leads towards the future! The summoning conditions are at least two effect monsters! I set the Link Markers with the three Performapals, Parrotrio, Odd-Eyes Synchron and Longphone Bull! LINK SUMMON! Appear, Link 3, Decode Talker Extend! (ATK: 2300 Marker: Up, Bottom-left, Bottom-right) he gains 500 ATK since Meteorburst is located in his bottom-left marker! (ATK: 2300-2800)"
"I assume this card symbolizes something you're trying to communicate towards Odd-Eyes.", Dark Rebellion says, "But uh, we already know that we're allies with Yusaku."
"Are you gonna hand that card to him later, like what Mayoi did with Xyz Firewall?", Clear Wing asks.
We're not gonna delay troubling questions, but helping Yusaku is the priority now.
"Seems like it sounded smarter in your head.", Odd-Eyes.
*sigh*, yeah, maybe I'll phrase it in a more profound way later. Oh, wait, I have one, we'll not lose sight of our goal because of some minor squabbles, that's it! And our bond with survive this, in fact, allying with Izuku and Blythe is what 'extends' it.
"This kind of conversation is really confusing for our side.", Yugo says.
"Now I attack Vision Hero Heart with Decode Talker Extend!", I declare. Extend gains a golden aura around himself, and quickly races towards Heart, just a moment before Izuku can find an Action Card for himself. (Deku LP: 2600-2400)
"I attack with Meteorburst!"
"I have another Reverse Pain!" (Deku LP: 2400-4900)
"This allows me to special summon Life Swordsman, whose ATK is equal to what you gained! (ATK: ?-2500) I attack directly to take back my damage!"
(Deku LP: 4900-2400)
"Now for Joker!" (Deku LP: 2400-600), "I set my Action Spell, it only can be used like a quick-play spell in your turn now."
"I draw! I activate Hero's Rule III, this bounces all heroes on my field back to my hand and allows me to draw one card for each! I activate Terraforming to add Fusion Recycling Plant to my hand. I replace Skyscraper 4 with Recycling Plant!"
A garbage pile as it is part of the Field Spell's artwork appears in front of me, but Meteorburst quickly burns it down, while Decode Talker Extend Swats away the Monste Eye Probes, Izuku is about to find an Action Card, but Extend stabs it with his sword, however, monsters cannot destroy Action Cards, only scenery, so Izuku only has to increase the power he uses to grab the Action Card from under his edge.
"I discard the Mirror Barrier I got to add Polymerization to my hand! I use it to fuse, from my hand, Vision Hero Filler, Poisoner and Minimum Ray! Shine down on the battlefield! FUSION SUMMON! Come forth, Vision Hero Savior!"
"Goddammit, it's that one.", Yuri grumbles, "Why does a newbie like him have strong cards like these? Please let me completely and utterly crush him the next time we duel."
"I halve my Life Points. (Deku LP: 600-300) I put the trio from our previous duel in my backrow! (Savior ATK: 2500-10300) Attack Meteorburst Dragon!"
Time to start gathering, I sent Decode to intercept, who manages to push him back a bit, I hop onto Meteorburst , who coats himself in flames to burst through other parts of the recycling plant. (Thank god the mechanics from Link VRAINS prevent my monster from burning myself.) I see an Action Card and grab it. It seems Izuku did the same.
"I activate Double Potion, we both gains 800 Life Points! (Deku LP: 300-1100; Master of Pendulum LP: 1500-2300)"
"My card is Almost! Meteorburst ATK is increased until it is only 100 less than Savior! (Meteorburst ATK: 2500-10200 Master of Pendulum LP: 2300-2200)"
"I'll end my turn then.", Deku says.
"We have to defeat him now! This monster can be revived at any time as long as it was properly fusion summoned and it obviously was just now..", Yuto says.
But before this turn, I'll have to say some final words to Odd-Eyes.
"And those are?", he says skeptically.
Judging from the type of card, Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon is, impressing the audience as some type of hot-blooded tough and rough guy is a way you could stand being an entertainer without something like Zarc happening again.
"Yes, but with emphasis on the two latter adjectives. I don't wanna be as silly as Shuzo.", Odd-Eyes answers. (And he's kind of right about Shuzo being rather silly)
However, even if I divert from my fathers style, I don't think I can be that. I don't work as that 100% serious guy, that last tag duel and the first we had against Chihiro and Roget where I had to swap out almost immediately proved that. There's going to be some silly elements to my dueling even if they'll work differently and more effectively than Shuzo or my father.
"So it's hopeless then. Or do you have some plan so that I aquire a taste of comedy?", Odd-Eyes asks, still heavily doubtful, "and remember, there's my brothers as well."
Yes, but I don't think we can exist as one forever after returning home. We will do something to split our identities again, even if that won't be easy. But, there is another solution right in front of you all. The portal into that spirit world. You can live your own lives there, free from each of our dueling. Not feeling the pain your cards would feel.
"H-hey, I wouldn't mind Starve Venom as a conversational partner!", Yuri says.
"I can't believe it, but I completely agree with Yuri!", Yugo says.
"I agree with Yuya. They might miss us after all, but if they were completely free, without restraint, maybe it would be a lot better.", Yuto says.
I think I actually would prefer to walk a different path than either the spirit world or being stuck inside your mind, but I don't have the past memories to know the exact details of it. We'll find out eventually, though while I can't make my own decision on this topic yet, I am on your and Yuto's side as to what would be best for the others.
The other dragons are completely silent for a few moments.
"Just going through that portal?", Clear Wing wonders, being the first to speak up again.
"And meeting that sweary little Curran again.", Starve Venom says like he is looking forward to that.
"It really-", Dark Rebellion stops for a moment, "It really does seem like it could be an ideal solution. But it kind of seems too easy."
"We won't just be free of the forces of Solid Vision, but also free of any trace of Zarc! Unless we kind the spirit world counterpart of Supreme King Dragon Zarc, but who knows what he could be like as a person!", Odd-Eyes warns.
You don't have to decide immediately, but while you're not dueling or whatever your pastimes in this space are, keep thinking about the solution. (And we would welcome it if we still had your help for the rest of this adventure).
"While you were thinking to yourself, I got the Action Spell New World Big Escape, I summon a 0/0 token and if it is attacked, I can destroy it to end the Battle Phase!"
"Oh, yeah, that's what can happen during some mid-duel introspection. I've arrived at my answer. I'll use my entertainment dueling, even if it isn't going to change my enemies into friends! It sounds silly that I didn't get such a simple answer immediately.", I say.
"Sometimes, things are simpler than they seem.", Yuto says.
"Uhm, what about me!?", Odd-Eyes demands.
I'll not perfectly do it in your style, but I'll try to adjust it somewhat for the time being.
"It's not self-doubt, but still roundabout to some degree.", he mutters, "Though I guess you're at least making SOME progress."
"I search Performapal Trampolynx with Monkeyboard. I summon Trampolynx and bounce Monkeyboard back to my hand! I put him back into my Pendulum Scale! With Guitartle's effect I draw!"
I did put CCE in this draw and the one in my draw phase. I now hold both the Ritual Spell Odd-Eyes Advent and the Ritual Monster Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon. What were my thoughts behind those two cards? I never Ritual Summoned, and this is the beginning of my style's evolution.
"I activate the Action Spell Discard! Discard the left card in your hand!", Izuku says.
"WATCH HIS DAMN STEPS!", Odd-Eyes yells at me.
"I discard Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon. Which won't matter since my Ritual Spell, Odd-Eyes Advent, can Ritual Summon from the GY even if he wasn't summoned properly! And since you have more than one monster, I can tribute monsters from my Extra Deck! I use Performapal Parrotrio, Trump Girl and Odd-Eyes Synchron! RITUAL SUMMON! Come forth, Leve 7, Odd-Eyes Gravity Dragon! (ATK: 2800) When he is summoned the can bounce all cards in your backrow to your hand! Gravity Release!"
All non-monsters on Izuku's field turn into bubbles, floating upwards as he puts them back into his hand. (Vision Hero Savior ATK: 10300-2500)
"After releasing the gravitational pull, he will increase it again! Gravity Pressure! You have to pay 500 Life Points to activate card effects!"
"Then I just have to think very carefully now.", he mutters.
The perfect weapon against someone who likes to takes crazy risks.
"I search another Trampolynx with Monkeyboard. I pendulum summon Trampolynx, bounce Monkeyboard to my hand, activate it, so that I can draw and search again!"
"I'm suprised this combo isn't banned in your world.", Yuto mutters, "But I suppose they couldn't adjust to your newly created pendulum summoning."
"I'll put a lot more pressure on your thinking now, I activate the quick-play spell Wavering Eyes! All pendulum zone's have the card in them destroyed and I get to activate one effect for each card destroyed. Had you any, I could banish a card on the field or even add a second Wavering Eyes to my hand, but searching a Pendulum Monster and inflicting 500 points of damage to you will be enough. (Deku LP: 1100-600) Then I set the Pendulum Scale with Right Scale 1 Resonance Magician and Left Scale 8 Wave Magician!
But I won't pendulum summon just yet! I activate the effect of Performapal Masqueracoon in my hand, I banish Odd-Eyes Meteorburst to summon him and reveal my Clear Wing Synchro Dragon from my Extra Deck to you. This Racoon just can't decide which mask to wear, so he mixes and matches!
He takes the name of Clear Wing, but the powers of Meteorburst, but thankfully they are both very similar."
"So you're going overboard like last time, huh?", Deku says.
"I hope this doesn't feel like torment to you, but as entertainer I consider it more disrespectful to not make a small tap and end your Life Points right there. I activate the effect of Resonance Magician to make Trampolynx a tuner! Then I reveal Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon from my Extra Deck and target Trampolynx to use Wave Magician's effect! I target a third monster, in this case Masqueracoon and give a level equal to the difference between Wing Dragon and Trampolynx! I now tune my level 2 Performapal Trampolynx to my level 6 'Clear Wing Synchro Dragon'! Dragon with dual colored eyes! Gain the shining wings of light. Soar to the summit of supremacy! Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 8! Dragon with piercing eyes of breakthrough! Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon!" (ATK: 3000)"
"Another evolution of that Dragon.", Izuku notes. While grabbing a new Action Card.
"I should remind you about the steps, but he can only use one more.", Odd-Eyes says.
"He's not the only one with many evolutions, just the one that will win this duel! I now activate his effect, targeting Vision Hero Savior, I destroy as many monsters as I can on your field and boost Wing Dragon by Savior's ATK! Then I tribute Life Swordsman to grant his ATK to Wing Dragon! (ATK: 3000-5500-8100)"
"I activate the Action Spell, Zerorevive, reviving Release without his ATK in Defense Position. (Deku LP: 600-100)", Deku says.
"Wing Dragon is at Extend's Link Marker, so he has 2800 ATK and I can destroy Savior with no problem! I attack directly with Wing Dragon!" (Deku LP: 100-8100=0)
WINNER: Master of Pendulum
"So you'll use your entertainment even in a serious fight. Reminds me of my goal to become a hero who saves people with a smile.", Deku says.
"There's also something else I'll do.", I say as I type a message on my duel disk and look at a menu option.
"Thank god we can do it, maybe the reconstructed buildings have something to with it. My name in Link VRAINS from now on will be Performer.", I say.
"It definetly fits in this moment, but how will you tell Playmaker about this?", he wonders.
"Oh yeah, that part...", I say sheepishly, "How about we split up to cover ground for the time being?"
Back to delaying the uncomfortable subject.
"Technically yes, but It makes sense from a strategical standpoint. Better than to be seen alongside each other certainly.", Dark Rebellion says.
"Back to separate ways. Then I'll look for my partner again.", Izuku says as he hops back onto the Data Storm.
My displeasure on how you handle this topic aside, you dueled well here. Also try to have your next duel be at Yusaku's side. I might need it to try something out.
Try what out?
With how quickly your proficiency and your talent at using CCE is growing, I want to verify whether I can grant him the power of my deck, the same way your counterparts and dragons can, I don't consider it to be out of the question.
POV 2 Kirito
"I wonder what he was thinking to himself.", I say.
"He has some weird crisis about his entertainment ability. Almost like GO, only he can't exercise demons or remove social problems for the world.", Numen says.
"Should we tell Ghost Girl that he keeps logging out and appears with a different account?", I ask.
"Ultimate Speed Rider, The Dark Knight, KingStarveVenom, Master of Pendulum or Perfomer as he calls himself now already confirmed that he can change decks, so Ghost Girl will piece together that these accounts are the same person.", Numen says, "Though with the supernatural exorcism he revealed about himself, it makes me think if they might actually be multiple people in one package."
"What do you mean?", I ask.
"I can't say for certain. We do lack information about a lot of facts regarding him, I can tell that. The full picture probably is far bigger than we two would ever even dream to think.", Numen answers.
POV 3 Mayoi
I immediately regret letting Yukari leave. I mean, sure we can bring our allies to our location when it would be appropriate, but... You know, what if she loses before then or duels against Yuya, Yusaku or whatever! Is something bad gonna happen to her or is she going to backstab us? And to make my worries worse, I drift around for a while without anything new happening, so I can't distract myself with a duel.
"Hello there.", is what breaks the silence after a while.
I turn around and see a body reminiscent of Exodia, except with more scars, which also have a nightmarish purple glow, and it looks like that braided beard has been forcefully torn of, and he isn't wearing that headress (if it is one in the actual Exodia card).
It's Forbidden Monster, my mom's usual tag dueling partner. Maybe my duel disk could tell me who Yusaku, Yuya, Naoki and Yukari are dueling, but in case it's against mom, I decided not to look. I think I should do this one on my own.
"You're the one that's using the same deck as my partner.", he begins, "But you can't be her, that's not how she'd carry herself, even if one of you were a replacement to ensure she can participate in official duels. She would use an entirely new deck, not her normal one without the pro-exclusive cards. Though I know someone connected to her..."
Is he already guessing it!?
"H-how do you know anything a-about me!? You have one duel and the second one got cut off!", I counter.
"Hey, getting nervous proves that you are part of her social circle. And SOL can easily find out who is part of that.", he says, "Of course we occasionally chat about our personal lifes, so I know your true name. However she is my partner, so either prove that Playmaker isn't someone SOL should absolutely take out or prove that revealing your identity isn't the right strategy. Then I won't say anything."
We might go against the Sagess' words of keeping the incident's truths a secret, so I can't prove the former. And how could I tell them, "Don't you dare reveal our names or else-"? Because to prove we aren't people they should take out we would have to hand over Ai after we recover him. And that is not an option.
"Let's duel and give you some time to think.", he says.
Field: on
Crossover Accel
Forbidden Monster (4000lp) vs ScytHeart (4000lp)
Could it have been any worse? It's mom's partner I'm dueling, he has almost deduced who we are, and in addition to defeating a charisma duelist, I have to think of some argument as to why SOL revealing our identities isn't a good idea. Why did I have to mentally complain about not having a duel to distract myself.
"I'm gonna start this! I activate Forbidden Mantra. Good thing I don't need a skill to put this on the field.", he says.
Forbidden Monster's need this card to use their effect, but in exchange all have a (albeit often situational) way of searching and protecting it. But if he ends a turn without a beast on his field, Mantra is destroyed and he can't reuse that zone for one turn, which should be troubling in a Speed Duel, but I have to get rid of his beasts first.
"Since I control Forbidden Mantra, I can special summon Forbidden Beast Nununrao (ATK: 500) then I activate Howling of the Pack, since Nununrao has only 500 ATK, I can summon 2 more copies of it from my deck (DEF: 800). I tribute both of them to summon Forbidden Beast Bronn (ATK: 2700) since I control Mantra, he makes himself, Mantra and all other Forbidden Beasts immune to card effects!"
See? Cards like this make the need for Mantra very forgivable. And of course he has the one exception to the situational protection right away.
"Then I activate the Body's hidden Mantra, I draw one card for every Forbidden Beast in my GY. I set two cards, Nununrao, go!"
That also makes the need for Mantra forgiveable. FM tries to go for an Action Card before ending his turn, but as I try to follow him, the Nununrao he left on my field grabs me with its maw and tries to pull me away.
"What the-?", I try to free myself by pulling its mouth open, and Monster snatches the first bubble available.
"I end my turn.", he says and Nununrao lets go of me, "Aw, that's dissapointing."
Meanwhile I am glad that Forbidden Beast bronn only has 2 legs with a single talon and what looks like a horn where its snout and mouth should be. That attack unlike Revolver shooting me with Castel clearly only had the intent of inconveniencing me, as I don't feel very hurt, but still, it's scary. Though strangely it seems he is somewhat trying to help me, at least within the boundaries of being hired by SOL. Sure, there's the obvious part of him telling me I should find a reason for SOL not revealing our identity, but if he wasn't certain that I am Dark Lady's daughter, he might have told his beast to bite me with a little more strength involved. The Reasons to worry about whether I can win this, still remain however, if my theory is correct, he is helping me within very narrow limits.
"My turn, draw! I summon HorReaper GravediGloves! Block out Nununrao!"
GravediGloves uses his arms to grab this strange-looking snake. I briefly turn around, but the Action Cards fly faster against the current than I can go back, then I notice a card bubble shattering against my back. It would've been pretty amusing if this was just a duel for fun, but right now I can only think how lucky I am, because Bronn is staring into my face as I take the card from my body and turn back.
"Uhm, I guess maybe this strategy is better than taking any risky dives?", I say nervously, "The Action Card is a useless Overworld Miracle, which I discard to summon two tokens for GravediGloves' effect. Then I activate Horrible Fusion!", I take a deep breath, "Keeper of corpses and your undead abominations! Reunite into the all-possesive Zealot! FUSION SUMMON! Come forth, HorReaper CrusaDoom! (ATK: 3000)"
Bringing back the summoning chants to psych myself up seems like a sensible move.
"So you decide to use raw power against my immunity. Cuz ya can't steal my Bronn witht that thing.", Forbidden Monster says.
"Destroying or debuffing your monsters without card effect isn't among my repertoire right now.", I mutter and grit my teeth as I remember what Roget said about 'taunting with constructive criticism'. I'd rather forget that part of the conversation.
"I set three cards and attack Bronn!"
"I activate Mantra of Agony! This is like Mirror Force, but it banishes your monster.", FM counters.
"Actually a good thing for me. Some HorReaper support requires them to hit the grave without destruction, while for the banish-related effect it hardly matters."
"Too bad then that I don't run Bottomless Trap Hole.", he calmly says.
"Since, there's nothing else to doooo...", I say, unconcspiciously moving closer to the edge.
"I'm noticing that right didn't take out any of my monsters, while yours is gone.", Monster says dryly.
Nununrao grabs me again pushing me closer to the middle of the Data Storm Road, since more bubbles appear there. Funny stuff like this happening in serious circumstances like these is actually getting on my nerves, which as you know, doesn't happen often. (certain incident in the duel club nonwithstanding)
"*sigh* go on.", I mutter.
"I activate Dark Collapse to add one of the Nununrao's I tributed earlier to my hand. I special summon it. I activate Forbidden Deal first, I mill a Forbidden Beast, here I choose Dharmjul, then I add one from my deck to my hand, here I choose Nibunu. I tribute both Nununraos to summon Forbidden Beast Nibunu! (ATK: 2700) When summoned, Nibunu now allows me to revive any forbidden beast, I choose the Dharmjul I milled previously. With Mantra on the field, Dharmjul can destroy one card you control. I pick the middle face-down. Then I activate my skill Dark Dishonesty, adding Dark Honest from my deck to my hand. I enter the Battle Phase."
While he narrates these moves, his monsters go still and I take the chance for an Action Card.
"I activate the Action Spell D.D. this summons CrusaDoom back to my field, but banishes him when the phase ends."
I wonder if the creator of these Action Fields was a D.D. user.
"Just means I'll use Dark Honest right away. I attack CrusaDoom with Dharmjul and discard Dark Honest to take away Doom's ATK!"
CrusaDoom begins to shrink and Dharmjul swiftly crushes his armor in its mandibles. (ScytHeart LP: 4000-2800)
"I activate Horrible Return. CrusaDoom may be destroyed now, but I can still bring back GravediGloves in Defense Mode (DEF: 1300)"
"That's not nearly enough, but I wonder-", he mutters, "All three of you, circle around her so she can't get another Action Card!"
The monsters do. He adapted far quicker to this than either me or Yusaku, not to mention (probably) Shoichi, Yukari, Mom and Naoki. Though for the last three (why do I have to mention my mother in the same breath as Naoki?) I don't really know how well-adapted to it they are. But I can try a trick of my own.
"Glove, ram Dharmjul out of the way!", I use that opening as quickly as the D-board allows me to, than god he placed the weakest monster in front of me, though I can't count on him repeating this mistake, given his adaptability I mentioned two lines above. Nibunu, Bronn and Dharmjul try to chase after me, but I grasp an Action Card.
"Sorry, but I got one too!", he says, "No-Guard allows an attack on a defense position monster to be direct! Go, Nibunu!" (ScytHeart LP: 2800-100)
Dammit, this is just turn 3 and I'm already at 100 LP.
"Technically, this won't make a difference if you just destroy Gloves with your other monster! Could have attacked directly anyway.", I try to sound defiant.
I look at the Action Card and unfortunately it is another Overworld Miracle. I'll wait until he attacks before using it.
"Can't always get lucky.", Monster says and waits for another card bubble,"I destroy Gloves with Bronn and end my turn as soon as I get the next Action Card."
I could use Overworld Miracle and fight him for this card, but I would only have myself and a 0 ATK monster in that case. With 100 LP, the ability to halve damage isn't very useful.
So, in fewer words, I allow him to get a card with no resistance and activate Overworld Miracle once he enters the End Phase.
"Good idea to wait on that one. Kind of a garbage card to give yourself with this system.", he says.
"My turn, draw. I normal summon HorReaper ScareClaw. Since I already control a HorReaper, I summon PitchFreak from my hand. I can now mill a card of my archetype and I choose Katastrofusion. I change my token to defense mode and banish Horrible Fusion to fuse those two monsters! Deformed ugly freak, be ripped to shreds by the tainted claws! And drown together in the insanity of rage! FUSION SUMMON! Come forth, HorReaper ManiAxe! (ATK: 2100)"
"That one needs a little bit more power, Dharmjul or not.", Monster says.
"I will give him that! First, I use his regular effect, banishing ScareClaw to give him 200 ATK! (ATK: 2100-2300) Also, my reapers are as immune as Bronn this turn. Then I activate my skill Horrible Power! Axe gets a permanent boost of 700! (ATK: 2300-3000)"
"The other way apart from raw power to deal with this, would be burn, mill or attacking directly. Can't do that if your 5 card Extra Deck has no options for those, but are CrusaDoom and ManiAxe really your best raw power strategies? How about BerserKatana with another power boost source.", he asks.
"Would a true duelist complain about their deck choices now?", I ask back.
"Probably, but inwardly as opposed to the childish whiny tone you were probably thinking of. Also, any ideas against SOL yet?"
"I'll tell you after my attack! I attack Forbidden Beast Bronn!", I declare.
ManiAxe swings its namesake weapon, cutting of one spike of his head after another until it bursts. (Forbidden Monster LP: 4000-3700)
As he has a potentially useless Action Card, I slowly move left and right on the board.
"I'm noticing that too. Also, ManiAxe attacked, shouldn't you tell me your idea?"
"Uhm, I meant after the End Phase!", I correct myself.
I, in fact, don't have any idea as to why SOL (or maybe even/just Hanoi) shouldn't reveal our identities. (apart from leverage effect being more useful over time.)
Wait, since ManiAxe isn't banished this time, I can send him after Monster's stronger monster. I do so. Dharmjul still tries to chase after me, but this time, I try to punch it away.
Probably because of the armor in my design, it works. Does my VRAINS avatar have 1300 ATK/DEF? Anyways, I move ahead and dodge Monster's attempt to knock me away and catch another Action Card. It's Double Potion, which would negate the little amount of damage I dealt to him right away, so I'll try to delay using this card.
"I end my turn. And I kind of don't know how I could dissuade you from revealing our secrets apart from the fact that they don't have leverage on Playmaker's group anymore if they do that. Uhm, but while the situation isn't good for me, don't thinkt this is over just yet! But we definetly are someone you NEED to stop.", I try to cover up the shame with some boasting. Which clearly isn't working. But I will keep trying to think of something.
"Ts, pitiful. My turn-"
You know what, I'm too scared of him suddenly inflicting damage.
"I activate Double Potion, we both gain 800 LP. (Mayoi LP: 100-900 Forbidden Monster LP: 3700-4500)"
"My Action Spell was Heal Up, which will repeat that. (Forbidden Monster LP: 4500-5300)"
I just grit my teeth and hope I get another good card. I tell ManiAxe to scare off the other monsters and their hologramms actually take a step (as far as that applies in this situation anyway) back. Then ManiAxe blocks the path for Forbidden Monster, while I get myself another card.
"I summon Boa Bolan, then I use the effect of Dharmjul ManiAxe"
"I activate the Action Spell Mirror Barrier, saving ManiAxe from destruction!", I counter.
That's a big risk since Boa Bolan can reverse battle outcomes, but I can't let ManiAxe be destroyed.
"I attack the token with Dharmjul! Will you let it survive?"
"No, I wanted him gone anyway. I activate Big Escape and the Battle Phase is over now.", phew, that was close, but behind me, he already has his next Action Card.
"You now, if you have an exclusive dueling weapon, I really don't get why you made something that technically would help both sides of the duel. The amounts of practice you have above us, clearly isn't all that huge.", Forbidden Monster, "Also, I really hope luck like this didn't made you stop using good defensive cards."
"No, that would be overreliance on them. But I could play an all-or-nothing effect damage deck, which wouldn't need defensive cards.", I argue, "not that I'm doing so right now in this very moment."
"However, opponents like you prove that using Action Fields was a good idea. Then I draw for turn and activate Raigeki sincr Mr. Immune is gone. I banish CrusaDoom to boost ManiAxe again-"
"I activate Zero Penalty, this chain resolves in reverse, so he's at 200 ATK now.", Monster says.
"If I can only deal a light poke, then I'm willing to poke! Attack ManiAxe! (Forbidden Monster LP: 5300-5100)"
I should have picked up an Action Card first, but who knows if he would have gotten something better? Not using them to full potential against him would be deadly, so I will try to get one now. ManiAxe has shrunken a bit because of Zero Penalty, so he can barely hold back Forbidden Monster, but I still manage to get another card.
"I activate Wonder Chance, allowing for another attack! (Forbidden Monster LP: 5100-4900)"
"To go a bit more into detail about the experience thing, you only had a few more Action Duels than this, don't you?", Forbidden Monster deduces. Again.
I decide to simply not answer.
"Doesn't matter if you confirm or deny this though.", He says.
"I end my turn and ManiAxe's attack is at a full 3200 again.", I say. Who knows if he would've gotten a card that would punish me for activating Action Cards all the time? Like Action Row from our duel against Blue Angel, Roget and Chihiro.
"I activate Aurora Draw. You might not be cocky enough to think you've turned this around, but your 'humility' was useless here. I summon Forbidden Beast Watsumu (ATK: 800) Then I use Dark Collapse to recover Nununrao and special summon it to defense position."
"ManiAxe, circle him!", I order.
Let's hope that was the best way to get Action Cards. I just have to hope this big guy is good at restraining/confusing/distracting Forbidden Monster. For some reason, he isn't sending Watsumu or Nununrao after me. I effortlessly get one and activate it, in hopes he isn't making it backfire, just as I feared seconds ago.
"Life Anchor raises my LP until they are equal to yours!", I say.
"I wasn't trying to stop you, because I already got one from a stray bubble while you weren't looking. No Action negates and destroys your Action Card."
Then maybe I should bring out the monster I named myself after next turn. But I have to get another one, screw Action Row!
"Open yourself, circuit of forbidden and demonic contracts! Soul that bound itself to the devil, rise from Exodia's grasp and above all other monsters! LINK SUMMON! Show yourself on this battlefield, Forbidden Beast's Contractor. (ATK: ? Markers: Top-right, Top-left)"
A cloaked man with spiky hair and a dark aura appears.
"Why? Why am I more worried now, than I was against Revolver?", I mutter.
"That's some high praise for me. But to remind you of the obvious, courage is about overcoming one's fear. And weren't you gonna catch an Action Card?", Monster says.
That's right, I can't quit now, I have to somehow keep going forward.
"I activate Contractor's effect, I banish Nibunu to grant its ATK to Contractor. (ATK: ?-2700) I could banish a second one and hand its effect to Contractor, but I banish Nununrao to force its ATK and ability's upon ManiAxe! (ATK: 3200-500) Since Contractor doesn't point to ManiAxe, he doesn't gain Nununrao's effect, not that it would matter."
A shadowed out version of Nibunu appears behind Contractor, then ManiAxe's body begins dissolving until only his soul remains, which is then twisted into the shape of Nununrao.
However, this also means that the monster on his field is occupied and he is still a bit behind me. He does manage to catch up and shove me out of the way, but there still is an Action Card on the side.
"Attack her monster!", FM orders.
"I can't save ManiAxe, but I can use Last 1. I live on with exactly one LP." (ScytHeart LP: 900-1)
"Well, the one I got was Double Potion." (ScytHeart LP: 1-801 Forbidden Monster LP: 4900-5700)
And now he is ahead of me again. I decide to make do with whatever Action Bubble gets behind him. Fortunately, he tries to get a card for himself and two bubbles appear, so we both get one. I get Avoid. Of course I get it when he has a monster that becomes immune to card effects if it survives this turn. Okay, I need to snap out of this, all I need to do is to defeat Contractor in battle or with card effects while he is still vulnerable. Dammit, why did I decide to take this on alone? Alone... wait, that could be it!
"Your turn again.", he says.
"Yes. I activate Katastrofusion from my GY. I banish it alongside of PitchFreak and GravediGloves to Fusion Summon HorReaper ScytHeart! (ATK: 2000) I attack Contractor and discard Dark Honest to take away your monster's ATK!"
"My Action card was Miracle, so I only take half of the damage and my monster survives." (Forbidden Monster LP: 5700-4700)
"ScytHeart still boosts my Life Points.(ScytHeart LP: 801-1801) And I end my turn now."
At least I'm not hanging by a thread anymore. Let's hope my next piece of progress here isn't blocked, countered or undone.
"I draw. I set a card. I banish Bronn and since Contractor already has attack points, he gains the banished monster's effects, so all Forbidden Beasts and my Mantra are immune to all card effects again."
I spot an incoming Action Card form afar. I hope I can catch it once I waste my useless Avoid. I try to get ahead.
"Contactor, attack!"
"I activate Avoid!", it does nothing, but I still am able to grasp the card- (ScytHeart LP: 1801-1101) Bi-Attack. Then I'll be able to get a comeback at least.
"Too late. I'll end my turn.", he says.
"Draw! Yes! I activate Go to Hell, I add FiguRobe to my hand. I normal summon it and summon VooDoll from my deck! I fuse them into BerserKatana!"
"No energy for chants anymore?", he asks.
"I don't need any now. I activate Bi-Attack on my monster to double its ATK! (ATK: 1900-3800) Attack and destroy Contractor! (FM LP: 4700-3600) I banish VooDoll for another attack and VooDoll allows me to add a Fusion card now!"
That set card will definetly prevent me from defeating him instantly, so I'll try to summon my CCE. I had that duel against Roget and Spectre and this entire one to recover some. To think that I would ever get into the situation where I have touse a superpower that I don't fully undestand to win a duel. I concentrate on just getting some card that would give me a chance to survive next turn. I find a card named Kurifusion in my deck.
"And I choose Kurifusion!"
"Is that the same thing that gave GO his Ultimate Ogre? Although I don't know which card would play the role of Heel Hitter here.", he guesses, "however, getting this card definetly had a point. I activate Return from the Dark Dimension, I revive Nibunu, who revives Boa Bolan. The reflected damage would end your Life Points in both instances."
Fine, I can choose to cancel the attack, but I'll pick up the next Action card, while BerserKatana scares away his monsters.
"Yes! I activate Heavy Soul, this way the boost from Bi-Attack lasts even after the End Phase! Back to you!"
"I set the drawn card again. Let's hope your final Extra Deck Card isn't too OP. I attack BeserKatana with Boa Bolan!"
"I activate Kurifusion's effect, your attack is negated! Then I fuse Kurifusion and BerserKatana, allowing Kurifusion to even replace unnamed material! I summon another card that you have yet to see! Come forth, Yavix the Disgraced Nightmare! When he is fusion summoned, he equips one of your monsters to himself, obviously, I choose Nibunu who has yet to attack! He gains Nibunu's ATK. (ATK: 2700-5400) I can also send Nibunu to the GY to negate an effect."
"I still have your Action Card system to use against you!", he says.
I can easily fend him and his monster off by using Yavix, so I am the first to find one.
"No you won't! Crush Action destroys all Action Card we receive for the duration of this turn!", I say.
"Then let's see if I can time the end of my turn right.", he says.
He waits for a second. He tries to make Boa Bolan hold on to me, but Yavix kicks it away before it can reach me.
"I... end my turn!", he says and I hear a card bubble scattering. So it was to distract me from the fact that there was an Action Card on his side of the lane.
"My turn, draw. I use Foolish Burial, I mill KnighTrap and use it to destroy your face-down backrow!"
"It was a Blazing Mirror Force. But I can still use the effect of both my Action Card AND Boa Bolan."
"I attack Immediately! What will you use?", I say while also reaching out for the Action Card in front of me.
"I first use Boa Bolan's effect to reverse this battle's outcome!"
"I try to negate it with Yavix' effect. This also destroys him!" (Disgraced Nightmare ATK: 5400-2700)
I get the Action Card in front of me.
"I use Mirror Barrier, so Boa Bolan at least stays on the field to battle!" (Forbidden Monster LP: 3600-2600)
"I end my turn."
I send Yavix to prevent him from getting another Action Card. I only have Overpass to swap stats if he brings out a stronger monster. He lets himself fall back. But Yavix is fast enough to follow. He is on a timelinit to catch them. So I hope he keeps trying.
"Normally I would already lose, so I guees I can use this! I activate a second mantra, re-setting the timer!", then he jumps off his board and punches Yavix, which I guess suprises my monster's AI enough for it to lean back. He uses Yavix as a trampoline to grab onto an Action Card that got past me. His D-board seems to have automatically moved around Yavix on his own so he lands on it.
"Ch. My card is Fliparound. I end my turn and both Mantra's are destroyed. And I can't use their zone until my next End Phase.", he says, "Setting Fliparound would change nothing. You've won."
"Wait, why did you say that?", I ask.
"I'm not one to bluff, kid. Take your victory. Or do you still have no idea what to do if I were to tell SOL who you really are?"
"My answer is this: If SOL reveals who Playmaker is, Playmaker will turn this around by asking duelists from all over the world to assist him in the fight against Hanoi. And I guess SOL if they should prove themselves a disgrace to dueling. It's the one idea I have. Is the leverage effect really gone now?"
"Even if Playmaker's real identity isn't as cool as he seems, there'd still be quite a few people that would join you. At least I would say that. So make the final blow!"
"I attack with Yavix, I guess." (Forbidden Monster LP: 2600-2700=0)
WINNER: ScytHeart
"Participation rewards usually suck, but that it took a card being created out of nowhere to beat me. hehehe.", he chuckless to himself as he is halted by his virus.
I can't believe that I won, even with Action Cards and CCE on my side. Though since he adapted so quickly to Action Fields, it's not the big advantage it seemed it would be a few days ago when I first met Yuya.
I call Yusaku, as the function seems to be still working/working again.
"I've just won against Forbidden Monster. Barely. Needed CCE to create a card summoning Yavix and even then he survived two more turns."
"I see. I've dueled Neo Weatherman alongside Kusanagi. He wasn't tough in the traditional sense, but him deciding that we should share field definetly turned our numerical advantage against us rather than just evening it out.", Yusaku says.
"Oh, I was just about to suggest that maybe regrouping isn't so bad, considering how tough it was, even with CCE. Also, I let Yukari split of.", I say.
"She messaged me. No worries here. I think it will be enough if you don't hesitate to call me over. I don't think everyone will choose the shared field route, even if we do get the opportunity to gang up on a single Knight of Hanoi.", Yusaku explains.
"Alright, no hesitations to call next time.", I say.
POV 4 Numen
"Okay that one was the best one so far.", Kirito says, "Also suprising he didn't just start the game with a skill bringing Mantra on the field. Or that he didn't even try to save that skill for an emergency. Not that there were many situations for that here..."
"You answered your own questions. He could bring out Bronn reliably enough and for everything else the situational protection abilities -none of which mattered in this particular duel- will suffice. But you are right, this was quite splendid, even above the Battle Royal. I do hope she remains until the end."
"Now let's see, which of the remaining Charisma Duelists are next.", Kirito wonders.
I think I actually did manage to create good Action Card gathering Action scenes for once. But as you can glean from the Kirito and Numen commentary, from the dueling perspective, I like the 2nd one better, since I feel like the last turn is weirdly stilted just so that Yuya could summon Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon, but my desire to have that card appear did win out in the end.
The Ruling for face-down Action Cards get a slight retcon here, but what Sora did in episode 49 of Arc-V should still be possible.
And yep, I shamelessly buffed Advent, just to make his summoning here cooler. And in case the demonstration was confusing, since Dark Honest was released and basically almost works like Dishonest, I decided to just have both cards appear alongside each other here for the funsies, I might do the same with Kusanagi and Grand Book of the Blue Moon and Book of Lunar Eclipse. But after that, he will receive Codebreakers, which won't need either card. Similar stuff goes for other counterpart cards that become real.
And because I though it would be interesting, here a count of how many days have passed in story:
1st day: Arrival Duel Yuri vs Yusaku
2nd day: Testing out Action fields, Yusaku vs GO and the tag duel against Chihiro and Roget
3rd day: GO vs Dark Lady, whatever Chihiro does after the Tag Duel, Chihiro entering Hanoi
4th Day: Revolver vs Yuya and Mayoi, plus the Aftermath of that
5th day: Aoi vs Chihiro and Roget vs Yuto and Mayoi and Yusaku, then the Sagess duel, stuff before the Chemic duo's duel
6th day: Yukari and Naoki vs Charisma Duelists, then Yukari meets the group, they meet Naoki, then Izuku and Blythe and the Battle of VRAINS begins.
And this is the amount of time between the 1st and the 2nd chapter of 2021 is 42 days for those who would like to know.
Next duel
Naoki and Yukari vs The Chemic Duo (no Naoki will not be re-using Lucky Fauna & Flora here, it will be Gambling Dragons)
OC cards:
Re-Bounce
Action Spell
Effect: return one card your opponent controls to their hand, your opponent cannot place it on the field for the rest of the turn.
Taming the Giant Beast
Normal Spell
Effect: Add 1 level 5 or higher beast-type monster from your deck to your hand
Recurring Vision
Normal Spell
Effect: Your opponent chooses 2 main deck "Vision Hero" monsters in your GY, place them in your spell/trap zone as continous traps, then draw 1 card.
Reverse Pain
Action Spell
Effect: When you would take damage; gain Life Points instead.
Fusion Alteration
Normal Trap
Effect: When a Fusion Monster leaves the field, banish it and Special Summon one Fusion Monster with a different name that can be summoned with the same set of Fusion Material from your Extra Deck.
Skyscraper 4- Dream's Metropolis
Field Spell
Effect: When your "Vision Hero" declares an attack on a monster with higher ATK, you take no damage, also instead of being destroyed by battle, exchange it for a "Vision Hero" in your spell/trap zone treated as a continous trap. "Vision Hero" monsters with the same name can only attack monsters with the same name more than once per turn.
Life Anchor
Action Spell
Effect: Your Life Points become the same as your opponent's.
Suprise Star
Action Spell
Effect: The level of the next monster you summon is increased by 1.
Quick Perform
Normal Spell
Effect: Add 1 "Performapal" from your Extra Deck, Deck, GY, Field or banished cards to your hand, but if you normal summon it this turn, negate its effect.
Hero's Rule III
Normal Spell
Effect: Return as many "Hero" monsters you control to your hand as possible and if you do, draw one card for each monster returned to your hand.
Almost
Action Spell
Effect: Target 2 monsters on different sides of the field, the ATK of the monster with less ATK, becomes 100 less than the monster with higher ATK.
New World Big Escape
Action Spell
Effect: Special Summon 1 "Escape Token", (EARTH, Warrior, Level 2, ATK/DEF: 0) if your opponent declares an attack on that token, you can destroy it to end the Battle Phase.
Performapal Masqeracoon
Level 11, DARK, Beast, Effect
ATK/DEF: ?
Effect: You can banish one "Odd-Eyes", "Magician", "Performapal", from your GY, Special Summon this card from your hand, then reveal one Beast, Spellcaster or Dragon monster from your Extra Deck, this card gains the name, ATK and DEF of either the revealed or the banished monster.
Resonance Magician
Level 5, WIND, Spellcaster, Tuner
ATK: 1500
DEF: 1400
Pendulum Scale: 4/1
Pendulum Effect: You can target one "Odd-Eyes", "Performapal", or "Magician" monster you control, treat is as a tuner. You can only use this effect once per turn.
Monster: Effect: You cannot use this card as a Synchro Material if you used its Pendulum Effect this turn.
Wave Magician
Level 5, WATER, Spellcaster, Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 2900
Pendulum Scale: 8/4
Pendulum Effect: You can reveal one Monster from your Extra Deck and target one monster you control, then choose a third monster, its level becomes equal to the difference between the first 2 monsters.
Monster Effect: Destroy this card if you control no tuner monsters.
Zerorevive
Action Spell
Effect: Choose 1 monster in your GY, special summon it, but reduce its ATK to 0.
Howling of the Pack
Normal Spell
Effect: Target one Beast monster with 500 or less ATK that you control. Special Summon any number of monsters with the same name from your deck.
No-Guard
Action Spell
Effect: If a monster declares an attack on an opponent's monster in defense position, change the attack into a direct attack.
Forbidden Deal
Normal Spell
Effect: Add 1 "Forbidden Beast" monster from your deck to your hand or send it to the GY. If you control "Forbidden Mantra" you can do both of those effects in sequence.
Forbidden Beast's Contractor
Link 2, DARK, Beast-Warrior, Link, Effect
ATK: ?
Markers: Top-left, Top-right
Material: 2 "Forbidden Beasts" with different name, unless you control "Forbidden Mantra"
Effect: Up to twice per turn you can banish a "Forbidden Beast" from your GY to activate one of those effects, you can only use each of them once per turn:
-target one monster on the field, its ATK becomes equal to the banished monster, if this card points to that monster, it gains the banished monster's effects.
-This card's Base ATK becomes equal to the banished monster. If this card's ATK is already determined by this effect, it gains the effect of the banished monster.
If you don't control "Forbidden Mantra", destroy this card at the end of a turn in which you activated this card's effects, then pay half your Life Points and add 1 "Forbidden Mantra" from your Deck, GY or banished cards to your hand.
Heavy Soul
Action Spell
Effect: Target one monster on the field, any temporary ATK, DEF or Level increases that are temporary are permanent.
Kurifusion
Level 2, Dark, Fiend, Effect
ATK: 200
DEF: 300
Effect: When a Fusion Monster you control is attacked, you can reveal this card, negate the attack and immediately after this effect resolves, Fusion Summon 1 monster from your Extra Deck using this card and that monster, during this fusion this card replaces any material, including those not specifically named.
D.D.
Action Spell
Effect: Special Summon one banished monster, banish it again at the end of the current phase.
Changed effects:
Performapal Parrotrio
has a 2/7 Scale, can only summon Performapal, Odd-Eyes and Magician if you control 2 Parrotrio.
Performapal Monkeyboard
Has the IRL effect, but can boost levels as well.
Forbidden Mantra
It's effect is to self-destruct in the End Phase if you have no Forbidden Beast. Also blocks the used zone until the next End Phase.
Forbidden Beast Nununrao
Your opponent cannot return Forbidden Mantra to the hand while you control it. If it is the only monster destroyed by an opponent's card effect, you can add a Mantra that was banished face-down to your hand. Also all FBs are Beast and DARK.
Forbidden Beast Bronn
While you control the Mantra, it and all Forbidden Beasts are immune to everything. If he leaves the field while you don't control Mantra you can add it to your hand from anywhere.
Mantra of Agony
If a banishing Mirror Force, rest of effect remains the same.
Forbidden Beast Nibunu
While you control him, Mantra cannot be targeted by card effects. If his attack is negated while you don't control Mantra, you can add it from your deck to your hand.
Forbidden Beast Dharmjul
Can destroy monsters. If it is banished, you can add Mantra from the GY to your hand. While you control him the activation of Mantra cannot be negated.
The Body's Hidden Mantra
Has a hard OPT
Forbidden Beast Boa Bolan
Can reverse outcome of one battle per turn if you have Mantra. If Mantra would leave the field, you can bounce it to your hand instead. If it gets shuffled to the deck, you can add Mantra to the hand from your Deck.
Forbidden Beast Watsumu
Can add any Beast from anywhere to hand if you have Mantra and he leaves the field thanks to the opponent. If it inflicts Battle Damage you can set Mantra from the deck. While you control him Mantra cannot leave the field without being destroyed.
Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon
Can attack even if it summoned something from the pendulum zone.
Odd-Eyes Advent
Ignores summoning conditions the way the anime does.
Skills:
Dark Dishonesty
add "Dishonest" from your GY or "Dark Honest" from your deck or banished cards to your hand.