It's time to see if Estelle will become a Turbo Duelist on her first try or not! The Turbo Duel is based on a Solo Duel I had on Duelingbook with Speed Spells, and I used my own self-made copies of Speed Spells for my real Deck.
You can find Estelle's riding suit, Duel Runner and Turbo Deck on my DeviantArt account as usual.
We're less than ten reviews away from the next shout-out! Remember, those who already have won a shout-out won't get another shout-out and the guest reviews don't count.
The chapter begins in normal point of view.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 44: Estelle's Turbo Exam
The bell in Duel Academy rang by 12 p.m., signaling it was time for lunch. The students walked or ran out of their classrooms to get their packed lunch boxes or hurried to the cafeteria to buy their favorite bread or meal. Aki walked calmly out of the classroom with her books, but she walked a bit faster to reach her locker. She soon found it and unlocked it to put away her books and grabbed her packed lunch box.
Today was not just any ordinary day, no.
"Aki!"
The young woman snapped her head up and saw Leo and Luna waving their hands to her in the distance. She smiled softly and waved in return as she shut the locker.
"Hurry, Aki! We're going to miss Estelle's exam!" Leo called as he bounced up and down on his feet.
"Leo, we're not late yet", Luna sighed softly.
Aki giggled as she joined the twins. "That's true, but Estelle did say her exam might start sooner if the exam before hers ends early, so we better go now."
"What are you talking about?" a soft voice spoke up.
Aki turned around and came face to face with Sakura's confused and Mei's amused expressions. "Oh, hi, Sakura, Mei."
"Where are you three going in a hurry?" Sakura wondered.
"To the Turbo course!" Leo answered. "Estelle's about to take her exam and become a Turbo Duelist!"
"Really?" Mei said as a small grin grew on her lips. "Mind if we tag along and cheer for her?"
"I'm sure she'd appreciate your support", Aki nodded.
"Ohohoho, what is it I hear?" a familiar voice that caused the group to sweat drop. "One of you is about to take the exam and become a Turbo Duelist?"
"Not her…", Sakura mumbled softly.
The girls and twins turned around to see Kobayakawa Ran standing in the middle of the hallway, her hand barely resting on the back of her right hand, as she laughed.
"Ran…", Aki said hesitantly.
"It's been a while, Aki", Ran said as soon as she calmed down. "Now, what is this you are talking about?"
"Our friend is going to take her exam", Luna replied.
"Oh, so it's not one of you?" Ran blinked as she eyed Aki, Sakura, and Mei.
"Obviously not", Mei shook her head as she rested her right hand on her hip. "If we were, then we would hurry to the course at this moment."
"Wait, shouldn't you be busy with your studies, Kobayakawa?" Sakura wondered. "After all, you are a senior."
"Yes, that's true", Ran replied. "But sometimes, you need to take a break while in the middle of studying."
Aki looked away to think for a brief moment before turning back to Ran. "If you want, Ran, want to come with us and cheer for Estelle?"
"What?!" Mei and Leo exclaimed in disbelief as Luna and Sakura gaped in surprise.
Ran just blinked in slight surprise at the offer.
"But, Aki, aren't you and Ran rivals or something?" Leo asked, surprised.
"Yeah, remember how Kobayakawa keeps bothering you every week to Duel, Aki?" Mei added. "Besides, I'm pretty sure she's not interested in watching one of your friends Turbo Dueling for their license-"
"Well, since you've made that offer…", Ran interrupted as she rubbed her chin while having a pondering expression, before shifting into a big prideful grin. "I'll gladly share my support for your friend. With me by your side, she will surely success and win the Turbo Duel! Ohohoho!"
"I don't think that's going to determine if Estelle's going to win or lose…", Sakura mumbled softly while sweat dropping.
XXXXXXXXXX
The group hurried to the course and walked up to the stands to get a better view. Right now, there was another exam going on and the Turbo Duel was going in full speed. Aki, Leo, and Luna snapped their heads up in surprise when they spotted two familiar figures sitting on the stands.
"Goodwin! Trudge!" Luna called.
The two men turned their heads at the students as the three Signers hurried ahead to greet the adults. "Good afternoon, children", Goodwin greeted as he got up from his seat to bow his head.
"What are you two doing here?" Leo asked. "Are you going to watch Estelle's Turbo Duel too?"
"Director Goodwin canceled all his appointments to come and watch his daughter take the exam", Trudge answered as he stood up from his seat, dressed in his Sector Security officer uniform. "And he asked me to escort him to the riding field, but since I'm also supposed to escort him back to the HQ, I'll have to remain seated here."
"Please, I'm sure you volunteered to escort Goodwin so you could watch the Turbo Duel, Trudge!" Crow's voice laughed.
The group looked up to see Yusei, Jack, and Crow joining them. Crow had a big mischievous grin on his lips as Trudge's cheeks turned a bit red in frustration.
"I did not!" the officer retorted irritably.
"Jack Atlas…", Ran muttered as she glared at Jack.
"Kobayakawa", Jack returned the greeting with a small glare.
"Has Estelle's exam begun yet?" Yusei asked, ignoring the quarrel.
"Not yet", Goodwin shook his head. "The exam should commence as soon as this Turbo Duel is over-"
Everyone flinched a bit when they heard a crash. They turned to the course and saw how the first Turbo Duelist had crashed their Duel Runner and the proctor, who was riding a Sector Security Duel Runner and dressed in an officer uniform, stopped next to the failed Turbo Duelist. The officer's face was hidden by the shaded visor of the helmet, but their body language showed concern for the crashed Duelist. A group of staff hurried to the course to clean it up and remove the crashed Duel Runner as two people helped the Duelist get off course and check for injuries.
Once everyone was all green, the proctor drove back to the start line to wait for their next opponent.
"I hope that Duelist is okay…", Sakura commented concernedly.
"He was doomed before the Turbo Duel could finish", Ran commented as the group sat down on seats.
"Speaking of, has anyone ever seen Estelle's Duel Runner?" Luna asked.
"I know I haven't", Aki shook her head.
"Me neither! Have you, guys?" Leo asked the Satellite Trio.
"No, she's been very quiet about it", Yusei shook his head. "I tried asking her about the Runner, but all she said was it's custom-designed."
Jack snorted loudly as he crossed his arms. "I'm pretty sure the Duel Runner is going to look like a dragon, due to her obsession for dragon Monsters."
"Hey, what makes you say that?" Crow asked as he sat down next to the blonde man. "What if she has a normal and sleek Runner that's specifically for girls?"
Yusei turned his eyes on the Director of Sector Security. "Do you know, Goodwin?"
Goodwin chuckled softly. "Of course I know, but Estelle told me to keep this as a surprise for you."
The bombarding noise of an engine broke the peace as a crimson Duel Runner drove out from a corner and flew in the air for a brief second. The group looked at it with big eyes and surprised looks at the crimson Duel Runner and the Duelist dressed in a red riding suit.
Jack was the only one who commented with a scowl. "Told you."
XXXXXXXXXX – Estelle's POV
I landed on the course after I had put on a show for my friends to give them a good view of my Duel Runner; Crimson Starlight. It had the shape of a dragon with its head, wings, and a long tail on the back. The Runner was crimson-colored while the "belly" part was orange. The dashboard part looked pretty similar to Aki's Duel Runner from the anime, just as the two handles to grab onto and steer the Runner.
My riding suit was a red/crimson one-piece with a jacket that served as a two-layer on top, a bit inspired by Yusei's suit he had in the WRGP in the anime, while I had a skirt wrapped around the hips, a pair of crimson gloves, and dark crimson boots with one pentagram on each. My helmet looked similar to Sector Security's helmets, but it was crimson-colored and had one antenna attached on the left "headphone" part. The visor of the helmet reached almost down to my nose and had a black shade. My spiky Wrist Dealer was strapped on my left arm with the Deck while my Extra Deck was in the left pocket of my jacket.
I parked next to the proctor, who I could tell by the body structure was a female, who had waited patiently for me. "Sorry for the wait", I told her.
"That's okay", the proctor replied with a soft chuckle. "Before the Turbo Duel begins, let me tell you a few details. It's your actions and control of your Runner during the Turbo Duel that will determine whether you'll receive your license or not. Of course, you'll get some bonus points if you win the Turbo Duel, but it's not important to win."
"Really?" I asked, arching an eyebrow in confusion.
I thought the Turbo Duel exams had already increased the standard for Duelists to pass the test due to the upcoming World Racing Grand Prix next year, but I guess that was going to change after the New Year.
"Yep", the proctor nodded. "Any questions?"
"No", I shook my head.
"Alright then. Field Spell, Speed World 2, set on!"
The proctor and I pushed the buttons on our Runners to activate Speed World 2. The virtual card of the Field Spell appeared on the screen as the display changed for the Turbo Duel.
"Duel Mode, on – Autopilot, standby."
The holographic lamps for the countdown appeared in front of us. The proctor messed with the throttle, causing the engine to purr loudly.
"Ready, set… Duel!"
The proctor and I drove straight after the countdown was complete. Both of us accelerated to reach the first curve to determine who would go first. I was taking it slightly slow, since I was a bit nervous. The proctor reached the curve before me, so she was going first.
Proctor: 4000 LP
Estelle: 4000 LP
I drew the first five cards of my Deck and got Fire Ant Ascator, Supay, Oracle of the Sun, Arkbrave Dragon, and Mirror Force.
"I was expecting you to take the first turn, but I guess you're still green", the proctor spoke through the wireless communicator. "I'll go first! I draw, and I summon Solar Flare Dragon in attack mode!"
Solar Flare Dragon, Level 4: ATK 1500
"I place one card facedown and end my turn!" the proctor continued as a facedown Trap card appeared briefly in front of her Runner before it vanished. "But before your turn, Solar Flare Dragon's effect activates! He inflicts 500 points of damage to you!"
Solar Flare Dragon turned around to face me while opening his mouth. I could see the flames of an incoming effect attack, so I braced myself. The pyro Duel Monster fired a fireball that hit the concrete in front of my Duel Runner.
Proctor: 4000 LP
Estelle: 4000 LP – 3500 LP
I briefly lost control of my Runner, but I quickly collected myself and regained control after messing with the gear selector pedal and steering the Runner until it was going straight.
"That was just the beginning", the proctor warned. "Make your move, but be careful. I'm not going to go easy on you."
I tried to keep the Runner straight as I let go of the right handlebar to draw the top card of my Deck on the Wrist Dealer. "I draw!"
Proctor: 4000 LP = 0 SPC – 1 SPC
Estelle: 3500 LP = 0 SPC – 1 SPC
The card I had just drawn was Speed Spell – Half Seize. It was a card I couldn't use right now, but I had a feeling it was going to be very useful later on if the proctor was using a FIRE Inflict Deck, which was going to be quite the pain.
"Because you have a Monster on your side of the field and I don't, I can Special summon Oracle of the Sun in defense mode!"
Oracle of the Sun, Level 5: DEF 2000
"Next, I summon Supay in attack mode!"
Supay, Level 1, Tuner: ATK 300
"Now, I tune Level 1 Supay with Level 5 Oracle of the Sun to Synchro summon the queen of the sky!"
Supay transformed into a single tuning ring which Oracle floated into before they fused into a bright blue light. I dug my right hand in the left pocket of my jacket and pulled out Moon Dragon Quilla's card before placing on the Duel Disk.
"Come forth, Moon Dragon Quilla!"
Moon Dragon Quilla, Level 6: ATK 2500
"It's a pretty Monster, but I'm afraid there'll be change of plans!" the proctor said. "I activate my facedown Trap; Nightmare Wheel!"
Oh no, not that one!
"This Continuous Trap card allows me to select one Monster my opponent controls, and that Monster cannot attack or change its battle position as long as the card is active! The Monster I choose is Moon Dragon Quilla!"
The malicious breaking wheel floated out from the Trap card before it emitted a dark aura. Moon Dragon Quilla got enveloped in the same aura that pulled her to the wheel. She tried fighting against the force, but it was useless. My Synchro dragon got strapped onto the wheel and couldn't move an inch.
I held back a growl as I bit my lower lip. Because of this move, I couldn't attack. "I end my turn."
"I told you I'm not going to take it easy on you just because you're the Director's daughter", the proctor said. "My turn!"
Proctor: 4000 LP = 1 SPC – 2 SPC
Estelle: 3500 LP = 1 SPC – 2 SPC
"Nightmare Wheel's second effect activates during my Standby Phase! You take 500 points of damage!"
The monster breaking wheel's eyes glowed for a second before they fired two laser beams at me. I steered my Runner from left to right to dodge the effect damage, but one laser beam hit me on my side, causing me to flinch slightly. I knew it was just the Solid Vision, but effects could sometimes feel so realistic.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 2 SPC
Estelle: 3500 LP – 3000 LP = 2 SPC
The proctor was several meters ahead of me, but I was still trying to catch up with her.
"I summon the Tuner Monster, Guerilla Kite, in attack mode!"
Guerilla Kite, Level 4, Tuner: ATK 1600
"A Tuner Monster? You're going to Synchro summon?" I asked.
"Why, yes, you're not the only Synchro Duelist here", the proctor replied. "I tune Level 4 Guerilla Kite with Level 4 Solar Flare Dragon! But when Guerilla leaves the field, he inflicts 500 points of damage to you!"
Guerilla Kite dropped his spiky bombs before he transformed into four tuning rings. My eyes shifted from the Synchro summoning to the falling bombs, seeing how the white spikes began blinking in red. I speeded up a bit to somehow dodge the bombs, but they exploded only meters above me. I lowered my head a bit as I drove through the holographic smoke with Moon Dragon Quilla still trapped onto the Nightmare Wheel.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 2 SPC
Estelle: 3000 LP – 2500 LP = 2 SPC
Once I drove through the smoke, I was greeted by a Synchro Monster I was actually familiar with; Crimson Blader.
Crimson Blader, Level 8: ATK 2800
"Say hello to Crimson Blader!" the proctor said. "And say goodbye to Moon Dragon Quilla! Crimson Blader, attack with Red Burner!"
Crimson Blader grunted before he flew towards Moon Dragon Quilla while raising both swords.
"Moon Dragon Quilla's effect!" I quickly called. "When she's targeted for an attack, I gain Life Points equal to half the attacking Monster's attack points!"
My Synchro dragon began glowing in a gentle blue aura as it was transferred to the incoming Synchro warrior. The aura absorbed some of his energy that was transferred to me, causing my body to glow in blue as my Life Points increased.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 2 SPC
Estelle: 2500 LP – 3900 LP = 2 SPC
"Alright, but Moon Dragon Quilla is still destroyed by Crimson Blader!" the proctor retorted.
Crimson Blader slashed the Synchro dragon into pieces, which in turn hit me like a shower. The impact was a bit shaky, but because the damage wasn't so big, I didn't lose control of my Runner.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 2 SPC
Estelle: 3900 LP – 3600 LP = 2 SPC
"Because Crimson Blader destroyed your Monster by battle and sent it to the Graveyard, you can't Normal or Special summon Level 5 or higher Monsters during your next turn!"
"Okay", I responded. "You'll end your turn?"
"Yes, I end my turn. Your move."
I nodded as I reached for my Deck. "I draw!"
Proctor: 4000 LP = 2 SPC – 3 SPC
Estelle: 3600 LP = 2 SPC – 3 SPC
I held back a growl of frustration when I saw the card I had just drawn was my second Oracle of the Sun. I could have Special summoned him if it weren't for Crimson Blader's effect.
"I place one card facedown and end my turn", I called as I set Mirror Force.
"Not even a Monster?" the proctor commented. "Oh well, we'll see what you can do to defend yourself. I draw!"
Proctor: 4000 LP = 3 SPC – 4 SPC
Estelle: 3600 LP = 3 SPC – 4 SPC
"I remove Solar Flare Dragon in my Graveyard from play to Special summon Inferno in attack mode!"
Inferno, Level 4: ATK 1100
I raised an eyebrow in confusion. Why did the proctor Special summon this Monster? Unless…
"Because I Special summoned a Monster, I can still Normal summon. I release Inferno to Tribute summon the Gemini Monster, King Pyron!"
King Pyron, Level 5, Gemini: DEF 500
"I'm taking precaution because of your facedown, so only Crimson Blader will attack you directly! Go, Red Burner!"
Crimson Blader turned around and flew towards me while raising both swords in the air. I grinned to myself as I watched the crimson warrior approach me with a dangerous gleam in his eyes.
"I activate my Trap; Mirror Force!" I called as I pushed one of the buttons above the Graveyard slot on the Runner.
Crimson Blader swung his swords, but instead of hitting me, the swords collided with a transparent mirror in front of me. The force from the swords bounced on the surface of Mirror Force and turned back on the Synchro Monster. Crimson Blader grunted in pain before he shattered into pieces.
"Every attack position Monster of yours are destroyed due to Mirror Force, but King Pyron survives because he's in defense mode", I explained.
"Clever", the proctor said. "I knew you had something going on, so I didn't want to put King Pyron in danger. However, I've got something else for you. I play Speed Spell – Speed Storm! When my Speed Counters are at three or more, I can inflict 1000 points of damage!"
The Speed Spell card appeared on the field before it unleashed a tornado of wind at me. I lowered my head as I fought against the force of the tornado while trying to keep my Duel Runner as steady as possible.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 4 SPC
Estelle: 3600 LP – 2600 LP = 4 SPC
"That's all I have for now. I end my turn."
The proctor was much stronger than I had first anticipated. For a moment, I was wondering what her Ground Deck looked it.
"I draw!" I called.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 4 SPC – 5 SPC
Estelle: 2600 LP = 4 SPC – 5 SPC
I held back another groan as I saw I had drawn Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand. Now, I had two powerful Monsters in my hand that I couldn't summon to the field, so it was a good thing I had a backup plan.
"Because you have a Monster on your field and I don't, I can Special summon my second Oracle of the Sun!"
Oracle of the Sun, Level 5: DEF 2000
"Next, I summon Fire Ant Ascator in attack mode!"
Fire Ant Ascator, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 700
"Now, I tune Level 3 Fire Ant Ascator with Level 5 Oracle of the Sun to Synchro summon the king of the sky, Moon Dragon Quilla's twin!"
Fire Ant Ascator transformed into three tuning rings in which Oracle of the Sun flew into before they released a harsh orange light.
"Come forth, Sun Dragon Inti!"
The orange light died down to reveal the red sun dragon with four hungry heads, drooling to get something to eat.
Sun Dragon Inti, Level 8: ATK 3000
The proctor and I jumped down from a ramp and landed on the course before carrying on. We drove past the stands where my friends sat and watched. Leo and Luna waved their hands to me with big smiles. I smiled back and gave them a soft wave before turning my attention back to the Turbo Duel.
"Sun Dragon Inti, destroy King Pyron!" I called.
Sun Dragon Inti's four heads growled before two of the lashed themselves onto the Gemini Monster. King Pyron roared in pain as the two heads ripped his arms off before he shattered into pieces.
"I end my turn."
"Lucky for you that you destroyed King Pyron", the proctor commented. "If he had remained until my next turn, I would've Normal summoned him and inflict 1000 points of damage with his effect. I draw!"
Proctor: 4000 LP = 5 SPC – 6 SPC
Estelle: 2600 LP = 5 SPC – 6 SPC
"During my Standby Phase, I can remove three Speed Counters to add my Speed Spell – Speed Demon from the Graveyard to my hand!"
Proctor: 4000 LP = 6 SPC – 3 SPC
Estelle: 2600 LP = 6 SPC
The proctor's Duel Runner slowed down a lot, so I finally caught up to her and even drove past her with Sun Dragon Inti following above me.
"I summon Flame Spirit Ignis in attack mode!"
Flame Spirit Ignis, Level 4: ATK 1500
"I place one card facedown and play Speed Spell – Speed Storm once again!"
A facedown card appeared on my opponent's field as the Speed Spell activated. I braced myself and felt the wind blowing around me while my Runner shook a bit.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 3 SPC
Estelle: 2600 LP – 1600 LP = 6 SPC
"I end my turn. Try and attack if you want", the proctor taunted. "The Turbo Duel could end on my next turn, if you don't do something."
My brain was starting to get a bit overloaded by the Turbo Duel and the effects of Solid Vision, but I refused to give up now. I was going to Duel to the end.
"My turn!" I called as I drew a card.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 3 SPC – 4 SPC
Estelle: 1600 LP = 6 SPC – 7 SPC
"I activate the Continuous Trap; Gravity Bind!" the proctor yelled before I could check which card I had just drawn. "Level 4 or higher Monsters cannot attack as long as this card is on the field!"
I growled softly at that before I checked the card in my hand. It was Kuribandit! Finally, something good!
"First things first, I play the Speed Spell – Half Seize!" I called. "When my Speed Counters are at three or more, I can choose one Monster on the field and half its attack points and gain said attack points as Life Points! The Monster I choose is my own Sun Dragon Inti!"
It was a risky move, but because of Gravity Bind, he couldn't attack nor be attacked by the proctor's Monsters if they were Level 4 or higher. Sun Dragon Inti was enveloped in a pretty green aura that caused his attack points to get halved.
Sun Dragon Inti, Level 8: ATK 3000 – ATK 1500
The green aura was then transferred to me, restoring my Life Points a lot.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 4 SPC
Estelle: 1600 LP – 3100 LP = 7 SPC
"Now, I summon Kuribandit in attack mode!"
Kuribandit, Level 3: ATK 1000
"Kuribandit's effect activates during my End Phase! I tribute him to excavate the top five cards of my Deck and then I get to choose one Speed Spell or Trap card among them and add it to my hand while the rest goes to the Graveyard!"
Kuribandit transformed into a yellow light that vanished into tiny particles. I was about to draw the top five cards when I noticed I was reaching a sharp curve. I grabbed both handles and moved my Runner harshly to the right to get through the curve. I could hear the metal jarring against the concrete, but I managed to drive through it without crashing.
Once I steadied my Runner, I checked the top five cards of my Deck. They were Doom Accelerator, Speed Spell – Sonic Buster, Impenetrable Attack, Golem Dragon, and the Blazing Mars. A strategy was already forming in my head as I saw two cards that could work in a later phase.
"I add Speed Spell – Sonic Buster to my hand! And with that, I end my turn!" I called as I added said card to my hand while I discarded the rest of the cards to the Graveyard.
"I draw!" the proctor called.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 4 SPC – 5 SPC
Estelle: 3100 LP = 7 SPC – 8 SPC
"During my Standby Phase, I remove three Speed Counters to add Speed Spell – Speed Storm from the Graveyard to my hand!"
I saw in the tiny screen on the monitor how the proctor was now far behind me as her Duel Runner slowed down due to the loss of Speed Counters. She really liked that Speed Spell card, but she couldn't activate it this turn.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 5 SPC – 2 SPC
Estelle: 3100 LP = 8 SPC
"I summon my second Guerilla Kite in attack mode!"
Guerilla Kite, Level 4, Tuner: ATK 1600
For a second, I thought the proctor was going to Synchro summon again, but even if she did, that Synchro Monster wouldn't be able to attack me due to Gravity Bind.
"And I end my turn with that."
I shrugged as I reached for my Deck. "My turn!" I called as I drew Shining Angel.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 2 SPC – 3 SPC
Estelle: 3100 LP = 8 SPC – 9 SPC
"I summon Shining Angel in attack mode!"
Shining Angel, Level 4: ATK 1400
"I end my turn!"
"I draw!" the proctor called.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 3 SPC – 4 SPC
Estelle: 3100 LP = 9 SPC – 10 SPC
"I play the Speed Spell – Speed Storm! Get ready for another 1000 points of damage!"
I braced myself as the Speed Spell's effect hit me for a third time in this Turbo Duel. The wind blew around me like crazy and it sounded like a hurricane inside my helmet.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 4 SPC
Estelle: 3100 LP – 2100 LP = 10 SPC
"I place one card facedown and end my turn!"
"I draw! I called as I drew the top card of my Deck.
Proctor: 4000 LP = 4 SPC – 5 SPC
Estelle: 2100 LP = 10 SPC – 11 SPC
This time, I got Speed Spell – Angel Baton! Finally something good!
"I play the Speed Spell – Angel Baton! When I have four or more Speed Counters, I can draw two cards from my Deck, but I must discard one card from my hand to the Graveyard!"
I drew the next two cards and they were Breakthrough Skill and Apocatequil. I added them to my hand and picked up the card of Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand to send it to the Graveyard.
"I continue my turn by summoning Apocatequil in attack mode!"
Apocatequil, Level 4: ATK 1800
"Now, I remove one Oracle of the Sun, Supay, and Fire Ant Ascator in my Graveyard from play to Special summon one particular Monster that's in my Graveyard!" I called as the four cards were shoved out of the Graveyard.
I grabbed the cards quickly before they could fly away and put the banished cards in the right pocket of my jacket. The transparent figures of the two Tuner Monsters and the Incan spellcaster appeared in front of me before they shot up to the sky. They fused into one bright red light that shone stronger than the sun and fire enveloped me and my Duel Runner.
"I call forth the red planet of war of our solar system! Join us, the Blazing Mars!"
The Blazing Mars, Level 8: ATK 2600
"What kind of monstrosity is that?!" the proctor exclaimed in disbelief before she calmed down. "But you can't attack with Blazing Mars due to Gravity Bind, so it was bit of a waste to summon it now."
"That's where you're wrong", I replied. "I activate the Blazing Mars's effect! By sending my other Monsters; Shining Angel, Sun Dragon Inti, and Apocatequil to the Graveyard, I can inflict 500 points of damage for each Monster! That's 1500 damage in total! Go, Blazing Mars, use Valor Spear!"
Blazing Mars turned around to face the proctor as the other three Monsters transformed into light and shot themselves into the sphere in the mouth of the skull. I watched on the monitor how the fire sphere used part of its energy to create a spear of fire. Blazing Mars raised his arm and aimed it at the proctor. At that command, the giant skull shot the flame spear and hit the proctor straight on the chest. The proctor grunted by the Solid Vision's effect as she struggled a bit to regain control of her wobbly Runner.
Proctor: 4000 LP – 2500 LP = 5 SPC
Estelle: 2100 LP = 11 SPC
Finally I was able to do some damage, but everything could change in the next turn.
"I place one card facedown and end my turn", I called as I set Breakthrough Skill.
"Now I understand why you brought out that Monster", the proctor called after she regained control of her Runner. "Very clever. I draw!"
Proctor: 2500 LP = 5 SPC – 6 SPC
Estelle: 2100 LP = 11 SPC – 12 SPC
"It's over", the proctor claimed. "I activate Speed World 2! I remove 4 Speed Counters to inflict damage to you! I've got two Speed Spells in my hand, so that's 1600 damage!"
Proctor: 2500 LP = 6 SPC – 2 SPC
Estelle: 2100 LP = 12 SPC
I glanced over my shoulder and watched as the front light of the proctor's Duel Runner shone so brightly it reached me, despite we were so far away from each other. I turned around and tried to block the light, but it still made it to me as I got blinded for a second.
Proctor: 2500 LP = 2 SPC
Estelle: 2100 LP – 500 LP = 12 SPC
Oh no! I was now below 1000 Life Points! I quickly checked the proctor's field. Flame Spirit Ignis's effect could actually end me now, but I had a back-up plan.
"I activate my Trap; Breakthrough Skill!" I called as said Trap card flipped up. "I can target one Monster you control and that Monster can't activate its effects for the rest of this turn! The one I target is your Flame Spirit Ignis!"
The dragon paw from the Trap card flew out and reached all the way to Flame Spirit Ignis. The paw slapped the pyro Monster on the cheek before it retracted to the card. Flame Spirit Ignis looked very confused for a moment before it lowered its head.
"You got lucky there", the proctor chuckled. "I was about to finish you with Ignis, but here's something else to put pressure on you! I activate my other Continuous Trap card; Backfire!" Said card flipped up. "Now, whenever a FIRE Monster I control is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, this Trap will inflict 500 points of damage to you! That's if you can get through Gravity Bind somehow. Your next turn will be your final one. When it's my turn, my Monsters will burn you and your Blazing Mars into ashes. Your move."
The proctor was right. I had to be very smart now and get an inch of luck. I only had Arkbrave Dragon in my hand that I couldn't summon and use it as "fuel" for the Blazing Mars's effect. This was definitely going to be my last turn of the Turbo Duel.
"I draw!" I called as I drew the top card of my Deck.
Proctor: 2500 LP = 2 SPC – 3 SPC
Estelle: 500 LP = 12 SPC
I got Speed Spell – Star Force. It wasn't very useful, so I put it to my hand as I had to think for a moment. I could use Speed World 2's effect to inflict 1600 damage twice in a row and end the Turbo Duel, but I wanted to use my Monsters to win and not by the Field Spell. Was that a naïve thought of me? Maybe, but I wanted to win like a true Turbo Duelist.
"I begin my turn by playing Speed Spell – Sonic Buster!" I called. "While I have four or more Speed Counters, I can select one Monster I control and inflict damage to you equal to half its attack points! I choose the Blazing Mars!"
The Speed Spell appeared on the field before it shot a beam at the Blazing Mars. My Monster growled as it transferred a bit of its power to the Speed Spell card. The card then fired a wave of flames to the proctor far behind me.
Proctor: 2500 LP – 1200 LP = 3 SPC
Estelle: 500 LP = 12 SPC
I could hear how the proctor grunted by the impact of the fire wave, but she recovered fast and tried to speed up. "That wasn't enough to push me down to below 1000 Life Points!" she taunted.
"True", I nodded. "Now, I activate Speed World 2! I remove seven Speed Counters to draw one card from my Deck!"
Proctor: 1200 LP = 3 SPC
Estelle: 500 LP = 12 SPC – 5 SPC
I put back the Speed Spell and reached for my Deck as my Duel Runner slowed down and the proctor was catching up. This next draw was going to determine everything. I took a deep breath and drew the card. I slowly turned it around to see it was…
Ascator, Dawnwalker!
"I discard one card from my hand to the Graveyard to Special summon Ascator, Dawnwalker in defense mode!" I called as I sent Arkbrave Dragon to the Graveyard before placing my other card on the Duel Disk.
Ascator, Dawnwalker, Level 5: DEF 1500
"Ascator, Dawnwalker's effect continues! When he's Special summoned by his own effect, I can Special summon one Fire Ant Ascator from my Deck!"
Fire Ant Ascator, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 700
"So you're going to use the Blazing Mars's effect to inflict damage to me?" the proctor said. "Even if you do that, it's not going to be enough to finish me!"
"Not if I activate Speed World 2 again!" I retorted as I held up Speed Spell – Star Force. "I remove four Speed Counters to inflict 800 points of damage, due to the one Speed Spell I have in my hand."
As my Duel Runner slowed down, the proctor drove past me, but not without taking damage. The dragon head on the front of my Runner began groaning as the mechanisms were moving inside the frame. Next thing I knew, the nostrils of the dragon head breathed fire at the proctor and her Duel Runner.
Proctor: 1200 LP – 400 LP = 3 SPC
Estelle: 500 LP = 5 SPC – 1 SPC
My heart began pounding hard in my chest as I slowly came to realization that I was actually going to win the Turbo Duel.
"Blazing Mars's effect! I send Ascator, Dawnwalker and Fire Ant Ascator to the Graveyard to inflict 1000 points of damage!"
"What?! But that means-"
"This Turbo Duel is over! Blazing Mars, use Valor Spear!"
The Ascator duo transformed into light and got sucked into the fire sphere of the Blazing Mars's mouth. The humanoid Monster pointed at the proctor in front of me before he fired a new fire spear. The proctor screamed as the spear hit her back, dealing the last damage of the Turbo Duel.
Proctor: 400 LP – 0 LP = 3 SPC
Estelle: 500 LP = 1 SPC
The proctor's Duel Runner slowly came to a halt as it released a cloud of steam. I drove past the Sector Security Runner and parked a couple of meters away from my opponent as the Blazing Mars vanished since the Turbo Duel was over.
Now, it was time for the final verdict.
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The proctor and I drove back to the start line where an examiner had watched the whole Turbo Duel and scored my actions during the Duel. I waited quietly on the Duel Runner with my helmet on my lap, but I was getting nervous for each second that passed. My friends in the bleachers were silent too as they waited for the verdict. The proctor was still wearing her helmet, so her face wasn't revealed yet.
"Okay", the male examiner spoke up after writing down something on the clipboard he held in his hands. "Estelle Malmström-Goodwin." I grew stiff as my full name was called. "A bit hesitant at the beginning, but has good control over the Duel Runner. However, they can be a bit distracted when they get way into the Turbo Duel, but they recover fast and can regain control after the Duel Runner starts to lose balance. Bonus points for winning the Turbo Duel, and otherwise, no other pointers." The man looked up from the clipboard with a big smile. "Congratulations! You've passed the exam! From now on, you're an official Turbo Duelist!"
My stiff shoulders relaxed when I heard the final words. I actually managed to become a Turbo Duelist! I let out a deep sigh in relief before I leaned against the dashboard of my Runner. I now began feeling the aftermath of the Duel. All the energy and attention on the Turbo Duel had drained me so much I felt like I was going to collapse. It was a good thing I sat on my Runner.
"Estelle!" the twins called.
I glanced up from my arms, where I had rested my head, and watched my friends walk up to me. Leo and Luna were energetic and rushed to me with big smiles on their faces.
"You did it! You're an actual Turbo Duelist now, like Yusei, Jack, and Crow!" Leo exclaimed in joy.
"Yes", I nodded softly as I straightened up.
"Are you okay?" Luna asked, noticing my tired expression.
"I'm just a bit tired mentally", I confessed. "This took lots of energy out of me."
"You better get used to it", the proctor commented as she removed her helmet. "Now that you're a Turbo Duelist, you're going to be challenged multiple times a day."
I blinked my eyes as I took in the proctor's appearance. She looked like a copy of Mei, Aki's friend, but she had long black hair and brown eyes. Her skin had the same tanned tone as Mei's.
"I knew it was you, Haruka!" Mei called out.
Haruka grinned at her look-alike. "Glad to see you, cousin."
"Cousin?!" Crow exclaimed in disbelief. "Wait, are you two relatives?!"
Mei turned to the group and smiled. "Yep! This is Nakamura Haruka, my older cousin. She works for Sector Security."
"Pleasure to meet you all", Haruka nodded before she turned her eyes on Aki. "I've heard a lot about you from Mei. Thank you for being friends with her, Izayoi."
"Oh… I should be the one thanking Mei for being my friend", Aki replied modestly.
Jack stepped forward to me with an amused smirk. "Your Blazing Mars was quite a surprise. I'd love to be your next opponent, if you're up for it."
"Hey, I wanted to challenge Estelle next, Jack!" Crow intervened irritably.
"Too bad; I asked her first", Jack replied calmly.
The rest of us sweat dropped at the duo that began bickering about who was going to Turbo Duel me next time. I turned my eyes to Yusei who walked up to me. I got off my Runner and removed my helmet before giving him a small smile.
"What did you think?" I asked softly.
Yusei looked over my shoulder as his eyes were focused on my Duel Runner, probably gathering his thoughts. "You looked a bit unbalanced a couple of times, but that could be because you're still not used to driving a Duel Runner. Otherwise, you did well." He held out his right hand. "I'd like to have a Turbo Duel with you and give you other pointers to improve your skills."
I nodded as I shook his hand. "I'd love that. Thank you, Yusei."
I felt like now that I was a Turbo Duelist, another door had opened in my life. The world around me has expanded and I was welcoming the great unknown.
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You can find Nakamura Haruka's Turbo Deck on my DeviantArt account if you want to use it as inspiration for a similar Deck.