Chapter 4 - A Fiery Duel

The thought that one of his best friends was in danger forced him to press on the accelerator, speeding like a fury along the streets so deserted and quiet, as if something obscure had deprived them of their typical sounds and bustle. In vain were the numerous attempts to call that knucklehead, since he used to deactivate the ringtone of his device, a way like any other to avoid trouble, at least according to his humble opinion. Likewise, he was worried about the beautiful Isabel, although he had already alerted the cavalry and in no time she would be out of trouble. But he couldn't help but wonder who these individuals were, why they were being targeted, or if they were working for someone or on their own, though the latter might seem rather obvious given the latest revelations. What if that deranged man had lied to him about it? What if, as usual, he had thrown himself headlong without thinking about the consequences? These were the questions that kept buzzing in his mind and sooner or later they would certainly be answered, but now he had to think only of the safety of his friends, or he would never forgive himself. Strongly moving his right wrist, he gave a further push to his two-wheeled racing car, exceeding any speed limit allowed and enjoying the wind that was blowing wildly.

- "F***" - he thought as he made a dangerous right turn, grazing the asphalt with his knee and elbow for a few moments. Sometimes he found it a blessing to have installed electromagnetic suspension on his bike. Without it, the laws of physics would hardly have allowed him to exceed three hundred kilometers per hour with such ease, but at the moment he was not in the mood to enjoy his favorite vehicle. He had to get to Ren's in a hurry, and time was certainly not on his side.

Two hours earlier...

He closed the front door without making any noise, not wanting to worry his family, apprehensive as they were. He needed a breath of fresh air, and this was certainly the right evening. The moon was high in the sky, clear, beautiful and melancholic, silhouetted proud and majestic over the splendid and immense Limit City, and its reflection illuminated the surrounding urban environments, although the neon lights of the various buildings contributed to creating spectacular plays of light. He squinted his eyes, reveling in the light breeze that had swept over him once he was outside, mussing up the golden wisp that fell gently over his face. It was certainly a wonderful evening to stretch his legs, there was no doubt about that.

- Night walk? -

He was almost startled to hear that voice, although there was apparently no one nearby, or so he thought. Immediately he raised his eyes, managing to catch a partial glimpse of a figure almost wrapped in the darkness of the night, which with a quick leap, almost unnatural, descended from one of the adjacent walls, landing in front of the unsuspecting boy, just as a feline pounces on its prey. At a careful glance, she looked like a young girl of medium height, with skin as white as snow, in stark contrast to the flowing topaz blue hair, which reached to her shoulders, topped by a tuft of the same color and with the characteristic wing shape. He was wearing what looked like a battle suit, much used by duelists and some types of athletes, consisting of a pink and blue vest with zipper, long sapphire pants and fingerless gloves of the same color reaching up to the elbow. But the element that most attracted her attention were her ice-colored eyes, so bright and penetrating that they illuminated that dark and inauspicious night like a lighthouse. She could easily be described as a breathtaking beauty, of course, not like our Isabel, of course. If she hadn't swooped in so suddenly and intimidated him, she would certainly have asked him for his number. He, on the other hand, was the perfect example of a "casanova", despite constantly receiving rejections or worse. On the other hand, his best friend was a constant hit with the fairer sex, although he had no time for such nonsense, as he only had Duel Monsters at heart.

- Do we know each other? - asked the blond boy, waking up from that celestial vision. Why was such a beautiful girl wandering all alone in the middle of the night? And then, why had she appeared so suddenly? But above all, did she want something from him?

- Not officially - replied the girl, planting that icy gaze of hers on him. She instilled a certain fear

- Then we should remedy it - retorted the two-toned man with a smirk. The braggadocio had become one of his characteristic traits, in any kind of situation, even the most desperate.

- I don't have time for this - objected the other, showing an even harder and more terrifying look.

- Too bad - continued the young man with a distressed expression to say the least - So, may I know why you decided to disturb my little trip? The one time I decide to keep to myself, someone always has to turn up -

- According to the information we have, you would be a rather promising duelist and I'm intrigued, but it's up to me to decide -.

- Really? - asked the boy sarcastically - And how do you know that, Sherlock? By the dueling disk I wear or the battle suit? -

- I'VE ALREADY SAID THAT I DON'T HAVE TIME TO WASTE WITH THESE GAMES! - the girl growled angrily

- As you wish. - replied the duellist, raising his shoulders in surrender - So, what do you want from me? - he asked once again

- Challenge you to a duel! - she exclaimed decisively

- Well... it's a tempting offer, no doubt about it... but I'm not the type to jump headlong into this kind of situation, and without any piece of information, and with someone I don't know and who looks like a psychopath, no offense intended... - but the speech had the effect of angering even more his challenger, who was now looking at him in a scowl and that from one moment to the other he would surely make him make a bad end.

- You're actually not as dumb as your dorky appearance would suggest -

- Hey, how the f-? -

- But I'm not the type who likes to waste my breath, so I'm only going to say this once: I challenge you to a duel! -

- You're as stubborn as a mule, huh? What if I refuse? -

- Well, in that case, I'll just give a ring and it will be a long night without end for your companions - explained the girl, hinting at a sadistic smile.

- Nah... You could never corner Shiyuki - the other one answered again.

- And who talked about him? - this last sentence made poor Ren's blood run cold, because he had already guessed where this was going.

- I'm referring to your dear and sweet little friend, even if your partner, is about to have another surprise, or did you take me for a total fool? I have prepared myself for every eventuality -

- In fact... As you wish, the sooner I can get you out of the way, the sooner I can put an end to this affair - declared the young man unleashing a flaming red Duel Disk with a few shades of black, exactly the opposite of his best friend's one

- You seem very sure of yourself - replied the opponent inserting her deck into the ice-colored tool - But I think you have not grasped the concept well: we know everything about you, from your way of dueling to the moment you don't pick your nose. So you can be sure you'll never get away with it. Besides, aren't you worried about your friend? - she asked, arching an eyebrow.

- I have to say that when it comes to stalkers, whoever you are, you're tops. And by the way, First: no one is capable of overpowering that son of a bitch, so I'd watch out for your henchman or whatever, Second: get ready to suffer a scorching defeat, because... I'm going to burn you to ashes!-

- So be it! - replied the girl, getting into position

- Before we begin, may I know with whom I have the courtesy to duel? - asked the two-toned man, also getting into position.

- My name is Mai, but knowing that won't do you any good -

- Oh mother, how sour we are. I give you the first move -

- Wrong choice! - exclaimed the girl, drawing the usual five cards from her deck.

Mai = 8000 LP

Hand = 5

Deck = 35

Ren = 8000 LP

Hand = 5

Deck = 35

- From my hand I activate the spell card "Moray of Greed", it allows me to shuffle 2 Water attribute monsters in my deck and draw 3 cards. I shuffle " Abyss Warrior" and "Deep Diver", Then I put a monster and a card face-down and end my turn -

- And here I thought you wanted to start off with a bang, I guess I overestimated you - the duelist taunted her, though she didn't say a word, just observed him - "It looks like she' s using a water type deck, which means she wasn't lying and that she thoroughly analyzed my deck. Yikes! However, that won't stop me from playing it and at the same time finding a solution to remedy this problem, I must not and cannot put it off." I draw from the deck! -

- I summon "Flamvell Firedog" into attack position - In a flurry of burning ash, a fierce looking canine covered in loose debris appears (Lv4/Atk: 1900; Def: 200) - Then I place a card face down. Battle. Attack your face-down monster - The fiery monster pounced on the card, revealing a giant brown bear, tearing it to pieces

- I activate the effect of "Flamvell Firedog ... -

- Stop where you are! - the girl ordered him - You activate the special power of the monster you just destroyed, and here I summon another copy of "Mother Grizzly" in attack position - (Lv4/Atk: 1400; Def: 1000)

- Now it's my turn! The effect of my mighty Pyro is activated: if this card destroys a monster in battle, I can summon a Fire attribute monster from my deck, provided it has 200 or less defense points. And here "Flamvell Grunika" honors us with its presence. - A figure very similar to a purple humanoid dragon entered the field (Lv4/ Atk: 1700; Def: 200) - Another time, Battle! - the draconid hurled a fiery sphere at its target, incinerating it.(8000 - 300 = 7700)

- The effect of "Mother Grizzly" activates again - And then a third copy of the plantigrade mammal appeared, snarling at the opponent

- You're really starting to get on my nerves! I activate the effect of "Grunika", when it destroys a monster and sends it to the graveyard, I inflict damage to you equal to the level of the destroyed monster multiplied by 200. I've never been a math whiz, but I'd say the calculation amounts to about 800 life points! - The creature created a bigger blaze than the previous one, hurling it fiercely at the helpless opponent, who retreated slightly. (7700 - 800 = 6900) - I then activate from my hand the spell card "Double Summoning", in this way I can perform another normal summoning or place a monster, I choose the second option, then place a faced-down monster and finish the turn

- And so you would have created a solid defense, I must admit, the information wasn't so wrong after all. But by now you should have figured out what kind of deck I use, so you have no way out - declared the girl with an intimidating smile

- Nah... we've just started, and I'm just warming up - replied the other with a toothy smile. He loved to tease his opponent, although he wasn't the type to underestimate him.

- It will be a real pleasure for me to blow you out like a candle! - she exclaimed drawing from her own deck

Mai = 6900 LP

Hand = 3

Graveyard = 3

Deck = 32

Ren = 8000 LP

Hand = 2

Graveyard = 1

Deck = 33

- I activate the spell card "Vital draw", thanks to which, by sending from my deck to the graveyard a monster with Water attribute, I can draw 2 cards. I also activate the effect of the monster I sent to the abyss, "Inhabitant of the Sources", so I add a level 4 or lower Water attribute monster from my deck to my hand and then I draw 1 card. I add a "Abyss Soldier ". I then proceed to summon it directly onto the field. - A semi-aquatic warrior resembling a cetacean emerged from the waters, wielding what looked like a golden trident (Lv4/ Atk: 1800/ Def: 1300)

- Now you have two level four monsters, I already know what you're going to do, though first you'll use the power this little fishy has - observed the two-colored one

- Exactly. I activate the effect of "Abyss Soldier": by discarding a monster with Water attribute, in this case "Star boy", I can target a card on the field and make it return to the owner's hand. I choose "Flamvell Firedog". Then I activate the spell card "Updraft", with which I can summon a monster with Water attribute from my hand, as long as it is level 4 or lower. Uminotaurus" comes forward. - Another warrior very similar to the previous one makes his entrance, differing in the curious appearance of a sea creature and the weapon wielded, a clam-shaped stick. (Lv4/Atk: 1700/ Def: 1000) - I overlay "Abyss Soldier" and "Mother Grizzly" both level 4. With these two monsters I build the overlay network! O creature of legends, emerge from the depths of the world and let your roar echo through the tides. Summon Xyz! Awaken, Bahamut Shark! -

Ren stepped back as the entire area was invaded by fierce gusts of wind and violent jets of water. A huge vortex materialized inside, from which a rather menacing figure emerged. It was an aquatic-looking creature, bipedal and powerful, with large clawed legs. Two pairs of wings grew on its back, followed by another smaller pair, along with a mighty finned tail. Purplish highlights scattered all over his body accentuated the contrast between cerulean and ivory, tribal markings meant to intimidate, and from the expression painted on the boy's face, they were succeeding perfectly. (Rank 4/Atk: 2600/Def: 2100/Material: 2)

- However...sympathetic that little beast - declared the young man.

- I would advise you not to joke about it too much or you might get into a sea of trouble - replied the opponent, bursting into laughter.

- Oh dear, someone with a worse sense of humor than me, we're doing well - replied the other one.

- We'll see if you still feel like joking. I activate the spell card " Silent Hunter" from my hand, and choose my monster xyz as a target: in this turn, it can attack a second time. -

- "Damn!" -

- Battle! My fierce beast attacks your "Flamvell Grunika". Aqua Razor! - The sea serpent lashes out at great speed at the Fire-type monster, repeatedly striking it with its sharp claws and reducing it to a sieve. (8000-900 = 7100) - Continue the assault against the face-down monster - The creature continued its offensive, revealing a creepy-looking doll-like creature shrouded in flames - Thanks to the "Huminotaurus" effect, every time one of my Fish, Sea Serpent or Water type monsters that I control attacks a defending monster, you take piercing damage - the girl explained (7100 - 2400 = 4900)

- The effect of "Burning Horror Doll" is triggered - the two-color has intervened - When it is destroyed, I can add from my deck to my hand a Fire attribute monster with a defense equal to 200 points, I choose to add "Burning Horror Goo" -.

- Tsk, but now you're defenseless anyway and I still have an attack to make. Go Uminotaurus! - The mollusk warrior launched himself at the defenseless duelist, but he stopped instantly.

- Stop where you are! I activate the trap card "Burning Horror Block", thanks to which I can end the battle and especially summon a "Burning Horror" monster of level 4 or lower, Come to me, "Burning Horror Ghost" - A skeletal humanoid completely shrouded in a cloud of smoking dust made its entrance on the ground, raising its right limb, on which a tiny flame shone. (Lv3/ Atk: 1300/ Def: 200)

- Tsk... you may have managed to save yourself, but don't sing victory too soon, I still have many surprises in store for you, and trust me... you won't like them -

- Now I'm really worried - replied the other with an almost mocking tone.

- "Yes, keep on playing poor deluded man, you'll see, I'll send you to the deepest abyss" - I put a face-down card and pass you the hand. I really want to see how you will do, besides, I see with pleasure that you have decided to play your archetype, I'm glad, so I can personally destroy it! -

- Didn't anyone ever tell you that you're a psychopath? - asked the boy, drawing from his deck.

- Not one who was still alive to say it -.

- O-O-OK..., I start by summoning "Burning Horror Goo" on my field - A fiery mush materializes on the ground, eliciting a rather horrified reaction from his opponent (Lv 4/Atk: 1200/Def: 200) - Then I immediately activate its effect: once per turn, I can summon via Fusion, a Fusion monster from my Extra Deck, using this card and a "Burning Horror" monster on the field or in my hand.I fuse "Burning Horror Goo" and "Burning Horror Ghost". Prepare yourself, you are about to observe one of the incarnations of fear itself. Ravenous creature that dwells in the night, burn your prey with the searing flames of your being and let them envelop everything. Summon for fusion! Follow your destructive instincts, Burning Horror Werewolf! -

What appeared to be a fiery cloud spread across the playing field, forcing those present to repair their sight. When it finally cleared, something truly frightening had taken its place. The creature looked something like a canine, but much larger and more massive. It was quadrupedal, but could easily stand on two legs. It was covered in thick brown fur and its tail was quite thick and powerful. Its elongated snout sported sharp fangs and its bloodshot eyes struck fear into anyone who passed it. Its ribcage was clearly visible, due to the constant fire that burned there, as well as the back of its own limbs, which were also coated in flames. (Lv6/Atk: 2400/Def: 800)

- One of my favorite monsters - explained the boy, looking at his opponent - Activates the effect of "Burning Horror Ghost": when used as a material for an evocation through Fusion, it makes the monster summoned through that method gain 400 attack points. - (2400+400 = 2800 Atk)

- Come on! - said the opponent

- I ask no better. Battle! I attack "Bahamut Shark".- The wolf pounces on its prey, tearing it to pieces with its sharp fangs (6900 - 200 = 6700) - The effect of this frightening beast activates: when it destroys a monster in battle and sends it to the graveyard, it inflicts 800 points of damage and can launch a second attack. (6700 - 800 = 5900) - Now go, Wild Charge! - shredded the last opponent's monster, inflicting a hard blow to the girl (5900 - 1100 = 4800) - And then another 800 life points make you bye bye - (4800 - 800 = 4000) - I put a face-down card and end my turn -

- A beast of destructive power I must admit - declared the girl

- I suppose, as you have tried to reiterate several times, you and whoever else cares about me and my friends' lives, have already memorized our dueling tactics and especially our decks. So I wonder, why you didn't try to counter or stop my last play? -

- Who says it wasn't all calculated? - he asked energetically drawing from the deck - What you just saw was just a taste, you should fasten your seatbelts... The duel is about to start! -

Vital Draw: Quick-play Spell Card: Discard a water-type monster from your hand or send it from your deck to the graveyard: draw 2 cards

Inhabitant Of The Sources:

Attribute: Water type [Aqua/Effect] Atk: 1300 Def: 1500 Level: 4. When this card is discarded from your hand or sent from your deck to the graveyard following the activation of a card effect: Add a Level 4 or lower Water attribute monster from your deck and draw 1 card.

Updraft: Quick-play Spell Card: Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Water Attribute monster from your hand

Silent Hunter: Normal Spell Card: Target a face-up Water Attribute monster you control: It can make a second attack this turn during the Battle Phase.

Burning Horror Doll:

Attribute: Fire type [Pyro/Effect] Atk: 200 Def: 200 Level: 1. When this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard: Add 1 Fire monster with 200 Def from your Deck to your hand.

Burning Horror Goo:

Attribute: Fire type [Pyro/Effect] Atk: 1200 Def: 200 Level: 4.Once per turn: You can Fusion Summon 1 "Burning Horror" Fusion Monster using Fusion Material Monsters from your hand, or your side of the field (including this card).

Burning Horror Block: Normal Trap Card: If an opponent's monster attacks you directly, negate the attack and end the Battle Phase, then you can summon a level 4 or lower "Burning Horror" monster from your hand.

Burning Horror Ghost:

Attribute: Fire type [Pyro/Effect] Atk: 1300 Def: 200 Level: 3. Once per turn, you can tribute 1 Pyro-Type monster you control to have all face-up "Burning Horror" monsters you control gain 800 ATK, until the End Phase of your turn. If this card is used as a material for summoning a Fusion monster, it gains 400 Atk points

Burning Horror Werewolf:

Attribute: Fire type [Pyro/Fusion/Effect] Atk: 2400 Def: 800. 2 "Burning Horror Monsters".

If this card destroys your opponent's monster and sends it to the Graveyard: Inflict 800 damage to your opponent, and it can make a second consecutive attack, but the battle damage this card inflicts to your opponent is halved if this card attacks your opponent directly this way.

Hi people, here we are with a new chapter of this story, which I hope you are finding interesting. Today, we saw Ren in action, what do you say, will he be able to defeat this unstoppable opponent? You will find out soon ...