Taking a stroll, Relon passes by the damaged structure giving a glance to immediately look away.
Good news; no classes meaning Anna and I can study more for our tests. Even better news; I can focus all of my extra free time on dueling. Bad news; I have no one to duel.
Looking at some fellow students pass by, he notes their gazes on him, his eyes remaining forward.
Either everyone won't duel me because of yesterday or my reputation. Anna's at the ninth spot while I'm at the eighth with Gaven at ten. Honestly, ranking means nothing if someone like me doesn't use their actual deck. For all I know, there could be a bunch of students, even those in the top 10 who have yet to reveal their actual decks.
Stopping in place, his eyes furrow at the thought.
I went and revealed my only advantage in the school but for those who haven't, if any are in the top 10, then just how good are they…? At the question, a shiver traces down his spine. I can still get better. I've only heard of a few students at the academy signing into the circuit. The fact that those with sponsors can get their own cards made albeit to an extent is still insane and bullshit. Not to mention unfair.
It's taken me years to refine my Gladiator Beast deck into what it is now. But the problem still remains no matter what I do. My deck revolves around attacking and replacing monsters with other monsters that help me. If I can't attack, I'm basically at a disadvantage. Not to mention if I have to go first, dear god it took me years to fix my deck to play defensive since attacking just makes everything easier. Anna's deck simply dealt with bricking in regards to her high level monsters. And some other personal complaints but that doesn't matter at the moment.
Stopping at a park, his eyes glossed over the large area encompassed by a fence. A sidewalk circling around a large lake housing a basic fountain at its epicenter. Numerous benches and other accessories belonging to any other park are scattered about. Several dueling areas amongst said locations.
When was the last time Anna and I just went for a walk? It feels like forever considering she's always on her rocket.
"Hmm?" Halting in place along with his thoughts, Relon's head perks up to the sound of laughter.
Turning in the direction of the source, he finds a lone boy on a bench a little ways away laughing his ass off. Tilting his head, Relon continues to eye the boy. As he does, his gaze falls to his attire consisting of hoodie, cargo pants, and messy hair over his brown eyes. The teen himself somewhat on the short side slightly under Relon's height.
"The look on that guy's face was too funny!" The teen laughs.
Is he talking to someone? Squinting his eyes as he pretends to walk buy, he sees no ear piece. Nope. Then, either he's taken talking to himself to the extreme or… he's a clairvoyant.
With the evolution of Duel Monsters also came the evolution of human beings. The expansion in scientific fields supporting not only the card game but the very lives of humans began to expand across the globe. Before long, children began to shape what was once considered their imaginary friend or friends into what society now deems duel spirits. Many believe that one's association is so strong, the child gives the object of interest a soul. Much is still being researched over the renowned phenomenon. To this day, there are famous duelists and non-duelists who claim to have the capabilities to interact with said spirits both young and old.
With how common they are, it wouldn't be a surprise. He shrugs continuing on passing by a group of guys stomping past him. I remember Anna wanting to be one for the longest time but nothing ever happened. We could only surmise that duel spirits had to be actual monsters and not machines.
"Finally found you!" One of them sounds for Relon to look over his shoulder at the group of thug-like teens their age surround the possible-clairvoyant.
"Oh, sup. Went and got your buddies, huh?" The boy speaks through laughter soon calming himself. "So, whatcha tryna do? Four against one isn't exactly fair." He notes outstretching his arms along the top of the bench.
"Stop acting cocky just because you got a lucky win! This time, I'll show you what happens when I get serious!"
"Luck? Nah, that was just skill. Something you're lacking a lot of." The teen waves off which only seems to anger the lead grunt. "Huh?" He looks to his left at nobody before he holds back another chuckle. "You're right, he does look like one." He stifles his laughter as the gang member before him continues to fume, his form beginning to tremble in response.
"That's it!" She shouts, reeling back a punch for a hand to grab it. "Huh? Which of you idiots stopped me?" He growls looking to see his posy all in front of him.
Turning, his eyes widened at the bandaged hand firmly holding his on in place by the wrist.
"Talking smack is fine and all, but deciding to get physical isn't something we students do."
"Hmpf!" He grunts, yanking his arm away from Relon. "Acting all high and mighty just because of your ranking, stay out of this!" He turns.
"Ranking has nothing to do with this dumbass." Relon crosses his arms.
"What'd you call me?!"
"A dumbass, Dumbass. Clearly you were about to swing so anyone with half a heart would interject."
"LMAO!" All turn to the boy of interest wheezing hunched over holding his stomach.
Did he actually say lmao?
"Grrr, quit it!" The grunt quickly attempts a kick at his head.
"Nope." The jokester responds moving with ease out of the way and onto his feet for the coming foot to hit the hard bench.
"Ouch." Is all that comes from Relon as the idiot holds his aching foot as his friends gather around him.
"That's what you get." The joker comments resting his hands at his hips. "Clearly you can't win in a duel against me so you have to resort to more forceful tactics. Surely, the only solution for a guy with zero brain cells." He points to his own head.
"That's it! Duel us!"
"Now why would I do that?" He tilts his head. "What do I have to gain from wiping the floor with you lackeys aside from listening in on Gaven roast you?"
I thought they looked familiar. Some of them were with Gaven yesterday…
"Hm? What's that?" He looks to the side once again at no one. "I mean I could." He hums, seeming to count the grunts glaring at him though he is unaffected. "You're right, it is faster that way." He nods before turning his sights on Relon.
I think I know where this is going. Relon mentally sweat drops.
"Tag duel?"
"Tag duel."
"I figured as much." Relon sighs, both walking to a duel field as the grunts follow a small distance across from them.
"You didn't have to step in, you know? I would have been fine."
"I know. Fighting someone with a duel spirit can be a nasty thing from what I've read." At this, the teen halts, his head jerking as if taken aback before turning to Relon. "It's kinda obvious."
"Huh. Most people just assume I'm crazy. Not many believe in the whole duel spirit concept." He says before they continue on.
"Times have changed. There's more proof now than ever before. People need to just pull their heads out their asses and accept what's clearly there." Relon shrugs.
"So you believe in them? Duel spirits I mean." A nod comes as they stop on one side of the field as the grunts do as well. "I'm glad." A smile gracing his face before he points to himself. "Name's Nile. Nile Vance."
"Relon. Relon Lucinance."
"Oh, trust me, I know who you are."
"Sadly, I wish people didn't." Relon mutters looking away.
"Hm?"
"Nothing. Nothing. Ready?"
"Yup. Alright idiots numbers one through four!" Nile cups his hands before hollering. "Since you guys want to get beaten, one of you again, so badly, this is what we'll do since we all have lives we want to get back to. My kind companion Relon and I shall tag duel any duo. After we win, we'll do the same to the next group. After that win, we can all go about our day. Sounds good? Great." He ends readying his duel disk, the same classic model as Relon's.
So he is a student… Relon muses in thought readying his own duel disk.
"You can't be serious? Why the hell would we fight a top 10?!" Another grunt demands.
"So you're saying you don't want to take this opportunity to beat him?" Nile inquires with a smirk, the four idiots seeming to go into thought before looking to another.
They can't be that stupid. I'm not being overconfident in my skills but…
"YOU'RE ON!" The four resound in unison.
All Relon can do is facepalm.
The hell did I get myself into. I tried to help and poked my head into something that didn't concern me and now I'm questioning if I was even needed.
"Phil, let's get 'em!"
"You read my mind, Tyler!"
The first two walk forward readying their duel disks.
"8000 life points sound good to you guys? I feel 4000 will be over too quickly."
"Hmpf, think we'll need them do you? You'll regret that. 8000 it is!"
"Sheesh, what's got them so worked up?"
"I can only wonder." Relon muses with a shake of his head.
I should have gone with Anna.
"DUEL!"
Turn 1
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 5
Phil and Tyler LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 5
"Since it's four against three, I'll make the first move!"
"You idiot, there's only two of you." Tyler notes.
"Unless you're talking about your imaginary friend, bwahaha!" Phil taunts.
"Oh, talking shit are ya? Alright then, I summon Traptrix Myrmeleo!" A girl with insectoid horns and a reddish-brown outfit with wooly pants appears to wave at Relon and Nile.
Level: 4, attribute: earth, type: insect, ATK: 1600, DEF: 1200.
"Myrmeleo's effect activates! When normal summoned, I can add one 'hole' normal trap from my deck to my hand. I choose Gravedigger's Trap Hole. Alright, time to link summon. Sera, let's show these guys what happens when they trash talk!" Myrmeleo is turned into a red light before a small light green-haired girl with two ponytails.
Link: 1, attribute: earth, type: plant, ATK: 800.
Turning around, she too waves at Relon before speaking for an audible noise to sound from her.
"Yeah, let's make them hate the game." Nile grins, Sera turning around and sticking her tongue out as well as pulling her eyelid down.
"Why you…!"
"I set five cards facedown and end my turn."
'Traptrix, huh? They must revolve around a heavy backrow' Relon thought.
Turn 2
"My turn! I draw!" Phil shouts. "We'll make you regret that snarky attitude of yours and AND your monster's!"
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 0 and 5
Phil and Tyler LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 6 and 5
"Bet you can't even spell snarky." Nile smirks.
"S-n-a-r-c-i-e, ha!"
The sound of another facepalm comes from Relon.
"See? We're surrounded by idiots." Nile nudges Relon.
"You're not making things better."
"It's fiiiiiiiiiine." Nile dismisses.
"I activate Icejade Cradle!" Phil calls out. "I can add an Icejade monster from my deck and I choose Icejade Aegirne. Next, I'll use Icejade Tremora's effect. By sending this to the graveyard, I can special summon one water monster from my hand."
"Nah." Nile says. "I activate Gravedigger's Trap Hole. I can negate your card's effect and hit you with 2000 points of damage."
"Aye yo, WHAT?!" Watching as a goblin shovels Tremora back to the graveyard, it throws its shovel to hit Phil knocking him over. "Oof! I'll get you for that!" He growls getting up.
Phil and Tyler LP: 8000 minus 2000 → 6000
"Tch." The leader clicks in annoyance. "I told you idiots to watch out for that backrow!"
"Easier said than done! Not all of us have cards like Twin Twisters or Haprie's Feather Duster! Let alone the power to control the cards we draw!"
"That's why I run Anti-Spell Fragrance." Nile hisses under his breath out of nowhere to Relon's mild surprise. "Can you idiots hurry up?" He calls, his dark visage already having vanished.
"You shut up!" Phil shouts.
"No thanks, I'm good. Sera, activate your effect buddy."
"What's its effect?" Relon asks.
"When a normal trap is activated, I can special summon a Traptrix from my deck. And I'm choosing Traptrix Dionaea." A young girl within a venus fly trap appears. "Dionaea's effect pops. Since it was special summoned, I can target a 'hole' trap card in my graveyard but I have to banish it the next time I use it. Gravedigger's Trap Hole returns.
"Damn it, fine! I summon Icejade Aegirine!" A transparent girl in a frilly dress with twin tails appears.
Level: 3, attribute: water, type: aqua, ATK: 1000, DEF: 2000.
"Since I did, I can add an Icejade spell or trap of my choice from my deck to my hand. I choose and activate the field spell Icejade Cenote Enion Cradle!"
"Nope again." Nile calls out, Sera wagging a finger.
"Now what?!" Tyler groans.
"I activate Heavy Storm. I can destroy up to two spells or traps on the field but by doing this, I can't conduct the battle phase. Good thing it's not my turn, right Relon?" Nile grins to meet the protagonist sporting a deadpan expression. "I choose your field spell and my middle facedown." He points as does Sera.
"Your own card?" Phil exclaims clearly taken aback. "Why?"
"Simple idiot number two." He puts up two fingers as does Sera. "So I can activate its effect. Artifact Scythe, come on out!" He calls, a literal scythe wielded by a lengthy entity appearing next to Dionaea.
Level: 5, attribute: light, type: fairy, ATK: 2200, DEF: 900.
"Fun fact; I can set this monster in the spell and trap card zone. Once it's destroyed during your turn, I can special summon it back to the monster zone. In addition, you can't special summon any monsters from your extra deck for the rest of the turn." He finishes with a proud breath.
A monster that can act as a spell and trap. Not to mention a powerful effect. The only downside being if it's destroyed during the opponent's phase yet he simply destroyed it himself. He even cleared up some of our backrow. Nile may seem like a cocky troll, but he knows what he's doing.
"ARGH, WHY THE HELL DO YOU HAVE SO MANY TRAPS?!" Phil roars in fury pulling at his hair.
"Your turn takes like 20 minutes without negating anything so can you hurry it up and end your turn, dear lord." He eyerolls as does Sara.
I can't tell whose mimicking whom. Relon sweatdrops.
"Now I'm getting even more mad! I activate Icejade Creation Kingfisher's effect. I can equip it onto a water monster I control. I choose Aegirine!"
"Oh?"
"Since I did, I can special summon it and return a monster you control with attack points less than Aegirine's." A cyan bird-like creature with multiple wings not attached flies out from ice on the ground.
Level: 9, attribute: water, type: aqua, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2500.
"Later twerp!" He waves with a cocky smirk as Sera begins to raise her hand before she is sent back to the extra deck with a burst of water.
"I end my turn."
"Was she about to…?" Relon begins easily recognizing the hand gesture he would have seen.
"I end my turn. Hmpf. No more of that annoying card."
"Nice work, leave the rest to me, Phil."
"Will do."
"So you calling Sera a twerp, huh…?" About to draw, Relon looks to Nile who holds narrowed eyes on the two before lightening up. "Hey Relon, c'mere for a sec." He gestures.
Tilting his head, he whispers some things into Beast-user's ear before Relon nods.
"Thanks. I'll keep those in mind. I draw!"
Turn 3
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 0 and 6
Phil and Tyler LP: 6000. Number of cards in hand: 3 and 5
"Watch out, you two. This guy-"
"Shut up." Relon calls out, not a care in the world in his demeanor. "You're not dueling and I'm sure these two don't need help considering you all know who I am."
"Say that again, I-"
"I activate the spell, Gladiator Proving Ground." Relon interrupts. "I can add a level four or lower Gladiator Beast from my deck to my hand. I add Gladiator Beast Darius. Next, I activate the field spell, Colosseum - Cage of the Gladiator Beasts. Then, I'll summon Darius!" A bipedal horse with some armor and an electric whip appears.
Level: 4, attribute: earth, type: beast-warrior, ATK: 1700, DEF: 300.
"Darius, attack Aegirine!" Unleashing its whip, it zooms towards the young girl.
"I activate Aegirine's effect! Once per turn, I can negate its destruction as well as special summon a water monster from my hand or graveyard. I special summon Icejade Tremora!" A young cyan colored woman sitting on a sphere with others smaller spheres connected to said sphere float around her.
Level: 5, attribute: water, type: aqua, ATK: 1500, DEF: 300.
Phil and Tyler LP: 6000 minus 700 → 5300
"Artifact Scythe! Cleave 'em!"
Phil and Tyler LP: 5300 minus 1200 → 4100
"Ack!"
"That's for Sera." Relon calls out to Nile's surprise.
"Dionaea, take out Tremora!" Dionaea opening her arms out for a hug as the venus fly trap chomps down on Tremora. "Darius' effect activates. I replace it with another Gladiator Beast and so I'll special summon Augustus!"
Level: 8, attribute: dark, type: winged beast, ATK: 2600, DEF: 1000.
"Colosseum's effect activates!"
Colosseum counter: 0 → 1
Augustus' effect activates; when special summoned by another Gladiator Beast, I can special summon another one from my hand! I choose a second Augustus! Next, I'll send both back to my deck in order to fusion summon Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor!"
Level: 8, attribute: dark, type: Beast-Warrior, ATK: 2400 → 2500, DEF: 3000 → 3100.
"Tamer Editor's effect allows me to special summon a Gladiator Beast fusion monster ignoring its summoning conditions! Arise from the murky depths and seize thy foes for all to spectate! I fusion summon, Gladiator Beast Domitianus!"
Level: 10, attribute: dark, type: Sea Serpent, ATK: 3500 → 3600, DEF: 1200 → 1300.
"I activate Trap Trick! By banishing the trap card, Defensive Tactics, I can set one on the field from my deck."
"That's Nile's card!" Phil exclaims.
"In a tag duel, we're sharing not just our life points dumbass!" Relon calls out. I set one more card and end my turn."
"I'll show you whose dumb!" Tyler growls drawing a card.
Turn 4
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 0 and 2
Phil and Tyler LP: 4100. Number of cards in hand: 3 and 6
"Hmpf, let's get started! I send Nauya, the Ogdoadic Remnant in order to send a light reptile from my deck to the graveyard!"
"Domitianus' effect activates. I can negate your monster effect."
"Seriously?! Tch, fine! I'll attack that other Traptrick then!" He orders, Kingfisher switching to attack position.
"You idiot, stop!" The lead thug exclaims but it's too late.
Soaring for Dionaea, Kingfisher suddenly changes its target to Domitianus.
Readying its trident, it releases a roar before stabbing the bird as it is destroyed.
Phil and Tyler LP: 4100 minus 1100 → 3000
"Considering we're in the same duel class, I'd figured you would remember about Domitianus' effect of changing attack targets." Relon calls over with crossed arms.
"You dumbass, do you not pay attention?"
"M-My bad alright?! Damn! I set a monster facedown and end my turn."
Drawing his card, Nile glances at Relon for a moment before back ahead.
Turn 5
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 1 and 2
Phil and Tyler LP: 3000. Number of cards in hand: 3 and 4
"I set one card facedown." Nile begins, his gaze focusing on the two gulping as a shiver runs down their spines. "Good game, assholes. Hey Relon-"
"Go ahead." he waves off with his bandaged arm awaiting this duel to end.
"Thank you kindly, good sir! I switch Tamer Editor to attack position! Battle! Tamer Editor attacks Kingfisher!" Both monsters attack.
"I activate my trap, Defensive Tactics!" Relon calls out. All face-up Gladiator Beast monsters can't be destroyed by battle."
"Can't be destroyed?!" Tyler exclaims as their monster is destroyed.
"I activate Tremora's graveyard effect to-"
"Domitianus negates that!" Relon intervenes for Phil to grit his teeth.
Looking at Relon who nods, Nile continues his assault.
"Artifact Scythe, attack that facedown!" Doing so, it's destroyed. "Game over! Domitianus, rip 'em apart!"
Raising its trident, it plunges it at the two. The force of the attack sending them off their feet landing before the other two.
Phil and Tyler LP: 3000 minus 3600 → 0
Winners: Nile and Relon
Losers: Phil and Tyler
"You idiot, argh, fine then. It's payback time for earlier!" The leader growls. "Butch, let's get em!"
"You don't have to tell me, Neil." The guy grins, the losers stepping back in defeat.
"Thanks again, Relon." Nile calls over shuffling his deck.
"Don't thank me. I'm just doing what anyone would. We can talk more after we beat them." He says finishing his own shuffling as he places it back into the deck compartment.
"... Heh, deal. Alright idiots number one and two, let's wrap this up!"
"I'll personally make you eat those words.
"DUEL!"
Turn 1
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 5
Butch and Neil LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 5
"Here we go!' Nile grins. "I summon Traptrix Myrmeleo. You already know her effect so I'm choosing Floodgate Trap Hole. I set five cards facedown and next I'll link summon my oh so adorable and precious friend, Sera!" Once more, the tiny girl appears with a spin lowering her arm and finger as if she just finished her finger gesture from before to wave at the two boys.
All Relon can do is blink in disbelief as the young duel monster turns her attention back to their opponents.
"We end our turn." He calls with a whip of his hand to the side as Sera does the same.
"Show them what's good, Butch!"
"My turn, I draw!"
Turn 2
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 0 and 5
Butch and Neil LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 6 and 5
"Bitchsaywhat?!" Nile blurts.
"What?" Butch questions
"Huh?" Nile responds.
"What'd you say?!"
"Who?" Nile looks between himself and Relon.
"You!" Butch points.
"Me?" Relon points to himself with a tilt of his head.
"Not you, him!"
"I said what?" Nile asks.
"What did you say?!"
"I asked what did you say!"
"I said it's my turn so I drew!"
"Oooooh, okay!" Nile gives a thumbs up, Sera snickering as Relon can only avert his head holding in his laughter at Nile's antics.
None of them realized it either. He thinks calming himself as he refocuses on the duel.
"Thanks to Night Express Knight's effect, I can normal summon it without tributing but its original attack becomes zero!" From the ground shooting into the air is a knight connected to a large train floating above and behind the goons.
Level: 10, attribute: earth, type: machine, ATK: 3000 → 0, DEF: 3000.
He uses the same card as Anna.
"You can have it back." Nile says pointing to his facedown as it flips up revealing Compulsory Evacuation Device, Butch's monster returning to his hand.
"Now I'll use Sera's effect!"
"Not this time!" Butch interrupts, I activate the spell, Forbidden Droplet! I can send any number of cards from my hand and/or field to the graveyard and negate your monster's effect as well as half their attack points. I'm getting rid of another Express Knight!"
Sera ATK: 800 → 400
Looking as a light overtakes her, Sera gives the most deadpan expression Relon has ever seen. Looking to Nile, he sees the duelist holding the same demeanor.
"Really dudes? Y'all just hate Sera, huh? Fine then, I activate my trap, Anti-Spell Fragrance!" At this, Relon widens before his eyes droop, his head slowly turning to Nile.
"Crap, now I can't resummon my monster this turn." Butch growls. "I set two cards and end my turn."
"Ha, that's what you asshats get for bullying Sera, right Relon? Uh, what's wrong with you?" He tilts his head meeting Relon's deadpanned demeanor, one that rivals Sera's own.
"... Nothing." Relon sighs heavily drawing his card.
Turn 3
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 0 and 6
Butch and Neil LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 2 and 5
Sera ATK: 400 → 800
"Tch." Relon clicks.
One spell for searching a Gladiator Beast and another for special summoning one from my hand or graveyard and I can't even use them.
Giving a side glance to Nile who takes notice smiling and waving, Relon closes his eyes thinking. Opening them his gaze focuses.
"I summon Test Tiger." A small tiger cub with armor around its body pounces onto the field.
"You're not summoning a Gladiator Beast?"
"Can't. Fragrance." He answers for Nile's eyes to open a little bit bigger in realization.
"It's fine. I can work with this. Better to stop your opponent than hinder your ally."
"You say that from experience with tag duels?"
"Yeah. My best friend and I grew up either dueling against each other or together so tag duels are sort of a second nature for my deck and I."
"Ha! He hindered Lucinance's deck! What an idiot!" Butch laughs as do the others except Neil.
"One of their facedowns is a card that can revive a monster from the graveyard most likely." Relon notes ignoring the others.
"Maybe a Monster Reborn? Premature Burial or Call of the Haunted?"
"Won't know just guessing." Relon answers. Test Tiger, Sera, attack!" Acknowledging, both duelists stagger as one is hit with Test Tiger's claw and the other is hit by Sera's pollen.
Butch and Neil LP: 8000 minus 1400 → 6600
"I set one card and end my turn."
"Finally! Now we can really get started!" Neil bellows drawing with a powerful swipe of his arm.
Turn 4
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 0 and 4
Butch and Neil LP: 6600. Number of cards in hand: 2 and 6
"I summon Rescue Rabbit!" A rabbit with a mining hat and goggles with a radio around its neck appears.
Level: 4, attribute: earth, type: beast, ATK: 300, DEF: 100.
"Floodgate Trap Hole." Nile calls nonchalantly, the monster immediately hidden as it changes to facedown defense position.
"Mother, mmm, fine! I set three cards and end my turn! Coward hiding behind his back row…!" He growls
"Finally!" Nile copies Neil's dramatic gesture which only infuriates the teen more.
Turn 5
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 1 and 4
Butch and Neil LP: 6600. Number of cards in hand: 2 and 2
"I set one card and end my turn." He says looking to both side's entire backline full.
"That's it?" Butch wonders.
"Their monsters have low attack points so of course he won't attack." Neil notes as Butch draws."
Turn 6
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 0 and 4
Butch and Neil LP: 6600. Number of cards in hand: 3 and 2
I summon back out Night Express Knight! Now, I activate the spell, Special Schedule! I can target a machine in my graveyard with 3000 or more attack points and special summon it in defense position! I choose my other Knight!"
"I activate Heavy Storm Duster!" I choose the two cards on the right."
"Then I'll activate one of them!" Neil interjects. "The Phantom Knights of Shadow Veil. I can choose a monster and increase its attack and defense points by 300! I choose our Knight!"
First Night Express Knight ATK: 0 → 300, DEF: 3000 → 3300
Second Night Express Night ATK: 3000, DEF: 3000.
"Well there goes three of their five cards in their back row." Nile comments. "I activate Sera's effect that you rudely negated before and then I activate the trap, Network Trap Hole! Whenever a monster is special summoned to my opponent's side of the field from the deck or graveyard, I can banish it facedown!"
"No!" Butch exclaims
"Shit." Neil growls.
"But don't forget about Sera! Her effect pops and I special summon Myrmeleo. Myrmeleo's effect now activates! Since it was special summoned, I can destroy one spell or trap you two have!" At this both widen. "I choose the second from the left.
"No!" Butch exclaims as its revealed to be a Monster Reborn before it is destroyed.
"Oof, I felt that one." Relon winces.
"Bullseye!" Nile grins pumping a fist into the air. "Let's keep the momentum going! Since Myrmeleo's effect was activated, I can activate Sera's second effect and set a 'Hole' normal trap from my deck directly onto my field. You remember this from earlier, aye Neil?"
"Grrrr!"
"I'm choosing Time-Space Trap Hole!"
"Whose turn was it again?" Tyler asks.
"I honestly lost track a while ago." Phil admits.
"I end my turn…" Butch growls.
"I'm up." Relon draws to smirk. "Time to do what we Gladiators do best."
"Run wild?"
"You know it."
Turn 7
Nile and Relon LP: 8000. Number of cards in hand: 0 and 5
Butch and Neil LP: 6600. Number of cards in hand: 1 and 2
"I summon Gladiator Beast Attorix! A can with a bent sword and shield.
Level: 4, attribute: earth, type: beast-warrior, ATK: 800, DEF: 2000.
"Next, I use Test Tiger's effect. By tributing it, I can return Attorix to my deck in order to special summon a Gladiator Beast from my deck! I choose Augustus! His effect activates allowing me to special summon Gladiator Beast Noxious.
Level: 5, attribute: dark, type: beast-warrior, ATK: 0, DEF: 1000.
"Noxious' effect activates allowing me to send a Gladiator Beast from my deck to the graveyard. I choose Vespasius. Now I activate my facedown spell, Gladiator Beast's Comeback! I can special summon a Gladiator Beast from my hand or graveyard as long as it's a different type from the monsters I control. I special summon Vespasius from my graveyard!
Level: 7, attribute: water, type: sea serpent, ATK: 2300, DEF: 0.
"This doesn't look good…!" Phil quips.
"I knew this was a bad idea!" Tyler squeals out.
"Quiet you losers!" Neil shouts.
"The only loser is you." Relon speaks calmly. "Acting all high and mighty, going out of your way to gang up on someone just because you lost. You're the biggest loser I've met aside from Gaven. You two deserve each other honestly."
"Come over here and say it! I dare you!"
"No need. I'll show you instead! I sacrifice Vespasius, Noxious, and Augustus back to my deck! I fusion summon the soaring raptor that cleaves its foes with a mighty caw, Gladiator Beast Andabata!" From a light of purple soars an avian armored creature hovering off the ground with a jetpack, a small shield and glowing blade in its hands
Level: 8, attribute: dark, type: beast-warrior, ATK: 1000, DEF: 2800.
"Whoa…!" Niles awes.
"Andabata's effect activates! Since it was fusion summoned, I can special summon a level seven or lower Gladiator Beast fusion monster from my deck ignoring their summoning conditions!"
"I thought that was Tamer Editor's job?!" Butch widens.
"I special summon Gladiator Beast Gyzarus!" An avian with bulk green armor and wings soars from the ground.
Level: 6, attribute: dark, type: winged beast, ATK: 2400, DEF: 1500.
"Gyzarus' effect allows for two cards to be destroyed and I choose your remaining facedowns! Jet Storm!" With a caw followed by a green whirlwind, both are destroyed revealing them to be Metal Reflect Slime and Drowning Mirror Force.
"No!" Neil widens.
"I'm not done yet! By returning my beasts to the extra deck, I can fusion summon!" He exclaims both monsters vanishing in a light. "I fusion summon, Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor! I activate its effect allowing me to special summon a Gladiator Beast fusion monster! Come back out Gyzarus and while you're at it, hit 'em with another Jet Storm!" Reappearing, it caws as with a flap of its wings, the remaining monster cards on their side of the field are destroyed.
"Gonna surrender or are you going to take this L with what little pride you have left?" Relon wonders, Nile in awe at the teen as is Sera.
"Bastard…!" Neil grits his teeth.
"Tamer Editor, Gyzarus!" An attack from a rod followed by gust of wind attacks the two as they stagger back.
Phil and Tyler LP: 6600 minus 4800 → 1800
"Myrmeleo!" A burst of dust flies at them sending further next to Tyler and Phil.
Phil and Tyler LP: 1800 minus 1600 → 200
"Nile?"
"Huh?"
"Why don't you two finish things?"
Widening, both look to one another to grin.
"Sera, yeet on them!" Jumping into the air over the four, she throws out her hands for a plume of pollen to burst knocking all four away to the ground.
Phil and Tyler LP: 200 minus 800 → 0
Winners: Nile and Relon
Losers: Phil and Tyler
"That was easy." Relon hums watching Sera land to wave to which he gives a gentle smile waving back as she and the other monsters fade away.
"That was awesome!"
Looking to his left at Nile rooting to himself, Relon looks over to see the four get to their feet. Taking notice, Nile looks as does Relon. Everyone holding stoic looks as Neil clicks his teeth before walking away with the three in tow.
"Looks like that takes care of that, huh?" A nod comes in response from Relon. "You really are kind, Relon." The sudden compliment causing Relon to stop looking at Nile for a moment before looking back to the distant thugs.
"Like I said, I just did what was right. You saw my duel with Gaven yesterday after all so it shouldn't be too hard to believe." He notes for Nile to widen his eyes before a chuckle escapes him.
"I should have known. Our class may be somewhat big but that doesn't make picking out the quiet ones hard. Considering we're in the same boat."
"The only difference between us is you have someone to talk to anytime you want. I don't." He chuckles, both walking along the sidewalk as they take in the scenery they've seen many times before.
"What about your girlfriend everyone always talks about? Anna I think?"
"For the umpteenth time, she isn't my girlfriend." She dismisses with a wave of his bandaged hand. "She's been there for me when I needed it most and so she remains."
"I didn't know you were poetic and philosophical."
"I'm not… completely. Just how I explain things from time to time."
"Still, that's nice of her. Whenever I see you two together on the duel field or just walking around, I can tell you're genuinely happy by that smile you both share. It's the same as Sera and I as well as the other Traptrix."
"I won't deny it. Anna is my rock. Simply put. And I'm pretty sure I'm hers as well. She gave up everything to help me in my most dire of times so I'm not taking anything for granted." He stops followed by Nile, both looking to the other. "It's a bond I want to remain firm forever. One that can't be severed. Not by anyone." A gentle breeze blowing as another smile graces Nile's lips as he turns facing the large pond.
"When I was young, I was quickly identified as one who could communicate with duel spirits. Sera was the first and sometime later, I began to see and talk to all the others like Myrmeleo. I was often teased at school because of it so I began to remain quiet to myself from that point on. Eventually after some transfers between schools, people forgot about me and I became a nobody. So I put a mask on my face. The shy quiet student would be what many would know until I stepped foot outside and took it off. Honestly, I didn't mind it at first. But as time went on, the days of little to no human interaction began to grow heavy. After a while, I forgot how to talk to people normally all together."
"Nile…"
"I swear I'm not trying to earn pity points or anything. Day in and day out, I repeated the same process. Eventually, I fell ill. My parents were worried about me and hired a professional. It was somewhat odd considering the cause of my status. All they could offer was some rest and so for a while, I stopped going to school. Laying in bed all day, I didn't feel anything inside but I knew something had to change. And so did Sera and the others. They helped me during my darkest hour…"
"... Heh, now who's the philosophical one?"
"Haha, you got me there. I began to interact with people again. Slowly yet not too much. Just enough to get my bearings. We also found a fun hobby of watching adult movies."
"That explains a lot."
"Yeaaaahhh, Sera and I have it bad. But, I feel the same way about my monsters as you do Anna. I was in a bad spot but I was also saved." He raises a hand to place it flat against his chest. "The bonds I've made between these cards, these souls, mean the world to me."
Remaining silent, Relon turns to face the large pond. A single line of words leaving his mouth.
"Having friends saves lives, I suppose."
"If that isn't the truth I don't know what is." Nile gently laughs in agreement.
After a moment of silence, both turn to face the other.
"We should get going. We got some errands to run."
"Same. I need to get to work on dinner. I'd go shopping but Anna stole my card so I need to see what we have available. We still have plenty of stuff still so it shouldn't be too difficult coming up with something…" He muses to himself.
"Hey Relon." Looking up from his thoughts, he sees a fist extended towards him. "Thanks for listening. Never knew it'd feel this good to get something like that off my chest."
"... I should be thanking you. You helped me out as well." He reels back to fist bump his new friend, an odd sensation hitting the top of his knuckle as they touch for his to widen looking at their connected fists. "See ya!" He grins, turning and running off.
Blinking, he looks to his fist before back to the running boy. A smirk gracing his features as he turns, placing his hands in his pockets and departing for home. Running out the opposite exit of the park, a light escapes his deck for Sera to fall onto his shoulders.
"He's nice." She notes with her usual smile
"Yeah..."
Pouting, she pulls his cheek though Nile continues his run.
"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! What was that for?"
"You better not replace me with him!"
"Were you not listening to our talk?!"
"I was." She lets go smiling. "I just wanted an excuse to mess with you." She admits to hop onto his head. "Relon Lucinance." She says looking back. "He's quite the guy. Think we could beat him?"
"Don't know." He answers without a moment's hesitation, a grin spreading across his face. "But I'd love to find out someday. Hopefully soon considering I'm rank 11 in the school."