It's time for the semifinals of the World Racing Grand Prix! It took a long time for me to write the script of the Turbo Duel between the two teams mentioned in the title. I hope you will enjoy it to the end.
Also, I gave the Three Emperors of Iliaster surnames based on the Three Tenors as their original names were based on.
Special thanks to CitrusUnshiu who designed the riding suit for Team Royal Knights! You can find Aki's team riding suit on my DeviantArt page. Sherry and Mizoguchi's riding suits will be revealed by the time the next chapter is posted.
The chapter begins in Aki's point of view.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's characters! I only own my OCs!
Chapter 99: Royal Knights VS. New World – Part 1
It was a shock to learn that Jack's old Turbo Duel against Dragan had been fixed by Goodwin back in the days when he was building up his fame as the new King of Games. After watching the movie "Atlas Rising: The Rise of Jack Atlas", which featured real life footage of Jack's Duels, we suspected the Turbo Duel could've ended up entirely differently if Dragan had activated his facedown Trap card. Jack was clearly upset by the truth, but I hoped his emotions weren't going to cloud his mind during the upcoming Turbo Duel.
Sherry, Mizoguchi, and I made final modifications of our Decks before it was time to go to bed. To be honest, I was getting nervous for the Turbo Duel against Team New World. The Three Emperors of Iliaster had used different archetypes in the quarterfinals, so my friends and I suspected they were waiting to use their Meklords against us Signers. In their quarterfinal, only Lester and Primo had Dueled and defeated Team The Arms with ease.
I prayed to the Crimson Dragon to protect and watch over us in case the Turbo Duel was going to turn violent. Yes, the main goal is to defeat Iliaster, but I didn't want to see any of us get hurt in the middle of it.
XXXXXXXXXX
The air got energized by the cheers from the audience and the aura of the semifinals in World Racing Grand Prix. After the quarterfinals with Team Taiyo writing history, the audience was probably expecting thrilling action and perhaps new legends to be written. Our team had a quick chat with Team 5D's in the private VIP rooms before we split up. The first semifinal Duel was between us and Team New World.
"Welcome to the semifinals of the World Racing Grand Prix!" the MC called loudly as the crowd grew louder. "After Monday's quarterfinals, we all are expecting more excitement than ever! Right now, the four teams that have survived so far are Team New World, Team Royal Knights, Team Ragnarok, and Team 5D's! One of these teams will become the first champions of the WRGP by the end of this week, so let's hope your favorite will win! Now, without any further ado, let's introduce the two teams who won in Block A; Team New World and Team Royal Knights!"
Sherry, Mizoguchi, and I walked out of the garage at the que with Mei and Sakura following us from behind. At the other side of the lane, the Three Emperors of Iliaster stepped out to their pit and gave the audience brief waves to acknowledge their admirers. My team did the same and waved to our fans. I couldn't help but giggle in embarrassment when I spotted some of the fans holding homemade signs that said the team's name. My eyes traveled to the right when I thought I saw someone who looked familiar. And I was right. Ran, my old upper classmate, sat on the gallery with a couple of people who I recognized being the members of Team Mantis. I remembered Ran's family business was the team's sponsor and she was the sponsor represent. I waved to her with a smile, which she responded to by giving a nod.
I spotted my parents sitting on the first row in the front. Seeing them brought a big smile on my face. They had truly redeemed themselves after everything that happened between us. They were so supportive in everything I did and encouraged me to spread my wings and prepare myself to become independent.
The MC gave each team five minutes of preparation, so Sherry, Mizoguchi, and I went through our plan. "We honestly don't know whether Iliaster will use their Meklord Emperors against us, so we must act with precaution", Sherry said. "Aki, you'll be our first rider."
"Yes", I nodded before I put my helmet on and pulled the visor down.
Mei and Sakura helped me roll my Duel Runner out of the garage and did the final checks with Mizoguchi. I stood on the side and waited to get the go sign. I saw from the periphery of my right eye how Sherry's body shook a little bit. I turned to look properly and saw she was glaring at the Three Emperors with her arms crossed.
"You'll pay for what you've done, Iliaster…", Sherry growled as the hand resting on her left arm tightened its grip.
I couldn't imagine what she could possibly be feeling right now. I hadn't lost anyone as brutally as she did, but I knew the feeling of revenge like what I used to feel for Sayer after finding out the truth about the Arcadia Movement. That's why I was going to do everything in my power to help Sherry carry out her revenge by defeating our common enemy.
Once the others gave me the go sign, I grabbed my Deck and got onto the Runner before inserting the Deck in the Wrist Dealer. I checked the display and saw no errors, so I was ready to drive out to the start line.
"Hey", Sherry called all of the sudden.
I looked up and saw the blonde female stood next to the Duel Runner with a poker face. "Be careful", she told me.
I nodded in response with a determined expression. "I will, and I'll do my best", I said before driving out to the main lane.
"Good luck, Aki!" Mei shouted behind me.
"Beat New World with your roses!" Sakura shouted.
I chuckled softly at their encouragement before I slowed down and braked in front of the start line. Lester was already waiting for me on his Duel Board.
"Well, look who it is; a Signer!" Lester giggled in a high-pitched voice. "I look forward clipping your roses."
"Don't underestimate the roses, Lester", I retorted nonchalantly, refusing to lose control of my emotions. "They sting hard if you're not careful."
"We'll see about that", Lester replied.
"The first Duelists have been decided!" the MC announced. "It's Team New World's Lester Pavarotti versus Team Royal Knights' Izayoi Aki! Turbo Duelists, activate the Field Spell!"
"Speed World 2, set!"
The Solid Vision was activated just as the holographic screen for the countdown appeared above me and Lester. It started counting down in the same pace as my anxiety increased for each second. I had a reason to be nervous because the Three Emperors were unpredictable.
"Turbo Duel! Acceleration!" the MC yelled as the countdown lamp turned green.
I revved the Duel Runner before twisting the throttle to get a good head start. Lester surprisingly kept up with me as he didn't have any throttle to speed up his Duel Board.
"The Duel starts after the Duelists enter the Duel lane! The one who passes the corner first will have the first turn!" the MC's voice echoed in my helmet.
The first corner was coming up. I had to get there first so I could set up my field. I leaned to the right so I could get in front of Lester and block his path. I looked over my shoulder just as I was about to get to the right lane when Lester somehow managed to accelerate and he was coming at such a high speed that we could end up colliding.
I panicked and steered back to my lane, giving way for Lester to drive past me. I'd rather give up on the first turn than to end up in an accident and hurt myself.
"Lester has overtaken Aki and he takes the first corner!" the MC announced.
Lester laughed as he slowed down after we both rounded the corner. "All according to the plan", he laughed as he looked over his shoulder. "It was smart of you to make way for me or else we would've crashed."
I growled as I realized Lester had intentionally accelerated so I wouldn't get a chance to take the first corner. I held back my anger and decided to get it out through Dueling. We entered the Duel lane so now we could Turbo Duel without having to worry about entering the traffic on the main traffic lines.
"Duel!" Lester and I called simultaneously.
Lester: 4000 LP
Aki: 4000 LP
I drew the top five cards of my Deck and placed them on my Wrist Dealer. I got Wicked Rebirth, Rose Princess, Plant Food Chain, Wall of Thorns, and Twilight Rose Knight. It was a pretty good hand.
"I begin my turn! Draw!" Lester yelled through the intercom, drawing his sixth card. "I summon Mecha Phantom Beast Tetherwolf in attack mode!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Tetherwolf, Level 4: ATK 1700
He was using the same Deck he did in the quarterfinals! I relaxed my tense shoulders now that I knew he couldn't possibly have his Meklord Emperor in the Deck. My Synchro Monsters were safe for now.
"Tetherwolf's effect! When this card is Normal summoned, I can Special summon one Mecha Phantom Beast Token!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Token, Level 3: DEF 0
"Also, Tetherwolf's Level increases by the total Levels of all Mecha Phantom Beast Tokens I control, so its Level goes up to Level 7!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Tetherwolf, Level 4 – Level 7: ATK 1700
"Not just that, but as long as I control a Mecha Phantom Beast Token, Tetherwolf cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. I place one card facedown and end my turn."
"It's my turn! Draw!" I shouted, drawing my sixth card.
Lester: 4000 LP = SPC 0 – SPC 1
Aki: 4000 LP = SPC 0 – SPC 1
The card I had just drawn was Overdoom Line. I could feel the gears in my head move around as a plan was being formed with the cards I had in my hand.
"I summon the Tuner Monster, Twilight Rose Knight, in attack mode!" I called.
Twilight Rose Knight, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 1000
"When Twilight Rose Knight is Normal summoned, I can Special summon one Level 4 or lower plant Monster from my hand. I Special summon Rose Princess in attack mode!"
Rose Princess, Level 3: ATK 1200
"I activate my Continuous Trap; Aerial Recharge!" Lester counteracted. "Once per turn, I can Special summon one Mecha Phantom Beast Token even during my opponent's turn and that's what I will do!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Token, Level 3: DEF 0
"Tetherwolf's Level increases again with the second Token!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Tetherwolf, Level 7 – Level 10: ATK 1700
"I tune Level 3 Twilight Rose Knight and Level 3 Rose Princess! The sun gives life to the plants of the Earth, and strength to sharpen their thorns to frighten the enemy away! Synchro summon! Sprout, Queen of Thorns!"
Queen of Thorns, Level 6: ATK 2200
"As long as Queen of Thorns is on the field, we both must pay 1000 Life Points for each Normal or Special summoned Monster from our hands, except for plant-type Monsters", I made sure to point it out. "Battle! Queen of Thorns, attack Mecha Phantom Beast Token!"
I wasn't a fool. I remembered Mecha Phantom Beast Tetherwolf's effect. Lester could Tribute a Token to increase Tetherwolf's attack points and that would be more than enough to shield itself from Queen of Thorns and destroy her.
Queen of Thorns flew toward the first Mecha Phantom Beast Token and raised her left arm. The carnivorous hand of hers opened up, ready to devour its prey and melt it with the acid dripping from the corner of the mouth. My plant Synchro Monster struck the Token and shattered it into pieces, cleaning up Lester's field a little bit.
"Mecha Phantom Beast Tetherworlf's Level decreases now that a Mecha Phantom Beast is destroyed", Lester replied, not sounding upset for losing a Token.
Mecha Phantom Beast Tetherwolf, Level 10 – Level 7: ATK 1700
"I place three cards facedown and end my turn", I called as I set three of my four Trap cards.
"And during the End Phase, I must destroy a Mecha Phantom Beast Monster to keep Aerial Recharge on the field, so I destroy my second Token", Lester declared as said Token exploded into pieces. "And Tetherwolf's Level returns to normal."
Mecha Phantom Beast Tetherwolf, Level 7 – Level 4: ATK 1700
"My turn! Draw!" Lester shouted.
Lester: 4000 LP = SPC 1 – SPC 2
Aki: 4000 LP = SPC 1 – SPC 2
Hopefully, I was able to lock Lester so he couldn't summon any of his machine Monsters.
"I play the Speed Spell – High Speed Crash! I can activate this card when I have 2 or more Speed Counters. I destroy Mecha Phantom Beast Tetherwolf and your Queen of Thorns, Signer!"
"What?!" I exclaimed in surprise.
We rounded another corner, but both our Monsters didn't follow us. Instead, they flew straight into the glass barrier and shattered into pieces.
"Now that your Queen of Thorns is gone, I can summon Monsters without paying the expensive fee!" Lester laughed. "I activate Aerial Recharge and Special summon a Mecha Phantom Beast Token in defense mode!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Token, Level 3: DEF 0
"Next, I summon Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin in attack mode!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin, Level 3: ATK 1600
"Aerosguin's effect! Its Level increases by the total Levels of all Mecha Phantom Beast Tokens I control!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin, Level 3 – Level 6: ATK 1600
"In that case, I activate my Continuous Trap; Wicked Rebirth!" I yelled. "By paying 800 Life Points, I can target one Synchro Monster in my Graveyard and Special summon it in attack mode. The sad price is its effects are negated."
Lester: 4000 LP = SPC 2
Aki: 4000 LP – 3200 LP = SPC 2
"But I chain with my other Continuous Trap; Overdoom Line! If a plant-type Monster is Special summoned from the Graveyard to my side of the field, it gains 1000 attack points while it's face-up on the field. This card is destroyed during my second End Phase after activation! Return, Queen of Thorns!"
Queen of Thorns, Level 6: ATK 2200 – ATK 3200
"So you built up a good defense against my aircrafts", Lester commented. "In that case, I activate Aerosguin's effect! Once per turn, I can banish one Mecha Phantom Beast Monster from my Graveyard to Special summon another Mecha Phantom Beast Token. I banish Mecha Phantom Beast Tetherwolf!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Token, Level 3: DEF 0
"And Aerosguin's Level increases yet again."
Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin, Level 6 – Level 9: ATK 1600
"I place one card facedown and end my turn. Mecha Phantom Beast Token number 1 is destroyed due to Aerial Recharge and Aerosguin's Level is decreased."
Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin, Level 9 – Level 6: ATK 1600
"It's my turn. Draw!" I shouted, drawing Lonefire Blossom.
Lester: 4000 LP = SPC 2 – SPC 3
Aki: 3200 LP = SPC 2 – SPC 3
"I summon Lonefire Blossom in attack mode!"
Lonefire Blossom, Level 3: ATK 500
"I activate my Counter Trap; Horn of Heaven!" Lester called. "I Tribute my Mecha Phantom Beast Token to negate the summoning of your Lonefire Blossom and destroy it!"
The hollow horn of the Trap card appeared on the field as the Token transformed into energy that flew into the horn. It then blew a loud deafening noise that caused Lonefire Blossom to wither before it shattered into pieces. It was a little sad because I could've used the plant Monster to Special summon one of my strongest plant-type Monsters from my Deck.
However, I still had my backup plan.
"Since there's no other Mecha Phantom Beast Token on the field, Aerosguin's Level returns to normal."
Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin, Level 6 – Level 3: ATK 1600
"I activate my Trap; Plant Food Chain!" I shouted. "I target one plant-Monster I control and equip this card to it to give it 500 attack points. I choose Queen of Thorns!"
The two carnivorous mouths on Queen of Thorns' arms snapped hungrily at Lester's Monster as they were tempted to eat more to satisfy themselves.
Queen of Thorns, Level 6: ATK 3200 – ATK 3700
"Your Synchro Monster is impressive, but it's still no match against my Mechas", Lester taunted. "I activate Aerial Recharge and Special summon a new Token in defense mode!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Token, Level 3: DEF 0
"And my Aerosguin's Level is increased and it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects thanks to the Token!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin, Level 3 – Level 6: ATK 1600
It was true that I couldn't destroy the Effect Monster, but I could still inflict damage to it.
"Battle! Queen of Thorns, attack Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin!" I yelled.
Queen of Thorns didn't hesitate to fly toward Aerosguin that flew above Lester. She put her hands together to make a sharp spear before she attempted to pierce the penguin aircraft from below. Sparks erupted from the collision and went down to Lester who grunted by the pain inflicted by the Solid Vision.
Lester: 4000 LP – 1900 LP = SPC 3
Aki: 3200 LP = SPC 3
Unfortunately, Aerosguin didn't get destroyed because of the Token, but I managed to do some damage.
"I place one card facedown and end my turn!" I yelled as I set my last card in my hand.
I didn't know why, but my gut feeling told me to set Wall of Thorns as a precaution.
"That tingled my sensors, but you will pay for that, Signer", Lester chuckled darkly. "Due to Aerial Recharge, I destroy my Mecha Phantom Beast Token and Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin's Level is back to normal."
Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin, Level 6 – Level 3: ATK 1600
"And one turn of my Overdoom Line has passed", I added. "After my next End Phase, it will be destroyed."
Overdoom Line: Turn 1/2
"My turn then. Draw!" Lester shouted.
Lester: 1900 LP = SPC 3 – SPC 4
Aki: 3200 LP = SPC 3 – SPC 4
"I start my turn by playing the Speed Spell – Angel Baton! I can play it while I have 2 or more Speed Counters. I draw two cards from my Deck and discard one card from my hand to the Graveyard. I discard Mecha Phantom Beast O-Lion and its effect is activated. When it's sent to the Graveyard, a Mecha Phantom Beast Token is Special summoned to the field."
Mecha Phantom Beast Token, Level 3: DEF 0
"That means Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin's Level is increased once again."
Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin, Level 3 – Level 6: ATK 1600
"Next, I summon the Tuner Monster, Mecha Phantom Beast Blue Impala, in attack mode!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Blue Impala, Level 3, Tuner: ATK 1400
"Now I tune Level 3 Mecha Phantom Beast Blue Impala and Level 6 Mecha Phantom Beast Aerosguin! Synchro summon! Take off, Mecha Phantom Beast Jaculuslan!"
Mecha Phantom Beast Jaculuslan, Level 9: ATK 2700
I was right to listen to my instincts. Lester had finally summoned a Synchro Monster, even though it was weak against my powerful Queen of Thorns.
"I now play the Speed Spell – Explosion! I can activate it while I have 2 or more Speed Counters. I destroy a Spell or Trap card I control and then change the battle position of my opponent's Monsters. I destroy Aerial Recharge!"
The face-up Continuous Trap card shattered into pieces that flew at Queen of Thorns. She used her arms to shield herself from the shards while being forced into defense position.
Queen of Thorns, Level 6: ATK 3700 – DEF 1800
"Battle! Mecha Phantom Beast Jaculuslan, attack Queen of Thorns!"
The rockets of Jaculuslan loaded energy before the jet plane Monster released it to fly fast toward Queen of Thorns. The mouth of the machine Monster let out a screech as it got closer to my Monster.
"I activate my Trap; Wall of Thorns!" I shouted. "When a plant-type Monster I control is targeted for an attack, I can destroy all attack position Monsters my opponent controls!"
"What?!" Lester exclaimed in surprise.
A bush of tall branches with thorns sprouted in front of Queen of Thorns and acted as her shield. Jaculuslan didn't have time to decelerate, so it ended up crashing against the barrier. Due to the impact, the jet plane exploded into a large cloud of smoke that engulfed both me and Lester. I squinted to see through the smoke so I wouldn't drive straight into the protective barrier of the lane. Thankfully, neither I nor Lester drove off course as we made it through the fading smoke.
"You'll pay for that, Signer…!" Lester growled. "I end my turn."
"My turn. Draw!" I called as I drew a new card.
Lester: 1900 LP = SPC 4 – SPC 5
Aki: 3200 LP = SPC 4 – SPC 5
The card I drew was Speed Spell – Angel Baton. It came at the right time, since I was short on cards.
"I play Speed Spell – Angel Baton!" I called. "I can play it while I have 2 or more Speed Counters. I draw two cards from my Deck and send one from my hand to the Graveyard."
The two cards I drew from the top of my Deck were Speed Spell – Defense Buster and Roxrose Dragon. I chose to discard the Monster card, since I realized I could possibly defeat Lester with the help of the other card.
"Next, I play the Speed Spell – Defense Buster! I can play it while I have 2 or more Speed Counters. I can target one defense position Monster and change it to attack position, so I choose your Mecha Phantom Beast Token, Lester!"
"What did you say?!" Lester growled.
The Token had no choice but to switch into attack mode.
Mecha Phantom Beast Token, Level 3: DEF 0 – ATK 0
"Now I switch Queen of Thorns into attack mode!"
Queen of Thorns, Level 6: DEF 1800 – ATK 3700
"Queen of Thorns, attack the attack position Mecha Phantom Beast Token!"
My Synchro Monster shrieked in anger as she flew towards the defenseless Token. The right carnivorous hand opened and revealed its mouth with the deadly acid dripping from the corner. The mouth grabbed the Token before Queen of Thorns clamped it shut and forced the Token to get destroyed. The remnants of the Token flew upon Lester and forced his Life Points down to zero.
Lester: 1900 LP – 0 LP = SPC 5
Aki: 3200 LP = SPC 5
"After six intense rounds of the Turbo Duel, Lester's air planes are now defeated by Aki's beautiful but frightful garden!" the MC's voice echoed in my helmet while Lester drove off the Duel lane to pass the baton to the second Emperor of Iliaster. "Since it's now the End Phase, Aki's Overdoom Line has reached its second turn after activation, so it is now destroyed and Queen of Thorns' attack points are decreased by a thousand."
Overdoom Line: Turn 2/2
Queen of Thorns, Level 6: ATK 3700 – ATK 2700
I suddenly felt a little lightheaded by excitement. I actually managed to defeat an opponent all by myself from the beginning to the end!
I drove off the Duel lane and followed Lester to the main traffic lanes that led to the temporary stadium. I could hear the crowd cheering for me as I entered the stadium. I gave my team a quick wave and a wink before driving forward to return to the Duel lane.
I looked at the rearview camera on the dashboard and saw the second Turbo Duelist from Team New World was Primo driving a Duel Runner.
"I applaud your resilience and Dueling skills, Signer", Primo said. "But I have to warn you; Lester's part was just a warm-up, so you better prepare yourself."
"I'm not scared of what you'll bring, Primo", I retorted calmly as we entered the Duel lane.
"You should, Signer", Primo chuckled in response.
"Lester Pavarotti has passed the baton to Team New World's second Turbo Duelist; Primo Domingo!" the MC called. "Let's continue the Turbo Duel!"
"Duel!" Primo and I yelled simultaneously, commencing the second part of the Turbo Duel.
Primo: 4000 LP = SPC 5
Aki: 3200 LP = SPC 5
"It's my turn. Draw!" Primo yelled, drawing his sixth card.
Primo: 4000 LP = SPC 5 – SPC 6
Aki: 3200 LP = SPC 5 – SPC 6
"I play the Speed Spell – Angel Baton! I can activate it while I have 2 or more Speed Counters. I draw two cards from my Deck and send one from my hand to the Graveyard. Next, since I control no face-up cards, I can Normal summon Machina Metalcruncher without Tributing in attack mode!"
Machina Metalcruncher, Level 9: ATK 2800
"Unfortunately, due to this summoning, Machina Metalcruncher's attack points becomes 1800. A small price to pay."
Machina Metalcruncher, Level 9: ATK 2800 – ATK 1800
"Machina Metalcruncher's effect! When it's successfully summoned, I can reveal 3 EARTH machine Monsters from my Deck and then you choose one randomly and I will add that card to my hand while the rest is shuffled back to the Deck."
I waited patiently for Primo to choose those three cards. They were soon shown on the display; Machina Citadel, Machina Gearframe, and another Machina Citadel. They were flipped facedown and shuffled after I had confirmed them. I had a hard time deciding which card to pick, but I couldn't stall for long.
"I choose the card in the middle!" I called.
The chosen card was flipped up to reveal one of the two Machina Citadels.
"Excellent. Thank you for your assistance, Signer. I add Machina Citadel to hand and shuffle the other two cards back to my Deck. Next, I activate Machina Air Raider's effect in my hand. I discard my second Machina Metalcruncher from hand to Special summon Machina Air Raider in attack mode!"
Machina Air Raider, Level 8: ATK 1500
"Now, I activate Machina Fortress' effect in my hand. I can Special summon it to the field by discarding machine Monsters whose total Levels equal 8 or more, so I discard my Level 10 Machina Citadel to Special summon Machina Fortress in attack mode!"
Machina Fortress, Level 7: ATK 2500
There was one thing I was confused about. Why was Primo summoning his Machina Monsters in attack mode? None of them were strong enough to attack and destroy Queen of Thorns…unless he had a plan.
"I can sense your confusion, Signer. You are wondering why I'm summoning Monsters in attack mode knowing that none of them can destroy Queen of Thorns", Primo spoke up with a chuckle. "It is because I will now play the Quick Effect of my Machina Resavenger in my hand! I send it from my hand to the Graveyard to then target one Machina Monster I control and increase its attack points by 1200 until the end of this turn. I choose Machina Fortress!"
"No!" I couldn't help but exclaim in shock.
The transparent figure of Machina Resavenger appeared above Machina Fortress before it transformed itself into a cloud of particles. The particles were absorbed by Machina Fortress as its engines began humming while warming up.
Machina Fortress, Level 7: ATK 2500 – ATK 3700
"I place one card facedown and go to Battle Phase!" Primo shouted. "Machina Fortress, attack Queen of Thorns!"
Machina Fortress' cannon had already warmed up enough, so it didn't hesitate to fire a large laser beam at my Synchro Monster. Queen of Thorns was engulfed by the beam and incinerated her body into shards, destroying her along with Wicked Rebirth and Plant Food Chain. The remnants of Queen of Thorns rained upon me as I took the first points of damage inflicted on me by my opponent.
Primo: 4000 LP = SPC 6
Aki: 3200 LP – 2200 LP = SPC 6
"Machina Resavenger's effect! When my Machina Monster destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, while Machina Resavenger is in my Graveyard, I can add it to my hand."
Damn it! That meant he had secured a reliable power source with an unlimited amount of cartridges that he could keep using over and over again.
"Machina Metalcruncher, attack directly!" Primo commanded.
The next Machina Monster fired one of its grapple-like hands towards me as I was still driving in the front. The hand clenched into a fist, which I instinctively got scared by and couldn't help but accelerate to try avoiding the attack. It didn't help much as the Monster's fist hit the back of my head. Thankfully, there was no actual damage, but I still felt the sensation of being hit in the back. I didn't feel much of it because of my helmet.
Primo: 4000 LP = SPC 6
Aki: 2200 LP – 400 LP = SPC 6
"Machina Air Raider, finish the Signer!"
The aerial Machina Monster had a pair of equipment on its wings that surrounded its rotor blades that I quickly realized they were weapons. The light of energy brightened up the insides of the weapons before they fired a dual laser beam. I braced myself and lowered my head before the laser beams struck me on the back. I held back a grunt by the pain of the impact. Before I knew it, my Duel Runner opened the compartments to release steam, a sign that my part of the Turbo Duel was over.
Primo: 4000 LP = SPC 6
Aki: 400 LP – 0 LP = SPC 6
"After a powerful comeback from Team New World's Primo, Izayoi Aki's Life Points dropped immediately to zero!" the MC's voice echoed in my helmet as I drove off the Duel lane to make it back to the team pit. "She will now pass the baton to Team Royal Knights' second Duelist; Mizoguchi! But also, since Primo's Machina Resavenger's effect is now over by the End Phase, his Machina Fortress' attack points return to its original attack points."
Machina Fortress, Level 7: ATK 3700 – ATK 2500
I made it to the pit where Mizoguchi was waiting for me on his limousine Duel Runner. I parked next to him and removed the baton patch from my left arm. "Here, Mizoguchi", I said as I passed the baton to him.
Mizoguchi took the baton patch and placed it onto his left arm. "Thank you. I shall resume the battle for you."
With that said, he drove out to the main lane just as Primo and his Machina Monsters passed the pits. The crowd cheered at the sight of the three machine Monsters and some chanted Primo's name excitedly.
I removed my helmet before I sighed tiredly. This had been an exhausting Turbo Duel, but this time I actually managed to defeat one Turbo Duelist by myself.
A hand was placed on my shoulder, which made me look up. Sherry was smiling gently at me, her emerald eyes glowing proudly. "You did an excellent job out there, Aki", she praised me.
"Thank you…", I blushed embarrassingly as I twirled my right long bangs around my finger. "But I got defeated straight after I beat Lester."
"But you still did a great job, Aki!" Sakura encouraged me.
Mei was looking at something up at the gallery with a small smirk. "I know two people who are extra proud of you", she said.
I followed her eyes and saw my parents being thrilled of the Duel. Just like in the first preliminary Turbo Duel, my father was waving his homemade flag with our family name. They shouted my name and shouted praises at me. I waved softly in return with a smile, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed. I noticed a figure standing up a little far away from my parents. It was Ran and she was clapping her hands while she looked at me with an indescribable expression because I couldn't really see it.
But now… The rest was up to Mizoguchi and Sherry to stop Iliaster from advancing to the final.