Response to Reviews
Thank you to Savagemaster19, HunterHQ, Naruto1999, Kingdom Hearts Guy, Jason, Cyber Warrior, Guest, And then the Sky, E.T. 2000, Cosmic Cat, Guest, Pikachu99, Yuman28, Revolver, and Donjusticia for reviewing Chapter 29 of Obscured Truth.
Hello, everyone! I first hope that you're all safe and healthy wherever you are. I want to thank everyone for their positive reviews on the official start of the Tower of Hanoi arc, as well as their thoughts and theories. It really gives a chance for you to share what you think will happen next, don't you think?
With that out of the way, let's get to answering those reviews!
Savagemaster19: That's... an interesting theory you got there. Glad to see you're enjoying the story so far.
HunterHQ: Yes. There will definitely be some sacrifice and heartbreak in the chapters to come. The reason why Percival and Demeter aren't with the group right now is because Watchman put them on standby in the event things took a turn for the worse. As for the data that Monty has on Ace, it contains information about him, which includes his real-life identity because black-market bosses have to be open with each other (but to an extent).
Naruto1999: Ace a romantic? That is definitely not the case. Even before he got turned into data, he was trying to stir some doubt into Rosetta. As to how that'll affect her, you'll have to read the following chapters and see.
Kingdom Hearts Guy: Of course things are getting serious.
Noobmaster: Revolver told Infearno to let Ace and Athaliah think they have the element of surprise. If things went out of hand, he would crush them without mercy. However, he was banking on the good guys to do that for him. And yes, Yuhiro and Roxy have the recording to put Kitamura out of the picture for good (courtesy of Yusaku and Kusanagi). While I can't spill everything about the azure-overcoated man, what I can tell you is that he'll be making some more appearances in the coming chapters as he watches other duels going on.
Jason: You'll have to read and see.
Cyber Warrior: Yes. Rosetta faced a piece of her demons and took a step forward. As for your discovery, I'll tell you now. The name of Infearno's wife isn't Kokuro. The answer lies in the heart of the cards.
Guest: For Watchman to get to Dr. Kogami, he'll have to break into the tower and bypass its security measures. When Herald plays video games, he's a fair sport, but he is willing to use a cheat code if the situation calls for it.
And then the Sky: Glad you enjoyed the chapter. I am curious, though, as to what you meant when you said that Ace will 'reinvent' yourself. Could you perhaps clarify what you had in mind? Also, do keep in mind: The events of Chapter 30 occur in tandem along with the duel between Blue Angel and Specter. I hope that clarifies things for you.
E.T. 2000: Thanks very much. Glad you liked how Rosetta defeated Ace, thus proving that she wants to change. Also, Ace cheated during their duel. If he hadn't, he wouldn't be able to summon Dharkon, Entity of the Evil Eye. For Herald, I'm not sure yet. Could you give me some time to think about it? As for your other question... you'll have your answer near the end of the chapter. That I promise you.
Cosmic Cat: Thank you for the five stars!
Guest: I said a few chapters ago that there would be chance for me to use cards from Rush Duels, but only if the situation demands it. For instance, if I wanted to, I could make a Charisma Duelist that uses Royal Demons cards.
Pikachu99: Glad you enjoyed Rosetta's character growth in the previous chapter.
Yuman28: Yes. Rosetta is growing as a character. I sure hope you enjoy her duel in this chapter.
Revolver: Thank you very much.
Donjusticia: Glad you enjoyed the chapter. And no, the azure-overcoated man does not use the X-Saber archetype. That I can confirm with you. Also, if you're curious about where I got his design from, look up Azure Siegfried from Trails of Cold Steel.
Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 30: Sneer of the Magician
In LINK VRAINS...
"Duel!" Rosetta and Lord Kazuma shouted in unison.
Lord Kazuma: 4000 LP
Rosetta: 4000 LP
"As we're all on a clock here, I shall make the first move." Lord Kazuma immediately said. "To start, I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Last Lost Magic Battle!" The card showed an ancient battlefield, with two priests on each side of the field. One priest had the Dark Magician, while the other had the Blue Eyes White Dragon. "When a Spellcaster monster I control is targeted for attack, this card lets me cut any battle damage I take in half once per turn. Also, each time I take battle damage, I can place a Sacrament counter on this card. Next, I summon Magician's Rod from my hand." A spectral version of a spellcaster with shiny, curved plates that had sharp edges and covered the torso and shoulder areas appeared on Lord Kazuma's field. It carried a long rod in it's hands.
Magician's Rod ATK: 1600 DEF: 100 LV: 3
"When this card is Normal Summoned, I get to add a Spell or Trap card that specifically lists the card 'Dark Magician' in its text. Let's see here. How about this one?" A card popped out of Lord Kazuma's deck before he added it to his hand. "I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Dark Magical Circle! Now I can look at the top three cards of my deck for a 'Dark Magician' or a Spell or Trap card listing 'Dark Magician' specifically in its text. Then by revealing it to you, I get to add it to my hand." Lord Kazuma looked at the top three cards of his deck before choosing one. "I reveal to you the Spell card, Bond Between Teacher and Student!"
Rosetta narrowed her eyes upon looking at that card. From what I recall about Lord Kazuma's deck, if he has even one copy of Dark Magician on his field and/or hand, it lets him do all sorts of stuff, Rosetta thought to herself. And not the good kind. But right now, it doesn't look like he has Dark Magician in his hand or field. As long as I eliminate all copies of that card, I can win this duel!
"Dark Magical Circle's second effect!" Lord Kazuma continued. "Since I revealed my choice of card to you, I can rearrange the remaining two cards in any order and place them on top of my deck. This shall do for now." One card was placed on the other before returning to Lord Kazuma's deck. "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn. You're up."
"My turn! I draw!" Rosetta said, drawing the top card of her deck. "I'll start by activating Rose Princess's effect from my hand! Since only you control a monster on the field, I can Special Summon this card from my hand and treat it as a Tuner monster!" A woman with bundled up hair in the shape of a rose and wearing a gallant, long rosy dress appeared on Rosetta's field. She had long gloves on her arms, with a rose on her wrists. At her back were two, small black wings.
Rose Princess ATK: 1200 DEF: 800 LV: 3
"I now Normal Summon Botanical Girl from my hand!" A teenage girl wearing plant-like clothing all over her body appeared on Rosetta's field. Her hair consisted of large rose petals at the front, while at the back, there was a large bulb.
Botanical Girl ATK: 1300 DEF: 1000 LV: 3
"Level 3 Rose Princess tunes Level 3 Botanical Girl from my hand!" Rosetta declared, as a bolt of green lightning struck her and the world greyed out, causing both monsters to disappear. Two pink rings appeared before turning blue and merging. Six blue rings stacked in a tower then appeared, a screen displaying "3 + 3" in front of them. The screen changed to a "6" as light surged through the rings.
"Queen of the hidden castle, let the forces of mother nature course through you!" Rosetta chanted. "Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 6! Queen of Thorns!" A woman in a green and red dress covered in leaves and vines appeared on Rosetta's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.
Queen of Thorns ATK: 2200 DEF: 1800 LV: 6
"As long as Queen of Thorns is on the field, we must pay 1000 life points to Normal or Special Summon a monster from our hands, except if it's a Plant monster." Rosetta explained. "In addition, I'll activate Botanical Girl's effect! Since she was sent to the Graveyard, I get to add a Plant monster with 1000 or less defense points from my deck to my hand." A card then popped out of Rosetta's deck, which she took and added to her hand.
Lord Kazuma frowned as he looked at Queen of Thorns. She must be planning on locking me down before ending the duel quickly, he theorized. Good thing I'm two steps ahead!
"Battle! Queen of Thorns attacks Magician's Rod!" Queen of Thorns leapt forward and slashed Magician's Rod, turning the monster into yellow particles.
"Thanks to Last Lost Magic Battle, I can cut the damage I take in half once per turn." Lord Kazuma reminded her, as his life points dropped. "In addition, I can place a Sacrament counter on this card."
Lord Kazuma: 4000 – (600 / 2) = 3700 LP
Last Lost Magic Battle SC: 0 + 1 = 1
"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Rosetta concluded. Whatever Lord Kazuma is planning, she thought, I have to be ready. If he plans anything sneaky, my Briar Transplant Trap card will banish that card from the duel, and in the event he were to go after my life points, my other card will keep me safe!
"My turn! I draw!" Lord Kazuma said, drawing the top card of his deck. "I activate the second effect of Last Lost Magical Battle! Once per turn, if I remove a Sacrament counter from this card, I get to Special Summon Dark Magician or Dark Magician Girl from my deck or Graveyard!"
"Your card can do that?" Rosetta said in shock. That wasn't good to hear.
"That's correct!" Lord Kazuma confirmed. "Come to me, my ace monster! Dark Magician!" On Lord Kazuma's command, a spellcaster in dark blue armor with shiny, curved plates that had sharp edges and covered the torso and shoulder areas appeared on his field. On the edges of the plates were curved trimmings of contrasting shade. He had blue-colored skin and white hair, and in his right hand was a dark blue rod.
Dark Magician ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7
Last Lost Magic Battle SC: 1 – 1 = 0
"Dark Magical Circle's effect! Whenever Dark Magician is Normal or Special Summoned, I can target one card you control and banish it!" Lord Kazuma snickered as he pointed his finger at the face-down card on Rosetta's left. "I choose that card!"
"Damn it..." Rosetta muttered, as Dark Magical Circle then fired a blast of energy at the face-down card, revealing it to be Briar Transplant before turning it into particles. Briar Transplant would have really come in handy, she thought.
"I now activate the Spell card, Bond Between Teacher and Student!" Lord Kazuma continued. "Since I control Dark Magician, I'm allowed to Special Summon Dark Magician Girl from my hand, deck, or Graveyard. Come, Dark Magician Girl!" A teenage girl in blue robes with a pink skirt and small pink cape winked at Rosetta as she appeared beside Dark Magician. She had long, blond spiky hair that extended to the middle of her back. On top of her head was a blue wizard's hat with pink rings encircling it. She also wore high-heeled blue boots with pink rings as well. In her hands, she carried a scepter.
Dark Magician Girl ATK: 2000 DEF: 1700 LV: 6
"Also, I'm allowed to Set either Dark Magic Attack, Dark Burning Attack, Dark Burning Magic, or Dark Magic Twin Burst straight from my deck to my field. And I know the perfect choice!" He maliciously smiled as he took a card from his deck and Set it on his field. "It's time to battle! Dark Magician attacks your Queen of Thorns! Dark Magic Attack!" Dark Magician fired a magical blast from his dark blue rod at Queen of Thorns, who screamed before turning into particles.
Rosetta: 4000 – 300 = 3700 LP
"Dark Magician Girl now attacks you directly! Dark Burning Attack!" Dark Magician Girl fired a magical blast of energy from her scepter, which was headed straight for Rosetta!
"Not so fast." Rosetta said. "I activate the Trap card, Ground Capture! When you declare an attack, I can halve any battle damage from that attack!" Soon, a giant stone hand erupted from the ground and temporarily stopped Dark Magician Girl's attack. Unfortunately, it went through and hit Rosetta, pushing her back a bit.
Rosetta: 3700 – (2000 / 2) = 2700 LP
"Also, if I take 1000 or more damage from that battle, I get to draw one card from my deck." She then drew the top card from her deck.
"A nice defense indeed." Lord Kazuma praised her. "Which means the show can continue! I end my turn."
"My turn! I draw!" Rosetta said, drawing the top card of her deck. "Let me ask you something, Kazuma. Why is it do you seek joy in causing pain to others?"
Lord Kazuma nearly fell over upon hearing Rosetta call him 'Kazuma' instead of his actual name. "You too? Man, it's starting to annoy me. But I'll entertain you with an answer regardless. I revel in hurting people to obtain the joy I so seek. After all, a man I once knew told me to smile, and he advised me to do whatever it took to feel happy, even if it's questionable."
"What are you saying?" Rosetta demanded, appalled by Lord Kazuma's answer. "Are you basically admitting you're some sort of psychopath?!"
"Oh no, my dear." Lord Kazuma wiggled his finger back and forth at her. "I'm far from being a psychopath. I'm just like everyone else. A human being."
Rosetta was further appalled by Lord Kazuma's response. The fact that he said he was like everyone else scared her. No. What scared her more was that she, as a human being, could go down a dark path that Lord Kazuma took, whatever it was.
"I'll show you that this human being is far from a psychopath." Rosetta said.
"Be my guest, traitor. But it is the truth." Lord Kazuma casually responded.
Rosetta narrowed her eyes. "I'll start by activating Card of Variation. This card lets me draw two cards, but I must send one card from my hand to the Graveyard at the end of my turn. Otherwise, I take 3000 points of damage." She calmly drew the top two cards of her deck. Upon looking at them, she smirked.
"I now activate the Continuous-Spell card, Cards from the Blessed Grass! This card lets me Special Summon one Card Plant token for every card added to my hand. Since I added three cards, I can Special Summon three Card Plant tokens to my field!" Soon, three pieces of grass with eyes sprouted onto Rosetta's field.
Card Plant Token ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1
Card Plant Token ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1
Card Plant Token ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1
"Next, I summon Rose Practitioner from my hand." A teenage man wearing red medieval-like clothing with a rose symbol on it and a scepter in his right hand jumped onto Rosetta's field.
Rose Practitioner ATK: 1100 DEF: 500 LV: 3
"If Rose Practitioner is Normal Summoned while I have a Plant monster on my field," she began to explain, but Lord Kazuma cut her off.
"Like hell I'm letting you summon Black Rose Dragon!" Lord Kazuma interrupted her. "Quick-Play Spell, activate! Dark Burning Magic! Since I control Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl, every card on your field is wiped out for good!"
"Not necessarily." Rosetta replied. "I activate the effect of Nature's Protector from my hand!" Immediately, a woman with shoulder-length red hair and wearing a green dress with roses decorating it appeared. "If one or more Plant monsters would be destroyed by a card effect, I can send this card to my Graveyard instead!" Nature's Protector then raised her hands to form a barrier that protected the Card Plant tokens. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for Rose Practitioner, as he was destroyed.
"Nevertheless, I still prevented you from summoning Black Rose Dragon." Lord Kazuma stated.
"Or did you?" Rosetta replied, getting Lord Kazuma's attention. "I activate the Equip Spell card, Mark of the Rose! By banishing a Plant monster from my Graveyard, I can target a monster you control and equip it with this card. Afterwards, I can then take control of it! I banish Botanical Girl to equip your Dark Magician with Mark of the Rose!"
"You dare?!" Lord Kazuma exclaimed, as a rose mark went out of the card and onto Dark Magician, who was surrounded with a dark aura. He then leapt onto Rosetta's field.
"Appear! The circuit of roses!" Rosetta declared, as a Link Portal appeared above her. "The summoning conditions are two monsters with different types! I'll set one of my Card Plant tokens with your Dark Magician into the Link Markers!" Dark Magician went into the bottom arrowhead, while one of the Card Plant tokens went into the left arrowhead.
"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Crossrose Dragon!" A medium-sized purple dragon covered in different colored roses flew onto Rosetta's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Her wings consisted of folded-up red roses, along with vine elements on the edges. She also had a long tail, with its end holding several small roses. Crossrose Dragon let out a growl upon seeing Lord Kazuma.
Crossrose Dragon ATK: 800 LINK-2 ⬅️⬇️
"Crossrose Dragon's effect! By tributing her and a Plant monster, I get to Special Summon one 'Rose' Synchro monster or a Plant Synchro monster from my Extra Deck, and treat it as a Synchro Summon!"
"I don't think so!" Lord Kazuma responded. "Continuous-Trap, activate! Magician's Combination! Once per turn, this card lets me tribute either Dark Magician or Dark Magician Girl to Special Summon one or the other from my hand or Graveyard, as long as its name is different. By doing so, I can negate the activated effect. I tribute Dark Magician Girl to bring back Dark Magician!" A gateway then appeared from the card, which Dark Magician emerged from, while Dark Magician Girl went into it.
Dark Magician ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7
The card then fired a wave of energy at Crossrose Dragon, negating her effect.
"Furthermore, Dark Magical Circle's effect activates as well! And just like before, I can target one card you control and banish it! Only this time, I choose Crossrose Dragon!" Lord Kazuma laughed as Dark Magical Circle fired a blast of energy at Crossrose Dragon, turning her into particles. "Is there any more surprises you got this turn? Or are you going to do the sensible thing and end your turn?"
"I... Set one card face-down and end my turn." Rosetta concluded, clearly angry by what Lord Kazuma just did to Crossrose Dragon. "As it's the End Phase, I will also discard one card from my hand to avoid taking 3000 points of damage from Card of Variation."
"Then it's back to me! My turn! I draw!" Lord Kazuma said, snickering as he drew the top card of his deck. "I honestly expected more from you this turn, Rosetta. But-."
"I activate the second effect of Nature's Protector from my Graveyard." Rosetta interrupted him. "By banishing this card from my Graveyard, you can't target Plant monsters for attacks this turn!"
"Hmph. Still got some fight in you? Alright. I'll entertain you." Lord Kazuma decided. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Soul Servant! This card lets me place one card from my hand, deck or Graveyard to the top of my deck that lists Dark Magician in its text." He looked through his hand, deck, and Graveyard before deciding. "I know. This one!" After picking the designated card, it appeared at the top of his deck. "But stop with one effect when I can use two? I activate Soul Servant's second effect! By banishing this card, I can draw cards equal to the number of 'Palladium', Dark Magician, and Dark Magician Girl monsters with different names on my Field and in my Graveyard. How many do you think I have, Rosetta?"
"Two..." Rosetta answered, much to her dismay.
"And that's the correct answer!" Lord Kazuma confirmed. "Since Dark Magician is on my field and Dark Magician Girl is in my Graveyard, I can draw two cards!" He drew the top two cards of his deck. "Next, I activate not one, but two copies of Thousand Knives! Since I control Dark Magician, I can target a monster you control and destroy it. I have two copies of Thousand Knives and you have two Card Plant tokens." His eyes then widened as he sneered. "Which means both of them go bye-bye!"
"Oh no!" Rosetta exclaimed, as a thousand knives erupted from both cards and skewered both Card Plant tokens.
"Oh yes!" Lord Kazuma confirmed. "Battle! Dark Magician attacks you directly! Dark Magic Attack!" Dark Magician fired a magical blast from his dark blue rod, which headed straight for Rosetta!
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Half Shut!" Rosetta said. "This card lets me halve the attack points of your monster until the End Phase. However, it can't be destroyed this turn."
Dark Magician ATK: 2500 / 2 = 1250
The blast then hit Rosetta, pushing her back.
Rosetta: 2700 – 1250 = 1450 LP
She waited until I attacked to use that card, Lord Kazuma realized, frowning in the process. Magician's Combination can't be activated during the Damage Step, which is why she waited! "I end my turn," he concluded. "Which means Dark Magician's attack points revert to normal."
Dark Magician ATK: 1250 X 2 = 2500
"Then it's my turn! I draw!" Rosetta said, drawing the top card of her deck. She looked at the only card in her hand and realized something.
She had to place everything on this card.
Or everything she vowed to do would be for naught.
"You said that human beings are the same, right Kazuma?" Rosetta asked him, getting his attention.
"Why yes, yes they are." Lord Kazuma answered her. "Human beings may claim they're on a path of righteousness, but they all have one thing in common. They'll do something evil and/or questionable in order to make themselves happy, whether it's a crime or not. In the end, what they do to make themselves happy turns them into a fucked up human being. Now and forever."
"That might be true. But there is grace in our failings." Rosetta countered. "I don't know why you're so messed up, but I'll show you that humans can be good!"
"As I said before, you can try."
"I activate the Spell card, Card of Demise!" Rosetta began. "This card lets me draw until I have five cards in my hand. At the fifth Standby Phase of this cards activation, I must send my entire hand to the Graveyard." As Rosetta put her hand on the top card of her deck, she thought, Dad, Raguel, Blue Angel. Help me get through this duel. She then drew all five cards at once. Upon looking at what she drew, she smirked.
"When I have no monsters on my field, I'm allowed to Special Summon Rose Squire from my hand!" A small boy wearing squire-like armor with a rose attached to it leapt onto Rosetta's field.
Rose Squire ATK: 100 DEF: 800 LV: 3
"Next, I activate the effect of Rosaria, the Stately Fallen Angel from my hand! By banishing a Level 7 or higher Plant monster from my hand and a Level 7 or higher Plant monster from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon this card from my hand! I banish Queen Angel of Roses from my hand and Fallen Angel of Roses from my Graveyard! Now come forth, Rosaria!" A white-skinned male with a white cloth around his waist appeared on Rosetta's field. Silver pieces of armor were on his arms and legs, along with a white crown with wings on his forehead. He also had angelic, rosy wings, which were red on the left and black on the right.
Rosaria, the Stately Fallen Angel ATK: 2900 DEF: 2400 LV: 8
"Rosaria's second effect! Once per turn, I can negate the effects of all face-up cards on the field until the End Phase. Go, Rose Nullification!" Rosaria's wings glowed as he unleashed a blast of energy from them at Lord Kazuma's cards, nullifying their effects.
"So you're getting serious now, is that it?" Lord Kazuma said, gritting his teeth at what she just did.
"Now I summon Lord Poison from my hand!" Rosetta continued, as a fiendish, muddy creature with spikes all over its body and claws emerged on her field.
Lord Poison ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000 LV: 4
"I tune the Level 3 Rose Squire with the Level 4 Lord Poison!" The world then greyed out, causing Rosetta's two monsters to disappear. Two rings, one pink and one brown, appeared before turning blue and merging. Seven blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "3 + 4" in front of them. The screen changed to "7" as light surged through the rings.
"The cold flame engulfs the entire world!" Rosetta chanted. "Pitch-black flower, bloom! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 7! Black Rose Dragon!" A massive, black-skinned dragon, whose entire body was covered in roses, spread out her wings and let out a shriveling roar as she was summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone on Rosetta's field. She had a long, slender neck that was covered in roses at the back, and three mandibles that were made of roses on her head. She also had clawed draconic feet. In addition, the dragon had a long, thorned tail, along with thinner thorned tails. Black Rose Dragon's orange eyes glowed as she glared at Lord Kazuma.
Black Rose Dragon ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800 LV: 7
"When Black Rose Dragon is Synchro Summoned, every card on your field is destroyed! I'll also activate Rose Squire's effect! Since he was used to Synchro Summon a Dragon or Plant Synchro monster, it cannot be destroyed by card effects, including its own!"
"You intend on ruining the show with your beast?!" Lord Kazuma demanded, angry that he was now losing control of the duel.
"She isn't a beast. She's my partner!" Rosetta clarified. Thrusting out her right hand, she added, "Black Rose Gale!" Black Rose Dragon flapped out her wings in front of her and unleashed a tornado at every card on the field, turning them all into particles until she was the only one remaining.
"I'll then activate the Equip Spell card, United We Stand, and equip it onto Black Rose Dragon. For every monster on my field, Black Rose Dragon gains 800 attack and defense points." Black Rose Dragon roared as she powered up.
Black Rose Dragon ATK: 2400 + 800 = 3200 DEF: 1800 + 800 = 2600
"Battle!" Rosetta declared. "Black Rose Dragon attacks you directly, Kazuma! Black Rose Flare!" Black Rose Dragon gathered energy inside her maw before firing it at Lord Kazuma, causing him to fly back and fall to the ground.
Lord Kazuma: 3700 – 3200 = 500 LP
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." As soon as she did that, she heard Lord Kazuma laughing. "What's so funny, clown?"
"Your ruthless nature, that's what!" Lord Kazuma answered, as he slowly got up from the ground and back onto his two feet. "Tell me something, Rosetta. That last attack on me. Were you happy you got some retribution for SengokuQueen?"
"Happy?" Rosetta repeated. "Are you still on that wacky belief of yours?"
"If you're referring to the fact that all humans become evil to seek happiness, then yes, I'm still on that!" Lord Kazuma confirmed. "You know, thinking about it, if Raguel didn't 'save' you, then you would have been just like me."
"No I wouldn't have!" Rosetta tried to deny.
"YES YOU WOULD HAVE!" Lord Kazuma retorted, in a stern, yet crazy voice that stopped Rosetta from speaking. "From what Ace told me, you sought revenge on the Cyberse for breaking up your precious family. He also mentioned you laughed with joy upon your victory against Reidrith and Jeanne Azaria. So I wonder what that makes you. A hypocrite, or something else?"
Rosetta found she couldn't respond back to Lord Kazuma's statement. He called her out for doing something evil that ultimately made her happy. Was he right all this time? Were all human beings destined to walk an evil path to obtain happiness and fulfillment?
"While you think about that, I think I'll wrap this duel up now." Lord Kazuma placed his hand on the top card of his deck. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck, and upon looking at it, he laughed.
"What's so funny now?" Rosetta demanded, having grown tired of her opponent. "Have you finally gone insane or something?"
"Oh no, no, no." Lord Kazuma replied. "It's just this card... I was supposed to use it against Raguel. But to use it against a duelist like you... oh well." He shrugged his shoulders. "I activate the Spell card, Monster Reborn! This card lets me Special Summon a monster from either of our Graveyards! Grace the field once again, Dark Magician!" At Lord Kazuma's command, Dark Magician reappeared on his field.
Dark Magician ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7
"It's time for the main event! I activate the Spell card, The Eye of Timaeus!"
"The Eye of Timaeus?" Rosetta repeated.
"When I activate The Eye of Timaeus," Lord Kazuma explained, "I'm allowed to target a Dark Magician monster I control and Fusion Summon using both it and this card as Fusion Material! Emerge, Timaeus!" At Lord Kazuma's command, a four-legged turquoise dragon appeared on his field. The dragon had large fins on the sides of his head, with two large horns on the top. But what was evident the most about Timaeus was the scar that went over his right eye.
Upon appearing on Lord Kazuma's field, both Timaeus and Dark Magician disintegrated into blue and red particles of energy, which swirled into a vortex. Two tornadoes of energy then shot upwards and merged to form a white and yellow whirlwind.
"The legendary magician and dragon of legend shall unite to conquer their enemy!" Lord Kazuma chanted. "Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 8! Dark Magician the Dragon Knight!" Dark Magician reappeared standing on the back of Timaeus, who was summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone. This time, Dark Magician wore silver armor all over his body. Instead of his dark blue rod, he now carried a sword with a jewel on it in his right hand.
Dark Magician the Dragon Knight ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500 LV: 8
"A Fusion Summon using only one monster..." Rosetta muttered. "I didn't know you had a monster like this, Kazuma, but it's no match for Black Rose Dragon!"
"I wouldn't be so confident, Rosetta." Lord Kazuma responded. "Never make a declaration until the last card is played. That's another thing my old mentor used to say to me." He then revealed the last card in his hand to her. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Dark Magic Unleashed!" The card showed Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl on Timaeus' back, combining their power alongside the dragon as eliminate an army of Orichalcos Soldiers. "This card's effects are applied in sequence according to the number of Dark Magician and/or Dark Magician Girl monsters on my field and in my Graveyard! Since there's a Dark Magician on my field and Graveyard, and a Dark Magician Girl also in my Graveyard, I can activate all three effects!"
"All three...?" Rosetta said in shock. She then got her bearings together upon realizing something. "But Dark Magician the Dragon Knight is not Dark Magician! So you should only be able to activate the first two effects!"
"Actually, as long as Dark Magician the Dragon Knight is on my field or in the Graveyard," Lord Kazuma explained, "its name can also become Dark Magician as well!" Rosetta's eyes widened in surprise to this. "Now that you understand, allow me to explain the three effects in a short, yet sweet sequence." He held out a finger. "One: A DARK monster on my field gains 2000 attack points until the End Phase! I choose Dark Magician the Dragon Knight!" Both Dark Magician and Timaeus then glowed with energy as their strength increased.
Dark Magician the Dragon Knight ATK: 3000 + 2000 = 5000
He then held up a second finger. "Two: Not only can my Spell or Trap cards not be destroyed by card effects until the End Phase, you can't activate cards or effects in response to them!" After saying that, he held up a third and final finger. "Three: Until the end of this turn, all DARK Spellcaster monsters are unaffected by card effects!"
I can't use Rose Barrier Force to protect Black Rose Dragon, Rosetta realized. Which means I've lost the duel!
"It's over, scum!" Lord Kazuma declared. "Battle! Dark Magician the Dragon Knight attacks Black Rose Dragon! Dark Decimation!" Timaeus flew high into the air as Dark Magician traced several Dark Magical Circles in front of them and towards Black Rose Dragon. Timaeus then fired a blast of energy through the rings, getting stronger with each ring that it went through. The resulting blast consumed Black Rose Dragon, destroying her completely and also sending Rosetta flying off the ground before landing on her back.
Rosetta: 1450 – 1800 = 0
Lord Kazuma then walked over to where Rosetta was, who struggled to get up. "If there's anything I can part you with, it's this. I used to think my life was a tragedy, but I realized back then that it's a fucking comedy." He made a wicked smile upon saying that.
"Even if I go down, the others..." Rosetta tried to say, but her body then turned red.
"Shush, shush, shush..." Lord Kazuma told her. "If you speak, it'll only make the pain worse." A dark blue rod then appeared in his right hand, which he pointed at Rosetta. "Vanish, knowing you've failed." He then fired a blast of magical energy at her, breaking her body completely apart as the remaining data went up and straight to the Tower of Hanoi.
"I trust you had fun?" the voice of Revolver said, as he emerged from a portal behind Lord Kazuma, who turned around to face him.
"I eliminated the traitor, just like you told me. And it was fun." Lord Kazuma replied. "A pity we couldn't have spared her. I honestly wanted to make Raguel surrender by holding her hostage."
"I believe Infearno has something regarding that worked out." Revolver stated, much to Lord Kazuma's delight. The portal behind Revolver then reappeared behind him. "Head to the bridges and guard the Tower of Hanoi alongside Specter. If anyone tries to approach the Tower using the bridges, I need you two to buy as much time as possible."
"Seriously?" Lord Kazuma complained. "I wanted to face off against Stregone!"
"I said if anyone uses the bridges." Revolver clarified, narrowing his eyes at Lord Kazuma to make him understand.
"Very well." Lord Kazuma complied. Before Revolver went through the portal, Lord Kazuma spoke up again. "Revolver, I forgot to say thanks."
"For what?" Revolver asked, raising an eyebrow.
"For accepting me as a part of the Hanoi's family three years ago." Revolver's eyes widened in surprise. "Being with similar people like me... means a lot, you know."
"I see." Revolver gave a smirk. "Well, we're happy you're fighting on our side, Lord Kazuma. After all, family sticks together no matter what." He then went into the portal and left Lord Kazuma alone.
"No matter what..." Lord Kazuma muttered, as he pulled out The Eye of Timaeus and looked at it briefly before putting it away.
Elsewhere, in another area of LINK VRAINS...
Numera sighed as she kept running. Unbeknownst to her, the azure-overcoated man followed her from a distance by leaping from building to building.
"Seriously," she said. "How long am I to reaching the Tower of Hanoi, Greg?"
"You'll make it if you keep running straight for ten minutes." Greg answered her through the earpiece. Numera frowned. His voice was getting scratchy.
"Greg, I'm getting some interference. Is it on your end?"
"No. The Tower appears to be disrupting communications on your end. The closer you go..."
"The worse the connection will be..." Numera finished. Suddenly, the wind picked up, releasing a chill behind her. Which meant only one thing. "I know you're out there. So show yourself already!"
"My, my. Is that how you treat your old caretaker? I thought you knew better... Rachel."
Numera gasped as a woman emerged from a portal in front of her and came into view. Upon looking at the woman and recognizing her as Athaliah of all people, she started shaking. No. This was impossible. The last time Numera saw Athaliah was six years ago, where a year of hellish abuse would begin soon after. But somehow, someway, she was here. Facing Numera. Right now.
"Athaliah?" Numera said, the horror in her voice evident.
Athaliah smiled. "To think I'd see a survivor of my experiments here today is such a rare treat indeed."
"Athaliah?!" Greg said, shock and surprise evident in his voice. "That's... that's not possible! She's supposed to be in jail!"
"How?!" Numera demanded. "How are you here? You were sent to prison for the inhumane experiments you conducted!"
"I was. But I escaped, and had to lay low to avoid getting caught again." Athaliah answered her. "You could say I found sanctuary in the Black Market, where I was able to make a living once again without getting caught, which led me to being here."
Athaliah's voice lowered. "But seeing you here, a survivor of my experiments, has made me realize I can begin my experiments anew and away from the eyes of the law. Of course, I'll have to do it at a time where everyone is occupied with recovering from the damage the Tower of Hanoi will bring to the network."
"You're sick, you know that?" Numera said. "I'm not letting you subject any more people to your experiments. This I swear!" She activated her Duel Disk.
Meanwhile, the azure-overcoated man, who had been listening to their conversation, crossed his arms and looked down at them. Another duel is about to begin, he thought. I'm curious about these two duelists. Let's see how well they do against one another.
"You, a mere lab rat, challenge me to a duel?" Athaliah asked, as she activated her own Duel Disk. "I'll oblige, for two reasons. To study how well you've done under my care, and to acquire samples from your corpse for my next set of experiments."
"Numera, be careful!" Greg warned her. "Regardless of what deck Athaliah uses, she's still dangerous."
"Don't worry. I will." Numera responded, before turning her attention at Athaliah.
"Duel!" Numera and Athaliah said in unison.
Athaliah: 4000 LP
Numera: 4000 LP
Looking at her cards, Athaliah smiled. "I shall go first. Let me show you the true power of my deck! I activate the Field Spell card, Curse of the Shadow Prison! Every time a 'Shaddoll' monster is sent to the Graveyard by a card effect, I can place a Spellstone counter on it. And for every Spellstone counter, your monsters lose 100 attack points during your turn only." The entire Duel Field was then enveloped by a black puddle.
"Gross..." Numera muttered, as she took her foot out of the puddle and wiped off the stain.
"I then Set a monster in face-down defense position." Athaliah continued, as a face-down card appeared in defense position. "I'll also Set two cards face-down and end my turn."
What is she planning, Numera thought, as she looked at Athaliah's field. Whatever it was, she had to stop it because it looked suspicious, and not because it involved the giant puddle covering the Duel Field.
"My turn! I draw!" Numera said, drawing the top card of her deck. "I activate the Spell card, One-Time Passcode! This card lets me Special Summon a 'Security' token to my field in Defense Position." Soon, a blue card with a lamb silhouette on it appeared on Numera's field.
Security Token ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000 LV: 4
"Next, I summon Mathmech Nabla from my hand." A black and yellow robot carrying a large blade appeared on Numera's field. The robot had a yellow visor covering its face, along with hardened shoulders, and yellow nabla elements covering its body.
Mathmech Nabla ATK: 1000 DEF: 1500 LV: 4
"Nabla's effect! By tributing a Cyberse monster, I get to Special Summon a 'Mathmech' monster from my deck! Come, Mathmech Division!" A yellow and dark gray robot carrying a battle halberd also appeared on Numera's field. The robot had orange eyes, and at the back of its head was a long strand of hair.
Mathmech Division ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000 LV: 4
"I now tune the Level 4 Mathmech Nabla with the Level 4 Mathmech Division!" Numera chanted, as a bolt of red lightning struck the ground from behind her and greying the world out. Both monsters disintegrated into particles and turned into two rings, with one being black and the other being yellow before merging and turning blue. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "4 + 4" in front of them. The screen changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.
"Through code and metal," Numera chanted, "mighty Sigma will obtain a new evolution, ready for battle! Synchro Summon! Appear, Mathmech Magma!" A red and white robot with a massive, black cape emerged from the light and in the right Extra Monster Zone. The robot had white spikes on its head and on its broad shoulders. The robot also carried a sword that was curved throughout the blade, in the shape of waves. Fire erupted from the tip of the sword as Magma swung the sword, ready for battle.
Geomathmech Magma ATK: 2500 DEF: 0 LV: 8
"What a foolish girl you are!" Athaliah suddenly said. "Trap card, activate! Sinister Shadow Games! By sending a 'Shaddoll' card from my deck to my Graveyard, I can change any number of face-down 'Shaddoll' monsters on my field to face-up defense position!" A card then popped out of her deck, which she grabbed and sent to the Graveyard. Sinister Shadow Games then grabbed Athaliah's face-down defense position monster and literally flipped it up, revealing a purple-colored lizard with golden armor on it. Its legs were also bound by several purple strings.
Shaddoll Squamata ATK: 1800 DEF: 1000 LV: 4
"As a 'Shaddoll' monster was sent to the Graveyard, Curse of the Shadow Prison's effect now activates!"
Curse of the Shadow Prison SSC: 0 + 1 = 1
"In addition, I activate Shaddoll Squamata's effect! Since it was flipped face up, I can target one card you control and destroy it!" Athaliah added. "I choose your Geomathmech Magma!"
"What?!" Numera exclaimed, as Shaddoll Squamata fired a blast of purple energy at Magma, disintegrating it and sending it to the Graveyard. "Since Magma was destroyed by battle or by your card effect, I can add a 'Mathmech' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Numera's deck, which she added to her hand.
"Regardless, Magma is no longer on your field." Athaliah stated. "I also activate the effect of Shaddoll Beast in my Graveyard! Since it was sent to the Graveyard by a card effect, I can draw one card from my deck." She then drew the top card of her deck. "Do you have anymore moves to make, little girl?"
"I... I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Numera concluded hesitantly, taking two cards in her hand and Setting them face-down on her field. She disposed of my monster without attacking, she realized. And her deck had to be a Flip deck of all things!
"Rachel, are you okay?" Greg asked over the earpiece.
"I'm fine. For now." Numera answered. But deep down, a part of her knew one thing for certain. This duel was going to be one of the hardest she ever fought in.
Card Gallery
Nature's Protector (LV: 4/Spellcaster/Earth/ATK: 1400/DEF: 1200)
Effect: If one or more Plant monsters you control would be destroyed by a card effect: You can send this card from your hand to the GY instead. During your opponent's turn: You can banish this card from your GY; your opponent cannot target Plant monsters for attacks, but does not prevent your opponent from attacking directly. You can only activate 1 effect of 'Nature's Protector' per turn, and only 1 effect that turn.
Rose Squire (LV:3/Warrior/Earth/ATK: 100/DEF: 800)
Effect: If you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is used as Synchro Material for a Dragon or Plant Synchro monster, the Synchro Summoned monster cannot be destroyed by card effects, including its own. You can only Special Summon 'Rose Squire' this way once per duel.
Last Lost Magic Battle (Continuous-Spell card)
Effect: Once per turn, when a Spellcaster monster you control is targeted for an attack: Halve any battle damage you would have received from that battle (you cannot halve battle damage the same way). Each time you take battle damage: Place 1 'Sacrament' counter on this card. Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can remove 1 'Sacrament' counter from this card; Special Summon 1 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl' from your deck or Graveyard. If this card leaves the field: Banish all cards you control.
Dark Magic Unleashed (Quick-Play Spell card)
Effect: Apply these effects in sequence, based on the number of 'Dark Magician' and 'Dark Magician Girl' monsters in your field and GY:
1 or more: Target 1 DARK monster on your field; it gains 2000 ATK until the End Phase.
2 or more: Spell and Trap cards you control cannot be destroyed by card effects; also, your opponent cannot activate card effects in response until the End Phase.
3 or more: DARK Spellcaster monsters you control are unaffected by card effects until the End Phase.
QOTC
With Lord Kazuma having used The Eye of Timaeus in this chapter, who do you think will use The Fang of Critias and The Claw of Hermos in the coming chapters?
Chapter Preview
Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 31: Cursed Nightmare. Before Numera lies her old tormentor, the one who used her like a doll for her wicked experiments. All in the name of 'science'. Athaliah. As the two woman duel against each other, Athaliah sinisterly locks Numera's moves down, to the point of destroying her precious guardian in order to cripple her spirit. Can Numera overcome her trauma and destroy the monster in front of her?
Chapter 32: Truths Revealed. To save LINK VRAINS from destruction, Raguel heads to the Tower of Hanoi. However, standing in his way is none other than Lord Kazuma, who challenges him to a rematch! Meanwhile, Playmaker is confronted by Specter, and learns about his shocking past during their duel...
Author's Notes
Hello, everyone! Before I begin, I want to give credit goes to Electriuser for providing the Spell card Last Lost Magic Battle. Even though this chapter was short, I do hope you enjoyed it, as well as the chapter previews to come!
The main event of this chapter was the duel between Rosetta and Lord Kazuma. Even though she held her own against Lord Kazuma, as many of you guessed, he defeated her using his secret weapon: The Eye of Timaeus! I'm curious as to how many people were surprised at Lord Kazuma using one of the three legendary dragons of Atlantis. Where do you think he got it from, and how did he get it? Who do you think will use Critias and Hermos?
The chapter also briefly touched Lord Kazuma's backstory, which I'll recap here. He said that he revels in hurting people to obtain the joy he seeks. After all, someone Lord Kazuma once knew told him this. But the question is, who? Another thing to keep in mind is that he believes that all humans become evil to seek happiness, and points that out in Rosetta when she was with the Hanoi. Why do you think he believes in that ideology? What do you think drove him to being the way he is? You will find that out in the chapters to come.
The last thing that happened was Numera encountering Athaliah before beginning her duel against her (with the azure-overcoated man watching their duel from above). As shown in this chapter, Athaliah uses a Shaddoll deck, a deck that focuses on Flip Summoning and locking down the opponent through Fusion Summoning. The next chapter will not only continue the duel, but also show more of Numera's backstory. Hopefully, you'll get the answers you're looking for regarding Numera.
A couple of announcements. The first announcement is regarding the Playmaker vs. Specter duel. As evident in Chapter 32's preview, I'll be writing that duel down alongside Raguel vs. Lord Kazuma. But I want your honest opinions on the Playmaker vs. Specter duel. Did you like how it was shown in the anime? Is there anything that you want kept? Anything you want removed? Anything you want to see (ex. different cards)? Please let me know in your reviews.
The second announcement is regarding the release of Chapter 31. Due to midterms coming up, please expect a small delay in the release. However, there's some good news. I have only two midterms this year, and they'll be easier to handle due to everything going on. They'll also be on the same week, which means I can focus on getting them over with. Therefore, I intend to release Chapter 31 on Earthoween (or in other words, October 31).
Thank you very much for your understanding, as well as for reading Chapter 30 of Obscured Truth. As always, please let me know your thoughts about the chapters below in your reviews. Also, constructive criticism is appreciated, as your tips and advice helps make the story better. In addition, don't forget to favorite and follow the story. That way, you will get a notification once the next chapter is released.
Stay tuned for what's to come, as next time, Numera will face off against her tormentor!