CHAPTER TWO: Outrageous Result! An Unexpected Challenge! /ターン2:とんでもない結果!突然の挑戦!
A low buzz filled the dining hall as the students of Neo Duel Academy conversed eagerly, shooting furtive glances here and there. Clearly, the revelation of the Homecoming Duel Participants had come as a surprise.
Up on the third floor reserved exclusively for Raviel Blue, the atmosphere was much more muted as the students lounged about, strewn across the expensive furniture.
At the largest of the glass tables, two students were sitting across from each other—a young man and woman. The man was slender, alabaster-skinned and dark-haired, with bangs that fell in artful layers past his brows. His face had a chiseled and angular beauty like that of a sculpture, with high cheekbones and cold green eyes.
In contrast to her companion, the woman's beauty was of the perfect Grecian type, with softly tanned skin, large dark eyes, long black hair and coral lips. Both the man and woman were dressed in the white and blue garb of Raviel Blue, although their outfits seemed slightly different, incorporating darker more striking tones.
"They've certainly changed things this year," Alexander mused in a cold tone, his gaze focused on the screens displaying the information for the Star Nexus Tournament. "What do you make of it, Adrienne?"
His remarks were directed at the young woman, who was toying with a stylish bracelet at her wrist, fashioned to resemble a serpent. At his words, she tossed her inky blue-black hair dismissively.
"I can't see why they would bother including students from Hamon Yellow and Uria Red," she replied, her tones slightly clipped with a creamy, exotic accent. "They can't hope to compete with us."
"That's true," Alexander agreed, shifting slightly as he looked down at the students moving across the cafeteria's first flow. In particular, his gaze was drawn to one corner, where two Uria Red students were practically pumping the air in elation.
Daisuke Kuwabara and Leon Dreidt, he thought to himself, identifying the pair with another glance at the screen.
"Still," he continued aloud, placing his glass upon the table and sitting back, "it can't hurt to do some research, right?"
Adrienne's features assumed a lazy and disdainful smile as she joined her companion in his observation of the other Duelists.
"Right."
"Look! Can you see them?"
"Where—?"
The students' whispers seemed unnaturally loud and almost sibilant as Hayden passed them, adjusting his glasses with one hand while the other tightened around his textbooks. For the first time in a while he felt painfully self-conscious, all too aware of the gold-streaked uniform that marked him as an intermediate level Duelist. With a massive effort, he managed to control the impulse to look behind him, where another Hamon Yellow student was trailing him absentmindedly, lost in a world of her own.
Despite the fact that Hamon Yellow was often associated with research and deep study, Vera Leigh certainly didn't look the type. She was tall with well-toned legs and dressed for adventure: a partially unbuttoned white blouse and tank top, black shorts and combat boots. Her dark green hair, styled short and spiky in the back with two long tresses in the front, only added to her eccentric appearance.
"That's Vera Leigh, right? The Queen Bee?"
"She doesn't look like much, I bet Adrienne could wreck her—"
Hayden resisted the urge to roll his eyes and employ his usual sarcasm as more students rushed by, regarding the two Hamon Yellows with poorly concealed curiosity. He came to a halt in front of his locker and began to enter the combination.
She probably hasn't even noticed that people are gossiping, he thought to himself, sighing slightly. Of all the other students chosen to represent their dormitory, it had to have been Vera Leigh. There was no doubting the girl's brilliance, he admitted grudgingly, recalling the precociousness she demonstrated consistently in class, but still…
I just wish she weren't so out of it, he concluded, watching as she passed to one side, humming a pleasant tune to herself. He waited for a moment to make sure she was gone before closing his locker slowly.
It was clear that the social order of Neo Duel Academy had been disrupted by this morning's developments. For the first time in years, more than one Hamon Yellow student had placed into the Star Nexus Tournament. More importantly, three members of Uria Red had been selected—it was almost unheard of.
A wise man knows his enemy, Hayden recited to himself, his blue-gray eyes serious behind his glasses as he ran a hand through his short brown hair.
It was time for a little trip to the Academy Library.
"They certainly seem excited, don't they?" Headmistress Shirayuri murmured, crossing her legs with a smooth movement as she regarded the students through the elaborate display of digital screens that comprised the school's security system.
She was reclining in a plush swiveling chair with armrests at the center of her office, a modern yet tastefully decorated room furnished with several objects of traditional Japanese culture. Delicately painted fans and sheets of calligraphy graced the walls, representing the characters for Strength, Prosperity, and Love. In one corner of the room, an exquisite katana lay mounted upon the wall, its blade shining with a brilliant sheen.
"Don't be silly, Keiko," a man's voice replied, issuing from one of the conference screens floating in front of her. "If the children are excited, it's only because they don't know any better. You and I know both know that this tournament won't take place without incident. It's almost certain that the enemy will be there—for whatever reason, this event is important to them."
Keiko nodded, her features softening slightly as she returned her gaze to the students, watching as they traipsed through the school grounds. "That's true," she whispered softly, an unidentifiable emotion shining in her eyes. Was it concern? Excitement? It was impossible to say.
"They're so young," she breathed at last, turning back to the conference screen, which remained completely blank.
"It always seems that way," he replied dismissively, his voice slightly distorted over the speakers. "I'm going now, we'll be in touch."
There was a brief burst of static as the call ended and the conference window disappeared, leaving the room in complete silence.
The Student Commons was packed with movement and sound as the students milled about, drifting across the spacious outdoor complex. Vending machines lined the walls and pop music sounded through the air, punctuated by bursts of laughter as everyone attempted to unwind after a long day of classes. Whether you wanted to socialize, practice Duel Monsters, or enjoy some snacks, the Student Commons was the perfect place for relaxation.
Daisuke's grin spread wider as he entered the complex with Leon at his side, eying the practice fields that surrounded the area, observing the matches that were already in progress. As always, he was excited by the opportunity to play against a strong opponent.
"I still can't believe it, dude," Leon said, squeezing Daisuke's shoulder playfully. "We're going to play in the Star Nexus Tournament. Holy sh—"
"You there!"
Daisuke and Leon turned to see a young man, leading a small crowd of students in their direction. He was tall with feathery brown hair, olive-colored eyes, and a indignant expression. The afternoon sun shone on the golden stripes on his uniform that marked him as a member of Hamon Yellow. He came to a halt in front of them and crossed his arms.
"What's up?" Daisuke said, greeting the newcomer with a friendly nod. "Did you need something?"
"I'll say," the boy agreed, his frown deepening at Daisuke's words. He gestured at the handful of students behind him, most of them from Hamon Yellow, although there were a few Raviel Blues as well. "We were just curious, you see," he continued, sarcasm dripping from his words, "as to how a good-for-nothing pair like you managed your latest triumph."
Leon bristled at the newcomer's words but held his tongue as Daisuke placed a steadying hand on his shoulder.
"I'm not sure if I like your tone," Daisuke replied in a remarkably calm voice, although his brown eyes were serious. "If you're talking about the tournament, then I guess we accomplished it the same way as the others. Hard work and maybe some luck…"
"You can say that again," the boy interrupted. "It's a fluke. Personally, I'm not convinced that you're good enough. None of us are. It's outrageous."
"Who does this punk think he is?" Leon demanded loudly, striding forward next to Daisuke. Across the Student Commons, heads were turning in their direction as the confrontation developed.
"My name is Valerian," the boy answered. "Make sure you remember it, so you can tell the rest of your pathetic dorm who defeated both of you."
"Then I assume you're challenging me to a Duel?" Daisuke replied mildly, unruffled by Valerian's rudeness. "If that's the case, then I'll accept your challenge—and I won't hold back!"
There was a low murmur of excitement across the Student Commons as the two boys withdrew their Duel Disks and activated them, the myriad of rainbow colors bursting into life. The crowd stepped back to give the two Duelists some room, forming a dense circle around the field of battle.
"I'm going to show the world how pathetic slackers like you really are," Valerian smirked, "once and for all."
"Don't count on it," Daisuke replied breezily, a cool smile playing across his lips as he sized up his opponent. "And don't think I'll let you off the hook for insulting Uria Red so easily!"
"DUEL!" they yelled together, their Life Points rising to 4000 with a mechanized beeping.
===DUEL: Daisuke vs. Valerian / デュエル:大輔 VS バレリアン===
"It's my move," Valerian said, drawing his sixth card. "I summon Deep Sea Unicorn in Attack Mode!"
Holographic bubbles blossomed upon the field, heralding the appearance of a dazzling aquatic creature composed of a horse's upper body mounted upon a scaled fishlike tail. The creature tossed its horned head with a wild cry, its finned tail slamming against the ground. Its scores stood at 1800 ATK and 1400 DEF, making it a solid monster to start with.
There was an appreciative round of applause from the surrounding students, but Daisuke merely smiled at the sight of the monster.
After all, he told himself, it's just a fish out of water.
"I'll activate Deep Sea Unicorn's ability. Once per turn, by sending a Water monster from my Deck to the Grave, I can look at the top card of my Deck. If it's a Normal Spell Card, I can add it to my hand—if not, it goes to the bottom of my Deck."
Valerian selected a single card and slid it into the Graveyard slot, then lifted the top card of his Deck.
"Lucky me," he smirked, flipping the card over so Daisuke could confirm its appearance. "I've drawn the Normal Spell Card, Mermaid Soul. But before I use it, I'll activate the effect of Drowned Ghoul. Whenever it's sent from the Deck to the Graveyard, I can draw one card."
Daisuke watched closely as Valerian added another card to his hand, bringing the total to seven. Regardless of his tactics, he certainly wasn't wasting any time.
"Normally I would have to return two Water monsters from my Graveyard to the Deck in order to use Mermaid Soul… but by tributing Deep Sea Unicorn, I can activate its effect without paying the activation cost."
There was another burst of bubbles as Deep Sea Unicorn vanished, leaving Valerian's field empty once more.
"Mermaid Soul lets me Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Water monster from my hand—I'll choose Mouse of Deep Water, in Defense Mode!"
A fast-paced chattering could be heard as plump rodent appeared inside a floating bubble, garbed in seashell charms that glinted against its sand-colored fur. It was much weaker than Valerian's previous monster, with only 400 ATK and DEF points apiece.
"I'll set two cards face-down. And then I'll activate the Field Spell, Sunken Temple of the Ancients!"
A grim smile appeared on Valerian's face as several jagged stone columns materialized upon the field, arranged in a circle. Streams of bubbles drifted upwards and out of sight into the inky black water, while an angry red glow pulsed steadily from the submerged volcano at the center of the complex.
"You're in deep water now!" Valerian taunted, clearly pleased by the change in scenery. In its bubble, the Mouse of Deep Water squeaked excitedly and wriggled with anticipation.
"During each of my End Phases," he continued, "my Field Spell will inflict 200 damage to the opponent for each Water monster in my Graveyard!"
Daisuke winced as a scalding burst of bubbles exploded from the volcano and consumed him.
Daisuke: 3600 LP
Valerian: 4000 LP
"A Burn Deck, huh?" he asked, rubbing his jaw and gazing at his opponent in surprise. "Isn't that normally a tactic employed by Fire Decks?"
"You're not as dumb as you look, slacker," Valerian laughed, nodding in approval. "Yes, Burn Decks usually employ Fire monsters… but as I'm about to prove to you, Water Decks are just as capable!"
"We'll just see about that," Daisuke said breezily, clearly unruffled. "It's my move!"
He gazed at his hand for a moment, trying to determine his best course of action. Mouse of Deep Water was extremely weak, which meant that it was either concealing a useful ability or meant to serve as bait, most likely for a Trap Card that Valerian had concealed.
I'll just have to spring the trap carefully, he decided, and I've got the perfect combination for that!
"I'll summon Cyber Hero Tektonic in Attack Mode!" he said, placing a single card upon his Duel Disk. In a burst of light, a muscular cyborg appeared on the field, his golden wings fluttering fiercely. With 1600 ATK and 1000 DEF, he was much stronger than Valerian's monster. On the sidelines, Leon whistled appreciatively at the sight of one of Daisuke's favorite cards.
"Next I'll equip him with Future Blaster!"
A burst of light blazed between the cyborg's hands, revealing a sleek and futuristic handgun.
"This Equip Spell Card will increase my Hero's ATK by 300. It also comes with another useful effect—once per turn, I can switch the Battle Position of one monster on the field!"
Cyber Hero Tektonic brandished the weapon with a roar, striking Mouse of Deep Water with a pulse of golden energy. The aquatic rodent squealed as it switched to Attack Position.
"And whenever a monster equipped with Future Blaster destroys an opponent's monster by battle," Daisuke added, "I can banish one Spell or Trap Card on the field!"
Those face-down cards have got me on edge, he thought, sparing them a quick glance. But unless I'm careful, Valerian's Field Spell will cut through my Life Points in no time… It's got to go, now.
"Battle! Cyber Hero Tektonic attacks with Angelic Justice!"
The cybernetic angel soared across the field and delivered a vicious uppercut to Mouse of Deep Water, which squealed in a pitiful manner as the blow connected.
"How dare you!" one of the spectators cried, a young girl clutching a stuffed animal to her breast. She looked rather shocked that Daisuke would attack such an adorable monster.
Daisuke: 3600 LP
Valerian: 2500 LP
"I'm afraid I'm not much good at swimming," Daisuke admitted, "so you'll have to forgive me for getting rid of your Field Spell."
"I don't think so," Valerian replied with his usual cocky smile. "Mouse of Deep Water can only be destroyed by an Earth monster. And unfortunately for you, your Cyber Hero is a Light monster. Looks like you won't get to use Future Blaster's ability after all!"
The bubble-bound rodent chattered endearingly once more as it floated serenely in its shimmering sphere, apparently unharmed.
So your strategy is to burn me down slowly, huh? Daisuke wondered grimly, sizing up the current situation. Clearly, Valerian was planning to use Mouse of Deep Water as a shield while gradually adding to the number of Water monsters in his Graveyard.
I'll show him that there's a cost for playing defensively.. As long as Cyber Hero Tektonic is equipped with Future Blaster, I can keep inflicting damage!
"Your Mouse of Deep Water may have survived for now," he conceded, placing another Monster Card on his Duel Disk, "but it won't help you. I activate the effect of Cyber Hero Teknoscope from my hand—when another Cyber Hero inflicts Battle Damage to the enemy, he can be Special Summoned to the field!"
A mechanical whirring heralded the appearance of a lanky cyborg with armor colored dark gray and gold. Its eyes were bright green, matching the pulsing lights scattered across its body, and it featured 800 ATK and DEF.
"Now it's Teknoscope's turn—attack with Steam Wave!"
The cyborg lifted its fists and released a wave of scalding steam towards the rodent, which squirmed furiously within its bubble as Valerian's Life Points were further reduced.
Daisuke: 3600 LP
Valerian: 2100 LP
"Leave that poor mouse alone!" the young girl wailed, bursting into tears. Daisuke flashed her an apologetic smile.
"Next I'll activate Teknoscope's effect—once per turn, I can select an opponent's face-down card and reveal it. And if that card is a Spell Card, it's removed from play!"
I wasn't able to get rid of the Field Spell, but at least I can get an idea of what kind of traps he's concealing, Daisuke thought, watching as a pulse of green light shot from his monster's eyes and struck Valerian's concealed card.
"Perfect," Valerian smirked. "You've chosen my Fountain of Rebirth—a Continuous Spell Card that activates when it's removed from the field, allowing me to revive a Water monster and increase its ATK by 1000!"
Leon groaned as Deep Sea Unicorn reappeared, rearing on its scaled coils, its offensive scores soaring to 2800.
"Oops," Daisuke laughed, looking slightly sheepish for a moment. "I wasn't expecting that to happen. Nice move!"
Valerian narrowed his eyes at his opponent, as if uncertain how to react to the compliment. "Stupid Uria slacker," he replied, "of course you weren't... You're not capable of complex strategy, unlike me! Reverse Card, open—Dragged into the Depths!"
Daisuke's smile faded as a whirlpool appeared beneath Cyber Hero Tektonic and Teknoscope. Both of the cyborgs struggled briefly, only to gurgle weakly as they were consumed by the vortex.
"This Trap Card activates during a turn that I took damage from a battle involving a Water monster. It destroys all of the opponent's monster that inflicted Battle Damage and lets me draw a card for each one!"
I wasn't expecting that, Daisuke frowned, watching his opponent add two new cards to his hand. It's almost like he set me up for that play... And he managed to use Mouse of Deep Water as bait too... Pretty cold-blooded...
"In that case," he replied with a shrug, "you'll just have to wait and see what I've got planned for next turn. For now, I'll activate Cybernetic Warp—it banishes Cyber Hero Tektonic from the Graveyard in order to revive it during my next Standby Phase. I'll also lay one card face-down and end my turn."
Valerian's smirk widened at Daisuke's paltry defense.
"You're even more naive than I thought," he announced. "There won't be another turn for you!"
AUTHOR'S Notes: Okay guys. I am very happy with the comments and constructive criticism I have received so far, so please keep it up! I am pleased with how this chapter turned out: it's certainly much longer than the last, and introduces quite a few key characters in passing, which we'll see again in the next chapter. I also wanted to go ahead and add some action, so I included the match between Daisuke and Valerian to give you an idea of some of the custom cards I'll be introducing throughout the story. I hope you enjoyed, stay posted for the next chapter!
CARD List: This section will feature the cards used in this chapter, although don't expect it to ruin any future Duels —only card effects that have already been revealed will be listed, so it's mainly for clarification. In addition, if an image is available from my archives, I will try and provide a "key card" featured in the match.
Today's Key Card / 今日のキーカード
Cyber Hero Teknoscope
Level 3
LIGHT
Warrior-Type/Tuner/Effect
ATK 800 / DEF 800
When a "Cyber Hero" monster you control inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. Once per turn, you can select 1 face-down card your opponent controls and reveal it; the selected card cannot be activated in response to this effect. If the revealed card is a Spell Card, banish it. If not, return the card to its original position.
Monsters:
Cyber Hero Tektonic
Level 3
LIGHT
Warrior-Type/Effect
ATK 1600 / DEF 1000
Effect: Unknown
Cyber Hero Teknoscope
Level 3
LIGHT
Warrior-Type/Tuner/Effect
ATK 800 / DEF 800
When a "Cyber Hero" monster you control inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. Once per turn, you can select 1 face-down card your opponent controls and reveal it; the selected card cannot be activated in response to this effect. If the revealed card is a Spell Card, banish it. If not, return the card to its original position.
Deep Sea Unicorn
Level 4
WATER
Aqua-Type/Effect
ATK 1800 / DEF 1400
Once per turn, you can send 1 WATER monster from your Deck to the Graveyard to look at the top card of your Deck. If that card is a Normal Spell Card, you can add it to your hand. If it is not a Normal Spell Card, place it at the bottom of your Deck. When a Spell Card is added to your hand by this effect, you can tribute this face-up card you control: Until this turn's End Phase, you do not have to pay the activation costs of that 1 Spell Card.
Drowned Ghoul
Level 3
WATER
Aqua-Type/Effect
ATK 1200 / DEF 900
When this card is sent from your Deck to the Graveyard by the effect of a WATER monster you control, draw 1 card from your Deck. You cannot activate this effect if there is another "Drowned Ghoul" in your Graveyard.
Mouse of Deep Water
Level 2
Water
Beast-Type/Effect
ATK 400 / DEF 400
This card cannot be destroyed by battle by a non-EARTH monster (Damage Calculation is applied normally).
Spells:
Future Blaster
Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a "Cyber Hero" monster you control; it gains 300 ATK. Once per turn, you can switch the Battle Position of 1 monster on the field. When the equipped monster destroys an opponent's monster by battle, you can banish 1 Spell or Trap Card on the field.
Cybernetic Warp
Normal Spell Card
Banish 1 "Cyber Hero" monster in your Graveyard. Special Summon that monster during your next Standby Phase and banish it during the End Phase.
Mermaid Soul
Normal Spell Card
Return 2 WATER monsters from your Graveyard to the Deck. Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower WATER monster from your hand.
Sunken Temple of the Ancients
Field Spell Card
During each of your End Phases, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the number of WATER monsters in your Graveyard x200.
Fountain of Rebirth
Continuous Spell Card
When this card is removed from the field: Special Summon 1 WATER monster from your Graveyard and increase its ATK by 1000. Negate the activation and effect of your opponent's Spell and Trap Cards that target the Special Summoned monster and destroy them.
Traps:
Dragged into the Depths
Normal Trap Card
Activate only during a turn that you took Battle Damage from a battle involving a WATER monster. Destroy all of your opponent's monsters that inflicted Battle Damage during this turn. Then draw 1 card from your Deck for each monster destroyed by this effect.
CHARACTER Profiles:
Valerian Greysteel
Age: 17
Hair Color: Light brown
Hairstyle: Mid-length, feathery, worn to one side
Eye Color: Olive
Height: 6"0
Weight: 170 lbs.
Favorite/Signature Card: Unknown
Deck: Deep Sea Deck
Personality: Although he's recognized as a competent Duelist by most, Valerian is always challenging himself to reach new heights. Cocky and sarcastic, he aspires to join Raviel Blue and regards Uria Red students with total disdain.
Likes: Saltwater taffy, swimming.
Dislikes: Being snubbed, extreme heat.
