Cardfight Vanguard: Setsuzoku Sensō
Chapter 3
Opening Hell Week II
Imagine…. you're no longer at Setsuzoku Academy's auditorium, but rather… you find yourself at a random park about 8 years into the past. All of a sudden you find yourself distracted by a young woman in her mid to late-20s yelling into her phone as she pays no heed to whether or not you or any of the other park-goers are watching a kid of their own or are simply choosing to take advantage of the fresh air. You try to ignore this and focus on whatever task you have in your hand to the best of your ability; however the young woman's continuous yelling still ends up boring its way into your ears.
"No absolutely not, so stop asking if I'll come back and you'll never be able to find us either! My son will not be a tool in your political game!" the young woman screamed, "So shove it up your ass and to the left you egotistical noble jackass!"
The young woman took a deep breath and seems to have calmed down as she hanged up the phone and put a small smile on her face, however that thought is completely tossed out of the window as she furiously tosses her phone into a small pond about 20 feet away.
"Mommy…. Why are you mad?" a young boy asked as he walked up to the young woman, "Did I do something bad?"
Despite the eyes still filled with hope and smooth yet messy black hair getting in the way, you quickly recognize this boy to be none other than a 7 year-old Kokuo.
"Oh you adorable rapscallion….. I could never be mad at my cute baby boy." Kokuo's mom said as she couldn't help but get on her knees to pinch her son's cheeks, "Grandpa is just mad about me refusing to let you be a part of his family's business."
"Then….. I don't have to join the….. what was it….. floyal…. Family?" Kokuo mumbled.
"It's actually pernounced…. oh you….. no you don't have to worry about that." Kokuo's mom said in a doting tone, "When you become a big strong man, you'll be able to do whatever you want in your life."
"Then… mommy, I'll work real hard to become a king in my own right." Kokuo said with a hopeful smile, "This way unlike grandpa who won't even talk to us when other people are around…. I'll be able to treat you like the queen you deserve. I know dad would have…. liked that."
Kokuo's mom was touched by her son's words….. to the point where even tears started to roll down her cheek, but she almost instantly wipes them away so as not to worry her son.
"That would certainly make mommy happy, but the person you treat like a queen should be a girl that's special to you other than me." Kokuo's mom whispered as she suddenly noticed the distinct jingling of an ice cream truck, "But enough about that… do you want some ice cream?"
"Chocolate!" Kokuo excitedly yelled, "Oh…. I mean… I would like some chocolate ice cream please."
"Alright…. you just go have fun in the sandbox or the playhouse with all the other kids while mommy waits in line." Kokuo's mom said as she stood back up, "And remember…. unless they're dressed as something like police officer or a fireman… don't talk to any grownups asides from mommy since we don't know anyone in the neighborhood yet."
"Okay." Kokuo said.
Kokuo waited until his mom lined up for the nearby parked ice cream truck behind a strawberry pink haired lady before running towards the biggest playhouse in the park. He runs right through a sandbox in his very short journey, however in the process of doing so he failed to notice that he accidentally knocked over the sand construct of a certain twin-tailed red haired little girl.
"Just what do you think you're doing you idiot!" the little girl screamed, "You totally wrecked my plans for the Kitagawa family sand garden!"
"A future king can go wherever he pleases." Kokuo declared with an arrogant smirk now that he was momentarily free from his mother's gaze, "Some random little brat can't tell me what to do."
"Excuse me you dumba…. no… I promised mommy I'd try to stop talking like her." the little girl mumbled to herself, "Wait…. hey, I turned 7 years old last week!"
"Ha…. well this future king turned 7 a month ago, and now this one will go down the slide at that playhouse." Kokuo declared as he unintentionally referred to himself in the 3rd person.
Kokuo takes a step out of this sandbox after a second; but after another second he suddenly finds his head partially buried in sand, a tiny knee pressing down on his spine, and his right arm twisted around behind his back.
"I don't care if you're the emperor of Japan." The little girl declared as she maintained her grip, "You're still not going to leave until you say you're sorry for running my sand garden!"
"A king doesn't apolo…. eeeyouch." Kokuo was saying as this little girl suddenly tightened her grip.
"That didn't sound like an apology!" the little girl pointed out.
"Alright… alright….. I'm very sorry for accidentally running your sand garden." Kokuo said in the most apologetic tone he was capable of whilst being on the verge of tears.
The little girl still wasn't satisfied with Kokuo's apology; however she lets him go anyway before occupying herself with dusting sand off of her clothing. Kokuo like most normal children are unused to experiencing the pain he had just felt, and also like other children his first response was to start having tears form in his eyes.
"Mo…. Mo….. momm-" Kokuo mumbled as he was about to turn into a fountain of tears.
"Hold it hold it hold it…. you said you wanted to be a king right?" the little girl suddenly asked as she feared what would happen once Kokuo started crying.
"Yeah…. for mommy…. I'll work hard to become a king in my own right!" Kokuo declared as he attempted to force himself to swallow his own tears.
"A king is supposed to be strong like in all those stories right?" the little girl asked again, "Then as my mom always tells daddy…. you should "Man up"…. even though I don't really know what that means."
"Yeah…. If.. I want to be a strong king… then I shouldn't cry." Kokuo notes as he actually stops crying.
"What's your name?" the little girl asked.
"Ko… Kokuo Rettousei." Kokuo answered.
"Alright then Kokuo… I'm Umi Kitagawa, and if you really do become a king…. then… as grandma calls it…. you can give me compenflation….. by making me your royal gardener and giving me a big budget." Umi declared, "Hey… Kokuo, wake up… get up you dumbass!"
"Wha? Well…." Kokuo mumbled, "I will be king under my own terms, and not yours."
If you haven't already figured it out…. this was nothing more than a flashback within a dream, and shortly afterwards Kokuo wakes up to listen to the director's entire speech. He becomes completely awake when he sees Sekai Akira walk in front of the podium.
"Was he really nervous a moment ago? It feels like he's piercing my soul with his gaze." Kokuo thought as he sat upright in his seat.
"It's him!" Umi declared as her gaze rested upon Sekai.
"Him?" Kokuo asked as he thought, "Wait….. is Sekai Akira the guy who…."
"That's him….. that's the guy who came into my family's diner and gave me the business card." Umi quickly explained.
"Oh…?" Kokuo mumbled as he thought, "Why would Setsuzoku Academy's strongest fighter be interested in my vile-mouthed two-faced best friend? Could it be that he's….. "interested" in Umi?"
I'm certain that interested parties should be able to instantly tell what Kokuo means by "interested", however by no means is that thought coming into his head due jealousy. Rather it's due to the concern he has for his friend due to the knowledge of the stereotypical tendencies of his own gender.
"You….. all should know….. who I am…. so excess words are unnecessary." Sekai said in a stoic tone, "If….. you have questions… press the buttons on your phone….. and ask them. It'll be broadcasted… through the auditorium's… internal PA."
"Wait… given the circumstances it's understandable if he says no, but for the sake of becoming the King of Games of the Vanguard World….. I have to see it… the difference in strength between me… and someone who holds the title of strongest."
Kokuo notices that he has his chance since no one has the balls to say something, so he thus forcefully presses the button on his phone.
"Sekai Akira, I challenge you to a cardfight!" Kokuo declared as he drew the gaze of everyone in the auditorium, "My King of Future Knights, Alfred II and I want to see for ourselves why you hold the title of strongest!"
Umi was currently preoccupied with cursing Kokuo in her thoughts as she buried her face in her palms; however the remainder of the auditorium's population was shocked by what most perceived to be the sheer arrogance of Kokuo's declaration.
"Hmph…. if he wants to properly grow at Setsuzoku…. he'll need to know his place, but…. if anything… I applaud your guts. Wouldn't you agree with me Tsukiyo-senpai?" Kisaki mumbled though Tsukiyo herself wasn't actually next to her.
"An outsider freshman actually has the guts to challenge Akira-senpai….. if it were any of the previous 1st rankers maybe this dumbass Kokuo would have a chance at putting up a fight, but Akira-senpai is a complete monster of monsters." one freshman whispered to a friend.
"Tell me about it…. so what if he's the 4th ranked freshman…. the rankings at the start of the year are usually worthless, so he's asking to get his ass kicked." The friend of that freshmen said.
A few remained neutral, fewer applauded Kokuo's courage, but the rest as signified with the comments above….. only continued to admonish Kokuo. Of course…. most of these comments were made under the assumption that Sekai accepted the challenge, however given his status and the current circumstances it should be expected that he refuses.
"Alright…. challenge accepted." Sekai declared.
Or not….
"He actually accepted?!" were the collective thoughts of the entire auditorium including Kisaki and a couple other freshmen.
Since he had Sekai's approval, Kokuo quickly made his way to the auditorium stage with several additional gazes resting upon him while a pair of stage hands move the podium backstage.
"Sekai Akira: Took the entrance exam for the high school division, ranked the strongest freshmen as a result, became the 3rd ranker after the first two weeks of school, then you became the school's strongest fighter just after summer break ended, and because of that you're commonly referred to as "The greatest diamond that Setsuzoku Academy has ever polished." Let me know if I'm forgetting something." Kokuo declared.
"Oh you idiot….. why do you have to be so presumptuous." Umi thought as she seriously considered running on stage in order to throttle her friend.
"You forgot…. how I'm…. currently the student council president." Sekai mumbled as he seems to be preoccupied with something on his phone, "And your name is Kokuo Rettousei correct?"
"Yes." Kokuo quickly answered.
Kokuo was actually about to ask why Sekai isn't focusing on him the challenger, but he soon gets his answer when a message alert pops up on his ludicrously expensive new phone. That message said "1st Rank: Sekai Akira has challenged you to a ranking match. Do you wish to accept? Yes/No." Kokuo quickly presses yes on his phone, and as a result message alerts started popping up not only on the phones of everyone in the auditorium but everyone with one of these school sponsored phones.
"Oh yeah…. that's right….. I forgot that psychotic f****** exercise professor did say all students are automatically alerted when a member of the top 10 fights a ranking match." Umi thought.
The professor also mentioned that you can also watch such fights or any fight made available for public viewing for that matter on your phone, and you'd even be able to hear whatever the fighters are saying to each other too for added drama. In addition, the way the fights appeared on your phone would be akin to how the fights looked on one of the Vanguard video games for the 3DS.
"Akira-senpai actually accepted….. and as a ranking match? What is he insane?" one student exclaimed.
"Tell me about it….. if he loses…. Akira-senpai will be totally humiliated." another student pointed out.
"Do you incompetents actually believe that Akira-senpai would actually lose to such a ruffian fool?" Kisaki asked in an admonishing tone as she overheard the statement of these students.
"My apologies Kisaki-sama." the two students declared as they feel scared due to what they perceive to be the ire of the Academy's 7th strongest fighter.
As we speak the auditorium already starts to fill with other students interested in watching Sekai fight and they all have opinions on his decision to make it a ranking match, but as they don't have the guts to say their opinion to Sekai's face….. they only continue to admonish Kokuo as an arrogant fool who doesn't know his place.
"How did you find me so fast? I was told you could only see a student's ID number unless they happen to be on your contact list when one uses the match finder app when you ping for nearby opponents?" Kokuo asked as given the look of surprise on his face….. he wasn't expecting Sekai to turn around and challenge him instead.
"That's…. how it is…. normally, but the…. top 10 can see the names of….. all the students….. in the match finder app…. regardless of whether or not they're in our contact list." Sekai explained, "Oh and…. you may want to back up a couple feet."
"Wha… what the?" Kokuo mumbled as a confused look appeared on his face when all of a sudden he could feel something vibrating beneath his feet.
Kokuo looks down and finds his legs being forcefully spread apart as though he was trying to do the splits, however of course he wasn't actually trying to do so….. rather it was because a sliding trap door was opening up beneath Kokuo's feet.
"Oh damn!" Kokuo mumbled as he urgently jumped backwards due to the fear of falling in the aforementioned trap door.
"I did say you should….. back up." Sekai pointed out.
Sekai, Kokuo, and the students sitting in the first few rows near the stage started to hear gears turn as something started to rise out of that trap door. That something however was just one of the fancy electronic fight tables that as Professor Ryushi explained were spread all over the campus.
"I think…. you should have been told….. there are several of these all over the school, of which include even….. the larger bathrooms and locker rooms….. granted that in itself might be a bit of overkill though." Sekai explained, "And as for the rest….. you should have been shown those steps as well."
Once this electronic fight table is fully locked into place, Kokuo and Sekai insert their phones into the port as described in Professor Ryushi's short demonstration video causing the whole table to start up….. touch screen card mat and all. The design on the touchscreen mat itself was just the same one found on those paper mats that come in Vanguard trial decks, however the surprises don't end there. The moment Sekai and Kokuo place down their respective decks and starting vanguards, a large flat-screen TV descends from the ceiling above the stage that in turn begins to display what will be his fight's vital statistics in the same manner as if all these students decided to watch on their phones.
"Now then…. before we begin…. Do you mind if I ask something?" Sekai inquires as he goes through the process of doing his re-draw, "Why challenge me here and… now?"
"My dream is to become the King of Games of the Vanguard world…. I know that in itself is a title that doesn't exist in this card game, but I don't care about that as I will make it one." Kokuo confidently declared, "To do that I need to know how much work it will take to surpass everyone in my way that holds the title of "Strongest", and in your case….. rather than waste months studying match records…. I'd much rather feel the strength of your imagination and attacks with my own body!"
"I see." Sekai said as he nodded in understanding while thinking "I can certainly see how the other students would call you arrogant for saying something like that, but….. I understand completely…. If Tsukiyo-san was here however…. knowing her, even if she'd disagree with your methods…. she'd definitely compliment you on the practicality of your decision."
The still growing number of people in the auditorium all mostly knew from the bottom of their hearts that this would be a one-sided slaughter, but regardless of whether or not everyone here was actually sitting down; nearly everyone here sat on the metaphorical edge of their seats in anticipation of Sekai mercilessly destroying Kokuo.
"Now then….. before we begin…" Sekai mumbled as he took a deep breath, "Imagine….. you and I are hovering across from one another in spirit form within the stars between Earth and the Planet Cray."
The few students who noticed that Sekai truly was as nervous as all hell a few moments ago also noticed that all traces of such nervousness disappeared from Sekai's manner of speech. Sekai spoke with such confidence and direction just now that these few people couldn't help but think that he was truly acting earlier.
"One of us sees the Planet Cray behind their opponent while the other ends up gazing upon Earth, and in between the two of us we see the beautiful ocean of stars and wondrous nebulas that humanity continues to dream that they'll one day traverse!" Sekai declared as he points at the starts above through the auditorium's ceiling.
Kokuo couldn't help but have his vision replaced by everything Sekai had just described as stars of various colors continue to twinkle brightly, nebulas in the shape of creatures of myth float in the stars as though they were cut straight from an episode of Star Trek, there were even a few asteroids floating about as though they were on a lazy river, and Kokuo looks over his shoulder to see Earth behind him while the planet Cray rests behind Sekai.
"Amazing… truly amazing…. if I didn't know any better and this Earth was instead the Earth from the Cardfight Vanguard anime… I'd assume Sekai just used psyqualia on me." Sekai thought as he started to sweat profusely, "If just the description of his imagination can make me have such a visceral reaction…. then just how strong is he? I absolutely have to find out….. my pride as a Vanguard fighter MAKES IT SO."
Kokuo only declared his challenge against Sekai simply to satiate his curiosity about the strength of the latter, but now his blood and adrenaline are boiling with an absolute desire to do battle such that only the auditorium's collapse would have a chance at getting him to stop…. and probably not even then.
"Stand up, Vanguard!" both fighters declared.
"Guidepost Sage, Elron [Power: 5000]!" Kokuo said aloud.
"Arc Dracokid [Power: 5000]!" Sekai said aloud.
The spirit form of Sekai and Kokuo are replaced in this realm forged by imagination with a young blue-haired sage vying for the attention of his senpai and a baby dragon whose scales glow with moonlight.
"And so it begins…. the result will be obvious, but I can't help but find the matchup of the units themselves to be interesting." Kisaki thought as she had a look of unease on her face for a reason known only to herself, "A king that is supposed to rule all under heaven versus an existence that traverses the heavens."
"Since you're the challenger…. oh hopeful future king, I'll let you decide whether or not you want to go first or second." Sekai suggested with a somewhat cocky tone of voice.
"I'll be going first of course as I ride Knight of Benevolence, Kay [Power: 7000]!" Kokuo declared as he slammed Kay somewhat hard on the vanguard circle, "And I'll move Elron to the back through his skill. That'll do for my turn."
The little sage transformed into a proud heavily armored knight with brown hair and his grin still has the look of one proud to be fighting alongside his comrades, however his gaze turns serious and his hair turns as black as the space between the stars as if to signify that Kay is now the embodiment of Kokuo within this imagination born battlefield. The Kokuo in reality however was going through something different as his right hand (of which was the one that placed Kay on VC) started to shake one he put it to rest at his side. The man himself seemed indifferent about this simple physical reaction, but he was already thinking about it a great deal.
"My hand is shaking….. with fear? How is that possible? Sekai hasn't even done anything yet… nor is he even bothering to emit any kind of pressure, but could it be that he is emitting some kind of presence and I just can't sense it?" Kokuo thought as he couldn't help but look upon Sekai with a more focused gaze as the latter drew for the turn, "No Kokuo…. you're overthinking it….. the nervousness that comes with fighting someone with Sekai Akira's reputation must only just be now getting to you."
"I ride Comet Rider, Pleiades [Power: 7000], and I too shall move Arc Dracokid to the backrow." Sekai said calmly.
The young baby dragon transforms into who appears to be a young maiden with waist length ludicrously light blond hair, light blond hair, she was wearing a Greek style heavy metal armor that covered everything below the neck with some kind of steel, and the exact design the armor itself wouldn't look out of placed attacked to 15 meter tall robots piloted by 15 year olds falling into a cockpit, she held a simple long sword in her hand, and most importantly she was standing upon a small asteroid with rockets attached as it fluttered about as though it were the Flying Nimbus.
"Now Pleiades will attack your vanguard Knight of Benevolence, Kay [Total Power: 7000]!" Sekai declared.
[Drive Check – Cosmic Saviour, Orionus - No Trigger]
Pleiades quickly waves her hand over her sword causing it to suddenly be covered in a thick layer of yellow energy such that a person seeing it for the first time in this state would assume it's something like a beam saber, and then she puts the metaphorical throttle for her stone shaped steed to maximum causing Pleiades to fly towards Kay at a high speed. Kay himself is able to deflect the first blow of Pleiades, however the force of the blow leaves him wide open for a second strike that in turn leaves a deep gash in his armor.
[Damage Check – Luminous Light King of Knights, Alfred Oath – No Trigger]
"My turn is fini." Sekai said.
For those of you who don't speech French or skipped over every episode that Shion Kiba appeared in, "Fini" is the French word for finished.
Sekai – Kokuo
6 – Hand – 5
0 – Soul – 0
0 – Damage – 1
0 – Counter Blast – 0
F(0) U(16) – G-Zone – F(0) U(16)
Arc Dracokid / Empty – Empty / Empty
Empty / Comet Rider, Pleiades – Knight of Benevolence, Kay / Empty
Empty / Empty – Empty / Guidepost Sage, Elron
"Alright Kokuo….. you're still nervous since the fight just started, but don't let it get to you and use that fear to push your skills to the next level." Kokuo thought as he drew for the turn, "Phew….. I didn't want to risk a G-Assist against someone like him."
"Akira-sama is as amazing as always." one student said in admiration.
"I know right….. as expected of the strongest… everything he does is done with grace." Another student said in response.
"Grace? Are you serious? The fight has only just begun." Kisaki thought as she couldn't but help burry her face in her palms due to hearing the perceived ignorance of her fellow students, "Akira-senpai…. As strong as he is… he's just a human like the rest of us, and…. we're not in the world of the Vanguard anime where even the most simple of opening moves is treated as some heaven defying technique."
Kisaki actually wanted to yell that at the pair of students from a moment ago, but decided against it given her rank and current situation. Still…. it is time for the fight to keep developing until it finally ends.
"Ride... Knight of Virtue, Bedivere [Power: 9000]!" Kokuo declared.
Kokuo seems far more comfortable in Bedivere's skin within this battlefield between the stars as his swords feel comfortable within Kokuo's hands. He's already pointing his swords towards Sekai's female vanguard when he suddenly snaps back to reality.
"No focus….. if you get lost in his imagination you'll lose long before you get caught in his pace." Kokuo thought, "Bedivere… attacks Comet Rider, Pleiades [Total Power: 9000]!"
"No guard." Sekai said casually.
[Drive Check – Knight of Twin Sword – No Trigger]
As though it were a game of hopscotch, Bedivere skips across across a bunch of smaller asteroids all the way to Pleiades where he engages in a short yet intense sword duel with her. Though unable to draw blood, Bedivere was able to leave a deep gash on the armor of Pleiades that in turn suddenly caused the latter to start heavily panting due to shock.
[Damage Check – Unrivalled Fighter of Planets, Vorpal Sword Battler – No Trigger]
"I have to say….. not bad freshman." Sekai pointed out in an approving tone of voice, "Most freshmen with one exception….. especially if it's through something like the match finder app tend to run away from me or end up being unable to fight properly when I'm their opponent."
"I don't understand what you're talking about." Kokuo said honestly.
"Ohhhh?" Sekai mumbled with a bemused expression, "So you weren't so nervous about fighting me such that you could barely hold a straight face?"
"How did you know?" Kokuo asked with a shocked expression.
"That's just the way most freshman at Setsuzoku are against whoever holds the 1st rank…. especially more so against me with the one exception being our lovely tsundere 7th ranker Kisaki, but really….. it's just something you'll pick up as one who holds the title of "strongest" next to their name." Sekai explained in a joking manner in order to ease the tension, but at the same time a sad expression flashed across his face for a split second.
"Hey!" Kisaki yelled due to feeling insulted.
"That's what's you get for being so f****** damn cocky." Umi thought.
"Anyways….. most high school freshmen and below tend to run away when they find out I'm their opponent…. Last until they ride to grade 2 before they run away." Sekai explained once again in a joking manner.
"It's one thing to leave in the middle of a fight when some kind of emergency happens, but running away like that only shows those people are cowards who don't have the rights to call themselves a Vanguard Fighter. I might lose, I might certainly get scared of my opponent, but I'd never run away. How could I become a King of Games who gives his people strength if I just run away all the time?" Kokuo proudly declared.
"I figured as much, of which is why I said not bad." Sekai calmly retorts, "But we still have a fight to finish, so enough exposition for now."
"Right….. I end my turn then." Kokuo followed.
Sekai – Kokuo
6 – Hand – 6
0 – Soul – 1
1 – Damage – 1
0 – Counter Blast – 0
F(0) U(16) – G-Zone – F(0) U(16)
Arc Dracokid / Empty – Empty / Empty
Empty / Comet Rider, Pleiades – Knight of Virtue, Bedivere / Empty
Empty / Empty – Empty / Guidepost Sage, Elron
"Stand and draw!" Sekai said aloud as he drew for the turn, "I ride Meteor Knight, Tachyon [Power: 9000]!"
If Sekai's Grade 1 vanguard could be described as a heavily armored Greek Goddess… then his Grade 2 should be a heavily armored (again like a giant robot where 15 year-old pilots fall inside), muscled Greek God, is literally armed with heavy robotic arms nearly half the size of his body, and much like Pleiades he finds himself paired with a mount made from a piece of space rock with boosters attached.
"Next I choose to call from my hand Meteor Knight, Chondrite [Power: 9000]." Sekai informed as he casually placed down the unit.
The armor of this new Meteor Knight matched the design of its comrade though its gender is impossible to tell due to a combination of a gender neutral build and the fact that he or she is fully armored from head to toe, however there is one difference between this new person and its last two humanoid allies. That difference is that Chondrite's ride isn't simply a piece of space rock, but rather a large hover board with a small indent horizontally running across the middle.
"Now then….. I'll attack your vanguard with my vanguard Meteor Knight, Tachyon [Total Power: 9000]!" Sekai declared.
"No guard." Kokuo declared as he quickly glanced at his hand.
[Drive Check – Meteor Knight, Rigel – Critical Trigger]
"The critical to Tachyon and the power to Chondrite [New Total: 9000 2 Crit]!" Sekai declared.
Tachyon raises his right giant mechanical fist and pull it back as far as it will go as if intending to launch a telephone punch, and then Tachyon launches that punch even though there's still a large distance between him and Bedivere betwixt the stars. The moment that mechanical fist fully extends…. It flies off Tachyon's arm revealing it to be not a simple fist, but the classic attack of giant robots everywhere… the rocket punch.
[Damage Check – Knight of Fragment – No Trigger]
[Damage Check – Nova Knight, Llew – Critical Trigger]
"Lucky break." Kokuo thought, "I give all of the effects to my vanguard."
"Alright then…. now with a boost from Arc Dracokid, I'll attack your vanguard with Meteor Knight, Chondrite [Total Power: 19000]!"
"You know…. I thank Llew for making my power and no iconic meme intended… over 9000, so I'll thank him again by guarding with another copy of Llew [Total Shield: 10000]!" Kokuo countered.
"Then….. I shall end my turn." Sekai said as he casually shrugged off his failed rearguard assault.
"One turn left until the fight enters the mid-game phase... should I change the pacing by stepping up my attack? Or should I continue to play cautiously and prepare myself for Sekai's G-unit assault?" Kokuo thought as he continued to gaze upon Sekai's indifferent gaze, "Damn it….. it would be easier to decide if I could only tell what he's thinking."
Sekai – Kokuo
6 – Hand – 5
1 – Soul – 1
1 – Damage – 3
0 – Counter Blast – 0
F(0) U(16) – G-Zone – F(0) U(16)
Arc Dracokid / Meteor Knight, Chondrite – Empty / Empty
Empty / Meteor Knight, Tachyon – Knight of Virtue, Bedivere / Empty
Empty / Empty – Empty / Guidepost Sage, Elron
"Oh screw it….. nothing ventured nothing gained." Kokuo thought as he drew for the turn, "Strength giving king, bring hope to the past and future! I ride King of Future Knights, Alfred II [Power: 11000]!"
This "Alfred" strongly resembles a certain King of Knights from his body type right down to the shape of his cheek bones; however there are three notable differences between this Alfred and the original. Alfred II has eyes so black that it's a little difficult to stare right into his eyes; he dons a layered white leather armor with a dark blue spandex-like suit hidden underneath, and Alfred II wields a light green one-handed sword compared to the original Alfred's blue/white heavy claymore like blade.
"I call Starlight Violinist [Power: 8000], then through his skill I superior call Knight of Virtue, Bedivere [Power: 9000], and then finally I'll call Knight of Benevolence, Kay [Power: 7000] to the back row."
"I see….. so it's incomplete then." Sekai mumbled as he failed to notice that he's speaking out loud.
"In…. incomplete?" Kokuo asked as his opponent's sudden utterance.
"Huh…. oh….. hehe…. Sorry for thinking out loud, but answering that question wouldn't be appropriate given the current circumstances." Sekai explained as he quickly nods his head towards the crowd of people sitting in the auditorium, "If you still want to know what I was thinking about….. then seek me out after our fight is over."
"Okay…?" Kokuo said as he nods his head in confusion, "Anyways….. Kay's skill: +2000 power to Bedivere, and I counter charge."
"So….. he's choosing to go on the offensive now in order to put the pacing of the fight his way while making a dent in Sekai's game plan?" Kisaki thought as she simulated the next few turns of this fight within her mind, "Given the difference in their skill level….. that tactic had a chance of working if Kokuo played aggressive right from the start, but such things against Akira-senpai's strength is….. utterly irrelevant."
"Come on….. Kokuo you dumb****, at least put up a good enough show so you don't embarrass me." Umi thought as she couldn't but help imagine being teased by her fellow students for her simply knowing Kokuo.
"To start things off….. with a boost from Elron, I'll have Starlight Violinist attack Chondrite [Total Power: 13000]!" Kokuo declared while thinking, "I'm fully aware of what that card does, so there's no way in hell I'm letting it stay on the field."
"No guard." Sekai responds as his imagined incarnation of Chondrite disappears into particles of light within the space-born battlefield.
"Then Alfred II… my vanguard will attack [Total Power: 11000]!" Kokuo declared.
[Drive Check – Margal – Draw Trigger]
[Drive Check – Yggdrasil Inheritor, Elaine – Heal Trigger]
"I draw a card, recover one point of damage, and then I'll apply both sets of power bonuses to Bedivere." Kokuo said.
Using smaller asteroids fluttering through the stars as though they were stepping stones for a game of hopscotch, Alfred II skips across them until he's only a few feet away from Tachyon. Sekai's vanguard attempts to knock Alfred II away with a quick right hook from his gigantic fist, however Alfred II is able to easily dodge thanks to the nimbleness allowed by his leather armor only to jab his blade into an opening between Tachyon's armor.
[Damage Check – Meteor Knight, Jet – No Trigger]
"Now to bring this battle phase to a close….. with a boost from Kay, my Bedivere will attack [Total Power: 28000]!" Kokuo declared.
[Damage Check – Dazzling Light Screen, Vega – No Trigger]
"That'll do." Kokuo said as he signaled the end of his turn.
Sekai – Kokuo
6 – Hand – 6
1 – Soul – 1
3 – Damage – 2
0 – Counter Blast – 0
F(0) U(16) – G-Zone – F(0) U(16)
Arc Dracokid / Empty – Knight of Virtue, Bedivere / Knight of Benevolence, Kay
Empty / Meteor Knight, Tachyon – King of Future Knights, Alfred II / Empty
Empty / Empty – Starlight Violinist / Guidepost Sage, Elron
"Sekai has 4 unknown cards in his hand compared to that ruffian's 3; however he makes up for that by having the advantage in both field and damage." Kisaki thought, "But since Akira-senpai has the advantage of being able to bring out a G-Unit first….. he can easily reverse the situation with his skill level. As for how long the fight will actually last….. well I suppose that will depend on Akira-senpai's mood at the moment."
"Before we continue, do you mind if I ask you a question?" Sekai asks of Kokuo as he drew for the turn.
"We're in the middle of a fight, so like you just told me…. if there's anything else you want to ask stow it until after the fight." Kokuo retorts.
"How dare you speak so rudely to Akira-sama!" a female member of Sekai's fan club screamed, "You should feel honored by the fact that he has something to inquire of you."
"Seriously… at least I admit that I'm highly arrogant, but it's because students say crap like this that people think the only thing good about Setsuzoku Academy is our fighting skills." Kisaki thought as much like Umi, she couldn't help but hide her face behind her palms.
"Ha ha…. true, but I'm still going to ask it anyway." Sekai declared as he either ignored or didn't hear his own fan's outburst, "Do you understand the importance of a ride chant?"
"A ride chant?" Kokuo asked as he was confused in regards to the point of this inquiry.
"You know… that thing people say before they ride or stride a particularly important unit to them. Like with Aichi Sendou and Blaster Blade, Ren Suzugamori with Blaster Dark, Kai Toshiki with Dragonic Overlord, and or what you just said with Alfred II." Sekai explained as though the point of his statement was something obvious, "I ask because….. to me…. it felt as though you were incredibly unsure of yourself as you said."
"Unsure?" Kokuo asked not out of actually being unsure, but because he still didn't understand Sekai's reasoning behind this line of questioning.
"Well…. it's just my own personal opinion, but….. I find that a ride chant is the representation of the will behind a fighter's desires." Sekai explained, "Why do you choose to fight the way you do? What is your state of mind in the current fight you're in? How do you feel about your current state? What is your goal that requires you to traverse the world of card fighters? A fighter's ride chant is supposed to answer all of these questions and more as you forge a bond against an opponent you're playing for the first time, and or strengthen the bond between you and a fighter you've clashed with a thousand times before."
"That's… almost word for word exactly what he said to me." Umi thought as she recalls her first encounter with Sekai.
None of you readers will have to worry about another flash back sequence here as a result of Sekai's statement; however Kokuo himself ends up thinking about his words rather seriously.
"You're wrong about me being unsure." Kokuo declared, "I know exactly what it is I have to do in order to achieve what it is I want to do."
"Ha…. my mistake then, but since I brought up the whole issue with ride chants…. It's time that I share my own with you." Sekai lightly chuckled, "Let my dreams be your wings as we fly through new stars of battle, my avatar! I ride Cosmic Saviour, Orionus [Power: 11000]!"
A beam of light seemingly consumes the Sekai's current vanguard leaving only the steadily transforming shadow of a silhouette, and then once that beam of light disappeared; his avatar. Orionus appeared to be double in height compared to that of the average human, white armor with yellow highlights, a sort of booster pack on its back that appeared to made from feathers, several streamers of light are coming those feathers, and all of these things combine to form a sort of celestial divine appearance.
"Generation zone release!" Sekai declared as he discarded a grade 3 unit from his hand, "Great canine of the celestial expanse, guide us unto a hopeful future! Stride generation… Interplanetary Beast, Starburst Kerbecs [Power: 26000]!"
"Kerbecs huh….. but that big a** dog is nothing like the guardian of the underworld." Umi thought, "Still….. he didn't use that when he came over to my family's dinner."
For a second time a beam of light consumes Sekai's vanguard once again leaving only a steadily transforming shadow within that beam, of which turns into a three headed celestial dog. It's body tail included is impossibly black like space itself yet is also littered with white spots as bright as stars as if an entire galaxy was tightly compressed to form Kerbecs body, his teeth are shining like a newborn star, and his eyes are in turn as red as a star about to go supernova.
"I counter blast 1 to activate the stride skill of Orionus!" Sekai said aloud as he picked up the top three cards of his deck, "I check the top three cards of my deck, select one unit among them to send to the bind zone."
[Bound Card – Comet Rider, Pleiades – No Trigger]
"Then I select a unit in my bind zone…. or rather the only unit in my bind zone and superior call it….so return to this battlefield from across the stars Comet Rider, Pleiades [Power: 7000], then I shuffle my deck, and Pleiades gets a +5000 power bonus for the turn." Sekai explained as he went through the aforementioned motions, "Arc Dracokid's skill: Since I placed a unit into my bind zone, this little one gets a +5000 power bonus for the turn as well."
"Damn…. with a single counter blast he's strengthened his attacking power by 10 thousand points, he hasn't even attacked yet, nor have used the skill of his G-Unit, and his body moved like he was doing all this subconsciously." Kokuo thought, "To obtain this level of mastery over such a rare clan….. even if the entire student body hates me for my declaration…. just experiencing this little piece was worth it."
"To those here who would insult Setsuzoku Academy's name by not knowing about Sekai's strength, enjoy the gaze upon a level most of you here will likely never reach." Kisaki thought as though she were in actuality speaking to all of the freshmen currently in the auditorium.
"Kerbecs skill: I check the top 4 cards of my deck, bind two cards amongst those four, and then I select a unit in my bind zone in order to superior call it." Sekai explained as he once again casually goes through the aforementioned motions.
[Bound Card – Demi Star Warrior, Alastor – No Trigger]
[Bound Card – Meteor Knight, Jet – No Trigger]
"I choose to have Demi Star Warrior, Alastor [Power: 7000] return from the void of space right behind Kerbecs, and since my heart card is Orionus….. Alastor gets +3000 power for the turn and at the end of it I get to bounce Alastor back to my hand. Plus since I sent yet another card into the bind zone this turn, I get to counter charge 1 through the skill of Pleiades." Sekai explained, "Now I'll call Rigel [Power: 4000] and Chondrite [Power: 9000] to the front row."
"Sekai has finished setting up his field, so now I'll get to see a serious blow of someone who holds the title of strongest." Kokuo thought as he instinctively takes up a defensive posture.
"With a boost from Pleiades, Rigel will attack your vanguard [Total Power: 16000]!" Sekai declared.
[Damage Check – Walgal – No Trigger]
"Now I'll attack your vanguard with my Starburst Kerbecs but before I get to the triple drive check I'll move Rigel to the soul through his skill, draw a card, and give my vanguard a +5000 power bonus." Sekai explained, "Starburst Kerbecs, unleash your celestial breath upon the king of knight's descendant [Total Power: 41000]!"
"Generation guard….. Great Flash, Iseult…. through her skill +20000 shield and I'll intercept with Starlight Violinist [Total Shield: 40000]!" Kokuo hurriedly and urgently countered.
Kokuo's eyes, of which were filled with fear suddenly snap out of such a state into one of clarity as if he'd woken up from a dream or broken free from some form of hypnosis.
"What the hell… did I just do?! There was no rational reason for me to guard that powerful of an attack at three damage. F***…. If Sekai gets two triggers I'll be forced on the defensive, if he gets 1 crit among that he'll have my back to the wall, and if he gets lucky enough to get 2 crits….. I'll get killed before I have a chance to throw a decent punch." Kokuo urgently thought, "Just f***ing why did I do something so stupid?"
"The answer is obvious you ruffian fool…. Akira-senpai is treating this fight very casually causing his normally strong presence to be suppressed to the point where there are probably if any only a few if any people asides from me that can still sense the dragon hiding on the other side of the mountain, but since you're in the eye of the storm….. your subconscious has recognized the difference between you and Akira-senpai and out of fear reacted accordingly." Kisaki thought as she in turn could tell what Kokuo was thinking from the expression on his face, "That's why you chose to guard even though your conscious mind knew it was a bad idea."
"Triple drive check." Sekai said aloud as he placed his hand on the top of his deck.
[Drive Check – Stellar Combustion, Zeke – Critical Trigger]
"Just relax." Kokuo thought as he took a deep breath, "It's not as though Akira-senpai has any reason to take such a risk at the start of the mid-game by applying the trigger to his vanguard. Were the situations reversed, I'd apply the crit to a rearguard as well."
"I give all of the effects to Kerbecs." Sekai declared.
"What?!" Kokuo said aloud as he was shocked that his opponent actually made such a choice.
"The reason isn't anything complex." Sekai said as if knowing what Kokuo was thinking, "I simply have faith in my deck….. and strength that brings about luck."
"I remember…. Kisaki said something similar just before we fought." Umi thought as she recalls her time during the practical exam.
[Drive Check – Dazzling Light Screen, Vega – No Trigger]
"Don't get a trigger… don't get a trigger…. don't get a trigger." Kokuo thought as he started to pray to the big guy upstairs.
[Drive Check – Starbridge Trooper, Core – Draw Trigger]
"I give all of the effects to Kerbecs, I draw a card, and my attack will go through [Total Power: 51000 2 Crit]!" Sekai declared.
Kerbecs raises his three heads so his 3 pairs of eyes can gaze at the stars above as he metaphorically takes a deep breath in order to absorb the energy of the stars, and all of that power is released again as three large separate energy beams coming from each of the celestial canine's mouths. Alfred II attempts to valiantly resist by swinging his blade down upon the beam fired from the center head of Kerbecs, however this is ultimately futile as he's instantly overpowered by the other two beams.
[Damage Check – Encourage Angel – Stand Trigger]
"I'll give all of the effects to my vanguard." Kokuo declared.
Sekai, Kisaki, and the smarter students sitting in the auditorium were all able to notice the sudden relieved expression on Kokuo's face. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the appearance of this stand trigger had ensured that Kokuo wouldn't be losing this turn.
[Damage Check – Walgal – No Trigger]
"My turn isn't done, so don't be breathing a sigh of relief just yet." Sekai informed, "Chondrite attacks your vanguard, of which in turn activates his skill: I send Pleiades from the rearguard to the bind zone."
[Bound Card – Comet Rider, Pleiades – No Trigger]
"Then I select a grade 2 or less unit from my deck and bind it." Sekai explained.
[Bound Card – Meteor Knight, Tachyon – No Trigger]
"Step three allows me to superior call the Meteor Knight, Tachyon [Power: 9000] I just bound to the field, and I'll activate his skill as well!" Sekai loudly declared, "Similar to Chondrite's skill, since I have Orionus as my vanguard I get to search my deck for a grade 2 or less unit and send it to the bind zone. In this case… I'll choose my third copy of Comet Rider, Pleiades."
[Bound Card – Comet Rider, Pleiades – No Trigger]
"Then I superior call my third Pleiades [Power: 7000] behind Tachyon, and the man himself gets a +2000 power bonus for the turn for doing so." Sekai declared seemingly happy that he's finished this longwinded explanation of his, "But don't forget that my Chondrite is swinging at you [Total Power: 16000]!"
"I guard with Twin Sword from my hand [Total Shield: 5000]!" Kokuo countered.
"Then now I'll attack you with Tachyon [Total Power: 18000]!" Sekai followed.
"Margal will guard [Total Shield: 5000]." Kokuo desperately countered.
"Then I'll end my turn and add Alastor to my hand through the skill of Kerbecs." Sekai said in a casual manner.
Sekai – Kokuo
9 – Hand – 3
2 – Soul – 1
3 – Damage – 5
3 – Counter Blast – 1
2 – Bind Zone - 0
F(2) U(14) – G-Zone – F(1) U(15)
Arc Dracokid / Meteor Knight, Chondrite – Knight of Virtue, Bedivere / Knight of Benevolence, Kay
Empty / Cosmic Saviour, Orionus – King of Future Knights, Alfred II / Empty
Comet Rider, Pleiades / Meteor Knight, Tachyon – Empty / Guidepost Sage, Elron
"Damn it… I'm only in this mess because of my own mistake, I knew there is a massive difference in ability when compared to the academy's strongest, I also knew that I'd probably lose this fight in the end; however… I didn't think the difference would be so huge." Kokuo thought as he internally vented his frustrations, "Damn it…. this fight to Sekai…. it is at best a remedial review of his deck's basic combos."
"You had the balls to challenge Sekai to a fight in front of so many people, so don't tell me you've lost your nerve now Kokuo/you damnable ruffian." Umi and Kisaki thought, by chance at the same time.
"So what if there is a difference between us, so what if I made a mistake, so what if others call me arrogant, and so what if the chances of me being defeated by you are just short of a 100%!" Kokuo suddenly declared outloud, "I'm still here, I haven't lost yet and I'm sure as hell not throwing in the towel. I will fight to the bitter end for the sake of my image of victory!"
"So you've steeled your resolve?" Sekai asked as he pounded his fist upon his chest, "Well come on then….. come at me with everything you have! You never know…. you might just be able to turn the match around completely."
"Stand and draw….. liberating the generation zone!" Kokuo declared as he discarded a grade 3 unit from his hand, "Lead our people to a hopeful future under the rightful king's gaze! Stride generation…. Descending Future King, Alfred II [Power: 26000]!"
This form of Alfred II has donned the heavy white/blue colored armor his ancestor was known for, he's even riding a flaming blue horse mount of the same species his ancestor rode, he still wields the same nimble green blade, and the design of Alfred II's armor itself due to looking up to him was heavily based upon the armor worn by the man who was known in history as the greatest of all those that have held the title of "Blaster Blade".
"Alfred II's stride skill: When I stride a G-Unit with an ability that requires an Alfred heart, I can in turn call a grade 2 or less unit with an ability that in turn requires an Alfred vanguard. In this case…. rejoin your comrades my third Knight of Virtue, Bedivere [Power: 9000] and until the end of my turn, the unit called with this effect gets a +5000 power bonus." Sekai explained with what would be an almost unusual level of calm for him, "Through Elron's skill I superior call my third Knight of Benevolence, Kay [Power: 7000]! Then I countercharge with Kay's skill."
"Defiantly don't recognize it." Sekai mumbled aloud as his eyes were drawn to Kokuo's G-Unit.
"Recognize it?" Kokuo asks.
"Huh… oh I was mumbling out loud again wasn't I?" Sekai said with a slightly embarrassed expression, "I just mean that I don't recognize your G-unit."
"You don't recognize it? How is that possible? I mean granted Descending Future King, Alfred is a pretty rare card and I only managed to get a copy from buying a box, but it's not old either. I mean shouldn't the Academy's strongest fighter be the first one who learns about new cards if not close to it?" Kokuo asked with a confused look.
"Hehe…. It's embarrassing to admit, but between all of my responsibilities I don't usually have the time to read about new cards including those of my own clan… and when I do have time….. it's not enough to read about all of them. Basically baring something particularly fantastic I'm usually the last to know about any new cards, but enough about me… so please continue." Sekai embarrassingly chuckled.
"Okay… ahem… I call behind my vanguard Swordsman of Light, Teutonic [Power: 7000]!" Kokuo declared as he forced himself back into fight mode, "Teutonic's skill: When he's called to the rearguard from my hand I can reveal a grade 3 unit from my hand."
[Revealed Card – King of Future Knights, Alfred II – No Trigger]
"Then I add another copy of Alfred II to my hand, and discard the one I just revealed." Kokuo explained.
"Now that he has a full field….. he should be starting his attack step soon." Sekai thought.
"I declare the start of my battle phase, and thus activate the skill of Descending Future King, Alfred II: I choose a face down G-Unit and turn it face up, then for every face up copy of Descending Future King, Alfred II in my G-zone I get to select two units who for the turn get +1000 power for each of my Royal Paladin rearguards, and since my heart card is Alfred II… it gets +1 critical. As for the power bonus, I'll give it to my two copies of Bedivere."
"Wow…. that means coupled with things like Junos, Ahmes, Kay, Bedivere, and a few others…. with three face up copies and a full field, you'd be able to dish out some serious attacking power." Sekai declared as he seems impressed more impressed with Kokuo's card rather than the man himself.
"Yes….. and although right now I'm unable to wield him to his full potential…. what matters now is if you can actually block the chain of attacks led by Alfred II." Kokuo pointed out.
"True… so go ahead and declare your first attack so we can find out." Sekai retorts as he takes a defensive posture out of habit rather than necessity.
"Very well…. with a boost from Teutonic, Alfred II attacks Orionus [Total Power: 33000 2 Crit]!" Kokuo declared.
"I'll nullify that attack with Dazzling Light Screen, Vega [Perfect Defense]!" Sekai countered as he discarded another copy of Vega from his hand to pay the cost, "And since I now have a copy of Vega in my drop zone, I get to countercharge 1."
[Drive Check – Nova Knight, Llew – Critical Trigger]
[Drive Check – Nova Knight, Llew – Critical Trigger]
[Drive Check – Pink Comet, Flogal – Critical Trigger]
"I give all of the effects to the Bedivere I just superior called." Kokuo declared as he was barely able to hide his frustrations.
Whether it's the power within his armor or weapon, an ability of his trusty steed, and or a skill Alfred II has himself…. the king from the future and his trusty steed dashes across the stars via a series of generated floor tile sized plates of some kind of energy. Orionus is prepared to meet Alfred's two swords with his own beam saber like blade, however at the last possible second Vega stands between them a shield made of starlight that look like those tube shaped neon lights one sees on some storefronts.
"Then my powered up Bedivere will attack your vanguard after getting a boost from Kay [Total Power: 46000 4 Crit]!" Kokuo declared.
"Then double generation guard….. two copies of Savant of Stellar Archives, Ptolemy to the guardian circle, and then through their skills combined I get to bind two units in my drop zone!" Sekai declared as he discarded a pair of heal triggers from his hand.
[Bound Card – Comet Rider, Pleiades – No Trigger]
[Bound Card – Dazzling Light Screen, Vega – No Trigger]
"Then since I have a unit in play that's the same grade as the ones I just sent to my bind zone…. +5000 shield to both Ptolemy, of which means this attack of yours isn't getting through either [Total Shield: 40000]!"
"It's still not over yet…. I'll attack you with my other Bedivere [Total Power: 24000]!" Kokuo declared.
[Damage Check – Demi Star Warrior, Alastor – No Trigger]
"I declare the end of my turn thus activating the skill of Swordsman of Light, Teutonic!" Kokuo informed, "By moving him into the soul since I have an Alfred vanguard and 4 or more units I get to counter charge 1 and draw."
Sekai – Kokuo
5 – Hand – 6
2 – Soul – 2
4 – Damage – 5
2 – Counter Blast – 3
4 – Bind Zone - 0
F(4) U(12) – G-Zone – F(3) U(13)
Arc Dracokid / Meteor Knight, Chondrite – Knight of Virtue, Bedivere / Knight of Benevolence, Kay
Empty / Cosmic Saviour, Orionus – King of Future Knights, Alfred II / Empty
Comet Rider, Pleiades / Meteor Knight, Tachyon – Knight of Virtue, Bedivere / Knight of Benevolence, Kay
"You see…. the one sided slaughter has been officially confirmed." one of the other many students in the auditorium declared in an arrogant fashion.
"About time someone puts the stake through that dumbass." Another student said in the same fashion.
Everyone in the auditorium including Umi, Kisaki, and the head honcho of the school himself expected Sekai to immediately commence with crushing Kokuo; however he surprises everyone by doing something highly unexpected. Namely he suddenly starts gently clapping his hands as if offering applause to Kokuo, and the strength of Sekai's presence causes this sound to reverberate throughout the auditorium even though the metaphorical volume itself wasn't set that high.
"Very good…. very well done Rettousei-san." Sekai said aloud as he finally finishes with his short applause.
"Well done? As far as I can tell you've been kicking my ass most of this fight." Kokuo pointed out as he was both confused and for some reason slightly insulted.
"Yes, but your desire to win hasn't wavered in the least with me of all people as your opponent. Even our 7th ranker Kisaki as strong as she is…. can't maintain a continuous resolve against me in a fight, so in this regard alone no freshmen in the school is your match." Sekai politely explained, "In fact… with the classes offered at the academy coupled with your monthly stipend….. come the annual freshmen tournament after summer break… the title of 7th rank may be called into question."
All of the students watching this fight in person or on their phones had every intention of casting Kokuo to the side for his arrogance, but now with having essentially the approval of the academy's strongest fighter…. most people are now thinking about how to get closer to this talented young fighter while the remaining few maintain their arrogant belief in Kokuo's downfall in some form or another.
"As if that ruffian could possibly ever surpass me in this lifetime or a hundred more where Vanguard exists, but only because of my respect for you Akira-senpai…. I'll take him seriously." Kisaki thought as she had the sudden urge to smack Kokuo from the highest heavens down into the earth.
"But Rettousei-san and correct me if I'm wrong, since you chose to use King of Future Knights, Alfred II as your ace…. you also desire to be a powerful figure that is a source of strength of others?" Sekai curiously asked.
"That's right." Kokuo quickly answers.
"You were certainly passionate and I believe that is indeed your true desire, but you don't fight like a king that wishes to be the source of his people's strength…. rather you fight like an emperor who wants to crush all those who oppose him with overwhelming force. When both Bediveres and even your vanguard failed to land a decisive blow you thought…. in that moment…. you'd have already crushed me, of which to me… seems like you have a lack of trust in your units." Sekai explained as he took a deep breath as if intending to go on a long-winded speech, "With that kind of mentality and that kind of trust in your deck, you'll never accomplish your dream. Either change your mentality or pick up a clan that matches it!"
Sekai pointed at Kokuo's deck as he gave that short speech and Kokuo himself whether consciously or unconsciously was aggravated by having his apparent flaws so blatantly rubbed in his face; however he ultimately ends up choosing not to act upon his aggravation.
"If this really is a problem I have then I'll overcome it, but this is a fight not a psychology class." Kokuo declared, "Just because I failed to beat you during my turn doesn't mean I'll still lose the fight."
"True… true, but out of respect for the resolve you've shown me…. instead of ending this fight with my favorite G-unit…. I'll crush you completely with a little bit of my seriousness." Sekai said with a smile as he drew for the turn.
Soon enough gone was that smile of the strongest kind, respectable, and boy next door that Sekai Akira was. That expression…. even though it was unnecessary against someone of Kokuo's skill level, had the seriousness akin to being locked in a battle to the death against an opponent of equal skill level; and the tension in the room rose accordingly such that whether they realize it or not those sitting in the auditorium likely wouldn't be able to get up from their seats even if the whole building was burning down around them.
"Generation zone release!" Sekai declared as he discarded the copy of Alastor he bounced back to his hand last turn, "Be blessed by the dragons of the cosmos as you guide us through the stars of future battles! Stride generation….. Divine Star Dragon, Draco Orionus [Power: 26000]!"
Strands of yellow light begin to gather around Orionus as if forming a cocoon, of which shockingly enough takes the form of that which lights the darkness of space…. a star of all things leaving only the pulsating shadowy silhouette of Orionus within the center of that star as his body slowly change shape. His two feet suddenly split apart into three directions each, his legs transformed into a hind shape, a swirl of energy starts gathering around his right arm, then a large yet thin protrusion grew out of his left, next large wing-like protrusions grew out of both of his shoulders, and then from his head two horns grow from his head. Then this cocoon in the form of a sun explodes in the form of a flaming vertical column revealing this evolved form of Orionus is a humanoid dragon like entity with what appears to be an actual galaxy hovering over his right arm like a shield, a giant blue blade extends from the mouth of a gauntlet in the shape of a dragon face like a tongue, shoulder armor that could easily be mistaken for the wings of an aircraft, he has two blue horns attached to his head, his entire body is twinkling as though infused with a countless number of stars, and most importantly his size has reached at least over 10 meters.
"It's so pretty." Umi thought.
"Draco Orionus is an amazing sight? Though there's no lore to confirm it as of yet, I believe Orionus achieved this form after absorbing the energy of a Cosmo Dragon that greatly dwarfs even Soul Saver Dragon in strength." Sekai explained as his casual demeanor reappeared only just long enough to explain that little tidbit, "But now… the stride skill of Orionus!"
As keeping with the skill of Cosmic Saviour, Orionus…. Sekai quickly picks up the top three cards of his deck
[Bound Card - Unrivalled Fighter of Planets, Vorpal Sword Battler – No Trigger]
"I choose to superior call Comet Rider, Pleiades [Power: 7000] with a +5000 power bonus, then I counter charge 1 through the Pleiades I already had in play, then my starter gets a +5000 power bonus through his skill, and now fight beside your future self….. I call my avatar Cosmic Saviour, Orionus [Power: 11000]!" Sekai declared as he placed his hand over his G-zone, "The skill of Divine Star Dragon, Draco Orionus activates!"
The miniature galaxy over the right arm of this evolved Orionus begins to spin as though it were an industrial fan, then the rapidly rotating galaxy begins to spew out particles of light (of which were likely the miniaturized stars of this miniature galaxy) like a lawn sprinkler, and then all of those particles of light were drawn to the three units on Sekai's front row shortly before being absorbed like a space shuttle re-entering the earth's atmosphere.
"All of the units on my front row get +3000 power for every card in my bind zone making a grand total of +12000, and 1 additional skill for the turn." Sekai explained as he took a deep breathe, "With a boost from Pleiades, my rearguard Orionus will attack your vanguard [Total Power: 30000]!"
"Damn damn damn….. I only have enough shield to block 3 of his attacks…. no choice." Kokuo frustratingly thought.
"Now show me…. do you have the ability to defend yourself against my assault? Or will what true faith you do have in your deck be enough to pull you through?" Sekai asked as the eyes of a hunter appeared in his gaze.
"No guard!" Sekai reluctantly declared aloud.
This second Orionus swung his green colored energy sword straight down upon Alfred II, of whom was able to block with his nimble blade; Orionus is able to easily break through the guard of Alfred II thanks to the sheer difference in power in order to land a potentially lethal blow, and remember…. in space no one can hear you scream.
[Damage Check – Margal – Draw Trigger]
Final Result
Sekai – Kokuo
7 – Hand – 6
2 – Soul – 2
4 – Damage – 6
3 – Counter Blast – 3
4 – Bind Zone - 0
F(6) U(10) – G-Zone – F(3) U(13)
Arc Dracokid / Meteor Knight, Chondrite – Knight of Virtue, Bedivere / Knight of Benevolence, Kay
Comet Rider, Pleiades / Divine Star Dragon, Draco Orionus – King of Future Knights, Alfred II / Empty
Comet Rider, Pleiades / Cosmic Saviour, Orionus – Knight of Virtue, Bedivere / Knight of Benevolence, Kay
Kokuo wanted to immediately vent the frustrations caused by his loss in a rather vocal fashion; however he still considers himself an honorable fighter despite his delinquent attitude/appearance and quietly collects his deck while Sekai does the same.
"Thank you for the exchange of pointers senpai." Kokuo said as he bows slightly out of respect before returning to his seat.
Several people continue to talk about Kokuo under their breath as he walks by, but between his delinquent appearance and Sekai's compliment few dare to actually say anything negative before him.
"Stow it…. I'm not in the mood." Kokuo said to Umi as he saw her open her mouth while he sat down in his seat.
"My…. you should take the effort to be more aware of the effect your actions have around you should you take such bold actions in the future." Umi explained.
"Cut the BS… if you want to cuss me out…. do it when we're out of here." Kokuo grumbled.
"I have no idea what you are talking about Kokuo…. I'm just a simple girl with strong family values." Umi retorts as she proves how strong the BS side of the force is with her.
"Really… I mean really?" Kokuo asked as he couldn't help but facepalm himself in response to his friend's reply.
"All that aside though… how was he?" Umi asked as she was clearly referring to Sekai.
"Strong… the difference between him and I is as big as the difference between the heavens and Earth, but… at least now I know what I need to do in order to close that distance." Kokuo answered as he couldn't help but stare at his shaking hand, "I was planning on waiting until I got used to the school, but if they're open….. first thing after class tomorrow I'm going to use the Academy's advanced training facilities."
"Even if it was one-sided, after seeing such an amazing fight….. I think I'll joi-" Umi was saying.
"Regardless of what all of you are thinking, I hope you all enjoyed this unexpected fight." Sekai declared aloud.
Once again the attention of the crowd was drawn to the academy's strongest fighter as he seemingly produced a microphone out of nowhere while the recently used fight table was once again stored under the stage.
"All of you freshmen are considered the most talented fighters of your generation, but many including all of you and those who have previously walked through these walls tend to think it can't be helped if you lose to someone with talent!" Sekai said aloud as he took a deep breath, "Take our 10th ranker Aadyn Rodgers….. as the principal mentioned, despite his rank…. his actual skill is second only to mine, but what most of you probably don't know is that he possess the least talent amongst the current top 10…. in fact you could say he outright lacks it."
That caused many of the people in the auditorium to once again be sent into a tizzy of discussion as they couldn't imagine the possibility that one of the Academy's legendary figures could be a talentless hack, and by doing so they completely ignoring the tone of admiration in Sekai's voice.
"Be that as it may… the reason he reached his current status is because he could an indifferent look at what he lacks in order to find out what he has to do to obtain it. This is why you freshmen will have to go through the most brutal hell week in the history of the school as Aadyn had to push himself that hard to make up for his lack of talent and reach his current level, and in order to survive the principal has planned for this year…. it is a train you must all do your best to aquire. None of you have given up yet and all of you are still hopeful, so you better stand up and fight for your own image of victory!" Sekai declared in a loud almost booming tone of voice, "Thank you for your time, and for all of you here…. I wish you the best of luck for your ideal Vanguard world."
Whether it was because they were actually moved by Sekai's speech or felt they had to because of his rank, nearly all of the people sitting in the auditorium break off into thunderous applause as the man himself exits straight right. After a few minutes the students in the auditorium start to leave as well, however the actions of four high school freshmen in particular are worthy of note (2 of which whose identity are easy to guess). The first was a young man who both only just got up from his seat in the back of the auditorium and is a freshman of the high school division clutching his deck as though it were a rosary.
"I knew all of the students here including my fellow freshmen were strong, but I didn't think they'd be this strong. Sekai is as big a monster as all those articles say he is….. and then there's Kokuo…. even though I'm officially ranked above him….. I think he's actually a little stronger than me." the teen thought as he took a deep breath to calm his nerves, "Goes to show you that when there are lists like this…. there are always people who could place higher than they actually are. No matter… for mama's sake….. I have to rise through the rankings as fast as possible, but don't worry….. we'll do it together…. right partner?"
Then another student…. a young girl who a few others are admiring from a distance as though she were the cute mascot character of the school seems to be lost in thought as she finally exits the auditorium.
"Hmmm….. that Kokuo acts a lot like the most precious person of Suzu, but he's clearly not him. Suzu's most important person would have ranked higher than that Kisaki girl, but then….. just where could Suzu's most important person be?" the teenaged girl mumbled aloud as it's currently impossible to tell if she's talking about someone else or is referring to herself in the third person, "No matter…. it looks like my freshmen year will be all kinds of fun with so many interesting people."
Finally the last two students, of whom are indeed Kokuo and Umi as many of you may have already guessed….. somehow found themselves as one of the first groups of students to exit the auditorium despite where they were actually sitting. Though the auditorium itself is still in sight for them, Umi and Kokuo are now walking back towards the school's eastern entrance so they can take the bus ride home.
"I must admit Akira-senpai's speech was really impressive." Umi said in a nice tone despite her dialogue options being limited due to the presence of nearby students.
"Yeah…" Kokuo mumbled as he seems heavily entrapped with his own train of thought.
"Hello Kokuo, are you there?" Umi asked as she instantly starts to suspect her friend isn't really paying attention to her.
"Yeah." Kokuo mumbled.
"I just… I just have to tell you before it's too late… for the sake of a major business deal… my parents have decided to marry me off to a member of the British royal family." Umi said in such a strong deadpan tone that indicates she's clearly lying.
"Oka…. F*** no, I will absolutely not allow you to be tied to those gigantic tea and crumpet pricks! If necessary I'll barge into the wedding hall myself!" Kokuo suddenly screamed as Umi's little attention test angered him quite extremely.
"Jesus Kokuo…. calm down…. it was just a joke to see if you were paying attention." Umi said in a awed and surprised tone as she clearly didn't expect Kokuo to be so aggravated by her little stunt.
"Huh? Oh… ohhhh….. I'm sorry…. I don't know why I reacted like that." Kokuo said after taking a deep breath to calm himself down after his mind finally registered his earlier statement, "To answer your question….. even without really thinking about the concept…. I always thought I took an indifferent look at what it is I lacked as a fighter, but now….. after listening to Seka…. excuse me….. Akira-senpai point out my flaws…. I don't know what to think."
"Hmh… where as I knew what my flaws as a person are, but I don't think I've ever taken an indifferent look at the things I lack." Umi retorts as she seemed amused by both her own response and that of the response of her friend Kokuo.
"Still….. if that trait is something I lack….. then I'll train my ass off as hard as I need to in order to obtain it…. both for the sake of my dream….. and to payback this loss." Kokuo declared.
"Whereas I still don't know what I want to do in the world let alone the world of Vanguard, but it's clear….. after seeing the tip of the Academy's spear…. I have to do everything I can to get stronger as well!" Umi thought as he unknowingly started walking down the path to form her resolve.
To Be Continued
Kokuo: Is that…..
Umi: Yeah….. it's music, but where's it coming from?
Sekai: What…. what…. are you…. doing here?
?: Just seeing what the person you're so heavily interested in can do, so it shouldn't be that big a deal for you.
Kokuo: Next time onCardfight Vanguard: Setsuzoku Sensō, "Hell Week's Music"
Umi: You know… they say classical music helps with the growth of plants.
OC Card List
Royal Paladin
Grade 1
Swordsman of Light, Teutonic
Power: 7000 Shield: 5000 Race: Human
Flavor: I am not the one who holds the title of "Blaster Blade" as here I'm merely a servant of my lord.
[AUTO]:[Choose a grade 3 card from your hand, and reveal it] When this unit is placed on (RC) from hand, you may pay the cost. If you do, search your deck for up to one grade 3 card with "Alfred" in its card name, reveal it to your opponent, put into your hand, shuffle your deck, choose a card from your hand, and discard it.
[AUTO](RC):[Put this unit into your soul] At the end of your turn if you have a Vanguard with "Alfred" in its card name, and four or more "Royal Paladin" units, you may pay the cost. If you do, counter charge 1 and draw a card.
Lore: This knight is known for serving with Alfred II as his right hand, and was naturally one of the few members of the Royal Paladins who followed their lord into the past. In his timeline he has the fame that comes with wielding the sword of the man who was coincidentally known as the right hand of Alfred II's ancestor, however to avoid unnecessary interference in the past…. Teutonic left that blade in the future and once again donned his old name in service to his king.
Grade 3
King of Future Knights, Alfred II
Power: 11000 Race: Human
Flavor: Those who would steal from the United Sanctuary shall feel the weight of my blade.
[Auto](VC) Generation Break 2 (Active if you have two or more face up G units in total on your (VC) or G zone): At the start of your battle phase, choose up to 3 of your "Royal Paladin" rearguard units, and until end of turn those units get "[Cont](RC): During your turn, this unit gets [Power]+1000 for each of your "Royal Paladin" rear-guards."
[Auto](VC):[Counter Blast 1] During your turn when your G unit with an ability that requires an "Alfred" heart Stride, you may pay the cost. If you do, search your deck for up to 1 Grade 2 or less unit, call it to (RC), shuffle your deck, and until end of turn the called unit gets [Power]+5000.
Lore: Though named Alfred II and looks to be an exact double of the first, he is in actuality a descendant of the great king who led the United Sanctuary through the two rebellions of the Shadow Paladins, The War of Liberation, the War against the Invaders, and the Demiurge incident from centuries into the future. Make no mistake though….. despite the similarity in appearance to his great ancestor, he considers himself to be a stern king who is a source of strength to his people rather than a king who draws his strength from them as is how he views his ancestor.
Thanks to a combination of help from the Zenon and Chronojet of both his time line and the past as well as with the destruction of the stride gate….. Alfred II traveled back to the past and infiltrated the retinue of his great ancestor. His reason for doing so known only to the figures just mentioned and the few who came with him from the future was to "Stop a band of rogues who would dare to "steal" the United Sanctuary's future!"
Grade 4
Descending Future King, Alfred II
Power: 15000+ Race: Human
Flavor: The once hot-headed king now knows what it means to lead!
[Stride]-Stride Step-[Choose one or more cards with the sum of their grades being 3 or greater from your hand, and discard them] Stride this card on your (VC) from face down.
[Auto](VC) Generation Break 2 (Active if you have two or more face up G units in total on your (VC) or G zone):[Counter Blast (1), Soul Blast (1) & choose a face down G-Unit with the same name as this one and turn it face up] At the start of your battle phase, if you have a heart card with "Alfred" in its card name, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose 2 of your units for ever face up copy of "Descending Future King, Alfred II" in your G-Zone, and until end of turn those units get "[Cont](RC): During your turn, this unit gets [Power]+1000 for each of your "Royal Paladin" rear-guards.", and if you have a geart card with "Alfred II" in its card name, this unit also gets [Critical]+1 until end of turn.
Lore: This older form of Alfred II comes from a timeline where he never traversed into the past and after the youthful king has been tempered by several years of experience due to leading the United Sanctuary through war and peace. This Alfred II still believes in being a king who is a source of strength to his people rather than someone who draws strength from them, but no longer is he as inflexible as he was in his youth.
He still however suffers through the problems caused by a certain band of rogues stealing from the United Sanctuary, so naturally he jumped at the first call of his youthful self from an alternate timeline, and upon arrival into this past era he loudly declared "Those who steal from the United Sanctuary shall taste my blade!"
Cosmic Sanctum
Sulmore: The following clan pulled from the Vanguard fanon wiki was created by user Kazuya Tachibana, and Kazuya should you read this one day…. much like the chapter with Labyrinth Foundry I apologize if the description I give to units that do not have pictures attached do not in turn match the appearance you had for them in your mind.
Grade 0
Arc Dracokid
Power: 5000 Shield: 10000 Race: Cosmo Dragon
[AUTO]:Forerunner (When a unit of the same clan rides this unit, you may call this unit to (RC))
[AUTO](RC)[1/Turn] Generation Break 1 (Active if you have one or more face up G units in total on your (VC) or G zone): When a card is placed into the bind zone face-up by the effects of one of your cards, this unit gets [Power]+5000 until the end of the turn.
Meteor Knight, Rigel (Critical)
Power: 4000 Shield: 10000 Race: Meteoroid
[AUTO](R):[Put this unit into your soul] When your vanguard attacks, if you have a Grade 3 or greater Vanguard with "Orionus" in its card name, you may pay the cost. If you do, draw a card and choose one of your vanguards, and it gets [Power] +5000 until end of that battle.
Stellar Combustion, Zeke (Critical)
Power: 5000 Shield: 10000 Race: Meteoroid
Starbridge Trooper, Core (Draw)
Power: 5000 Shield: 5000 Race: Meteoroid
Compassion Star, Cassiopeia (Heal)
Power: 5000 Shield: 10000 Race: Meteoroid
Terminus Zwei: Technically my friend here never mentioned any of the heal triggers of the Cosmic Sanctum clan by name in this chapter, but I figured that I should list one here for posterity's sake especially since a G-Guardian was used.
Grade 1
Comet Rider, Pleiades
Power: 7000 Shield: 5000 Race: Meteoroid
[AUTO](RC)[1/Turn] Generation Break 1 When your card gets sent to the bind zone by the effect of one of your cards, if you have a grade 3 or greater vanguard with "Orionus" in its card name, Counter Charge (1).
Demi Star Warrior, Alastor
Power: 7000 Shield: 5000 Race: Human
[AUTO]:[Choose a grade 3 card from your hand, and reveal it] When this unit is placed on (RC) from hand, you may pay the cost. If you do, search your deck for up to one grade 3 card with "Orionus" in its card name, reveal it to your opponent, put into your hand, shuffle your deck, choose a card from your hand, and discard it.
[CONT](Hand):While you are paying the cost for Stride, this card gets grade+2.
Dazzling Light Screen, Vega
Power: 6000 Shield: 0 Race: Spaceroid
[CONT]: Sentinel (You may only have up to four cards with "[CONT]: Sentinel" in a deck)
[AUTO]:[Choose a card from your hand, and discard it] When this unit is placed on (GC) from hand, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose one of your vanguards that is being attacked, and that unit cannot be hit until end of that battle. Then, if there is a card named "Dazzling Star Barrier, Vega" in your drop zone, choose a card from your damage zone, and turn it face up.
Grade 2
Unrivalled Fighter of Planets, Vorpal Sword Battler
Power: 9000 Shield: 5000 Race: Meteoroid
[AUTO](RC) Generation Break 1 (Active if you have one or more face up G units in total on your (VC) or G zone):When this unit attacks a vanguard, this unit gets [Power]+3000 until end of that battle.
Meteor Knight, Tachyon
Power: 9000 Shield: 5000 Race: Human
[AUTO] Generation Break 1 (Active if you have one or more face up G units in total on your (VC) or G zone)::[Counterblast (1) & Soulblast (1)] When this unit is placed on (RC), if you have a Grade 3 or greater vanguard with "Orionus" in its name, you may pay the cost. If you do, search your deck for a Grade 2 or less card, bind it and call it to (RC), and this unit gets [Power] +2000 until the end of the turn.
Meteor Knight, Chondrite
Power: 9000 Shield: 5000 Race: Human
[AUTO](RC) Generation Break 1 (Active if you have one or more face up G units in total on your (VC) or G zone)::[Counter Blast (1) and choose one of your rear-guards, and bind it face up] When this unit attacks a vanguard, if this unit is boosted, you may pay the cost. If you do, search your deck for a grade 2 or less card, bind it face up, and choose up to one card your bind zone, call it to (RC) and shuffle your deck.
Grade 3
Cosmic Saviour, Orionus
Power: 11000 Race: Cosmo Hero
[ACT](VC)[1/Turn] Generation Break 2 (Active if you have two or more face up G units in total on your (VC) or G zone): [Counterblast (1) and bind one of your rear-guards] Choose up to one card in your bind zone, call it to (RC) and this unit gets [Power]+10000 and [Critical]+1 until the end of the turn.
[AUTO] (VC)[Counterblast (1)]:During your turn, when your G Unit Stride, you may pay the cost. If you do, look at the top three cards of your deck, choose up to one card from among them, bind it face up, then choose up to one card in your bind zone, call it to (RC), and shuffle your deck. Then, the unit called by this effect get [Power]+5000 until the end of the turn.
Meteor Knight, Jet
Power: 11000 Race: Human
[AUTO](VC) Generation Break 1 (This ability is active if you have one or more face up G units in total on your (VC) or G zone):[Counter Blast (1)] When this unit's attack hits a vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose a card in your bind zone and call it to the R.
[AUTO](VC):During your turn, when your G unit Stride, choose one of your vanguards, and it gets [Power]+5000 until end of turn.
Grade 4
Interplanetary Beast, Starburst Kerbecs
Power: 15000+ Race: Cosmo Beast
[Stride]-Stride Step-[Choose one or more cards with the sum of their grades being 3 or greater from your hand, and discard them] Stride this card on your (VC) from face down..
[ACT](VC)[1/Turn]:[Counterblast (1) & Choose a face down card in your G Zone and turn it face up] Look at the top four cards of your deck, choose up to two cards from among them, bind them face up, then choose up to one card in your bind zone, call it to (RC) and shuffle your deck. Then,until the end of the turn, if you have a heart with "Orionus" in its name, that unit gets [Power] +3000 and "[AUTO](RC): At the end of your turn, put this unit into your hand."
Savant of Stellar Archives, Ptolemy
Shield: 15000 Race: Human
[G guardian] (Usable when both fighters' vanguards are grade 3 or greater, and the number of face up G guardians in your G zone is three or less)-Opponent Turn's Guard Step-[Choose a "HEAL" from your hand, and discard it] Call this card to your (GC) from face down.
[AUTO]: When this card is placed on the (GC), choose a card in your drop zone, and bind that card face up. Then, if you have a unit the same grade as that card, this unit gets [Shield]+5000.
Divine Star Dragon, Draco Orionus
Power: 15000+ Race: Cosmo Dragon Lord
[Stride]-Stride Step-[Choose one or more cards with the sum of their grades being 3 or greater from your hand, and discard them] Stride this card on your (VC) from face down.
[ACT](VC)[1/Turn]:[Choose a face down card named "Divine Star Dragon, Draco Orionus" in your G Zone and turn it face up] Until the end of the turn, this unit gets "[AUTO(VC):[Choose one of your rear-guards, and bind it face up] When this unit's attack hits a vanguard, look at the top four cards deck, bind up to one cards from among them and bind them face up, shuffle your deck, then choose up to one card from your bind zone and call it to (RC)." and "[CONT](VC) Generation Break 3 (Active if you have three or more face up G units in total on your (VC) or G zone): During your turn, the units in your front row get [Power]+3000 for each face up card in your bind zone."