Duel Park
"Gotta love the shit ton of duel parks Uni City has." Nile notes glancing at numerous duel fields around them as well as a playground with paths and woods at the edges.
"Language." Rio sighs, the three on the side lines as both boys face off against each other.
"At least there's none of those bright neon lights." Anna quips looking to the trees all around them.
"I may no longer be a pro but I still have the skills of one! Hope you're ready, Relon!"
"In my eyes, you're still a pro Ryan! As such, it's only reasonable to duel like a pro."
"Relon… Heh, you know it!" Both raise their duel disks coming to life.
"I'm coming at you with everything I've got, Ryan!"
"Let's see whose deck holds the stronger story! Yours or mine!"
"DUEL!"
Relon LP: 4000.
Ryan LP: 4000.
Turn 1
"I'll go first!" Relon calls out with a grin.
"First?" Nile blinks in confusion. "But his Gladiator Beasts are better when they can attack."
"Relon may want to scout what Ryan can do before pulling out the big guns." Anna suggests.
"Let's find out."
"I set a monster facedown followed by a card. Next, I activate the spell Gladiator Proving Ground. With it, I can add a level 4 or lower Gladiator Beast from my deck to my hand and I'm adding Attorix! With that, I end my turn."
"He has Attorix in his hand now." Anna notes.
"He's setting up for his counterattack."
"Domitianus." Nile perceives for both girls to nod.
"Playing safe. Respectable! I draw!"
Turn 2
"I activate Tri-Brigade Fraktall's effect from my hand! By sending it to the graveyard, I can send one level 3 or lower Beast, Beast-Warrior, or Winged Beast monster from my deck to the graveyard and I'm sending Tri-Brigade Kitt! Now Kitt's effect activates; because it was sent to the graveyard, I can send any Tri-Brigade card from my deck to the graveyard. I'm sending Nervall and because I am, I can add a Tri-Brigade monster from my deck to my hand so I'm adding another Fraktall."
Tri-Brigade. They seem to use effects both in his hand as well as from the 's gonna be tricky to deal with…
"Now then, I summon Tri-Brigade Fraktall!" Appearing before him, a centaur with golden locks holding a crossbow.
Level: 4, Attribute: Fire, Type: Beast-Warrior, ATK: 1900, DEF: 1600.
"Fraktall's effect pops; I can banish monsters from my graveyard and use them to link summon!"
"Link summoning from the graveyard?!" Anna exclaims.
"Quite the roundabout method." Nile blinks dumbly.
"By doing it this way, he doesn't have to worry about counters to his monsters since they're not on his field." Rio notes. "It's a powerful bypass against most duelists."
"So unless someone can flat out negate the effects, Ryan can keep doing as he pleases."
"I banish Kitt and Nervall in order to special summon link 2, Tri-Brigade Bearbrumm the Rampant Rampager!" Appearing ahead of Fraktall on its left, a girl within a large beast-like mechanical quadruped.
Link: 2, Attribute: Fire, Type: Beast, ATK: 1700, Arrows: ⇐⇘
Fraktall is being pointed to. Relon thinks.
"Arrowheads confirmed!" Ryan shouts, snapping Relon from his thoughts. "The summoning requirements are two or more Beast, Winged Beast, or Beast-Warrior monsters! I link summon! Link 3, Tri-Brigade Rugal the Silver Sheller!" From the gate, a bipedal masked canine holding gunswords releases a howl.
Link: 3, Attribute: Earth, Type: , ATK: 2300, Arrows: ⇒⇘⇓
"He used his monsters in his grave to get out a link 2 so he could a link 3…" Relon mutters, a grin forming. "What else you got, Ryan?" He calls out.
"A lot more, chief! Bearbrumm's effect activates! Because it was sent to the graveyard, I can choose a Tri-Brigade spell or trap from my deck and add it to my hand. I'm choosing the trap, Tri-Brigade Revolt. Then I can place a card from my hand on the bottom of my deck."
"His deck is something else. Every combo leads to him getting monsters in the graveyard as well as draw power." Nile comments.
"Let's battle! Rugal, attack his facedown monster!" Firing, it is revealed to be the rhinoceros Hoplomus and its 2100 defense points before it is destroyed.
"Shoot! He was 200 defense points short!"
"Hoplomus is Relon's monster with the most defense points that he can normal summoned." Rio reminds. "Outside of that, he would have to use one of his equip spells to negate its destruction."
"I set two cards facedown and end my turn! Show me what you got, Relon!"
"That's the plan! I draw!"
Turn 3
"Huh. Lucky me. I activate another Gladiator Proving Ground to add Equeste. Next, I'll summon him in attack position!" To his field, a centaur donned in blue armor and blue wings with a blue sword and wings gallops to a halt.
Level: 4, Attribute: Wind, Type: Winged Beast, ATK: 1600, DEF: 1200.
"Because I have a Glad Beast, I can special summon Test Tiger from my hand." He raises said card for a tiger cub with armor around its abdomen.
Level: 3, Attribute: Earth, Type: Beast, ATK: 600, DEF: 300.
"When Test Tiger is on the field when another Gladiator Beast is, I can tribute it to shuffle that monster into my deck and special summon another Gladiator Beast!" Letting out a small roar, Test Tiger disappears as Equeste vanishes into Relon's deck.
"Here comes Augustus." Anna grins readily.
"I special summon Gladiator Beast Augustus!" A bipedal avian with two arms holding a sword and another two attached to wings lands.
Level: 8, Attribute: Dark, Type: Winged Beast, ATK: 2600, DEF: 1000.
"Thanks to Test Tiger, Augustus' summoning counts as that of a Gladiator Beast so his effect activates! I can special summon a Glad Beast from my hand but it returns to my deck during the end phase." Looking at his two facedowns, he ponders his choice.
One of those is Tri-Brigade Revolt while the other is one that I don't know. Considering he hasn't used either yet, he may be waiting for me to summon something big. I could go into Attorix and bring out Domitianus or… His eyes go to his other remaining card in hand.
"I choose Gladiator Beast Bestiari!" He exclaims, a whirling green cyclone appearing for a bipedal green avian with green armor and jets attached to its wings to float next to his bird brethren.
Level: 4, Attribute: Wind, Type: Winged Beast, ATK: 1500, DEF: 800.
"Who?" Nile blinks.
"Bestiari." Rio answers. "It is the monster required to fusion summon into his Gyzarus through normal means."
"Oh. Now that you mention it, the similarities are uncanny…"
"Relon's fusion cards all stem from his normal beasts." Anna adds. "He most likely went with Bestiari to try and force Ryan to activate his traps. Specifically that Revolt card he grabbed earlier."
"When Bestiari is special summoned by a Glad Beast, its effect allows me to target a spell or trap on the field and destroy it! I choose the facedown on your left!" Cawing, Bestiari unleashes a green gust of air towards it.
"Hmpf! Sorry Relon but you chose wrong! I activate the trap Dragma Punishment followed by Tri-Brigade Revolt!" As the wind crashes, said trap vanishes into particles.
"Damn, it was on his right."
"You know what they Relon, right is always right unless you have too much left then you have to place it on the right, ahahaha!"
"He's an idiot." Nile deadpans.
"Reminds me of someone else." Rio averts her gaze.
"Now then, Revolt's effect; I can special summon monsters that are either in my graveyard or banished and link summon immediately afterwards!"
"Both from the graveyard and banished?!"
"That's right!" He grins as four monsters appear. "Now the summoning requirements have been met…!" Taken aback as clouds covet the night sky in greater density, Relon can only watch. "General of a revolution. The skies scream out foretelling of a misfortune. Some may call it an omen…" Dark clouds obscure the moonlight as it glows black. "I link 4 summon!" A boom of thunder bellows off in the distance.
"Did he just say link 4-"
"Yes he did." Rio facepalms.
"Tri-Brigade Shuraig the Ominous Omen!" From the darkness descends a blur as black feathers fall all around the group.
Looking at the creature, Relon can only gaze at it in awe. A humanoid with ragged black, gray, and dark brown feathers. Its armor is donned amongst its main body as it holds what looks like a grenade launcher.
Link: 4, Attribute: Dark, Type: Winged Beast, ATK: 3000, Arrows: ⇐⇙⇘⇒
"I may no longer have my family in the world of the living but their souls remain in my cards and my cards tell a story you can't find anywhere else!" At his words, a shockwave bursts around him and Ominous Omen.
"Bring it." Relon steels himself.
"Dragma Punishment's effect; I can select a face-up monster monster you control and send 1 monster from my extra deck to the graveyard with an equal or higher attack. When I do, your monster is destroyed so I choose Augustus!" Hit with a burst of energy, Relon raises his arms as the wave of air passes him.
"Now Ominous Omen's effect activates; When it or a monster is special summoned, I can target a card you control and banish it!" Aiming its grenade launcher at Bestiari, it fires for the bird.
"I activate the trap Defensive Tactics!" Relon shouts, barely keeping his footing as an explosion of darkness erupts.
"Nothing left to save you! Battle! Strike him down!"
Readying himself, both monsters lunge for a sphere-like shield with hexagons to appear around him knocking both away.
"What?!"
"Thanks to my trap, I take no battle damage this turn!"
"Clever! Heh, I'm loving this Relon! Even with no cards, you're stopping me in my tracks!"
"What can I say? I'm stubborn like my ancestors." He wipes a bead of sweat from his forehead. "I end my turn."
"I draw!"
Turn 4
"I activate Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous' effect. I can special summon it from my hand and as I do, I can add a Dogmatika card from my deck to my hand!" A veil of light washes over the area as a beautiful blonde seeming to be around their age walks forward donned in silver armor wielding a hammer of sorts.
Level: 4, Attribute: Light, Type: Spellcaster, ATK: 1500, DEF: 1500.
"Wait, Dogmatika? Not Tri-Brigade?!"
"Silly Relon. Did you think my family's story stretched across one archetype?" Ryan chuckles, wagging a finger.
Then Dragma Punishment was a part of his Dogmatika archetype! He mentally scowls at the realization.
"Now then, I add Fleurdelis to my hand. But why stop there? Since I have a monster from my extra deck on the field, I can special summon her!" At his words particles of light begin to wash over his field as Ominous Omen and Ecclesia raise their heads to the sky.
In doing so, everyone takes in the once pitch-dark sky part for a ray of light to hit the field.
"Where there is darkness there is light. Malevolence in harmony with righteousness. Where both are neither, neither are one! I special summon Dogmatika Fleurdelis, the Knighted!" Stepping out of the ray of light, Ecclesia smiles as it takes its place on her other side.
Looking to Ominous Omen, both nod before all refocus on Relon. In silver armor from head to toe, she wears a large shield and sword with numerous transparent silvery waist capes.
Level: 8, Attribute: Light, Type: Spellcaster, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2500.
"Those three cards…." Nile widens.
"What about them?" Anna asks.
"Compared to his other monsters, those three are different. There's no doubt about it. They're his aces."
"All lined up side-by-side no less." Rio mutters looking to Relon.
"Battle! Fleurdelis' effect activates! When any Dogmatika attacks, all my Dogmatika monsters gain 500 attack points!"
Fleurdelis ATK: 2500 → 3000
Ecclesia ATK: 1500 → 2000
"Attack! Fleurdelis, Ominous Omen! Divine Blade and Sinner's Revelry!" Blade glowing a heavenly light, Fleurdelis points it as does Ominous Omen and its launcher before both fire.
Raising his arms up, he feels the brunt of the attack for it to eventually knock him off his feet.
"Ack!"
Relon LP: 4000 0
Ryan: 1 point
"Relon!"
"I'm, ouch, fine!" He calls as the dust settles to see him already getting back to his feet. "That was awesome, Ryan! I never would have thought of you having multiple archetypes much less how easy they work with your Tri-Brigade!"
"If you thought that was awesome, just wait till you all see what other epicenes we have in store!" He grins, both readying their duel disks once more.
"DUEL!"
Relon LP: 4000.
Ryan LP: 4000.
Turn 1
"This time I'll go first!" Ryan calls out. "I activate the ritual spell Dogmatikalamity!"
"He uses ritual as well?!" Nile exclaims as all widen.
"With this, I can choose from either my hand or I can send a monster from my extra deck whose level equals my ritual monster's. I send Sprind the Irondash Dragon from my extra deck to the graveyard!" In the sky, a rift begins to open as narrow rays of light wash over the field. "I ritual summon! White Knight of Dogmatika!" Careening out of the rift, a knight in white and purplish armor with four arms and a shield and sword with the same color patterns crashes to a halt.
Level: 8, Attribute: Light, Type: Spellcaster, ATK: 500, DEF: 2500.
"Was that a fusion he sent?!" Niles exclaims having caught that.
"Now Irondash Dragon's effect activates! Because it was sent to the graveyard, I can add Fallen of Albaz to my hand. With that, I end my turn." He smirks.
"Wait, that's it?" Nile questions. "But he put it in attack position not to mention he didn't set any other cards."
"Whether it's the effect of that Knight or something in his hand, Ryan has something up his sleeve."
"Yeah. He knows Relon's deck revolves around attacking to really get going so he may be baiting him." Anna agrees.
"But Relon has to attack at some point…"
"I draw!"
Turn 2
"I activate the spell card Gladiator Beast's Respite! I can send two of my Glad Beast cards to my deck and draw three cards. I send Murmillo and Darius!" Drawing his new cards, his eyes flash.
I can work with this.
"I activate my White Knight's effect!"
"Huh?"
"When you activate a card effect, I can send one monster from my extra deck to the graveyard and in doing so, I can look at your extra deck and send a card of my choice to the graveyard!"
"No way!"
"He can look at Relon's entire extra deck?!"
"Then that means…!"
"I send Albion the Branded Dragon to the graveyard and then I choose… hmm. Your Domitianus!"
Widening as his extra deck glows, Relon can only watch as it goes to his graveyard.
"He got rid of Domitianus before it even had a chance…!"
"Considering he goes to Uni Academy as well as watched both him and Nile duel earlier tonight, it's smart to get rid of Relon's ace monster before he can take control of the duel." Rio comments, gripping her arms.
"That doesn't make it any less frustrating!" Anna bites her thumb. "Link, Ritual, and even Fusion? Ugh!"
"My White Knight then gains attack points equal to half the attack of the monsters that were just sent."
White Knight of Dogmatika ATK: 500 → 3500
"It gained 3k just like that…!" Nile grimaces. "So that's why he left it in attack position!"
"Domitianus… Fine then. I activate Gladiator Proving Ground to add Gladiator Beast Andal. Then I activate the spell Unexpected Dai! If I control no monsters, I can special summon a level four or lower monster from my deck! I special summon Andal!" Roaring, a bipedal bear with armor and gauntlets lands on the field.
Level: 4, Attribute: Earth, Type: Beast-Warrior, ATK: 1900, DEF: 1500.
"Arrowheads confirmed! The requirements are one normal monster!" He calls out, a link gateway appearing overhead as Andal is sucked in. I link summon! Link 1, Link Spider!"
Link: 1, Attribute: Earth, Type: Cyberse, ATK: 1000, Arrow: ⇓
"Link Spider's effect allows me to special summon a normal monster to the space it points to! Come out, Andal!" Once more, the bear roars. "Arrowheads confirmed! The requirements are two monsters with one being a Gladiator Beast!" Once more, both monsters are sucked into the gateway. "Pounce on in, Test Panther!" He calls, a black panther with ragged cloth and armor around its joints lands before him.
Link: 2, Attribute: Earth, Type: Beast, ATK: 800, Arrows: ⇙⇓
"When Test Panther is link summoned, I can add a Gladiator Beast card of my choice to my hand. I choose Bestiari. Next, I'll summon him." Cawing, the green avian flies to land behind Test Panther. "Test Panther's effect activates! I can shuffle out a Gladiator Beast for another one. Return Bestiari and come out Augustus!" Roaring in the air, Bestiari acknowledges whatever Test Panther says as it is replaced with Augustus.
"Gotcha! When I have a Dogmatika monster, I can summon Fleurdelis from my hand!"
"He started with her this time?!"
"Seriously?!" Relon voices his annoyance.
"Yeaaaaaah! Come and join the party Fleurdelis!" Once more, it appears in a ray of light. "But wait, there's more. Since I control another Dogmatika monster, I can target a monster and negate their effects so Augustus won't be doing any of its shenanigans this time. "Pointing her shield, it fires a light hitting Augustus.
"Tch, that won't stop my flow Ryan! I activate the spell card, Gladiator Beast's Comeback to special summon Vespasius from my hand!"
Level: 7, Attribute: Water, Type: Sea Serpent, ATK: 2300, DEF: 0.
"Let's keep it going!" Relon shouts, clasping his hands together. "Contact Fusion!" At his action, both monsters merge into the air. "Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor! A dear with a golden tipped rod and antlers branching in a frenzy wearing red armor appears.
Level: 8, Attribute: Dark, Type: Beast-Warrior, ATK: 2400, DEF: 3000.
"Alright, he got Tamer Editor out!" Anna cheers at said monster in defense position.
"Tamer Editor's effect activates! I can special summon a Gladiator Beast Fusion monster ignoring its summoning conditions! Warrior's Beckoning!" At his command, Tamer Editor raises its rod to the space next to it as it glows a yellow. "Come on, Gladiator Beast Gyzarus!" A short avian creature similar to Bestiari covered in armor with green wings attached to its body flies out of the yellow opening.
Level: 6, Attribute: Dark, Type: Winged Beast, ATK: 2400, DEF: 1500.
"Since it was special summoned, it can destroy any two cards on the field! Jet Storm!" Cawing, two green whirlwinds rip toward both monsters as they're destroyed. Widening his eyes, Ryan raises his arms hunkering down as the wind soon dies out.
"Not bad, Relon. You weren't joking about being tenacious. But I gotta comment on why put Tamer Editor in defense position. I'm wide open."
"I'm not an idiot who takes risks. Especially now knowing your bountiful graveyard effects. Test Panther, Gyzarus, get him!"
Complying, Gyzarus flies into the air as Test Panther jumps in front of it. Launched by the gust of wind, Test Panther roars as its claws hit Ryan.
LP: 4000 → 800
"Oof!" He slides back wincing.
"Gyzarus' effect; because it attacked, I can shuffle it into the deck to bring out two Gladiator Beasts! I choose Darius and Equeste!"
Level: 4, Attribute: Earth, Type: Beast-Warrior, ATK: 1700, DEF: 300.
"Their effects activate. Thanks to Darius, I can special summon a Gladiator Beast from my grave while with Equeste I can return a Gladiator Beast card to my hand. Return to fight once again Andal and come back from the grave Domitianus!" Roaring once more, Andal as do the other beasts take sight of the spirit of Domitianus return to Relon's extra deck before setting their sights of Ryan.
"They're ready to throw down." Nile quips.
"Isn't it obvious? You mess with one of them, you get the entire family!" Anna grins.
"Now that Relon has Domitianus back, he's shifted control back into his favor for now."
"Phew." Relon sighs rolling his neck and doing a few squats. "So far so good. I end my turn with a facedown."
"Feeling the pressure, Relon?"
"Heh, I'd be lying if I wasn't Ryan!"
"Well then, let's amp it up shall we? Albion the Branded Dragon's effect activates from the graveyard!"
"The monster you sent for your White Knight!" Relon grimaces.
"That's right! During the end phase, if it was sent this turn, I can set one Branded spell or trap directly from my deck!"
"Tri-Brigade, Dogmatika, and now Branded. The hell kind of family story does he have?" Nile twitches.
"I set the spell Branded in White."
"Drat. Your move."
"Now then, my turn! I draw!"
Turn 3
"I activate Branded in White! I can fusion summon using monster from my hand and field. I fuse Ecclesia and Albaz! Bellow your power from the depths of Gehenna itself! Albion the Branded Dragon!" Landing, making the ground quake, a large red dragon.
Level: 8, Attribute: Dark, Type: Dragon, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000.
"He has another…!" Relon grits in preparation.
"It doesn't stop there! Since you're fusion summoning multiple fusions, why don't I do the same? Albion's effect activates! Because it was fusion summoned, I can fusion summon a level 8 or lower fusion monster from my extra deck by banishing the fusion materials needed from my hand, field, or graveyard!"
"Seriously?!" Anna exclaims.
"I banish Albaz and Fleurdelis in order to fusion summon Titaniklad the Ash Dragon!" From the Earth, a metallic dragon with red wings streaming red-like energy from them.
Level: 8, Attribute: Dark, Type: Dragon, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000.
"He used both Ecclesia and Fleurdelis to bring out bigger powerhouses…!" Relon narrows.
"Titaniklad's effect; it gains attack equal to the combined levels of the monsters used to fusion summon it times 100!"
Titaniklad the Ash Dragon ATK: 2500 → 3700
"Almost 4000. If those attacks go through, Relon is in trouble!"
"I'm stopping you from causing anymore setbacks! I activate the trap Gladiator Beast Charge! I can target face-up cards equal to the number of Gladiator Beasts I control!" Upon activation, all the Gladiator Beasts charge bombarding the two dragons with fists, whips, claws, and magic destroying them.
"He stopped them! Let's go, Relon!" She cheers as Anna uses a handkerchief to wipe away the beads of sweat on said energetic girl's forehead.
"You can't fool anyone in how worried you were." Rio sighs.
"Not bad, Relon. Not bad at all. You stopped by Branded monsters while forcing me to give up my Dogmatika cards, Very few have done something like that." Ryan smiles before it becomes a smirk. "That only leaves one option left."
"Bring it on. It's payback time!"
"With pleasure! I activate Tri-Brigade Fraktall's effect! I can send this card and a level 3 or lower Beast, Beast-Warrior, or Winged Beast monster from my deck to the graveyard so I'm choosing Kitt! Kitt's effect allows for Nervall to go to the graveyard! Since Nervall was sent to the graveyard, I can add a Tri-Brigade monster to my hand so I'm adding Kerass. Now I'll summon him!" A short brute with robes carrying a large gun over its shoulders takes to the field.
Level: 2, Attribute: Earth, Type: Beast, ATK: 1200, DEF: 1500.
"Kerass' effect; I can link summon a monster whose link is equal to the number of monsters I banish! I banish three in order to special summon link 3, Tri-Brigade Rugal the Silver Sheller! Now, the requirements have been met!" He grins as both monsters are sucked into the link gate before it vanishes.
"Here it comes…!" He tightens his fists in anticipation as the clouds darken over.
"General of a revolution. The skies scream out foretelling of a misfortune. Some may call it an omen…" Zooming towards them, Ryan raises his hand as his monster crashes down to a halt with its weapon raised upwards. "Link 4 Summon! Tri-Brigade Shuraig the Ominous Omen!"
"Now I know he's saying that on purpose!" Nile calls out.
"He may be an idiot like someone else I know." Rio mutters, gaining Nile's attention to avert her gaze.
"Did you say something?"
"No. Nothing at all."
"Ominous Omen's effect activates! I can banish a card but before that, Rugal's effect activates from the graveyard, lowering all of your monsters' attack points by 300 for each monster type I control!"
Tamer Editor ATK: 2400 → 2100
Darius ATK: 1700 → 1400
Equeste ATK: 1600 → 1300
Andal ATK: 1900 → 1600
Test Panther ATK: 800 → 500
"I banish Tamer Editor!" He calls out, Ominous Omen firing for tamer Editor to vanish with the smoke.
"Tamer Editor! Tch!"
"Battle! Attack Test Panther!" Firing, an explosion erupts, nearly knocking Relon back.
Relon LP: 4000 → 1500
"I end my turn and because I am, Titaniklad and Albion's effects activate! I can add Albaz as well as a spell card to my hand. I choose obviously Albaz as well as Branded in White. Now that it's my end phase, your monsters return to normal."
Darius ATK: 1400 → 1700
Equeste ATK: 1300 → 1600
Andal ATK: 1600 → 1900
"I draw!"
Turn 4
Vespasius? He mentally questions glancing to his extra deck. I get it. Alright. Let's show him what happens when he messes with us.
"Arrowheads confirmed! I sacrifice Equeste and Andal to link some! Link 2, Test Panther! Test Panther's effect activates!"
"I activate my trap Tri-Brigade Oath! I can special summon a Beast, Beast-Warrior, or Winged-Beast monster with a different Type from what I control! I'm bringing back Kerass!"
"I add the spell Gladiator Beast United from my deck to my hand!"
"Not Comeback? Unless…!" Anna widens with excitement.
"Because a monster was special summoned, Ominous Omen's effect activates! I can banish a card and I choose your Test Panther!" Firing, it vanishes with the dust. "Now all you can't shuffle your monsters around unless you battle!"
"You're right." Relon grins mirroring Ryan's own. "Battle!"
"Equeste, attack Kerass!" Galloping, it slashes the monster in two.
Ryan LP: 800 → 400
"Now you can't attack! Even if you destroy Omen, I have Albaz and my spell ready to go."
"Then I guess it's a good thing I'm not done battling!"
"Wait, what?!"
"I activate the quick-play spell Gladiator Beast United! I can fusion summon a Gladiator Beast fusion monster by shuffling cards from my hand, field, or graveyard into my main deck!"
"Just like my Albaz!"
"I shuffle both my Andals in my graveyard and my Vespasius in my hand!" The spirit of said three cards emerge along the field before combining as the unrecognizable form seeps into the ground. "Arise from the murky depths and crush everything and everyone before you! Let the cheers of the colosseum lead you along the path of victory!" Ripples of water begin to form on the ground before a whirlpool forms. "I fusion summon! Gladiator Beast Domitianus!" Out of it, the behemoth roars in hunger and rage.
Level: 10, Attribute: Dark, Type: Sea Serpent, ATK: 3500, DEF: 1200.
"There it is!"
"Payback time for earlier!"
"Now wait a second, let's talk this out like civilized men!"
"We gladiators don't talk with words, only action! Domitianus!" Howling, torrents of water surge around its polearm as it strikes forth.
"Flying away, the behemoth cuts away the grenades launch by Ominous Omen to strike at its abdomen. In a burst of water and wind, a shockwave explodes this time sending Ryan off his feet tumbling away.
Ryan LP: 400 → 0
Relon: 1 point
Ryan: 1 point
"Whoa…" Ryan sound lifting up in time to see the monsters vanish. "Now that was epic!" He laughs getting to his feet.
"Heh, we're tied one a piece."
"Yes, Relon won!" Anna cheers clasping her hands.
"Don't forget they need to break the tie."
"Grr, stop acting like you're not happy that he won!" Anna growls for a smile to grace Rio's features. "Why should I act at something so obvious?"
"Grrr, you…!"
Looking at the two, Nile can only shake his head.
Women.
"Alright, what say we make this last one special?"
"You read my mind!" Both say messing with their duel disks before nodding to the other.
"DUEL!"
Relon LP: 8000.
Ryan LP: 8000.
"I'm going first!" Relon calls out to look at his hand.
Attorix, Augustus, Comeback, United, and Naumachia. Two monsters, two spells, and a trap. Glancing to a reinvigorated Ryan, he returns to his cards. He has all kinds of ways of comboing both in hand, graveyard, and even banishing. He hasn't shown anything aside from Ominous Omen that can hurt my back row. Maybe I can use that to my advantage…
Affirming his thoughts, Relon looks to Ryan.
"I summon Gladiator Beast Attorix in attack position!" To the field, a cat with a machete and small shield.
"Wait, why attack position?! RELON, HAS YOUR BRAIN GONE CABLOOEY?!"
"I'M FINE, DEAR, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"
"Pfft, with how you two were acting earlier, I can see why everyone thinks you're dating." Nile snickers. "You two act like a married coup-" Cut off by the rocket in his face, Anna glares at him.
"Finish that sentence. I dare you."
"I humbly retract my statement."
Damn women.
"I set two cards facedown and end my turn."
"Acting outside the box, eh? I dig it! Ha!"
Turn 2
"I summon Aluber the Jester of Despia!" True to its name, a jester in red clothing appears.
Level: 4, Attribute: Dark, Type: Fairy, ATK: 1800, DEF: 0.
"So Relon, care to ask what its effect does?"
"I'm guessing it has something to do with being summoned."
"Correctamundo my comrade! When Jester is summoned, I can add a branded spell or trap from my deck to my hand! I choose the field spell Despia, Theater of the Branded. I say that but we both know I'm going to activate it right now!" In doing so, triangular walls begin to curve inward around them as an egg-shaped fortress lays in the air.
"That thing is HUGE!"
"Despia's effect!" Ryan points to the fortress overhead. "During my main phase, I can fusion summon a level 8 or high fusion monster using monsters in my hand and on my field. I use the Jester on my field and in my hand to fusion summon! Join the fray, Despian Quaeritis!"
From the fortress, a red and black ball descends for all to cover their hands as a hot shockwave erupts. Looking on as the smoke settles, Relon takes in the ball to grow appendages to be on all fours before it rises on its hind legs as Relon's eyes follow slowly upwards the tall monster. Its joints begin to become visible as it takes on a humanoid shape wearing a mask with horns curving in and then outwards. Emerging out its hand, a spear seeming like that of a venus flytrap.
Level: 8, Attribute: Light, Type: Fiend, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2500.
"He keeps revealing new cards like it's some show." Nile mutters at the monstrous entity before them all.
"Quaeritis' effect! All monsters on the field have their attack points changed to 0!"
Gladiator Beast Attorix ATK: 800 → 0
"Next, Ecclesia's effect from my hand! Come on out, girlfriend!" Appearing once more, Ecclesia swings her hammer around and around to smirk over her shoulder at Ryan.
"Hmm."
"What is it?" Rio asks.
"Oh, nothing. Just that Ecclesia seems raring to go compared to before.." Nile dismisses. "Can't tell if there's more to their story or if I'm just overthinking it."
"And? Are you saying a card has a thing for their owner or something?" Anna arches a brow.
"I honestly don't even know. Probably just ready to help him out. Forget I said anything." He sighs.
"Ecclesia's effect lets me add a Dogmatika card to my hand! I choose Dogmatika Punishment! Let's fight! Quaeritis, attack Attorix!" Leaning forward, it blurs in all directions before appearing before the cat with its shield at the ready as its own spear changes form into a sword.
"I activate Gladiator Beast United!" Relon calls quickly. "I choose Attorix and Augustus in my hand to fusion summon Gladiator Beast Essedarii!" In a flash, the spirits of both monsters merge into one as from the blinding light comes the sound of an engine in the form of a gorilla with a shield and club running atop a motorized chariot of sorts.
Level: 5, Attribute: Earth, Type: Beast, ATK: 2500, DEF: 1400.
"Darn, evened out the attack points. Fine. I end my turn. You're safe. For now."
"Phew, I don't know how many close saves I can take. Relon had to use his United spell earlier than preferred. Hopefully he has a plan to deal with that Quaeritis of Ryan's."
Looking on, Rio remains silent. Her mind going back to Relon editing his deck with Anna asleep behind him.
He usually only runs one United but from what I noticed, he was tempted in adding two others. Either he grabs another or he'll have to use Equeste's effect to add it from the graveyard back to his hand.
"My turn! I draw!" Looking to his drawn card, his mind goes into action.
Turn 3
"I activate the spell Gladiator Proving Ground to pick out Laquari from my deck! Then, I'll summon him!" Onto the field, a muscular bipedal tiger with flaming tips encircling him connected by fire.
Level: 4, Attribute: Fire, Type: Beast-Warrior, ATK: 1800, DEF: 400.
"Hey, that's…!"
"Shh, let's just watch." Rio urges as Nile arches a brow at the two.
"Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning requirements are two Gladiator Beast monsters!" At his declaration, both are pulled into the link gate. "Soar in with bravery unlike any other! Link 2, Gladiator Beast Dragases!" From the gate, a bipedal eagle in red armor with blue wings holding a shield and sword.
Link: 2, Attribute: Wind, Type: Winged Beast, ATK: 2000, Arrows: ⇙⇘
"A Gladiator Beast link monster?" Ryan questions.
"Yep. And he's a stubborn one! Battle! Dragases, attack Ecclesia!" Screeching, it zooms forward.
"Quaeritis' effect activates!" Raising its rod, nothing happens. "Wait, what's going on?"
"When Dragases is on the field, any Gladiator Beast including itself attacks, you can't activate any effects!" Relon grins.
"Any?!"
"Fly forth, Dragases!"
"Ecclesia's other effect prevents it from being destroyed!" Ryan retorts.
"But you still take damage!"
Swinging her hammer, Dragases blocks with its shield to strike Ecclesia's abdomen, sending her skidding back with a wince in front of Phantom.
"You okay?" He asks with worry for her to nod, returning to the battle.
"Yeah, those two are definitely close."
Ryan LP: 8000 → 7500
"Not bad, Relon. That's quite the nifty ability." He grins.
"Dragases' effect pops! I shuffle it into the deck to bring out both Augustus and Darius! Darius' effect activates, allowing me to resurrect Laquari!"
"Is he?!" Anna jumps with eagerness.
"Calm down, Anna. If he does, then we'll see it." Rio eyerolls with a smile though she too is excited at the possibility of what may soon come.
"What has you so excited about his Laquari?"
"Hehe, you'll see." Anna smiles, her eyes not leaving her childhood friend.
"I'll combine both Darius and Laquari with Augustus! Contact Fusion!" He clasps his hands together as the three jump merging into one "Gladiator Beast Andabata!" From a light of purple soars an avian armored creature hovering off the ground with a jetpack, a small shield and glowing purplish blade in its hands.
Level: 8, Attribute: Dark, Type: Beast-Warrior, ATK: 1000, DEF: 2800.
"Awe, come on Relon!" Anna pouts in annoyance.
"Andabata's effect; when it's fusion summoned through Contact Fusion, I can special summon a level 7 of lower Gladiator Beast Fusion monster ignoring their summoning conditions!"
"Wait, ain't that Tamer Editor's effect!"
"Hmpf!" Relon only smirks.
"Don't just grunt! Answer me, damn it!"
"Time to get to cleaning!" He smiles at their childishness. "I special summon Gyzarus!" Cutting the air with its glowing sword, the glow from it ceases as a rift opens for said monster to fly out. "Gyzarus' effect; it can destroy any two cards on the field! I'm choosing Quaeritis and that field spell of yours!" He points to the sky. "Jet Storm!" Powering up, Gyzarus unleashes a green whirlwind towards the fusion monster before firing another at the fortress in the sky.
"Don't think so! When I have a Dogmatika monster, I can special summon Fleurdelis from my hand and furthermore, I can negate your monster's effect!" A ray of light appears suddenly parting the wind to reveal said monster.
"Tch. Fine! We'll go even further! I merge Gyzarus and Andabata! Contact Fusion! fusion summon Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor! I use Tamer Editor's effect to resummon Gyzarus. Warrior's Beckoning!" From the yellow area, it soars once more with a caw. "Jet Storm! Same as before!"
Obeying, its sight locks onto Quaeritis as it's pierced by wind. Continuing through towards the fortress, a series of explosions erupt as it comes crashing before vanishing into nothingness.
"Second time's the charm apparently." Relon breathes out.
"Quaeritis' and Jester's effects from the graveyard activates!"
"Of course they do!" He twitches his eye in annoyance.
"I special summon Jester from the graveyard and I can special summon Fallen of Albaz himself!" A gray-haired male with red highlights wearing dark clothing and ragged cloths appears.
"So that's Albaz." Relon muses.
Sensing another presence, it looks to Ecclesia smiling warmly at it. Holding its stoic demeanor, it nods as does Ecclesia before they look forward.
"That monster… It feels the same as the others."
"So another card he cherishes like Ecclesia?"
"Possibly."
"Albaz's effect activates! When it's special summoned, I can discard a card to fusion summon a fusion monster using this card and another monster on either side of our field!"
"Either side?!"
"Hehehe! I fuse Albaz and Gyzarus to fusion summon Sprind the Irondash Dragon!" Watching Albaz raise its hand as if pulling Gyzarus towards it, both leap to merge as a ball of light forms for it to dark as a dragon, seeming to be half machine half living being descends around the field.
Level: 8, Attribute: Dark, Type: Machine, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000.
"He fused using my monster…!"
"Hey, give him back his monster!" Anna rants being held back by Nile and Rio.
"Calm down, Rio!"
"Listen to your friend, please!"
"WE'RE NOT FRIENDS!"
"I need to keep this going." Relon mutters glancing at his last card in hand. "Ryan, I'm not done yet!"
"Your monster's effect has already been used and negated. Hmpf, knowing this and you saying that is getting me excited! Show me, Relon!"
"Time to show you how stubborn I am! Arrowheads confirmed!" He chants, all widening.
"He's going to link summon? But the only link monster he has that's not related to his Gladiator Beasts is Link Spider and that requires a normal monster!" Anna exclaims.
"The summoning requirement is one non-link monster in the extra monster zone!"
"You're continuing another summon through sheer placement?!" Ryan widens in equal astonishment.
"That's right! I link summon! Link 1, Gravity Controller!" Landing from the vortex, a silver clad human with a green helmet, their hands in their pocket as their cape flows with the shockwave.
Link: 1, Attribute: Dark, Type: Psychic, ATK: 1000, Arrow: ⇙
"What's that do?"
"It's an extension of my persistence!" Relon shouts. "Because now I activate my spell Gladiator Beast's Comeback! I'm bringing back Tamer Editor!" Revived, its rod glows at the ready. "Warrior's Beckoning! Arise from the murky depths, Domitianus!" Roaring, the behemoth lands with a mighty thud before Ryan's monsters.
"Let's go, Domitianuuuuuuuussss!" Anna cheers.
"This child, I swear."
"I want no part of either of you."
"I end my turn."
"Sheesh, I lost count of how many times you summoned Tamer Editor. I draw!"
Turn 4
"Sprind's effect; during the main phase, I can move this card to a different monster zone and destroy all other cards in that column!"
"Now you're activating a placement-related effect? I don't think so! Domitianus' effect allows me to negate your monster's effect and destroy it! Beastial Roar!" Howling, Sprind is thrown off course to crash into the ground as it explodes into particles.
"Tch! My other Jester's effect from my grave allows itself to be special summoned!" Another Jester appears next to Ecclesia. "I got Branded and Dogmatika so I may as well add Tri-Brigade to the party! I activate Fraktall's effect!"
"Oh course you have Fraktall in your hand." Relon lets out an audible whisper. "Kitt goes bye-bye but her effect allows her to bring a friend. Which happens to be Nervall! Nervall's effect allows me to add another Kitt to my hand! I now summon Kitt to activate her effect! By banishing a specific number of monsters, I can link summon! So goodbye you four and makeway for… General of a revolution. The skies scream out foretelling of a misfortune… Some may call it an ominous omen!"
"Someone kill me!" Nile groans. "Or throw a rock at him!"
From the sky descends Ominous Omen.
"Once again, all three are on the field." Relon notes of Ecclesia, Fleurdelis, and Ominous Omen. "Oh crap…!"
"Ominous Omen's effect activates! I can banish a card of my choice!"
"Don't you do it!"
"I'mma do it!"
"Don't you dare, Ryan…!"
"I'm gonna, Relon…!"
"No…!"
"Yes…! Ominous Omen, chuck it!" Ryan snaps his fingers as Ominous omen fires as the roaring beast for a plume of darkness to spread before it shows the ace monster no more.
Widening, Relon's blood runs a frigid cold as his gaze hardens.
"You're gonna regret that." He glares.
"Haha, had to do it bud."
"Oh I know. Just like how I have to do this! I activate my trap, Gladiator Naumachia! As long as I have a Gladiator Beast, all of your monsters are forced to attack!"
"Fine by me! Fleurdelis, attack Gravity Controller!" Charging at the nonchalant monster, it swings it blade."Don't forget Fleurdelis' effect activates increasing all Dogmatika monsters' attack points by 500!"
Fleurdelis ATK: 2500 → 3000
Ecclesia ATK: 1500 → 2000
Relon LP: 8000 → 6000
Leaping away, Ryan furrows at Gravity Controller, seeming unfazed.
"It wasn't destroyed?"
"Nope." Relon crosses his arms.
"Then… Ominous Omen, attack!"
"Gotcha! At the start of the damage step when this card battles a monster that's in another monster zone, I can return both to the deck!"
"Wait, return?!"
"See ya, Ominous Omen!" Relon waves, both monsters enveloped in a light before they are whisked away.
"... That was uncalled for!"
"You started it! Now thanks to my trap card, you're forced to attack Tamer Editor."
"That's suicide!"
"Sucks to be you." Relon deadpans.
"Erm, Jester, go! Show him how brave we are in the face of pain!"
"What is even happening anymore?" Nile blinks watching one monster after another attack the defensive wall.
"Two boys having fun. Nothing more, nothing less." Rio shrugs.
Ryan LP: 7500 → 1800
"I… told you… We're… okay time out." Ryan breathes out.
"Not gonna lie. Watching you attack a 3000 defense point wall is surprisingly satisfying."
"I… screw you… Ugh. Okay!" He raises back up. "Sprind's effect from the graveyard activates, allowing me to add Albaz to my hand! I'll end my turn! Let's see you get through my wall of monster!"
"Get some popcorn cause it'll be quite the sight! I draw!"
Turn 5
"Gotta start somewhere I suppose. I-"
"Activate the trap Dogmatika Punishment to send my other Sprind to the graveyard in order to destroy your Tamer Editor!" Hit by the energy, Relon raises his hands as the smoke blows past him.
"You are…! Argh! I summon Gladiator Beast Murmillo!" The blue fish with pink puffy lips and webbed arms takes its place in front of Relon.
Level: 3, Attribute: Water, Type: Fish, ATK: 800, DEF: 400.
"Murmillo, attack Kitt!" Unleashing a jet of water, Kitt is destroyed.
Ryan LP: 1800 → 1700
"When Kitt is sent to the graveyard, I can send a Tri-Brigade monster to my graveyard and I choose Nervall! Then thanks to Nervall I can add another Kitt to my hand!"
"Because Murmillo battled, I can shuffle him into the deck in order to special summon Darius!" Taking the field, the bipedal horse neighs as it slaps its electric whip against the ground. "Darius' effect activates! I can resurrect a Glad Beast from my graveyard. I'm choosing Tamer Editor!"
"Two monsters, eh?"
'Yeah and you can guess what I'm gonna do next! I link summon link 2, Test Panther!" Pouncing in, the cat roars. "Test Pather's effect allows me to grab a Gladiator Beast card from my deck!"
"Will it be Comeback so you can respawn another of your beasts?"
"No! It'll be another United!" He resounds. "I place it facedown and end my turn!"
"When did he add another one?!"
"While you were out on the couch." Rio snickers fro Anna to twitch her eye in irritation.
"Facedown, huh?" Pondering, Ryan cannot help but keep his giddy smile. "You really are awesome, Relon! I draw!"
Turn 6
"Ready for your worst, Ryan!"
"A man of courage, I respect that! I switch my Jesters into defense position. Here I come! Fleurdelis, attack Test Panther!" Raising her blade, she prepares her attack. "Your only ace Domitianus is banished and none of your other monsters I've seen have high enough attack points to defeat my Fleurdelis!"
"... Are you sure about that?"
Pausing, he can only play his words on repeat before his eyes widen. The confidence radiating from Relon's person becomes visible to the naked eye. As if going back and forth, Relon's own steadily begins to push as Ryan's slowly wanes.
"We're not done… We're not done yet! Let him have it! Divine Blade!"
Relon LP: 6000 → 3300
"Ecclesia, smack him into the ground directly!" Taking off, she leaps high into the air.
"... I have to hand it to you, Ryan. You've pushed us quite far. You're the first to do such a thing since Anna and Rio. But…" A veil of darkness shrouds Relon as bats disperse in all directions. "You're going to have to try harder to defeat me."
"FINALLY! YES, HE SUMMONED HIM!" Anna hollers.
"Summoned who?!"
"One of his boss monsters." Rio smiles answering Nile.
"One of…? You mean plural?" She can only smile more as all snap back to the field.
Plummeting down, Ecclesia strikes the dome of darkness to be sent away. Righting herself in midair, she slides to a halt before Ryan.
Ryan LP: 1700 → 1400
"My life points…!" Snapping back up, a dark mist spreads across the ground as bats migrate around the field. "Emerge, savager of the deadly night. Let those that stand before your mighty power hear your deadly screech!" The voice of Relon sounds as the dark veil explodes in all directions. "Gladiator Beast Nerokius."
Flinching slightly, Ryan looks back once again to take in the sight of the monstrous creature before him as his eyes slowly lift up. Before him, the monstrosity equalling in size to that of Domitianus. It has blackish-purple armor with a series of purple orbs littering said armor. Six mighty wings in pairs of three reside on its back as its glowing red eyes give off a menacing aura. The body of a man mixed with a bat. With its arms crossed, Ryan bears witness to the monster.
Level: 8, Attribute: Dark, Type: Winged Beast, ATK: 2800, DEF: 1900.
"So you had something like this up your sleeve. Not bad, Relon. Not bad at all. You used your United to summon this bad boy. Tell me, what are its summoning conditions? I gotta know cause I'd be lying if I said I wasn't eager to see what this monster can do!"
"Three Gladiator Beasts." Relon answers calmly, holding up three fingers in emphasis. "Nerokius' effect. When it battles, I can return it to the extra deck and replace it with two Gladiator Beasts of my choice."
"But he just got here!"
"Don't worry, he'll be back! Return to the area; Darius and Murmillo!" Appearing, both monsters take their place before him. "Murmillo's effect; I can destroy a face-up monster on the field! Take out Fleurdelis!" Jumping, Murmillo unleashes a steam of water towards the knight for it to pierce through her shield.
"Fleurdelis!"
"Darius calls back Tamer Editor!"
"You're not the only one to still have some cards to play! By banishing Sprind, I can special summon Dogmatika Maximus!" A large divine being donned in enchanted garments floats to the field in defense position.
Level: 8, Attribute: Light, Type: Spellcaster, ATK: 1500, DEF: 3000.
"Maxiumus' effect! We both have to send two cards with different names from our extra deck to the graveyard!" He says sending his cards away.
Link Spider and Essedarii… Narrowing, Relon does the same.
"Because I sent Tri-Brigade Ferrijit and Bearbrumm, their effects allow me to draw a card as well as add a Tri-Brigade spell or trap of my choice. I choose Tri-Brigade Revolt! On the down side, I have to return two cards to the bottom of the deck. I set one card and end my turn."
"I… draw!"
Turn 7
"I summon Gladiator Beast Andal!"
He has four Gladiator Beasts. Is he going to bring back Nerokius?
"Arrowheads confirmed!" Relon calls out gaining Ryan's attention. "I link summon! Link 2, Gladiator Beast Dragases!" Once more, the red eagle soars in the air. "Battle! Murmillo, Darius, attack his Jesters! Because of Dragases, you can't activate any effects when my beasts battle!" Firing a jet of bubbles and its electric whip, both Jesters groan before they're destroyed "Dragases, attack Ecclesia!"
"But Ecclesia's attack is higher!"
"How can a warrior succeed in battle if they fear pain?!" Relon roars back.
Soaring for her, sword meets hammer for Dragases to block a horizontal strike. About to deliver a counter, the force from Ecclesia sends it gyrating toward Relon. Correcting itself, it floats back to ground level.
Relon LP: 3300 → 2800
"Is it just me or is Relon acting a little too hyper?"
"No."
"Not in the slightest."
Both look to each other before toward Nile.
"He's in his zone." They speak in unison.
"Because my beasts battled, they all are shuffled back into my main and extra deck respectively! In return, I can summon four new beasts! Return, Equeste and my other Darius! Darius' effect brings back Tamer Editor from my graveyard while Equeste returns United to my hand! My third monster returning shall be Attorix! Her effect activates! By sending a Gladiator Beast from my main or extra deck, her level and name become it! I send Augustus to the graveyard!"
Name: Gladiator Beast Attorix, Level 4 → Name: Gladiator Beast Augustus (Attorix), Level 8
"I activate the quick-play spell, Gladiator Beast United! By returning Essedarii and Augustus from my graveyard to my decks, I can fusion summon another Tamer Editor!" Appearing ahead of his monsters, the dear stands at the ready in a defensive stance. "Finally, return once more Murmillo and destroy his Maximus!" Appearing, it wastes no time in unleashing a enormous pump of water destroying the tall being.
"Maximus!"
"I merge Attorix with Murmillo and Equeste! Contact Fusion!" He clasps his hands together fiercely. Gladiator Beast Andabata! Andabata's effect activates! Join us Gyzarus! Jet Storm!"
"I activate my trap Tri-Brigade Revolt!" From the graveyard, four monsters join Ecclesia before they are sent into the link gate. "Join us, General! Ominous Omen!"
Struggling against the wind, Ecclesia gives an apologetic look to Ominous Omen and then Ryan before she succumbs to the gale-force.
"Ecclesia!"
"Ominous Omen's effect activates! As do Kitt's and Nervall's! I add Fraktall to my hand, send Tri-Brigade Revolt to the graveyard, and banish your annoying trap card!"
Huffing, both notice the other doing the same. Sucking in air, they ready for the next go-round.
"Arrowhead confirmed! I send both Tamer Editors to fulfill the requirements!"
"Both?!"
"I link summon! Link 2, Test Panther! Thanks to it, I can add a Comeback back to my hand! Next, I'll use Test Panther's other effect to shuffle Darius into my deck and bring back Tamer Editor to my extra deck!"
"Why would- You're going to bring Tamer Editor back out! That's why you sent it to the graveyard!"
"I MERGE GYZARUS WITH ANDABATA! CONTACT FUSION! Resurge, Tamer Editor! Tamer Editor's effect; Warrior's Beckoning! Gyzarus, fly out and strike him with your might! Jet Storm! Acknowledging, the avian caws unleashing two green whirlwinds toward Ominous Omen.
Fighting against it, even the masked warrior succumbs to the storm.
"Ominous Omen!"
"Fleurdelis, Ecclesia, Ominous Omen; he's destroyed all of Ryan's monsters!" Nile awes. "Relon's using combos I've never seen him use before…!"
Taking a long exhale mimicking the sound of steam, Relon looks back to Ryan.
"I end my turn."
Trembling, his fists ball before he hunches over.
"MAAAAAAAN! This is intense! I can really feel your resonance with your deck, Relon! You managed to take down Fleurdelis, Ecclesia, my Branded dragons, and Ominous Omen! I haven't had that happen in a long time! But I still have cards in hand and life points! I draw!"
Turn 8
You've beaten those three but that doesn't mean I'm out of options! I summon Albaz!" Once more, the gray haired human with rags takes the field. "Kerass' effect allows me to special summon it by discarding a monster and I choose Kitt! With Kitt in the graveyard, I can send Nervall there as well! Kerass's other effect activates! I banish three monsters in order to special summon, link 3, Tri-Brigade Rugal the Silver Sheller!" Once more, the bipedal wolf with gunswords stands at the ready.
"He's going for another link 4?"
"I link summon using Rugal and Kerass! I link summon link 2, Ferrijiti the Barren Blossom!" Flipping to land holding a rifle, a pink haired female with goggles.
Link: 2, Attribute: Earth, Type: Beast, ATK: 1600, Arrows: ⇐⇙
"He downgraded?!" Anna exclaims.
"Rugal's effect." Relon growls in realization.
"Exactly! That's minus 600 attack points to your monsters!"
Test Panther ATK: 800 → 200
Equeste ATK: 1600 → 1000
Tamer Editor ATK: 2400 → 1800
Gyzarus ATK: 2400 → 1800
"Ferrijit's effect now activates! I can special summon a level 4 or lower Beast, Beast-Warrior or Winged Beast from my hand! I special summon another Fraktall! Arrowhead confirmed! The summoning requirements have been met! I send Ferrijit and Fraktall to the graveyard to link summon! Come out again! Link 3, Rugal!"
"Another one then!" Relon narrows.
"Ferrijit's final effect; I can draw a card and place a card from my hand at the bottom of the deck." Pausing, he calms himself before grinning. "Guess who's back!" He draws to play it. "Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous!" Appearing, the saint meekly looks to notice its surroundings.
"You have more than one?! Tch, I should have known!"
"Indeed! She and Albaz are my most faithful that I have three different versions of them both!"
"That explains it! I knew something was off earlier!" Nile snaps in understanding.
"Ecclesia's effect! I can add a Dogmatika card to my hand!"
"What's it gonna be this time? Revolt? Punishment?"
"Haha, you seem to have forgotten something, Relon. I was once a pro duelist after all!" Understanding his words, Relon widens.
"Don't tell me!"
"I haven't been backed into a corner like this in forever and it comes down to this! I add to my hand the custom quick-play spell Brigade's Final Assault! Battle!" Ryan shouts. "Rugal, attack his Gyzarus!" Cawing, Gyzarus unleashes a gust for the bullets to rip through, landing their mark.
Relon LP: 2800 → 2300
"Albaz attacks Test Panther!" Walking towards the cat, both pounce for Albaz to land unharmed as Test Panther crumbles into particles.
Relon LP: 2300 → 700
"Ecclesia, attack Equeste!" Nodding, the blonde maiden lunged forth smashing the centaur. "With that, I set Brigade's Final Assault and end my turn."
"Ryan doesn't have any cards in his hand." Anna murmurs.
"But a shit ton in his graveyard."
"Then there is his custom card. It's a quick-play too not to mention how his deck has graveyard effects, it most likely has one as well."
"Then…"
"Yeah. This turn will decide it then." Nile answers.
Looking at the force against him, Relon glances to his deck.
"It's wonderful, isn't it?" Ryan speaks, gaining his focus.
Looking up, Relon takes notice of him looking to the rising sun over the horizon.
"Dueling against the stories of others has always been a wonderful feeling. But with you, I've never felt such a rush. It's as though a new part of me has been born. The opportunities we've both taken advantage of during these duels, the tactics, every decision; it's amazing. Ain't it?"
"... Haha, yeah. I've always held back, staying unnoticed as much as possible. I think a part of me knew how pointless that was once I reached the top 10 in school but I was too stubborn to admit it. Now though, I think I'm starting to embrace it. Little by little. Having friends like Anna and Rio, even making new ones like Nile and now you, I think we've grown in our own ways Ryan. All of us. I'm eager to see what else we can accomplish together as friends! But my gladiators and I are still in it to win it!"
"You and I both, man! We're ready! Hold nothing back!"
"Then it's my turn! I draw!"
Turn 9
"I activate the custom quick-play spell Brigade's Final Assault! By sacrificing Rugal, I can resurrect a Tri-Brigade link monster that is in the graveyard or banished as well as a Branded or Dogmatika monster. In exchange, you get to draw a card!"
"Don't tell me!"
"That's right! I choose the general of the unending revolution and the steel maiden herself, Ominous Omen and Fleurdelis!" From the ground, a ray of light and darkness shoot into the sky as both step out.
"Ominous Omen, Fleurdelis, Ecclesia, and Albaz… They're all here."
"Sadly, their effects are negated but the gang's all here and we're ready to rumble because I activate Brigade' Final Assault's graveyard effect as well as Rugal's!"
"I knew it!"
"By banishing it, all of my monsters gain 100 attack points for every archetype I control while Tamer Editor loses 300 for each monster Type I control so that's 900 while my monsters gain 300 attack!"
Tamer Editor ATK: 2400 → 1500
Ominous Omen ATK: 3000 → 3300
Fleurdelis ATK: 2500 → 2800
Ecclesia ATK: 1500 → 1800
Albaz ATK: 1800 → 2100
"Now then, come at us!"
Balling his bandaged hand, he whips it to the top of his deck.
"Ha!" Looking out the corner, he widens. "I activate the spell Gladiator Beast Respite! I can shuffle two Gladiator Beast cards into my deck and draw three new cards!"
It all comes down to this. I need to stop him here and now if I want to win! Breathing a long breath, Relon's gaze hardens as his blood runs hot. Everyone, give me strength…!
"I… DRAW!" Looking, he reveals the look of excitement on his face. "Perfect!"
"He's grinning…!"
"Then this is gonna be it! The big climax! Go Relon, go!"
"You've brought out your aces so it's only right I do the same! I activate the quick-play spell Gladiator Beast United!" All bucking wide at the proclamation especially Rio.
"You have a third?!"
"Just like you and your Revolt! I send three beasts from my graveyard back to my deck!" The silhouette of Gyzarus, Andal, and Essedarii emerge from the graveyard before they unite in the air for a sphere of darkness to form before bats fly out from it. "Emerge once again, savager of the deadly night. Let those that stand before your mighty power hear your deadly screech! Gladiator Beast Nerokius!" What's left of the bats hovers the muscular behemoth to the field with its crossed arms.
"So, you've returned." Ryan eyes the monster with an excited face.
"There's Nero! Woohoo! Summon the third, Relon!"
"With pleasure! Tamer Editor! One last time! Warrior's Beckoning!" Roaring, it raises its rod into the air as the space next to it illuminates in a yellow glow before it changes to red before flames rush out like a geyser.
"Red?"
"Finally! He's doing it, Rio!" Anna jumps with excitement holding said girl.
"Noble sovereign instilled with the primordial flames, roar with the fury of champion my chimera! Gladiator Beast Heraklinos!"
From the flames, a bipedal beast emerges. Its golden shield contains a hexagonal pattern with two boosters at the top facing forward. Its weapon is a spear with the head of an axe attached. The behemoth itself has the wings of Bestiari, the slicked back hair of a lion ending at its waist, the torso of Laquari as noted by the familiar stripes along its shoulders, the legs of a T-rex, and an aquatic tail similar to Domitianus.
Level: 8, Attribute: Fire, Type: Beast-Warrior, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2800.
"He did it, he did it, he did it~. He summoned Nero and Hera! All three of the strongest Gladiators have been summoned! Take it in Nile because you don't see a sight like that everyday. The only thing that can top that is if Domitianus wasn't banished."
"Well, there is his- No, nevermind. I'll let you have this moment of excitement." Rio chuckles at the ecstatic girl.
"Gladiator Beast Heraklinos and Nerokius… Both of them feel powerful just like Domitianus…!"
"They're huge! Your three aces are all so huge!" Ryan exclaims.
"I summon Gladiator Beast Andal!" Roaring to life, the bipedal black bear. "With how much it helped me this duel, I'd be an idiot to not let it in on the action! Battle!" Rushing in front of Ecclesia, Albaz along with Ominous Omen and Fleurdelis ready themselves.
"You guys…!" Ryan murmurs, both boys taken aback. "Let's go, Relon! I gotta see how this climactic finale ends!"
"With pleasure!" Relon calls out. "Let's go! Nerokius attacks Fleurdelis!"
"You're going to crash our monsters?! Are you insane?!"
"Don't underestimate my Nerokius! Hyper-sonic Fist!"
"Show them your conviction of justice, Fleurdelis! Divine Blade!"
Leaning forward, Nerokius leaps forward as its six wings exude a high-velocity pitch as its fist glows in darkness while Fleurdelis' blade glows. Shooting it forth, its fist meets her blade as a shockwave erupts forcing everyone to hunker down.
"Nerokius… has endured numerous battles in its life which is why… it can't be destroyed through battle!"
"What?! Then, I activate-"
"You also… can't activate card effects when Nerokius battles!"
"His wings!" Ryan widens at the realization as an eruption of black and white light sounds as both see Fleurdelis no more with Nerokius remaining.
"Heraklinos, attack Ominous Omen!" Releasing a roar, flames ignite from its spear-axe and shield as it charges forward.
"Ominous Omen still has more attack points though!"
"Not when I activate Gladiator Beast Vespasius' effect from my hand! When a Gladiator Beast battles, I can special summon it to the field and then all of my monsters gain 500 attack points!" Howling as the bipedal sea serpent with its sword appears, Heraklinos continues its attack
"You're kidding!"
Level: 7, Attribute: Water, Type: Sea Serpent, ATK: 2300, DEF: 0.
Heraklinos ATK: 3000 → 3500
Vespasius ATK: 2300 → 2800
Andal ATK: 1900 → 2400
"Even banished, Domitianus is still fighting alongside us! Heraklinos, Infernal Torrent!"
"Even so, we're still standing! Ominous Omen, Sinner's Revelry!"
Grunting, Ominous Omen takes to the skies firing clusters of grenades for Heraklinos to rush through with its shield. Slashing its weapon, it is engulfed in flames as the element leaves shooting for Ominous Omen.
"I activate the custom trap Vigilante's Cause from my graveyard! When Ominous Omen Battles, its attack doubles until the end phase!"
Ominous Omen ATK: 3300 → 6600
"Heraklinos' effect activates! I can discard a card from my hand to negate any spell or trap effect!" Relon says losing the last card in his hand.
"No way!"
"Prominence Heatwave!" Roaring, a surge of heat shoots past its attack to hit Ominous Omen followed by the wave of flames.
Ominous Omen ATK: 6600 → 3300
"No, Ominous Omen!"
Ryan LP: 1400 → 1200
"Andal, your wait is over! As is yours Vespasius! End this!"
"Ecclesia, Albaz!"
All four lunge towards one another. Andal reers back its fist, Vespasius extends its sword, Ecclesia pulls back her hammer, and Albaz conjures a sphere of darkness. Clashing, both sides struggle to overpower the other. Andal growls as Ecclesia grits her teeth while Albaz reinforces its arm with its free hand against Vespasius.
"DON'T GIVE UP, YOU TWO!"
"WE WIN!"
Feeling another surge, both beasts howl in determination sending both off their feet. Rushing in, they strike in tandem for Ecclesia to widen pushing Albaz out the way as sparks ring followed by an explosion. Raising their arms as the smoke surges into their faces, both cough what remains away to see the field. On Relon's side, all of his beasts. On Ryan's, Albaz holding Ecclesia in his arms giving a sad smile. As if apologizing to him, the young man dismisses it with a shake of his head as both vanish along with Relon's monsters.
Ryan LP: 1200 → 0
Ryan: 1 point
Relon: 2 points
Winner: Relon
Loser: Ryan
Breathing as he takes in the screen, Relon leans forward before falling onto his butt as does Ryan.
"I… won…"
"I… lost…"
Taking in the fact, both burst out in laughter raising up and meeting in the middle to shake the other's hand.
"Good duel, Ryan. That was an experience I'll never forget."
"Same to you, pal. My monsters and I brought our A-game and you bested us. You're definitely pro duelist material."
"Haha, maybe. Looking back, there's a few things I can still work on."
"HEEEEEEEEY! RELON LUCINAAAANCE!" Looking to Anna and the others racing their way, Ryan grins as Relon takes a step back.
"A-Anna, slow down! Anna! AN- OOF!" He grunts as she tackles into him like a locomotive.
"Hahaha, way to go! You did it!"
"Ouch… I'm glad you're happy and thanks for rooting for me but it's… hard to… breathe." He musters out.
"Yep. Definitely dating level." Nile deadpans to receive a death glare from Rio forcing him to whistle in the opposite direction.
Between Relon's struggle for air, Anna's rambunctious self, Rio's reprimands, Nile's relaxed albeit playful nature, and the newly joined Ryan and his… "personality," all were basking in the happy moment to the fullest.
A distance away behind a tree, the masked figure from the alleyway. Turning around, they depart.
Unknown
Entering an abandoned building, the masked young woman descends deeper until coming to a luxurious corridor where several others are. Approaching her, a man with burgundy hair with a large portion curving upwards and to the side. He's wearing a suit with a green vest and a white tie.
"Welcome back, Akiza." He greets softly removing the young woman's mask revealing a beautiful face with brown eyes.
"Sayer…"
"Did you find anything of interest?"
"No…"
"I see. Get some rest." Nodding, he gives her back the mask as she walks past him.
Relon Lucinance. Both in that alley and during your duel, those eyes were just like mine. Filled with hatred and despair…
Key Characters
Sayer - 5D's
Akiza Izinski- 5D's
Card Corner
Brigade's Final Assault - By tributing one Tri-Brigade monster, you can special summon a Tri-Brigade link monster that is in the graveyard or banished in addition to a "Branded" or "Dogmatika" monster. Your opponent draws a card. You can banish this card from your graveyard (quick effect) and increase the attack of your monsters by 100 attack points for every archetype you control.
Vigilante's Cause - This card cannot be activated while on the field. It can only be activated in the graveyard. You can banish this card and target one "Tri-Brigade Shuraig the Ominous Omen" you control. Double its attack until the end phase.