Chapter 17: Megalomania


"Duel!"

Raizou's Hand- Just Desserts, Giant Trunade x2, Heavy Storm, Giant Orc

Syrus's Hand- Steamroid, Supercharge, Rescueroid, Submarineroid, Drillroid

Raizou smirks. "As the higher ranked student, I think I'll go first!" Raizou draws Ectoplasmer and smiles maliciously. "Now I'll summon my Giant Orc in attack mode!"

Giant Orc Atk / Def: 2200 / 0

Over in the stands, Brier scowls at seeing Raizou use one of his friends main cards. "Damn Obelisk"

Raizou smiles smugly and sets Just Desserts. "I'll set one card facedown and give you a chance to put up your pitiful defense, you Slifer trash!"

Syrus takes a deep breath closing his eyes. "Relax, Syrus. He's just trying to get under your skin. Just focus on your cards and his." Syrus draws Submarineroid. "I summon my Submarineroid in attack mode."

Submarineroid Atk / Def: 800 / 1800

"Now I'll use my Submarineroids effect. They can attack you directly, go Deep-Depth Impact!" Submarineroid sinks into the ground and launches its missile that goes under Giant Orc to hit Raizou and explode.

Raizou's LP: 8000-800=7200

From the contestant box, Jaden jumps up and shouts, "Alright Syrus got the first hit!" The others around him chuckle. Up in the stands, Chumley is cheering for Syrus along with the other Slifer Reds.

"Yeah, show him what you got, Syrus!" Further up in the stands, Zane watches the duel calmly.

"A strong start, little brother." His eyes shift over to Raizou. "You're also tuning out your opponent's taunts and boasting so far. Let's see if you can hold onto that, because I get the feeling this dog isn't done barking yet."

Submarineroid rises back up and crosses its arms in front of itself as it switches to defense mode. Syrus then sets Supercharge facedown.

"And when Submarineroid attacks, I can switch them to defense mode! With that, I'll set one card facedown and end my turn." Raizou scoffs as he draws Malice Doll of Demise.

"Man, your loser friends sure are getting excited over 800 measly life points." Raizou then smirks. "But I guess even getting a scratch on an elite is a feat for pests like you." Syrus grits his teeth, but doesn't retort, making Raizou's smirk get bigger.

"I see I touched a nerve. Well, let me go ahead and return the favor for that 800 damage you did. I activate Just Desserts! With it, you take 500 points of damage for each monster you control!" A red aura covers Submarineroid that then spreads to Syrus.

Syrus's LP: 8000-500=7500

"Normally I'd wait for more monsters to use it, but against you, I doubt you'll ever have more than one! Also, now that it's gone, let's clear the field with Heavy Storm!" A huge tornado covers the field, destroying Syrus's Supercharge. "I hope that wasn't important!" Syrus grits his teeth harder.

"Damn, it's not the worst thing that could have happened, but it does decrease my chances of getting one of my fusion cards." Raizou laughs.

"It's about time someone reminded you of your place, Slifer trash! I summon Malice Doll of Demise in attack mode!"

Malice Doll of Demise Atk / Def: 1600 / 1700

"Now I'll destroy your stupid little toy submarine with Giant Orc. Bone Basher!" Giant Orc leaps towards Submarineroid and, with a downward swing, smashes them. Giant Orc starts sluggishly walking back to Raizou's side of the field. "Now Malice Doll of Demise will attack you directly, Slasher Axe!" Malice Doll of Demise throws its axe that virtually slices through Syrus before returning to the doll's hand.

Syrus's LP: 7500-1600=5900

Giant Orc finally makes it back to Raizou's side of the field panting heavily, he falls to one knee, going into Defense Position. "After attacking, Giant Orc is forced to switch to Defense Position when the Battle Phase ends. After he switches, I can't put him back in Attack Position until the end of my next turn." Raizou smirks maliciously. "But lucky for me, I don't plan to switch him back. I play Ectoplasmer!"

Up in the stands Zane narrows his eyes. "So, you play that type of deck." Zane's eyes shift over to Syrus. "How will you respond?"

Raizou laughs. "Now once per turn during our end phase we have to Tribute one face-up monster, in doing so we can deal half of that monster's original attack points directly to our opponent! And I'll Tribute my Giant Orc to deal you 1100 damage!" Giant Orc's body shatters as his spirit leaves his body and flies into Syrus.

Syrus's LP: 5900-1100=4800

"Now that is real damage, you worthless Slifer!" Raizou laughs. Up in the booth where the staff is watching the duel, many staff members are looking at each other, concerned at Raizou's words in this duel so far, the Chancellor in particular looks deeply upset. Crowler is sweating buckets.

"What are you doing, Raizou?! You can't be this blatant about it in front of the whole school! Oh, why was yours the first name out of my mouth."

Over with the other participants they are all frowning at Raizou while Bastion holds his chin in thought. "His unsportsmanlike conduct aside, this type of deck could prove trouble for Syrus." Jaden turns to look at Bastion curiously.

"What do you mean, Bastion?" Bastion looks at the duel with his analytical eyes.

"With Ectoplasmer, you are forced to tribute any face-up monster; you can't opt out. Raizou's deck is designed to work around it, but for Syrus, any powerful monsters he gets to potentially turn the battle around will be lost when the turn ends." Takashi nods.

"That's true, if Syrus wants to find a way out of this, he will more than likely have to end it in a single turn. If he can't, I'm not sure how much longer his life points will be able hold." Syrus's free hand clenches so hard that his knuckles turn white.

"Damnit, he's getting in my head! I want to say something, but if I respond, it will only get worse, he wants me to react, he wants me to get mad or lose my confidence, I'll start making my old mistakes that way." Syrus takes a deep calming breath and, with hands still shaking, draws Decoyroid. "Not what I was hoping for, but I can hopefully buy some time with this." Syrus sets Decoyroid in Defense Position.

Decoyroid Atk / Def: 300 / 500

"I set one monster facedown and end my turn." Raizou chuckles.

"After all that bravado about 'beating me', this is the best you can manage!? You Slifers really are the stain on this school's reputation." Raizou draws Sword of Dark Rites and grins smugly. "And I'm going to continue showing you why. I equip my Malice Doll with Sword of Dark Rites!" The doll's axe is replaced with a wicked looking jagged sword.

Malice Doll of Demise Atk: 1600400=2000

"Now, Malice Doll, attack his facedown monster, Dark Rite Slasher!" Malice Doll throws its sword that spins like a buzzsaw slashing through the facedown Decoyroid.

Decoyroid Atk / Def: 300 / 500

"Now I end my turn and Ectoplasmer activates, I tribute Malice Doll to deal 800 points of damage to you!" Malice Doll's soul flies into Syrus as its body shatters.

Decoyroid Atk / Def: 300 / 500

"Now, since my sword was sent to the graveyard as a result of tributing the monster it was equipped to, I get to add it back to my hand. And because Malice Doll was sent to the graveyard by the effect of a Continuous Spell card, on my next Standby Phase, I can Special Summon him back to the field!" In the participant booth, Takashi looks on with a neutral expression.

"That's a powerful combo, one the creators had in mind when they made Ectoplasmer." Bastion nods in agreement.

"Yes, though in this case, Raizou has left himself defenseless, a risky move that he doesn't seem worried about at all." Alexis hums at that.

"Raizou has always been one of the more arrogant Obelisks of the first years. He's not worried because he doesn't believe Syrus has anything he can use to really hurt him." Brier grunts.

"He seems like a normal Obelisk student to me." Alexis side eyes the shorter boy but says nothing. Mindy looks at the duel with a frown.

"He may be a big jerk, but it does look really bad, Syrus either has to set a monster and do no damage, or summon one to attack and then lose it, leaving himself open to whatever Raizou manages to get out next turn. Neither are great options."

"Don't count Syrus out yet." Mindy turns to look at Jaden who had spoken without taking his eyes off the duel, He smiles confidently. "When the chips are down and his back is against the wall, Syrus can pull off miracles."

Back on the Duel Field, Raizou throws his hands out laughing. "With this combo, the duel is as good as mine! And when I win this tournament, I'm restoring the natural social hierarchy of this school! Obelisks at the top, Ras worshipping at our feet, and Slifers beneath our boots!" Chumley shouts from the stands.

"Don't listen to him, Syrus! You can still win this!" Further up, Zane looks down with a serious expression.

"I might have to start coming down on some of the Obelisks if this mentality is starting to take root again. Now, what will you do, little brother? Can you keep your cool in the face of this punk, or will you falter?"

Syrus closes his eyes in thought. "Even if I manage to damage him this turn, one good draw on his part, one more Giant Orc, or equally strong monster, will take me out, working with that doll of his. But I also can't just play a defensive game for much longer either." Syrus opens his eyes and looks at his deck. "It's looking like it's all coming down to this draw. No pressure at all."

With a deep breath and draws his card. Looking at it, Syrus grins. "You keep talking about how much better you are than us Slifers and Ras. Well, with this card, I'm going to end this duel and prove you wrong!" Raizou scoffs.

"Nothing you drew can save you now, loser." Raizou smirks cockily. "Do your worst." Syrus grins wider.

"You asked for it. I activate the Spell card, Power Bond! With it, from my hand, I'll fuse Steamroid, Drillroid, and Submarineroid, to Fusion Summon, Super Vehicroid Jumbo Drill!"

Super Vehicroid Jumbo Drill Atk / Def: 3000 / 2000

"And, because they were summoned with Power Bond, their Attack Points double!"

Super Vehicroid Jumbo Drill Atk: 3000x2=6000

Raizou's smirk leaves his face as he stares wide eyed at the amount of Attack Points. "What!?" Syrus grins.

"You may think us in Slifer may never be able to rise past our initial placements, or that those in Ra who weren't able to attend Duel Academy's Jr High division will never be able to truly stand amongst you 'elites' who did," Syrus stares fiercely at Raizou. "But that's just your own narrow worldview!" Raizou takes a step back at the shout.

"T-This can't be happening!" Syrus keeps going.

"I pretty much started at the bottom, even in my own dorm. I let people's words get to me, I still do! It took every ounce of will I had not to yell back when you started insulting me and my friends, but I plan to improve and climb my way to the top!" Syrus throws his hand forward.

"Now Jumbo Drill, attack his Life Points directly Giga Drill Breaker!" The drill on Super Vehicroid Jumbo Drill grows three times its size and then launches off of the monster, virtually piercing through Raizou.

Raizou's LP: 7200-6000=1200

"Now, as I end my turn, your Ectoplasmer activates, and I tribute my Jumbo Drill to deal 1500 points of damage to you, ending this duel!" Super Vehicroid Jumbo Drill shatters, as its spirit launches at Raizou and comes out the other side of him, fading away.

Raizou's LP: 1200-1500=0

Winner- Syrus Truesdale

Raizou stares on in shock as silence takes over the auditorium, before the Slifer, Ra, and a majority of the Obelisk students roar in applause. Hearing the applause, Syrus raises his hand in a peace sign wearing a proud look. Over in the participant booth, Jaden and Mindy are loudly cheering, much to the amusement of Alexis, Bastion, and Takashi.

"That was sweet Sy! You showed that guy what the Slifer dorm is all about!"

"Take that, you big jerk, Syrus put you in your place!" While the others are amused by this, Brier smiles softly at the field.

"Way to show that Obelisk jerk what for, Syrus." He side-eyes Alexis. "Now me and Jaden just have to beat our own Obelisk, and we can knock them all out of the tournament." Up in the stands, Chumley and the other Slifers are cheering the loudest. Some even begin chatting excitedly amongst themselves.

"Man, Jaden and Takashi were always good, so them beating an Obelisk didn't seem all that special. But Syrus was always towards the bottom."

"I know right!? I actually feel like I can improve a lot too!" Chumley smiles after overhearing the conversation and stares down fondly.

"Between this and Dimitri, you're becoming Slifer's rising star." Further up, Zane looks down with a small proud smile.

"You did good, Syrus. Keep this up and you'll surpass me before you know it." Up with the staff, Sheppard smiles down at Syrus before frowning as his eyes turn to Raizou.

"Crowler." A sweating Crowler stands at attention.

"Yes sir!" Sheppard without taking his eyes off Raizou speaks in a serious voice.

"Do you know why I'm relieved right now?" Crowler looks confused.

"Relieved, sir?" Sheppard nods.

"Yes, relieved. I'm relieved that Mr. Truesdale won. Because if Mr. Mototani had won this tournament, I would not have allowed him to represent this school." Sheppard turns to Crowler, who stands straighter. "The behavior displayed in this duel is unbecoming of a student at this academy. I expect rivalry between the dorms, I expect trash talk, I expect some of the Obelisk students to be cocky, especially towards those in the lower dorms. But this blatant vitriolic display of elitism cannot be allowed." Crowler nods rapidly.

"Of course, sir! This is absolutely out of line, I try to foster a sense of pride in my dorm and a healthy rivalry with the other dorms, but this is far beyond the scope as to what should be allowed!" Sheppard nods.

"I expect you to root this type of behavior out, Crowler, and after this, make sure to bring Mr. Mototani to my office, where we will discuss his behavior and the repercussions of them." Crowler just continues to nod while wringing his hands together.

"Of course, sir!" On the inside Crowler is panicking. "What the hell was that?! That was too much to say out loud, even for me. And now I'll have the Chancellor breathing down my neck and watching my every move. You better hope you are demoted or expelled, Mototani, because if you are still in my dorm, you are going to be on the thinnest of ice!"

With all that said, Sheppard takes a breath and goes back to his normal jovial tone as he speaks into his microphone. "Well, that sure was a nail-biter, but this next match promises to be just as exciting!" Syrus makes his way back to the participant booth as Raizou stumbles off the field silently, leaving the auditorium. Jaden and Mindy make their way to the field, Jaden taking Raizou's spot on the left, and Mindy taking Syrus's spot on the right, both congratulating Syrus as they pass each other.

"Mindy Hamaguchi, the Princess of Obelisk Blue, and Jaden Yuki, one of Slifer's Shining Stars, have both shown amazing promise among the first years, but who will come out on top?! You may both begin when you are ready!" Jaden grins excitedly at the equally excited Mindy.

"I'm coming at you with all I got, Mindy! Let's have a fun duel!" Mindy nods determinedly, her blood pumping with excitement.

"You betcha, Jaden!" She winks and sticks her tongue out at him. "Just don't be too sad when I win!" Jaden's grin gets even bigger. They both activate their Duel Disks and shout.

"DUEL!"


So the first to claim victory in the tournament is our plucky little friend Syrus! Raizou had enough of the "lesser" dorms outshining his and tried to make a statement that blew up in his face majorly. Shorter chapter, but next up we got Jaden vs Mindy!