Chapter 17
High Stakes
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
"Magic"
Duel Points
Flashback
Location / Date / Time Skip
Last time on Rise of the Monsters:
The group flew through the swirling tunnel of energy, all sharing the same look in there eyes. "So what's the Shadow Realm like?" Leopold asked, as if reading everyone's thoughts.
"I know of it only through rumors and legends." Virgil answered. "It is said to be a desolate place, where only the strongest survive. A hellish landscape of fire and suffering."
"Sounds like the sooner we get Asta out of there the better." Finral said with a nervous gulp. "And let's try and avoid any fighting if we can. Who knows how strong these residents are."
"No matter how strong they are, they won't stop us." Noelle declared, leading the group. 'Hang on, Asta. I'm coming for you.'
"I think I see the other side!" Tiger King shouted as a bright light entered their view. "Everyone, get ready! We don't know what we'll be facing!"
The large group moved as close as they could to each other before a large bright light appeared, swallowing them whole.
That was the last thing they saw.
Rising Hope - LiSA
Nigitta MESSEEJI, that's rising hope
The Black Bulls and Golden Dawn symbols appear before Asta and Yuno's robes are shown, with both of standing standing back to back. Asta grins as the shadows of Noelle and Leopold appear inside of him. Yuno merely smiles as the shadows of Mimosa and Shay appear inside him as well.
Yuruganai sekai hijou na genjou tsuzuku kabe wa nanjuusou?
Asta swings his Demon Slayer sword in the forest, with Virgil watching him. He then wipes away his sweat before he looks over to the sun as the light fills the screen.
Black Clover: Rise of the Monsters
IMEEJI toori nanka ja nai shizuka ni sawagi dashita honnou
Noelle is seen in her room, brushing her hair. She then widens her eyes as the shadow of what appears to be a monster stalks her.
Meiro mitai ikitomari nanda mou shikou wa DISUTOOSHON
Leopold jogs through the Crimson Lion Kings base as Tiger King floats next to him, giving him encouraging words.
Youshanai ne itsunomani miushinatta RUUTO, abaredasu
Yuno is finally seen taking a deep breath as summoning a tornado of wind as Lightning sits on his shoulder.
Pay attention! Hey what is it?
Magna swings his arm with a grin before he stands with the rest of the Black Bulls.
Watch your step now! Joushiki nanka iranai
Akiza and Tyranno let out smiles as they walk through a hall, with two shadows appearing behind them.
Are you serious!? no no no, don't worry 1,2,3
A shadowy person slowly opens their eyes, revealing the golden color as Shay stands behind them with a deep frown.
Fukikaesu shinzou no RIZUMU
Flashs of Asta, Yuno, Noelle and the Duel Spirits' lives are shown, with Virgil falling to his knees while crying.
Shikai mada kuranderu soredemo ikanakucha
Asta and Virgil stand in the middle of an empty battlefield, the wind blowing against their faces.
Kimi ga shinjiteru boku wo uragiru
Asta then turns to Virgil with a big grin, which Virgil returns with his own small smile before the two bump fists.
Wake ni ikanai tsuyoku KURAKUSHON ga naru
Asta then draws his Demon Slayer and Dweller swords before attaching his Duel Disk and running forward.
Kodoku na mama toki ga tattatte
Luck and Magna start fighting off several of Vetto's goons as the Beast Mage charges at the two.
Nigeru koto oboetatte
Kiato rushes it with his arm blades and clashes with Vetto, who grins wildly.
Atarashii kyou ga kichau kedo
However, he is then hit in the back by Kahono, who continues to sing in order to hold off Vetto.
Kono negai tatoe mahou ga nakutatte
Asta rushes in and rolls on the ground before he slams a card on his Duel Disk, summoning Virgil just in time to block a magic blast.
Kanaenakya, chikatta
Noelle, with a determined expression, screams as a large creature with red eyes charges towards another monster.
Boku wa kimi to mada mitai mirai arunda yo
Yami concentrates his magic before launching a Dimension Slash at a glowing portal, creating a blinding blast.
Nakisou demo kuyashikute mo tomatte irarenai
Asta and Yuno are then seen walking towards each other with determined faces.
Nigitta MESSEEJI. That's rising hope!
The two pass each other before drawing their cards, aiming them at one another. The final shot shows everyone together under the Clover Kingdom symbol with smiles.
Noelle slowly opened her eyes and found herself falling to the stoney ground below. "WHAT THE HELL!?" She turned to the side and found Magna flailing his arms as he fell. "SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING!"
"Calm down!" Thunder Lord bellowed before flying behind them. Holding out his palms, he caught Luck and Charmy before reaching out, catching Leopold and Mimosa. Yuno floated next to him, Gray and Gordon hovering in the wind next to him.
A tail suddenly wrapped around Noelle before it pulled her in close. "Poseidra? How are you-?"
"We told you, didn't we? This is where all Duel Spirits go when they lose in a Shadow Duel." The sea serpent asked back. "Of course we're given physical form here." He landed on the ground with a booming thud, dust and rock flying upwards. "Virgil, Tiger King!" The pair jumped off his back before they leapt upwards.
Virgil caught Vanessa in a bridal style while Tiger King placed Magna on his shoulder. Both landed on the ground as Thunder Lord flew down softly. Yuno set his own feet down and Lightning rested on his shoulder before letting Grey and Gordon plop on the ground.
"My hero." Vanessa chuckled before giving Virgil a peck on the check.
Not even a blush on his face, Virgil set her down as Tiger King dropped Magna. "Did we catch everyone?" The spellcaster asked.
"No, I think that's everyone." Noelle replied, climbing off her Duel Spirit. Nero fluttered down before landing quietly on her head.
A scream proved her incorrect as Finral crashed to the ground. "OW!" He pushed himself up just in time to see Akiza fall on top of him.
Groaning, Finral lifted his head and saw Akiza lying on his stomach. "Oh... wow... this is a dream come true..." Finral muttered before adopting a pain-filled expression. "Except you landed on my jewels. Please, get off..."
"What?" Akiza lifted herself up, unintentionally pressing an elbow on Finral's crotch. He wheeze in pain before Akiza gasped. "I am SO sorry!" She got off as Finral covered his crotch, tears running down his eyes. Every male around, even Yuno, cringed in sympathy for Finral.
"Are you guys done screwing around?" The rescue team looked over to see Captain Yami leaning against a large rock.
"Wait, who caught him?" Tiger King asked in confusion.
"No one. I was just on the ground." Yami replied, stunning the group. "Where's Gauche? If he stayed behind, I'll kill him."
"Uh, well…" Grey mumbled, hiding behind Gordon. "H-He pushed me into the portal, but I don't know what happened after that! I'm sorry!"
"If I had to guess, the portal must have closed before he could enter." Virgil surmised as Finral finally gaining the strength to stand again.
"Guys... you might wanna see this..." Leopold called out as everyone turned to what he was referring to.
The wasteland around them could only be described in one word: hell. Bones and old weapons were scattered throughout the sand. Old dry trees barely stood as a low breeze blew over. What made their spines tingle were the various statues around them, with some resembling humans while others looked like beasts from fairy tales.
It was clear that they weren't in the Clover Kingdom anymore.
"Ummm, not to be that guy..." Finral called out with a gulp. "But are we SURE Asta's still alive?"
"His Grimoire's still in tact, so that means he's at least breathing." Vanessa answered before frowning. "Still, from the looks of this place, I'd say he might be not for long."
"So where do we start looking for the little guy?" Magna asked, dusting his butt off.
"What, you didn't see the giant building while falling?" Vanessa pointed out into the wasteland. "If Asta is anywhere, I'd wager it would be there."
"We must approach with caution." Thunder Lord reminded everyone. "There is no way of telling what forces may be here already."
"We got that, big bird." Yami huffed. "Now let's get going."
Noelle was the first to sprint towards the structure, followed quickly by Mimosa and Akiza. 'Hang on, Asta. I'm coming.'
Pandemonium
Asta hung from his arms over the floor, a metal clasp keeping them above his head. Bruises covered his body as he spun around, the chain going taunt from a sudden grip. "Who did you call!?" Orgo demanded, glaring into his eyes.
"I keep telling you… no one... I couldn't talk to... anyone..." Asta answered, blood dripping from his mouth.
Growling in annoyance, Orgo punched him in the stomach once again. Asta coughed up more blood as the demon gripped his face. "If we didn't need you alive, I'd kill you right now." He warned the magicless teen, a dangerous look in his eyes.
Asta looked up and spat blood in his face. "Lucky me…"
"Orgo, something strange has happened." A different demon walked up from the side. This one had a pair of upward spiraling horns that merged at the tip. One of their wings was ripped from an unknown fight. Claws were its feet, and mauve hair was flopped over to one side.
"What have I told you about interrupting me, Tiras!?" The leader shouted, slinging Asta into the wall.
"OW!"
"I know, I know." She apologized. "But Solga and Arishen just saw a dragon fall out of the sky. And we're all sensing a lot of magic power."
Orgo turned to Asta and looked him in the eye. "So that's it… you called your friends for a rescue."
"No…" The human groaned out. "I… told them to not to worry about me."
"A likely story." The demon unhooked the chain and dragged him along the ground. "They want to save you? Then we'll go to them." He held Asta up and chains, clad in a purple aura, wrapped his legs. They pulled him over to the wall and locked in place, his arms still above his head.
"Stay here and don't move." He ordered as his wings opening up as he flew out a window. "BROTHERS! SISTERS! Take to the sky! We shall meet these visitors head first!"
Tiras joined him in the air left Asta alone in the cell. "Alone again…" He mumbled. A chirp caught his attention and Nero suddenly flew in from a window the other side of the room. "Nero? What are you… You guys really did come for me…" Nero pecked his head, making him scream in pain. "Okay, I get it. I missed you too! Could you see if you can find a key or something? I gotta get out there and help."
"You guys all heard that, right?" Magna asked from the back of Yuno's Heavenly Wind Ark.
"Yeah, but what was it?" Luck questioned.
"All I know we need to hurry." Noelle declared. "The sooner we save Asta, the sooner we can have Finral get us out of here."
"I'm your superior!" He shouted in annoyance. "And even if we find him, I've never used my Spactial Magic in a place like this!"
"Tch. Are all humans this whiny?" Poseidra asked with a grunt.
"Just Finral." Yami answered as the other bulls nodded. Finral just deflated while Mimosa patted his back in sympathy.
"She must really want to save Asta." Akiza said from the side.
"Can you blame her?" Mimosa asked back.
"Yuno, you can slow down." Thunder Lord warned his partner. "You're using too much magic too fast."
"Not until we find Asta." He replied, Lightning on his neck. "This is the ultimate way of evening the score. I can't wait to see the look on his face when we arrive."
"Dude, you REALLY wanna get one up him, huh?" Magna asked with a sweatdrop.
"Like you can talk, virgin punk." Vanessa giggled, referring to Magna and Tyranno's rivalry.
"Inferno Magic: Flashpoint!"
A small beam of energy shot into the Wind Ark before it exploded, blasting the spell apart and sending the group flying to the ground "What the hell was that!?" Magna asked, pushing his dirty face out of the muck.
"That would be us, humans." The group look up to see the devils land before them, Tiras being helped by Lilia. "Now tell us, how are you here?"
"None of your business, ya freaks." Yami snapped back. "Now what the crap are you?"
"Do you humans not tell of devils any more?" Solga questioned. "We were banished here for rebelling against the higher Devils in our world. For generations, we waited here, desperate for a way to return home. And now… it seems we have."
"Asta…" Yuno surmised.
"One tiny human without any magic power?" Orga chuckled. "He would be lucky if we used him for food. No, now that you idiots are here, we actually have a chance of appeasing the Supreme Devils. Hell, they might even let us run wild in your world."
"Honestly, I couldn't give two shits about what you creeps want to do." Yami declared. "Just give me my underling back and we can all walk away."
"And why would we do that?" Lilia questioned. "With the power we have, we could beat you humans and not even break a finger."
"What about us?" Tiger King stepped forward, igniting his fists. Thunder Lord bared his talons as Poseidra stomped forward and roared. Even Virgil stepped forward and flipped his lyre upside down, gripping it like a club.
"Duel Spirits?" Arishen asked in surprise. "Haven't seen your kind since we were forced here."
"Now this… this is interesting." Orga spoke up.
"Are we gonna keep talking are or are we gonna do this!?" Solga asked, flexing his claws.
"Took the words out of my mouth, ugly. Dark Magic: Lightless Slash!" Yami drew his katana and coated it with dark magic before sending a barrage of dark slashes at the devils, who all dodged effortlessly.
"Burn in hell, you bastard!" Magna threw several fireballs towards Tiras.
"Stone Tower." Tiras opened a hand forward before a massive tower made of the very ground rose up, blowing Magna's attack. "Pathetic." Suddenly, Luck appeared right behind the devil.
"Got you..." He smiled as he coated lightningg into his hands, ready to strike. "Lightning-!"
However, before he could strike, a stone column shot out of the ground and slammed into Luck's stomach, causing him to gasp before he was sent flying. "LUCK!" Magna shouted before the ground under him began to crack. More stone columns shot out as Magna dodged one, though his shoulder did get scraped. Unfortunately, one column came out from behind and struck Magna's back, causing him to let out a wordless scream as he crashed into the ground.
"Flame Magic: Spiral Flame!" Leopold launched two spirals of fire towards Orga.
"How predictable." Orga muttered as he opened his hand and blew some dust he created. "Ash Magic: Hellfire Mist." Suddenly, the dust ignited and created a large series of explosions. The explosions clashed with Leopold's attack, forcing him to cross his arms to defend himself, though he still fell over.
Tiger King suddenly busted through the flames, his fists ignited. "Tiger Flame Barrage!" He then began punching the devil, who blocked each one with ease.
"If this is the best you spirits can do, then we have nothing to worry about." Orga mocked before he grabbed Tiger King's wrist, slamming his knee into his stomach. Pink strings suddenly wrapped around his arms, keeping him pinned in place.
"Akiza! Gordon! Now!" Vanessa shouted as she held Orga in place. Akiza and Gordon then appeared on Orga left and right while Tiger King jumped back.
"Plant Magic: Wall of Thorns!"
"Poison Magic: Deadly Mist." Akiza summoned several thorny vines from the ground while Gordon unleashed a poison cloud around the devil.
"Ash Magic..." Orga began to call forth his magic, even as the attacks struck him. His eyes widened as he opened his hands, allowing more Ash to scattered through the air. "HELL'S WRATH!"
*BOOM*
Two large explosions erupted from Orga palms, blasting Akiza and Gordon away. Orga then looked over to Vanessa before grabbing her string. All Vanessa could do was gasp as Orga pulled her string with enough force to bring her over to him.
"Trash." He landed two hard punches into her stomach, making her vomit saliva before she fell over.
"Wind Magic: Gale Tornado!" Yuno unleashed a torrent of wind at Lilia.
"Magic-Proof Wall." Lilia opened her hand as a magic bubble appeared around her, blocking Yuno's attack as she giggled. "Oh my. You have quite the magic potential, don't you~"
"Thunder Gale Strike!" Yuno's spirit opened his hands at Lilia's barrier before firing a tornado of electrified wind, striking it. Lilia's smile momentarily dropped as she was forced to use two hands to keep it up. "Poseidra!"
The large sea serpent emerged from behind and chomped down on Lilia's barrier, his teeth slightly cracking her barrier. "Sea Dragon's Wrath!" Poseidra then unleashed a large amount of water from his mouth, slamming into the barrier as it began to crack. Yuno and Thunder Lord joined in on the assault, cracking through more and more of Lilia's barrier.
"No... NO!" Lilia closed her eyes in before before letting out a smile. "Is that what you expected me to say?" Just as her barrier was about to break, Lilia suddenly created a much larger barrier, pushing Poseidra back while Yuno and Thunder Lord moved back.
'She's stronger than she looks...' Yuno thought before Lilia suddenly appeared between him and Thunder Lord. 'I didn't even-!'
"Bubble." Lilia opened her hands towards the two, creating bubble barriers around them. She then brought her hands together as the barriers smashed into one another. Lilia raised her hands up before throwing them to the ground, creating a small crater. Poseidra roared as he moved in to try and eat Lilia, only for a barrier to appear from above and slam on top of him, pinning him to the ground.
Arishen used his arm to block Virgil's lyre, with the two at a momentary stalemate. "Tell me where my partner is. NOW!" Virgil demanded.
"Partner?" Arishen asked before his eyes widened. "Wait... your partner's the magicless brat. Oh, now I feel sorry for you. Having someone as weak as that boy must be taxing. But don't worry..." A dark grin appeared on his face. "He's been a very useful punching bag."
Something inside Virgil snapped as he pushed Arishen back. He then strummed his lyre, launching a beam of magic energy towards the devil.
"Gravity Force!" A gray aura surrounded Arishen before Virgil's attack struck. However, it didn't seem to do anything as Arishen walked through it. Just as he was about to strike at Virgil, a portal appeared behind the duel spirit, who quickly went inside. "A Spatial portal..."
"Might wanna pay attention!" Yami suddenly appeared behind Arishen. The devil turned around and caught Yami's blade, though he was mildly surprised to see a bit of his dark blood running down his palm.
'A dark magic user? This could be an issue.' Arishen thought before he threw a fist towards Yami, who dodged it before sliding his sword down the devil's palm, almost splitting his hand in two.
"Thank you, Finral." Virgil thanked the Spaital mage, who nodded before he watched Yami face off against Arishen.
"Virgil, be honest." Finral started with a fearful tone. "Can we win?"
"I'm not sure. But..." He gripped his lyre tightly. "Asta wouldn't give up. So we shouldn't either."
"Maybe, but they're so strong." Mimosa muttered. Yami was suddenly sent flying by Arishen, heading straight into a large rock. Cotton suddenly shot up and protected him from harm.
Charmy shared a thumbs up with Yami before a large sheep grew out of the fluff and swung a punch. A fire tore through the ship before Charmy was hoisted up and slammed down. "Annoying imp…" Solga growled out before throwing her at Yami.
"Who's next?" Arishen asked before he looked over to Virgil, Finral and Mimosa. "Shall we continue?" He then reached a hand out towards them, making Virgil gasp.
"MOVE!" He quickly pushed Mimosa and Finral out of the way.
"Crush." Suddenly, the gravity around Virgil increased tenfold before he crashed into the ground, feeling his body being flattened.
"Virgil, no!" Mimosa was about to go help when Arishen opened his other hand towards her and Finral. Then, like with Virgil, the gravity around them increased and they were forcefully pinned to the ground.
"Ahhhhh... I don't... wanna die..." Finral groaned as he felt his bones crack under the pressure.
"Hey, asshole." Yami pushed the cotton around him off his body, a deep frown on his face as he clutched Charmy. "That hurt."
"Still standing? You're definitely a problem, for a human." Arishen said before he suddenly let out a whistle.
"The hell are you-" Yami suddenly sensed something under him as he jumped out of the way, with several stone spikes appearing a moment later. He skidded along the ground as more stone spikes flew towards him, forcing Yami to slash them. Then, some ashes began to sprinkle in front of the Black Bull captain, making him widen his eyes. "Son of a-"
*Boom*
The ashes exploded in front of Yami, sending him flying through the air before he landed on his feet. His left arm was mildly burned and there were small tears in his clothes. 'Cocky bastards are stronger than I thought.' Yami thought before he saw Arishen prepare to use his gravity magic. He quickly moved forward and coated his sword in dark magic. "Dark Magic-"
"Bubble." A barrier appeared around Yami, knocking his sword out of his hand as it landed on the ground.
"Aw shit." Yami tapped on the barrier a bit before punching it, only to frown.
"Good thing we're here to bail you out, Arishen." Lilia teased as she created barriers around the other magic knights and duel spirits.
Arishen glared at her as Orga walked up to him. "You did well, old friend." Orga complimented.
Arishen, without saying a word, reached out and grabbed the other devil by the neck, lifting him up. "W-What... are... you..."
"I'm not an idiot, human." Arishen turned to look at 'Orga' with a glare. "I've seen my fair share of tricks." 'Orga' exploded in a cloud of smoke, revealing it to be Grey in Arishen's grip. He then tossed her away, allowing Lilia to create a barrier around her. Soon, the devils gathered in front of their captured prey.
"Damnit. How the hell did they get us?" Magna asked while trying to stand up.
"Don't feel too bad, humans. You're naturally weaker than us." Tiras chuckled as he looked at the duel spirits, who tried to break free. "But you four. I'll admit I was hoping for more of a challenge."
"Regardless, I suppose it was somewhat fun. Time to return home." Arishen nodded to Lilia, who giggled as she began to levitate everyone.
"WAIT!" Virgil shouted, getting the devils' attention. "I can sense it within the five of you. You can duel!"
"So?" Orgo asked.
"So... wouldn't you want us to suffer more?" Virgil asked, much to the humans' surprise. "You said it yourself, we're naturally weaker. But in a duel, everything is even. Duel us."
"Are you really bargaining our lives!?" Finral shouted before Lilia shrunk his barrier a bit, making him scream.
"If you win, you can take as much magic from us as you want. Hell, the four of us." He gestures to the other duel spirits. "Can be your slaves."
"Interesting. And if you win?" Arishen asked, deciding to play along.
"Then you free us and give Asta back." Virgil finished.
"Are you serious? What a joke!" Lilia laughed mockingly. "We've already beaten you, so why should we-"
"Quiet." Orga shut her up before pondering a bit. "The fight did end rather suddenly... and it has been some time since we've dueled someone else..."
"Orga..." Arishen and Tiras gave him a look.
"Oh, what's the problem? After all, it's not like we have anything else to do." Orga told them before smirking at everyone. "Very well, spirit. I accept your challenge. However, in order to win your freedom..." He opened his arms towards his fellow devils. "YOU NEED TO DEFEAT ALL FIVE OF US!"
"Deal." Yuno nodded as the barriers around him and Leopold disappeared, along with Virgil, Thunder Lord, Tiger King and Poseidra.
"Yuno, we have a problem." Leopold whispered, pulling him aside. "We only have two duelists."
"What happened to Noelle?" The wind user asked back.
"She must have been blown further ahead than the rest of us, because I can't find her." The royal surmised. "I guess the two of us will have to make do."
"Not at all." Akiza and Mimosa turned around find two women glowing as they manifested behind them. Next to Akiza was a woman with blonde hair and a two shade of green outfit split down the middle. Ruffles at the feet gave the appearance of a rose as vines emerged from the back.
Mimosa found herself looking at a girl with blue hair and matching elegant clothing appear. She held a metal staff with a purple plant growing off it as four stain glass window like wings gave her the appearance of a fairy. "You two have more than proven your worth. We shall aid you in battle." The pixie-like girl declared.
"Splendid Rose, Aromaseraphy Rosemary." Tiger King seemed happy at the appearance of the spirits. "You always did have a knack for showing up when we need you the most."
"Well, you're mounting a daring rescue with impossible odds. How could we resist?" Splendid chuckled as she placed her hand on Akiza's shoulder, a soft glow coming off the contact. "You have some knowledge of dueling, so this shouldn't make you collapse."
"Collapse?" Mimosa repeated in concern.
"We don't really have a choice right now." Rosemary added, holding her staff over the girls head. "You just have to trust the process."
Like with Leopold, the duel spirit glowed as the knowledge flowed into their head. As it died, the two humans held up their arms as their duel disks took form. Akiza's resembled a blooming rose with the core acting as the graveyard. The stem held the deck by a thorn as the extra deck was under a petal.
Mimosa's was like a blooming garden, the same as her healing spells. A blue flower let her draw cards as a white one served as her graveyard. "Let's do this!"
"Very well…" Orgo, Tiras, Solga and Lilia floated forward, their arms growing a boney extension before it burst out of their skin and transformed into Duel Disks. Lilia raised her hands and clear glass walls rose out of the ground, entrapping The Black Bulls, Virgil and Posiedra. "Just want to make sure you don't think about running away."
"Let us begin." Orgo declared, the eight duelists drawing five cards.
"DUEL!"
Duel A
Solga vs Mimosa
8000 LP vs 8000 LP
Duel B
Tiras vs Yuno
8000 LP vs 8000 LP
Duel C
Orgo vs Leopold
8000 LP vs 8000 LP
Duel D
Lilia vs Akiza
8000 LP vs 8000 LP
"It begins!" Orgo drew a card before grabbing another. "I summon Eidos the Underworld Squire." An armored warrior rose up from the ground, the cape and helmet plume blowing in the wind.
Eidos the Underworld Squire
Level 2 DARK
Spellcaster/Effect
800 ATK / 1000 DEF
"Thanks to Eidos' effect, I can now tribute summon another monster this turn! So say goodbye to Eidos and welcome Thestalos, the Firestorm Monarch!" Orgo declared as the armored spellcaster exploded in fire as a red armored being rose from the ashes.
Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch
Level 6 FIRE
Pyro/Effect
2400 ATK / 1000 DEF
"Once Tribute Summoned, Thestalos forces you to discard one card." The fire user summoned a fireball and shot it from his palm at Leopold. It turned into an arrow and punctured a card, knocking it out of his hand. Eland flew into the graveyard, much to Leopold's frustration. "And since it was a monster, you take a hundred points of damage for every level."
Thestalos summoned another fireball and hurled it at the human. Hitting his chest, Leopold was knocked to the ground by the impact.
Leopold
8000 - 7400 LP
"I end my turn with two face down cards." Orgo placed two cards on the field as Thestalos killed the fire in his hand.
Leopold pushed himself up and found his clothing smoldering from the effect. "The hell!?" Patting out the embers, he stood to his feet as the others turned to him. "That felt real…"
"That's what a Shadow Duel is." Solga declared, drawing a card. "I summon UFO Turtle." A top spinning upside down rose onto the field before coming to stop, letting green wrinkled turtle stick its head and limbs out.
UFO Turtle
Level 4 FIRE
Machine/Effect
1400 ATK / 1200 DEF
"I place three cards face down and end my turn." Three cards appeared in the back row as Mimosa nervously drew a card.
Quickly looking at her hand, she grabbed another on the far end. "I play Aroma Garden." A petal opened up and she placed the spell card in it before closing. A large garden sprouted up around her as a sweet smell filled the air. "Then I summon Aromage Rosemary!"
A blue clad human walked out of the garden, holding a metal staff that had a vine curving upwards. A gentle smile graced her face as her blue hair was tied by two buns.
Aromage Rosemary
Level 4 WATER
Plant/Effect
1800 ATK / 700 DEF
"Now battle!" The plant monster smiled and pointed her staff forward, a flowered wind flying at the turtle before it hit. The reptile struggled against the wind before it flew back into a rock, destroying the monster.
Solga
8000 - 7600
"When UFO Turtle is destroyed, I can summon a Level 4 or lower FIRE monster from my deck." Solga declared, a single card ejecting from his stack of cards. "I choose Neo Flamvell Sabre!" A blue skinned tailed warrior with glowing hair, covered in armor rose up in fire, a flaming sword in his hand.
Neo Flamvell Sabre
Level 4 FIRE
Pyro/Effect
1500 ATK / 200 DEF
"And whilst you have 4 or less cards in your graveyard, Sabre gains 600 additional attack points." The fire on the blade grew even hotter, threatening to burn the plant person.
Neo Flamvell Sabre
1500 ATK - 2100 ATK
Frustrated that she could do no more, Mimosa gripped two cards and put them in the duel disk. "I end my turn with two face downs." Two cards appeared behind the monster as Solga drew a card from his deck.
"Since I control a Flamvell monster and you have less than three cards in your graveyard, I special summon Neo Flamvell Origin." A fireball appeared on the field before a blue flaming face appeared in it.
Neo Flamvell Origin
Level 2 FIRE
Pyro/Tuner/Effect
500 ATK / 200 DEF
"Next I summon Flamvell Grunika." A second fire broke onto the field before draconic wings from within dissipated the fire. A scaled warrior stood up on two legs, fire leaking from the dragons mouth.
Flamvell Grunika
Level 4 FIRE
Dragon/Effect
1700 ATK / 200 DEF
"Now prepare to burn! I tune Origin with Sabre!" The flaming creature burned brighter as the swordsman jumped into the air. "From the primordial spark comes a ferocious figure. Strike down all who defy me with your burning hammer!" Origin turned into two rings that surrounded the sword user before a bright light erupted from the point.
"I Synchro Summon Vulcan the Divine!" A deep growl echoed from the light before a slamming force shook the very ground. Stepping out of the light was a massive bipedal tiger, holding a large hammer in one paw.
Vulcan the Divine
Level 6 FIRE
Beast-Warrior/Synchro/Effect
2000 ATK / 1600 DEF
"Now prepare yourself. When Vulcan is Synchro Summoned, I can return one face up card on both sides of the field to the hand." Gripping the handle, Vulcan slammed his weapon down and a wave of fire erupted from impact. Both the dragon and the fairy braced the burns but were ultimately forced back, transforming into cards before return to the hand.
"Attack, Vulcan!" Leaving the weapon behind, the tiger charged forward and with flaming claws, struck Mimosa, launching her back into a rock.
Mimosa
8000 - 6000 LP
Black clouds suddenly gathered over the captives, catching them by surprise. "Uh… what's happening?" Finral nervously asked as he looked up.
"Oh, I did forget to mention one thing." Orgo chuckled as he set a card down. "For every thousand life points one of you lose, one of your friends pays the price."
Purple lightning cracked down, striking both Grey and Charmy at the same time. To the horror of everyone watching, they slowly transformed into stone where they stood. "Oh god…" Vanessa whispered out, backing up against the barrier.
"THIS WASN'T PART OF THE DEAL, YOU BASTARDS!" Yami shouted as he punched the barrier, leaving no damage.
"These are Shadow Duels." Virgil declared, somberly touching the statue. "There are always consequences."
"Oh, don't tell me you're scared now…" Lilia teased as she drew a card. "I summon Reptilianne Scylla in attack mode." Placing the card on the field, a four legged creature rose up, a large mouth on the front with two smaller mouths on either side. On the top jaw was the upper body of a feminine figure, wild red hair shooting upwards.
Reptilianne Scylla
Level 4 DARK
Reptile/Effect
1800 ATK / 1200 DEF
"Then I equip her with Molting Escape." A spell card rose up before the monster started glowing in a white aura. "I place two cards face down and end my turn." Two cards appeared next to the equip card as Akiza looked at her hand, unwilling to draw a card. "You know if you don't pick up a card, you lose, right?"
"Akiza…" Splendid Rose checked on her partner, finding anger in her eyes.
"I'm not playing this sick game. Especially if innocent people suffer." She snapped back at the demon.
"If you all win, your friends will be returned to normal." Orgo declared, shocking Lilia.
"And why should we trust what you say?" Magna shouted, slamming his fist on the wall.
"A Devil's word is a powerful thing." The lead Devil snapped back, glaring at the human. "It is with these words our pacts are made. You have my solemn vow; defeat us all, and we will free your friends."
"We don't have any other choice but to trust him." Yuno said with a bitter tone before looking over to the red head. "Akiza, duel."
Reluctantly, Akiza drew a card and picked a different one from her hand. "I summon Twilight Rose Knight." She placed a card on her disk, summoning a purple armor clad humanoid with light blue hair. A white cape flowed off the his back as he drew a sword and pointed it forward.
Twilight Rose Knight
Level 3 DARK
Warrior/Tuner/Effect
1000 ATK / 1000 DEF
"And when he is normal summoned, I can special summon a Level 4 or lower Plant monster from my hand. I choose Rose Fairy." A light pink flower rose onto the field before it bloomed, revealing a matching fairy with a large flower on her head.
Rose Fairy
Level 3 WIND
Plant/Effect
600 ATK / 1200 DEF
"Now I tune Twilight Rose Knight with Rose Fairy!" The knight held his sword aloft and transformed into three rings as the fairy flowed upwards. "In the blackest of gardens, she rules over all. Just and fair, she will spare none who threaten her kingdom." The fairy entered the rings and transformed into a blinding light. "I Synchro Summon Queen of Thorns."
A single vine rose up from the ground before it transformed into a feminine form. Clad in pink flowers and green leafs and creepers, an array of vines formed a crown on her head. A massive flower covered each hand, the right one seemed to have tendrils writhing in it.
Queen of Thorns
Level 6 LIGHT
Plant/Synchro/Effect
2200 ATK / 1800 DEF
"Now my queen, attack Reptilianne Scylla!" Pulling back the arm, it shot forward and expanded in size before swallowing the other monster. The fly trap apparatus slammed shut and squeezed tight, only for a writhing force to burst it open.
"Lucky for me, Molting Escape prevents Scylla's destruction by battle once per turn." Lilia declared as the reptile returned to her field, covered in mucus. "Not only that, but she gains three hundred attack points each time it survives."
Lilia
8000 - 7600 LP
Reptilianne Scylla
1800 - 2100 ATK
Looking at her hand, Akiza picked up a spell card and placed it in her duel disk. "I play the Black Garden Field Spell." A massive wall of vines rose up behind each duelist before black flowers bloomed on the brambles. "I place one card face down and end my turn."
"I suppose we should start ourselves." Tiras chuckled before drawing a card. "I place one monster face down, and then set three cards to end my turn." Four cards appeared on his side of the field before Yuno drew his own card.
"Be careful, Yuno." Thunder Lord warned his partner. "He's planning something."
"That I know." The wizard replied, increasing his hand to six. "I summon Winged Rhynos." The flying ungulate appeared in the field, wielding its spiked club.
Winged Rhynos
Level 4 WIND
Beast-Warrior/Effect
1800 ATK / 500 DEF
"Now attack!" The monster charged the face down monster, causing the card to flip up. A blue and purple scaled dragon appeared, covered in robes. Short purple wings flapped as it pulled out a large sword off its back, meeting the club with an echo.
Subterror Guru
Level 4 EARTH
Dragon/Flip/Effect
1600 ATK / 1800 DEF
"You just flipped my Subterror Guru, which lets me activate his effect." Tiras declared. "I can add another Subterror monster from my deck to my hand." A card left his deck before he placed it in his hand. "Now I activate Subterror Final Battle!" He flipped a card in the back row up, showing a series of monsters charging forward. "With it, I choose to activate one of its effects. I choose to return Guru to the set position. And then this card returns to the set position as well."
Guru and the trap card were flipped face down, making Tiras smirk. Annoyed, Yuno set two cards face down, ending his turn. "My turn!" The demon declared before drawing a card, and then grabbing another one from his hand. "Since I control no face up monsters, I can special summon Subterror Behemoth Ultramafus!"
Placing the card on his disk, the ground started shaking before molten rock started spewing up. A massive crack let a long neck topped with by horns. A miniature volcano erupted off of its back as molten magma glowed all over the body. The monster let out a deep roar as it stomped the front most foot.
Subterror Behemoth Ultramafus
Level 12 EARTH
Pyro/Flip/Effect
3000 ATK / 1800 DEF
"Holy shit! That thing's huge!" Magna shouted as he and the remaining Black Bulls stared at the large monster in shock.
"Now I activate Subterror Final Battle! I use its effect to change Ultramafus into attack position for battle. Now strike!" The monster charged forward and swung its massive tail, hitting the ungulate and crushing it under the weight.
Yuno
8000 - 6800 LP
Black clouds gathered again as lightning crashed down into the cage. Luck screamed as he was petrified in place, scaring the trapped teammates. "Soon enough, you will all be our prisoners." Tiras chuckled.
"And with all this rich mana, we should have more than enough to-" Arishen mumbled before sensing a pulse of magic coming from the castle. Turning around in a panic, he came to a realization. "Hold on… we're short one… Where's the other girl!?" His wings opened up as he took to the sky.
"Crap! They figured us out." Leopold mumbled. "We need to go help her."
"Easier said than done." Akiza replied, being blown back from an attack. "Right now we need to focus on surviving first!"
'Almost…' Noelle stumbled forward, her dress torn from the impact. Her right leg limped with every step but she pressed on, the fortress just within her reach. 'Almost!' Finally reaching her goal, she burst in a short laugh before suddenly stopping. "Doors… where are the doors!?"
"What use has a devil for doors?"
A force crashed into her back and sent her through the stone, sliding to a stop with her on the ground. "Running away while your friends fight for their lives? I knew most humans were cowards, but you disappoint me." Arishen mocked as he looked down at Noelle.
"You can think whatever you want about me…" Noelle groaned as she pushed herself up. "But I'm going to save Asta from this hell!"
"That magic-less runt? What is the obsession with that pain in the ass?" Arishen growled in annoyance. "Still, if I let you take him, Orgo will take head off. And using my magic on you would mean this would end WAAAY too quick for my fun. So…" His arm glowed as it transformed into Duel Disk. "Let's play…"
"I don't have time for this!" Noelle declared, pointing her wand forward as water spiraled at the tip.
"Look, even if you do somehow manage to kill me, what's your plan on actually finding the brat?" He asked. "This is our home, you could spend years searching this place and find nothing. So I'll make you a deal; beat me in a duel, and I will personally lead you to him."
Noelle glared at the monstrous being as she slowly lowered her wand. 'Okay, he hasn't attacked. Guess he means it.' The royal girl thought as her duel disk rose out of her Grimoire. "What's the catch?"
"The catch is if you lose, I get you both." Arishen declared. Noelle nodded in agreement as her apparatus fixed itself to her arm before both drew five cards.
"DUEL!"
Arishen vs Noelle
8000 vs 8000
"I'll start, as it should be." Arishen declared, drawing a sixth card. "I play Dark Word Dealings. This lets us both draw one card, and then we have to discard one." The spell card appeared on the field before both added another card to their hands before placing one in the graveyard. "As I have discarded Broww, Huntsman of Dark World, I can draw another card."
"First, I play the special ability of my Genta, Gateman of Dark World. By sending him to the graveyard, I can add a certain field spell from my deck to my hand." He sent his monster to the grave before a card magically came out of his deck and into his hand. "But you won't have to wonder what it is because I'm about to activate it. Come forth, The Gates of Dark World!"
The area suddenly began to transform, much to Noelle's horror. Behind Arishen stood a massive door with several strange symbols on them. 'This can't be good.' Noelle thought with a bit of sweat running down her head.
"My card has a nifty effect, but I won't spoil it. So for now, I'll set this monster in defense mode, then place another card face down and end my turn." Two cards appeared in front of Arishen as he waited for Noelle to take her turn.
Noelle drew another card before quickly activating it. "First, I activate Water Hazard." A spell card showing a massive wave filled with fish floated beside her. "Then, I'll use its effect to special summon Abyss Warrior." A crest of water crashed out of the card before a bipedal whale rose up, wielding two double sided tridents in their hands. The body was covered in scars as gold jewelry was wrapped around the arms, legs and tail.
Abyss Warrior
Level 4 WATER
Aqua/Effect
1800 ATK / 1300 DEF
"Now, I summon Atlantean Attack Squad." The trio of fishy swordsmen appeared in the field, swords shining at the ready.
Atlantean Attack Squad
Level 3 WATER
Sea Serpent/Effect
1400 ATK / 0000 DEF
1400 - 2200 ATK
"Abyss Warrior, attack his face down!" The whale bellowed a heavy call before charging forward. Jumping into the air, it slammed the tri-pointed weapons into the card, revealing a red and gray imp-like creature.
Scarr, Scout of Dark World
Level 2 DARK
Fiend/Effect
500 ATK/ 500 DEF
500 - 800 ATK
500 - 800 DEF
The beast exploded as a card left Arishen's deck. "When Scarr is destroyed by battle, I can add one Level 4 Dark World monster to my hand."
"Attack Squad, strike!" The fish monsters charged forward, all three swinging their blades back.
"I activate Mind Crush!" Arishen flipped over his face down, showing a man with his mind being destroyed by a pointing finger. "I declare one card name, and if you have it, you discard all copies of it. I say… Mind Crush!"
"Of course I don't have it." Noelle confidently declared.
"Then I discard one card. Oh well." The Devil placed one card in his graveyard, a smirk on his face. "Since I discarded Kahkki, I can destroy one monster on the field." A gray being holding a knife launched out of the graveyard and stabbed into the Attack Force, destroying all four.
"I place one card face down and end my turn." Noelle huffed in annoyance.
"My turn." Arishen drew his next card before smirking at it. "First, I activate the Gates of Dark World. You see, once a turn, I can remove a fiend Monster in my graveyard from play and discard another one to draw a card."
"You're what?" Noelle watched as the Gates of Dark World opened up. Arishen took Genta out of the grave and threw it into the gate, allowing it to absorb the monster. He then discarded another friend before drawing a new card.
"And since I discarded my Gren, Tactician of Dark World, his special effect activates, which lets me destroy one of your spell or trap cards!" Arishen pointed at Noelle's face up spell. "Say goodbye to Water Hazard!" Noelle's card exploded. Suddenly, the Gates of Dark World began to open up again. "Oh right. I should mention my Genta has another effect. Whenever he's banished, I can summon him to my field in defense mode!" Appearing in front of Arishen was a fiendish creature, carrying a large bronze shield as it stood defensively.
Genta, Gateman of Dark World
Level 4 Dark
Fiend/Effect
1000 ATK / 1800 DEF
"And while my gate stands, all Fiend monsters gain 300 attack and defense points." Genta began to glow.
Genta, Gateman of Dark World
1000 - 1300 ATK
1800 - 2100 DEF
"Now, I summon Zure, Knight of Dark World!" A silver clad Fiend appeared on the field before drawing a sword, a blue cape flowing off his shoulder.
Zure, Knight of Dark World
Level 4 FIEND
Fiend/Normal
1800 ATK / 1500 DEF
1800 - 2100 ATK
1500 - 1800 DEF
"Zure, attack that overgrown fish!" The knight rushed forward and pulled his sword back to strike. Abyss Warrior swung his tridents, but the blade still struck true and sliced him in half, creating an explosion. One of the weapons flew out of the smoke and hit Noelle on the head, causing her to fall over.
Noelle
8000 - 7700 LP
Noelle gripped her head in pain before standing back up. "You didn't even freak out when that damage turned out to be real." Arishen said in surprise. "This isn't your first Shadow Duel, is it?"
"How do you think Asta got here in the first place?" Noelle replied. "He sacrificed himself so I could survive."
"And now you're here to get him back…" The Devil mumbled. "…do you have a crush on this runt?"
Her face turned bright red and her hair stood up on end. "I-wha-SHUT UP!" She shouted before drawing her card. "I summon Deep Sea Diva!" A traditional mermaid appeared on the field, an angler lure coming out of the forehead. A koi-like body made up the fish part as the siren started singing.
Deep Sea Diva
Level 2 WATER
Sea Serpent/Tuner/Effect
200 ATK / 400 DEF
"And when she is summoned to the field, I can special summon a Level 3 or lower Sea Serpent monster from my deck." The mermaid sung again, the melody causing a card to glow and eject from Noelle's deck. "I summon Spined Gillman!" The male fish being arose in a swirl of water, spinning its trident.
Spined Gillman
Level 3 WATER
Sea Serpent/Effect
1300 ATK / 0000 DEF
1300 - 1700 ATK
Deep Sea Diva
200 - 600 ATK
"Now, I tune Deep Sea Diva with Spined Gillman!" The male jumped into the air as the singer let one final song before transforming into two green rings. "The lord of the seas, I call for your aid. Unleash your might and drown all who stand before me!" The rings surrounded Spined Gillman, which transformed into three small orbs of light before erupting into a beam.
"I synchro summon Sea Dragon Lord Gishilnodon!" A dragon roared as its silhouette emerged from the light. Droplets of water hovered around the being as the light died, revealing an entire body made of water. Wings beat in the air as claws hung ready to strike, a long neck carrying the head.
Sea Dragon Lord Gishilnodon
Level 5 WATER
Sea Serpent/Synchro/Effect
2300 ATK /1800 DEF
"Now I play Aqua Jet, boosting his attack points by one thousand!" Noelle played a spell card onto the field, causing a strange orange apparatus to shot out and attach itself to the watery being.
Sea Dragon Lord Gishilnodon
2300 - 3300 ATK
"Attack! Sea Dragon Lord Roar!" Water gathered around the mouth and the engines before high powered streams of water shot out, the three slicing through Zure and blasting Arishen into the wall.
Arishen
8000 - 6800 LP
"Not bad…" Arishen mumbled, wiping some black blood from his mouth. "Not bad at all…" Floating back up, he drew a card as the Gates started glowing again. "I banish Gren and discard Beiige to draw one card. And Beiige is discarded, I can special summon him!" His graveyard glowed before a card shot out, summoning a pale and purple spearman.
Beiige, Vanguard of Dark World
Level 4 DARK
Fiend/Effect
1600 - 1900 ATK
1300 - 1600 DEF
"Next I play the Allure of Darkness spell card." A dark swirl ejected two cards from his deck before he banished another card. "And since I already summoned one Genta, why not bring out his brother!" Noelle gasped as the gates opened, allowing another copy of Genta to appear.
Genta, Gateman of Dark World
Level 4 DARK
Fiend/Effect
1000 ATK / 1800 DEF
1000 - 1300 ATK
1800 - 2100 DEF
"This is where your doom begins! I play Dark World Accession!" Lightning crashed over head as Genta jumped into the air. "I banish both Genta on my field and discard Grapha in my hand!" The Gates of Dark World started glowing as swirling mass gathered overhead. "Let the blackest heart rise up and take form. Storms shall fear your presence, and all will bow before your power!"
Lightning crashed over head as the Genta on the right and a large skull covered dragon jumped into the spiral as it erupted into a black light. "Fusion Summon! Behold Grapha, Dragon Overlord of Dark World!" A massive beast stomped forward as it stood over Noelle, four legs used to support its weight. Two pairs of wings unveiled a bone plate covered being as spikes jutted out. Like a centaur, the top half of the body had hands as the horned head roared.
Grapha, Dragon Overlord of Dark World
Level 10 DARK
Fiend/Fusion/Effect
3200 ATK / 2300 DEF
3200 - 3500 ATK
2300 - 2600 DEF
Noelle was trying to hide her fear, but it wasn't fooling the Devil. "Oh, I love the smell of fear!" Arishen declared with a wicked grin. "Now, let's do some damage! Since I discarded Grapha, I can destroy one card you control. Care to guess which one it is?" A ghostly visage rose from the graveyard before black lightning shot forward, destroying the Dragon Lord.
"Beiige, strike first!" The spearman charged forward and thrusted his polearm forward, stabbing into Noelle's shoulder before pulling it out, blood staining her wound.
Noelle
7700 - 5800 LP
"Now Dragon Lord, accept your offering! Hellstorm Strike!" The six-limbed being roared as its wings flapped, purple lightning shooting forward. Noelle cried out in pain as her body was shocked, sending her to her knees as her body was smoking.
Noelle
5800 - 2300 LP
"I place two cards face down and end my turn." Arishen declared as two cards appeared behind his monsters. "Tell me, human. Do you still think your friend is worth it!?" Noelle looked up at the field and winced in pain as she forced herself up.
Sorry for the long wait on this chapter. I wish I could say it was because I wanted to make it perfect, but there was just… so much shit I need to do irl that distracted me from this. Big thanks to my beta reader who helped me out a LOT with this. I make no promises for the next chapter, but I do know it won't take over a damn year this time.
I'd like to think this was pretty good, new places and foes and all that. But it is a VERY basic chapter when you objectively look at it. Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with it, but that's really up to you guys. Whatcha think?
See ya next time (year).
Beta read by The 3rd Dragneel