Chapter 15 - Mecha Exam 2: The Fierce Jamboree of Dorm Rivalry!
. Bold words: Name Introductions; Card names; Monster Stats; 'Special Attacks'; Player(s) Life Points; Keywords / Change of Tone.
. (A) / (FM): Anime / Fan-Made - Cards used in the Anime/Manga; Cards created by the author.
. Italic: Non-English words; Epilogue and Prologue.
. " " - Normal Talk
. ' ' - Thoughts; Summon Chants
Special Thanks: Zeon Paralysis Crystal; Lonly Wanderer (Story Proof-Read); CaptainClaymore (Fan-Made card idea)
Location: School Gym
The breaktime was finally up for the Duel Exam to begin. The 1st and/or 2nd year students of each dorm are about to face off against each other in separate fields of the gym, with their respective opponents. Since there were a lot of students anxious to begin their Duel Exam, the rest were spectating and waiting for their fateful match, or were finishing their lunch break while their name hadn't been called.
It so happened that Alexis was one of the first candidates to start her test with a confident Goro Goodling. The blondie duelist calmly walked with a determined but stoic expression on her face to her designated field zone, but as she made her way there she couldn't help but notice the waves and cheers she received were from the seating where her friends and acquaintances were at, including the Slifer Reds. For a brief moment, a small surge of glee rushing through her had gotten the calm teenager to slightly lighten her expression, she gave an small but appreciative nod toward them in response to the support, her small appreciative smile going quickly unnoticed by the wider audience, and waiting for Goro to approach and begin their test. The person in question happened to walk up to their arena, his confidence and more relaxed nature evident with his hands inside his pockets; the determined smugness never leaving his lips.
Afterwards, one judge out of many others approached students' arena with a stern but neutral expression, requesting the opposing duelists if they were ready to begin the duel.
"Well met your majesty, I was surprised to see you as an opponent for this test. You look rather nice today ma'am", Goro says respectfully, his piercing eyes looking over his opponent with a delightful but studious expression as if studying her.
"Nice to meet you as well Goro, pity it had to be for an important test like this", the blonde duelist politely responded as she picked up her duel disk and inserted her deck in to start the match.
"Oh well, getting you means I'm worthy of dethroning you", the 2nd year duelist retorts as he picks up his duel disk and places his deck inside as well.
"Rather confident are we, well if you're coming for queens, you best not miss."
"Threatening me with that good of a time, Queenie. You're kinder than I expected."
The judge, given the student's bantering, saw them ready to begin the match, he raised his hand to signal the match to begin.
"Very well, without further ado…", his hand suddenly fell forward, "BEGIN!"
"DUEL!"
Turn 1
Alexis (A): 4000 LP
Goro (G): 4000 LP
"Shall you take the first step to this dance?", Goro asks in a joking but challenging tone.
"Gladly then. My turn, draw!" Alexis responds resolutely as she draws her 6th card. "But it's only polite that such courtesy be rewarded. This card in my hand can be Special Summoned from my hand to your side of the field if I control no monsters. It's showtime, Etoyle Skater!"
Goro had a very befuddled look on his face in response to a violet flash sparkling on his side of the field. A beautiful skater had emerged equipped with blades attached to her arms and a headband covering her eyes but a mischievous smile on her face appeared on his side of the field. (ATK 1200/DEF 1500)
(FM) Etoyle Skater - Effect Monster/EARTH/Warrior/Lv 4/ATK 1200/DEF 1500
If you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card from your hand to your opponent's field, and if you do, add 1 "Polymerization" and 1 "Etoyle Cyber" or "Blade Skater" from your Deck.
While your opponent controls a Fusion Monster, this card cannot be destroyed by battle, also it cannot change its battle positions or be tributed for a Tribute Summon, and must attack the opponent's monster with highest Attack, if able.
"Any reason for the special guest here?", asks Goro, his curiosity peaked as he glanced at the skater and then Alexis.
"Simple. When Etoyle Skater is summoned to your side of the field, I get to add a Fusion Spell and a Monster Card from my deck.", Alexis explains simply, while adding the mentioned cards to her hand. "And here's another monster for Act One of this little stage play; I summon Skater Danseur!"
On Alexis' side of the field had emerged another skate-performer adorned in a silver vest, blades attached to her elbows and the futuristic visor covering her eye-sight, her face stoic in contrast to the more mischievous looking Etoyle. (ATK 1500/DEF 1000)
(FM) Skater Danseur - Effect Monster/EARTH/Warrior/Lv 4/ATK 1500/DEF 1000
If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can add 1 "Cyber Stage – Palais de Cristal" from your Deck to your hand.
If this card is sent to the GY as Fusion Material, while "Cyber Stage – Palais de Cristal" is face-up on the field: Inflict 500 effect damage to your opponent.
"My Skater Danseur has a very important part to play with her effect; When she's summoned, I can add a Field Spell to my hand; and it's none other than Cyber Stage - Palais de Cristal!" Alexis put the Spell Card into her Field Spell Zone of her duel-disk. As if on cue a tremor could be heard and felt throughout the gym that made the several of the spectators glance in surprise as the magnificently designed castle made of ice, glass, and crystals, with the giant tower rose upon the field, the large structure shining bright.
"I see… Fitting for a queen indeed…", Goro couldn't help but smirk in slight awe of the crystalline palace, as if it was a real deal.
"My Palais de Cristal is a sight to behold but it's not something you'd wish to see its effect on. I'm allowed to add another monster from my deck", Alexis explains, while adding another card to her hand. "You should know what comes next? Since I've added Polymerization to my hand, I can now fuse from my hand Blade Skater and Etoyle Cyber!"
Most of the audience was entranced by the sight of the two ballerina doing a quick dance as a vortex of orange and blue strands of energy danced across the crystalline stage, the two performers encased in the strands as the dance continued and when they got to the climax of said dance, as if they knew that fact and desiring to excite and entice the audience even further the two dancers gave a spicy kiss to their respective partner lip to lip as they were merged in ethereal violet light as to signal and challenge the Fusion Monster to give a greater spectacle of an entrance with their exit.
"Fusion Summon! Give a round of applause for the Star of Act 1; Cyber Blader, Astonish the Audience!" the blondie demands as everyone stares at the violet orb on the top of the stage bursting in show of sparkling light and confetti as a tall but limber lady with a futuristic visor covering her eyes and antennas attached to her back, with a knowing sultry smile at what her allies did to summon her and give a really suggestive pose to continue the trend of impressing a crowd through emphasizing certain assets of her body to further dazzle the exam's audience. (ATK 2100/DEF 800)
...
Unsurprisingly, a large majority of the males in the audience like Gerald and even some of the ladies that were watching started whooping, whistling, and just blushing in surprise and attraction at the recently summoned Fusion Monster's antics; some of them displaying their "admiration" and a great deal of legitimate awe, but a minority of the students weren't stunned by Cyber Blader's beautiful entry were mostly impressed by the quick pace Alexis was going at. Scott and the Obelisk Blue Student Council member, Adam, being the few in the audience to merely give an impressed nod…
"Alexis ain't playing around here, is she?", rhetorically ponders Jaden, his face a bit more thoughtful than usual. "That Cyber Blader is certainly something. Food for thought here; She shares the same strength as my Flame Wingman. What do you think, Sy?"
His best friend laughed nervously at that conclusion to hide his fear of the suspected fact that Alexis was holding back during their duel at the beach is most assuredly confirmed…
"Y-Yeah, it does sound like a coincidence, isn't it? She had summoned that one late in our duel… and she was a powerful opponent. I'm still shivering at that monster now. How should I say this… if she's the first act then what's in store for her opponent."
"More studious than I expected of you two to act for an event like this?", ponders a whistling Yubel to both Slifers, while resting her arms on the shoulders of her prince from the back of his seat; Jaden not minding the demoness' company. "Alexis might be planning a defensive strategy or could be going all out, it's a good warning sign for her opponent."
"I'm glad she did so. Alexis is really showing she was intending to take this exam to the cleaners no matter the opponent", notes a blushing Dee from behind Syrus, her hand on her student's shoulder; calming Syrus down from the Magician Girl's reassurance.
...
Meanwhile, Goro was looking over one of Alexis' Ace Monsters, Cyber Blader being summoned on the first turn, the trepidation rising with Alexis' quick escalation of the power at play.
"Interesting… normally from what I've heard about you. You're not the type to recklessly summon your Ace monster on your 1st turn, especially without even knowing who you'd be facing up against.", deducts Goro, his hands crossed and his face tinged in thought. "You wasted three cards for a 2100 Attack Point beatstick… what's your game Queen, cause I expected better than this."
"Is that so? I'd be flattered by your expectation but I've decided on a new challenge like you needed a different approach, take another look at the field again…", Alexis calmly retorts smirking back at Goro, taking a small amount of glee at the fact he couldn't tell her strategy. "Start with the 'gift' I've placed on your field."
"You mean the Etoyle Skater? I'm not sure I follow…"
"It's fine if you're not into dance routines… So let me walk you through some of the steps. Since I control Cyber Blader, Etoyle Skater is forced to tango with her; you cannot change her battle positions, and she can't be destroyed by battle. And if you think sacrificing her away to summon a high-level monster, think again. This is my 'Reversal Step' strategy; Not bad?"
Goro gave an impressed but irritated hum after understanding the methodology of Alexis' little plan. Her Etoyle Skater's presence on his side of the field was essentially gift-wrapped poison. So in the end, Goro clapped his hands, partly sarcastically due to him needing an answer to that little problem soon, but somewhat impressed to see Alexis getting him to nearly dance to her tune so quickly.
"It's certainly a clever surprise Queenie. I'd like to see more… Mind impressing me further with more of what your deck can do."
"It'll be a pleasure, but let's see some of your arsenal.", Alexis politely requests while setting two cards facedown. "By setting two cards, I'll end my turn!"
...
Both of Alexis' close friends Jasmine and Mindy, whose attention was on her duel. The two of them were feeling a little uneasy. And the cause of it was her opponent, Goro.
"Strong start from Alexis so far… she has Cyber Blader and one monster on the opponent's field. And another bit of good news will when Goro summons another monster, it will get Cyber Blader's Attack to double, and Etoyle Skater has to attack her own Ace.", Mindy says confidently, her grin growing wider due to Alexis seemingly getting the advantage so soon.
"Mindy, shouldn't we be at least a little concerned about this, I think… Goro is a higher end elite student in his second year here", Jasmine cautiously pondered, resisting the urge to gulp due to memories of her grudge match with Gerald. "If Alexis felt the need to summon one of her Aces so soon to stand her ground, then what kind of an opponent is Goro?"
"Easy there, Jasmine.", calmly requesting Kassidy, who decided to take a seat near the first year Obelisk Blues. "I get expectations of us second years are a bit high, but don't forget the duel you had against Gerald. It was a roughie, but you handled it well. Trust your friend to do the same. After all, we're merely testing our mettle for the trials ahead… Have a little faith."
The redhead couldn't help but still stew in conscious thought as Kassidy gave a confident nod at her, Jasmine's doubtful thoughts lessening as Seisha was giving an affirmative hum, enjoying her candy and watching the duel patiently. So the redhead sighs and goes to watch the next turn… curious on why Goro is so confident.
Turn 2
A: 4000 LP
G: 4000 LP
"Now that you've shown me yours, it's only polite to show off a bit myself, it's my turn, Draw!"; Goro states as he draws his card, his ever so confident smirk never leaving his lips. "So as you divulged in your little strategy, you realized that it has a few flaws in the middle, don't you?"
"Your point?" questioned Alexis, curious to what Goro's answer was to her little trick.
"Well, you see… What I've observed and come to understand about your deck's goal, and you're planning to make Cyber Blader one of your aces of the game. And you were expecting this combo to work if I still controlled Etoyle Skater, didn't you?", further rhetorical questions the 2nd year the cocky smile gaining a tint of malice causing Alexis' eyebrow to raise in curiosity.
"Unfortunately for you, that strategy won't work on me. I activate the Spell Card, Shades of Ha Des!"; Goro quickly exclaims while activating his spell card and consequently right under the skater's feet a black portal emitting ebony-tinted smoke had been formed and in short order spectral skeletal hands tinged in hellishly black and purple acidic slime-like liquid and grabbing onto to her legs. And in a flash the skater was pulled down with a muffled blood curdling scream.
(FM) Shades of Ha Des - Normal Spell
If your opponent controls a monster, target 1 monster you control; destroy it, and if you do, add 2 "Dark Servant" or "Ha Des" monsters with different names from your deck to your hand. Then, discard 1 card.
If you control "Dark Ruler Ha Des": You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "Decree of Fused Thorns" from your deck to your hand.
"Now it's time to kick it up a notch; Because this Spell Card lets me destroy Etoyle Skater, and let's me add 2 monsters that either names are "Dark Servants" or "Ha Des", so long as I discard another card from my hand.", Goro quickly explains, pressing his advantage while picking one of his cards and sends the mentioned card to his graveyard. Meanwhile, Alexis gives a calm but bemused glance at the ease that Goro had at dismantling her first act trap, inwardly excited at what he had in store for her…
"Let's darken the Broadway Stage, shall we? The Field Spell, Lethera, River of Corrupt Reincarnation, should make the perfect backdrop for this duel!" Goro cockily states as he places the Spell card in his Duel Disk; his side of the field a misty shroud blacker than midnight enveloping his side of the as murky ectoplasmic river water glowing with an abyssal black and ghastly green and blue aura filling the arena the partially submerging the crystalline stage with pitch black liquid as writhing undead souls entrapped and perpetually drowning by the murky liquid slowly attempted to claw their way to the surface with their bony claws; as twisted trees sprouted all over the two opponents' fields as the black liquid submerged the respective opponent's feet.
(FM) Lethera, River of Corrupt Reincarnation - Field Spell
(This card is always treated as an 'Ha Des' card)
Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Fiend monster from your hand.
Once per turn, if a Level 5 or higher "Ha Des" monster is Normal or Special Summoned: You can send the top 3 cards from your Deck to the GY.
"Pulling out the Underworld?" Alexis curiously pondered as she took in the surroundings of the relatively macabre environment, then looking back at Goro. "I see why you weren't too worried. Your deck focuses on destroying monsters to exchange them with creatures from the Underworld, I played right into your hands, didn't I?"
"Ehehe! It appears you have? But as much as I like to savor this, the threat you pose here in this test requires me to go further than I'd like."; retorts Goro with a chuckle while glancing at the cards in his hand. "So let's show our audience the power of the Lethera River shall we? It allows me to Special Summon this monster from my hand; Dark Servant - Indulgent Aeacus!"
From the murky depths of the ectoplasmic river, emerged with a splash a medium-sized serpentine demon with horns attached to his head equipped with a cursed staff in his right hand and adorned with a skull-mask over his serpentine like face (ATK 1250/DEF 800).
(FM) Dark Servant - Indulgent Aeacus - Effect Monster/DARK/Fiend/Lv 4/ATK 1250/DEF 800
If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Dark Servant" monster from your hand.
You can banish this card from your GY; all DARK Fiend monsters you currently control gain 800 ATK, but they get destroyed at the End Phase
"And when my Indulgent Aeacus is Summoned, it lets me bring out another 'Dark Servant' monster from my hand; mind waking up, Dark Servant - Monus the Damned!", Goro placed the card on his disk, while Aeacus raised his cursed scepter and the tool with a flash of dark blue at the top of the tip of the rod beckoned for an fellow colleague's entry. With a splash of murky black liquid an eyeless wraith clad in a black cloak, opened its wide jaw and revealing many rows of teeth, his transparent hands equipped with a similar cursed scepter to his colleague floating over the raging river of black (ATK 1050/DEF 1200)
(FM) Dark Servant - Monus the Damned - Effect Monster/DARK/Fiend/Lv 4/ATK 1050/DEF 1200
If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can target 1 "Dark Servant" monster in your GY; Special Summon it in Defense Position.
If a DARK Fiend monster(s) you control would be destroyed by battle or card effect, you can banish this card from your GY instead.
Alexis observed how far Goro went to summon his two monsters on his side of the field, although not too impressed considering her ace's effect coming into play…
"The more monsters you summon, the more your disadvantage grows… you should've known by now having two monsters only made my Cyber Blader double in power.", she calmly intones, while her Fusion Monster enveloped herself in a sharp billowing clear white aura pushing all the undead souls attempting crawling up the crystalline stage right back into the murky depths as if to challenge oncoming darkness of the underworld in front of her with sheer will alone.
Cyber Blader (ATK 2100 - 4200/DEF 800)
"Why yes I have, and that Ace Monster of yours would be quite the wall to climb… If I went in this duel half-cocked! So let's see how you'll stand up against my Ace monster! By sacrificing Indulgent Aeacus, I'm Calling Up, The Demon King of the Underworld, Dark Ruler Ha Des!"
A surge of maniacal laughter burst forth from the reptilian demon as his willing sacrifice through enveloping himself in green orb of ectoplasmic energy and diving into a whirlpool below in the black murky depths and in a moment an abnormally large plume of black steam rose from the rushing river before the plume of writhing steam and ash started to glow with infernal crimson and golden tinted light and morphed into a skull like shape before coalescing into a darkened orange orb of hellish energy and after a split moment then bursting into a pillar of orange raging hellfire as a supremely arrogant demonic overlord with a creepily wide grin on his green wrinkled face, his body adorned in royal but ragged clothing with an large skeletal crest on the clothing on his chest; the king's manic red-eyes gleaming with malice toward the fools who dare stand in his presence and intrude in his land, the clawed hands and skeletal wings suddenly flexing to quickly disperse the hellish flames. When his entry was completed, the river emitted a heavy amount of black steam and spectral ash all over the field as if to signify the cost of merely summoning him had far more of a price then one measly worshipper to set the fuse for his arrival to reinforce his identity as the ruler of the sinful dead of this wicked land (ATK 2450/DEF 1600)
"I'm flattered, but he's still no match against my Cyber Blader…", insisted Alexis, her face stoic but inwardly cautious due to her not being aware Goro had in store but the opposing Blue being aware of some she had in store…
"Ha Des IS the Ruler of the Underworld… And as a king while absolute power is a major part of royalty, it isn't everything they require now is it? For what is a Demon Lord without their pawns and domain? The Lethera River gains an additional effect when my Dark Ruler is summoned to the field; The souls of the top 3 cards from my deck will now be sent to the graveyard!"
"Wow, quite the price you had to pay for your big strategy, one last advantage needed against me?", she asks challengingly while inwardly excited watching Goro chuckle and send the mentioned cards to his grave slot.
"Glad you learn quickly, Queenie. The plan is almost done, this turn will end in my victory!", he quickly states, while picking one of the Spells in his graveyard. "Do you remember the Shades Spell I sent to the grave? Well, since I control Ha Des, this card allows me to add a Fusion Spell from my deck!"
"Bring it on, cryptkeeper."
"I see Kassidy is still her 'pleasant' self, cause I had gotten this card just for her, so I just hope she enjoys the sneak peek! I activate the Spell Card, Decree of Fused Thorns!", Goro retorts as he inserted up the Spell Card, the Dark Overlord pulling out a black seed riddled with thorny protrusions and dropping the seed into the river and the body of water began to bubble as many of the writhing souls that inhabit the body of liquid being pulled down to the depths by black organ-like thorn-riddled roots. When it settled, a huge black jeweled tree that looked akin to a pulsating organ riddled with red thorns grew from the depths of the raging black river, its twisted pulsating branches being littered with grotesque organ-like nooses also riddled with thrones. The Dark Ruler chanting a unknown language causing the tree to glow an infernal crimson light. The chanting causes the tree to bulge and emit a black brimstone smoke as if barely holding something dangerous back.
(FM) Decree of Fused Thorns - Normal Spell
(This card is always treated as a "Dark Servant" card)
Fusion Summon 1 Fiend Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters from your hand or field as Fusion Materials. If you control "Dark Ruler Ha Des", you can also banish Fiend monsters in your GY as Fusion Materials.
"Since Ha Des is on my side of the field, this card lets me fuse my Dark Servant - Monus the Damned on my field, and from my Graveyard I can also banish Opticlops and Dark King of Abyss! It's time to get the whistle for my Ultimate Beast!"
Together with the damned souls of the river, the eyeless wraith, a one-eyed giant and a lost King of Abyss from their containment at the bottom of the river of the dead from being consumed by the roots of the thorn riddled organ tree being pulled upward to the top part of the tree; the blood curdling screams and pain riddled howls from the monsters being while muffled for a bit as they painfully pushed upward the torturous tree the screams of the monsters being clear for all to hear when the three monsters selected for the main sacrifice being hung by their necks by the nooses intensifying the pain and the sounds of the damned souls coalesced into a distorted tear-filled harmony, the shine of the center crimson jewel of the river based tree intensifying it's light as the ritual to summon a gigantic beast of disaster was nearly complete…
"'Unleash blackened fangs, Unite hellborn savagery with the infernal dead. Be pulled from the abyss where shadows collide and the damned writhe, may thy arise; Oh three-headed sentinel of a tainted veil! Fusion Summon! It's time to play fetch! Guardian of the Underworld - Cerberus!"
The pulsating organ-like mockery of a tree's center jewel with the final absorption of the monsters and souls into the tree, finally burst open as a gigantic hellhound tore through the flesh made portal, the red blood and green ectoplasmic liquid dripping from the hound's body and into the ghastly river. The three giant heads of a hound giving a bone-chilling howl that would send a shiver up most people's spine as it did a good portion of the audience, their vicious crimson-colored eyes gleaming with newfound energy and the maw carried huge fangs sharper and more ancient then most legendary blades, all the features of this ancient hellborn guardian coalescing into it exuding an aura of pure anger and duty. The sleek, muscular body encased in blackened armor engraved with demonic runes, and spiked chains dangling on each neck, glowing a faint crimson as if in response to the Hellhound's mounting anger. (ATK 3300/DEF 2100)
(FM) Guardian of the Underworld - Cerberus - Fusion/DARK/Fiend/Lv 9/ATK 3300/2100
3 Fiend monsters, including a "Dark Servant" monster
(This card is also treated as a Beast-Type monster)
Must be Fusion Summoned while you control "Dark Ruler Ha Des".
Monsters your opponent controls lose 300 ATK for each Fiend that is banished or in the GY, also this card can attack 3 times on monsters your opponent controls.
During your Battle Phase (Quick Effect): Negate the effects of all face-up monsters your opponent controls.
The strikingly macabre entry of the Guardian of the Underworld had made some of the duelists near Alexis and Goro pause their Duel Exam as if in disgusted awe of the bloodsoaked beast's debut; most of the first and second year students that were spectating that duel were praising Goro for summoning such a powerful monster. And while some were celebrating too soon, others were worried about Alexis, which included the two Slifers and the four Obelisk girls.
"... Wow, just… Wow Goro really wants to put me in the dirt for our second round, can't help but feel a bit flattered", Kassidy said dumbly while feeling little bit pressured from the palpably vengeful aura coming off of Goro and his monsters, biting her thumb in response wanting to hide behind her stoicism and lax demeanor. "But if Alexis' two face-downs are bluffs, she'll be done for."
"It'll be okay," Jasmine says confidently despite the chill through her spine thanks to Cerberus' entry. "After all, our bestie isn't called 'Queen of Obelisks' for nothing. Her skills are ones to not be underestimated, and it looks like Alexis is having fun with this."
"You betcha.", Mindy added with thumbs up. "Jasmine and I have been training non-stop for the past week with Alexis, to be prepared for this Duel Exam. And we know Alexis can end this duel with a single blow, after all she hasn't lost a life point just yet…"
"You girls are rather narrow-minded, aren't you?"asks the second-year with a look that's a mix of annoyance and a wry smirk. "It's not just you who've been pushing their limits. We've ALL been training our hearts out, it's a damn Exam that could decide your rank depending on the score. And since this time the opponents are either a first or a second year, Alexis' status must've caused Goro to escalate and got him to push himself to his limits for this trial, and the rare card he had gained before this exam? That specialized fusion card is rather new, where did he get it from? But food for thought, do you two think you could stand with Alexis' target on your back?"
Both Jasmine and Mindy stood still and silent for a moment and mulled over the question, and the two had separate answers, the former due to their longtime friendship was hesitant to answer that inquiry and the latter was a little was eager for the challenge if someone like Goro could provide and push her to the limit. Where even a dose of bad luck or one mistake could lead to a loss… Mindy couldn't but feel her respect for her friend rising as Alexis was calmly yet eagerly traversing into unknown territory.
"It would be an interesting challenge to accept…" Mindy couldn't help but ponder aloud to the exasperated second year while Jasmine was oddly quiet.
...
"So then, mind giving up or are you going to go down with your stage?", deadpanned Goro with a cocky smile feeling if victory was so close.
"Excuse moi?" Alexis responds to the cocky remark with her tone heavy with a mix of calm eagerness and light indignation. "Well if you're going to attack me then just do it already. Your turn isn't finished now is it?"
"Rather gutsy today aren't we, Queenie? I can respect that… it's what makes this plan all the more satisfying, toppling someone of your rank isn't what I expected today!"
"Do you and Gerald know each other with these declarations? Uggh, Great… I wish Jasmine was in my place to take you to the cleaners." Alexis couldn't help but snark at the gutsy blue, but on the inside she had to give him credit the obstacles in her way were certainly quite a challenge.
"Don't you dare compare me to that bearded blowhard! Better watch what you say. Cause things can go down terribly like his duel did for your side… and it starts off with Cerberus' effect. Since I have a total of 6 Fiends in my Graveyard and banishment zone, your monsters have their Attack Points dropped by 1800. 'Shackles of Underworld', GO!"
Beckoned by a respectful gesture of it's master, Dark Ruler Ha Des, the ancient hellhound with a calmer howl unleashes spectral crimson chains from the depths of the underworld from the murky river with a large resounding splash accompanied a large mass of infernal links of steel rushing forth; painfully wrapping around Cyber Blader and Skater Danseur's arms, legs, waist and neck, and most assuredly torturous draining their energy; the chain's grip tightening ever so quickly while the two women were suffering, the latter dancer screaming while the former ballerina groaned painfully at the unpleasant sensation.
Cyber Blader (ATK 4200 - 2400/DEF 800)
Skater Danseur (ATK 1500 - 0/DEF 1000)
"But wait, there's more! From the depths of my graveyard, Dark Servant - Indulgent Aeacus couldn't help but stir once more with a handy effect; I'll remove him from play, to allow the big fiends here to gain an extra 800 Attack!" An ectoplasmic representation of the serpentine servant with a calm yet maniacal expression with a infernally gold burst of energy from his cursed scepter gave the last of his power for this battle, allowing his Master and the Ancient Guardian to gain the strength needed for this endeavor.
Dark Ruler Ha Des (ATK 2450 - 3250/DEF 1600)
Guardian of the Underworld - Cerberus (ATK 3300 - 4100/DEF 2100)
"How do you like me now? I've got myself a clear game with these last effects, ready for a dethroning?" Goro taunts his opponent, expecting Alexis to open one of her set cards. And she did so…
"Oh, you thought yourself so clever that you believed you could hand me a One Turn Kill on the second act by attacking my Dancer, but this recital is only just begun; I'll flip over my Quick-Play Fusion Spell card, Cyber Combinaison."
(FM) Cyber Combinaison - Quick-Play Spell
You can only activate this card during your Battle Phase, or your opponent's Main Phase. Fusion Summon 1 "Cyber" or "Skater" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, by using monsters from your field as Fusion Materials.
If you control a face-up "Cyber Stage – Palais de Cristal", this Fusion Summon cannot be negated, also it cannot be destroyed by card effects.
"Thanks to this Spell, I can now fuse my Cyber Blader and Skater Danseur!" Alexis states, while she watched her two ballerinas give a pained nod and with a high-five morphed into orbs of blue and red energy, free from the chains that bound them were intertwining into a violet valkyrie symbol brimming with sparkling magical and cybernetic energy that would be the gateway for a new arrival.
"'Serene Soul intertwined with Divine Grace; Strive with the kindness of saints and a warrior's spirit, I call upon the next ascension of tranquil strength and elegant swiftness! I Fusion Summon! Cyber Frost Valkyrie - Retha!"
The violet valkyrie symbol with a burst of mystical white wind and holographic binary code morphed into a dazzling performer adorned with cybernetic wings brimming with holy and cryokinetic energy gracefully landed on top of the dark river, and without skipping a beat calmly walked off of the dirty crystalline stage and into the murky ectoplasmic river and not one bit of black liquid on her feet; She looks to be a complete evolution from "Cyber Blader's" sleeker design, enhanced with shimmering, teal lines of energy. Her dual crystal rapiers infused with cryokinetic energy and her helmet looking rather crown-like, symbolizing her ascent to a valkyrie-like state of being. (ATK 2800/DEF 2300)
Cyber Frost Valkyrie - Retha - Fusion/LIGHT/Warrior/Lv 8/ATK 2800/DEF 2300
"Cyber Blader" 1 "Skater" monster
(This card's name is always treated as "Cyber Blader")
At the Start of the Battle Phase, this card gains the following effects, depending on the number of monsters your opponent controls:
1: This card gains 1000 ATK, also it cannot be destroyed by battle
2: This card gains ATK equal to the highest ATK of the opponent monster, also any battle damage inflicted to your opponent is doubled.
3 or more: This card gains ATK equal to the combined ATK of all Attack Position monsters your opponent controls, also your opponent's activated card effects are negated.
If this card is destroyed by battle or card effect: You can Special Summon 1 "Cyber Blader" from your GY, ignoring its summoning conditions.
Goro's trepidation only grew with the recently summoned Fusion monster that Alexis brought to her field, which he worriedly notes could shift the outcome for the duel disastrously if he isn't careful. However some of the worry would be assuaged. By Cerberus' effect no less, abyssal chains from the depths of the murky had entrapped her limbs while draining her power, but the angel's face was stoic through the unpleasant process.
Cyber Frost Valkyrie - Retha (ATK 2800 - 1200/DEF 2300)
"I admire the new attire, it suits you. But I doubt it will make any difference in this duel, I'll tell you that for free.", he states glibly before giving a satisfied chuckle at the lackluster attack power that Alexis' Fusion monster now had. "For a warrior valkyrie, it really can't measure up here?"
"They have their uses in other ways, for one since my Skater Danseur was used as a Fusion Material, her effect has you lose 500 Life Points.", Alexis retorts as a holographic reconstruction of the skater appeared next to the winged Fusion monster, extending her hand to fire a thin beam of light energy to Goro's chest that knock him back and nearly losing his balance as his Life Point counter ticked downard.
G: 4000 - 3500 LP
"Heh… you've got to show off much more than just that.", he taunts, his grin undeterred from the surprise counter, but keeping himself on his feet. "It was merely a scratch."
"Then this should truly wound you." says a resolute Alexis, further bits of annoyance dripping into her tone thanks to the taunts of her opponent. "I have just the way to finish Act 2!"
"Go on ahead, it will make you understand how close the gap is between you and me! 'Cause my Battle Phase begins now!"
"Good, because you're about to witness Retha's effect! Since you control two monsters, she gains the Attack of your Cerberus current attack power!" Alexis quickly states, as a snowflake shaped aura billowing from the Fusion monster was about to wash over and drain Goro's Fusion monster of its strength, while its dark ruler stood silently, but quietly gesturing to the audience with a 'look at this idiot' kind of expression toward the blondie as he laughed to himself.
Such mockery was vindicated by the runic riddled chains and collar that each head of the giant hound wore glowing green in response to the Valkyrie's valiant attempt to absorb the hounds power, the freezing aura was near instantly rebuffed, the aura dissipating into nothing…
"What the!?", exclaims Alexis in shock, not expecting that kind of ability.
"Useless, it's pointless to act so calm and superior now. My Cerberus is the Guardian of the Underworld for a reason; Ha Des' loyally fierce guardian that annihilates all who dare intrude in his domain. Because during the Battle Phase, Cerberus will enforce Ha Des' law, in this case his effect overrules the effects of all your monsters!"
"Ah shoot! You've truly got an impressive beast.", the blondie grits out her teeth clenched at seeing one of her plans being stopped in its tracks.
"Indeed, this Cerberus deserves the respect, and if you're not treading carefully, well… I guess it's time to pay the price. Cerberus, incinerate that Valkyrie to the bone; 'Infernal Stalwart Howl!'"
As the Dark Warlord made the threatening gesture to Alexis' Fusion Monster, the three-headed hellhound let out a deafening roar towards its target and wielder, the targets in question being buffeted by the sheer force of its howl. And then the three headed hellhound started to channel a massive amount of hellfire in the mouths of the three heads; and without hesitation it lets loose three large and dense beams of hellish energy onto the designated target, all the willing to incinerate a drained Cyber Frost Valkyrie from the field, without a way to escape…
But then, Alexis had a small smirk under her blond bangs.
"Thank goodness for this back up plan, cause you fell right into it. I activated my Trap Card, Crystalline Mirror!", she flipped her last face-down card from her disk, which created a giant gleaming mirror crafted from mystical shards of ice and crystal manifested in front of Alexis' monster, which reflected the image of a chained Frost Valkyrie looking straight to the red-eyes of the Three-Headed Hellhound with a relieved smirk.
(FM) Crystalline Mirror - Normal Trap
(This card is also treated as a "Cyber Femme" card)
If your opponent's monster declares an attack: Tribute a Fusion Warrior monster you control; negate that attack. Then, if you have 2 or more "Cyber" Fusion Monsters in your GY, you can banish them; End the Battle Phase, and if you do, Special Summon the same number of Level 4 or lower WATER Spellcasters that share the same name, from your hand or Deck.
"Thanks to this Trap Card, I can sacrifice my Cyber Frost Valkyrie to negate your Cerberus' attack. But that's not all, because now I'll banish both my Cyber Blader and my Valkyrie from my Graveyard to activate its second effect; I'll end your Battle Phase and Special Summon 2 Ice Dolls from my Deck."
The torrent of hellfire crashed against the mirror, the valkyrie with two hands channeling her own energy into the mirror as the hellfire consumed both of them but while engulfed in flames the mirror and the valkyrie both through the mirror's magic had fractured into countless crystal shards, the fragment shooting straight through the three streams of hellfire into three-headed hound's mouth cutting the attack short through causing the Guard Dog to choke and sputter violently nearly smashing Dark Ruler flat on the field in the process. And then another portion of the mirror shards shot themselves at the body of the panicking Demon King painfully injecting ice into his veins, stopping them from attacking any further this turn. Simultaneously, the remaining crystal pieces of the mirror fell to the ground magically manifested into two humanoid but transparent crystalline dolls in a defensive position after being summoned. 2 x (ATK 800 - 0/DEF 1000)
"I see... You really are the real deal here", Goro grits out the look of self-disappointment and respect on the blue's face was proof enough to know the crucial mistake he made with Alexis' defensive skills, which weren't supposed to get shown at moments like these.
"Don't beat yourself up yet, you nearly overwhelmed me.'"
"... High praise coming from you, but I'm not out of the game yet!" Goro states resolutely, regaining his bearings and shaking off his self pity, picked up his last cards in hand and placed them in his Spell/Trap Zone.
"I'll set these two face-downs and end my turn. Due to the End Phase of activating Indulgent Aeacus effect, my monsters should be destroyed; however, I'm banishing my Monus the Damned from my graveyard to nullify it!"
Turn 3
A: 4000 LP
G: 3500 LP
"I see you're having fun here." a haughty voice jabs behind a surprised Alexis, nobody else could hear except her; the blondie's adrenaline rush wears down a bit after the next turn. Looking behind under the guise of taking a deep breath to steady herself, and noticing that her spirit partner was looking at her apprentice with a prideful smile.
'...It's only the third turn, and he really wants to get a win over me; But hey Icy, you want to join in this duel. He's really been giving me a workout. Maybe work off the pounds a bit', Alexis couldn't help but goad the prideful spirit telepathically.
"I feel insulted yet flattered you feel the need to make such a request to me in such a crude manner, I'm always available you should know'."
'Well I wanted to be polite considering you seemed to be busying yourself in looking in the mirror in all the wrong ways'
"...Touche, my dear apprentice. And this Dark Ruler cretin did silently insult you when you used Retha's effect and by extension me, so I have no choice but to assist you to establish dominance. Time to put that rotten overlord in his place, and show that cocksure bastard the pecking order."
Alexis chuckles at the royal spirit's pride and support, but with a deep breath and a bit of focus her hazelnut-colored eye tinge ever so slightly to a mix of silver and hazelnut to summon Icy in a quick but efficient fashion.
This shift in pressure and in the air was a slight shock to Jaden and Syrus; She was about to unleash a little bit of her true strength…
"My turn, DRAW!", a faint glimmer of silvery light shown on the card that Alexis picked from the top of her deck, her eyes returning to normal, the girl smiling while looking at Goro. "The Act 3 begins here, Goro. With this card I just drew, you'll be seeing the Curtain Call before long."
"You're bluffing. If you still didn't realize the obvious, I'm the one with the power advantage here, with both of my monsters with Attack Points over 3000, and two set cards on my side of the field. Only a miracle can save you now, since you have 2 mediocre monsters and only three cards in your hand."
"Don't guess the outcome just yet. Because now the time for a Ruler of a Frozen Elegance to be brought forth. I call upon the spirits of the frost to lend me their aid, I sacrifice my two Ice Dolls!"
A current of icy wind howls through the field, the two crystal dolls shimmer and shine on the crystalline stage. The writhing spirits from the Lethera Field Spell slowing in their struggle, but the black shroud like mist was now an silvery-blue icy mist, the Ice Dolls further helping in this regard by dissolving into a brilliant cascade of frost and snow, their forms spiraling upward into a growing vortex of crystal and chilling magical energy. The temperature drops, and the icy gale intensifies.
"'Majestic sovereign of the frozen realm, accept this offering of crystalline grace! Through sacrifice and frost-bound will, I humbly ask of you to descend upon this place!' Tribute Summon! Arise, Ice Queen!", the crystalline mist coalescing into a form befitting of royalty, her figure emanating a high amount of confidence, charisma, and a chilling aura. Her icicle scepter glowing in the light, and a piercing gaze locked onto Goro, as snowflakes and crystal shards twirl around her on the battlefield, freezing a portion of the darkened river in general vicinity with her presence and will alone. (ATK 2900/DEF 2100)
(A) Ice Queen - Effect Monster/WATER/Spellcaster/Lv 8/ATK 2900/DEF 2100
You can pay 500 LP, then target 1 WATER monster your opponent controls; take control of it until the End Phase.
"That 's it? Are you trying to goad me into one of your traps by summoning another monster that is susceptible to my Cerberus' effect? Or you haven't learned a damned thing?" Goro responded rather impatiently, while his Fusion Monster yet again released another mass of chains that restrained an irate Ice Queen's arms.
Ice Queen (ATK 2900 - 1100/DEF 2100)
The moment that Icy was entrapped in chains, disgust can be seen in her piercing eyes towards the giant hound; such a sight made the giant Fusion monster give an uncaring huff despite the chill running through towards his spine, as if he would regret it later.
"Such ill-mannered mutts have to know their place, wouldn't you think the same, Lex?" asks the spirit in an annoyed tone, checking that Alexis was ready for the next step.
"You don't need to tell me twice! I play my Equip Spell, Frozen Faustian Flute!", an ornate, icy flute suddenly fell into Icy's chained hands, carved from magic crystal and shaped like a frozen demonic wisp.
(FM) Frozen Faustian Flute - Equip Spell
Equip only to "Ice Queen"
Once per turn: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; its Attribute becomes WATER until the end of the turn, and its effects are negated while it is WATER.
While this card is equipped to "Ice Queen": You can send this card to the GY, and if you do, Fusion Summon 1 WATER Fusion Monster, using monsters you control as Fusion Materials, including "Ice Queen"
"My Ice Queen will have the honor of using the Frozen Faustian Flute's effect, its haunting melody will change your Guardian of Underworld - Cerberus' Attribute into WATER!", Alexis explained, while receiving a gasp from her opponent.
And in a moment of silence, Icy was now calmly playing with the flute; a gentle and melodious song coming from the fragile crystal instrument that sent a primal chill throughout the arena. Such a performance got a curious look from Jaden and a nervous look from Syrus, their suspicions of believing that Alexis was in contact with Monster Spirits being confirmed.
"Big Bro… is this what Yubel has been talking about? The Ice Queen is Alexis' partner, and how we weren't aware of her presence until now?" curiously asks the blue-haired teenager, a bit weary knowing that Ice Queen seemed rather prickly.
"There's only a way to find out, Sy. How about we race to the hallway and get some answers from Lex here?", asks Jaden while receiving a quick-nod from Syrus and the Spirit friends.
...
"This is ridiculous.", Goro mumbles from his spot; without noticing that with Icy's melody, his Fusion Monster was luring their eyes towards the frozen mistress, its runes changing from a harsh red to a piercing blue, the hound's DARK attribute changed to WATER attribute.
"As I'm aware, we're supposed to have a duel, not a music recital. You've changed my Cerberus Attribute, but didn't increase or decrease its Attack Points, nor negate its effects. Was there even a reason for all that?"
"... I see, for all the preparation, you missed a few details from the duel between my friend Jasmine and Gerald? If you were there, you would notice that sometimes Equip Spells don't rely only on changing monsters stats, or nullifying effects. Sometimes all it takes is changing a bit of the text to turn a duel around. Because… your Cerberus is a rather potent liability now."
"N-no, you wouldn't!" Goro gasped and went wide eyed as his blood ran cold when he realized what her plan was.
"Too late, I've got you now! Ice Queen's effect activates; By paying 500 Life Points, I'm allowed to take control of a WATER monster you control! 'Frostbound Enchantment'!", the Ice Queen with a malicious smile more befitting the denizens of the Underworld, channeling her arcane energy through her frost scepter to tamper with the Cerberus' demonic runes and armor even further, signified with crystalline ice growing like a mold on the hound's armor, bending its will to her command. The shimmering frost glowing with an eerie light, as the chains had disappeared from Icy's hands, and the frosted three-headed hound being forced to kneel as if being forced to apologize for trapping her in chains and its dismissive behaviour towards her.
A: 4000 - 3500 LP
"There, there, little pup. Who's a good boy~? It's not you, but one like yourself could make it up to me, to be a good boy", Icy mockingly hums as she condescendingly pats one of the infuriated giant beast's heads, while a heavy growl filled with indignation permeated through the room.
"Now please, sit boy!" Icy mockily orders and a dumbfounded audience gets the amusing image of a legendary beast forced to be so juvenile as it was forced to sit like a young runt of a pup through mere gestures with a flute for those who can't hear spirits, adding insult to injury was when she had a devious idea.
"Now please, roll over for me, a treat is in store if you roll over the robbed one over there," Icy once more vindictively orders with a twirling gesture with the flute, the beast being forced to roll over the watery field and right over the Dark Ruler Ha Des and flattening an incredulous and panicking Demon King of the Underworld and rolling back to her in short order. Much to Alexis' dumbfounded shock and Goro's humiliation.
"No, no no no! I'm not going out like this! I flip over my Quick-Play Spell Card, Chains of Creos!", Goro rashly states as the Dark Overlord's sheer rage towards Icy for controlling his loyal pup, had magically manifested two massive, black chains emerged from the swirling abyss of a river, immediately binding a relieved snickering Cerberus, and a pissed Queen for the fun being ruined.
By doing so, the magical flute that Icy was holding onto fell to the ground and was releasing a glowing ethereal blue light… calming both Icy and Cerberus, even though they were still stuck in chains.
(FM) Chains of Creos - Quick-Plays Spell
(This card is treated as a "Dark Servant" card)
Target 1 monster your opponent controls; this turn, it cannot attack. If you control an "Ha Des" monster, you can apply this effect to 1 additional monster your opponent controls.
"Now your in trouble, since my Spell will chain your Ice Queen and MY Cerberus still; making so that this turn, you cannot declare an attack with both; so that in the end of this worthless turn, Cerberus will get back to me, and you won't get another chance to defeat me. It's over, Queen! I WON!"
"The pity I have for you…", Alexis began as her usually calm expression gave way to determination. "Is immense, didn't I tell you we wouldn't have another turn? You've just wasted yours, now we'll have to accept the finale of Act 3. My Frozen Faustian Flute has yet another effect to trigger!"
"Oh you've got to be kidding me!"
"You wish I was. You're witnessing the magic of my Equip Fusion Spell in action, which allows me to Fuse my Ice Queen with the WATER Guardian of Underworld - Cerberus! From the frozen depths, I call forth a servant that embodies both fealty and fury!"; the ethereal sky-blue light from the broken flute made air grow heavy with a frigid, otherworldly chill as the Queen of Ice and the Ancient Guardian of the Underworld were consumed in a vortex of ice and fire.
An ethereal vortex of ice and fire created from both monsters swirling together, made the clash of elements create a dazzling display with frozen shards and fiery embers intertwining into a swirling maelstrom. Momentarily engulfed in binding light, and a deep, guttural howl piercing the air.
"'By the will of the White Night; Rise oh loyal servant forged in Frozen Flame!' Fusion Summon! Arise for us, Hell-Frost Fenrir!", the ethereal light subsides to reveal a towering, monstrous but yet stoic looking three-eyed wolf beast. Its crystalline, frost-covered body gleams in the cold light, while shadowy frostfire flickers and sparks about its massive claws and fangs; its presence further freezes the river field with every step the colossal beast took. (ATK 3500/DEF 2100)
(FM) Hell-Frost Fenrir - Fusion/WATER/Beast/Lv 9/ATK 3500/DEF 2100
"Ice Queen" + 1 WATER Beast monster
Must be Fusion Summoned and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. If this card is Fusion Summoned: Make all monsters your opponent controls change their DEF to 0.
Once per turn: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; change its Battle Positions. If you do, for the rest of this turn, if this card attacks a Defense Position monster, this card inflicts piercing battle damage to your opponent.
Both Mindy and Jasmine had excited looks on their faces, hugging each other while watching their best friend summon such a surprise monster to her field, while Kassidy and Seisha were intrigued at this development; she was indeed one of Zane's strongest students.
"It's Fenrir, Jasmine! Are you watching the same thing as me? My god, my heart is beating too fast; that wolf is sooo cool and sooooo damn cuuute! I want to cuddle it so bad!", the beast-duelist enjoyer had a big dopey grin at the Fusion monster, while getting grabbed by the red-haired girl.
"I can see it! And the way Lexi fused both her Ice Queen, and Goro's Cerberus to Summon it! That gave me an idea for my next card art project or a commission - a Fire Warrior wielding a Frostfire Blade! That would look awesome!"
"Quite the reversal from Alexis, eh Seisha?" asked Kassidy glibly while looking at her little sister; Seisha simply smiled and nodded while finishing the rest of her pocky. "I know that you're a strong duelist in my eyes; but your skills aren't at this level yet, if you're not studying enough for the next time you'll duel."
"I could say the same for you, but you're right… I need to grow stronger if I want to prove how worthy I am for… him.", Seisha admits, while looking around for a certain someone… and he hasn't arrived yet.
...
Goro was looking nervously at the glaring three-eyed giant Wolf, gulping to himself for losing his Fusion Monster.
"To think you had a Frightening Wolf hidden away. Interesting backup beast, yet doesn't matter… I still have Life Points and Dark Ruler Ha Des to protect me from your next Attack."
"I'm afraid it won't work the way you hoped. By Fusion Summoning Hell-Frost Fenrir, his effect makes all monsters you control have their Defense Points reduced to zero! 'Frozen Dominion'!" The giant Wolf lets out a bone freezing howl, sending a chilling wave of frost across Goro's field; unprotected from the glacial temperatures, the Dark Overlord was partly flash frozen and trembling to signify his Defense Points being reduced zero.
Dark Ruler Ha Des (ATK 3250/DEF 1600 - 0)
"And up next, here's its second effect! Once per turn, I can change your Attacking monster to Defense Position.", by Alexis' calmly, the giant wolf raised its paws to stomp the field, creating a sudden fracture on the floor where the Dark Ruler stood, causing him to kneel in fatigue. (ATK 3250/DEF 0)
"And when it does, if my Hell-Frost Fenrir attacks your Defensive monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage to your Life Points!" Its three eyes glowing with an raging intensity, exuding ferocity and unwavering loyalty to its queen; as if the Spirit of Icy was mounting on top of it and giving them the guidance to pierce through Goro's defenses.
"Oh, of all the stuff you pulled out, this is just asinine!"
"I'm sorry, but this is the grand finale! Hell-Frost Fenrir, it's time to hunt! Pulverize Dark Ruler Ha Des immediately! 'Frostfang Pursuit'!" The giant Wolf channels its primal frost riddled aura to its target, creating a localized blizzard while its three glowing eyes lock onto its target. Fenrir lets out a deafening howl and lunges forward, shattering the frozen ground beneath it. Its form becomes a blur of silvery wind and spectral frostfire, aimed directly at the kneeling Dark Ruler.
Goro could feel the specter of defeat coming too close for comfort and he felt like had one chance to turn the tables, with the desperation palpable in his tone…
"If my Dark Ruler Ha Des gets destroyed, your Hell-Frost Fenrir goes with it! And thanks to that, it'll end this duel with victory! I activate my Trap Card, Hate Buster!" His Trap Card glows a fiery crimson as a shadowy chain emerges from the trap's art; wrapping tightly around the necks of both Dark Ruler Ha Des and Hell-Frost Fenrir. The chains glow brighter with a violet spark, pulsating with dark energy as the trap's power takes effect…
"Thanks to this Trap card, by destroying my Dark Ruler Ha Des and your Hell-Frost Fenrir, you'll take damage equal to your Big Wolf's original Attack Points! It's a shame it had to end this way for you! Ahahaha!" Goro laughs out both in relieved and long awaited catharsis, but he didn't pay heed Alexis' small smile on her lips and picking the last card in her hand.
"Clever play Goro, it would've ended or stalemated a lesser opponent; But it won't have victory snatched from me at the last minute, 'cause I'll put your card on ice! With the Quick-Play Spell, Instant Freeze!" Alexis played her Spell card into her disk, and a quick surging wave of brilliant blue freezing energy washes over the battlefield. The chains surrounding Hell-Frost Fenrir and Dark Ruler Ha Des crystallize instantly, shattering into countless frozen shards that dissipate into the air.
(A) Instant Freeze - Quick-Play Spell
Negate the activation of a Spell or Trap Card and Set it. It cannot be activated for 3 turns.
"Instant Freeze will negate the effect of your Hate Buster, the finale continues as planned. My Fenrir attack continues!"
With its path clear, with an accompanying ghastly laughter of a transparent noblewoman. The Hell-Frost Fenrir lets out an ear-splitting howl and leaps forward with unrelenting speed. Its claws, blazing with frostfire-like energy, freezerburns through the Dark Overlord in two, the two halves of the overlord engulfed in a burst of blue frost. The battle ends as the dark ruler collapses, shattering into fragments before vanishing, and the 2nd year student was knocked by the feedback of the wolf's assault as a result of defeat.
"Impossible… Damn It! My Hate Buster was my last shot." Goro says bitterly to himself while falling to the ground after losing all his Life Points.
G: 3500 - 0 LP
Duel's Result: Victory
The Victor: Alexis Rhodes
The duel ends with Fenrir howling triumphantly, receiving gentle headpats from a proud Ice Queen Spirit; before the holograms faded away altogether with the Spirit monsters and the two Field Spells that were in use. Alexis gave a relieved sigh while happily receiving cheers from her friends and many in the audience who were spectating her; Jasmine screaming at her euphorically while Mindy was laughing victoriously, Kassidy and Seisha respectfully clapping at her.
Jaden and Syrus were nowhere to be found, Alexis wondered where they had gone. Meanwhile, she decided to be a good sport with the defeated student laying on the ground in the aftermath, the reality of his defeat setting in.
"It… just unbelievable! I had the perfect counter, I knew I did!" Goro mutters sharply to himself while recounting his plans frustrated. "The 'Dark Servant' strategy, 'Guardian of Underworld - Cerberus' nullification… and 'Hate Buster's double tap. They should've overwhelmed you at the beginning!"
Meanwhile, Alexis stood calmly in her spot to not anger Goro any further; inwardly she could relate to that feeling, all the power and skill yet it wasn't enough for certain objectives…
"They were impressive strategies, Goro. But the path to victory isn't just about the power of the cards; it's about knowing how and when to use them. Your pride, while great, gave away your plan of overwhelming me from the start, and then it just was a matter of outlasting your onslaught," Alexis tried to reassure the fellow blue student.
After listening to those words, Goro stood in thought for a little bit, until he thought in hindsight. He went all out from the very beginning thanks to his opponent's reputation, maybe he could've paced out his plan a bit more. Goro knew he had the conditions to change the outcome, and yet decided to fearfully rely on strength and momentum alone. It was too late to fix that mistake, hindsight is a horrid mistress…
He picks himself up off the, his frustrated expression changing to a reluctantly respectful one. Adjusting his Obelisk Blue coat and trying to brush it off and maintain some semblance of composure…
"You're the better duelist, Ms. Rhodes. I can admit that, and your Fusion Monsters were something else. Your precision... is admirable. You've earned this victory.", Goro gruffly responds, the respect given genuinely but not looking forward to when his brother sees him get dismantled on video.
"Thanks, Goro. And you pushed me to my limits, I honestly thought we would go a few more turns, so we're fair. Defeat is never the end, it's about growth, that's what dueling is all about, right", Alexis asks with a faint smile.
'Fairness and growth, she says?' Goro pondering the words of a fellow student of a similar ranking, then laughed to himself with a nod and walked away with a wave of genuine acknowledgement.
As the crowd and exam takers resettle to continue their exams with renewed intensity while Alexis leaves the gym, she puts the cards, Ice Queen and Hell-Frost Fenrir back into her deck. A soft wintery breeze follows the blond siren as she walks away from the arena and into the hallway, her head held high. Her calm demeanor hides the quiet pride she feels swell within — this victory wasn't about proving herself to Goro, not even to the elite ranks of Obelisk Blue; But to something more important, herself and her friends.
- END OF CHAPTER -