Is this the poker world?Ada thief!

Chapter 1843 Crystal Illusion Wings
"Summoning in unison, [Armed March]!"

[Military Force] [3☆/Wind]

[Mechanical Race/Synchro/Adjustment/Effect]

[500/2200]

"Ah, even the machine race has appeared." Heine pointed to the steam-powered robot that had appeared on Hayato's field. "But why is it steam-powered? Won't it malfunction?"

"Then [Army of Force] will become my fourth favorite Synchro Monster, then [Army of Force] will become my fourth favorite Synchro Monster." Hayato deliberately repeated the sentence twice. After putting down the [Army of Force] card, he took a card from his Graveyard. "If [Army of Force] is Synchro Summoned, I will target a Tuner monster in my Graveyard, negate its effect, Special Summon it to the field in Defense Position, and Special Summon [Infernal Beetle]."

"As expected, the level of [Five-Element Magician] will be reduced by 1 star again, and [Level Thief Bug] will be Special Summoned."

[Hayato Kobayashi: 4000LP, hand cards: 3→1→0]

[Five-Element Magician] [9☆/Dark→8☆/Dark] [ATK5500]

【Kalanchoe - Shining Swordbird】【DEF2300】

[Military Force] [DEF2200]

【Eternal Flame Beetle】【DEF0】

[Level Thief Bug] [DEF0]

Backcourt: [Face Card] x2
After filling his monster zone with cards, Hayato picked up three more cards and said, "It's not over yet! I'll continue with my Synchro Summon. This time, my Synchro Materials are the Level 2 Tuner monster [Infernal Beetle], the Level 1 non-Tuner monster [Level Thief Bug], and the Level 3 non-Tuner monster [Shining Bird - Shining Sword Bird]. These three monsters will satisfy the material requirements to add one or more non-Tuner monsters to the Tuner monster!"

"Triple light transforms into a sharp blade, triple stars into the warrior's soul, triple power is unstoppable! The mastery of sword, whip, and shield is revealed!"

"Summoning Synchro, Level 2☆+1☆+3☆=6☆!"

"Michaela, I'm talking about Hayato Kobayashi's Blade—[Master of the Three Blades]!"

【Master of Three Blades】【6☆/Light】

[Warrior Race/Synchronization/Effect]

[2100/1800]

The white-haired weapon master appeared on Hayato's field in Synchro Light. After many different types, Hayato pulled out a Warrior-type monster, moving further and further away from his so-called "pure Spellcaster-type" deck. This was also because he used three monsters as Synchro Material at the same time, which made the field a little empty.

"Has it gradually risen to level 6☆?" Vera examined [Master of Three Blades]. "Then what kind of effect does that monster have?"

"【Master of Three Blades】is a Synchro Monster with a very unique effect, because its effect is determined by the combination of the Levels of the Synchro Material Monsters used in its Synchro Summon." Hayato held up three fingers and explained one by one, "If a Level 1 or Level 5 monster is used, destroy one card on the field other than this card; if a Level 2 or Level 4 monster is used, I can draw one card from my Deck; and if it is two Level 3 monsters, 【Master of Three Blades】is treated as a Tuner Monster."

“However, you used three monsters together, not two at a time,” Vera reminded him. “Not any of the three possible combinations, doesn’t that mean—”

"Does that mean none of them can be used? Quite the opposite! The effect of [Master of Three Blades] is strongest when three or more monsters are used as materials, because all three of its effects will apply in that case!"

Hayato drew a card from his deck and pointed at Vera's field with a cold smile, "【Master of Three Blades】will be used as a Tuner monster, I draw a card from my deck, and—I destroy the 【Witch's Alley】 card on my opponent's field after I select it!"

The long-standing "Witchcraft Alley" was instantly shattered by the whip lashed out by the "Master of Three Blades," finally breaking the protection that had long been placed on the "Witchcraft" monsters—although in reality, the only one on Vera's field who still retained this protective effect was "Witchcraft Master - Vera herself."

But this was still not the end of Hayato's strategy. He retrieved another card from the graveyard and said, "[Level Thief Bug], lower the level of [Five-Element Magician] again, and Special Summon it to my field."

[Five-Element Magician] [8☆/Dark→7☆/Dark] [ATK5500]

[Level Thief Bug] [DEF0]

"Then, using the Level 6☆ [Tri-Edge Master] (which is a Tuner monster by its own effect) and the Level 1☆ non-Tuner monster [Level Thief Bug] as Synchro Materials, send them to the Graveyard to satisfy the material requirements to obtain a Tuner monster plus one or more non-Tuner monsters!"

"Spread those beautiful and majestic wings and vanquish the enemy at the speed of light!"

"Summoning Synchro, Level 6☆ + 1☆ = 7☆!"

"A dazzling debut—[Phantom Wing Synchro Dragon]!"

【Phantom Wing Synchro Dragon】【7☆/Wind】

[Dragon/Synchro/Effect]

[2500/2000]

Although their auras were completely different, their levels were not equal, and their attack power was high and low, looking at the [Phantom Wing Synchro Dragon] that Hayato had unleashed, Vera inexplicably thought of the [Fierce Venom Fusion Dragon] that had appeared before: "Fusion Dragon, Synchro Dragon? What is the connection between the two monsters?"

"A connection? Quite a lot, but I can't go into details, since my brain refuses to recall the plot of that Mizoshi fanfiction." Hayato shrugged, not wanting to answer Vera's question. "Just know that [Hungry Poison] and [Phantom Wings] are both special beings with multiple stages of evolution. And now, since I feel the time and place are right, I'll use your power to help my card evolve to a higher level!"

"what?"

With Vera looking bewildered, Hayato held up the card of [Phantom Wing Synchro Dragon] and then picked up [Army March], raising both cards high above his head and saying, "Last time, with the help of [Crystal Machine], you successfully advanced from [Phantom Wing] to [Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon]. And before today, I also let you experience the power of machinery in advance through [High Speed ​​Machine/Phantom Wing Mount]."

"So, are you ready?"

"Roar!" [Phantom Wing Synchron Dragon] let out a crisp roar, as if answering "I've been ready for a long time."

"Very good! Just as I believe you have grown to a level sufficient for evolution, you also believe in me, right? Then let's break through the limits and speed forward together!"

[Army March] ascended into the air, transforming into three rings of star-tuning. [Crystal Wing Synchronous Dragon] spread its wings and plunged into them without hesitation, transforming into seven shining stars.

—Duel Monsters cards are not just fixed words printed on paper. They are inhabited by real card spirits that grow alongside the duelist. And this growth doesn't necessarily require facing invincible enemies or being driven to despair—those melodramatic scenarios that lead to breakthroughs. When the duelist's heart and the card's heart are in perfect harmony, at the right time, in the right place, or against the right opponent, the card's evolution is sometimes a natural and inevitable process.

"The swift wind that rushes through, the wings that flutter in glory, now unite as one, gathering the crown of victory in that hand!"

Hayato's card was completely covered in light, and a gale swirled around him, growing stronger and stronger!
"The required Synchro Material is a Synchro Tuner plus a non-Tuner [Phantom Wing] monster!"

"Summoning Synchro, Level 3☆ + 7☆ = 10☆!!"

Crystal reflectors covered all parts of its body, and strong armor was fitted on its slender dragon body. On the dragon's head, a crystal mechanical mask with auxiliary calculation function was installed. Its winding body flew out from the synchronized light, showing an exaggerated speed. In just an instant, it flew around the perimeter of the arena again and again, and soared straight into the sky!
Hayato placed the card in his hand on the duel disk and shouted with a smile, "Absolutely invincible—"

"—【Crystal Illusion Wing Synchron】!"

【Crystal Illusion Wing Synchro Dragon】【10☆/Wind】

[Dragon/Synchro/Effect]

[3000/2500]

"The Crystal Winged Synchro Dragon, Synchro Summoned using [Armed Force] as Synchro Material, will be used as a Tuner Monster, but that no longer matters." Hayato raised one hand, as if reciting a narration to an imaginary audience, "Rejoice! The clear and transparent Synchro Dragon, at the right moment, has integrated its past powers and unearthed the true power hidden within. This is truly the moment when it obtains the power of 'Crystal Winged Synchro'!"

"It's just a dragon monster with an attack power of 3000. I can easily raise my defense to 3800 with the power of [Master Witchcraft Craftsman - Sect Leader Vera] to defend against its attacks!"

Hearing Vera's words, Hayato shook his finger: "Stats are important in Duel Monsters, but not that important. The power of [Crystal Phantom Wing Synchro Dragon] is beyond your imagination. Besides—while the effect of [Master Witchcraft Artist Vera] can be activated when any of your Spellcaster-Type monsters participate in battle, how many monsters can it protect?"

Vera's two effects can only be activated once per turn, which means that Vera can only increase the ATK and DEF of a single Spellcaster monster by 1000 points, but she currently has a three-spellcaster monster on her field.

"How many companions I can protect is none of your concern. After all, you don't have as many monsters as I do, do you?" Vera looked at Hayato's field. Due to the continuous Synchro Summoning, Hayato's field of monsters had been reduced to only two: [Crystal Phantom Wing Synchro Dragon] and [Five-Element Magician]. Although both of these monsters were of high quality, they were not enough to destroy all of Vera's monsters with fewer monsters.

At least one more monster with considerable fighting power is needed so that Hayato can destroy all of Vera's monsters through combat. Only then can we consider directly attacking and reducing Vera's life points. And that kind of monster—

"I've lowered the level of [Five-Element Magician] again, and I Special Summon [Level Thief Bug] from my Graveyard." Retrieving the nearly exhausted [Level Thief Bug] from his Duel Disk, Hayato tapped the card, saying, "Although I've been using it for Synchro Summoning, don't forget that [Level Thief Bug] also has 600 ATK. While not high, it's still more than your [Endymion's Handmaid - Jenny]'s 500 DEF."

[Hayato Kobayashi: 4000LP, hand cards: 0→1]

【Crystal Illusion Wing Synchronous Dragon】【ATK3000】

[Five-Element Magician] [7☆/Dark→6☆/Dark] [ATK5500]

[Level Thief Bug] [ATK600]

Backcourt: [Face Card] x2
On Vera's side, the only monsters on the field are [Witchcraft Craftsman - Tailor Heine] with 1000 DEF, [Endymion's Handmaid - Jenny] with 500 DEF, and [Witchcraft Master - Master Vera] with 2800 DEF. Theoretically, Hayato already has a monster lineup that is more than enough to break through Vera's defense.

Seeing the level of [Five Magician] drop again, Vera complained, "So, the so-called 'pure Spellcaster' deck doesn't mean your strategy relies entirely on lowering the level of your only Spellcaster monster, [Five Magician], right? It's down to just 6 stars now."

"The Level Thief Bug can only lower the level of a Level 5 monster at most, which means it can only make the Level 5 Magician suffer a couple more times." Hayato said nonchalantly, not playing the card in his hand but flipping up the face-down card. "But I've already laid out my Synchro Summoning strategy quite well, and the next thing I'll do is Fusion Summon."

"With the spell card 'Angel's Charity,' I draw three cards from my deck and discard two cards from my hand. The cards I discarded are the Spellcaster monsters you've been longing for—'Shadowduck Dragon' and 'Shadow Wing Wendy.'"

Showing two cards that were discarded to the graveyard, Hayato continued, "And when they are sent to the graveyard by an effect, each of the [Shaddoll] cards can activate its effect: C1 [Shaddoll Dragon] C2 [Shaddoll Wing - Wendy]."

"The effect of [Shadowwing Wendy] is that I Special Summon one Shaddoll monster from my Deck, other than [Shadowwing Wendy], to my field in face-down Defense Position. The effect of [Shaddoll Dragon] requires targeting and destroying one Spell/Trap Card on the field. I destroyed one of my opponent's face-down cards in the back row!"

Seeing two puppet monsters manipulated by threads appear on Hayato's field—one replenishing his hand and the other destroying cards in his backrow—Ville murmured, "These are more like machine monsters than spellcasters," but her hands moved swiftly. Before Hayato could finish drawing cards due to the effect of [Shadowdome], she quickly chained them together: "Rather than let you destroy them like this, let me activate this card now—"

"C3! Trap Card [Bottle of Greed]! Target five cards in my Graveyard other than this card, shuffle those five cards into your Deck, and draw one card from your Deck!"

Seeing the card that Vera activated, Hayato blinked: "...That's it? I thought your face-down card would be something like [Skill Drain], or at the very least, [End of the World] that could chain to the opponent's Special Summon to open a field like [Spellcaster Village]."

"Then let me ask you, let me ask you, did I set this card?" Vera's face flushed red. "You think I wanted to activate this? I was thinking of slapping you in the face with a [Crystal Magic - Tear of Light] instead!"

"Besides, this card can help me recycle cards from the graveyard and replenish my hand, at least it tricks your monster's effect, right?"

After retrieving five cards from the graveyard and shuffling them into the deck, Vera drew a card with a joyful smile on her face: "Hehe, just like now, I successfully drew a spell card, which means that my attack and defense stats, which I can increase through my own effects, have been restored to 2000 points!"

Hayato also took a card from his deck, saw the effect of [Shadowduck Dragon] hit empty space, but didn't care. "But that's meaningless, because I've already prepared all the materials needed for my next Fusion Summon!"

(Regarding the pun in "Hearth of Heroes")
"I Special Summoned [Shadowbringer - Wendy] from my deck in face-down Defense Position using the effect of [Shadowbringer - Wendy]. This card is an ember of the former [Shadowbringer - Wendy], and its attribute is one of the few EARTH attributes among [Shadowbringer] cards."

"Then I activate another face-down card on my back field, the Normal Spell Card [Multi-Fold Fusion]! I send monsters from my hand and field to the Graveyard as Fusion Material for a Fusion Monster that requires three or more monsters to be Fusion Summoned. One of the reasons why Fusion Summoning is the noblest Summoning method is that it can even use face-down Defense Position monsters as Fusion Material!"

"【Multi-Layer Fusion】When activated while there are monsters on your opponent's field, you can banish up to the number of monsters on your opponent's field from your Extra Deck as Fusion Material to make up for the shortfall. Therefore, I will banish the EARTH monster 【Shadowbringer's Ashes - Divine Crystal】, the DARK monster 【Level Thief Bug】, and the 【Shadowdome】 monster 【Shadowdome Midrash】 from my Extra Deck as Fusion Material!"

A vortex of fusion unfolded on Hayato's field, swallowing three designated monster cards. One familiar figure, though the first to enter and be banished, never disappeared. Instead, it absorbed the power of the other two monsters into its body. That head of green hair could almost awaken the deepest fear in the hearts of most card players, making them wonder—how come it's 2025 and I still have to deal with Xiaomi?!
However, seemingly true but actually false, the one who plunged into the vortex of fusion but absorbed enough power to escape and return to Hayato's field was not [Kamikage Midrash], but rather—

"Steel shapes the trajectory of materialism, and boundless power is concentrated here. Abandon the law called 'Midrush' and shout the name of 'Messiah'!"

"Triple Fusion, Level 10☆!"

Standing quietly beside Hayato, "Midrush" no longer possessed the inhuman aura typical of dolls. Instead, she wore a blissful smile, as if resurrected as a real person, becoming human again. She murmured to herself, "Not Vinda, not Midrush, I have now been anointed in Hayato's hands, reborn. I am—"

As Hayato put down the card, she and Hayato called out their new names together:

"Anointed by the hand of God—[Shadowdee Messiahre]!"

TGA couldn't please everyone, so he chose to displease the vast majority of people except for fan number 33.