Is this the poker world?Ada thief!

“【M·Hero Dark Claw】?” Obryan murmured as he looked at the new monster that appeared on the field in the Jaden of the Overlord.

【Ashfire】 worked and didn’t work. Although it did successfully remove 【E-hero Neo-Universe Overlord】 from the field and achieve the effect of “clearing the field”, Overlord Judai replaced it with 【M·hero Dark Claw】, which was just as troublesome. O’Brien was also unable to play his 【Destroyer Dragon - Weedo】 onto the opponent’s field.

However, this also means that another face-down card of the Overlord Jaden has been destroyed. Now the opponent only has [Future Fusion] and the last face-down card left in the back row, while I still have six cards in my hand.

Looking at his duel disk, O'Brien closed his eyes, pondering how to achieve victory—

The effect of [Natural Reflection] has blocked O'Brien's usual method of winning by reducing Life Points through Effect Damage. To defeat Jaden, he now has to abandon his previous style and choose to directly attack the monsters on the opponent's field to deal battle damage to him.

However, the presence of [M·hero Dark Claw] constantly restricts his development, and the effect of [E-hero Dark Knight] continuously reducing the ATK of all monsters on the field by 3500 points makes it difficult for him to break through even if he Special Summons [Volcano Emperor].

I need to find a way to deal with these two monsters on the opponent's field, and then deal with [M-hero Acid] and [E-hero Poison Foam] before I can have a chance of winning!
Opening his eyes and having finished thinking, O'Brien played a card: "Spell Card, [Pot of Greed] activated. Return three [Volcanic Deer Bullet], [Lord of the Sunfire Palace], and [Ashfall Corruptor] from my Graveyard to my Deck, and draw two cards."

'Help me one last time, Jim!' Before drawing the card, O'Brien took out Jim's "Eye of Orichalcos" and held it in his hand, silently praying.

(O'Brien: This is my "Hellfire Warrior"—"Jim O'Bryant"!)
Perhaps it was a hallucination born of his excessive nervousness, or perhaps Jim's last will still lingered within the "Eye of Orichalcos." O'Brien truly saw it—Jim standing beside him, helping him draw the card!?

'Go, Bro, take my share—bring our Friend back!' After drawing a card, O'Brien didn't rush to check what card he had drawn. Instead, he turned his head to look at the spot where he had just seen Jim, but he didn't see any image. There was only an "auditory hallucination" gradually dissipating.

"Yes, I'll bet everything I have as a mercenary, I will complete this mission."

Watching O'Brien mutter to himself, Jaden didn't care what he was doing. At the same time as O'Brien added the card to his hand, he waved his hand and said, "Then once per turn, activate the second effect of [M·hero Dark Claw]! This can only be activated if the opponent adds a card from their deck to their hand outside of their draw phase. Randomly banish one card from the opponent's hand!"

"Order: Expulsion!"

Facing O'Brien's hand, [M·hero Dark Claw] unleashed the dark power provided by Jaden, a black mist was launched and struck one of O'Brien's cards.

That card was [Obsidian Castle, the City of Ashes], which Obryan retrieved from his deck last turn using the effect of [Witch of the Ashes]. Unfortunately, while [Obsidian Castle, the City of Ashes] can be banished to activate its effect, the prerequisite is that the card must be on the field.

Since [Obsidian City] has been banished, Obryan can no longer manually activate a second [Obsidian City] to replace the existing [Obsidian City] on the field, and then use the effect of [M·hero Darkclaw] to banish it and activate its effect.

Although one card was excluded from his hand, O'Brien didn't suffer much of a card loss because the Pot of Greed allowed him to draw two cards at once, and he still had six cards in hand.

Banishing the card "Pot of Greed," he raised the open field area on his Duel Disk and said, "The effect of 'The Witch of Ash City' in my hand allows me to Special Summon this card directly from my hand if 'Ash City - Obsidian Castle' is present in the field area."

【奥斯辛·奥布赖恩：4000LP，手牌：6→7→6→5】

【The Maiden of Ashes】【DEF1300】

"Immediately following up with its entry effect, I add one 'Ashfall' card from my deck to my hand, except for 'The Witch of Ashfall City'. This time, your 'M·Hero Dark Claw' won't be able to stop me from searching for cards, right?"

After showing the card he wanted to search, O'Brien said, "I'm adding [Ashes of Rebirth] to my hand from my deck."

"Next, I activate [Reignition of Ashes] to return my [City of Ashes - Obsidian Castle], which was just banished, to my deck and negate the effect of [M·Hero Darkclaw] on my opponent's field!"

Retrieving the banished card, O'Brien activated the Quick-Play Spell Card again, erasing the effect of Jaden's [M. Hero Dark Claw]. To continue his strategy, he first needed to remove the restrictions he was under.

A flash of fire, and the black mist surrounding [M·hero Dark Claw] was suddenly shattered. He was forced to kneel weakly on one knee, unable to use his effect for the rest of the turn.

"Then, I'll activate this spell card, [Ashfall Wrath]." Having resolved the trouble caused by [M·Hero Dark Claw], O'Brien officially began his strategy.

"Send one DARK FIRE monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. After that, add one Level 5 or higher FIRE monster to my hand and enter a restriction state that prevents me from Special Summoning non-FIRE monsters from the Extra Deck until the end of this turn."

O'Brien showed the cards he sent to the graveyard and the cards he retrieved from the graveyard: "I sent [Oblivion's Herald] from my deck to the graveyard, and then added [Destroyer Dragon - Weedos] from the graveyard to my hand."

Although [Ashfire] failed to Special Summon [Destroyer Dragon - Weed] to the field, O'Brien managed to retrieve [Destroyer Dragon - Weed] and immediately Special Summoned it using its own effect!

"【Destroyer Dragon - Vidosh】If this card is in my hand, during both players' Main Phases, you can target one card in the Field Zone to activate its effect, Special Summon this card to your opponent's field, and destroy a Field Spell Card."

"Obsidian City crumbles once more, and then awaken, [Vedos]!"

【Destroyer Dragon - Weedo Release】【ATK2800】

Spitting purple flames, the arrogant black dragon reappeared on Jaden's field, destroying field spell cards. Its entrance became the starting point for Obryan's continued development.

"Regarding the follow-up effect of [Destroyer Dragon - Wido], I can either add a [Ashfall] Continuous Trap Card from my deck to my hand or set it on the field. I choose to set [Boundless Ashfall] from my deck."

"Also, the third effect of [Obsidian City of Ashes], which exists in the field zone, is activated when it is destroyed or banished, so it doesn't matter even if the effect of [M·hero Darkclaw] is not negated and this destroyed card is banished."

"I activate it, and then Special Summon a single [Ashfall] monster from my Deck. The one I Special Summon here is this [King of Ashfall]!"

[King of Ashes] [ATK 1400 → 0]

O'Brien replicated his first turn's setup, Special Summoning a monster, "and during my Main Phase I can activate the effect of [King of Ashes] to Special Summon a single [Ashes] monster from my hand."

"If the opponent has a monster with 2800 or more ATK—that is, the [Destroyer Dragon - Vidosh]—I can choose a monster to Special Summon from my Deck instead!"

O'Brien plays the card he retrieved, "I Special Summon 'The Spellcaster of Ashes' from my deck!"

【The Sorcerer of the Ashes】【4☆/Dark】

[Flame Clan/Effect]

【1300/1200→0/1200】

Looking at the [Sorcerer of Ashes] beside her, the [Priestess of Ashes] couldn't help but reveal a subtle expression, her smile somewhat forced: "The power of these children...is it actually manifested in this form?"

"It's probably because that guy didn't have a good first impression of us, that's why he has this image." The one who spoke was not the [Sorcerer of Ash City], but rather the three red flames beside her. If the residents of the rebellious town were to recognize the voices, they would be easily identifiable as the voices of the three [Dancing Fairies].

The powers of [Wandering Hero - Freed] and [Sea God's Witch] were transformed into [King of Ash City] and [Witch of Ash City] respectively in Obryan's hands. However, the three [Dancing Fairies] who had many arguments with him along the way and did not get along well became the seemingly "fierce" [Sorcerer of Ash City]. It is hard to believe that Obryan's subjective impression had no influence.

"This isn't the time for you to worry about this," O'Brien complained irritably, waving his hand. "Now that you've joined my deck, use your 'healing' power to restore everything."

"The effect of [The Spellcaster of Ash City] can only be activated by targeting my Graveyard and the banished Trisolaran monsters. I chose my two banished [Volcanic Edge Bullet] and [The Priestess of Ash City]."

"Return the targeted monster to my Deck. And if this effect also returns a [Ashfall] monster to the Deck, it gains the ability to retrieve one [Ashfall City - Obsidian Castle] from my Deck!"

"Then, let's begin the repairs!" the three flames, shaped like skeletons, shouted in unison. "Bite the Dust, activate!"

Under the silent command of the "Spellcaster of Ash City," the surrounding environment underwent a time-reversal-like change. The last few cards that had been banished for the special summon of "Volcano Emperor" were retrieved, and at the same time, an extra card appeared in his hand.

That was the final piece of the puzzle he needed to gain the power to defeat the Supreme King Jaden and achieve victory—[Obsidian Castle, the City of Ashes].

【奥斯辛·奥布赖恩：4000LP，手牌：5→4→5→5→4→5】    【灰灭都的巫女】【DEF1300】

[King of Ashes] [ATK0]

The Sorcerer of Ashes City [DEF1200]

Backcourt: [Ashes of Destruction] [Given Card (Boundless Annihilation)]

Location: [Obsidian City, the City of Ashes]

"I activate the Field Spell Card [Obsidian City of Ashes] again." O'Brien played the card, his heart filled with hope. "With that, the final piece of the puzzle to defeat you is complete!"

"If the effect of 'Hero of the Ashes' in my hand is 'Obsidian Castle' in the field zone, I can Special Summon it from my hand."

"And this Special Summoning effect is common to all [Ashfall] monsters. My [Observer of Ashfall] has the same effect, so I Special Summon it from my hand!"

[Hero of the Ashes] [ATK2600→0]

[The Pioneer of Ashes] [4☆/Dark]

[Flame Clan/Effect]

【1700/100→0/100】

O'Brien's last two empty monster zones in the front field were filled with monsters. Jaden sneered, "Even if you put up five monsters at once, it won't matter. Under the effect of [E-hero Dark Knight], their attack power is reduced by 3500 points to 0. They can't even break through the weakest of the weak, like the [Disruption] monster, let alone my [Hero] monster?"

"【Hero of Ashes】 and 【Pioneer of Ashes】 are cards I drew using the effect of 【Pot of Greed】 and with the help of Jim's power!" O'Brien still held three cards in his hand, his fist clenched. "If 【Hero of Ashes】 is my embodiment, the one for whom everyone needs power, then 【Pioneer of Ashes】 embodies the power that Jim entrusted to me in the end!"

"While I could Special Summon these two cards even when [Obsidian City of Ashes] existed, now that all the victory conditions are met, this is the perfect time for this power to come into play!"

Pointing to Jaden's field, O'Brien said, "The second effect of [Oblivion's Pioneer] can only be activated by Tributing itself and targeting one card on your opponent's field if there is a monster with 2800 or more ATK on your opponent's field—that is, [Destroyer Dragon - Vidos]!"

"Jim, please, lend me your power once again!"

The masked [Pioneer of Ash City] did not possess the power of any other elves, but upon hearing O'Brien's words, he turned his head, smiled at O'Brien, and then rushed out without hesitation, initiating that holy sacrifice!
"My target is [M·hero Darkclaw], and I will return it to its owner's hand using the effect of [Pioneer of Ashes]!"

"Stella!!!"

Flames erupted from the body of the [Pioneer of Ashes], and its entire body was enveloped in holy light, transforming into a meteor that would never return as it hurtled toward its target.

The [M·hero Dark Claw] that had restrained O'Brien from unleashing its power time and time again could not resist this force in the end. Just as darkness was dispelled by light, it was forcibly expelled from the field by [Herald of Ashes]!
"It's not over yet. Next up is the effect of [Hero of Ash City], which is my combo with Jim!" O'Brien clenched his fist again. "During both players' main phases, target one Flame Monster on the field and destroy it!"

Jaden frowned: "After deliberately filling the field with monsters, are you planning to use the exit effect of [Destroyer Dragon - Weedos] to destroy all of both sides' monsters in one go?"

It's no wonder that Jaden thought that way. After all, in his view, the only Fiery Monster on his field was the [Destroyer Dragon - Weedos] sent by Obryan. If he didn't destroy [Destroyer Dragon - Weedos], was Obryan going to destroy the other [Ashfall] monsters on his field?
"No, I'm not going to destroy [Destroyer Dragon - Vidos], the monster I'm going to destroy is—" pointing to the "Demon-Type" monster on the field of Jaden, O'Brien said, "—that [E-Hero Dark Knight]!"

"My monster?" Jaden was also somewhat puzzled. "But you just said that the effect of [Hero of Ashes] can only target one FIRE monster on the field."

"Masaka!?" Halfway through his sentence, Jaden suddenly remembered something and looked around sharply. The scene around him was the [City of Annihilation - Obsidian Castle] unfolding before him, a city of destruction burning with flames.

“Remember now? I said it last turn: during my turn, [Obsidian City] will turn all Special Summoned monsters on my opponent’s field into Fiery monsters!” O’Brien revealed the answer, watching as [Hero of Obsidian City] on his field plunged its greatsword into the ruins of the city, drawing flames to ignite the sword.

"This city is the epitome of the destruction you brought upon yourself in your pursuit of power. This is the end of darkness, a consequence of your own actions. So wake up soon, Jaden, or I'll personally wake you up!" Pointing at the opponent's field, O'Brien shouted, "Sword of Repentance!"

Engulfed in crimson flames, he charged forward, and the Hero of Ash City cleaved through the body of the Dark Knight E-hero with a single sword strike, relieving the heavy burden of the monsters that weighed on Obryan and becoming a "hero" who brought hope, just as his name suggests!
【奥斯辛·奥布赖恩：4000LP，手牌：5→4→3→2】

[King of Ashes] [ATK 0 → 1400]

[Hero of the Ashes] [ATK0→2600]

"So now you only have the two monsters, [M-hero Acid] and [E-hero Poison Foam], left on your field. What?!"

Just as he was about to say something, O'Brien saw a stream of water suddenly rise from the spot where the [E-hero Dark Knight] had just been destroyed on the field of Jaden.

[M-hero Fountain], which was discarded to the graveyard by the effect of [E-hero Liquid Man] in the previous turn, has now returned to the field and is standing right where [E-hero Dark Knight] was just standing?!
【M·hero Spring Water】【DEF1400】

"...I remember now, [E-hero Dark Knight] has an effect that activates when this card, Special Summoned face-up, leaves the field." Only now did he suddenly recall that the [E-hero Dark Knight] he had dealt with had activated this effect during his duel with Jim. "Whether it's the bounce of [Ashfall Vanguard] back to the hand, the destruction of [Ashfall Hero], or even being Tributed, it can activate an effect?"

"Although I don't want to admit it, this was a mistake I made in a moment of impulse."

"As you remember, I activated the effect of [E-hero Dark Knight] by targeting a Fiend-Warrior monster in my Graveyard and Special Summoned it in Defense Position. What I Special Summoned was this Warrior-Type [M-hero Fountain]."

After putting down the card, Jaden looked at his graveyard with some regret. Although the special summon of [E-hero Dark Knight] included a Fiend, the cards in his graveyard, such as [E-hero Neo-Supreme King], were restricted to being "special summoned only by the effect of [Dark Fusion]". Even if they were played in a regular game and the revival restriction was lifted, they could not be special summoned.

If [Overlord Castle] were still there, it would be possible to unleash the power to break through limitations and use the effect of [E-hero Dark Knight] to Special Summon [E-hero Neo Overlord]. But the current arena is [Obsidian Castle, the City of Annihilation], which is a real pity.

"Although you Special Summoned another monster, because [Oblivion's Herald] has freed itself, I also have an empty slot on my field to Special Summon a monster."

O'Brien retrieved the "Volcanic Flame Cannon" from his graveyard, which was destroyed by the effect of "M·hero Acid" last turn. He declared, "By banishing this 'Flame Cannon' card from my graveyard, I Special Summon 'Volcanic Emperor' from my graveyard again!"

"Furthermore, if Special Summoned via the [Volcano Emperor] method, its effect will be activated!"

"Effect damage? No way! Have you forgotten about [Natural Reflection]?" Jaden the Conqueror said coldly. "The effect of [Volcano Emperor] cannot cause me effect damage. On the contrary, its effect will be reversed and cause effect damage to you!"

“I know that. The effect of [Volcano Emperor] is optional, not mandatory. But I will still activate its effect!” O'Brien said with a determined expression, taking out his banished cards. “Among the cards I banished, there are two [Vanguard of Ashes].

"Therefore, [Volcano Emperor] will deal 1000 points of effect damage. Hmm—"

[Ossin O'Brien: 4000 → 3000 LP, Hand: 2]

After so many duels, O'Brien finally took some damage, but it came from his own monsters. Fortunately, he had used the effects of "Ashfall Rekindled" and "Ashfall Spellcaster" to recover five banished Fiery Monsters; otherwise, he would have suffered even more damage.

"I'm just a little disappointed that I forgot to Special Summon [Volcano Emperor] first, and then activate the effect of [Hero of Ash City]." Taking the damage and feeling the burning pain on his body, O'Brien looked at the monsters on his field. "Another effect of [Volcano Emperor] is that it can inflict 500 effect damage to the opponent each time a monster is Special Summoned."

"This effect is permanent and does not require activation, while the effect of [Natural Reflection] requires 'the opponent to activate an effect that deals damage'. In other words, if I summon [Volcano Emperor] earlier, I can also use the special summon of [M·Hero Fountain] to deal you 500 points of effect damage."

After a pause, O'Brien waved his hand: "But there's no point in regretting it now. The reason I insisted on activating the effect of [Volcano Emperor] is because its damage effect has follow-up processing."

"I'll set a [Volcano] Trap Card to my back row from my deck. I chose the Trap Card [Volcanic Inferno]." (End of Chapter)