Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

"Summoning Synchro, Level 4☆ + 4☆ = 8☆!"

"When two paths meet on a desperate situation, the one who draws his sword will prevail—[The Three Heroes: The Sword Master]!"

【The Three Heroes: Sword Master】【8☆/Light】

[Mage Race/Synchronization/Effect]

[2500/2500]

Upon closer inspection, the trio standing together are none other than Acycia's companions from the past "Teaching"—"Teaching Hammer - Theo", "Teaching Apocalypse - Aden", and Acycia's sister, who is also one of the Holy Maidens of the Teaching Dragon Kingdom, "Teaching Knight - Friedriss"!

They left the Dragon Kingdom with Albus and Acyria, and after traveling to many places, they all chose to join the Sword Masters. This Sword Master of the Three Heroes is what the trio looked like when they joined the Sword Masters.

"Cry for my power!" Theo, dressed in yellow, cracked his neck.

"Please take care of me." Compared to the arrogant Theo, Aden in green was very polite in greeting the seahorse.

"This is what I wore back when I was in the [Swordsmanship] guild..." Friedris glanced at her outfit, sighing nostalgically. She dusted off non-existent dust from her brand-new blue robe, then turned to Hayato with a teasing smile, saying, "Want to try and take my bait?"

"Tsk, so you, who spends all day flirting with your card spirits, have the right to say I'm touching the cards?" Kaiba couldn't help but complain as he looked at the [Three Heroes Swordsman] that Hayato had specially summoned. "Does the yellow one correspond to Zhang Fei, the green one to Guan Yu, and the blue one to Liu Bei? Am I Lu Bu now?"

"So, Albus and the gluttonous saintess are truly a pair of star-crossed lovers," Hayato said with a laugh, winking at Kaiba. "But do you admit you touched the card just now?"

"Hmph, you misheard!" Kaiba used his shamelessness to retract his previous statement.

Hayato didn't press further, because he could tell that if he asked a couple more questions, Kaiba would actually turn red-hot. Teasing him to this point was enough: "So, if the [Three Heroes Sword Master] is successfully summoned, I will activate its effect—and then Seth, you still won't be able to stop me, right?"

"Hmph!" came a cold snort from Kaiba in response to Hayato.

Lifting the Duel Disk, Hayato took out a card and showed it to Kaiba, saying, "Under the effect of [Three Heroes Swordsman], I can add a Level 4 or Level 8 Spellcaster monster with the same ATK and DEF from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand. Here, I choose to add the Level 8 Spellcaster monster with 2500 ATK and DEF—[Teaching Thunder - Fledris]—to my hand."

"During the main phase for both players, if there is a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck on the field, you can activate the effect of [Teaching Thunder - Flederis] to Special Summon this card from my hand!"

【Teaching Thunder - Flederis】【8☆/Light】

[Mage Race/Effect]

[2500/2500]

(They said it while they were still developing)

Seeing "another version of herself" appear on Hayato's field, Friedris, known as the "Demon-Eyed Swordsman" among the Three Heroes of the Swordsmanship, revealed a subtle expression: "Is today my dark history exposé? Why are they even bringing out this past version of themselves..."

"I'm... also quite puzzled." Another version of Flederis, whose power had been corrupted by the holy mark of rampage, transforming into an unstoppable torrent of lightning encircling her, and whose limbs (except her right hand) were still bound by restraints, was in the state she was in before escaping from [Teaching] and joining [Swords of the Aspects]. She looked at herself after joining [Swords of the Aspects] with the same subtle gaze. "I feel like there are two or three more 'me's' appearing today."

(As per the setting, Thunder was before he joined Xiangjian, and even the instructors had not yet become the Death Prison Village.)

“Alright, ladies, let me continue this development.” Hayato took a card from his Duel Disk. “This effect can be activated if I Special Summon [Teaching Thunder - Friedris] from my hand. Set one [Teaching] Trap Card from my Deck to my field. If there is a Fusion/Synchro Monster with 2500 or more ATK on your opponent's field, this effect can also be activated during the turn the card is set.”

"I covered up [the encounter with teaching]."

Seeing Hayato set a Trap Card face down, Kaiba reminded him, "Even if you have a Trap Card ready to activate this turn, as you said, 'Ultimate Dragon Magister' only loses its negation effect on monster effects. It still retains its counters against Spell Cards and Trap Cards."

“That’s why I said I’m not taking a shortcut, but taking a longer route.” Hayato said noncommittally. “But what I want to point out is that what’s really important is not the card that [Teaching Thunder - Fledelis] puts face down, but its presence on the field itself.”

"During both players' Main Phases, if a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck is on the field, I can activate the effect of this card, 【Knight of Guidance - Friedriss】, to Special Summon it from my hand—and if there are other 【Guidance】 monsters on my field, I can negate the effects of one more face-up monster on the field until the End Phase!"

Amidst the "I knew it would be like this" expressions of the two Freudris already on the field, the third entity [Freudris] appears on Hayato's field. She is the teaching saint and the strongest knight from the very beginning of the timeline, before even the truth about the Stigmata has been revealed.

【The Knight of Guidance - Flederis】【8☆/Light】

[Mage Race/Effect]

[2500/2500]

Numerically, 【Knight of Guidance - Freudris】 is exactly the same as 【Thunder of Guidance - Freudris】, with no difference whatsoever except for the card name. Even in the era of 【Three Heroes Swordsmen】, it was the same, only that it became a Synchro Monster. It gives people the feeling that the existence of its equipment is completely unimportant, and its own combat power is just that high.

—To put it bluntly, it seems that Theo and Aden did not provide any attack power bonus to the "Demon-Eyed Swordsman". The three of them standing together looked like a team battle, but in reality, they were more like cheerleaders cheering for the invincible Friedrich.

"Okay, is there any other 'Fleurides' I need to get to know?" Looking at the several "Fleurides" on Hayato's field who were identical in appearance because they were all the same person, only differing in their clothing, he couldn't help but ask.

"But Hayato, don't forget the effect of the [Blue-Eyed Silver Dragon] I Special Summoned last turn—even though it's left the field, its effect continues until the end of this turn," Kaiba confidently reminded Hayato. "Its effect will protect all my Dragon monsters from being destroyed by their effects or becoming targets of your effects!"

However, looking at Kaiba and Hayato, they pointed out one point: "But have you overlooked something? Seth - [Blue-Eyes Silver Dragon]'s effect is aimed at 'all Dragon-Type monsters on the field,' but it only targets all Dragon-Type monsters that were on your field when it was summoned, at most including [Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon] summoned by the [Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon] effect that was chained at that time."

"【Ultimate Dragon Mage】, 【Blue-Eyes Ultimate Spirit Dragon】, and 【Blue-Eyes Jet Dragon】 are the only three dragons that were on your field when 【Blue-Eyes Silver Dragon】 activated its summoning effect. 【Blue-Eyes Silver Dragon】 can only cover these three. However, the 【Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon】 and 【Blue-Eyes Abyss Dragon】 that were summoned on your field later are not included in this category."

"Besides that, more importantly, the [Azure-Eyed Silver Dragon] only grants a mere 'Majestic Resistance,' but my [Knight of Guidance - Friedriss] has a noble effect that doesn't discriminate!"

"Seal the power of the Ultimate Dragon Mage, [Flederlis]!"

Upon hearing Hayato's words, the newly arrived [Knight of Guidance - Friedris] turned to look at herself, dressed in ancient Chinese swordsman attire: "Friedris?"

"Fredelis?"

The "Demon-Eyed Swordsman" being watched subconsciously glanced at [Teaching Thunder - Friedriss] beside her—during her defection from the teachings, she had abandoned her past name and didn't feel that her past "self" was calling her. Now, she could even say things like, "Now I am just the Demon-Eyed Swordsman, not anyone else."

Meanwhile, [Teaching Thunder - Freudris] also looked at [Teaching Knight - Freudris]. Although she hadn't joined [Swordsman] yet, she was imprisoned by the teachers and was on the run. She had the idea of ​​cutting ties with her past self, looked at her past self, and then said nothing.

Seeing several "Flederis" pointing at each other, Hayato awkwardly covered his face and added, "Okay, it's 'Knight of Guidance - Flederis.' Looks like I'll have to use her full name next—so you guys stop pointing at each other for now!"

【Knight of Instruction - Freudris】reluctantly lowered her hand, and, quite annoyed by being pointed at by the other two "Freudris", she moved with a bit of resentment, unleashing a sword aura that directly sliced ​​into 【Ultimate Dragon Mage】, the sword aura flying right into 【Ultimate Dragon Mage】's fingernail, causing him to instantly burst into tears from the pain, all three heads clenching their teeth and gasping for breath.

—It's like stuffing a splinter under your fingernail and then kicking the corner of a cabinet. Even Hayato felt a bit of phantom pain watching it. It looks like he can forget about using the [Ultimate Dragon Mage] effect this turn.

The fact that the effect of [Ultimate Dragon Magician] was negated also means something else—that is, not only monster effects, but now Hayato can also freely activate spell cards and trap cards without worrying about them being negated by [Ultimate Dragon Magician]. At this moment, there is a trap card in Hayato's back row that can be activated. How could such a coincidence happen?

"This 'Encounter of Teaching,' which was set by the effect of 'Thunder of Teaching - Flederis,' can be activated directly this turn it was set because you have a Fusion/Synchro Monster with 2500 or more ATK on your field!" Hayato pressed the button to activate the set card and took a card from his Graveyard. "I will choose one of its two effects to activate. Here, I will choose either 'Teaching' or 'The Fall of Albus' from my Graveyard to add to my hand or Special Summon."

"Rise, [White Dragon's Fallen Heir]!"

The card "White Dragon's Fallen Heir," used under the name "Albus's Fallen Heir," was naturally revived by "The Encounter of Teaching" and returned to Hayato's field. The boy dressed in "bridal attire," who had acted normally when it was just him and Excalibur, became somewhat embarrassed upon seeing a large group of familiar faces, including three "Fleurdes," on Hayato's field after he had only been gone a short while: "Ugh, why is everyone here...?"

"You're dressed quite fashionably, Albus," Theo joked. Aden, the other member of this close-knit duo known as the "Sword Masters of Xuanyuan," also chuckled and teased his comrade, "Can men be this beautiful...?"

(The Three Heroes of the Sword Master: Xuanyuan is responsible for searching and cheering, while Yaoyan provides cleaning and combat power)

"Urussels!"

Chapter 1827 Albus and Xiangjian have a good relationship, so it's perfectly fine for him to bring out the Illusionary Dragon Clan.

【小林隼人：4000LP，手牌：3→4→3→2】

【The Three Heroes: Sword Master】【ATK2500】

【Teaching Thunder - Flederis】【ATK2500】

【Knight of Guidance - Flederis】【ATK2500】

【The Fall of the White Dragon】【ATK1800】

"Although you Special Summoned 'White Dragon's Fallen' to the field with a card name that can be used as 'Albus's Fallen,' you still cannot use Fusion Summon due to the existence of 'Fusion Forbidden Area.'"

"In that case, wouldn't it be enough for me to just deal with the [Forbidden Fusion Area]?"

Hearing Hayato's words, Kaiba raised an eyebrow and reminded him, "But don't forget, Blue-Eyes Jet Dragon grants my other cards on the field resistance to be destroyed by your effects."

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. After all, the prototype of that card is your jet plane, which is truly unforgettable." Hayato waved his hand and raised another finger. "However, I must point out that, except for the [Teaching Thunder - Friedris] period when 'Friedris's' power was sealed by the restraints, her power has been preserved and has not been affected by the changes in the stigmata and marks."

"The second effect of 【Three Heroes Swordsman】! You can target a face-up card on the field to negate its effect. If I have a 【Acycia】 monster or 【Albus's Fallen Child】 in my Graveyard, you can also destroy the targeted card. Although it's a targeting negation, 【Forbidden Fusion Zone】 doesn't have the same resistance to being targeted as 【Blue-Eyed Silver Dragon】—"

Before Hayato could finish speaking, Kaiba realized the situation had become quite dire: "Masaka!?"

"【Fusion Forbidden Area】is nullified by the effect of 【Three Heroes Swordsman】! This nullification effect is not just for one turn, but is permanent. Then, 【Blue-Eyes Jet Dragon】protects 【Fusion Forbidden Area】 from being destroyed, but the seal on my Fusion Summon has already been lifted!"

Hayato paused, then said, "With this kind of action, I'm certainly full of martial virtue, aren't I? It's obvious that Seth's [Forbidden Region Fusion] was meaningless in the first place."

"...What did you say?" Kaiba frowned in confusion, as if he had triggered the Holy Letter D. What did he mean by "[Fusion Forbidden Area] is meaningless"? This card at least blocked Hayato's initial "Mysterious Card Placed by the Branded Player" move, didn't it?

In Kaiba's memory, he already knew Hayato's monster cards—at least the ones he had used in the past—very clearly. Naturally, the monster that could use the opponent's Dragon-Type monsters as Fusion Material to summon the Fusion Monster [Abyss Dragon - White World Reincarnation Dragon] without entering a chain was his main target.

Able to stop [Abyss Dragon - White World Reincarnation Dragon] from affecting my field—

"The greatest significance of the 'Forbidden Fusion Area' is that it can prevent 'Abyss Dragon - White World Reincarnation Dragon' from wiping out all the Dragon-type monsters on my field." Hayato said Kaiba's thoughts without missing a word. Seeing Kaiba's furrowed brows, Hayato shrugged, "But that's exactly what I'm saying. In fact, the 'Forbidden Fusion Area' can't prevent its arrival at all."

"...What did you say?!" Kaiba looked serious, not because he was angry, but because he really wanted to know why Hayato would say that, so that he could improve his approach in the future.

"【Abyss Dragon - White World Reincarnation Dragon】is indeed a Fusion Monster, and it does require a Fusion Summon to summon normally. However, a Special Summon that sends monsters from both sides' fields to the Graveyard as Fusion Material without using Fusion is a Special Summon, not a Fusion Summon~"

Hayato spread his hands with an innocent expression, "I thought you were going to use a card like [Dimensional Barrier] to directly seal my Fusion Summon of monsters, but it turns out to be [Fusion Forbidden Area]. It only seals the act of 'Fusion Summon' instead of the Special Summon of Fusion Monsters, and it can't stop the power of [Abyss Dragon - White World Reincarnation Dragon].

"But that's what martial virtue is all about. You could have just dropped a Vishdel and used six cannons to kill the enemy target, but you chose to drop the Kingslayer for a tense and exciting battle. Victory is what I pursue, but beyond victory, I'm also looking forward to seeing what kind of power you and [Blue Eyes] can unleash."

Kaiba recalled Hayato's earlier words: "I see... 'Taking a detour' and 'taking a shortcut,' right?"

"It seems you've finally grasped my battle aesthetics, Seth." Hayato chuckled as he played a card from his hand. "Now that the restrictions on Fusion Summoning have been lifted, I can use it legitimately."

“If [Albus's Fallen Child] is on my field or in my graveyard, I activate this effect to Special Summon [Caltis, the Saintess of Hell] by its own effect.” Hayato paused, then added, “Although this card has historically served as a Fusion material in Fusion combos within the [Brand] deck and as Fusion Material for [Hell Dragon - Great Puppet Theater Dragon], it is itself a Tuner Monster of the Spellcaster type!”

"So, please use my power, Hayato-sama~" [Saintess of Hell - Caltesia] appeared on Hayato's field like a ghost, and politely lifted her skirt to bow to Hayato.

【Saintess of Hell - Caltescia】【4☆/Light】

[Mage Race/Adjustment/Effect]

[1500/1500]

"First, I will use the effect of [Saintess of Hell - Caltesia] to activate during both players' Main Phases, using monsters from my hand and field as Fusion Material to perform a Fusion Summon of a Fusion Monster of Level 8 or higher. However, due to the self-restriction of [White Dragon's Fall], I can only Summon a Fusion Synchro Monster of Level 8 this turn."

After a pause, Hayato picked up a card from the Duel Disk. "Therefore, I will send 'Albus's Fallen' and 'Three Heroes's Swordsman' from my field as Fusion Materials to the Graveyard to fulfill the Fusion Material requirement and add a Synchro Monster to 'Albus's Fallen'!"

Theo, Aden, and Friedris completed the relay with Albus, transferring their power to him. The Fallen Dragon of the White Dragon absorbed the power lent to him and immediately began to transform. A surge of divine flames burned in his hands and quickly spread throughout his body. Although the white robe was burned, the red fire dragon that appeared behind the flames released an extremely high sense of oppression.

However, the power that had been absorbed all at once and was somewhat difficult to tame was completely controlled in the next moment. The flames stopped and instantly turned into solidified sword-shaped ice. The power of the [Sword Appraisal] entrusted by the Sword Appraisal Masters was manifested at this moment. A black dragon wearing white ice armor and wielding an ice water spirit sword descended!

"At the bottom of the icy lake of Daling Peak, the purest water reflects the 'image' of the Heart Sword. The icy water vanishes, transforming into the raw stone for forging the sword. [Ice Water] and [Image Sword], life and death, an endless cycle! In the midst of delusion, let out the cry from your heart!"

"Contact Fusion Summon, Level 8☆!"

"Phantom Dragon Draws its Sword! [Ice Sword Dragon - Phantom Ice Dragon]!"

【Ice Sword Dragon - Illusion Ice Dragon】【8☆/Dark】

[Phantom Dragon Race/Fusion/Effect]

[3000/2500]

Although the [Brand] combo usually involves a two-stage fusion summon of [Ice Sword Dragon - Phantom Ice Dragon] using the effects of [Divine Flame Dragon - Crimson Realm Dragon] or [Brand Dragon - White Realm Dragon], the summoning sequence is not strictly defined. In particular, since Hayato's [Three Heroes Sword Master] on the field has already used all its effects, it is not a waste to send it to the graveyard.

"That card, isn't the fusion material [Albus's Fallen Heir] added to the fusion monster?"

Since Synchro Summoning had not yet appeared in the past, Hayato mostly used Fusion Monsters as materials when Fusion Summoning the rare Phantom Dragon-Type monster "Ice Sword Dragon - Phantom Ice Dragon". He usually did not specifically mention that not only Fusion, but also Synchro Summoning and even the yet-to-be-released Xyz Monsters and Link Monsters could be used as Fusion Materials.

Even Kaiba showed a rather surprised expression when he saw Hayato fuse IceSword Dragon with Albus's Fallen Blood to create IceSword Dragon.

But his expression quickly returned to normal: "Has it adapted to the power of the new era along with your progress? [The Fall of Albus] is truly terrifying. Such intelligence can certainly be put to good use next time."