Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

He is one of the duelists who has faced the Earthbound God directly. In fact, it seems that he is the only duelist who has faced the Earthbound God - Veracocha Raska so far. This is because Hayato only used this card against the people of Gurus when he was in Duel City.

Unfortunately, at that time, almost all the members of the Grus, except for Lishid, had a portion of their minds remotely controlled by Malik. This allowed Malik to remotely know their thoughts and insights, but also made him suffer many times from the pressure of the [Earthbound God].

Also, on the night before the official opening of Duel City, Malik, who had just arrived in Domino City, specifically sought out Hayato for a duel. The result was a spectacular but utter defeat. Although the final blow was delivered by Ragnaros, what impressed Malik most was undoubtedly—

"When a Field Spell Card is present, [Earthbound God - Veracocha Raska] can use its effect."

Hayato pointed at Ryan Wilson: "Once per round, skip my battle phase to unleash the full power of [Veracocha Raska]."

"Instantly reduce the opponent's Life Points to 1!"

"Polar Star Obey!"

The giant vulture, which hadn't had a chance to breathe in a long time, opened its beak. Its soul, which hadn't tasted delicious food in a long time, noticed the aura emanating from the countless spectators around it and almost happily began to feast. However, remembering that the guy who had freed it from its seal was still standing behind it, [Veracocha Laska] had no choice but to obediently release its suppressed powers to the minimum.

Before adding him to the deck, Hayato gave him instructions: although he would appear in the upcoming duel, he must be careful when he makes a move and must not directly absorb the opponent's soul like he did when dealing with Gurus in the past. He must be able to "crush an ant without hurting it".

In other words, knock Ryan Wilson unconscious.

In the contestants' preparation room, Daitokuji told Hayato that he had noticed something had been placed inside the Kaiba Dome. Although Daitokuji's specialty was alchemy, he also had some knowledge of magic circles and knew that the things in the venue could be used to activate a magic circle with a certain function.

Furthermore, unlike conventional magic circles, this spell was controlled by a computer program. This is why Daitokuji couldn't find out what the magic circle was for, but it certainly wasn't anything good.

However, Daitokuji used his own method to take out some of the props for research without the arranger noticing. Hayato also recognized the green stone that Daitokuji was holding as the real thing – it was the Orichalcos fragment that the Three Musketeers of Doma always carried with them!

Based on what Bakura said earlier, Hayato has ample reason to suspect that the magic circle was set up by someone from Doma. Moreover, since it was an alliance with the Schreid Group, the prerequisite for activating the magic circle is likely the real fake card held by Raine Wilson, the younger brother of Qigu Lloyd—the Golden Palace of Rapids.

After all, in the original storyline, Qigu Lloyd used that card to activate the Trojan program placed in the Seahorse Group, and almost succeeded in destroying the internal data of the Seahorse Group.

Hayato has no concrete evidence or absolute certainty as to whether the key to activating the magic circle is indeed the Golden Palace of Mount Jiliu. Moreover, Daitokuji said that although he could find the magic circle that had been set up, taking out some of the items that had set it up was already his limit, and trying to dispel the magic circle was beyond his limit.

That would be unfair to Rein Wilson, but it would be Hayato's only option. He would eliminate Rein Wilson in one turn, preventing him from using the "Golden Palace of Rapids".

As a cry of an eagle reached his ears, Ryan Wilson felt a buzzing in his head, as if something was resonating with his trembling soul.

Rein, barely holding back, extended his finger and pressed the activate face-down button on the Duel Disk: "Before that, because of the effect of the Effect Monster, I turned on my face-down card!"

"[Divine Punishment]! I discard one of my cards to negate and destroy the effect of [Earthbound God Veracocha Raska]!"

[Divine Punishment] was successfully activated. As Ryan Wilson sent a card into the graveyard, a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, and a thick bolt of lightning struck down, directly hitting the massive body of the [Earthbound God]!

However, before Renn could even show a look of relief, he discovered that the [Earthbound God] struck by the lightning was completely unaffected, as if the lightning bolt had been nothing more than an illusion.

"H-How is this possible?!" Rein stared at his own [Heavenly Punishment], which had been successfully activated but not destroyed, and at Hayato's backrow, where no other cards had appeared. His opponent hadn't activated any countermeasures, so why did his activated card fail? "Your monster should have been destroyed by [Heavenly Punishment], right?"

"Idiot, this isn't a monster, it's a Kamida!"

"When a Field Spell Card is present, [Earthbound God - Veracocha Raska] will not be affected by the effects of the opponent's Spell/Trap Cards!"

"Submit to this divine talent!"

The stripes on the giant bald eagle lit up along with Hayato's voice, and after a brief moment of dizziness, Ryan Wilson's base score plummeted!

[Raine: 4000 → 1 LP]

A change of 3999 points in life points would be enough to put a strain on a person's body even in a normal duel, let alone the strongest power that Renn was currently enduring from the [Earthbound God], which was like an evil god. The environment that almost tore his soul out of his body almost made Renn faint.

"Hmm?" Hayato frowned as he looked at Ryan Wilson, who was standing on the field with a hunched back, swaying unsteadily, and who, although visibly struggling, did not fall down.

Although he used the "Earthbound God" technique, which he had originally intended to keep sealed away and only use against dark duelists, Hayato had no intention of harming anyone. He specifically instructed "Veracocha Laska" to hold back, emphasizing that it was better to hold back a little and not achieve the desired effect than to cause substantial damage to the opponent.

After all, it was already shameful enough that he had to take real action against a child in order to thwart a conspiracy by the Haima Group.

In retrospect, it seems that the intended purpose was not achieved.

"Ha, ha, ha..." Panting heavily, Ryan's short, pinkish-purple hair was soaked with sweat and fell down to his forehead, covering half of his face.

The fear, which had only lasted for a moment but seemed to be etched into his memory and lingered there, gripped Renn's heart. Raising his head in the shadow of the Earthbound God in the sky, Renn Wilson said firmly, though his voice trembled slightly, "I will not lose like this!"

Hayato looked at Rein and glanced at his hand: "You didn't just pass out like that? Impressive willpower, but it would have been better if you had just passed out."

Although [Earthbound God - Veracocha Raska] only has 1 attack power, Rein Wilson only has 1 base score. However, due to the cost of activating the [Earthbound God] effect, Hayato cannot attack Rein Wilson at least for this turn.

However, fighting is not the only way to win by depleting the opponent's life points.

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card [Summoning Exophysis]." After activating the card in his hand, Hayato also set his last card face down and announced, "I set my last card face down, and then my turn ends."

"However, at the end of my turn, I can use the effect of my [Spiritual Exophysis] on the field."

The long-absent Earthbound God - Veracocha Laska, though bound by Hayato's instructions not to harm the souls of others, found even the mere smell quite enjoyable. Like a heavy smoker, Veracocha Laska was inhaling deeply the fragrance emanating from the souls of countless people inside the Seahorse Egg when it was somewhat surprised to find that its own body was beginning to dissipate.

"Only once during the end phase of each duelist's turn, you can Tribute one face-up monster you control to inflict damage to your opponent for half the value of the Tributed monster."

As Hayato spoke, he pointed to Rein's mere 1 point of life points: "In Duel Monsters, half of 1 point of attack power is also 1 point of damage. It would be good for everything if your KC Cup ended here."

"Let us sacrifice ourselves for the greater good!"

【Earthbound God - Veracocha Raska】Like trash that has been squeezed dry and then carelessly discarded, it possesses resistance to the effects of the opponent's Spell & Trap Cards, yet it was outmaneuvered by its own Spell Cards and was sent to the Graveyard with a look of resentment on its face.

Meanwhile, on Hayato's field, having squeezed out the last bit of value from [Veracocha Lasca], ​​the giant, transparent eagle formed from [Spiritual Exophysis] swooped down towards Rein Wilson.

If this attack hits, his life points will be completely wiped out.

Facing the giant eagle swooping down, Ryan Wilson's mind was filled with thoughts of his goal in this duel.

Unlike his brother, Kigu Lloyd, who was only focused on defeating Seto Kaiba, expanding the Schreid Group, and using Duel Monsters as mere tools, Rainn Wilson has always regarded Duel Monsters as his partners. While loving Duel Monsters, he also firmly believes that there may be real Duel Monsters living in some other world.

His passion was rewarded by Pegasus, the father of Duel Monsters, who designed a special "Fairy Tale" deck for Rein Wilson because of his love for the game. From that moment on, Rein Wilson, who longed for Duel Monsters, had a small "ambition" in his heart - to take his friends to meet more Duel Monsters and see the view from the highest point.

After watching the Duel City recording and witnessing Kobayashi Hayato become the Duel King, Rein realized how to reach the top—he didn't need to defeat Kobayashi Hayato; just fighting him would definitely bring him some gains.

To achieve this goal, he had to become the KC Cup champion to qualify for a duel with Hayato Kobayashi, which also aligned with his brother's wish. Ryan Wilson felt he had to do it.

The meager base score would be completely wiped out after deducting the damage from this effect, and Ryan Wilson's answer to that was a firm refusal!

"boom!"

The phantom's vulture crashed into Ryan Wilson, but the impact, which should have been destructive, seemed to be blocked by something as it approached Ryan.

Suddenly, a cartoon-style tomato wearing a rugby player's helmet appeared in front of Ryan Wilson. Facing the phantom of [Veracocha Lasca], ​​it looked resolute and took full responsibility for the damage that had been done to Ryan Wilson.

As the power carried by the phantom of [Earthbound God - Veracocha Raska] vanished, the armor on the cartoon tomato shattered and turned to ashes, disappearing from Ryan Wilson's field.

"You saved my life, buddy." Rein Wilson caught a card that popped out of the graveyard and a gentle smile appeared on his face. After putting the card in his pocket, his face regained its determination, as if he had been inspired by the monster he had just encountered.

"The effect of [Obstruct Tomato] can only be activated during the opponent's turn."

"Ban this card from my graveyard, and this turn I take 0 effect damage."

Just moments ago, he was trembling uncontrollably due to the oppressive force of [Earthbound God - Veracocha Raska], but in this desperate situation, Ryan Wilson unleashed his potential and looked at Hayato with unwavering determination.

"Although I am not a strong-willed person, I will never give up my understanding of Duel Monsters easily."

"Even if I only have 1 point left in my base score, I will fight to the very end, do you hear me, Dan Kuroto!"

[Dan Kuroto: 2000LP, 0 cards in hand]

[Gaika] [Psychic Exophysis]

Location: [Temple of the Mind's Eye]

Hayato's expression was somewhat strange as he listened to Ryan Wilson's words.

I know the monster I just summoned is a standard villainous boss template, and it certainly doesn't look like a good guy, but I should be the protagonist, right?

Why does this guy sound like I've become the villain, standing on the opposite side of the protagonist? And the kind of minor villain in a shonen anime who beats the protagonist to the brink of death, giving the other side an opportunity to power up, only to be instantly killed by the protagonist who unleashes his full power?

Hayato couldn't voice his inner thoughts, and since his turn was over, there was nothing more he could do, as it was now Ryan Wilson's turn.

The two face-down cards on the field are [Dimensional Confinement] and [Explosive Armor], which are used to defend against attacks. If you are just summoning monsters and then engaging in battle, it can be considered as double insurance. However, you only have 1 Life Point left. You are like a broken porcelain piece that will shatter at the slightest touch. You cannot withstand even the slightest damage.

The opponent's [Spiritual Exophysis] card means that if they can summon any monster with 0 or more attack power next turn, they can wipe out my Life Points. In that case, I have to defeat them this turn.

Rein Wilson's mind was crystal clear at this moment. He glanced at the magic card "Living Water" in his hand. This card had the effect of Special Summoning a monster from the Graveyard in Attack Position when there were no monsters on his field. It could be used to revive "Iron Knight" that he had summoned in the previous turn, or to launch an attack against the opponent's duelist.

However, due to the effect of [Temple of the Mind's Eye], no matter how powerful the monster I summon is, the battle damage I can deal is only 1000 points. In other words, even with the appearance of [Iron Knight], I still need another monster to assist in the attack in order to achieve the goal of ending the duel in this turn.

As for the card 【Spiritual Exophysis】, whose effect can be used by both sides? That card was never in Ryan Wilson's plans from the start. Let him release his own monster to win? Don't even think about it.

Ryan took a deep breath, held it, and tried to calm his racing heart and focus his mind as much as possible.

Whether you can win this duel depends on the cards you draw this turn. If you can draw a card that can change the course of the battle, you can advance to the next round of the duel and then step by step walk up to the Duel King.

"It's said that Duel Monsters possess minds, and I wholeheartedly believe that."

'And cards with a soul can respond to the duelist's call and create the future.'

'Although to this day I still cannot hear the voice of the card, nor can I feel the spirit within it.'

'But please respond to me, my deck!'

"My turn, draw a card!"

With a flick of his two fingers across the deck, he pulled out the top card. At the same time, Ryan Wilson heard a peculiar voice: "Oh, these fools, idiots, and moths to a flame, swarming around in such a dangerous place."

"Damn it, really damn it, the smell here is awful, and to make matters worse, that idiot Ryan can't hear me."

"Hey wait a minute, what's that idiot Ryan looking at?"

To Raine's astonishment, on the card he had just drawn, a strange bird with beautiful reddish-brown feathers sat like a human, looking contemptuously at the surroundings of the seahorse egg while muttering something under its breath.

However, upon noticing the gaze that Rain was looking at him, the omniscient bird Graves from "Grapple" looked at Rain with a surprised expression: "Thank that damn God, you fool Rain, you can see me?"

"The card is talking?" Ryan Wilson stared blankly at the phantom-like [Greybird] on the card.

“Hey, you silly Raine, be glad you’re not a nasty Christian, then feel free to surrender and run for your life,” the card [Grapple the Bird] in Raine’s hand babbled on. “This is Lord Grapple’s advice to you!”

Hearing the voice that seemed to come from the card like a hallucination, Renn remained silent for a moment.

Is what you see real?

Or was it that the excessive stimulation just now caused me to hallucinate?

Although I had fantasized countless times about seeing the souls residing in the cards of Duel Monsters, I never expected to actually see [Greyfeld the Monster Bird], it felt like a dream.

but...

"But I refuse!"

Looking up at Dan Kuroto opposite him, Ryan Wilson completely ignored [Greybird]'s words and directly revealed the card: "As for me surrendering, I simply cannot do it, even if you kill me!"

"I will definitely win, with my cards!"

【Greybird】 stared blankly at Rein, who had clearly heard him speak but had instead sent his own card to the graveyard on his own: "You, you idiot, you wouldn't be thinking of...!"

"I activate the effect of [Greybird] in my hand, discarding it from my hand and adding [Golden Palace of Rapids] from my deck to my hand."

"Then I activate the Field Spell Card, [Golden Palace of Rapids]!"