Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

"Anyone who didn't know better would think you activated a summoning disk, it's just a mere 2000 defense points. My turn, draw!" With his hand on the deck, Hayato felt the response from the top card, knew what monster he had drawn, declared his draw, and played it without even looking at it.

"Sacrifice my Death Rogue and Elf Swordsman on the field, ride the wind in the name of the earth, wield lightning like fire, a stack of my Tamashii!"

"Gaia!!!"

Despite possessing 2300 attack power, most of it was concentrated on his horse. The Dark Knight Gaia appeared on the field, wielding a long spear. Before he could even pull on his horse's reins and strike a stylish pose, Yua suddenly activated her face-down card with a sinister grin: "Last turn you escaped by summoning the Elf Swordsman, but this time you've finally fallen for it! Activate face-down card, [Trap Hole]!"

【Bottomless Trap Hole】: This effect can only be activated when your opponent Normal Summons, Flip Summons, or Special Summons a monster with 1500 or more ATK. Destroy and banish those monsters.

"Oh no, it's a Trap Card that responds to a Summon, and a powerful one at that!" Yugi and the others tensed up instantly. In the current Duel Monsters environment, even monsters sent to the Graveyard can be revived in some ways, but if they are banished, they are usually gone forever.

Although Hayato had the upper hand in every aspect before, if the field were cleared, that guy Haga could easily turn the tide of the battle. "To wait until Hayato summons a powerful monster before activating this card is so despicable!" Jonouchi said indignantly, receiving the approval of Honda and Kyoko.

However, Mai the Peacock shook her head: "Using cards where they are most beneficial is part of the game. If it were me, I would make the same choice as that insect moth."

Seeing that the newly entered Tamashi 3—[Dark Knight Gaia]—was about to be swallowed by a deep pit filled with acid that suddenly appeared beneath the warhorse, Hayato angrily activated his face-down card: "Don't even think about succeeding. It's a bit of a shame, but I also have a face-down card to activate. Chain your trap, [Earth Spirit Art - 'Iron']!"

Just as Gaia was about to fall, a circular magic circle suddenly appeared above his head, scanning his body and even his warhorse. In an instant, Gaia was enveloped in light and transformed into light.

As the light faded, a piece of steel appeared on the field, floating above the defunct [Naraku's Pitfall], defying gravity.

"【Earth Spirit Spell - Iron】Requires one EARTH monster on my field as a Tribute to activate." Hayato returned 【Elf Swordsman】, which he had just sent to the Graveyard as a Tribute, to the field. "I can summon one EARTH monster of 4 stars or lower, other than a Tribute monster, from my Graveyard back to my field."

"Although it does not conform to the principle of equivalent exchange in alchemy, return, [Elven Swordsman]!"

"Crack!"

The piece of steel on the field suddenly shattered, and the [Elf Swordsman] leaped out from it like a magical stone monkey, returning to Hayato's field.

【Elven Swordsman】【ATK1400】

"Tch, escaped again." Seeing that her [Trap Hole] had failed to devour even a single monster and was beginning to close, Yuga muttered somewhat unhappily.

Hayato wasn't too happy that he used the [Earth Spirit Art - "Iron"] to sacrifice [Dark Knight Gaia] to the graveyard first, thus avoiding being banished. Although he had tricked Haga into falling into one trap by taking advantage of a normal summon, there was another trap to fall into.

What's even more troublesome is that I don't have any cards on hand to boost my attack power. Although I slightly underestimate the 2000 defense points of [Cocoon of Evolution], I really can't do anything about the 1400 attack points of [Elf Swordsman].

"Activate the Spell Card, [Dark Factory]. This card's effect is to retrieve two Normal Monster Cards from the Graveyard. I've chosen [Disruptor Yellow] and [Dark Knight Gaia]." Hayato activated the face-down card he had previously placed on the field to bait out Wind, and retrieved [Gaia] and [Disruptor Yellow] from the Graveyard. "My turn ends here."

[Hayato: 5000LP, 5 cards in hand]

【Elven Swordsman】【ATK1400】

[Signature Card][Signature Card][Signature Card]

Location: [Land of Disorder]

Looking at the [Cocoon of Evolution] on the field, Hayato pondered his strategy. Although his hand was pretty good so far, given his luck, he had to consider the possibility of not being able to draw an equipment spell to boost his attack power for the time being.

In the next turn, you can try summoning [Disruption Yellow] to trigger the effect of [Disruption Land]. This will reduce the defense of [Evolution Cocoon] to 0, so that any monster you have can defeat it.

"Every step you've taken has been exactly as I predicted, Hayato! Whether it's avoiding the Naraku Pitfall or retrieving the monster. In that case, I won't hesitate to use you!"

"At the very moment your turn ends, I'm going to activate this card! [Mental Collapse]!" Under Hayato's incredulous gaze, Haga activated a face-down card. "The effect of this card is: declare a card name. If you have a card with that name in your hand, you must discard all cards in your hand. If not, I must discard one card."

"Although I don't have any cards in my hand right now, so I don't have to discard them even if I guess wrong, there's no way I could guess wrong, because what I'm about to announce is that you just added [Disruption Yellow] to my hand!"

Hayato turned his head and glanced at the game below the stage. The reference to the card 【Mental Collapse】 is the "Mental Collapse" of the person below the stage who was talking about President Kaiba. The person in question is right here, and you little cutie, Haga, are you playing the same game as Wang Xiaoming, stealing accounts in front of everyone?

Chapter 64 Listen to me, let me see.

Reluctantly discarding his five cards into the graveyard, Gaia remained silent and didn't complain, while Disruption Yellow cried his eyes out. Before the fool could wipe his snot on his hands, Hayato quickly threw it into the graveyard and then pinned Gaia's card down on him.

Ignoring the scene where Gaia chased after Disruption Yellow because her armor was stained with his snot, Hayato's attention returned to the field, where he heard Hagi smugly explaining his scheme:

"My invincible [Cocoon of Evolution] has a defense of 2000 points. Apart from summoning powerful monsters with an attack power of 2000 or more, you will only have one option: summoning [Disruption] monsters that can change the attack and defense of monsters. And whether you summon powerful monsters or recall [Disruption] monsters, I have taken you into account!"

"Struggle within my meticulously crafted plan, like a spider's web, and then be eliminated, Hayato!"

With that same pathetic facial expression that judge Malik wouldn't even give a single point to, Haga grinned wickedly, pulled out a card, and proudly showed it to Hayato: "Oh dear, I actually drew the [Pot of Greed], what a pity it's not the [Heavenly Treasure Card], otherwise you could have hitched a ride too."

"Envious? I activate [Pot of Greed], drawing from my deck—"

Before Yuga could finish speaking, Hayato interrupted him, saying, "The moment you activate [Pot of Greed], I will use this card." Although he wanted to say he activated [Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring], Hayato's system didn't currently support exchanging for Tuner monsters, so he only activated a face-down card:

"【Convenient Ride】 can only be activated when you draw a card outside of your draw phase. Every time you draw a card outside of your draw phase, I can draw 2 cards from my deck." Before Haga's "Are you envious? I can draw two cards" expression had disappeared, Hayato also drew two cards from his deck. "If possible, please draw more cards~ you insect bastard."

"You bastard!" Yuga gritted his teeth in anger, his gums itching, but remembering his face-down card, he suppressed his annoyance and threatened, "Let's see how long you can be so smug! Summon [Flying Mantis]!"

With a buzzing sound as its elytra flapped, a mantis appeared beside the feather moth's Cocoon of Evolution, brandishing long, sharp, blade-like arms as if ready to join the hunt. Its scarlet compound eyes hovered over the Elf Swordsman. Although its predatory instincts were primarily insects, it didn't seem to mind indulging in some elven meat.

[Flying Mantis] [4 stars/Wind] [Insect/Normal] [1500/800]

"Cover a card and begin the hunt, proud insect warrior! Slice that annoying [Elf Swordsman] to shreds!"

At Moth's command, the long-awaited Flying Mantis instantly transformed into a blur too fast for the naked eye to see. Although the Elf Swordsman remained vigilant and held his longsword to defend against the attack, the Flying Mantis was simply too fast. In less than a second, it appeared behind the Elf Swordsman and pierced him through from behind with its bladed arm.

With the [Swordsman] destroyed in battle, Hayato's health points decreased for the first time since the start of the game.

[Hayato: 5000LP → 4900LP]

"It's just a minor injury." Since it was only a mere 100 points of damage, the impact simulated by the virtual projection system was only as light as a breeze. Hayato didn't even blink. "With the destruction of [Elf Swordsman], I have a face-down card to activate."

"This is it, [Destiny's Discovery]! I can only activate it when I take battle damage, drawing one card from my deck!"

Although it's only 100 points of damage, trading a cannon fodder sword... I mean, [Elf Swordsman] for a card in hand is still a huge win. Thinking this, Hayato looked at the [Disruption Black] card he'd just acquired, which was now dancing triumphantly, and was somewhat speechless: "Hahaha, next turn Annie will definitely summon me and use my powerful strength to destroy the opponent's monster. Oh ho ho ho, Yellow and Green are both idiots, I really am Annie's Tamashii~"

Meanwhile, the moth opposite Hayato saw him draw a card and her face lit up with excitement: "Hehe, hahaha! Just as I thought, you drew a card again!"

Just as Hayato was about to do what he always thought was right, Haga ended his turn: "My turn is over. And the life within the [Cocoon of Evolution] has already been gestating for two turns. If you don't hurry up, my invincible ace will be used!"

[Yumo: 2300LP, 0 cards in hand]

【Cocoon of Evolution】【DEF2000】

【Flying Mantis】【ATK1500】

【GaiKa】

"My turn, draw a card." Hayato drew a card from his deck: [Cursed Dragon]. As a frequent partner of [Dark Knight Gaia], this noble 5-star Dragon boasts a full 2000 attack power, 650 points higher than the eternal god [Lion Wizard].

Since there are no offerings available for its release on the field, Hayato cannot summon it even if he wants to. Furthermore, both [Scyther] and [Cocoon of Evolution] are specialized attackers; given that [Disruptive Land] has already been activated on the field, it would be better for him to summon [Disruptive Black] instead.

Just as Hayato was about to play the "Disruption Black" card from his hand, which was full of singing and dancing, Yuga on the opposite side of the duel stage chuckled sinisterly: "Hehehe, Hayato, you drew two cards using "Taking Advantage" and then drew one more using "Destiny's Discovery," right? And then during your draw phase, you drew another card."

"Such greed will bring you utter destruction!" Yuga chuckled wickedly as he revealed his face-down card. "The moment you have four cards in your hand, activate the Trap Card [Slide]! You must show me your hand, and then I'll choose a monster to return to your deck!"

"Be good, let me see!"

Damn, are you sure you're an "insect" winged moth and not a "ghost" winged moth? How come you have all sorts of brands?

Because Haga didn't remove his glasses to "release the seal," Hayato didn't shout "No!" either, but reluctantly placed his hand cards in the display area of ​​the dueling ring.

It's worth mentioning the user-friendly design of the dueling arena. Considering that the dueling arena is quite far away from the dueling arena, and that large monsters might block the view, and that some duelists, like Haga, might be nearsighted, there is a dedicated area on the dueling arena built by the Manjoume Foundation to display cards.

As Hayato placed the cards in the display area, Hagi also got a clear look at the cards in Hayato's hand.

“【Cursed Dragon】, 【Meteor Strike】, and 【Time Machine】, and even a 【Disruptor Black】.” Haga looked at Hayato’s hand. “That’s really dangerous. I didn’t expect you to be so strong. Even with 【Disruptor Yellow】 sent to the graveyard, you can still draw another 【Disruptor】 monster. I can’t just let you summon it like that.”

"Get back to your deck, you [Disruptive Black]!"

As Hayato returned the only monster he could Normal Summon to his deck, Haga laughed smugly: "【Cursed Dragon】is a 5-star monster that requires a Tribute to be summoned, and neither of your other two cards can revive monsters. There's nothing you can do. Just look forward to being attacked by my 【Flying Mantis】 next turn!"

Chapter 65 Armor Explosion, You Died a Terrible Death!

"Although I really want to argue with you, my turn is over." Hayato didn't expect that Yuga would be so good at interrupting other people's development. If it were the real card environment of Yu-Gi-Oh! in his previous life, Yuga would definitely be the kind of guy whose deck is full of cards like Stockings, Graveyard Finger, Bubble, Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring, and Ghost Rabbit.

Although Hayato himself also likes to fill up these useful hand pockets...

[Hayato: 4900LP, 3 cards in hand]

[Cover card] [Convenient ride]

Location: [Land of Disorder]

Although Hayato has an advantage in hand resources and Life Points over Haga, Haga seems to have a stronger position on the field. Furthermore, the other [Disruption] monster he finally managed to draw was sent back to Haga's deck. Although Hayato still has a face-down card on his field that he hasn't activated, that's a backup plan to summon a giant moth for Haga.

Before that, let's use the basic points to withstand a few more attacks.

"My turn, draw a card." Yuga added a card to her hand, looking at Hayato's field with a sinister smile. "Judging from your expression, are you pinning your hopes on that face-down card in the back row? As the price for being my enemy, I'm here to crush your hopes."

"Spell Card, [Whirlwind]!"

Yuga played the card she had just drawn. The card appeared in the center of the field and transformed into a whirlwind that swept towards Hayato's back row at incredible speed. The already revealed card, "Bian Riding," was unaffected, but the card Hayato was holding face down was lifted by the strong wind and torn to pieces.

It is [Explosive Armor].

'So, I guess I couldn't escape the fate of being blown away by the wind after all?' Hayato sighed. He had originally planned to use the explosive armor to kill the giant moth, but the armor failed to activate.

"Now your territory is completely exposed to me. [Flying Mantis], begin the hunt!"

"just!"

[Flying Mantis] swung its blade arm, sending an air blade flying towards Hayato. The blade struck the dueling platform, and the virtual projection system simulated the impact on Hayato.

"Cough!" Hayato instinctively steadied himself on the dueling platform. This time, the damage was significantly greater than before, a full 1500 points, causing Hayato's base score to drop dramatically.

[Hayato: 4900LP → 3400LP]

"My turn is over. The [Cocoon of Evolution] has now grown for three turns. Countdown: 2!"

[Yumo: 2300LP, 0 cards in hand]

【Cocoon of Evolution】【DEF2000】

【Flying Mantis】【ATK1500】

"My turn, draw a card."

Hayato looked at the card in his hand with some surprise. He'd actually managed a lucky draw, getting a removal card on his first try?

"I activate the Spell Card, [Magic Stone Discover]. I can discard two cards from my hand and then retrieve one Spell Card from my Graveyard." Hayato sent [Meteor Strike] and [Cursed Dragon] to the Graveyard. "The Spell Card I'm retrieving is this one, [Dragon's Mirror], which was just sent to the Graveyard because of the effect of [Mental Collapse]!"

"【Dragon's Mirror】? It seems to be a magic card that's limited to summoning dragon-type monsters. Could it be that Hayato is going to summon 【Pteranodon】?" Jonouchi made his own guess.

"【Pterodactyl Warrior】, I remember that was a card that could directly attack the opponent when they only had EARTH, WATER, or FIRE monsters on their field, right? But Yuga has a WIND 【Flying Mantis】 on its field, so it can't activate its effect. And its ATK is only 1700, so it can't break through the defense of 【Cocoon of Evolution】 either."

Hearing the game's analysis, Mai nodded in agreement: "Moreover, in just two more turns, that Moth will successfully summon his ace monster—[Ultimate Perfect Form Great Moth]. So far, no one has ever been able to defeat him when Moth has summoned that monster. That guy named Hayato is in danger."

"【Dragon Mirror】? Useless! No monster can break through my 【Cocoon of Evolution】's invincible defense!"

Despite Yuga's taunts, Hayato remained calm: "Yuga, although you are a scumbag, I must admit that you are a powerful duelist. Indeed, ordinary monsters cannot break through your [Cocoon of Evolution]. Therefore, in order to defeat you, I am willing to give up my Tamashi."

"I set a card to my hand, then activate [Dragon's Mirror] to banish [Dark Knight Gaia] from my Graveyard, as well as [Cursed Dragon] which I just sent to the Graveyard!"