Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

[Golden Artificial Life Form] [ATK1500→5100]

"This is the almost miraculous power that alchemy can create, even surpassing the legendary Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon and the Five Divine Dragons!" Daitokuji looked at the Golden Artificial Lifeform whose attack power was soaring, and let out a long breath. It seemed that he had used all his strength to summon this powerful monster. "In this way, this is the limit of what I can do."

"I place four cards face down in the back row, and my turn ends here."

【Daitoku-ji Hugo: 4000LP, 1 in hand】

[Alchemy Beast - Mercury Remora] [DEF500]

【Alchemy Beast - Silver Moonface】【DEF500】

[Golden Artificial Life Form] [ATK5100]

[Alchemy Cauldron - Chaos Refining] [Gaikart] x4

Daitokuji covered his four cards, leaving only one in his hand. He looked at Hayato, thinking, 'Even you, Mr. Hayato, will have to put in some effort to stop me.'

"While attack power isn't the sole determining factor in Duel Monsters, monsters with exceptional attack power exceeding a certain threshold become formidable opponents. However, I have the Quick-Play Spell Card 'Forbidden Cloth' in my back row. This card reduces the monster's attack power by 600, preventing it from being targeted by card effects or destroyed. Furthermore, banishing 'Forbidden Cloth' increases the attack power of 'Golden Artificial Lifeform' by 300."

'That way, cards like [Lightning Strike] won't be able to bypass the battle and destroy my [Golden Artificial Lifeform], and its 5100 ATK is so high that even [Five Divine Dragons] couldn't defeat it. Meanwhile, my other face-down card in the back row, [Blocking Enemy], forces the opponent's monsters to attack [Golden Artificial Lifeform], and only to attack it.'

"Come on, Mr. Hayato, let me see how you plan to solve this puzzle."

Thinking this, Daitokuji only saw Hayato draw a card and say with a grin, "My turn, draw. [Golden Artificial Lifeform] Ah, a monster with 5100 attack power is really strong. A monster this powerful is born to be eaten by a turtle!"

"Release the [Golden Artificial Lifeform] on your field, and I will bestow this powerful monster upon you! Come forth, [Turtle Kaibun - Gamesiale]!"

Chapter 1034 What in the world can withstand this?

"I bestow this powerful monster upon you!" Hayato played a card from his hand, "[Turtle Kaibeast - Gamesiale]!"

"Waga Tamashi, Ga~ga~miyo!"

At the feet of the [Golden Artificial Lifeform] on the ground of Daitoku-ji Temple, a fountain-like column of water suddenly gushed forth and engulfed it. From the water column, a huge monster burst out from the ground and swallowed the [Golden Artificial Lifeform] whole. At the same time, it growled at Hayato, complaining that Hayato had completely mispronounced its name.

【Turtle Kaiju - Gamesielle】【8☆/Water】

[Aquarium/Effect]

[2200/3000]

Only lightning strikes or battle destruction can remove powerful monsters? Removing a monster from the field isn't that inconvenient; directly releasing it is much more time-saving and efficient than destruction. It's a good thing Hayato didn't play [Ragnaros the Winged Ra - Sphere], otherwise not only [Golden Artificial Lifeform], but also the other two monsters on the field at Daitokuji would have been released.

"It's a release method? Tsk, it's a real blunder not to consider this aspect." Daitokuji rubbed his temples with a bit of annoyance. "But even so, I still have three monsters on my field. Even you, Hayato-san, can't clear all the monsters on my field in one turn and attack me directly without a card that can destroy the entire field, right?"

“That’s not necessarily true.” Hayato played a card from his hand. “If your alchemy deck focuses on extracting the essence from chaos, then my deck is chaos itself. Activate the Field Spell Card [Chaos Field]!”

"This time, I'm playing a 'pure Gaia' deck!"

As Hayato activated his Field Spell Card, starting from the ground beneath his feet, the clearing in the forest where Hayato and Daitokuji were located was instantly transformed into a void, as if it were the empty world that existed before the Big Bang that created the universe.

In this void, Daitokuji saw Hayato raise one finger and point to a spot in the air. A point appeared at his fingertip, radiating light outwards and transforming into a card.

“Grandma said that if I want to, the world will revolve around me.” Hayato flipped the card between his fingers and showed it to Daitokuji, then gently tapped the side of the card. “When the effect of [Chaos Field] is activated, add one [Chaos Warrior] Ritual Monster or [Dark Knight Gaia] Monster from my Deck to my hand.”

"The card I added to my hand is [Magic Knight Gaia], and according to the rules, this card name is also used as [Dark Knight Gaia] card."

Without keeping the card in his hand for long, Hayato played it out again, saying, "Next, I can summon this card without tribute if I have no monsters on my field or my opponent has a monster with 2300 or more ATK, based on the effect of [Magic Knight Gaia].

Born from the light of the Chaos Field, Gaia is one of the few light-attribute Dark Knights among them. He appears in this void riding a warhorse, showing no regret for the horse that caused his reputation to suffer, and decisively calls for a new mount.

Another card was played from Hayato's hand and placed on the Duel Disk. Hayato explained, "[Magic Knight Gaia] can only activate its second effect if it is successfully Normal or Special Summoned. I can Special Summon a Level 5 Dragon monster from my Graveyard or hand in Defense Position. I Special Summon [Cursed Dragon] from my hand."

The explosive summoning wasn't exclusive to Daitokuji. Hayato also quickly summoned two monsters on the field after losing two cards. Both [Cursed Dragon - Cursed Dragon] and [Magic Knight - Gaia] were far stronger than Daitokuji's [Alchemy Beasts].

【Gaia, the Mage of Magic】【7☆/Light】

[Warrior Race/Effect]

[2300/2100]

【The Cursed Dragon - The Cursed Dragon】【5☆/Dark】

[Dragon Clan/Effect]

[2000/1500]

"If the Cursed Dragon - Cursed Dragon is successfully Summoned or Special Summoned, this effect can be activated. Add one Spell/Trap Card with the name of Dragon Knight - Gaia from my Deck to my hand. I choose this card, Spiral Fusion."

"[Spiral Fusion]? Is that the [Fusion] Spell Card exclusive to [Dragon Knight - Gaia]...?" Seeing Hayato draw a card from the top of his deck, which happened to be the very card he was looking for, as if he hadn't even shuffled the deck and hadn't even put on an act, Daitokuji didn't pay much attention to that. Instead, he focused more on the card Hayato had just searched.

"Sodayo~" Hayato nodded, his hand now containing five cards. Without hesitation, he activated the [Spiral Fusion] he had retrieved. "Fusion Summoning is the noblest form of summoning. Let me show you what perfect harmony is all about!"

"Activate the Spell Card [Spiral Fusion]! Send the Fusion Material Monsters determined by the Dragon Fusion Monster from my hand and field to the Graveyard, and Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster from the Fusion Deck. The materials I choose are [Cursed Dragon] and [Dark Knight Gaia] on my field, and the materials must satisfy the condition of [Dark Knight Gaia] monster and a Level 5 ☆ Dragon monster."

"Super metallic armor, super gorgeous propulsion, super powerful knight! Warriors who control dragons, stage a dramatic battle!"

"Fusion Summoning! [Dragon Demon Knight—]"

Under the watchful eyes of Daitokuji Temple, the cavalry and wyverns on Hayato Field simultaneously leaped into the merging vortex that appeared in the air. Their warhorses were abandoned without hesitation, and the cavalrymen wielding dual lances mounted the yellow wyverns. Landing back on Hayato Field were the imposing and awe-inspiring dragon riders!

"[Gaia]!!!"

【Dragon Knight - Gaia】【7☆/Wind】

[Dragon/Fusion/Effect]

[2600/2100]

"Ma-ma-ma! [Dragon Knight Gaia]'s first effect: While this card is in the Monster Zone and its name is treated as [Dragon Knight Gaia], if [Spiral Fusion] Special Summons [Dragon Knight Gaia], that monster gains 2600 ATK and can attack the monster up to twice during the same Battle Phase."

Hayato waved his hand, "And the second effect of [Cursed Dragon - Cursed Dragon]: If this card is sent to the Graveyard, target one [Dragon Knight - Gaia] on my field, negate the effects of all face-up monsters on your opponent's field with an ATK less than or equal to that monster's ATK until the end of this turn!"

With cards like "Planet Transformation" to search for "Chaos Field," Hayato can easily search for the specified "Dark Knight Gaia" from his deck. Then, he can Special Summon "Cursed Dragon - Cursed Dragon" using the effect of "Magic Knight Gaia." The latter can then search for "Spiral Fusion" using its own effect. In one go, Hayato can easily create a "Dragon Magic Knight Gaia" with 5200 ATK, capable of two hits, and with a relatively stable one-way skill draw.

[Dragon Demon Knight - Gaia] He sensed Hayato's domineering spirit, he sensed Hayato's determination! Under the amplification of [Spiral Fusion], [Dragon Demon Knight - Gaia]'s power immediately surged, increased wildly, and surged powerfully!

【Dragon Knight - Gaia】→【Dragon Knight - Gaia】

[ATK2600→5200]

The aura of [Dragon Demon Knight - Gaia] was 100% stronger than ever before, incomparably domineering and powerful! What in the world could possibly withstand such a powerful monster? Damn it, what in the world could possibly withstand it?!

"5200 attack power, capable of attacking two monsters simultaneously, and also negating attacks on opponent monsters with lower attack power?!" Even Daitokuji couldn't help but open his eyes and narrow them as he looked at [Dragon Magic Knight - Gaia]. "The [Fusion] technique, which combines two monsters to awaken new power, is practically another form of alchemy!"

Alchemy, which transforms non-metals into metals, refines metals into precious metals, and transforms precious metals into the Philosopher's Stone, is, in Daitokuji's view, similar to the fusion of ordinary monsters into powerful ones.

Although his initial goal was to have Hayato defeat him to cut off the possibility of him fulfilling Kagemaru's request, seeing the powerful [Dragon Magic Knight - Gaia] appear on Hayato's field at this moment, even an alchemist like Daitokuji, whose rationality outweighs his emotions, couldn't help but feel his duelist's passion mixed with his alchemist's thirst for knowledge.

He wanted to see Hayato unleash even more power, and to witness the immense limits of [fusion], which was so similar to alchemy!

Hayato drew another card from his hand and placed it in the Spell & Trap Zone, then snapped his fingers: "The final piece of the puzzle for victory is this Continuous Spell Card, Spiral Shot, which will grant Dark Aura - Gaia, Gaia the ability to pierce defenses, as well as Dark Knight Gaia. In this way, your defense-position Alchemy Beast monsters will not only fail to protect you, but will instead become a shortcut for me to OTK you."

OTK stands for One-Turn Kill, meaning winning in a single turn. 【Dragon Knight - Gaia】, after gaining 5200 attack power through 【Spiral Fusion】, can easily deal 4700 piercing damage to any 【Alchemy Beast】 on the field of Daitokuji, whose defense is only 500, using the power of 【Spiral Shot】. Daitokuji's current life points are only 4000.

Hayato didn't even need to use the second attack provided by [Spiral Fusion]; he could easily kill Daitokuji in one hit!

"Enter battle phase! Use [Dragon Demon Knight - Gaia] to attack [Alchemy Beast - Mercury Remora]!" Hayato commanded. "Concentrate! Reach the pinnacle!"

"A perfect golden spin! Piercing through the dimensional barrier known as the Defense Representation!"

As Hayato gave the attack command, his [Dragon Magic Knight - Gaia] clamped his twin lances together, rode his dragon mount into the air, and after reaching a suitable altitude, the dragon and the rider on its back spun together, transforming into a spiral falling from the sky.

Daitokuji, having just ignited enough fighting spirit, naturally didn't want the duel to end so easily. He decisively activated a face-down card on his back field: "When the opponent declares an attack, activate the Trap Card [Strong Enemy in the Way]! This card can target one face-up monster on my field. During the turn this card is activated, the opponent can only target the targeted monster and must attack the targeted monster with all face-up Attack Position monsters!"

"I designate [Turtle Kaibeast - Gamesis] as the target of the effect, and redirect [Dragon Sorcerer Knight - Gaia]'s attack target!"

Hayato frowned, somewhat puzzled, at the card Daitokuji used. He should have made himself clear: [Dragon Magic Knight - Gaia] could attack twice. Even if he redirected one attack and destroyed [Turtle Kaibun - Gamesiale], wouldn't he still be able to attack Daitokuji's [Alchemy Beast] again?

Could it be that there's a secret weapon hidden behind Daitoku-ji Temple that he's unaware of, triggered by the destruction of a monster?

Hayato didn't clear Daitokuji's face-down cards before attacking, partly because he hadn't drawn "Harpie's Feather Duster," and partly because he had cards that could counter cards like "Explosive Armor." Although he didn't know Daitokuji's intentions, based on Hayato's understanding of Duel Monsters, anything that prevented his opponent from achieving their goal was sufficient.

"A mere Trap Card dares to mess with my monster? Muda muda muda! I activate the Counter Trap Card [Red Reset] from my hand, negating the activation of your opponent's Trap Cards and setting them face-down, preventing them from activating Trap Cards until the end of the turn!" Hayato played a card from his hand and pointed at the [Blocking Enemy] card in Daitokuji's back row. "Although activating [Red Reset] from my hand costs half of my Life Points, those things are infinite as long as they don't reach zero."

"Ignite the fire within, and crush the body!"

[Hayato Kobayashi: 4000→2000LP]

Just as Hayato paid half of his Life Points to activate [Red Reboot], a beam of red light fell on the [Blocking Enemy] card that had been opened in Daitokuji's back field, about to put the opened trap card face down and suppress it. However, after seeing the card that Hayato activated, Daitokuji showed an expression of knowing that it was true.

"The reason you didn't clear my back row face-down cards is because you have the 'Red Reboot,' which is practically the bane of trap cards. I've seen that card many times in your duels, Mr. Hayato. Because it's a counter trap, regular monster effects and spell cards can't keep up with its spell speed, it's almost impossible to deal with."

As Daitokuji spoke, he pressed a button on his Duel Disk to activate a face-down card. "But the reason I left two Alchemy Beasts on the field was precisely to activate this Trap Card!"

"This effect can only be activated if I control two or more face-up monsters of the same level. 'United Front,' which are all Counter Trap Cards, negates the activation of a Trap Card and destroys it!"

Hayato initially thought the two Alchemy Beasts were just weaklings, but under the power of the Common Front, they stood together. Facing the Red Reboot, which was trying to subdue the powerful enemy blocking their way, the two worked together to release a jet of black water, dispelling the light of the Red Reboot into nothingness!

The ineffective [Powerful Enemy Blocking the Way] successfully took effect, and the charge launched by [Dragon Magic Knight - Gaia], which descended from the sky, was deflected and turned towards [Turtle Kaibun - Gamesialer], which Hayato had brought to the Daitokuji field!

"boom!"

The Turtle Kaimon - Gamesiere, which had eaten its fill of the Golden Artificial Lifeform, was no match for the power of the Dragon Magic Knight - Gaia and was easily defeated. Although it was originally Hayato's monster, because its current controller was Daitokuji, the difference in attack power of 3000 points of damage fell on Daitokuji!

"Well!"

[Daitoku-ji Temple Hugo: 4000 → 1000 LP]

Daitoku-ji Temple's foundation is already as fragile as a candle flickering in the wind!

Chapter 1035 The Killing Whale Fist Will Instantly Defeat Kamen Rider Ryuga

Daitokuji banished two active Trap Cards. However, the [Turtle Kaiju - Gamesiale], which was destroyed in battle, was not banished by the effect of [Alchemy Cauldron - Chaos Refining] because its original owner was Hayato. Instead, it was returned to Hayato's graveyard.

“In this way, the first attack of [Dragon Magic Knight - Gaia] has been blocked.” Daitokuji’s gaze turned to [Dragon Magic Knight - Gaia], who had returned to Hayato’s field. “Although my Life Points have dropped to a point where they are as fragile as a candle in the wind, my passion as a duelist has been stirred up to its highest point.”

Hayato complained, "Why are you being so utilitarian? Giving yourself a buff, huh? Anyone can do that! [Gaia], give him a makeover!"

"Grass (a type of plant), let's go! Ignore it~"

Following Hayato's command, Daitokuji saw the blue specks of light that had been destroyed by [Dragon Magic Knight - Gaia]'s attack earlier scatter across Hayato's field. Some of them entered the graveyard, some were absorbed by the lance that [Dragon Magic Knight - Gaia] had not used in the previous attack, and the rest rose into the air and merged into the chaos.

He noticed that, without him noticing, a few points of light had gradually appeared in this void world created by the Field Spell Card [Chaos Field], and [Dragon Spell Knight - Gaia], which had absorbed the power of the destroyed monster, was actually getting stronger?

"The second effect of the Field Spell Card [Chaos Field] is that each time a monster from either player's hand or field is sent to the Graveyard, one Spell Counter is placed on [Chaos Field] for each monster sent to the Graveyard. With the two Material Monsters I used in my previous Fusion, plus [Turtle Kaiju - Gamesiale], there are currently three Spell Counters on [Chaos Field]."

Hayato continued, pointing to Gaia on his field, "Then there's the effect of Dragon Sorcerer - Gaia: This card can only be activated when it destroys an opponent's monster by battle, increasing this card's ATK by 2600."

"Grandma said that my evolution is faster than light, and no one in the entire universe can match my speed of evolution. And [Dragon Demon Knight - Gaia] is my incarnation, and will continue to evolve endlessly!"

【Dragon Knight - Gaia】【ATK5200→7800】【ATK7800→5200】

The already terrifying [Dragon Demon Knight - Gaia]'s attack power surged by another 2600 points. In the blink of an eye, it had absorbed the power of the destroyed monster, making its weapon even sharper, and it was eyeing Daitokuji menacingly.