Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

"When the two elemental souls converge, the atmospheric power awakened by the fusion of water and wind will bring life and hope. Be born to greet the rising sun, hero of the sun!"

"Fusion Summon! [E·Hero Sunrise Warrior]!"

A flowing blue cloak billowed in the breeze that swept across the central square, revealing a broad chest, sharp eyes peering through a horned helmet, and a pair of cool weapons, each adorned with a shimmering sun-like disc split in two, mounted on two arm armors!

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【7☆/Light】

[Warrior Race/Fusion/Effect]

[2500/1200]

"【E·hero】 refers to heroes who wield the power of the element 'Elemental' and uphold justice. Their greatest skill is combining multiple elemental powers to create miracles," Jaden said proudly. "When 【E·hero Sunrise Knight】 is successfully Special Summoned, its effect can be activated to add one 【Miracle Fusion】 from the Deck to my hand."

"The effect of one of the materials, [E·hero Liquid Man], is activated when it becomes a Fusion Material for a [Hero] Fusion Monster, is sent to the Graveyard, or is banished. I draw two cards from my Deck and discard one card from my hand."

Jaden's hand, which had been reduced to only one card after Fusion Summoning [E·Hero Sunrise], suddenly grew to three cards. Despite using Fusion Summoning, he didn't lose a single card and even transformed [E·Hero Skywalker], which was in Defense Position and unable to attack, into the powerful [E·Hero Sunrise].

"Furthermore, the second effect of [E·Hero Sunrise] is that it increases the ATK of the monsters I control by 200 times the number of attributes of the monsters I control. I currently control [E·Hero Sunrise] (Light), [E·Hero Flame] (Fire), and [E·Hero Tornado] (Wind), so all the monsters I control will gain 600 ATK due to the effect of [E·Hero Sunrise]!"

【E·hero Sunrise Warrior】On his left arm, on the half-sun disc shaped like a scythe, three decorative pillars lit up with white, red and green light, seemingly drawing on elemental power. As he raised his arm and shouted, the attack power of the monsters on the field of Jaden was boosted!

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK2500→3100】

【E·hero Blaze】【ATK1200→1800】

【E·hero Giant Tornado】【ATK2800→3400】

Looking at the [Miracle Fusion] card in his hand, Jaden's intuition told him that now was not the best time to use it. After a moment's thought, he activated his extraordinary wisdom and decided, "Then, I'm entering the battle phase, Tenjouin!"

"First, use [E·hero Blaze] to attack [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten-]. Under the influence of [E·hero Tornado], [E·hero Blaze] can now destroy it through combat!"

"At the same time, the third effect of [E·hero Sunrise] is also activated: when [E·hero Flameman] declares an attack, you can target one card on the field and destroy that card."

Before the attack of [E·hero Blaze] officially began, Judai pointed to the last card on Asuka's back row and said, "What I want to destroy is the last card on your back row, Tenjōin!"

"The sun without mercy!"

A beam of sunlight was released from the hand of [E·hero Sunrise] and shot towards the face-down card on Asuka's back field, piercing it through. At the same time, [E·hero Blaze] also started running from the field of Jaden. His body was wrapped in flames and he punched [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten-], who was also dressed like a runner.

The weakening effect of [E·hero Tornado] on the enemy, the amplification and control of elemental power by [E·hero Sunrise], and the cleared-out back-side cards—no matter how you look at it, at this moment, [E·hero Flamebringer] should have destroyed [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten-] with a single "Flame Fist."

However, Jaden saw [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten -] ignore the flames on [E·hero Blaze]'s fist, easily take his attack, and even show a smug smile when he looked up and met [E·hero Blaze]'s gaze.

At the same time, Asuka's voice came through—

"As expected, your strength is not to be underestimated, Judai Yuki. Your ability to defeat Professor Chronos and Manjoume is no coincidence or luck, but is supported by your powerful strength."

Asuka removes the face-down card chosen by [E·hero Sunrise Warrior] from the Duel Disk and shows it to Jaden, saying, "However, when it comes to becoming stronger, I will never be inferior to anyone, and I must prove that I am stronger than you!"

"Before you destroyed it, I activated this card, the Trap Card [Wall of Division]. It can only be activated when an opponent's monster declares an attack. It reduces the ATK of all Attack Position monsters on your opponent's field by 800 points equal to the number of monsters on your opponent's field!"

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK3100→700】

【E·hero Blaze】【ATK1800→0】

【E·hero Giant Tornado】【ATK3400→1000】

Asuka pointed at [E·hero Blaze], who was being controlled by [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten-] and unable to retract his fist: "The monster's attribute increase does indeed enhance [E·hero Sunrise]'s buff effect, but at the same time, your monster will also have its attack power reduced by [Wall of Severance], and this attack cannot trigger battle reversal!"

"My [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten -] has a defense of 1000 points, so take this 1000 points of battle damage, Jaden Yuki!"

As Asuka spoke, [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten -] caught [E·hero Blaze]'s fist with his left hand, clenched it, pulled [E·hero Blaze] back, and swung his empty right fist hard, hitting [E·hero Blaze] in the face, sending him flying back onto Jaden's field.

As a result, Judai suffered 1000 points of combat damage.

[Tenth Generation: 4000 → 3000 LP]

"Wow, that was a powerful blow." Touching his left cheek, although the virtual projection system wouldn't actually deliver the same heavy punch to Jaden's face as [E·hero Blaze], just watching his hero get sent flying still caused Jaden a subconscious phantom pain. "Although Sho told me that Tenjouin is the most beautiful girl in the first year and even the whole school, you're not just a pretty face; you're a powerful duelist."

"Hmph, isn't that obvious?" Hearing Judai's words, Asuka wasn't angry at all. In fact, she didn't care at all about being commented on her appearance. What made her happier was Judai's opinion that he cared more about dueling ability than appearance.

In the past, even if she won the duel in a cool and beautiful way, other people would only pay attention to how beautiful she was or how gorgeous her monster was. Jaden is the first person to admit that he is a "powerful duelist".

Looking at Judai, she smiled and said, "Now you know what it means that 'roses have thorns,' Judai?"

"It does hurt a bit, but it's not time for me to give up yet." Jaden also returned a bright smile, pointing to another monster on Asuka's field, "If I can't destroy [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten-] in this battle phase, then I'll go destroy [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasatemi-] first. I can't let you continue to recover your Life Points and widen the gap in the next turn."

"【E·hero Tornado】, attack 【Cyber ​​Angel - Nasatemi-】, super single-target lightning storm!"

Although its name is "Great Tornado" and its effect involves manipulating a sandstorm, when it actually attacks, [E·hero Great Tornado] conjures a ball of lightning in its hand. As the lightning merges into the surrounding vortex, the lightning storm strikes [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasatemi-] on Asuka's field. If you only look at the sheer force of the attack and ignore the stats, who would guess that the current [E·hero Great Tornado] only has an attack power of 1000 points?

"I'm not bragging, but I could block this kind of attack with my butt!"

"If you keep making noise, I'll shove you under the table again."

"I was wrong, Annie~"

[Disruption Yellow], who had come out to make its presence known, was sent back into the card by Hayato's words. Meanwhile, a lightning storm was about to hit [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasaya -], but Asuka didn't do anything. Jaden then discovered that the lightning storm had suddenly disappeared into thin air!?

"【Cyber ​​Angel - Nasatemi-】is more than just pretty. A mere thunderstorm? Watch me push it back!" Asuka explained with a smile. "【Cyber ​​Angel - Nasatemi-】is activated when a Ritual Monster on my field is targeted for an attack, negating that attack."

The centaur goddess, with four arms, four legs, four breasts, and four eyes, gently waved her two right arms, which were covered in golden armor. It was these two arms that had activated their abilities to erase the attack of [E·hero Great Tornado]. The other two arms were capable of using the ability to restore Asuka's base points from the previous turn.

"This effect doesn't even occur once per round? You're really strong, Tenjouin. I should have used [E·hero Sunrise] to destroy [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasatemi-] earlier."

Knowing the effect of [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasatemi-], Jaden didn't let the remaining [E·Hero Sunrise] continue its pointless attacks. After checking the cards in his hand, he said helplessly, "However, it's too late to regret it now. I'll set two cards face down on the back row and end my turn."

[Junior: 3000LP, 0 cards in hand]

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK700】

【E·hero Blaze】【ATK0】

【E·hero Giant Tornado】【ATK1000】

[GaiK] X3

Because of the "Wall of Severance", Jaden's monsters' attack power was reduced to a level that even "Disruption Yellow" couldn't break. Similarly, Asuka's "Cyber ​​Angel" also had its already low stats reduced by "E-Hero Tornado". To make matters worse, neither of their effects lasted for one turn, but existed indefinitely. When the monsters on both sides were placed together, it had a retro feel reminiscent of the early days of Duel Monsters, where a bunch of ordinary monsters and weaklings fought each other.

Fortunately, Jaden hadn't used Miracle Fusion to summon another Fusion Monster earlier; otherwise, he probably wouldn't have many monsters on his field with an attack power exceeding 500. For safety's sake, Jaden decisively set all three cards, including Miracle Fusion, face down in an attempt to survive Asuka's turn.

Taking advantage of Jaden's field being filled with low-attack position monsters, Asuka prepared to launch a counterattack and try to defeat Jaden in one fell swoop. She drew a card and said, "My turn, draw!"

"Then I set a card face down and activated the Spell Card, [Heavenly Treasure Card]!"

Chapter 1076 Fate, Wonderful Beyond Words

"Activate [Heavenly Treasure], and draw cards from your respective decks until you have six cards in your hand!"

Having attended Duel Academy Middle School for three years, Asuka naturally understands the concept of "card advantage" in duels. The importance of hand cards is self-evident for her, who uses Ritual Summoning with card disadvantage. Naturally, she also includes the strongest card to replenish her hand in her deck—[Heavenly Treasure Card].

However, because Jaden also had zero cards in her hand, the card difference between the two of them was not widened.

"I have zero cards in my hand, so I can draw six cards from my deck because of the effect of [Heavenly Treasure].

"I feel the same way."

Six cards automatically appeared at the top of the deck. Asuka and Judai simultaneously drew these six cards, and when they saw the cards they had drawn, smiles appeared on their faces, as if they had both drawn some good cards.

Noticing the confident smile on Judai's face, Asuka realized that Judai's hand was also quite good: "You also drew some good cards, Judai? But I won't let you have the chance to use those cards."

"I've opened the card I just set face down. Ritual Spell Card [Ritual of the Machine Angel], I'll release my Level 6 [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten-] on the field and my Level 3 [Amabi'e Girl] in my hand, bringing their combined Level to 9, which is above Level 8!"

The Fairy-Type monster 【Amabie Girl】 originally had the ability to reveal this card from your hand to your opponent at the start of Main Phase 1 to activate its effect and restore 300 Life Points to both duelists. However, because it was drawn as 【Treasure from Heaven】, the opportunity to activate this card's effect was missed.

Furthermore, Asuka's base score is already 1800 points ahead of Jaden's, giving her a sufficient advantage that doesn't need to be expanded further. She's also planning to clear Jaden's base score as much as possible this turn, so failing to activate the effect of [Amabi'e Girl] is not a big deal. She might as well release it to fill the star requirement for the Ritual Summon.

"O Dakini, bearing the name of demons and gods, answer with solemnity and bring me victory! Ritual Summon, Rank 8☆!"

"【Electronic Angel - Dagini-】!"

The four-armed [Electronic Angel] was born in the light of the ritual, wielding a knife in one hand and a sword in the other, while holding a long spear the same color as her skin in both other hands. She looked much more skilled in combat than the [Electronic Angel - Nasati-] and [Electronic Angel - Idaten-] who were unarmed before.

【Electronic Angel - Dagini-】【8☆/Light】

[Angel Race/Ritual/Effect]

[2700/2400]

“Similar to [Cyber ​​Angel - Benten-], [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten-] activates its effect when it is Tributed, permanently increasing the ATK and DEF of all Ritual Monsters on my field by 1000 points.” Asuka said as she sent the card to the Graveyard. “At the same time, if the Ritual Summon is successful, [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] also activates its effect, forcing the opponent to send one of their monsters to the Graveyard.”

"So, the choice is mine, meaning it applies to the player? Even adding resistance to monsters won't help."

Upon hearing this, Jaden glanced at the three-body monsters on his field with some distress. He liked both of them and found it difficult to choose. After much consideration, he picked up the card with the lowest attack power, [E·hero Blaze], from his Duel Disk. "Sorry, [Blaze], you'll have to rest in the Graveyard for a while."

With Jaden sending [E·hero Blaze] to the graveyard, the ATK bonus provided by [E·hero Sunrise] was reduced by 200 points because the FIRE attribute was removed from his field. Meanwhile, Asuka's two Ritual Monsters on the field received the bonus from the released [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten -].

【Electronic Angel - Dagini-】【2700/2400→3700/3400】

【Electronic Angel - Nasatimi-】【500/500→1500/1500】

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK700→500】

【E·hero Giant Tornado】【ATK1000→800】

With this shift in power, Asuka now only needs to use her "Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-", whose attack power even surpasses that of the legendary "Blue-Eyes White Dragon," to easily wipe out Jaden's basic attack.

However, before that, Asuka deliberately activated the effect of [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasatemi-] again: "[Cyber ​​Angel - Nasatemi-] effect activated, target [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] on my field, restore my Life Points equal to half of its ATK."

【Electronic Angel - Nasati-】waved her two left hands, drawing life force from 【Electronic Angel - Dajini-】and channeling it into Asuka's body, causing her already high base score to increase even further.

【Asuka: 4800→6150LP】

With her base score more than double that of the Jadens and four cards remaining in her hand, Asuka glanced at her four remaining cards. Although she felt confident of victory and had a 100% chance of winning, she needed to increase her win rate as much as possible, even if it was just by 1%.

"Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Solemn Mechanical Angel], Tribute [Cyber ​​Angel - Benten-] in my hand, and target one LIGHT Fairy-Type monster on my field - [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-]. Increase the ATK and DEF of the targeted monster by 200 x the Tributed Monster's Level until the end of this turn."

Sending a card from her hand to the Graveyard to activate a card inserted into the Spell & Trap Zone, Asuka pointed to her 【Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-】 on her field and said, "And during this turn, if the targeted monster battles an opponent's monster Special Summoned from the Fusion Deck, the effects of that opponent's monster are negated only during the Battle Phase!"

Asuka hadn't forgotten that in the previous turn, when Jaden used [E·hero Blaze] in battle, he triggered the effect of [E·hero Sunrise]. However, Jaden didn't fully explain what the effect of [E·hero Sunrise] was at the time, only saying, "When [E·hero Blaze] declares an attack, you can target one card on the field and destroy that card."

Because of Jaden's incomplete description, Asuka doesn't know exactly what the trigger condition for the third effect of [E·hero Sunrise] is, but she can confirm that the condition is "when a monster declares an attack in battle".

However, since there isn't enough evidence to confirm the effect, it's best to simply block it. The only thing Asuka can confirm is that the third effect of [E·hero Sunrise] can only be activated during the battle phase with an attack declaration as a trigger; otherwise, Judai wouldn't have been able to take that [Splitting Wall] attack before.

And at this moment, the [Solemn Mechanical Angel] she activated could immediately nullify the seal even if the effect of [E·hero Sunrise Warrior] was triggered during the attack declaration!

Furthermore, cards released by Asuka in order to activate [Solemn Mechanical Angel] also have effects that can be activated.

"【Cyber ​​Angel - Benten-】is a 6☆ card, therefore 【Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-】will gain 1200 ATK and DEF. Also, because of the effect of 【Cyber ​​Angel - Benten-】, I add one Fairy-Type LIGHT monster from my deck to my hand. I chose 【Cyber ​​Egg Angel】."

Asuka retrieves a card from her deck and immediately plays it. "Next, I Normal Summon 'Cyber ​​Angel' in Defense Position. If it is successfully Summoned, its effect activates: I add a second 'Blessed Church - Ritual Chapel' from my deck to my hand, and activate this card!"

【Electronic Angel - Dagini-】【3700/3400→4900/4600】

The attack power of Cyber ​​Angel Dagini, which had already surpassed Blue-Eyes White Dragon, was further increased. With the boost of 1200 points, its attack power has surpassed even Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon and is only slightly away from matching the Five Divine Dragons. After an egg-shaped angel in defense position appeared next to it, the Field Spell Card that was previously destroyed by the effect of E·Hero Sky Warrior rose up again!