Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

"The [Mobile Rhinoceros-Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops] Special Summoned by its own effect possesses invincible resistance, unaffected by other card effects, and can only be destroyed by battle. Its defense is a respectable 2800 points," Ryuga said smugly. "Although its defense decreases by 500 points during each player's Standby Phase, those weak monsters on your field that can't become the powerful [Cyber ​​Terminator Dragon] without [Fusion] will absolutely not be able to break through its defense!"

"No [Fusion]... As expected, the current situation is related to you, teacher. Where did you do something?" Caesar said calmly. "But it doesn't matter. I will release the [Primal Cyber ​​Dragon] on the field and Special Summon [Cyber ​​Lighthouse] from my hand."

Originally summoned by Caesar for the purpose of fusing with [Cyber ​​End Dragon], the [Primal Cyber ​​Dragon] disintegrated, its redundant energy driving mechanical parts to transform into a power tower, which emitted several beams of light like a lighthouse, connecting with Caesar's hand and the cards on the field.

【Electronic Lighthouse】【1☆/Light】

[Mechanical Race/Effect]

[0/2100]

“Once per turn, during my Main Phase, I activate the effect of [Cyber ​​Lighthouse] to send the Fusion Material Monsters determined by a Machine-Type Fusion Monster from my hand or field to the Graveyard, and Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster from my Fusion Deck.” Kaiser said, showing the remaining [Cyber ​​Dragon] in his hand. “After all, there’s never been a rule that Fusion Summoning has to use a [Fusion] Spell Card.”

"While on the field or in the graveyard, the name of [Cyber ​​Dragon Next Generation] is treated as [Cyber ​​Dragon], and I will send the two [Cyber ​​Dragons] on the field and the three [Cyber ​​Dragons] in my hand as Fusion Materials to the graveyard. Since you want to see the strongest monster of the 'Cyber ​​Dragon' style, then don't blink!"

"Fusion Summon! [Cyber ​​Terminator Dragon]!"

Even though he couldn't figure out exactly how Dragon Fang had prevented him from using [Fusion], after a few more steps, Caesar still managed to summon the ace monster he had intended to summon from the beginning onto the field. With the perfect coordination of [Electronic Lighthouse], his mechanical monsters connected together without [Fusion].

With its pure silver-white body, broad wings, and three blue cores embedded in its body for mobilizing energy resonance, the three dragon heads, each with a different design yet arranged in an orderly fashion, appeared on Caesar's field as proof of graduation from "Electronic Flow"—the [Electronic Termination Dragon]!

Having graduated from Electro Stream at the age of ten, Caesar wouldn't be content with just using [Fusion] to summon his ace. He has a full nine ways to summon his old friend, [Electronic Terminator Dragon]!

【Electronic Terminator Dragon】【10☆/Light】

[Mechanical Race/Fusion/Effect]

[4000/2800]

"How is this possible? There was clearly no [fusion]!?" The previously composed Longya instantly lost his composure, staring in astonishment at the [Electronic Terminator Dragon], which was even larger than the [Mobile Rhinoceros-Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops]. While possessing considerable defensive capabilities, the [Electronic Terminator Dragon]'s attack power was a full 2400 points higher than the [Mobile Rhinoceros-Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops], which is equivalent to the attack power of a [Red-Eyes Black Dragon]!

Even though it's only 500 points weaker than the legendary Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, Cyber ​​End Dragon still has a powerful and practical effect. Looking at Ryuga, Kaiser waved his hand and ordered, "When Cyber ​​End Dragon attacks a Defense Position monster, it can inflict battle damage on the opponent duelist by the amount of its ATK exceeding its DEF. Now, let's enter my battle phase."

"【Electronic Terminator Dragon】, Attack/Defense Position 【Mobile Rhinoceros - Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops】, Eternal Evolution Flame!"

The three-headed dragon opened their mouths simultaneously, locking onto the most conspicuous target on the Dragon Fang field—[Mobile Rhinoceros-Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops]. After a brief charge, three beams of photon energy were simultaneously unleashed, slamming into [Mobile Rhinoceros-Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops]. Its strong body and sturdy armor, capable of withstanding most monster attacks, couldn't even last a second against [Cyber ​​Terminator Dragon] before being instantly pierced.

Furthermore, the excessively strong beams even affected the dragon teeth behind the [Mobile Rhinoceros-Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops]. The projection of the beams grazed his body, creating the illusion of high temperature, causing his base score to drop instantly.

[Dragon Tooth: 4000→2800LP]

"Although it is a monster with all-around resistance, it seems that the [Mobile Rhinoceros-Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops] cannot withstand combat destruction."

Knowing full well that "the most useless resistance is that which cannot be destroyed by battle, and the most effective way to clear the field is to destroy it by battle," Caesar watched as the [Mobile Rhinoceros - Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops], which had been given the "Invincible" debuff by Dragon Fang itself, was destroyed and left the field, and said, "My turn ends here."

With his last card, [Fusion], face up, it makes no difference whether he faces down or keeps it in his hand. Caesar then declares the end of his turn, with the two monsters on the field guarding him.

[Caesar Bright: 4000LP, 1 card in hand]

【Electronic Lighthouse】【DEF2100】

【Electronic Terminator】【ATK4000】

Just as Caesar's declaration round ended, Hayato, holding several cards and frowning, arrived at the classroom door and saw Caesar and Ryuga in the midst of their duel: "Is this the place...? Huh? Why are they here?"

The monster cards in his hand included awakened spirits like "Inferno Decimal" and "Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring," as well as dormant spirits like "Crimson Light Herald," which he didn't use much. On the surface, they varied in race, attribute, and star level, and their effects were not very similar.

The only thing they have in common is—

Chapter 1083 Power Welding, but the other side

Hayato, who had just missed his fishing trip, originally planned to buy a golden bread from the convenience store to intercept Jaden, who was currently challenging the record. However, as he walked towards the school, the Pokémon he was carrying reacted to him, saying that something strange was spreading in the school.

As a school that trains duelists, it's not impossible for a student to suddenly awaken a card spirit while eating hot pot and singing with their friends, even though the probability is low.

However, when the details of that power were discussed, Hayato felt something was amiss. Neither Dragon Girl Butler, Gaia, nor Rainbow Kuriboh had noticed anything unusual. On the contrary, Hellfire Decimal, Ghost Rabbit, and Ash Blossom were unusually perceptive in detecting the fluctuation.

What they have in common is that they were originally "adjustment monsters" but now the word "adjustment" has been removed because the asteroid particles are not yet active!

"Did Yusei and the others travel back in time to get reinforcements again?"

This was Hayato's first thought, but after carefully sensing the fluctuation that was completely imperceptible to ordinary spirits, [Aleister] rejected Hayato's guess. He said that this fluctuation was indeed somewhat similar to the so-called "red dragon" power he had once felt, but it was also very different. Even he would need to study it for a while to figure out exactly what was going on.

However, Alai didn't have much time to study it. The power fluctuation that spread from somewhere disappeared immediately after lasting for a very short time, as if it had already been used up and its goal achieved.

Hayato didn't give up. Instead, he had Aray try to trace the remaining traces back to where the power came from. Fortunately, he didn't give up. Just as he was searching for traces of the power fluctuations in the school, a second identical fluctuation appeared again.

Without even needing Alai's guidance, Hayato and his companions quickly located the source of the power fluctuations, namely Caesar and Ryuga, who were engaged in a duel.

Hayato had witnessed Caesar's duel more than once or twice, so the problem was unlikely to be with Caesar. However, Hayato had paid special attention to Ryuga when this intern teacher joined the company. The reason was simple: Hayato remembered that in the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX manga he had read before, this person replaced Professor Chronos and became the first person defeated by Jaden.

Although Hayato's memory isn't at the level of photographic memory, just like how people often remember who Atem played and what kind of dark games with when he was still Yami Yugi in the manga, but most remember Ushio Tetsuya who was driven insane in the first chapter, the first villain sometimes leaves a deeper impression than the protagonist's peripheral teammates like Yazawa Mori.

—Speaking of Tetsuya Ushio, Hayato actually visited him a long time ago when he was driven insane by the Dark Games, along with Yugi, Jonouchi, and Honda. Although Ushio certainly got what he deserved, turning him into a fool who collected leaves for money because of protection money was a bit too much. Hayato thought that after Ushio suffered for a while and learned his lesson, he would take back the dark power that had driven him mad and give him a chance to reform.

Who knew that because he had become mentally ill and unable to take care of himself, Ushio Tetsuya, who was in excellent health and could even subdue Jonouchi and Honda single-handedly, was targeted by human traffickers who planned to kidnap him to northern Myanmar to have his kidneys taken without anesthesia. Fortunately, Hayato and the others intervened and saved Ushio Tetsuya.

After regaining his senses, Ushio Tetsuya had a profound realization and decided to mend his ways, start anew, and do everything he could to make amends for his past mistakes. He resolved to become a sheriff who upholds justice.

After basically pinpointing that the problem lay with Ryuga, Hayato did not immediately reveal himself but instead hid to observe first. At the same time, he somewhat missed the [Millennium Wisdom Wheel], which he used to carry with him and had a pathfinding function.

Hayato recalls that Ryuga in the manga used a ring that could cheat by restricting others' use of spell cards, and on the day Hayato joined the company, Hayato noticed that Ryuga was indeed wearing a ring. Although there is no evidence yet and it's just speculation, Hayato's intuition tells him that the power fluctuations affecting the future Tuner monsters are very likely related to Ryuga's ring that affects others' use of spell cards.

"My turn, draw a card."

Previously, he boasted that [Mobile Rhinoceros - Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops] was invincible, but in the blink of an eye, he was slapped in the face by Caesar's [Cyber ​​Terminator Dragon]. With a sullen face, Ryuga pulled out a card, but suddenly his face lit up with joy.

As he handed the card he had drawn to his left hand, Ryuga subtly adjusted the outer ring of the ring on his left middle finger, but this time he rotated it clockwise instead of counterclockwise. Hayato's guess was right; just as Ryuga was tampering with the ring, Alai reminded him that the strange power fluctuation had disappeared!

"During my Main Phase, I activate the Spell Card 'Pot of Greed' and draw two cards from my Deck." Having successfully activated 'Pot of Greed,' Ryuga arrogantly said to Caesar, "How about that, teacher? I can activate a Spell Card normally, can't I? Caesar, you really don't take care of your Duel Disk. You're so careless."

The implication was that he hadn't tampered with the Duel Disk; Caesar couldn't use the Magic Cards simply because he had broken his own Duel Disk. However, neither Jaden nor Caesar believed that his actions were truly unrelated to Caesar's inability to use the Magic Cards.

After seeing the card he had drawn, Longya's smile grew even brighter, and he said smugly, "What a coincidence! I actually drew this card in this duel at this time."

"I activate the Spell Card, [Power Welding]!"

"What?! That's my card!" Marufuji Sho exclaimed in shock upon seeing the card Ryuga played, his gaze turning to Caesar. That Ryuga guy was actually going to use the card he'd stolen to attack Caesar—how wicked!

"I send the Fusion Material Monsters determined by a Machine-Type Fusion Monster from my hand or field to the Graveyard, and Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck. The Fusion Material I use to fuse with Power Weld is my Cyber ​​Dinosaur on my field and my Cyber ​​Stegosaurus in my hand."

Sending the fusion materials to the graveyard, Longya took out a card with a purple border and said, "The fusion material requirements for this card are either [Mobile Rhinoceros - Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops] or [Shielded Tank - Cyber ​​Stegosaurus] plus a Machine-Type or Dinosaur-Type monster. Now, [Shielded Tank - Cyber ​​Stegosaurus] will be combined with [Cyber ​​Dinosaur] under the power of [Power Welding]!"

"The ancient dragon's lament echoing deep underground merges with the roar of steel, reborn as a new power! Summon and reign supreme! Shake the earth's veins and the data itself!"

"[Storage Dragon-Foot Beast]!"

Following the Tyrannosaurus Rex – [Electronic Dinosaur], the Triceratops – [Mobile Rhinoceros-Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops], and the Stegosaurus – [Shielded Vehicle-Electronic Stegosaurus] which appeared as fusion material, Dragon Fang fused to summon his fourth mechanical dinosaur. Its colossal body far exceeded the height of ordinary mountains, and its long neck reached into the clouds like the Tower of Babel from ancient times. Its long, winding tail could easily create rivers and valleys just by hanging down to the ground. On this huge body, silver-white armor covered most of its parts, making it as huge as a mobile city!

【Storage Dragon-Foot Beast】【6☆/Dark】

[Mechanical Race/Fusion/Effect]

[2500/2500]

"The [Storage Dragon-Leg Beast] summoned by the [Power Welding] fusion will have its attack power increased again from its original level, meaning its attack power will double. Therefore, my [Pure Dragon-Leg Beast]'s attack power is not 2500 points, but surpasses the legendary [Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon]'s 5000 points!"

[Storage Dragon-Foot Beast] [ATK2500→5000]

"However, powerful cards often come with great risks. At the end of the turn after [Power Weld] is activated, you will also suffer damage equal to the original attack power of [Stored Dragon-Foot Beast]." Caesar knew the effect of [Power Weld], a card he had given to Marufuji Sho.

Longya didn't take it seriously: "It's just 2500 points of damage. Compared to the improvement I can get, it's two completely different levels. I still have 2800 points in my base score, which is more than enough to withstand this little bit of damage."

"Equip the Spell Card 'Air Decryption Storm' to 'Storm Dragon Leg Beast.' This is a card that can only be equipped to Machine-Type monsters. It allows you to attack only once after destroying an opponent's monster in battle. However, the cost is that during the turn this effect is activated, my monsters other than the equipped monster cannot attack." After successfully equipping another Spell Card to 'Storm Dragon Leg Beast,' Ryuga sneered, "But anyway, I only have 'Storm Dragon Leg Beast' on the field, so it doesn't matter whether I have it or not."

"Now, let's move on to my battle phase. First, use [Storage Dragon-Leg Beast] to attack that [Electronic Lighthouse]. If you destroy it, you won't be able to fuse anymore, right?"

"A hundred-megawatt impact!"

Prioritizing the locking of the [Electronic Lighthouse] that was previously fused into [Electronic Terminator Dragon], which was present in Caesar's field defense position, Dragon Fang's main strategy was to wipe out the enemy completely and eliminate all traces. He commanded the giant mechanical dinosaur to launch a charge, and amidst the tremors of the ground, the [Electronic Lighthouse] was crushed into dust without any doubt.

However, because it was a defensive signal, the destruction of the [Electronic Lighthouse] did not cause any combat damage to Caesar. But because of the [Air Decryption Storm], the [Storage Dragon Leg Beast] had a second chance to attack, and its next target was only the [Electronic Terminator Dragon].

"Next up is that [Electronic Terminator Dragon], heh heh, I heard that's proof of 'Electronic Flow' graduation? Being able to destroy something so precious, I'm so excited I could practically wave the flag!" Dragon Fang waved his hand, "Because of the [Air Decryption Storm] effect, attack again, [Storage Dragon-Leg Beast]!"

"Gigabit Impact!"

Compared to the defenseless Electronic Lighthouse, Electronic Terminator was clearly unwilling to be destroyed so easily and launched a counterattack against Storage Dragon-Leg Beast. However, the "Eternal Evolution Flame" that had previously easily pierced the defense of the Mobile Rhinoceros-Iron Rhinoceros Triceratops only grazed the armor of Storage Dragon-Leg Beast. The mechanical dinosaur's massive body charged forward and smashed the three-headed mechanical dragon to pieces.

"Well!"

[Caesar: 4000 → 3000 LP]

As Cyber ​​End Dragon was destroyed and exploded, Kaiser raised his Duel Disk to shield himself from the oncoming impact and gale, and then drew a card from the Duel Disk, saying: "When my Fusion Monster Cyber ​​End Dragon is destroyed by battle, I banish Cyber ​​Lighthouse from my Graveyard to activate its third effect, and I add one Power Weld from my Deck to my hand."

"Hmm? You actually had that trick up your sleeve? Tch, you attacked in the wrong order." Longya curled his lip and said disdainfully, "But, Caesar, your Duel Disk is 'broken,' isn't it? Even if you add [Power Welding] to your hand, it's useless. In order not to waste that card, I'll take it after I defeat you."

“The card itself will be happy to have a rare card held by someone as superior as me, right? Hahahaha.” Longya laughed smugly and said, “My turn is over.”

“Then at that moment, you will also suffer damage from the [Storage Dragon-Foot Beast],” Caesar warned, to which Dragon Fang replied somewhat irritably, “I don’t need you to tell me that!”

[Dragon Tooth: 2800→300LP, 0 cards in hand]

【Storage Dragon-Foot Beast】(Air Decryption Storm)【ATK5000】

【GaiKa】

'【Store Dragonlegs】has the effect that prevents monsters Special Summoned from the Graveyard from being destroyed by battle as long as there is a monster on the field. It was originally intended to be used in conjunction with 【Cyberdragon】, which could be Special Summoned from the Graveyard by paying 1000 Life Points. However, now that its ATK has been increased to 5000, this effect is no longer necessary.'

"And its second effect is that, if a monster is Special Summoned from the hand, it can be activated by targeting one card each on my and my opponent's field to destroy those cards. It's a perfect counter to Cyber ​​Dragon decks that can Special Summon from the hand, and this Air Decryption Storm is the ammunition I've prepared."

'It would be even better if I didn't have a chance to use this effect. Next turn, I just need to use [Storage Dragon-Foot Beast] to unleash a double attack and defeat my opponent in an instant. What do you mean by invincible?'

As he mentally explained his tactics, Longya looked at Caesar and said, "What a pity, Caesar. No matter how you look at it, I should win. Do you know why? Because all I see is you dueling with a boring kind of 'respect' and 'honor,' while I'm only thinking about winning. That's your biggest shortcoming, hahaha."

"The thought of adding a rare [Cyber ​​Dragon] to my collection after I defeat you makes me so excited I could burst into song! Before my invincible [Storage Dragon-Leg Beast], your Life Points, which don't even have a single card on the field, are already as fragile as a candle in the wind!"

Chapter 1084 Ignite the Fire in Your Heart, Crush the Enemy's Body!

Upon hearing Ryuga's words, Caesar showed no reaction, appearing as if he hadn't heard a word Ryuga said, but Hayato nodded.

Although he only reads from the textbook in class, making Hayato, who audited one class, so bored that he was drowsy, he uses despicable means in duels, his dueling skills are terrible, and he has ambitions that are not commensurate with his strength, Ryuga did hit the nail on the head and pointed out Caesar's flaws, whether he really saw it or just guessed.

The problem isn't with Caesar's deck construction, nor with Cyber ​​Dragon, a deck with a high skill ceiling; the problem lies purely with Caesar himself as a duelist.

Unlike his younger brother, Marufuji Sho, who was both arrogant and insecure, causing him to overlook important points that a duelist should not overlook and to use cards in inappropriate situations, or Maeda Hayato, who lacked self-awareness and confidence in his own deck, Caesar was a fairly standard duelist in every way.

Respecting others' decks and cards, treating all opponents equally, being respectful and dignified in duels, and calmly and composedly choosing the right time to use the right cards—on the surface, there seems to be nothing wrong with him. Even upon closer analysis, Caesar is a perfect duelist who can almost be called a model and example.

The problem lies in Caesar's lack of will to win. While it's true that he wouldn't lower his standards for victory, he also lacks the ability to fight with all his might. Under normal circumstances, this deficiency is insignificant, but a strong will to win is essential for duelists to climb to higher levels.

Since ordinary duels do not endanger life, Caesar would not correct this flaw even if others repeatedly told him about it. "Respecting others' duels" has always been his style. Even if he loses as a result, he will accept it calmly. He would never realize the abnormality in his duels or in himself unless there were successive blows and the price of endangering his life.

Regardless, the duel continued. Even with the [Storage Dragon Leg Beast] on the Dragon Fang field boasting an attack power of 5000 and his own ability to use spell cards sealed, Caesar did not give up. Instead, he placed his finger on the top of his deck, ready to draw a card.