Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

“Now that things have come to this, this is the only way.” Mi nodded at Gong, but no one else could understand what kind of cryptic conversation the two were having.

At that instant, of the three demon gods that formed the [Combined Demon God - Guardian of the Gate], [Thunder] and [Water] decisively broke their combination and kicked the bewildered [Wind Demon God - Shuga] away just as they had done when they launched their attack before!

The maze brothers shouted in unison—

"This is a necessary sacrifice, [Wind Demon God - Shuga]!"

"Let us sacrifice ourselves for the greater good!"

"?!"

To the astonishment of Jaden and Caesar, [Wind Demon God - Shuga] was actually kicked out as a scapegoat by [Combined Demon God - Gate Guardian] to block the finishing move from [E·hero Absolute Zero]. However, the remaining two demon gods simply merged back into one and still stood on the mysterious field?!

From among the destroyed cards in the back row, a violent whirlwind, originating from the same source as the frozen [Wind Demon God - Shuga], surged forth and shot towards [M·hero Acid], which had just appeared on the field not long ago!

He was drenched in the dissolving liquid he had shot out, which was swept back by the wind. [M·hero Acid Water] was cool for no more than three seconds before he had to leave the stage to go back and repair his protective gear. At the same time, the mysterious commentary reached the ears of Jaden and Caesar.

"Since 【Fusion Demon God - Gate Guardian】 has a stronger first effect than its two-in-one state, it naturally also has a similar second effect. If the face-up 【Fusion Demon God - Gate Guardian】 that is Special Summoned can be activated if the opponent leaves the field, Special Summon a 【Gate Guardian】 monster with a Level of 11 or lower from your Deck or Fusion Deck, ignoring the Summoning conditions."

As Mi finished speaking, Gong took out a card from his Fusion Deck and said, "Using my brother's effect of [Fusion Demon God - Gate Guardian], I Special Summon [Water and Thunder Demon God - Gate Guardian] from my Fusion Deck, ignoring the Summoning conditions!"

【Water and Thunder Demon God - Guardian of the Gate】【9☆/Water】

[Aquarium/Fusion/Effect]

[2550/2300]

As Miya placed the card on the Duel Disk, Miya also drew a face-down card from his destroyed backrow and said, "As expected, influenced by my words last turn, you also prioritized clearing your backrow before entering the Battle Phase, just like me. However, this was also part of our Miya brothers' plan! Besides the bait-like 'Burial from Another Dimension,' my other face-down card in the backrow is this card!"

Jaden looked into Mi's hand and read out the card's name: "【The Great Tornado of the Wilderness】?"

"When used actively, it can destroy one face-up card in the Spell & Trap Zone. However, even if it is destroyed, it still has an effect that can be triggered: it targets one face-up card on the field and destroys it." Mi said smugly, "Your [M·hero Acid], which finally came out and played a decent combo, was defeated by this card."

"Your double-destruction tactics are indeed impressive, but we two maze brothers working together are invincible!"

Hearing the Labyrinth Brothers' words, Caesar said, "Although there are monsters on the field in the Palace now because of the effect of [Fusion Demon God - Gate Guardian], the Labyrinth Field is now empty, right? In that case, as long as Jaden uses [E-Hero Sky Warrior] with 1800 ATK to attack—"

"Then you can wipe out our base score? That's so sweet, kid."

Mi sneered, "I can tell you that when the three demon gods are combined in pairs, each of the three combination methods has a different effect, which can be used in most situations. In addition to the effect of the [Wind and Water Demon God] which negates magic and trap cards that you have already seen, there is also the [Thunder and Wind Demon God] which can search for magic and trap cards related to the three demon gods."

"The reason I'm summoning [Water Thunder Demon - Guardian of the Gate] right now is simple: its first effect is that during both players' turns, it can target one face-up monster on the opponent's field and reduce its ATK to 0 until the end of the turn. This effect can be used twice per turn!" Gong said smugly. "After that, no matter what monsters you attack with, their ATK will only be reduced to 0 by the invincible [Water Thunder Demon - Guardian of the Gate], and they won't be able to cause us any damage!"

Upon hearing this, Jaden gritted his teeth. In his mind, after the "Zero to Acid" combo destroyed [Fusion Demon God - Gate Guardian] along with the face-down card in the back row, he could then use the two monsters [E-Hero Sky Warrior] and [E-Hero Flame Warrior] to launch an attack together and win the duel.

As a result, not only was [M·hero Acid Water] destroyed by [Wild Tornado], but the destroyed [Fusion Demon God - Gate Guardian] also transformed into [Water and Thunder Demon God - Gate Guardian], which can reduce the ATK of any two monsters to 0. Furthermore, if you try to destroy [Water and Thunder Demon God - Gate Guardian] with a card, it can transform back into [Thunder Demon God - Sanga] or [Water Demon God - Saga] and return to the field.

【Combined Demon God - Guardian of the Gate】is as difficult to deal with as if he has three lives!

To break through this situation, the only way is to deliver at least three fatal attacks to the empty space on the field. Two attacks alone will not be enough to break through the blockade of the [Water and Thunder Demon God - Guardian of the Gate]. If the attack power is insufficient, it will also be impossible to inflict effective damage on the Labyrinth Brothers.

At this moment, Jaden has two monsters on the field: [E-Hero Flameman] with an attack power of 1200 and [E-Hero Skyman] with an attack power of 1800. Neither their quantity nor their quality is up to par.

All that's left to rely on is—

"Activate the effect of [E·hero Blaze] on my field. During my Main Phase, send one [E·hero] monster from my Deck other than [E·hero Blaze] to the Graveyard. Until the end of this turn, [E·hero Blaze] becomes the same Attribute, ATK, and DEF as the monster sent to the Graveyard by this effect. After this effect is activated, it cannot be Special Summoned unless it is a Fusion Monster until the end of this turn."

The Duel Disk automatically retrieves a card, which Jaden draws and sends to the Graveyard, saying, "The monster I'm sending to the Graveyard is [E-Hero Shadow Mist Lady], therefore [E-Hero Flameman]'s attribute changes to DARK, and its ATK and DEF also change!"

【E·hero烈焰侠】【4☆/炎→暗】【1200/1800→1000/1500】

Seeing this, Gong said with some disdain, "You still haven't chosen to give up? Heh, I thought you would send a monster with high attack power into the graveyard to threaten us, but it turns out it's just such a weak monster? Doesn't that just make the attack power even lower?"

"Although her attack power has indeed weakened, her effect can still be activated thanks to [E·hero Shadow Mist Lady]." Jaden waved his hand, and the phantom of [E·hero Shadow Mist Lady] appeared beside him. "[E·hero Shadow Mist Lady] can only be activated when it is sent to the Graveyard. Add one [Hero] monster other than [E·hero Shadow Mist Lady] from your Deck to your hand. The monster I chose is [E·hero Sky Knight].

“A second [Sky Hero]?” Caesar frowned upon hearing Jaden’s words. “Even if a second [E·hero Sky Hero] is summoned, although its attack power is capable of wiping out the Labyrinth Brothers’ life points, they can easily reduce the attack power of both [Sky Hero] cards to 0 and withstand the attack power of the [E·hero Blaze] card, which has lower attack power.”

"And even if you use the effect of [E·hero Sky Warrior] to search for other [E·hero] monsters, you won't have any more Normal Summon attempts left."

"Hehe, don't give up hope until the very last moment, after all, 'heroes' can create miracles." Jaden rubbed his nose and played the card he had just added to his hand. "I haven't performed a Normal Summon this turn. I'll Summon [E·hero Skyman] in Attack Position, and then activate its effect to add one [Hero] monster from my Deck to my hand. I choose [E·hero Liquidman]!"

On the field of the tenth generation, another [E·hero Sky Warrior] appeared. If you had three [Sky Warriors], who wouldn't want to be a hero? However, even with this lineup, it was still just a tiny bit, the very last bit, away from breaking through the defense of [Water Lightning Demon - Gate Guardian] on the field of the Labyrinth Brothers.

The last two cards in Jaden's hand were [E-Hero Liquid Man], which had just been added to his hand with the effect of [E-Hero Skyman] but could no longer be Normal Summoned, and a spell card of unknown significance.

Even knowing that the odds of winning were slim, Jaden still wore a confident smile and waved his hand, saying, "Entering the battle phase, I will use my first body [E·hero Sky Warrior] to directly attack Miku!"

"Asura Whirlwind Fist!"

"You know it's useless, yet you still want to attack your brother's side? I won't let you go!" Seeing the vortex of energy wrapping around [E·hero Sky Warrior's] wrist, Gong immediately ordered, "Activate the effect of [Water Thunder Demon God - Gate Guardian]! Reduce that [E·hero Sky Warrior's] attack power to 0!"

"Mu Da Mu Da Mu Da!"

Just as a slight whirlwind was stirring up, [E·hero Skyman] was suddenly struck by a bolt of lightning, his body paralyzed. The punch he unleashed only brought a slight breeze and failed to harm the empty space on the field in the slightest.

Mi sneered, "What a refreshing breeze. Are you trying to reduce my life points with that kind of attack?"

【E·hero Sky Warrior】【ATK1800→0】

[Mystery: 1650→1650LP]

Hearing Mi's words, Jaden ignored them and gave the order again: "Then, the second entity [E·hero Sky Warrior], attack Mi directly again!"

"Kamisaka Storm!"

It was just a name change. [E·hero Sky Warrior]'s wrist spun rapidly, creating a whirlwind as he prepared to attack. However, the same move was ineffective against both the Saint Seiya and [Gate Guardian]. This time, it was Mi's turn to order: "Try again! The result is the same. Use the effect of [Water Thunder Demon God - Gate Guardian] again to reduce the attack power of the second [E·hero Sky Warrior] to 0!"

This time, the interference with [E·hero Sky Warrior] was caused by a sudden giant wave. As [Water Demon God - Ska] spat out a large amount of water to obstruct [E·hero Sky Warrior], its attack power dropped to 0, just like the previous [E·hero Sky Warrior].

【E·hero Sky Warrior】【ATK1800→0】

[Mystery: 1650→1650LP]

"So, all you can attack on the field is that [E·hero Blaze], right? A mere 1000 attack points, go ahead and attack," Mi said dismissively.

"We still have 1650 points left in our base score, which is more than enough to withstand that small attack," Gong said with a cold smile.

"But when it's our turn, you simply can't withstand [Water and Thunder Demon God - Guardian of the Gate]!"

"Because your fundamental score is already as fragile as a candle in the wind!"

The Labyrinth Brothers declared in unison, "We have won this duel!"

However, during the banter between the two brothers in the labyrinth, Jaden turned his gaze toward Caesar.

Although there were no words, Caesar immediately understood the meaning in Jaden's eyes.

"Consider this your reward for paving the way for me. Use my monsters freely, Jaden." Raising his Duel Disk, Kaiser pointed two Cyber ​​Dragon cards at Jaden, declaring, "Glory be with us!"

Upon hearing Caesar's words, Jaden responded with a smile: "It feels really good to have someone to fight alongside me. I'm starting to enjoy two-player duels."

"Then, let your monsters come at me together, Caesar!" Jaden finally played the card in his hand and waved his hand, saying, "This moment is just like that moment before. Do you remember how my trap card wore down the usage count of the effect, Labyrinth Brothers? I'm also using [E·Hero Sky Warrior] to consume the usage count of [Water Thunder Demon - Gate Guardian]'s effect!"

"During the Battle Phase, I activated the Quick-Play Spell Card [Instant Fusion], which summoned [E. Hero Flameman] from my field..."

Beside Jaden, Kaiser simultaneously waved his hand, taking out the card "Cyber ​​Dragon" from his Duel Disk and saying, "And my LIGHT monster 'Cyber ​​Dragon'! These two monsters will serve as Fusion Material!"

"The dark flames have opened the winds of hope, and at this moment, the light of victory will shine forth!" Jaden clenched his fist and raised it above his head. "The light that cleaves through the darkness and illuminates the starry sky will transform into holy wings that summon a shower of stars, unleashing ultimate power and awakening the name of hope!"

Fusion Summon! x2

As Jaden and Kaiser shouted in unison, Jaden's [E·hero Blaze], now a Dark attribute character burning with black flames, leaped into the air and made contact with [Cyber ​​Dragon], which was also soaring into the sky!

Lightning dispelled the dark flames, and a sun-like radiance descended as the vortex of [Fusion] appeared. Emerging from that fusion power was a pure white warrior, looking down upon his labyrinth brothers!

"【E·Hero Shining Man】!" Jaden shouted the monster's name and placed the card on the Duel Disk.

【E·hero Shining Warrior】【ATK2600】

The fusion form of the Light attribute monster, the Light Hero [E·hero Shining], is the second time that Jaden has summoned him since his duel with Manjoume. Moreover, at this moment, [E·hero Shining] is empowered from the very beginning by the heroes from the Extra Zone!

"【E·hero Shining Man】's attack power increases by 300 points from the number of my 【E·hero】 monsters excluded in the duel. Since I excluded two monsters, 【E·hero Bubble Man】 and 【E·hero Liquid Man】, 【E·hero Shining Man】's attack power increases by 600 points."

【E·hero Shining Warrior】【ATK2600→3200】

Fan exclaimed in amazement as the attack power of [E·hero Shining Hero] increased: "Attack power surpasses the legendary [Blue-Eyes White Dragon]?!"

"Wait a minute, if it's a fusion summon during the battle phase," Miya's eyes widened, "that monster can attack too!?"

"Furthermore, our [Water and Thunder Demon God - Guardian of the Gate] effect has already been used twice!"

"Move! [Water Thunder Demon God - Guardian of the Gate]! Why aren't you moving!"

"Have you betrayed us?!"

Amidst the panic of the Labyrinth Brothers, Jaden gave the order to attack for the third time: "This is the final attack! [E·Hero Shining Man]! Attack the opposing duelist directly!"

"Shining Fingers!"

In an instant, light enveloped the entire area. After the light dissipated slightly, everyone saw Jaden's [E·hero Shining Hero] knock down the Labyrinth Brothers with his finger!

[Maze Brothers: 1650LP→0]

Seeing that the Labyrinth Brothers' Life Points had dropped to zero, Jaden excitedly exclaimed, "We won! What an interesting duel!"

"Isn't that right, Caesar?"

When Judai asked him a question, Caesar glanced at him in surprise, thought for a moment, and nodded, saying, "It was indeed a good duel, which showed me the possibilities for the future. You will definitely go very far in the future, Judai."

"Hehe, thanks for saying that." Jaden chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "I wouldn't have been able to win the duel without you, thank you."

Seeing Judai's outstretched hand, Caesar couldn't help but smile: "No need for thanks, right? Didn't you say you wanted to be friends with everyone in the school?"

"I did say that, but Caesar, why are you bringing this up all of a sudden—" Jaden looked completely bewildered when he saw Caesar extend his hand to him. Even someone as oblivious as Jaden could understand Caesar's meaning, and he smiled and extended his hand to shake Caesar's.

The two then clapped their hands once with their forehand and once with their backhand, then clenched their fists and bumped them together, shouting in unison:

"What an interesting duel!"

Chapter 1105 Dutch Music Festival

The next day, the Maze Brothers left Duel Academy with a package in their arms and tears in their eyes.

It wasn't that they were particularly sad because they were defeated. The Labyrinth Brothers had lost more than once or twice. They weren't invincible duelists. After experiencing the bitterness of defeat for the first time, they were already despondent. For the Labyrinth Brothers, who needed to duel with Hayato, Pegasus, Yugi, and others in the International Illusion Society to test the strength of new cards, defeat was already commonplace.

Of course, to outsiders, the Labyrinth Brothers remain the strongest team duelists, having won the team dueling category in world-class professional dueling tournaments more than once.

Although it was the first time they had been defeated by two students, the Labyrinth Brothers weren't heartbroken or shedding tears. After all, they had only come to Duel Academy Island on a hiring assignment from the Duel Academy's board of directors, and only because the Duel Academy's principal, Hayato Kobayashi, was their superior's superior.

Because the combination of Jaden and Caesar won the final victory, although Yuki Nakao was very unwilling to accept that he had failed to complete the task assigned by the council and tried to argue that "the achievements of Ryo Marufuji, a third-year student, as Jaden Yuki's dueling partner in the first year do not count," Vice Principal Samejima and Professor Chronos also argued that it was unreasonable for top-level professional duelists like the Labyrinth Brothers to participate in the final duel.

As expected, the final outcome of the trial was that Judai was spared all punishment and did not have to be punished for trespassing on the abandoned old school building. Incidentally, Judai also successfully formed a bond with Caesar and became friends with him.

The real reason the Maze Brothers shed tears was actually in the package they were carrying.

After the ship had sailed some distance from the Duel Academy, Mi opened the package, took out a few cards, and said, "We originally planned to perform yesterday's duel for the students of the Duel Academy. We spent the whole morning rehearsing our entrance moves in that arena."