Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

As he spoke, Jaden waved his hand forward and said, "When I fused to summon [E·hero Flame Wingman - Flame Strike], the materials I used were [E·hero Wingman] and [E·hero Burst Lady]. Only when a Normal Monster is used as Fusion Material to Fusion Summon this card can [E·hero Flame Wingman - Flame Strike] Tribute itself to activate its second effect."

"Special Summon one [E·hero] monster with a Level of 7 or lower that cannot be Normal Summoned from my Deck or Fusion Deck, ignoring its Summoning conditions!"

As Jaden released his 【E·hero Flame Wingman - Flame Strike】, the cards in his Fusion Deck jumped out of the box and turned into squares that rotated around him, allowing him to choose which one to Special Summon.

Although the summoning range covers both the deck and the Fusion deck, and the [E·hero] series used by Jaden does indeed contain monsters like [E·hero Flower Lady], which exist in the main deck area, have a level of 6 or below 7, and cannot be Normal Summoned, he did not add it to his deck in this duel. The only options left were the Fusion Monsters in the Fusion deck.

While there are many Fusion Monsters of the [E·hero] type, the Fusion Deck has a 15-card limit, and Jaden couldn't fit all of the [E·hero] Fusion Monsters into it. Furthermore, there's a restriction that the level must be 7 or lower, so the number of monsters Jaden could choose from was even smaller.

In the current situation, [E·hero Necromancer], which can directly destroy the opponent's monsters, or [E·hero Ironclad Gunner] and [E·hero Sailor], which can bypass the opponent's monsters and directly attack the duelist, would be quite good choices, perfectly avoiding a direct confrontation with the extremely threatening [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon] on Darkness's field.

The problem is that Jaden's current Fusion Deck contains E-hero monsters with specific materials, E-hero monsters with specific attributes, and M-hero monsters transformed from Mask Change. There's simply not enough space, and he didn't bring any of those three cards into the Fusion Deck!

But it doesn't matter! Because Jaden still put that [E·hero] Fusion Monster, which can "create miracles," into his Fusion Deck! Instead of choosing the conventional move, Jaden executed a very cool high kick, hitting the phantom of a card that happened to be spinning in front of him!

(Action reference)

The image flew a distance before transforming into a card that flew into Jaden's hand. At the same time, Jaden shouted, "The wind brings warmth, life, and hope. Born at the call of your soul, facing the rising sun, hero of the sun!"

He took out a card and slammed it onto the Duel Disk. A sun-like light rose in front of Jaden, and the hero symbolizing "miracle" made a dazzling appearance!

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【7☆/Light】

[Warrior Race/Fusion/Effect]

[2500/1200]

"The Fusion Material requirement for 【E·Hero Sunrise Warrior】 is two 【Hero】 monsters of different attributes. As a Miracle Hero, if he is Special Summoned, add one 【Miracle Fusion】 to my hand from my Deck." Jaden continued, retrieving a card. "In addition, for each attribute on my field, my monsters gain 200 ATK due to the effect of 【E·Hero Sunrise Warrior】. And since I currently have the LIGHT attribute on my field, all my monsters gain 200 ATK!"

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK2500→2700】

"【E·hero Sunrise Warrior】has 1200 defense points. With the added boost from 【Beloved Hero】 and the bound Field Spell Card 【Skyscraper】, its total attack power can be increased to 4900 points. It is only 200 points away from 【Red-Eyes Dark Dragon】's 5100 attack power!"

Upon seeing the appearance of [E·Hero Sunrise], Asuka exclaimed with delight. Even Sho Marufuji, in the distant lava pool, couldn't help but feel a surge of hope; Jaden was only one step away from defeating Darkness. If another monster of a certain attribute appeared—any monster except Light would do—Jaden could immediately make up for the last 200 points of weakness, making [E·Hero Sunrise]'s attack power equal to [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon]!

Even if Jaden doesn't have a single monster in his hand, it doesn't matter anymore, because [E·hero Sunrise] has already prepared a "miracle" for Jaden and delivered it to his hand—that fusion card with the name "miracle".

"This is the final Fusion Summon, Darkness!" Jaden resolutely played the card he had just retrieved. "[Miracle Fusion] activated! This card allows me to banish monsters from the field and Graveyard as Fusion Material to Fusion Summon a Fusion Monster of [E-Hero]!"

"The fusion materials I'm removing are [E·hero Winged Man] and [E·hero Burst Girl] from my graveyard. Now, officially come to my field, my beloved heroes!"

"【E·hero Flame Winged Man】!"

The familiar monster has returned to the Jaden battlefield, but this time it is no longer the [E·hero Flame Wingman - Flame Strike] that was wearing the same old disguise. Instead, it is the normal [E·hero Flame Wingman], with an attack power of 2100. As soon as it landed, it received an attack power boost from [E·hero Sunrise Warrior].

Furthermore, because it now possesses both light and wind attributes, the attack power bonus provided by [E·hero Sunrise Warrior] has been doubled to 400 points.

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK2700→2900】

【E·hero Flame Winged Man】【ATK2100→2500】

Looking at the four cards remaining in his hand, Jaden played a card and said, "I activate the Spell Card [Pot of Greed]. I draw two cards from my deck and then discard one card to activate the Spell Card [Trap Booster]. This card requires discarding one card to activate, and its effect is that I can activate one Trap Card directly from my hand this turn."

"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card 'Beloved Hero' from my hand to 'E·hero Sunrise Warrior' on my field, and then proceed to the Battle Phase!"

After using a series of cards, Jaden reduced his hand to just two cards and declared that he was entering the battle phase.

Although Asuka didn't quite understand the use of the previous cards, one thing was clear to her, and even Sho Marufuji could understand it: the [Beloved Hero] card had been equipped by Jaden to [E·hero Sunrise].

Ever since Jaden received the "Beloved Hero" card from Asuka when school started, this card has appeared unusually frequently in Jaden's duels. He uses this card in nine out of ten duels as the final strike. Even those who don't use the "E·hero" deck have almost memorized all of the card's effects.

Although the blessing that [Beloved Hero] can provide requires the presence of a Field Spell Card to be effective, it has a powerful effect of searching for Field Spell Cards, and it also has the ability to perform a double attack at a certain cost. Activating this card almost means that Jaden is already reaching for the crown of victory.

As Jaden declared the start of the battle phase, the effect of his final card, "Beloved Hero," began to take effect. A light appeared on Jaden's Duel Disk deck area, and a card was about to be drawn by him: "The second effect of 'Beloved Hero' can only be activated at the start of the battle phase for both players. Choose one Field Spell Card from my hand or Deck to activate."

"Heroes have their own stage to fight on! I activate my Field Spell Card, [Skyscraper]!"

As Jaden shouted his line, a light and lively piece of music suddenly rang out from his Duel Disk, just like the theme song that plays when the protagonist in an anime is about to launch a final attack on the enemy. This was because Jaden had unintentionally said the activation line and used the activation card [Skyscraper], and the hidden music pre-recorded in the Academy Standard Duel Disk started playing.

Along with the perfectly timed music, towering skyscrapers rise from the dueling arena in this volcano crater—the city the heroes must protect, and the perfect stage for them to fight and unleash their full potential—the [Skyscrapers]!

With the introduction of Field Spell Cards, the second effect of [Beloved Hero] also came into play, resulting in a second increase in the attack power of [E·Hero Sunrise] on Jaden's field.

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK2900→2300→3500】

That's how it is. After [E·hero Sunrise] reaches 3500 points, attacking [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon] will grant the [Skyscraper] buff, increasing attack power by another 1000 points. At that point, [E·hero Sunrise]'s attack power of 4500 points will be 600 points lower than [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon]'s, hahaha—gaa?

Wait a minute, I clearly calculated before that the attack power of [E·hero Sunrise] could be increased to be comparable to that of [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon], so how come it's 600 points lower now when I calculate it again? My math isn't as good as Misawa's, but it shouldn't be wrong at this level, right? Something's not right, it's seriously wrong!

Jaden felt his brain was overloaded, but fortunately, at that moment, Darkness on the other side answered his and Asuka's questions, who had also noticed that the attack power of [E·hero Sunrise Warrior] was not right.

“It’s a face-down card, I’ve opened it.” Darkness said, taking out the card from the back row and showing it to Jaden. “Although [Beloved Hero] grants [E·Hero Sunrise] resistance to being targeted by the opponent’s card effects, that, like the effect that increases attack power, requires a Field Spell Card to be present. But before that, I chained the effect of [Beloved Hero] that you activated at the start of your Battle Phase and used this face-down card from my back row.”

"Quick-Play Spell Card [Forbidden Cloth]: Reduces the ATK of one monster by 600 until the end of this turn, and grants it the ability to not be targeted by your opponent's card effects or destroyed by card effects." Darkness said, revealing a cold smile. "How about that? I've helped you compensate for the lack of effect destruction resistance on your [Beloved Hero] card. But don't thank me too much."

"If you want to repay me, just keep attacking with that monster and die."

"How could this be? It's actually the [Forbidden Cloth]..." Just when Asuka thought Jaden was about to win the duel, Darkness unexpectedly pulled out such a move at this moment, suppressing [E·hero Sunrise], who was about to increase his attack power to the same level as [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon], back down.

The victory that seemed within reach is slipping away again in the blink of an eye...

No, there's still hope! Asuka looked at the other monster on Jaden's field, [E·Hero Flame Wingman]. If she attacked with that monster, she could trigger the third effect of [E·Hero Sunrise Warrior], directly destroying the opponent's monster by effect!

Not only Asuka, but Darkness had the same idea. He glanced at Jaden's [E·hero Flame Winged Man] on the field, then at his own graveyard, and said, "Or are you planning to let [E·hero Flame Winged Man] attack first to trigger the effect of [E·hero Sunrise Warrior]?"

Upon hearing Darkness's words, Jaden glanced at his own [E·hero Flame Wingman] and made a decision that surprised Asuka, Darkness, and even Sho Marufuji: "No, I still plan to let [E·hero Sunrise Warrior] attack first. Let the [E·hero Sunrise Warrior] with 3500 attack power attack [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon] with 5100 attack power!"

"Big brother, what are you doing, big brother!" Unable to comprehend Jaden's actions, Marufuji Sho couldn't remain calm and watch Jaden's duel like Asuka did. Instead, he excitedly shouted, "That's basically sending your monster to its death!"

"Besides, your base score is also tied to the energy shield. With your hasty decision, my energy shield is already broken!"

However, upon hearing Marufuji Sho's words, Judai remained unmoved, smiling and saying, "It's alright, Sho, trust me and my heroes!"

Recalling the duel he witnessed at the KC Cup when he was a child, in which Hayato used the [E·hero] deck, Jaden confidently stated, "Sometimes, deliberately destroying your hero is precisely for the sake of final victory; it's a necessary sacrifice!"

"【E·hero Sunrise Warrior】, attack 【Red-Eyes Dark Dragon】!"

"The sun is shining brightly!"

Although the names of the attack moves sound like the ultimate moves of some big boss character, in reality, the attack power of [E·hero Sunrise Warrior] is only 3500 points.

After a few leaps, he arrived at the top of the tallest building in the heroic city, the Skyscraper. Standing on the rooftop, E·hero Sunrise looked down at Red-Eyes Dark Dragon. Elemental power flowed into his body and then transformed into holy light, which was released from his body.

The next moment, propelled by the surging radiant energy he released, [E·hero Sunrise] leaped from the roof of the [Skyscraper] and swooped down to attack [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon] on the ground!

The saying "Heroes have their own stage to fight" wasn't just something Jaden said carelessly. Because the target of his attack, [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon], had higher attack power than Jaden himself, [E·Hero Sunrise] converted the gravitational acceleration of his downward charge into real force, and at the instant of damage calculation, he received an attack power boost from [Skyscraper]—

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK3500→4500】

Chapter 1147 The moment you want to be a hero, you've already lost your qualification.

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK3500→4500】

"This feeling... finally lets me see it. You seem to have found some driving force, that dark will." From Judai at this moment, Darkness suddenly saw something that interested him, which made him feel somewhat gratified, but even more excited. "That's right, without anything else affecting the purity, just a contest of wills, this is the kind of battle I want!"

"No more boring hero acting; from the very beginning, all you wanted was a pure duel, right? You should just rip off the pretense like you are now!" Darkness paused, then added with some disappointment, "Unfortunately, you're too naive, Jaden Yuki!"

"【True Red-Eyes Dark Dragon】!"

If Red-Eyes Dark Dragon were just some flightless beast, it could only watch helplessly as E. Hero Sunrise charged towards it, absorbing the force of gravity. But Red-Eyes Dark Dragon is different from the other red-colored legendary Pokémon; it can fly! Hearing Darkness's shout, Red-Eyes Dark Dragon spread its wings and soared into the sky, actively meeting E. Hero Sunrise's attack head-on!

"boom!"

[Red-Eyes Dark Dragon] and [E·Hero Sunrise] collided in mid-air. The black flames and radiant energy rubbed violently against each other at the moment of impact, and quickly reacted to create a huge explosion. Many of the surrounding high-rise buildings were destroyed by this explosion. The people who were watching this duel all looked at the large cloud of dust in the sky and waited for the result of the battle.

A moment later, only a single black shadow fell from the sky, seemingly indicating the outcome of the battle. The group's gaze then turned to the black shadow that had not been destroyed in the battle and had fallen.

Was it him? No, it was it!

A few black flames emerged from the mouth of the Red-Eyes Dark Dragon, burning away the bloodstains on its body. The somewhat disheveled creature shook itself off, got up again, and spread its wings. The one that remained standing on the field after the battle was the true victor!

At the same time, because [E·hero Sunrise] left the field, Jaden's [E·hero Flame Wingman] also lost its buffs and its attack power decreased.

【E·hero Flame Winged Man】【ATK2500→2100】

"Hmph, that's the beauty of the Dark Games. No matter what happens in the process, at the final curtain call, the one still standing on the field means everything." Darkness looked at Jaden and said, "The price for your willful and reckless behavior will be the loss of your Life Points!"

As Darkness's gaze fell upon Jaden, it immediately unleashed a flame that struck him. The intense flames caused Jaden considerable burning pain, and his Life Points dropped even further.

[Yujo Jaden: 800 → 200 LP]

"Ugh!" Due to the pain, Jaden, whose basic points were already low, couldn't help but arch his back and bend over, clutching his chest with one hand. Not far away, the energy shield around Marufuji Sho was almost shattered, and Marufuji Sho's skin was scalded red because the energy shield could hardly protect him from the magma outside.

"Judai!" Asuka wanted to help Judai with concern, but Judai waved his hand to indicate that he could manage and declined Asuka's kindness. Asuka could only stop and look worriedly at Judai's back, who was covered in wounds and was almost exhausted.

"Your Life Points are already as fragile as a candle in the wind, Jaden Yuki!" Perhaps feeling that there was no longer any possibility of new variables in the duel, Darkness uttered that taboo word, but he did not notice that the background music of Jaden's Duel Disk did not stop because of his decreasing Life Points.

The skyscraper, mostly destroyed by the explosion, collapsed, with debris falling to the ground. Darkness, who was about to say something more, saw Jaden insert a card into the Magic Trap Zone of the Duel Disk, and a light shone.

As Jaden moved, the building debris fell faster and faster, and in an instant, large chunks of debris crashed onto the ground, forming a circle around the dueling arena, just like a colosseum!

"Trap Card [Heroic Counterattack], this trap card can only be activated when an [E·hero] monster on my field is destroyed by battle. The destruction of [E·hero Sunrise] fulfills its activation condition!" Jaden smiled as he looked at Darkness. "Don't think I'm just sending heroes to their deaths, Darkness!"

"Activate a trap card from your hand!?" Darkness frowned, gritting his teeth in displeasure. "The previous [Trap Booster]? No wonder you sent your monster to its death."

"The effect of 【Heroic Counterattack】 is: My opponent randomly chooses one card from my hand. If that card is an 【E·Hero】 monster, destroy one monster on their field and Special Summon the chosen card to my field!" Jaden stretched out his last remaining card. "Although it's a probabilistic event, for true duelists, everything is inevitable. Now that I only have one card left in my hand, the success rate of 【Heroic Counterattack】 is 100%, no, 1000%!"

Shouting "Senpasendou," Jaden didn't even give Darkness a chance to choose, flipping the card in his hand and placing it on the duel disk. "This is the card in my hand, the monster card [E·Hero]!"

"So, because of the effect of [Heroic Reversal], I can destroy the [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon] on the opponent's field without targeting it, and Special Summon [E-Hero] to my field!"

A sudden burst of electricity flashed between the junk piles. As Jaden placed E. Hero Electro on the Duel Disk, E. Hero Electro stood atop the junk pile, elevating itself to the same height as Red-Eyes Dark Dragon.

【E·hero Electric Lightning】】【ATK1600

Injecting electricity into the scrap metal beneath his feet, the scrap metal formed a somewhat informal circular metal ring. The current released by [E·hero] accelerated continuously within it, turning it into an electrified electromagnetic ring.

"Snap—" [E·hero Electro] snapped his fingers lightly, and in the next moment, the lightning in the sky was suddenly drawn down by the electromagnetic ring on the ground and struck [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon] on the Darkness field!

Just moments ago, the arrogant and domineering [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon] was instantly annihilated without leaving a trace, thanks to the attack initiated by [E·hero Electro], a mere mortal monster!

"That's fantastic!" Asuka was genuinely happy for Jaden, cheering as he defeated Darkness's [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon], even jumping up and down in place. "Now, Darkness's last monster is gone!"

However, hearing Asuka's joy for Jaden, Darkness felt a strange, unsettling unease. Even though Red-Eyes Dark Dragon had been destroyed by Hero's Counterattack, he instead revealed a confident, cold laugh: "To be willing to let your monster be destroyed, to fight solely on your own will without looking back, even if you destroyed my Red-Eyes Dark Dragon, I am genuinely happy, Jaden Yuki. You seem like a passionate person, but I see your true heart, that cold and emotionless heart."

Although Darkness's voice was the same as before, Jaden frowned, looking at the eyes of Darkness's mask and the glowing red panel. His intuition told him that something was wrong with Darkness.

Everyone has their own style and habits when dueling. This doesn't refer to the composition of the deck, but rather to the way the cards are used. The best examples are the two legendary duelists, Yugi Muto and Hayato Kobayashi.

Yugi Muto, who is said to possess the soul of an ancient pharaoh, will exhibit different styles even with the same deck, depending on the soul he uses during the duel. Hayato Kobayashi, the Duel King, is best known for his massive card collection, but even with different decks, his dueling style remains remarkably consistent, with techniques like Liberation and NTR frequently seen.

As for Darkness, the duel has now reached its final stage. Jaden finally understands the source of the confusion he has felt throughout the process: Darkness's dueling style seems to be constantly changing. At the beginning, Darkness used an emperor-like dueling style, but as the duel progressed, he suddenly began to crave to display his so-called "dark will," almost like another personality.

From that point on, Darkness's dueling style gradually changed in a way that Jaden couldn't figure out, as if he wasn't fighting a person, but some non-human being that was mimicking humanity.

I really don't understand. What "dark will" do I have? I've always admired heroes; it's more like I possess some kind of "golden spirit." Besides, even if I did, what does it have to do with the other person? Could he corrupt me and then use me against someone?