Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

Caesar's calm voice rang out: 'Believe in yourself, Judai.'

It was probably Misawa's voice that came through: 'You can definitely do what you say, Judai.'

Voices entered Jaden's mind, and he suddenly saw his companions' figures appear one by one in this eerily quiet and empty universe, accompanied by their voices. In the seemingly empty space of the universe, distant stars, light-years away, quietly emitted their light.

"What? I'm not fighting alone at all." Jaden suddenly showed a relieved expression, looked at his deck and said, "I actually had such a strange feeling because I couldn't hear my partner's response for a moment. I guess I'm still a long way from becoming a hero."

Seeing Judai suddenly lost in thought and talking to himself, Daitokuji raised an eyebrow. Instead of asking him what had happened, he smiled and said, "Your expression has suddenly changed, Judai."

“Yes, because I’ve figured some things out. Even though Asuka and Manjoume aren’t here fighting alongside me, I know their hearts are with me, and our bonds connect us.” Judai looked at Daitokuji and said, “And the [Heroes] are the same. Even though you’ve excluded them, Daitokuji-sensei, I know they’re still fighting alongside me, and our bonds can transcend space, time, and even dimensions!”

“Very good will, Jaden, but passion is useless in alchemy. Relying on bravado and brute force will not help the experiment at all.” Daitokuji adjusted his glasses. “It’s like a mother knowing what toys her child has packed in their bag before going to school. I know what cards are in your deck. There are no more combos in your deck that can create miracles.”

"【E·hero Flame Wingman】? 【Beloved Hero】 and 【Skyscraper】? It's useless. No matter how strong your will is, you can't change reality. This is the most basic rule of the world. Your 【Hero】 has reached its limit."

"That's not true at all. Limits and such are meant to be broken." Judai was not swayed by Daitokuji's words and confidently said, "Besides, I'm not an alchemist like you, Daitokuji-sensei. I'm just me, a duelist who fights for fun."

"A hero is someone who turns the impossible into the possible. Even if I have reached my limit, as you said, Mr. Daitokuji, I will make up for the shortfall with bonds and courage!"

"My turn, draw a card!"

"Then, I Normal Summon [E·Hero Bubble Man] from my hand!" Jaden felt as if he had entered a special state. Without even looking at the card he had drawn, Jaden placed the card horizontally on the Duel Disk. The monster that appeared on his field was indeed [E·Hero Bubble Man]!

"Is this what they mean by 'a true duelist can even create his own destiny in drawing cards'?" Seeing that the card he had drawn following his intuition was indeed [E·Hero Bubble Man], Jaden recalled what Principal Hayato had said and smiled, "Then, the effect of [E·Hero Bubble Man] is activated when it is successfully summoned and there are no other cards on my field. I draw two cards from my deck!"

Although surprised that Jaden could accurately call out the name of the card he drew, and puzzled that Jaden still Normal Summoned [E·Hero Bubble Man] when he only had one card in his hand, Daitokuji had no intention of holding back and immediately said, "But Jaden, don't forget the effect of my Continuous Trap Card [Imperial Decree] on the field."

"Negatively negate the effects of monsters activated when they are summoned, then draw one card from your deck!"

The invisible pressure descended once again, and the effect of [E·hero Bubble Man] was forcibly interrupted. Jaden was supposed to draw two cards, but he could only draw one instead, thus losing the resource of one card for nothing.

That wasn't all. Knowing that [E·hero Bubble Man] not only had its own card draw ability, but also the ability to transform into [E·hero New Bubble Man], as well as several particularly troublesome exclusive combo cards, he didn't give Jaden any chance. Before Jaden could draw a card, he chained the effect of the Continuous Trap Card [Imperial Decree] and pressed the button to activate the face-down card.

“I’m also going to chain my backrow face-down card, the Quick-Play Spell Card [Offering to the Dead], to destroy one monster on the field, at the cost of skipping my next draw phase.” Daitokuji pointed to [E. Hero Bubble Man] and said, “Your [E. Hero Bubble Man] will also be banished when it’s destroyed. Although I look forward to your performance, I won’t hold back, Jaden!”

The destruction of [E·hero Bubble Man] was a foregone conclusion. After all, Jaden hadn't drawn a card due to [Imperial Decree] and couldn't stop Daitokuji's [Offering to the Dead] from activating. Water Hero was destroyed and then banished due to the existence of [Great Universe]. The increase in banished monsters further boosted the attack power of [Three Sons Helios].

[Helios, the Third Son of the Sun God] [ATK7100→7400]

Jaden, who only drew his card at this moment, removed the "E·Hero Bubble Man" card from his Duel Disk and put it away. However, he immediately played the card he had just drawn, as if he already knew what card he would draw: "If there are no other cards in my hand or on the field, I activate the Normal Spell Card 'Fifth Act of Hope.' The closer we get to the limit you mentioned, Daitoku-sensei, the greater the hope that heroes can create miracles!"

"Return five [E·hero] cards from my Graveyard—[E·hero Electroman], [E·hero Golden Blademan], [E·hero Liquidman], [E·hero Solidman], and [E·hero Shadow Mist Lady]—to the Deck, and draw two cards from the Deck." Although the cards sent to Jaden's Graveyard after [Universe] was activated were banished, the cards used before that—the cards Jaden used in the first turn—remained in his Graveyard.

After shuffling the card back into the deck, Jaden drew three cards. "If there are no other cards in my hand or on the field when this card is activated, the card drawn by [The Fifth Act of Hope] becomes three."

"Next, I activated [Angel's Charity], drawing three cards from my deck and discarding two cards from my hand. The cards I chose were [E·hero Winged Man] and [E·hero Burst Girl].

"Finally, this card, the spell card 'Foolish Burial,' sends a monster card from my deck—this 'E-Hero Clayman'—to the graveyard."

With only two cards left in his hand, Jaden sent three [E·Hero] monsters to the graveyard and then banished them with [Dai Cosmos]. He even specifically told Daitokuji what monsters he had chosen. Jaden looked at Daitokuji and said, "This is my answer, Daitokuji-sensei, regarding the alchemical talent you wanted to see."

Chapter 1194 Heroes of Bonds - Immortal Knight

[Helios, the Third Son of the Sun God] [ATK7400→8300]

"Answer?" Watching Jaden send monsters to the graveyard one after another and then be eliminated by the "Great Universe," even though he hadn't accomplished anything and was only increasing the attack power of his own "Helios the Third Son," Daitokuji said in bewilderment, "But in my eyes, Jaden, all you're doing is constantly giving up on your own hope."

"If your win rate was still around 1% before because of the [E·hero] cards in your deck, now it's almost down to less than 0.1%."

“No, quite the opposite, I feel my win rate has risen to at least 10% now, right?” Jaden said with a smile to Daitokuji. “Daitokuji-sensei, you said that willpower cannot change reality? But that’s not true, is it? It’s more likely that Professor Chronos would say that, but it’s definitely not something you, as an alchemist, would say.”

"Although I don't understand it very well, I think the most important thing about alchemy is not the alteration of matter but the harmonization of the spirit. And a so-called partner is someone who, even if they are far apart, can still think of each other in their hearts and fight together with each other's will."

"True alchemy is the power of bonds!"

Behind Jaden, the previously excluded [E·hero Nendoroid], [E·hero Bubble Man], [E·hero Wing Man], and [E·hero Burst Girl] appeared one after another. At the same time, even Daitokuji could not see that Jaden also saw the figures of his companions on his [Hero]s.

Misawa, Manjoume, Caesar, and Asuka, the group of friends all placed their hands on Jaden, watching him raise a card above his head and say, "If my miracles have reached their limit, then let's use the power of bonds to connect the other universes! Magic Card [Parallel World Fusion] activated!"

"I'll lend you my body!"

Under Daitokuji's gaze, in the cosmic space behind Judai, just as he had previously manipulated planets using the [Grand Cross], several planets were converging on him.

Originally, there was only one "pseudo-Earth" behind Jaden, but now, as Jaden activated the card, the planets attracted by it were all blue planets with similar appearances to the "pseudo-Earth" behind Jaden. It looked as if one parallel world after another's Earth had been attracted to Jaden's side!

"During the turn that 【Parallel World Fusion】 is activated, I cannot Special Summon a monster except by the effect of this card." Only now did Jaden finally tell Daitokuji why he had Normal Summoned it instead of Special Summoning it with the effect of 【E·Hero Bubble Man】. Jaden did not turn around to look at the strange scenery behind him, because he knew without needing to confirm that it was his partner's power responding to him.

"The effect of [Parallel World Fusion] is to return my Fusion Material Monster, which is determined by the [E·hero] Fusion Monster, to the Deck, and Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster from the Fusion Deck."

Holding the Duel Disk above his head, radiating light towards the deck area above, Jaden continued, "These are the four monsters I'm returning to my deck."

"Earth-attribute, [E·hero Nendoroid];"

During the entrance exam, I met Si Ze and was matched against Professor Chronos.

"Water-attribute, [E·hero Bubble Man];"

Arriving at Duel Academy Island by ferry, he reunited with Manjoume, whom he hadn't seen for many years, and met Asuka for the first time.

"Wind attribute, [E·hero Winged Warrior];"

During my time at the university, I've met many classmates, including Maeda and Sho, as well as many other friends.

"And, the fire-attribute [E·hero Burst Girl]..."

Although they may seem difficult to get along with, both Asuka and Caesar have passionate hearts, and unknowingly, they have also formed bonds with themselves...

The four excluded [E·hero] cards flew out of Jaden's pocket and converged toward his raised hand, while the "parallel world Earth" behind Jaden also began to overlap.

“If it had been a few months earlier, I might have indeed lost to you, teacher, after reaching the limits of my abilities. But I am no longer the same person I was when I first entered school, Daitokuji-sensei.” Raising his head, Judai looked at Daitokuji and repeated his self-introduction from when he entered school, “I am Yuki Judai, my dream is to become the Duel King, and my short-term goal is to make friends with all the students in the school!”

"Lend me your power, everyone!"

Behind Judai, the "pseudo-Earths" completely overlapped and replaced the original Earth that had reached its limit, creating a brand new world. Beside Judai, the phantoms of Manjoume, Asuka, Caesar, and Misawa raised their hands together with Judai, holding up the card that appeared out of thin air in his hand!

"Earth, water, wind, fire—the hope of the fifth act is the fifth element called 'bonds'!" Jaden placed the card on the Duel Disk and proclaimed, "Expectation, awakening, hope, courage—here comes Oppa!"

"Fusion Summon! The ultimate hero has appeared!"

"【E·hero Immortal】!"

Four-colored light enveloped the card in Jaden's hand, and in front of him, a golden warrior, radiating the light of hope, descended onto Jaden's field from the overlapping simulated Earth.

【E·hero Immortal】【10☆/Light】

[Warrior Race/Effect/Effect]

[2900/2600]

“It goes a step further than the triple elemental fusion of [E·hero Skywing], the fusion of the four elements of earth, water, wind and fire, this is really…” Looking at the new Fusion Monster that Jaden played, Daitokuji’s eyes were full of excitement and satisfaction. “As expected, Jaden, you have the potential for alchemy.”

“No, this isn’t just my possibility, Daitokuji-sensei. This is a possibility shared by me and my friends!” Jaden said, pointing to Daitokuji. “And the power of friendship is an infinite power that can transcend time, space, and even dimensions! Limits? The fusion of friendship and bonds can break through the heavens!”

"【E·hero】 When Fusion Summoned successfully, its effect activates! Return all banished cards from the game to their respective owners' decks and shuffle them. Gurren Lagann!"

In the hands of [E·hero], water and earth mixed to form mud, and flames shaped the drill bit. Then, the wind drove the drill bit to spin at high speed, creating a "wind" in this simulated universe. As he thrust the drill bit upwards, a rift opened in this [vast universe], revealing the real sky.

From the rift in the universe, an invisible storm blew toward Jaden and Daitokuji. A large number of banished cards came toward their owners. Daitokuji's deck, which originally had only about ten cards left, was filled with banished cards, and in an instant, it suddenly increased to more than fifty cards.

"The banished cards have returned to the deck?" Looking up at Jaden, his deck was also being expanded. All the previously banished [Hero] cards had returned to Jaden's deck under the effect of [E·hero Eternal]. "I see. This is your path, Jaden, a path different from mine and the other alchemists I know."

"But Jaden, as an alchemist, I can give you a perfect score for your answer, but as a duelist, I will not give up the fight so easily!"

As he spoke, Daitokuji glanced at the monster on his field.

[Helios, the Third Son of the Sun God] [ATK8300→500]

Because all the banished cards returned to the deck, Daitokuji's "Helios the Sun God" lost the power boost from the banished monsters, and its attack power was reduced to only the 500 points gained from its revival after being destroyed.

On the other hand, Jaden's [E·hero] still had a full 2900 attack power. Jaden also said, "Me too, Daitokuji-sensei. Even if the opponent is you, I will win the duel with my [Hero]s and my friends!"

"Another effect of 【E·hero Eternal】 is that this card's attribute can also be used as FIRE, WATER, EARTH, or WIND. In addition, for each monster with the same attribute on your opponent's field, 【E·hero Eternal】 gains 300 ATK."

【E·hero Immortal】【ATK2900→3200】

The [E·hero Immortal] with an attack power of 3200 is far more powerful than the [Three Sons Sun God Helios] with an attack power of only 500. Daitokuji's remaining 1200 basic points are completely unable to resist its attack.

"【E·Hero Eternal】truly extends the limits of your miracles, Judai. The alchemy of gaining power from others—even I am moved." Daitokuji said, pressing the button to activate the face-down card. "However, Judai, your 【E·Hero Eternal】still has a major flaw: it still lacks any resistance!"

"The Quick-Play Spell Card [Grand Cross] is activated again! This card can only be activated while [Cosmos] is active. Inflict 300 damage to your opponent's duelist and destroy all monsters on the field!"

"The destroyed [E·hero] will also be eliminated by the power of the [Cosmos], while [Helios, the Third Son of the Sun God] will be resurrected!"

Under the influence of the Grand Cross, the planets once again aligned themselves to form a giant cross. The planetary energy swept towards Jaden's field, aiming to destroy him and extinguish Jaden's hopes.

"I know perfectly well that [E·hero Eternal] has no resistance, Daitokuji-sensei. But I've already said it, haven't I, Daitokuji-sensei? I will win the duel with my friends!" Jaden played a card from his hand and said, "Quick-Play Spell Card [I Become a Shield] activated! Pay me 1500 Life Points, negate and destroy any card activations your opponent has that have an effect that destroys monsters on the field!"

[Tenth Generation: 1700 → 200 LP]

Without hesitation, Jaden paid off his last remaining life points. The planetary energy that was supposed to hit E. Hero was instead focused on Jaden. E. Hero, representing the bond between Jaden and his friends, was unharmed under Jaden's protection.

Next up, it's [E·hero]'s turn to protect Jaden.

"Equip the Spell Card 'Beloved Hero'! This card can only be equipped to a Level 5 or higher 'Hero' monster. At the end of the battle, the hero can't afford to not strike a proper pose!" Slightly out of breath from the drop in Life Points, Jaden smiled at Daitokuji. "Equip it to 'E-Hero Eternal,' and then it's my Battle Phase!"

As Jaden declared, the "Beloved Hero" card equipped on "E·hero" released a gravitational force, forcibly pulling Daitokuji and Jaden back from the vast universe to the ground, to a skyscraper—the most classic field spell card in Jaden's "E·hero" deck—"Skyscraper"!

"At the start of the Battle Phase, the effect of 'Beloved Hero' activates. I activate one Field Spell Card from my hand or Deck. A hero needs a stage to fight on! 'Skyscraper' activates!" Jaden said, waving his hand again. "At the same time, if there is a card in my Field Zone, the first effect of 'Beloved Hero' takes effect. The ATK of 'E-Hero Eternal' equipped with 'Beloved Hero' increases by its original DEF value, and the opponent cannot target the equipped monster with card effects!"

【E·hero Immortal】【ATK3200→5800】

Although pulled back to Earth by that damned gravity, the "pseudo-Earth" created by the [Parallel World Fusion] did not disappear, but instead appeared above the [Skyscraper] in place of the moon. E·hero, equipped with [Beloved Hero], stood at the top of the [Skyscraper], just like Jaden, with his back to the "pseudo-Earth" in the sky.

"This is my final answer, Daitokuji-sensei!" Judai shouted, pointing at Daitokuji. "[E·hero Immortal] attacks [Helios the Third Sun God], this is our exhilarating combination attack!"

"A fissioning universe!"

Unifying the four elements, [E·hero] now possesses the power of a fifth element, transcending the rules of the world, and a dazzling light gathers in his arms. As [E·hero] crosses his arms into a cross, a powerful impact erupts along with the light!

First came Helios, the third sun god. Even the immortal sun of the three celestial bodies was erased and destroyed in the light of miracles and hope. Then, the dazzling light completely overwhelmed the view of Daitoku-ji Temple, and white enveloped everything.

Amidst this light, Daitokuji's face showed no sign of frustration or resentment at his impending defeat in the duel; instead, it was filled with joy and satisfaction.

'What a beautiful light, Jaden. With such light by your side, you will surely be able to walk straight towards the distant reaches of the alchemy I have been seeking but unable to attain.'

'However, be careful not to let the hidden darkness cloud your vision.'

Daitoku-ji Temple: 1200 LP → 0

Chapter 1195 The seventh member of the Seven Stars is...

With a single strike from [E·hero], Daitokuji's Life Points were wiped out, and with one side's Life Points at zero, the duel was decided.

At the same time, as the "Great Universe" dissipated after the duel ended, Jaden, returning to Earth's gravity, exited his previous special state.