Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

"Huh? What can a mere nobody do?" David sneered disdainfully. "If you had a card that could stop my attack, you could have used it earlier. Why wait until now?"

"I can't block your card right now, but I believe in my brother, and I believe in myself and my deck that he believes in!" Marufuji Sho pressed the button to activate the face-down card. "As long as my brother is here, I can do anything!"

"Trap Card [Counter Gate]! This card can only be activated when an opponent's monster declares a direct attack. Negate that attack and draw one card from your Deck!"

"What?!"

In front of the [Phantom Beast Machine - Orion Lion] charging towards Marufuji Sho, a semi-transparent square barrier opened up and blocked the direct attack. At the same time, the barrier was pushed towards Marufuji Sho by the impact, gradually becoming illusory until Marufuji Sho passed through it, leaving a card in his hand.

Upon seeing the card he had drawn, Marufuji Sho's expression was a mixture of surprise and joy as he murmured, "I... I really did it?"

Although he was still somewhat incredulous about the results of his card draw, Marufuji Sho added them to his hand.

After a brief moment of surprise, David looked at Marufuji Sho with the same disdainful tone: "When you draw a monster from the 'Counterattack Gate', you can summon it, right? But you didn't summon it. Was it because you drew a Spell/Trap Card? No, it could also be a high-level monster?"

"For the sake of momentary momentum, the Counterattack Gate, which could have blocked the attack of the [Phantom Beast - Harrier Leopard Beast], was used to block the attack of the [Phantom Beast - Orion Gyro], which had the lowest attack power?"

"In that case, you still can't change the outcome of defeat!"

"Direct attack from [Phantom Beast Machine - Harrier Leopard Beast]! Red-headed Rattlesnake Barrage!"

Chapter 1252 Don't Draw Cards If You're Confused

"Direct attack from [Phantom Beast Machine - Harrier Leopard Beast]! Red-headed Rattlesnake Barrage!"

David, with a sour face, said impatiently, "I've had enough of this boring duel, I'll take you down right now! Under the attack of [Phantom Beast - Harrier Lionmon], your Life Points will be reduced to a mere flickering candle in the wind!"

With an attack power of 3600 points, the [Phantom Beast - Harrier Leopard Beast] launched a large number of missiles, weaving a dense barrage that even birds could not pass through, covering Marufuji Sho.

Under normal circumstances, facing such a powerful direct attack, Marufuji Sho would have been completely panicked. However, holding the only cards in his hand and feeling Judai's gaze fixed on him, courage surged within Marufuji Sho.

"Soleiwadokana!"

Sending the card in his hand to the graveyard, Marufuji Sho said, "The card I drew from my hand earlier using [Counter Gate] was this monster card [Kite Machine]. The reason I didn't summon this card, which is only level 1, was to activate its effect at this moment!"

(A powerful hand trap that DL players are no strangers to)

"Discard this card from my hand, and reduce the damage your opponent's monsters deal to me from one direct attack to 0!"

The scene of the attack by [Phantom Beast Machine - Orion Flying Lion] is recreated. The difference is that this time, what blocked the barrage of bullets was no longer a gray protective barrier, but a humanoid kite that flew out from Marufuji Sho's hand. Although the idea that a kite can be regarded as a means of transportation and become a [machine] is a bit abstract, no one would think of riding a kite to move, except for ninjas in movies and TV shows.

The seemingly hopeless barrage of attacks turned out to be all barrage and no substance, failing to even break through a small kite and inflicting the slightest damage on Marufuji Sho. Seeing Marufuji Sho actually withstand another attack, David Laber was furious, like a cat seeing a mouse daring to ride on its head. No, it would be more accurate to say that he was already quite annoyed that he hadn't managed to kill this neglected rat while playing around with it!

"You bastard, what right do you have to be arrogant in front of me! You're nothing but a nobody!" David waved his hand again and ordered, "I don't believe you can block another attack when you've run out of cards! The final direct attack from the [Phantom Beast Machine - Stratospheric Hamster]! Oil tanker explosion!"

Although the [Phantom Beast Machine - Stratospheric Hamster], which is extremely similar to a hamster, doesn't seem to have any offensive capabilities, and its prototype, nicknamed the "Strosomatic Oil Tanker," is a purely logistical support aircraft without any weapons, even such a monster becomes ferocious under the effect of [Restriction Release]. It generously throws large amounts of fuel from its cabin at Marufuji Sho, attempting to ignite the fuel and trigger a chain explosion.

However, the large amounts of spilled fuel were all caught by the persistent "Kite Man," which reappeared, making David's eyes widen in fury. He gritted his teeth and said, "How come it's that monster again?! How did it reappear?!"

"【Kite Machine】has the same effect when it is in the graveyard. When discarded from the hand, it reduces the combat damage of direct attacks against the player to 0 only once. This effect can only be used once in a duel."

Marufuji Sho, who possesses the animated version of [Kite Robot], does not need to remove [Kite Robot] from his graveyard. He looks at the graveyard area of ​​his Duel Disk with grateful eyes and says, "Thank you, [Kite Robot], you saved me twice in a row."

"And then, David Rabble, I've defended against all of your monsters' attacks. I wasn't defeated by your all-out assault!" Looking up at David on the opponent's field, Marufuji Sho, having survived this round of attacks, felt the rhythm of a duel and said seriously, "Regardless of your [Limit Removal], the effect of [Emergency Takeoff] alone will cause your [Phantom Beast Machine] monsters to all return to your deck at the end of the turn, right?"

"In other words, if you fail to defeat me in one go, at the end of this turn, you will only have one [Phantom Beast Token] on your field with 0 attack and 0 defense! Now, the roles are reversed!"

Seeing Marufuji Sho's previously dejected yet confident and strong demeanor, David Labb felt utterly humiliated. How dare a mere nobody like him?!

"Unforgivable! You don't even have a single card yourself, so where do you get the confidence to challenge me? In the eyes of a nobody like you, I'm the kind of weakling who can be easily killed by someone like you who thinks, 'I'm going to kill you'?"

Enraged, David Labbour smirked. "Although monsters Special Summoned by the effect of [Emergency Takeoff] will return to my deck during the End Phase, I can just squeeze every last drop of value out of them during Main Phase 2."

"At the end of my Battle Phase, during my Main Phase 2, I Tribute [Phantom Beast - Black Falcon] and [Phantom Beast - Orion Lion] from my field to Special Summon this card from my hand!"

"Let the ferocity and evil of the overlord of the sky and the king of the land, the composite mythical beast of the eagle and the lion existing only in fantasy, descend upon the behemoth with wings that blot out the sky, and become the machine of destruction that brings down natural disasters!"

Special Summon! [Phantom Beast Machine - Kalinin Griffin]!

The two monsters on David Rabb's field were disassembled into countless parts, which were then reassembled and pieced together into a colossal creature with a wingspan of about fifty meters. Its sharp beak, claws, and the long lion tail-shaped projection device trailing behind it indicated that the animal it represented was the legendary mythical creature "griffin." However, its prototype was no less impressive, being the "legendary" Kalinin K-7 bomber!

【Phantom Beast Machine - Kalinin Griffin】【7☆/Wind→10☆/Wind】【

[Mechanical Race/Effect]

[1000/2500]

"Could it be a Level 7 monster? If its attack and defense were swapped, it could be the ace monster of a main character in a Yu series. It's a pity we can't swap them." Hayato commented on the [Phantom Beast Machine - Kalinin Griffin] from the sidelines, then frowned, "But it's really not right to just release a monster that has no use."

"You're the only one who doesn't have the right to say something like that, Hayato-sensei," Jaden retorted, then added with some doubt, "I could at least recognize the prototypes of the monsters before, but this 'Kalinin,' I feel like I've never heard of it before?"

“It would be strange if you recognized it, Mr. Judai. People would suspect you’re from some parallel world,” said Rei Saotome beside Judai. Her knowledge in this area was far richer than Judai’s, who only knew about military matters from television. “That ‘Kalinin’ most likely refers to the Ursus K-7 bomber. That thing was designed as an exaggerated flying fortress, capable of carrying tens of tons of explosives, or hundreds of paratroopers, or even tanks. It’s full of the Ursus-style powerful brick-like flight.”

"The problem is that a good design does not mean it can be built. Seven engines can indeed make the plane take off, but the oversized wings caused the plane to suffer from structural flutter and engine resonance. Even with continuous improvements, the K-7 bomber repeatedly malfunctioned and even crashed. Until the designer Kalinin himself was arrested due to the Ursus purge, not a single finished K-7 bomber was ever put into service. Therefore, it is not wrong to call that plane a 'legendary' aircraft."

Following up on Saotome Rei's words, Marufuji Ryo also said, "Just like the 'Kalinin' which only existed in the design, the griffin is also a creature that only existed in fantasy. This is David Labb's ace monster, the [Phantom Beast Machine - Kalinin Griffin], which turned the fantasy of the past into reality and truly became a powerful bulwark of flying fortress and aerial overlord."

He talks a big game about how much he values ​​the [Phantom Beast Machine - Kalinin Griffin], but none of the people present who have seen Ryo Marufuji in a duel would think that monster would be a problem for him. After all, 2500 defense points plus the indestructible resistance shared by the [Phantom Beast Machine] when its derivatives are on the field would be troublesome for most people, but for Ryo Marufuji who plays [Cyber ​​Dragon]?

Why do you think he's called "Caesar"? For most people, a duel with him is just a fleeting moment. Being able to withstand a single blow from [Cyber ​​End Dragon] is already quite an achievement. If you encounter a blow from [Cyber ​​End Dragon] fused with [Power Welding], you're considered an exceptionally strong opponent. If Ryo Marufuji were to cast [Limit Removal], anyone who isn't instantly killed in one turn could easily go pro.

Just like Caesar who said "I came, I saw, I conquered," Ryo Marufuji's duel was a duel that existed only in the instant of "I came, I saw," and could instantly reach the result of "I conquered."

Turning our attention back to the field, David Rabb, who Special Summoned [Phantom Beast Machine - Kalinin Griffin], explained: "Although I used a Normal Summon on [Phantom Beast Machine - Rope Wolf] this turn, the appearance of [Phantom Beast Machine - Kalinin Griffin] is not a Normal Summon but a Special Summon that is similar to a Triple Summon due to its own effect."

"Then at that moment, the effect of the [Phantom Beast Machine - Orion Flying Lion] that was released and sent to the Graveyard is activated. If this card is sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon one [Phantom Beast Machine Token] to fill the empty slot on my field."

"Next, I will Tribute the [Phantom Beast Token] that I just Special Summoned to activate the effect of [Phantom Beast - Stratospheric Hamster], and Special Summon a [Phantom Beast] monster from my Graveyard. I chose [Phantom Beast - Black Falcon]!"

The integrated [Phantom Beast Machine Derivative] was released, and the virtual projection that had just been projected changed, transforming from the semi-transparent [Phantom Beast Machine - Orion Lion] into the materialized [Phantom Beast Machine - Black Falcon]. However, unlike before, this time the [Phantom Beast Machine - Black Falcon] David Labb chose a relatively high defense position to avoid effect damage when destroyed by attacks.

【Phantom Beast Machine - Black Falcon】【DEF1700】

"My [Phantom Beast Machine - Black Falcon] has the ability to change the opponent's monster's battle position to Defense Position by releasing [Phantom Beast Machine Tokens]. At the same time, the presence of [Phantom Beast Machine Tokens] prevents my [Phantom Beast Machine] monsters from being destroyed by battle or effects. You, a mere nobody, dare to challenge me who possesses such power?"

Speaking arrogantly, David Labborg remained completely unfazed, waving his hand and saying, "My round is over."

At the moment his turn ended, David's [Phantom Beast - Harrier Leopard Beast] and [Phantom Beast - Stratosaurus Hamster] on the field turned back into phantoms and then disappeared, forcibly returning to his deck due to the effect of [Emergency Takeoff].

Although [Phantom Beast - Black Falcon] was previously Special Summoned with the effect of [Emergency Takeoff], it was not affected by [Emergency Takeoff] because it had entered the Graveyard and was then Special Summoned with the effect of [Phantom Beast - Stratosaurus].

David Labbour: 4000LP, 0 cards in hand

【Phantom Beast Machine - Black Falcon】【DEF1700】

【Phantom Beast Machine - Kalinin Griffin】【DEF2500】

[Phantom Beast Machine Derivative] [DEF0]

Compared to the defensive lineup Marufuji Sho had set up in the previous turn, David Rabo still had the ability to reserve such a monster for defense while attacking. If Marufuji Sho wanted to attack David Rabo, he would first need to destroy the [Phantom Beast Machine Token] under the interference of [Phantom Beast Machine - Black Falcon], and then deal with the remaining two [Phantom Beast Machines] one by one.

If Marufuji Sho were going second instead of first, and this were only the first turn, with his initial five cards and the additional card he drew during the draw phase, it wouldn't be impossible for him not to do this. But the problem is that Marufuji Sho is currently out of cards, with no usable cards in his hand or on the field. How can he possibly fight the monsters on David's field?

Despite this situation, Marufuji Sho should have been panicking long ago when faced with such a crisis, but at this moment he felt incredibly calm.

Was it because he was in utter despair? No, although David Labborg was oppressive, it wasn't as intense as when Jaden sparred with him normally.

Was it because I gave up? No, even in my cowardly and timid self, there is a desire for strength and victory. Right now, I have no intention of giving up the fight and want to continue the duel.

Is it because of that person?

Turning his head to look at Ryo Marufuji outside the arena, and then at Judai, Sho Marufuji turned his head and placed his finger on top of the deck.

For Marufuji Sho, who couldn't even complete "Lesson 1", things like "Lesson 3" that Hayato talked about in class were completely incomprehensible to him. He only went to Hayato's class with Judai and the others to fit in, and never really learned or mastered what Hayato taught.

However, quite miraculously, even though Akira Fujisho didn't understand "Lesson 1" at all, right? But at this very moment, he suddenly understood the meaning of "Lesson 3" taught by Hayato.

"Trust the cards, just trust them..." Looking at his deck, Marufuji Sho took a deep breath. "That's right, just trust them. Trust doesn't need a reason!"

If you lack trust in the cards and feel confused, then drawing cards is meaningless. But at this moment, Marufuji Sho, trusting in himself whom Jaden also trusts, drew the card without any hesitation!

His deck also showed him the glorious path to victory!

"My turn, draw a card!"

"Then, activate—"

Chapter 1253 Final Fusion

"My turn, draw!" Sho Marufuji drew a card from his deck and placed it into the Spell Trap Zone. "Then I will activate this Spell Card I drew!"

"【Pot of Greed】! You can activate this card by targeting five monsters in my Graveyard. Return those five monsters to your Deck, shuffle them, and then draw two cards from your Deck!"

"I'll add five monster cards—[Swamp Demon King], [Kite Machine], [First Aid Machine], [Rescue Machine], and [Decoy Machine]—to my deck, shuffle it, and then draw!"

Watching Marufuji Sho collect previously used cards from the graveyard and draw cards from his deck to increase his hand size to two, David Rabb still didn't take him seriously: "It's just that you went from having one hand to two. What difference does it make if you draw one more card—"

"Then I'll activate the effect of this [Pot of Greed] I just drew and draw two more cards from my deck!" Before David could finish speaking, Marufuji Sho activated the card he had just drawn from his hand. This powerful card draw card not only helped Marufuji Sho's hand grow to three cards again, but also made David Labborg unable to utter a single curse.

No, I was just saying, do you really smoke?

But even if you have three cards in your hand, it's the same. There's nothing to be afraid of. Even if the mere [Mech] can withstand the attack of your [Phantom Beast] like a cockroach, it doesn't mean that it can break through your defenses on the field.

The three monsters, namely the Phantom Beast Machine-Black Falcon, the Phantom Beast Machine-Kalinin Griffin, and the Phantom Beast Machine Derivative, support each other in their joint battle, much like the ancient British, French, and Dutch alliances that helped each other defend against the impregnable Maginot Line of Germany. Mere "machines"? Insignificant!

Clearly, David, who hadn't studied history well, only knew that the Maginot Line existed, but didn't know how much of a "role" it later played.

Marufuji Sho checked his hand after drawing the card. Because Pot of Greed was listed as a limited card, he couldn't replicate the classic Pot of Greed combo. However, he did draw another powerful card draw card that was also listed as a limited card.

"The magic card [Angel's Charity] is activated! I draw three cards from my deck and then discard two cards from my hand. The cards I choose to discard are [Invisible Robot] and [Truck Robot] from my hand."

Marufuji Sho's maneuver was incredibly smooth. In one main phase, he actually played a total of three cards to draw cards. Although it didn't replenish as many resources as a single "Heavenly Treasure Card," it was still enough to amaze the onlookers.

"What amazing card draws! I've drawn and played powerful card-drawing cards one after another. Could it be that the information I gathered was wrong? Although there are different dormitories in Duel Academy, the red dormitory is actually where the strong are located?" Saotome Rei looked at Marufuji Ryo's blue uniform with a surprised expression, and suddenly felt that blue wasn't so good-looking after all.

"No, the Blue Dormitory is indeed only for students with excellent grades. In contrast, the students in the Red Dormitory generally have lower grades." Marufuji Ryo said it tactfully, without directly telling Saotome Rei that "the Red Dormitory is full of the worst students who are bad at written tests and perform poorly in real-world situations."

"Then, is that short guy with glasses also an exception like Mr. Judai?"

“Sho is actually my younger brother.” Marufuji Ryo said, seeing Saotome Rei’s surprised expression of “You’re kidding, right? The difference between brothers is that big?” “Although I really want to say that Sho is also a very good duelist with outstanding talent and performance, the fact cannot be changed. Sho not only entered the Duel Academy with a ranking in the bottom ten of the written test, but he has never achieved a score that can be called ‘good’ in the actual combat test.”

"Even his ability to draw powerful cards one after another, while I'm not trying to belittle him, is something that Sho alone couldn't achieve." After a pause, Marufuji Ryo couldn't help but add, "I haven't seen many people in the academy with this kind of strong card-drawing luck."

Upon hearing Ryo Marufuji's words, Rei Saotome's gaze couldn't help but shift to Judai, who was standing to the side, along with Ryo's. Judai, oblivious to their conversation, was still cheering for Sho Marufuji, saying, "Well done, Sho! That's the kind of spirit you need when drawing cards!"

“The human mind is a very strange thing,” Hayato, who was also watching the game, said, attracting the attention of Ryo Marufuji and Rei Saotome. “Under psychological suggestion, a person’s mind can affect the state of the body. For example, it can cause the limbs to lose sensation, change a part of the body’s organs, or even make the action of taking off clothes while switching personalities and the body grows into an almost completely different appearance.

"No, the first two are somewhat feasible, but the last one is obviously a setting you got from some manga," Saotome Rei retorted sharply, still somewhat puzzled. "But what does this have to do with those glasses, or the other Marufuji's gacha system over there?"

"Pets kept for a long time will gradually develop habits similar to their owners. When people have a goal to admire and pursue, they will naturally gravitate towards that person. When imitating someone, it is possible to become even more like the original than the original. This is the wonder of the human mind. As for Marufuji Sho, it seems that he regards Judai as his goal and motivation, and to some extent even borrows Judai's luck in drawing cards."

"Can something so exaggerated be done just through mental activity? The human body is just too amazing." Saotome Rei said in surprise, seemingly genuinely believing Hayato's words, while Marufuji Ryo shook his head helplessly, said nothing, and looked back at the arena.

After sending the card to the graveyard, Marufuji Sho used his first Normal Summon of the turn: "I Normal Summon 'Blender Man', and then Tribute it to activate its first effect, Special Summoning one 'Machine' monster from my Deck that is not a WIND monster."