Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

【E·hero Prism Man】【4☆/Light】

[Warrior Race/Effect]

【1700/1100→2100/1100】

"When I Summon or Special Summon [E·Hero Skyman], I can activate one of its two effects. This time, I won't choose to search, but rather its destruction effect." Jaden pointed to Suika's field. "[E·Hero Skyman] can destroy up to the number of other [Hero] monsters on my field. Besides [E·Hero Skyman], I have two [Hero] monsters on my field: [E·Hero Prism] and [E·Hero Sunrise], so I can destroy up to two Spell/Trap Cards."

"I'm going to destroy both of your Continuous Spell Cards, [Voice of Solace], in your back row, Asuka!"

"Whirlwind Charge Tornado!"

Two tornadoes erupted from the vortex-type flying machine of [E·hero Skyman]. With the assistance of [E·hero Prismman] and [E·hero Sunriseman], the two tornadoes precisely struck Asuka's two "Pendulum" cards in the back row. The two red-green cards of the [Solemn Voice] archetype couldn't even last a second against the invincible [E·hero Skyman] before being destroyed and sent to the graveyard!

Because of the departure of the [Voice of Solemnity], the power of the monsters that had been protecting Asuka disappeared. Even though [Voice of Solemnity - Reason] and light-attribute ritual monsters were still present, Jaden could now freely choose his attack targets instead of forcibly attacking ritual monsters, and he could also use light-attribute monsters, including [Voice of Solemnity - Guardian of Law], as targets of his effects.

Destroying two Continuous Spell Cards wasn't the end of it. Jaden took out another card from his deck and said, "Next is the effect of my [E·Hero Prism]. Once per turn, I can reveal one Fusion Monster from my Fusion Deck to my opponent, and then send one of its Fusion Material Monsters (as listed in its card name) from my Deck to the Graveyard. Until the End Phase, [E·Hero Prism] is treated as a card with the same name as the monster sent to the Graveyard for the activation of this effect."

“I show my Fusion Deck [E-hero Earth], and then send one of its Fusion Materials, [E-hero Forestman], from the deck to the graveyard.”

"【E·hero Earth】?" As soon as this card came out of Jaden's mouth, Hayato in the audience was also intrigued and looked at the 【E·hero Prism】 card on Jaden's field, which was displaying the reflection of 【E·hero Forestman】 on its body.

If he remembered correctly, just like the [Tyrant Neptune] cards, the [E·Hero Earth] card was also one of the "Planet" series cards. Although the Tragodia card had long been turned into the [Tragodia] card by Hayato and even sold to the system for recycling, making it impossible for him to cause any more trouble, Hayato still didn't expect that Jaden would actually be able to bring out the [E·Hero Earth] card.

Because the effects of the two monsters used as fusion materials were too weak, and Hayato hadn't seen this card much before, but he vaguely remembered that the card's effect was to greatly increase attack power, and without the restriction of "Solemn Barrier", the only attack position monster that Jaden sent to Asuka's field - "Lava Demon" - seemed to be the best target!

"Looks like the duel is about to end."

"It's not just Asuka who's hiding her trump card for the semi-finals and even the finals, me too! I haven't fully revealed the power of [Hero] yet, because [E·hero] possesses power that extends throughout nature and even the entire planet!"

Jaden said, playing a card in his hand, "Spell Card [Fusion Troops], you can only activate one card with this name per turn. Reveal a Fusion Monster from my Fusion Deck to your opponent, and Special Summon one Fusion Material Monster from my hand or Deck that monster has the name on it."

"Let me show you this [E-Hero Earth] from my Fusion Deck once again. I Special Summon the Fusion Material Monster of its counterpart from my Deck—this [E-Hero Ocean Warrior]!"

【E·hero Ocean Warrior】【4☆/Water】

[Warrior Race/Effect]

【1500/1200→2100/1200】

Jaden didn't pay much attention to the increased attack power of [E·hero Ocean Warrior] due to the increase in attribute types. He didn't summon him for attack, but for fusion.

"Finally, this is the spell card, [Displacement Fusion]. According to the rules, this card is treated as [Fusion]. Its effect is to send the Fusion Materials of a Fusion Monster from my field to the Graveyard, and to Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster from my Fusion Deck." Jaden played his last card besides [Beloved Hero], looking at the monsters on his field.

"The materials I chose are [E·hero Prism Man] and [E·hero Ocean Man], which I consider to be the same name card as [E·hero Forest Man] on the field!"

"【E·hero Forest Warrior】san, 【E·hero Ocean Warrior】san, lend me your power!"

Arriving on either side of Jaden, the guardian of the earth—[E. Hero Forestman]—and the guardian of the sea—[E. Hero Oceanman]—exchanged a glance, knowing the other was ready. Under the power of [Fusion], the two monsters' powers began to synchronize, then they simultaneously raised their arms, clashed fists, and thus became one—

"The earth is gradually awakening, a ray of dawn breaks the silence of the night; a burning heart beats, praying for peace to come!"

"Level 8☆, Fusion Summon!" Jaden shouted, holding up a card high, "Come forth, planet's [E·hero]!"

"Look at that blue planet, it is our eternal guardian!"

Behind Jaden, the perfect fusion power coalesced into a gigantic sphere, floating above him, upon which a clear atmosphere and ocean were visible. A warrior, resembling Earth, with a predominantly white body adorned with deep blue jewels like the ocean, stood before that sphere—a simulated Earth—and opened his arms to Jaden: 'Shout my name aloud, Jaden!'

"Ooooh!" Upon hearing the sound, Jaden also clenched his fist, raised it above his head, and shouted loudly.

"【E·hero——】"

"Earth--!!!】"

Chapter 1380 Do you dare to defy me, who owns [Earth]?

【E·hero Earth】【8☆/地】

[Warrior Race/Fusion/Effect]

[2500/2000]

At the same time, since the monsters on the field in Jaden at this moment have three attributes: light, wind, and earth, the attack power bonus from [E·hero Sunrise] is increased again.

【E·hero Earth】【ATK2500→3100】

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK2900→3100】

【E·hero Sky Warrior】【ATK2200→2400】

"Attack power of 3100 points!? Even surpasses the legendary [Blue-Eyes White Dragon]!" Asuka exclaimed in surprise, but she glanced at the last card remaining in Jaden's hand. "However, Jaden, even with the bonus from [Beloved Hero], [E·Hero Earth]'s attack power will only increase to 5100 points at most. Even if he attacks [Lava Demon], he can only deal a maximum of 2100 points of combat damage to me."

"Or is it that the [E·hero Earth] that you consider your last trump card actually has a powerful defensive penetration effect?"

“No, not at all. Among my [E·Hero] monsters, only three have the ability to penetrate defense, and [E·Hero Earth] is not one of them.” Jaden shook his head, but began to explain, “E·Hero monsters each represent a natural elemental force, such as the [E·Hero] normal monsters 'Bird,' 'Flame,' 'Lightning,' and 'Earth,' as well as the 'solid-liquid-gas' state represented by [E·Hero Skyman], [E·Hero Liquidman], and [E·Hero Solidman], and the plasma state represented by [E·Hero Flameman].

"【E·hero Earth】is the same. The power he possesses is the 'Earth' itself, including the land, atmosphere, and ocean currents. It can contain everything on the planet and encompass all things. This is the special ability called 'Earth Scorching'!"

As he spoke, Jaden pointed to his [E-hero Skyman] on his field, "First up is [E-hero Skyman]! By releasing any face-up [E-hero] monster on my field other than [E-hero Earth], I can activate its effect, which increases [E-hero Earth]'s ATK and DEF by an amount equal to the released monster's ATK and DEF until the end of this turn!"

(A tribute to Skywalker, who liberated Earth in his very first appearance in the comics)

"Form-Change, atmospheric form!"

【E·hero Sky Warrior】stood before the outstretched arms of 【E·hero Earth】, transforming into a light whirlwind and merging into the latter's body. The white armor on the surface of 【E·hero Earth】was stained with the blue-green color symbolizing the sky.

【E·hero地球】【3100/2000→2900/2000→5300/2300】

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK3100→2900】

Although the attack bonus provided by E·hero Sunrise Warrior was reduced by 200 points due to the departure of E·hero Sky Warrior, E·hero Earth completely absorbed the power of E·hero Sky Warrior, increasing its attack and defense power, which were under the bonus of E·hero Sunrise Warrior when it was released.

"5300 points, that's already surpassed [Five Divine Dragons]... But it's not enough to wipe out my Life Points, and the increase from [E·Hero Earth] only lasts for one turn!" After calculating, Asuka realized that her Life Points and the monsters on her field could withstand the attack from Jaden's two monsters, and said, "Even with the power of [Beloved Hero] added—"

“Of course I know that, Asuka, but…” Just like when she removed the card from [E·hero Skyman] when she released it, Jaden then removed the card from [E·hero Sunrise Man] as well. “I didn’t say that the effect of [E·hero Earth] can only be used once per turn, did I?”

"I will release my [E·hero Sunrise] once more to activate the effect of [E·hero Earth], and embrace the radiance from the sun as well!"

"Final-Form-Change, Shining Form!"

Following [E·hero Skyman], [E·hero Earth] also fused the remaining [E·hero Sunriseman] from the Jaden series into its body.

The blue on the body surface was diluted by the newly incorporated red, and eventually the two colors intertwined and turned into pure white, seemingly returning to the beginning. However, [E·hero Earth] had actually reached a whole new level after fusing the two [E·hero] bodies.

The moment the fusion was successful, the power of [E·hero Earth] surged, increased dramatically, and surged with incredible force! [E·hero Earth]'s aura at this moment was fifty times stronger than ever before; incomparably majestic and incredibly powerful!

With such intense "Earth-scorching heat," what in the world can withstand it? *Heroic profanity*, what in the world can withstand it?

Even Daitokuji in the audience stared wide-eyed with excitement: "So that's it! So that's it! This is what my [Great Universe] was missing, meow! The important thing isn't the [Planetary Alignment] or the shape the [Grand Cross] manipulates the planets to form, but the Earth at its core! To harmonize and sublimate everything, to transcend everything with pure power, meow!"

"As expected of the Tenth Generation, as expected of the Tenth Generation whose 'alchemy' talent I acknowledged! This is amazing, this is exactly what I wanted to see, meow!" He excitedly hugged his head with both hands, "Wow, this is awesome!"

【E·hero地球】【5300/2300→4900/2300→7800/3500】

Absorbing this incomparably ferocious power into his body, [E·hero Earth] drew two sword hilts from his lower back. With an outlet for his internal power, it surged forth from the two sword hilts, transforming into two thick lightsabers!

Using the dual-sword style of swordsmanship inherited from a certain commander-in-chief, [E·hero Earth] wielded the lightsaber in his hand to test its specific power.

"It's not over yet, Asuka, Madada!" Jaden played his last card and shouted at [E·Hero Earth] in front of him, "Final power, [Beloved Hero]! Equip this Equip Card to [E·Hero Earth], and then enter my Battle Phase!"

At the very moment that the Judai Declaration entered the battle phase, the lightsaber in the hand of [E·hero Earth], who had obtained the Equip Magic Card, was tested and its power was fully mastered. The raging lightsaber blade was retracted and formed a stable posture that was close to a solid blade, while the redundant power transformed into light wings that appeared behind [E·hero Earth], dragging him slowly into the air.

"The battle is over, but our lofty ideals will never be empty talk, and the will of justice will always be with us."

"The truth of [E·hero] lies here," [E·hero Earth] shouted, raising a lightsaber towards the sky, its tip gleaming. "Comrades, gather around me!"

"boom!"

Under the control of [E·hero Earth], the surrounding environment changed instantly. The earth melted and reconstructed, forming a huge cavern in the blink of an eye. At the same time, the monsters on Asuka's field were rendered powerless and unable to move!?

"【Beloved Hero】is an Equip Spell Card that can only be equipped to 【Hero】 monsters of Level 5 or higher. The second effect of this card is: at the start of the Battle Phase for both players, activate 1 Field Spell Card from my hand or Deck."

Jaden revealed a card, "And what I'm activating is this [Demon Bell Cave] from my deck. A hero needs a stage to fight on!"

"Because this [Clockwork] card exists in my area, the first effect of [Beloved Hero] is activated, increasing the ATK of the equipped monster [E. Hero Earth] by its original DEF value, which is 2000 points!"

【E·hero Earth】(Beloved Hero)【ATK7800→9800】

After a pause, Jaden added, "At the same time, the Field Spell Card [Clock Cave] has the effect that if the opponent controls more monsters than I do, the opponent cannot activate monster effects or declare an attack!"

"In that case, it doesn't matter whether Asuka has cards like [Super Electromagnetic Turtle] or [Rainbow Kuriboh] in her graveyard. Next up is the stage for [E·Hero Earth]!"

Seeing the Jaden on the field with an attack power of 9800 points, which was even 100 points higher than the powerful [E·hero Earth] with an attack power of 9700 points that Kaiser Ryo had when he fought Manjoume in the quarterfinals, Asuka gave a wry smile in disappointment.

"Even though I gave it my all, unleashing my full power in the duel, and even using the power of [Solemn Voice], I still couldn't keep up with Jaden?" A hint of resentment flickered in his eyes as he looked at [E·Hero Earth]. "I couldn't even manage a second round... I can't possibly let Jaden have his fill—"

"No, that's not how it is, Asuka."

The sudden sound made Asuka look up and meet the gaze of Judai, who was looking at her.

"‘Enjoy it to the fullest’ isn’t a word used in a duel, is it? This duel was clearly a very interesting one, wasn’t it?" Jaden’s face was full of confusion.

"Interesting, a duel? But I clearly couldn't even withstand a single round of your attacks, Jaden." As she spoke, Asuka clenched her fists.

“So I told you, it’s not like that. An interesting duel isn’t judged by the number of rounds. Just summoning monsters and having you attack me and me, dragging it out for dozens of rounds, is just a boring duel.” Jaden nodded seriously. “A truly interesting duel can be incredibly satisfying even if it only lasts for one round, just like the duel between Asuka and me.”

"Do you think this duel is an interesting one, Jaden?" Asuka was quite surprised to hear Jaden's words. Her expression changed, and her clenched fist loosened slightly.

"Whether a duel is interesting or not, you only need to know the answer to one question." Jaden looked into Asuka's brown eyes and smiled. "Asuka, when you see your monster fighting against mine on the field, don't you feel happy?"

Subconsciously, Asuka turned her head to look at the monsters on her field. Under her gaze, [Ancient Saint Dai - First Dragon], [Solemn Prayer - Reason], [Solemn Guardian - Law Guardian], and [The Three Holy Leaders] all turned to look at their commander.

Even though they were under the influence of the [Clock Cave] and their power was suppressed, Asuka's monsters still nodded to her to show their support—except for the dazed [Lava Demon], who, although it had eaten Asuka's monsters many times, was not really familiar with her.

Although the time was short, recalling the scenes of fighting alongside the monsters in the previous rounds, Asuka could clearly feel a special emotion surging within her. She raised her hand and touched her face, her fingers clearly feeling the curve of her upturned lips.

"Although many people think that Ritual Summoning is a rather outdated and boring way of summoning, not as flashy and powerful as Fusion Summoning. But—I like Ritual Summoning, and I also like fighting alongside my monsters." Looking up at [E·Hero Earth], Asuka smiled, "Yes, I like my monsters, I'm happy to be able to fight alongside my cards, and I even feel excited!"

“That’s right, Asuka. I noticed during the card interactions earlier that you and I share the same feelings, which is this feeling of immense love for the cards.” Jaden said happily when he saw Asuka smiling without any attempt to hide it. “Although I don’t know what you were thinking before that caused you to suppress these feelings, there’s absolutely no need for that. Duels are meant to bring smiles, right?”

"Asuka, you're happy for your favorite monsters, and I'm enjoying the moment my beloved hero appears. So without a doubt, this is going to be a fun duel!"

Looking at his own [E·hero Earth], Jaden gave the order, "Then let's go, [E·hero Earth], attack [Lava Demon], and put an end to this interesting duel!"

"Nameless Victory - Galaxy Meteor Sword!"

"Although defeat is inevitable, I don't want to lose to you in spirit before that defeat comes, Judai!" The budding sense of inferiority and "sadness" vanished without a trace in Judai's words. Asuka responded to Judai's passionate declaration of attack, replying, "We'll attack back too, [Lava Demon]!"

"Use the Tenjouin Flame!"

Having long been accustomed to its attacks being misused, the [Lava Demon] began to move dazedly. A flame, clearly a bluff, shot from its hand towards [E·hero Earth], only to be easily cleaved in two by the latter.

The intertwined swords combined to form a tight net, enveloping the [Lava Demon] and instantly shredding and destroying the massive magma monster, sending it to the graveyard. Simultaneously, the overflowing combat damage also rushed towards Asuka. However, after giving Jaden and Asuka a subtle look, [E·hero Earth] intentionally held back, leaving Asuka with only a slight breeze and no significant impact.

Asuka Tenjouin: 4000LP → 0