Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

[2700/2400]

"If my [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini -] is successfully Ritual Summoned, its effect can be activated. Not only that, the released [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten -] also meets the conditions for its effect activation," Asuka said. "Self-chain C1 [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini -] C2 [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten -]."

"First is the effect of [Cyber ​​Angel - Idaten -]: This effect can only be activated when this card is Tributed. All Ritual Monsters on my field gain 1000 ATK and DEF!"

Skanda, whose Sanskrit name is "Sita-dha-deva," is a guardian deity in Buddhism, and the [Cyber ​​Angel - Skanda -] naturally possesses the ability to provide protection to other [Cyber ​​Angels]. A gust of wind blew from behind Asuka, swirling around the [Cyber ​​Angels] on her field, providing them with a large amount of power!

【Electronic Angel - Nasatimi-】【1000/1000→2000/2000】

【Electronic Angel - Dagini-】【2700/2400→3700/3400】

"Attack and defense have both increased by 1000 points!?" [Transonic Bird] was somewhat surprised. "[Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-]'s attack power even exceeds [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock]'s defense power!?"

"Isn't it a bit too early to be making that face?" Asuka said again. "Don't forget about my [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] effect—this card can only be activated if it is Ritual Summoned, forcing your opponent to send one monster they control to the Graveyard!"

"Then—choose! Which monster will you abandon?"

Faced with Asuka's choice, [Transonic Bird] sounded somewhat displeased: "Abandon your own monster? No, I clearly have another choice, don't I? That's right—that is to send your [Solemn Prayer - Reason] to the graveyard!"

"It's just a weak monster, I'll give it back to you if you want! I choose to send my [Solemn Prayer - Li] to the Graveyard, and because [Solemn Prayer - Li] leaves the field, [Bone Resurrection] is also destroyed!"

"You wretched creature! Take my blade!"

【Electronic Angel - Dagini-】Raises her long sword with her left hand. The blade, which was originally only the length of a forearm, grows longer in the wind. In just a few breaths, it becomes a giant blade comparable to a mountain, and smashes down on 【Transonic Bird】's field!

The monsters on the field all dodged the attack from "Transonic Bird," but "Solemn Prayer - Ryusei," which was affected by "Bone Resurrection," was unable to dodge and was cleaved in two, sent back to Asuka's graveyard.

“Finally, there’s the effect of [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasati-]. Once per turn, I can target one face-up monster on my field to activate the first effect of [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasati-]. The monster I’ve chosen is [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-].” Asuka pointed to her field. “Under the effect of [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasati-], my Life Points are restored equal to half of [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-]’s ATK, which is 1850.”

[Tenjouin Asuka: 4000→5850 LP, 0 cards in hand]

【Electronic Angel - Nasatimi-】【DEF2000】

【Electronic Angel - Tagini -】【ATK3700】

With her base score increasing by nearly 2000 in one go, Asuka waved her hand and ordered, "Then, I'm entering the battle phase!"

[Transonic Bird: 4000LP, 1 in hand]

【Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock】【DEF3500】

【Soul Bird - Witch Crane】【DEF2000】

[Transonic Bird] [DEF2400]

The Abode of the Soul

Although the power of [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] reduced one of the monsters blocking [Transonic Bird]'s field, there are still three monsters blocking the way, but only one [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] can be used to attack.

But it doesn't matter, because [Electronic Angel - Dagini -] also has another effect—

"As long as [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] is on the field, if my Ritual Monster attacks a Defense Position monster, due to the effect of [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-], inflict battle damage to your opponent equal to the difference between the attack power and the defense power of that monster!"

"I'm using [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] to attack [Transonic Bird]!"

Chapter 1457 Opening the Path Between Life and Death, You Make Me So Envious

"I'm using [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] to attack [Transonic Bird]!"

"Achievement in the Empty Line!"

Wielding twin swords, [Electronic Angel - Dagini-] attacked [Transonic Bird], but it was just a feint. Taking advantage of the [Transonic Bird]'s apparent attempt to dodge the twin sword strikes, Dagini decisively thrust out her staff, striking the [Transonic Bird] squarely in the abdomen!

"Well!"

Struck by [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-], [Transonic Bird] was not only knocked back to its original duelist position, but its Life Points also dropped sharply.

[Transonic Bird: 4000→2700LP]

"It's a monster with penetrating defense... Tsk, what a lapse in composure." After adjusting the collar around her neck, [Transonic Bird]'s voice rang out again. After she stood up again, Asuka noticed that [Transonic Bird] had transformed back into [Sonic Bird], seemingly because the flight equipment she was carrying had been damaged in the crash.

"You made me suffer such a huge loss, you absolutely cannot forgive me!"

Upon hearing [Transonic Bird]'s words—no, upon hearing [Sonic Bird]'s words—Asuka smiled confidently: "If you can do it, then give it a try. But, let alone defeating [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini -] head-on, in my opinion, you probably can't even defeat [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasatemi -].

"I'll end my turn like this, and then at this very moment, activate the third effect of [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini -]."

If Asuka, with zero hand resources, had been able to develop her strategy, she would have already done so during the first main phase, summoning as many monsters as possible. She wouldn't have had the ability to continue developing her strategy during the second main phase, and she would have simply entered the end phase after the battle phase ended.

However, her [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] still has an effect that can be activated at the end of the turn.

"During my End Phase, I can target either a Ritual Monster in my Graveyard or a [Ritual of the Machine Angel] to activate the effect of [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini -] during my End Phase, adding the targeted card to my hand." As Asuka said this, she took a card from the Graveyard area of ​​the Duel Disk. "I chose this Ritual Monster [Old Saint Dai - First Dragon].

[Tenjouin Asuka: 5850 LP, hand 0→1]

【Electronic Angel - Nasatimi-】【DEF2000】

【Electronic Angel - Tagini -】【ATK3700】

Even though her attack was interrupted midway through, Asuka still managed to achieve a good result in her first turn, not only creating two Ritual Monsters on the field and increasing her own Life Points, but also effectively reducing her opponent's Life Points.

However, not only Asuka, but also the opposing [Sonic Bird] spoke up when she declared the end of her turn: "Like you, I also have a monster effect to activate during your end phase."

"It is none other than [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock], which is a Soul Monster." [Sonic Bird] said, catching the [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock] card that bounced off the Duel Disk after being forcibly removed from the field. "As a Soul Monster, it activates during the End Phase of the turn it is Special Summoned and returns to its owner's hand."

"But! Besides that, her effect has a follow-up: she can Special Summon two [Soul Bird Tokens] on my field!"

Asuka had anticipated what [Sonic Bird] had said. Knowing that Soul Monsters could only be played for one turn before being forced back to their owner's hand, she had chosen to destroy [Transonic Bird], which could be used for a ritual summon called "Acceleration Ritual" at Speed ​​2—and also to slap [Transonic Bird] in the face before it became too arrogant.

But, [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock] actually has an effect that activates when it returns to the hand?

"Tsk, what a miscalculation."

【Soul Bird Derivative】【4☆/Wind】

[Bird Beast Race/Derivative]

[1500/1500]

After returning the card of [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock] to her hand, [Sonic Bird] suddenly smiled and said smugly, "You didn't think that was the end of it, did you? The [Soul's Abode] in my back row is not just for show!"

"Besides the perpetual bonus it provides to Soul Monsters, if a face-up WIND monster on my field returns to my hand, the conditions for activating its second effect are met!" [Sonic Bird] said, flapping its wings. "I can add one Soul Monster or one Ritual Spell Card from my Deck to my hand! And the card I add to my hand is this Ritual Spell Card—the second [Descent of Souls]!"

[Sonic Bird → Sonic Bird: 2700LP, Hand 1 → 2 → 3]

[Soul Bird Derivative] [DEF1500]

[Soul Bird Derivative] [DEF1500]

【Soul Bird - Witch Crane】【DEF2000】

The Abode of the Soul

"You've actually gathered all the necessary conditions for a Ritual Summon again!?" Asuka was also surprised. She looked at the two monsters on her field and then at her graveyard, feigning a surprised expression. "Is the [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock] that just returned to my hand coming back again? Luckily, I don't have any Spell/Trap Cards in my back row that you can bounce back into your deck."

"Spell/Trap Card? Hmph, yes, [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock] does indeed bounce Spell/Trap Cards from the opponent's back row back into the deck, just like I bounced your [Solemn Light] back into the deck before. But—who said I was going to Ritual Summon [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock] again?"

"My turn, draw!" Extending its wings to the Duel Disk, [Sonic Bird] caught the card drawn this turn with its feathers and said smugly, "Have you forgotten another Ritual Monster with the same name as [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock]—[Soul Bird God - Hiko Peacock]? Let me mercifully tell you, this card's effect is practically the exact opposite of [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock]!"

"During my Main Phase, I activate this card, 'Soul Descent,' which I searched earlier. This card allows me to Ritual Summon 'Soul Bird God - Hime-Kujaku' or 'Soul Bird God - Hiko-Kujaku' by Tributing monsters from my hand or field and increasing their total Levels to the Level of the Ritual Summoned monster!"

"But what I didn't mention before is that, besides the monsters in my hand and on the field, I can also use the banishment of a Soul Monster from my Graveyard as an alternative to Tribute!" In [Sonic Bird]'s Graveyard zone, the card [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock], which had previously been Tributed as a Ritual Summoning offering, popped out and dissipated on its own without [Sonic Bird] having to catch it. "And I will banish this Level 8 [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock] from my Graveyard!"

"Total level 8☆! The offerings required for the ritual summoning have been made. Descend with that indomitable will, and awaken new souls, ancient divine bird that seeks miracles!"

"Ritual Summon, Level 8!" [Sonic Bird] played a card and cried out, "Spread your wings, [Soul Bird God - Yan Kongque]!"

Unlike the previous [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock] who waved a feather fan and had the air of a princess, this time, after the ritual summoning began, the first thing to land on the [Sonic Bird] field was a sword hidden in its sheath, and a dashing young man wearing a battle robe decorated with eye-like patterns of peacock feathers made a dashing entrance!

Behind the young man, the phantom-like [Soul Bird God - Ji Kongque] gently leaned against his back, hugging his neck in a rather intimate manner.

(Action reference)

"Wow, what a mushy couple! They're already feeding everyone dog food on their first appearance? Luckily it's not my card, or I'd look terrible!" Asuka couldn't help but exclaim as she looked at the affectionate [Soul Bird God - Hiko Kongzak] and [Soul Bird God - Hime Kongzak], and promptly shifted her attention to check the specific stats of [Soul Bird God - Hiko Kongzak].

【Soul Bird God - Yan Kongque】【8☆/Wind】

[Bird/Beast Race/Ritual/Soul/Effect]

[3000/2500]

In terms of attack and defense stats, [Soul Bird God - Hiko Kongzak] and [Soul Bird God - Hime Kongzak] have switched places. Compared to the defensive [Soul Bird God - Hime Kongzak], and the sword-wielding [Soul Bird God - Hiko Kongzak], it is indeed more adept at attack. Its attack and defense stats, which are completely equivalent to the legendary [Blue-Eyes White Dragon], are the best proof. It can probably "crush any enemy".

Furthermore, because it is a soul monster, its attack and defense are further increased by the [Soul's Abode] bonus.

【Soul Bird God - Yan Kongque】【3000/2500→3500/3000】

Although it is still no match for the [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] with an attack power of 3700, it can easily break through the [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasati-] with a defense power of only 2000! Moreover, what is even more dangerous is the effect that can be activated at the moment of its successful ritual summoning!

"If [Soul Bird God - Yan Kongque] is successfully Ritual Summoned, its first effect will be activated, but at the same time, the effect of [Soul Bird - Wu He] on my field will also be activated." [Sonic Bird] pointed to the two monsters on its field, "Self-Chain, C1 [Soul Bird God - Yan Kongque] C2 [Soul Bird - Wu He]!"

"First is the effect of [Soul Bird - Witch Crane]. Once per turn, if this card is in my Monster Zone and another Soul Monster is successfully Normal or Special Summoned: I draw one card from my Deck. Draw!"

Draw a card from the deck, [Sonic Bird] waved his hand, "And now for the main event—[Soul Bird God - Yan Kongque] can only be activated if it is successfully Ritual Summoned, return up to three monsters on your opponent's field to their owner's hand!"

Glancing at Asuka's hand, [Sonic Bird] said smugly, "[Ancient Saint Dai - First Dragon], right? Don't underestimate my intelligence network! That card can negate the activation of a Spell/Trap/Monster effect that targets a monster on your field by discarding it from your hand. But unfortunately, [Soul Bird God - Hiko Peacock]'s effect doesn't target!"

Almost at the same time that [Sonic Bird] finished speaking, a cold light flashed beside [Soul Bird God - Hikoko], and a sharp sword was drawn from its sheath. [Soul Bird God - Hikoko] kicked it and thrust it toward Asuka Field!

"Heaven has unleashed its killing intent, shifting the stars—Yi Su!"

The instantaneous flying sword gave neither [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasati-] nor [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] a chance to dodge, piercing them both simultaneously in an instant. Asuka couldn't even see with her naked eye how the sword that pierced [Cyber ​​Angel - Nasati-] first turned and pierced [Cyber ​​Angel - Dagini-] from behind.

All that is known is that in the next instant after drawing his sword, [Soul Bird God - Yan Kongque] had already sheathed his sword and looked contemptuously at the two [Cyber ​​Angels] who had been driven back into Asuka's deck: "With such slow movements, even an angel should rest."

“Not only that!” [Sonic Bird] said proudly, “Just like [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock] can Special Summon a Soul Monster from the Deck without Summoning conditions when activating its first effect, [Soul Bird God - Hiko Peacock] can also Special Summon a Soul Monster of Level 4 or lower from my hand without Summoning conditions!”

"And what I want to Special Summon is this [Spirit Bird - Ninja Crow]!"

A black ninja-style crow appeared on [Sonic Bird]'s field, following closely behind [Soul Bird God - Yan Kongque], taking up the last empty space in front of it. That card was either drawn by [Sonic Bird] during its draw phase this turn, or it was added to the hand just now by the effect of [Soul Bird - Wuhe].

【Soul Bird - Ninja Crow】【4☆/Wind】

[Bird/Beast Race/Soul/Effect]

【0/0→500/500】

As we all know, monsters with 0 attack and 0 defense usually have something special about them, and the [Soul Bird - Greninja] also has its own unique skills.

"I still have one Soul Monster in my hand, [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock], and the effect of [Soul Bird - Ninja Crow] is that I can discard one Soul Monster from my hand during the Damage Step from the start of the battle with an opponent's monster until the damage calculation, and activate its effect, increasing its ATK and DEF by the discarded monster's respective ATK and DEF until the end of the Battle Phase."

[Sonic Bird] proudly displayed [Soul Bird God - Princess Peacock] in its hand, "In other words, although [Soul Bird - Ninja Crow] seems to only have 500 attack power now, its attack power will immediately soar to 3000 points after entering my combat phase!"

"Unfortunately, you don't even have a single monster on your field that can trigger its effect—!?"

Before Sonic Bird could finish speaking, a light suddenly shone in Asuka's graveyard, just as it had when she faced the Harpy, and pure white feathers fell from the sky.