Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

After a pause, Edward sneered, "During the turn that [D·hero Fearman] is Summoned/Special Summoned in Attack Position, my [D·hero] will not be destroyed, and their battle will not cause me any battle damage!"

"Your [E·hero Sunrise] is just making a futile struggle and can't protect anything. My [D·hero] can withstand that level of damage with less effort than a catcher who makes it to Koshien catches a pitch thrown casually by an eighty-year-old man who has just been discharged from the hospital!"

Ed spoke with absolute certainty, as if he knew a road roller was approaching just by hearing the engine sound, as if he were telling Jaden, "You think you can kill someone without a gun?"

The Jaden's response was—

“But from the very beginning, the only cards I’m going to destroy are my own cards, right?” Jaden said, pointing to the cards on his back row. “Activated by the attack of [D. Hero Fear Man], now I’m going to destroy the Continuous Spell Card [Nightmare Mirage] on my back row.”

"The sun without mercy!"

Despite the fact that [D·hero Fear Man] was about to deliver the crucial blow that would almost decide the outcome of the duel, Jaden began to deal with the card on the back row that would only have a negative effect in the next turn. The sun in the air sank under the control of [E·hero Sunrise Man].

However, before [Nightmare Mirage] was destroyed, another card on Jaden's back row suddenly appeared: "But besides that, I'm going to chain the effect of [E·Hero Sunrise] and activate this card on my back row, the Trap Card [High-Speed ​​Draw]!"

"boom!"

In an instant, all the monsters on the field exploded simultaneously. Except for [E·hero Shiny Neoswingman], the other three monsters were destroyed and disappeared from the field! [D·hero Fearman] also triggered an attack rewind because its target disappeared, and temporarily withdrew its hand, which was covered by smoke and dust.

"The effect of [High-Speed ​​Card Draw] is to destroy any number of monsters that I control, which may be two or more. For every two monsters destroyed, I can draw one card from my deck. The monsters I want to destroy are [E-Hero Sunrise], [E-Hero Neos Valiant], and [E-Hero Nebula Neos]."

First, he used [High-Speed ​​Draw] to clear a large number of monsters on his field and draw cards. Then, he dealt with the effect of [E·Hero Sunrise]. After Jaden, [Nightmare Mirage] on his field was also burned away by the energy ball, leaving him with only one [E·Hero Shining Neos] on his field.

However, because he destroyed three monsters in one go and sent them to the graveyard, the attack power of [E·hero Shining Neoswingman] suddenly began to surge!

"Except for [E-Hero Shiny Neos], which is immune to monster effects, all my other [E-Hero] monsters were destroyed and sent to the Graveyard. Although [E-Hero Shiny Neos] lost the ATK bonus from [E-Hero Sunrise], its ATK increased due to the increased number of monsters in the Graveyard!"

Jaden held up four fingers, "Although [D·hero Phoenix Man of Destruction] reduced my attack power by 1600 points, I now have four monsters in my graveyard, which increases [E·hero Shining Neoswingman]'s attack power by 1200 points!"

[Yujo Judai: 4000LP, hand size 6→7]

【E·hero Flash New Universe】【ATK2200→1800→2700】

"Thanks to the monsters added to the graveyard, it actually regained 2700 attack power despite the effect of [D-hero Phoenix Man of Destruction]!" Edward frowned. Although he didn't acknowledge Jaden's [Hero], Edward still recognized Jaden's strength. While feeling quite troubled, Edward didn't let his offensive be affected. Pointing at [E-hero Shining Neo-Winged Man], he said, "Even so, what's the use? My [D-hero Fear Man] still has stronger attack power!"

"Even if I don't wipe out your life points in one hit, I can always finish you off with a second one—after I destroy your [E-hero Flashy Neo-Winged Man] with [D-hero Fear Man]! I'll use 'Sky-Piercing Mountain-Piercing Palm' again to take down that dazzling [E-hero], [D-hero Fear Man]!"

With a swing of his large hands, a strong wind was stirred up, instantly pushing away the smoke on the field as if it were a tangible substance. The [D·hero Fear Man], who had reappeared, raised his palm and slapped down on [E·hero Flashy New Universe Wingman]!

"Oh!"

【D·hero Fear Man】【ATK5600】

[Yuki Jaden: 4000→1100LP, 7 cards in hand]

After Jaden's [E·hero Shining New Universe Wingman] was destroyed by a "slap," a staggering 2900 points of combat damage landed on Jaden, causing even him to stagger back a few steps before regaining his balance.

It seemed that Kodak wasn't going to give Jaden a chance to catch his breath, and immediately said, "Next up is the direct attack of [D·hero Dashman]! Even if he had 2100 attack power before the attack power boost, he can easily wipe out your remaining life points. If you're capable, take this 3100-point direct attack, Jaden Yuki!"

"Flash Star!"

With his feet on rapidly spinning wheels, [D·hero Dashman]'s body almost became a phantom as he attacked Jaden. However, seeing [D·hero Dashman] disappear in an instant, unsure when he would attack, Jaden remained indifferent and looked at Edward, saying, "No matter what you say, Edward, I still don't agree with your definition of a hero, because in my opinion, a hero is never a specific identity or profession, but a spirit that shines like gold."

"Just like [Winged Kuriboh LV6], even without the [Hero] attribute, it can still be considered an [E·hero] card. Even if the road ahead is dark, a hero doesn't need the approval of others to guide their path. Saying 'you lose your qualification the moment you want to be a hero' is ridiculous. Anyone can be a hero if they want to!"

"But for me, a hero is one who is willing to sacrifice to protect their comrades and who insists on being themselves without being interrupted!"

Just as Jaden finished speaking, [D·hero Dashman] finally appeared and was about to throw a punch at Jaden—perhaps this was because its owner was angered by Jaden's words.

But at the same moment, a phantom-like "Stand" suddenly appeared behind Jaden, moving in sync with Jaden's actions and punching the [D·hero Dashman] in front of him!?

"This is... a Stand attack!?" Edward exclaimed instinctively.

After [D·hero Sprinter]'s high-speed punch clashed with Jaden's "Stand," both of them paused simultaneously. Edward also saw the true form of Jaden's "Stand" and was stunned for a moment: "[E·hero Neos]?"

"No, it's [E·Hero Neos]!" Jaden corrected, maintaining his punching motion with one hand while flipping a card from his hand with the other. "When an opponent's monster declares an attack, I can Special Summon [E·Hero Neos] from my hand in Defense Position!"

"Undeterred by darkness, bathed in light during the long night! Lend me your power once more, [E·hero Neo-Elf]!"

As Jaden placed the card on the Duel Disk, the [E·hero Neospiel] behind him also broke away from Jaden's body and, in a materialized form, pushed the [D·hero Dashman] that was locked in a stalemate with him away from Jaden onto the field, while Jaden's panel was displayed next to him.

【E·hero Neo-Elf】【7☆/Light】

[Warrior Race/Effect]

【2500/2000→900/2000】

Seeing the stats of [E·hero Neo-Elf], Edward frowned: "How could such defense withstand the attack of [D·hero Dashman]?"

(Rainbow Dragon: I want to know too)

"Because the [E·hero Neospirit] that is Special Summoned by its own effect has an effect that cannot be destroyed in battle, and it lasts longer than your [D·hero Fearman]."

Jaden took a breath and wiped the sweat from his brow, saying, "After talking to the others, I learned that Neos wasn't some blank Ultraman after all. So, it's no wonder that Neos, who is based on Neos, can't just be a regular monster."

"I think Neos needs to be effective first~"

Manjoume, standing outside the arena, seemed puzzled. He nudged Marufuji Sho and asked, "What do you mean by 'can't just be a regular monster'?"

"Speaking of which, it seems that you haven't actually let [E·Hero Neos] appear on the field in this duel yet, right, big brother?" Marufuji Sho replied without hesitation. "It means exactly what it sounds like. The most important of the new cards you got this time, big brother, is [E·Hero Neos], which is a Normal Monster along with [E·Hero Winged Man] or something."

"However, it seems the reason is that when Jaden watched the anime before, he thought Ultraman Neos had very few skills, but that has now been corrected." Fubuki looked at Jaden's [E·hero Neos] on the field, "So, [E·hero Neos] appeared in a new form of Effect Monster?"

"He's only played a few duels with the new cards? This isn't how you print cards."

Ignoring the comments from the people off the field, Edward looked at Jaden's [E·hero Neos Elf] on the field and said unhappily, "To actually pull out such a card at a time like this... You've got a lucky break, Jaden Yuki."

Knowing that the [E·hero Neo-Elf] possesses resistance that cannot be destroyed in battle, Edward had no intention of sending the [D·hero Destroyer Phoenix], which had already used its effect once, to launch another futile attack.

“There’s something even more amazing~” Jaden said with a smile, “This can only be activated if [E·hero Neos Elf] is successfully Special Summoned. Add one [E·hero] Spell/Trap Card or one [Fusion] from my Deck to my hand.”

[Yujo Judai: 1100LP, hand cards 7→6→7]

Seeing Jaden happily retrieve the card, Edward was very annoyed: "You're using heroes as a tool to show off again... Are you really that happy?!"

"At this moment, I will also activate the Quick-Play Spell Card [Defense Penalty], targeting [D. Hero Rush] on my field, and end the Battle Phase. If [D. Hero Rush] attacks, it will automatically switch to Defense Position at the end of the Battle Phase."

The card in Edward's hand was prepared based on how Hayato dealt with his attack from [D. Hero Fearman] in the previous duel, and its effect is—

【D·hero Sprinter】【ATK3100→DEF1000】

“This turn, if a monster targeted by [Defense Penalty] is changed to Defense Position, I can draw one card from my Deck.” After drawing a card from his Deck, Edward glanced at Jaden and played another card. “Then, during my Main Phase 2, I activate the Continuous Spell Card [Nightmare Mirage].

"Huh?" Jaden was taken aback when he saw the card Edward played, then couldn't help but retort, "Then why were you criticizing me before? Aren't you using [Nightmare Mirage] to replenish your hand?"

"My [E·hero] is nothing like yours," Edward said matter-of-factly. "My deck doesn't include [Extraordinary Food] because I have [D·hero Phoenix Destroyer] which can destroy [Nightmare Mirage] at any time!"

After a pause, Edward glanced at the [D. Hero Daggerman] he had just drawn using the [Defense Penalty], and felt quite regretful. He was only one card short; if he had had [D. Hero Daggerman] in his hand, with the help of the three monsters on his field, he could have increased [D. Hero Fearman]'s attack by a whopping 2400 points. In that case, Jaden Yuki wouldn't have survived until [E. Hero Neos Elf] appeared; he would have lost all his Life Points and been defeated before that.

But it doesn't matter. I still have a great advantage. Unlike my duel with Hayato-sensei last time, where I was exhausted after a full-on attack and had no energy left to set up a defense, I still have three cards in my hand, which is more than enough!

"Discard [D·hero Daggerman] from my hand to activate its effect; all [D·hero] monsters on my field gain 800 ATK." Unlike the version from another world, the ATK increase from Edward's [D·hero Daggerman] effect is active while the monster is on the field. After all, what kind of dagger breaks after just one turn? Therefore, in order to draw as many cards as possible later with [Nightmare Mirage], he directly consumed the [D·hero Daggerman] in his hand.

Not only that, Edward then inserted two more cards into the Spell & Trap Zone before looking up at Jaden and saying, "Finally, I'll set two cards face-down in the back row, and my turn ends."

"Let me reiterate, [D·hero] is the strongest [Hero], and you cannot defeat me, Jaden Yuki! Although you escaped for a time, the gravity of fate still binds your inescapable soul, and that fate is called defeat!"

[Ed Phoenix: 2100LP, hand 3→2→0]

【D·hero冲刺人】【3100/1000→3900/1000→2900/1000】

【D·hero Destroys the Phoenix】】【ATK2500→3300】

【D·hero Fear Man】【5600/5600→7000/6200】

[Nightmare of the Mirage Tower] [Given Card] X2

“I have to admit, Edward, your [D·hero] is really strong.” Jaden looked at the [D·hero Fear Man] whose attack power soared to a full 7000 points with a serious expression, but there was also a hint of excitement in his eyes. “But the more it’s like this, the less [E·hero] and I want to admit defeat.”

"Then it's time for the [Heroes] to unleash their true power!" Jaden said, drawing a card from his deck with his finger. "Watch closely, Ed, my next transformation is about to begin!"

"My turn, draw!"

From Edward's perspective, he couldn't see it, but Manjoume and the others behind Jaden could see the card Jaden pulled out very clearly.

When Jaden saw the Fire Attribute Fiend-Type monster card with an attack power of 3000 and a level of 8 appear in his hand, everyone fell silent.

(My dear baby)

Chapter 1518 My Destiny Is About to Be Commanded by Wind and Rain

"Then, during the opponent's preparation phase, due to the effect of the Continuous Spell Card [Nightmare Mirage], I draw cards from my deck until I have four cards in my hand."

After drawing four cards from his deck, Edward pressed the button to activate a face-down card, revealing one of his backrow face-down cards during Jaden's Standby Phase. "In addition, I'm going to reveal this face-down card as well: the Continuous Trap Card [D-Tactics]!"

"As long as this card is on the field, during each player's Standby Phase, activate its first effect to increase the ATK of all [Hero] monsters on my field by 400." Edward snapped his fingers. "With the blessing of [D-Tactics], the ATK of my [D-Hero] monsters will be infinitely boosted, reaching a level of despair that you can never surpass!"

Ed Phoenix: 2100LP, hand 0→4

【D·hero Sprinter】【2900/1000→3300/1000】

【D·hero Destroys the Phoenix】】【ATK3300→3700】

【D·hero Fear Man】【7000/6200→7400/7000】

[Nightmare of the Mirage] [D-Tactics] [Giveaway]

Although the turn that [D·hero Fearman] was Special Summoned has passed and the resistance granted by [D·hero Fearman] to the [D·hero] monsters has disappeared, the stats of Edward's [D·hero] monsters have been increased to a terrifying level thanks to the two cards that collectively boost attack power.

Sometimes, pure numerical values ​​are enough to overwhelm the opponent. In fact, in the dueling environment of another world, there are situations where "you throw out a meteor and find that you can't deal with the meteor tokens on the opponent's field".

In his opinion, the only potential weakness on the field for Edward is the [D-hero Dashman], which is in defense position. Jaden, as he knows, also has a particular fondness for the Fusion Monster [E-hero Flamewing Man]. If [D-hero Dashman] is destroyed by [E-hero Flamewing Man], he will indeed suffer a lot of effect damage and lose due to its effect.

—Don't underestimate Edward's intelligence network! He knows that Jaden Yuki really likes to use the combination of [Beloved Hero] and [Skyscraper]. With the support of these two cards, it's not impossible for [E·hero Flame Wing Man] to destroy [D·hero Destroyer Phoenix Man] despite the attack power reduction effect of [D·hero Destroyer Phoenix Man].

However, it doesn't matter, as both [D-hero Phoenix Destroyer] and [D-Tactics] have the ability to be activated at speed 2. The former can destroy a card on the field, including itself, while dealing with [Nightmare Mirage] on its back row. If destroyed, it can also revive a [D-hero] monster in the graveyard, including itself, in the next turn.

The latter's attack power boost is merely a facade; its true strength lies in its second effect. When you have a Level 8 or higher [D·hero] monster on your field, or a [Dragon Knight·D-END] Special Summoned, you can banish one card from your opponent's hand, field, or graveyard. The [D·hero Destruction Phoenix], which can be infinitely resurrected and possesses "immortality," is the most suitable monster to trigger this effect.

Even if Jaden Yuki draws a card like "Great Storm", it doesn't matter. "D-Tactics" even has a third effect, which allows him to search for another "D-Hero" monster from his deck if the monster is destroyed by an effect. Not to mention, he also has a "Mysterious Faceless" card in his back row.

In addition, there are cards in your own hand that can be activated.

My current base score is a full 2100 points, a whopping 1000 points higher than Jaden Yuki. How could Jaden Yuki possibly fight me? I've got this in the bag! As expected, [D·hero] is the strongest [Her——]!

"During my main phase, I free the opponent's [D·hero Destroyer Phoenix] and [D·hero Fearman] on the field."

Jaden's sudden outburst interrupted Edward's inner monologue. He picked up a card and slammed it onto the Duel Disk, projecting the card onto Edward's Duel Disk and "squeezing" away his two strongest monsters!

"...what?"

"I bestow this powerful monster upon you! Come forth, [Lava Demon]!"

【Lava Demon God】【8☆/Flame】

[Demon Race/Effect]