Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

“But the eldest brother’s basic score is only—this is really bad!” Marufuji Sho heard Kenzan’s words and quickly glanced at Judai.

[Yujo Judai: 1100LP, 2 cards in hand]

【E·hero Storm Neo Universe】【ATK3000】

【E·hero Magnificent Warrior】【ATK4200】

Jaden only has 1100 Life Points left. Although he has gathered powerful monsters on the field, Duel Monsters is ultimately a game where the main way to win is to reduce the opponent's Life Points. If Jaden's attack power is reduced to zero, no matter how powerful Jaden's monsters are, an attack that cannot be launched is meaningless!

“Jūdai was a jerk,” Misawa commented. “If he had banished the [E·hero] Fusion Monster from the Graveyard at the start of the turn to Special Summon [Winged Kuriboh LV6], he could have turned the tables and suppressed Edward, preventing his monsters from activating their effects.”

"But what's the point of saying this now? Tch, is that jellyfish-headed idiot getting cocky because he's been having such a smooth ride all this time? If he loses to that first-year student because of this kind of terrible play, is he trying to drive me crazy like this?!" Manjoume looked at Judai with exasperation. "Give me something, Judai!"

"Don't worry, I expected this to happen!"

Unlike the others, Jaden seemed to have expected this all along, and even looked at Edward and questioned him: "You keep saying that heroes are burdened with fate, but Edward, all I see in your cards is your wishful thinking, stubbornness and obstinacy. Is that all the dark methods your so-called heroes who uphold justice can do?!"

"What's wrong with winning by using effect damage!" Edward retorted, frowning. "You're about to have your life points wiped out by the effect of [D·hero Anti-Utopia], so what right do you have to question me?"

“Because nothing can be changed by that method! You can’t fight without relying on effect damage?” Jaden said, calmly playing a card from his hand. “You’re probably the duelist I’ve met who uses effect damage the second most times. It was precisely because I was waiting for your effect damage that I didn’t call [Winged Kuriboh LV6] back to the field first!”

"Chain effect of [D·hero Dystopian], I activate Quick-Play Spell Card [Painful Soul Curse]!"

From the card Jaden played, a finger extended and pointed at Edward, forcibly controlling one of the hands of [D·hero Dystopian] on Edward's field and turning it to point towards Edward!?

"The effect that inflicts damage on me can only be activated when the opponent activates it, and the opponent will suffer the damage caused by that effect on me instead!"

Jaden, just like with the card art for "Painful Soul Curse," pointed at Edward and said without holding back, "I only had 1100 Life Points left, and I had a 'D. Hero Denial' card in my graveyard with exactly 1100 ATK, but I chose the 'D. Hero Decision Maker' with even higher ATK instead. This is the bitter fruit you have to reap!"

Although this effect damage won't immediately wipe out Edward's base score, it will reduce his already low base score of 2100 to an extremely dangerous level. More importantly, it will also prevent Edward from using the [D·hero Dynamite] card that he specifically searched for in his hand!

"Tch, stop being so arrogant! My [D·hero] is far more powerful than you can imagine, and I have ways to deal with effects of this magnitude—why do you think I would send [D·hero Decision Maker] to the graveyard as fusion material?"

As Edward spoke, he took the card "D. Hero Decision Maker" from the graveyard and said, "This effect can only be activated when the effect of a Spell/Trap/Monster that is about to harm me is activated. Return 'D. Hero Decision Maker' to my hand and reduce the damage I take from that effect to 0!"

Just like in the duel with Fubuki not long ago, where he blocked the attack of [Black Flame Bullet], [D·hero Decision Maker] leaped out of Edward's graveyard to block the rebound of [D·hero Anti-Utopia's] "Oppressive Fist". This turn, he was used as a fusion material, selected as a sample for effect damage by [D·hero Anti-Utopia], and blocked damage for Edward. [D·hero Decision Maker] is certainly busy.

Ed had intended to use this card to block the damage from [D·hero Dynamite Man], but unexpectedly it blocked the dangerous attack for him instead, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.

"Hmph, luckily I'm a cut above the rest." However, he still forced himself to remain calm.

Chapter 1520 Hero is the link, strangling generation after generation (not really)

Ed Phoenix: 2100LP, hand 3→4

【D·hero Sprinter】【DEF1000】

【Lava Demon】【ATK3000】

【D·hero Twilight Portal】【DEF3000】

【D·hero Anti-Tauren】【DEF2400】

After a round of battles, Edward's Magic Trap Zone was completely depleted of resources. However, in exchange, after Jaden played Lava Demon, he Special Summoned two new D Hero Fusion Monsters to his field.

Although [D·hero D'Utopia] cannot activate its second effect because it receives no card bonuses and its ATK remains unchanged, [D·hero Twilight Tideman]'s second effect can be activated at any time. Its power to "target a monster that cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and whose damage to both players becomes 0" is a perfect protective shield, useful whether used on Edward's own monsters or Jaden's monsters, especially since it's a Speed ​​2 effect.

In addition, Edward has a [D·hero Dynamite Man] in his hand, which can block one battle damage from a monster, only at the cost of both sides taking 1000 points of damage. Also, there is a [D·hero Dreamer Man] in Edward's graveyard, which can also protect Edward's monsters from one battle destruction and prevent Edward from being damaged by that battle.

'His back row seems empty, but his defense is actually watertight! How is Jaden Yuki going to beat me?' Edward thought to himself, glancing at Jaden's field. 'Especially since he only has one card left!'

[Yujo Judai: 1100LP, hand size 2→1]

【E·hero Storm Neo Universe】【ATK3000】

【E·hero Magnificent Warrior】【ATK4200】

"The [D-Hero Dynamite] that [D-Tactics] just retrieved, and the [D-Hero Dreamer] that was sent to the graveyard as fusion material... isn't that the same setup as when I dueled Hayato-sensei last time?" Asuka raised an eyebrow, looking at Edward's lineup. "It would take at least three attacks to break through that kind of defensive formation. Does Jaden have a monster like Hayato-sensei's [Abyss Dragon - White World Reincarnation Dragon] that can perform multiple attacks?"

'It's useless even if I have it! The [D·hero Twilight Utopia] is made for monsters like that. So what if I hit it multiple times? I can't even do any damage!' Ed thought to himself with a smug smile.

"Even if you had it, it wouldn't be of any use!" Manjoume said something similar to Edward's thoughts, but he was pointing at Judai's hand. "Judai only has one card left in his hand. Do you expect that card to be a [Heavenly Treasure Card]?"

"While it's certainly satisfying to have a 'treasure card from heaven' as your last card when your opponent has four and you only have one, reality isn't fiction, and there's no such thing as such a coincidence or good luck," Misawa rationally analyzed. "At most, Jaden will just use the effect of 'Winged Kuriboh LV6' from the Graveyard to Special Summon himself to the field, just to prevent Ed Phoenix's monsters from activating their effects."

"Speaking of [Winged Kuriboh LV6], it seems it can be chained to [Lava Demon]'s effect to activate, right?" Marufuji Sho slapped his forehead, as if he had just thought of something. "Big brother, you can end your turn now, and then chain the [Lava Demon] effect during Edward's turn's preparation phase, which would force activation. Wouldn't that deal a full 4000 points of effect damage to him in one go?"

"But there are too many uncertainties. Who knows if the other party might happen to draw a [Mysterious Chinese Pot] card and trigger a chain reaction? Didn't he say he's a fan of Hayato-sensei?" Kenzan questioned.

"What a coincidence! Do you have some misunderstanding about Hayato-sensei's fans?"

Upon hearing this, Edward subconsciously glanced down at his hand and realized that he indeed had a "Mysterious Chinese Pot" card. In this environment where everyone has 4000 life points, no one knows when they might be hit by a high-damage effect that wipes out their life points. Having a "Mysterious Chinese Pot" card on hand is really useful. It just goes to show that the Duel King truly has a top-notch understanding of Duel Monsters and is five or six years ahead of the meta!

On the surface, however, he remained calm and even hoped that Jaden Yuki would be influenced by the audience and become interested in the combo of [Lava Demon] + [Winged Kuriboh LV6] that they had mentioned, so that he could use fewer cards.

However, while Kenzan and Marufuji Sho were having a heated discussion, Manjoume said disdainfully, "They're just talking nonsense. Although Judai did use dirty tactics like backstage traps during the duel, it's not his style to win by such means."

“Although Jaden’s most frequently used [E·Hero Flame Winged Man] is actually effect damage, there are different kinds of effect damage,” Asuka said with a smile, looking at Jaden. “As for Jaden, he’d probably rather let the monster continue fighting than choose such a near-compromise approach, right?”

"Asuka, you really know me, hahaha." Jaden turned around with a grin. "That's right. Although the way you're talking about sounds like you have a high chance of winning, winning with effect damage... doesn't that feel like following Hayato-sensei's old path? That won't work. It doesn't feel like my [Hero]."

Turning to look at Edward, Jaden said earnestly, "In your eyes, Edward, the [Heroes] are fighting with destiny on their shoulders, but in my eyes, [Hero] is a will that can be inherited. Every card that carries that will is a [Hero]!"

"【Hero】is the bond, it will continue to be passed down, and it will shine again!" Jaden said, revealing his final card, "The Spell Card 【Hero's Legacy】!"

"This card can only be activated by returning two Fusion Monsters that require a [Hero] monster as Fusion Material from my Graveyard to my Fusion Deck. I draw three cards from my Deck." Jaden retrieved two cards from his Graveyard. "The cards I return to my Fusion Deck are these two: [E-Hero Nebula Neos] and [E-Hero Shining Neos]. Then, draw, Draw!"

[Yujo Judai: 1100LP, hand size 1→3]

Upon seeing the card he drew, Jaden smiled slightly: "Here it comes! Without a doubt, the will of the [Heroes] has been inherited by my deck, and now they are responding to me! Watch closely, Ed, this [Heroes] combination—the Quick-Play Spell Card [Double Hero Attack]!"

"If I control a Fusion Monster that requires [E.Hero Neos] as Fusion Material, I can target one [Hero] Fusion Monster in my Graveyard to activate this effect. My target is this [E.Hero Sunrise]." Jaden removes a card from his Graveyard and places it on his Duel Disk. "Special Summon [E.Hero Sunrise] to my field in Attack Position, ignoring its Summoning conditions!"

"Cha!" With a battle cry reminiscent of the Showa era, a red sun wheel flew out from the [Double Hero Attack] card that appeared on the back field of Jaden and crashed onto the field, from which [E·hero Sunrise] emerged!

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK2500】

"The second effect of [E·Hero Sunrise]! Now all monsters on my field have both WIND and LIGHT attributes, therefore all monsters gain 400 ATK!"

"Furthermore, the first effect of [E·Hero Sunrise] is not limited to Fusion Summoning; it can be activated as long as it is successfully Special Summoned." Although [E·Hero Sunrise] can normally only be Special Summoned via Fusion, [Double Hero Attack] allows [E·Hero Sunrise] to ignore the summoning restriction and activate its effect again: "Add one [Miracle Fusion] from my Deck to my hand!"

After a pause, Jaden, amidst the rather surprised looks of the others, took a card from the graveyard and banished it, saying, "Finally, there's the effect of 'Cross Guardian' in my graveyard! If this card is in the graveyard and I successfully Special Summon a 'E·hero' Fusion Monster, banish it to activate its effect!"

"I draw two cards from my deck, and then I choose one card from my hand and put it at the bottom of the deck."

Fubuki asked with some confusion, "When was that card sent to the grave by Jaden?"

"It seems that the only unknown time Big Brother sent a card to the grave was at the very beginning of the duel, that [Angel's Charity], right? Could it be from that time?" Marufuji Sho guessed.

"That's even stranger, isn't it? Why didn't you use it when you had so many opportunities before, and only now is Judai using this card?" Asuka said, puzzled.

Judai shrugged: "Because I had drawn [Nightmare of the Mirage] in my hand back then, right? If I had used its effect then, wouldn't I have drawn one less card? As for why I'm using its effect now... well, it's a secret. Hmm, a secret."

Should I reveal the [Explosive Armor] card I drew with [Hero's Legacy] from my hand? Of course, I should quickly use the effect of [Cross Watchman] on that card!

C1 [E·hero Sunrise Warrior] C2 [Cross Guardian] Jaden first drew two cards, then quickly put [Explosive Armor] back at the bottom of the deck to prevent it from affecting his luck. Then he took out [Miracle Fusion] which he retrieved from the Duel Disk and added it to his hand.

【游城十代：1100LP，手牌3→4→3→4】

【E·hero Storm Neo】】【ATK3000→3400

【E·hero Magnificent Warrior】【ATK4200→4600】

【E·hero Sunrise Man】【ATK2500→2900】

Starting with a [Hero's Legacy], Jaden gradually replenished his hand—without using [Angel's Charity], he even had an extra [E·Hero Sunrise] on the field.

Its third effect can destroy one card on the field. Theoretically speaking, Jaden's lineup already has the ability to break through Edward's two obvious blockades - [D. Hero Dynamite] and [D. Hero Dreamer] - and reduce Edward's life points.

However, Edward remained remarkably calm. His greatest confidence stemmed from the second effect of [D. Hero Twilightpunk]—"Protect Twilightpunk"—which he had only revealed in his duel with Ryota Kajiki. Even if Jaden Yuki Special Summoned [Winged Kuriboh LV6] back, it wouldn't matter; he could simply use the effect of [D. Hero Twilightpunk] on himself. He wouldn't be affected by the effect, and therefore wouldn't suffer any damage from it.

"Except for the [E-hero] Fusion Monster in my Graveyard - this [E-hero Neos], I Special Summon [Winged Kuriboh LV6] from my Graveyard."

As Edward predicted, Jaden indeed took the card [Winged Kuriboh LV6] from the graveyard. Seeing this, he was in no hurry to activate the effect of [D. Hero Twilight Trojan], as this ability should naturally be saved for the most crucial moment.

To Edward's surprise, Jaden, who Special Summoned Winged Kuriboh LV6, suddenly said to him, "Edward, your D. Hero Twilight and D. Hero D. Twilight, they should have more than one effect, right? Winged Kuriboh LV6 will restrict your ability to activate monster effects once it appears on the field."

“That’s right, so are you proud of it?” Edward replied coldly. “You criticize so forcefully, but your actions don’t change anything?”

"I never said I was going to use [Winged Kuriboh LV6] to intimidate you. [Hero] can fight without relying on that effect." To the astonishment of everyone, including Edward, Jaden played a card from his hand, then picked up the [Winged Kuriboh LV6] card from his Duel Disk and sent it back to the Graveyard. "Quick-Play Spell Card [Mask Change]! Send my [Winged Kuriboh LV6], whose name can be considered [E·hero], to the Graveyard, and Special Summon one [M·hero] monster with the same Attribute from my Fusion Deck!"

"Huh?" Ed was stunned for a moment, then became a little angry. "You bastard, wait a minute! Are you kidding me?! You keep giving up your advantages to duel me! Get your facts straight!"

"It's not about giving up our advantage! You said it yourself, Edward, this is a battle between Heroes!" Jaden argued vehemently. "What's important, victory or the duel? I'm going to use my Hero to wake you up, Edward, you who can't even see yourself and is blinded by that kind of thing!"

"Stop spouting nonsense that nobody can understand. What's wrong with duelists pursuing victory?" Edward said, frowning and annoyed. "Whether you're a hero or a [Hero], the outcome of a battle or duel is meaningless if it's not a victory!"

"Pursuing victory is not wrong, but you have completely put the cart before the horse! In a duel where you only see the 'future,' you only see the result and not the process, and you can't even feel the spirit of your own cards. You treat them as tools to carry your own destiny, and you can't even hear the cards crying!" Jaden pointed at the cards on Edward's field and said, "Duel is a game that should bring smiles, and you who don't understand this are the ones who are out of touch!"

"Do you expect me to laugh out loud while watching the [D·heroes] burdened with their unfortunate fates? Stop telling jokes that no one else can laugh at!"

Edward gritted his teeth, somewhat angry, but to his surprise, Jaden actually nodded: "Because that's what your cards think. Not only the [D·hero] cards on your field right now, but even the [D·hero Blood Demon-D] card that you mentioned before, which carries the blood destiny of your father, they think the same way."

Ed was stunned: "...The thoughts of the [D·heroes]?"

Chapter 1521 Wishing you a Happy New Year

The tense atmosphere between the two suddenly calmed down, and Jaden continued, "What happened to you, Edward, is indeed very sad and heavy, but it cannot be denied that both [E·hero] and [D·hero] are cards created by your father to make you happy when you were a child, isn't that right?"

"【D·hero】is not a hero burdened with a heavy fate; on the contrary, they are heroes who fight tenaciously against that tragic destiny. That's what the voice from your card says. You should understand, Ed, that excitement of meeting a new hero!"

"【D·hero】 wasn't created to remind you of painful memories!" Jaden paused, then murmured to himself, "Actually, 【E·hero】 was the same. It was a card Hayato-sensei gave me when I was little to cheer me up. But why can't I remember? What was it that made me so sad back then...?"

Edward fell silent again during the duel, echoing some of Hayato's previous words. Jaden, suppressing his inexplicable sadness, smiled again and continued working on the effect of [Mask Change], pulling out a card and saying, "It's not just [D·hero] who has experienced a painful past, hiding his sorrowful tears with a mask. Next up is my [M·hero]!"

"Let the dazzling light surround you, and let your will be released into the universe as lightning, encompassing all things and becoming the power to guide the future!"

"Form Change! Level 8☆!"

"【M·hero Light Fang】!"

【M·hero Light Fang】【8☆/Light】

[Warrior Race/Fusion/Effect]

[2500/1800]

"In addition to the bonus provided by [E·Hero Sunrise], [M·Hero Lightfang]'s ATK will also increase by 500 points for each monster your opponent controls due to its own effect." Jaden pointed to Edward's field, "Now Edward, you have four monsters, so [M·Hero Lightfang]'s ATK will increase by a total of 2400 points!"

【M·hero Light Tooth】【ATK2500→2900→4900】

"Entering my battle phase, here I come, Edward!" Jaden said, pointing to Edward's only Attack Position monster—the [Lava Demon] that Jaden himself had sent over—and said, "First, I'll attack [Lava Demon] with my highest ATK monster, [M Hero Lightfang]!"

"Spiral Flash Super Wheel Dance Roar Three Styles!"