"Oh my, oh my, Miss Okita actually passed her turn with an empty field?"
Da Vinci, ever the professional commentator, couldn't hide the amusement in her voice. "This dramatic atmosphere-building opening gets full marks from me~"
Okita's face turned red as she rambled on about "deck bonds" and "miracle draws," eliciting hearty laughter from the crowd. The entire venue buzzed with lively energy.
"Well then, it's my turn. Draw."
Holmes drew a card from his deck, glanced at it, and decisively placed it on the table.
"I activate the Spell Card [Heroic Spirit – Emergency Summoning]. If I control no monsters, I can Special Summon a 'Heroic Spirit' monster from my deck. I summon [Heroic Spirit – Traveling Outfit: Sherlock Holmes]."
A miniature version of Holmes appeared on the field—dressed in casual travel attire, complete with his signature detective hat and a large travel backpack.
[Heroic Spirit – Traveling Outfit: Sherlock Holmes ★][LIGHT][Spellcaster/Effect][ATK: 500 / DEF: 400]
"Oh!! The projection is impressive," Emiya remarked with approval.
Since Okita hadn't summoned a monster or set any cards, the Chaldea-exclusive holographic duel projection system, which had been waiting for a chance to shine, finally came to life with dazzling effects.
"That said, summoning myself does feel a little awkward..."
"Fufu, well, this is one of Miss Da Vinci's proudest creations, after all… I see~"
While everyone marveled at the projection, Holmes stroked his chin and stealthily cast a meaningful glance at Okita's deck.
"Next, I tribute Traveling Outfit: Sherlock Holmes to activate its effect. I can add a second copy of 'Heroic Spirit – Emergency Summoning' from my deck to my hand."
Nobunaga stared in disbelief as Holmes unhesitatingly sent his own card to the Graveyard.
"He just coldly sacrificed himself?! What a terrifying man!"
"For the greater good, sacrifices are sometimes necessary," Holmes replied with a calm smile. "Now, I activate a second [Heroic Spirit – Emergency Summoning] to Special Summon [Heroic Spirit – Formal Dress Sherlock Holmes] from my deck."
[Heroic Spirit – Formal Dress Sherlock Holmes★★ (Level 2)][LIGHT][Spellcaster/Effect][ATK: 0 / DEF: 1900]
A well-dressed Holmes, clad in a crisp white shirt and holding a violin, elegantly materialized onto the field.
"He even has alternate forms?! I'm so jealous!"
Okita pouted, gazing enviously at the dignified Holmes.
"I want a new form too! Preferably a Level 10, 4000 ATK one that can tribute Nobu to gain infinite attack power!"
"That's just Obelisk the Tormentor! You're infringing on copyrights!" Nobunaga shrieked, horrified by the mental image of Okita with massive, muscular arms. "Ugh, gross..."
Meanwhile, Holmes continued his turn.
"I activate the effect of Formal Dress Sherlock Holmes. When it is Summoned or Special Summoned, I can add a Spell/Trap Card that mentions 'Heroic Spirit – Sherlock Holmes' from my deck to my hand. I choose the Quick-Play Spell 'Elementary, My Dear'."
After searching his deck, Holmes quickly shuffled and played another Spell Card.
"Next, I activate Foolish Burial, sending [Heroic Spirit – Sherlock Holmes] from my deck to the Graveyard."
"I see!" Nobunaga exclaimed in sudden realization. "Because Holmes has so many forms, he can keep throwing himself into the Graveyard! Just like how I ruthlessly discard Mini-Nobus!"
"Now I activate the effect of [Heroic Spirit – Sherlock Holmes] in my Graveyard. I declare a card type, then reveal the top card of my opponent's deck. If I call it correctly, I can Special Summon myself from the Graveyard."
Holmes' sharp gaze, brimming with insight, made Okita shiver involuntarily.
Still, she attempted to bluff. "C-Card types aren't that easy to guess! If you actually get it right, I'll eat this table!"
Holmes' lips curled into a sly smile. "Oh? Someone, bring a table for Miss Okita. I declare… the Quick-Play Spell 'Hero Creation'!"
"NO WAY!"
Okita frantically flipped over the top card of her deck, her face a mask of panic.
"Impossible! There's no way you could've known the exact card on top of my deck!"
"Honestly, the card type was fairly easy to guess…" Emiya muttered, eyeing Okita's hand, which was filled entirely with Spell Cards. "But guessing the exact card name? That's Holmes for you."
Okita hesitantly revealed the top card of her deck—it was exactly what Holmes had declared: "Hero Creation."
"You must have cheated, Holmes!"
"Not at all, my friend~" Holmes teased.
The truth, of course, was that when he summoned Traveling Outfit: Sherlock Holmes, he had already examined and rearranged the top three cards of Okita's deck in secret.
"Since I guessed correctly, I can Special Summon [Heroic Spirit – Sherlock Holmes] from the Graveyard. Then, I activate its effect—"
"I can send one card from my hand or field to the Graveyard to set the revealed card on my field."
"I send Formal Dress Sherlock Holmes from my field to the Graveyard and Set Hero Creation on my field… Miss Okita, if you don't let go, we can't continue the duel."
Okita clutched her Hero Creation card tightly, her fingers trembling in frustration. "T-That's my ultimate move! Holmes, you're too cruel!"
"Does she even understand the situation?" Emiya sighed, rubbing his temples. "Even if she drew it next turn, with her current hand, she'd still have to pass again."
"Seeing consecutive empty turns would be far too dull for an opening match. You could say I'm doing Miss Okita a favor."
Holmes took Hero Creation from Okita and continued his play.
"Now, I activate the effect of [Formal Dress Sherlock Holmes] that was just sent to the Graveyard. I can add a 'Holmes' card from my deck or Graveyard to my hand. I retrieve Traveling Outfit: Sherlock Holmes from the Graveyard, and I can also add a 'Heroic Spirit' Equip Spell from my deck to my hand. I choose The Vaunted One."
[Heroic Spirit – Sherlock Holmes★★★★ (Level 4)][LIGHT][Spellcaster/Effect][ATK: 1200 / DEF: 1800]
"A very impressive combo. The way he cycles through his deck so efficiently… as expected of Holmes," Waver murmured. "Seems like he'll be a formidable opponent. I may have to rely on my strategy to counter him."
"Finally, I enter the Battle Phase and launch a direct attack on Okita!"
The holographic mini-Holmes crossed his legs casually as multiple glowing mirrors materialized behind him. Beams of light converged and shot directly into Okita's eyes.
"AAAAAHHHH! MY EYES!!"
Okita clutched her head in exaggerated agony. "Holmes is bullying me! This is physical assault! I'm summoning my fists to counterattack!"
(***)
San Francisco—a world-famous tourist destination and the fourth most populous city in California. With its comfortable Mediterranean climate—mild winters, cool summers, and abundant sunshine—it stands as the most important financial hub on the West Coast, making the entire city vibrant and full of life.
However, no matter how prosperous a place may be, there will always be groups despised by society. Terms like "parasites of the city" or "stains on society" are often used to describe them, and most people would rather steer clear of such individuals.
"Yo, miss. You a foreigner? That's some real 'hip-hop' style you've got there~"
At that moment, two burly "parasites" of society, leaning against the entrance of a dimly lit alley, seemed to have found their prey for the day.
The girl, draped in a gray cloak, had her hair completely covered, making it impossible to tell its color. Yet, through the metallic visor covering her eyes, glimpses of her delicate face could still be seen. Her fair legs, peeking out from beneath the cloak and catching the sunlight, drew the attention of the two thugs.
Most notably, the crystal-clear, pyramid-shaped pendant hanging from her chest was clearly valuable at a glance. The two lowlifes, who had no stable source of income, were instantly filled with greed.
Ignoring the catcalling and whistles, the girl continued walking without so much as a glance.
"Hey now, don't be so cold, miss. We're not bad guys~ You're all alone in a place like this—doesn't that mean you're looking for a little fun?"
That statement alone made it clear they were definitely bad guys. When the girl didn't respond, one of them reached out and placed a large, rough hand on her cloaked shoulder.
"If you've got time, why not come hang out with us? It's the middle of the day, nothing's going on, and we're bored out of our minds!"
"Hang out?" The girl, feeling the pressure of the hand on her shoulder, finally stopped. "Alright, if you want to play, let's go inside and play."
With that, she raised a finger and pointed toward the darker depths of the alley.
The two thugs lit up—who would've thought today's target would be so cooperative? While the alley entrance was a bit secluded, the surrounding city was densely populated, and there was still some foot traffic. If she had run or cried for help, even they wouldn't have dared act too boldly.
But if she stepped into the alley willingly, that changed everything. In that dim and deserted space, they held all the power. Even if she regretted it later, no one would hear her scream.
"Miss, you really know how to have a good time! Alright then, let's go in and have some fun~"
One of the thugs eagerly led the way into the alley, his face twisted into a lecherous grin. The other followed behind the girl, blocking the only exit. With one in front and one behind, they left her no room to escape.
"Hey! Looks like that girl just got taken into the alley!" a concerned passerby muttered.
"Forget it," another, more jaded onlooker waved a hand dismissively. "Girls who go with those guys? Probably there for 'business,' if you know what I mean." He made a money-counting gesture, stopping the first man from making a call.
.
..
....
"This should be far enough."
After walking for about five minutes, they'd gone so deep into the alley that the entrance was no longer visible. The thugs, confident no one would interfere, finally stopped.
"Oh? So this is the place?"
With the alley blocking most sunlight, the visor had become more of a hindrance than a help. The girl casually removed it, letting it hang around her neck.
Crimson eyes gleamed in the shadows. If her beauty had been somewhat obscured by the visor, now it was fully on display—enough to momentarily stun the two men.
"Man, we really hit the jackpot today! This one's a real beauty!"
Recovering from their daze, the thugs exchanged gleeful grins.
"Well then, let's start playing~" The girl gave an innocent-looking smile. "So, who wants to go first? Or would you rather come at me together?"
"Holy shit, she's this into it?" Despite their years in the business, the thugs had never encountered a situation quite like this.
"You can both come at me at once if you want—it doesn't matter. After all, I'm very strong~"
With a swift motion, she tossed back part of her cloak, revealing what had been hidden beneath—a Duel Disk.
"...Huh?"
Caught off guard, the thugs stared blankly at the device strapped to her arm.
"Aren't we going to play? Duel Monsters, of course~"
"You little brat, are you messing with us?"
Their faces shifted from sleazy to serious. Gone was the leering; they now looked like hardened duelists.
"But it looks like you miscalculated something," one of them sneered. "You picked the wrong people to duel!"
"The ones known all across San Francisco! We are... the Scumbag Duel Duo!"
From a pile of alley trash, the two men pulled out their own Duel Disks and decks, strapping them on with practiced skill.
The girl's lips curled into a smirk. She had thrown the suggestion out as a gamble, but never expected them to actually go along with it. "Just as I thought! There's no problem in this world that can't be solved with a duel!"
Striking an exaggerated pose, she pressed two fingers to her face in a dramatic JoJo-style stance. The crystal pendant on her chest swayed in the dim light, scattering dazzling reflections.
"What the hell are you doing?" The thugs frowned. "Do you think you're some kind of Stand user or something? Too late for regrets now—you're about to see how ruthless we, the Scumbag Duel Duo, can be!"
"Ruthless? Then let me show you true darkness—one that will crush you! Behold my Stand! Go, Platinum Star!"
A voice echoed in her mind.
[Excuse me? Since when was my name Platinum Star? Quit making stuff up! But fine, I'll take this as a rare chance to stretch my muscles.]
.
..
...
Scumbag LP 4000 → 0
Loser LP 4000 → 0
"AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"
"H-How is this possible?! We were defeated without even standing a chance..."
"T-This kind of power... it's true darkness! Compared to her, we're nothing but insects..."
The girl, now revealed to have white hair, turned to her companion, who had been standing nearby.
"Was that too much?"
Her partner, Hoshino, shrugged. "Just barely within acceptable limits. Besides, these two claim they're famous around here—maybe they know something about the job we were hired for. Also, if Pegasus doesn't pay me properly this time, he's dead."
(*****)
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