"The set card... it was that, not Power Bond?"
As Jaden's turn ended, Bastion Misawa stared at the field, shocked.
"Zane's duels always revolve around Cyber End Dragon," Alexis noted, clearly surprised to see a different strategy unfolding.
"No, that's not how Zane duels," said Atticus Rhodes—Chazz Princeton's sworn rival and Zane's battle-hardened friend—instantly catching on. "Zane duels with logic and precision. Jaden's deck is full-on offense. Zane wouldn't burn his ace right away. He's baiting, building momentum for the finish."
Sure enough, Zane Truesdale drew his card.
"I Normal Summon Proto-Cyber Dragon!"
A small mechanical dragon, tethered with test wires, shimmered onto the field.
Proto-Cyber Dragon – Level 1, LIGHT, Machine – ATK 100
"As long as this card is on the field or in the Graveyard, it's treated as Cyber Dragon. Next, I activate the Spell Card—Machine Duplication!"
"Wait a sec," Chazz muttered, narrowing his eyes. "Its name is currently..."
"Cyber Dragon!" Zane announced.
"I Special Summon two Cyber Dragons from my Deck!"
The virtual blueprints flickered, and two shimmering silhouettes took shape—then solidified into gleaming dragons.
Cyber Dragon – Level 5, LIGHT, Machine – ATK 2100
"There are now three Cyber Dragons on the field," Avian whispered beside Jaden, tense. "Jaden, he's doing it!"
"Spell Card—Power Bond!" Zane roared, slamming the card down. "I fuse my three Cyber Dragons!"
"Fusion Summon!"
"Cyber End Dragon!"
Three mechs spiraled together—then exploded outward as a colossal triple-headed dragon emerged with a shriek of steel.
Cyber End Dragon – Level 10, LIGHT, Machine – ATK 4000
"Whoaaa…" Syrus's eyes sparkled.
"I knew it, Zane still chose Cyber End Dragon after all."
"But why didn't he use Fusion Gate? He could've saved Power Bond," someone muttered.
"Simple," Hikaru Amagi said flatly. "Zane wants to keep his monsters in the Graveyard, not banish them. He plans to recover them later."
"Eh?"
The answer arrived immediately.
"When Proto-Cyber Dragon is sent to the Graveyard, I can add a Cyber Dragon from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand. I add my final Cyber Dragon from the Deck!"
"Battle phase, Jaden!" Zane shouted, eyes gleaming. "Cyber End Dragon attacks!"
Overload Flare!
Three heads charged up with energy, releasing a devastating blast. Jaden's Shining Flare Wingman shattered instantly.
Jaden Yuki – LP: 4000 → 3200
"Shining Flare Wingman's effect activates! When sent to the Graveyard, I return two banished Elemental HEROs—Bubbleman and Sparkman—to my hand!"
"Hah, impressive," Zane chuckled. "So you're rebuilding your fusion options, huh?"
"Next, Barrier Dragon attacks!"
With a glint of light, Barrier Dragon's mirror redirected the strike right at Jaden.
Jaden Yuki – LP: 3200 → 2400
"Zane's really on fire," Jaden said, gripping his stomach theatrically. "That hurt—but it was awesome!"
"Hmph… I set one card and end my turn," Zane smiled.
Jaden drew his card. Beside him, Bubbleman materialized, clenching a watery fist. "Jaden, it's my turn!"
"Right! Let's do this!"
"My turn! I activate Fusion Gate! I fuse Bubbleman and Sparkman in my hand!"
"Fusion Summon!"
Elemental HERO Absolute Zero!
A frigid wind swept over the entire arena. Alexis instinctively hugged her arms as frost crystallized across the field. A snow-white hero with a flowing cape dropped from the sky, striking a bold landing.
Elemental HERO Absolute Zero – Level 8, WATER, Warrior – ATK 2500
Hikaru Amagi sat up straighter, intently studying the 3D projection of Absolute Zero.
The others saw his reaction and immediately realized—this wasn't just any fusion monster.
"Elemental HERO Absolute Zero?" Zane said, intrigued. "So you've made some serious progress. But with only 2500 ATK, it can't stand up to Cyber End Dragon."
"Maybe not in battle… but Absolute Zero's effect is no joke!"
Jaden threw down another card. "It's time to show you one of my favorites!"
"I fuse Absolute Zero with Blazing Phoenix, in my hand!"
"Fusion Summon!"
Elemental HERO Nova Master!
A hero wrapped in flames leapt forward, landing beside Jaden.
Nova Master – Level 8, FIRE, Warrior – ATK 2600
"Wait… you just got rid of Absolute Zero!?"
"Why replace a 2500 monster with a 2600 one?"
Some students looked confused.
"Be patient," Hikaru said calmly, "You're about to see why."
"That card… right now," he muttered.
"Absolute Zero's effect activates!" Jaden declared. "When it leaves the field—destroy ALL your monsters!"
"WHAT?!"
"All monsters?!"
"Just for leaving the field?!"
A wintry gust surged across the arena. All of Zane's monsters were instantly frozen over, turning to glistening ice, then shattering completely.
"Such power…" Chazz gawked.
"So even if it's used for fusion, the effect still triggers?" Bastion added, stunned.
Zane's lips curled into a grin.
"Hah… looks like choosing you as my graduation duel was the right call," he said. "That was brilliant, Jaden."
Jaden scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. "Hehe…"
Zane's eyes softened. "Lately you've seemed distant… I'd hoped this duel would remind me who you are. Now I know. I can leave this academy—ready to face the future."
But—
Jaden froze.
That smile vanished from his face, hand paused mid-motion.
The battle wasn't over.
But something about that statement—
Made Jaden hesitate.