Chapter 401: Warrior Mashup? It's a Gemini Deck!
Gemini Monsters, as they are called, are a special type of Monster. They don't exist independently of other Monsters; much like Spirit Monsters, they are a subcategory of Monsters.
When a Gemini Monster is On the Field or in the Graveyard, it can be treated as a Normal Monster and used with Cards like Soul Resurrection, Dark Factory of Mass Production, or Amulet of Ambition. However, only when they are On the Field and are Second Summoned can they unleash their true Power.
Just as LV Monsters can Evolve when their Conditions are met, the Second Summon of a Gemini Monster is their Evolution, granting them either higher Attack and Defense, or the acquisition of new Effects. In short, that's the nature of Gemini Monsters.
And the Chevalier de Fleur that Valon just Summoned also belongs to the Gemini Monster type. Furthermore, with the help of Double Summon, which Valon Activated from the start, it directly gained its released Power!
As Valon Second Summoned **Evocator Chevalier**, the Flames that had gathered behind it like a cape burned fiercely, covering the limbs of **Evocator Chevalier** as if to engulf them. **Evocator Chevalier**, having gained more powerful Flame Power, swung its Long Saber a second time.
The scorching heat was clearly just a false image created by the virtual projection, yet Mai Valentine genuinely felt the heat, her breathing becoming heavy.
"After **Evocator Chevalier** is Second Summoned, its true Power is released," Valon, surrounded by Flames, seemed unaffected by the high temperature, his face relaxed and carefree. "I can Send one Equip Card from my Field to the Graveyard, and then Target one Card on your opponent's Field to Destroy it."
As he spoke, a few beads of sweat appeared on Valon's forehead.
Did he truly not feel the heat, or was he just accustomed to this temperature?
Raising his hand, Valon snapped his fingers. The Flames swirling on Valon's Field grew even more intense, even scorching the Marauding Captain, which was extremely close to **Evocator Chevalier**, forcing it to abandon the **Chain Thrasher** in its hand.
[Marauding Captain] [1700/400 → 1200/400]
The metal Shield, abandoned by the Marauding Captain, was engulfed by the Flames, instantly melting into a puddle of scalding molten iron. Controlled by **Evocator Chevalier**, it was flung out with the swing of its Blade!
"By sending the **Chain Thrasher** from my Field to the Graveyard, I Activate **Evocator Chevalier**'s Effect! The Card I choose to Destroy on your Field is—" Valon smiled slightly, his finger pointing not at the Amazoness Fighter on Mai Valentine's Field or the Swords of Revealing Light negating his Field, but rather at one of the two Set Cards in Mai Valentine's Backrow. "—That leftmost Set Card!"
The scalding molten iron carried terrifying high temperatures. In just an instant, it was flung by **Evocator Chevalier** onto Mai Valentine's Backrow. Upon contact with the Card, the liquid iron quickly released its heat and solidified. The immense heat instantly burned Mai Valentine's Set Card, revealing the card beneath it—Mirror Wall!
"He actually Destroyed this Card, this is bad!" Mai Valentine was quite annoyed to see that Valon, with his sharp intuition, had immediately found and Destroyed the biggest hidden card on her Field.
Mirror Wall is a very powerful Card. It can halve the Attack of an Attacking Monster. Even a Monster as powerful as Blue-Eyes White Dragon would become equally matched with Amazoness Fighter after being weakened by Mirror Wall, only capable of mutual destruction.
Although its Effect cannot be Activated during the Attack, simply having such a high degree of weakening in Defense makes Mirror Wall quite invincible.
Especially since the Mirror Wall Mai Valentine possessed did not have the cost of paying 2000 Life Points each turn; it was a Continuous Trap Card that would continue to take effect once Activated.
Of course, no matter how powerful Mirror Wall's Effect was, it was a Card that could only be Activated during Monster Battle. In the face of **Evocator Chevalier**'s Effect, Mirror Wall truly was just a fragile wall that was instantly destroyed and sent to the Graveyard.
"Phew, I'm really lucky. Although it was based on my intuition, I still managed to guess your Set Card," Valon smiled, looking at Mai Valentine's helpless expression after losing Mirror Wall. "Looking at your expression, could the other Card be a useless Card used as a cover? Although I've already said it, I really am lucky."
"Don't get carried away, you guy!" Mai Valentine's impression of Valon, who repeatedly claimed to be lucky, worsened. No matter how good your luck is, can it possibly be better than that blockhead Joey Wheeler?
"If you have the guts, Attack! My Set Card is completely useless."
In this, Mai Valentine was actually telling the truth, because the Card she set was **Elegant Egotist**, which she had drawn last turn. The most awkward part about using a Dual Archetype Deck is this: while it's great if you get a God Draw and have everything you need, it's also very possible to encounter awkward situations like drawing an Amazoness Monster but having a Harpie Lady support Card.
Deciding to go all the way, Mai Valentine simply set **Elegant Egotist** along with Mirror Wall, thinking it might help confuse him somewhat, but it turned out to be completely useless.
Now, Mai Valentine could only hope that her acting was good enough to bluff Valon and trick him until the next turn, where she could figure something out.
Mai Valentine's idea was good, and her acting was indeed very good. No matter who it was, as long as they paid attention to the subtle expressions on her face, they would definitely think that Mai Valentine heavily relied on the other Card in her Backrow and needed to proceed cautiously.
But the problem was, Mai Valentine's opponent this time was Valon. It wasn't that Valon wasn't meticulous; it was just that for him, instead of speculating on his opponent's thoughts, it was better to just Attack based on his own intuition.
"In that case, let's Attack! **Evocator Chevalier**!" Valon looked at the fully armored **Evocator Chevalier**, rubbing his palms as if itching for a fight, and ordered, "Burst Punch—no, Burst Slash!"
Realizing belatedly that **Evocator Chevalier**, who was holding a sword, should Attack with a sword and not a punch, Valon corrected his command.
Under Mai Valentine's annoyed gaze, Amazoness Fighter failed to disarm **Evocator Chevalier** due to the Flames on its Blade. With its burned hand, it was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 402: Harpie Lady's Backrow Destruction
A tangible fiery slash instantly defeated Mai Valentine's Amazoness Fighter, destroying it and sending it to the Graveyard. However, thanks to Amazoness Fighter's effect, Mai Valentine once again took no Battle Damage this time, saving a total of 1000 Life Points.
"She avoided Battle Damage thanks to Amazoness Fighter's effect?" Valon said, seeing Mai Valentine's Life Points unchanged. He inserted the card in his hand into his Duel Disk. "Then I Set a card. I end my turn."
[Valon: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[Marauding Captain] [DEF 400]
[Chevalier de Fleur] [ATK 1900]
[Set Card(s)] X2
After a round of attack and defense, the changes on Valon's field didn't seem significant. Only one Marauding Captain was replaced by Chevalier de Fleur. But in Duel Monsters, these subtle differences are crucial.
Mai Valentine closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself down. She drew a card from the top of her Deck. "My Turn, Draw!"
As Mai Valentine drew a card, one of the three giant black light swords surrounding Valon's field shattered. The originally stable triangle became just two independent supports.
*'Swords of Revealing Light is only effective for three turns. It will self-destruct during my second Standby Phase after activating it. By then, this guy's monsters can change their Battle Position again.'*
Thinking this, Mai Valentine glanced at the card in her hand. *'Then I'll build up enough advantage this turn. I'll use this card!'*
"I activate the Spell Card, Card of Demise! This card's effect allows both players to draw until they have six cards in their hand!" Mai Valentine said, drawing six cards from her Deck. "Since my hand size is 0, I can draw six cards."
"But my hand size is also 0. I can also draw six cards," Valon said, spreading his empty palms. After drawing six cards from his Deck, he said with a smile, "Although the number of cards we draw is the same, the advantage on the field is much greater for me. Is it really wise to rashly activate a card like this that could accidentally help your opponent start snowballing?"
"Stop your endless babbling over there!"
Valon's words, which seemed like advice but were actually mockery, made Mai Valentine feel even worse and reignited her competitive spirit. "That's my freedom! If you keep questioning me, I won't hold back!"
Although Mai Valentine said one thing and did another, she was already not holding back.
"I activate the effect of Harpie Queen from my hand! I discard her from my hand to add Harpie's Hunting Ground from my Deck to my hand!" Sending a card from her hand to the Graveyard, Mai Valentine searched her Deck for a card. Instead of adding it to her hand, she placed it directly in the Field Spell Zone of her Duel Disk.
"Then, I directly activate the Field Spell Card, Harpie's Hunting Ground!"
The air current became dry. The ground within the Duel Field quickly cracked into fine sand. The field was replaced with the environment most familiar to the Harpie Ladies: a vast desert plain.
In the desert, even Chevalier de Fleur would be confused and lose its bearings by the identical environment. Only the Harpie Ladies can fly on the air current, look down upon the ground, and freely choose their target for the hunt.
"Harpie's Hunting Ground, as a Field Spell Card, can maximize the power of my elegant Ladies—the Harpie Ladies. Its first effect is to increase the ATK and DEF of all Winged Beast-Type monsters on the field by 200."
Mai Valentine explained as she drew a Monster Card from her hand. "And its second effect is, each time a Harpie Lady is successfully Summoned or Special Summoned, target one Spell/Trap Card on the field and destroy it!"
Even though she had boasted last turn about showing Valon, who looked down on her, just how capable she was, her strategy had been repeatedly thwarted. Mai Valentine also brought out her true capabilities, intending to launch the Harpie Lady offensive from here.
"Normal Summon Harpie Perfumer in Attack Position! I activate her own effect! When she is successfully Summoned or Special Summoned, I can add one Spell/Trap Card that lists 'Harpie Lady Sisters' from my Deck to my hand! The card I will add to my hand is Cyber Shield."
On Mai Valentine's field, a Harpie Lady with long, light purple, sexy hair and wearing a captivating, form-fitting leather outfit appeared, holding two bottles of colorful potion.
The potion in her hand slowly poured out onto the sand. As the moisture was absorbed by the dry sand, a strange fragrance bloomed. Even Valon, who wasn't particularly fond of perfume, was momentarily dazed when he smelled the scent and subconsciously praised, "It smells so good."
"Even if you praise it, it's useless, hmph." Mai Valentine wouldn't give Valon a pleasant look just because of that one sentence. She searched her Deck for Cyber Shield, a Harpie Lady-exclusive Equip Spell Card, and waved her hand again. "What comes after the fragrance isn't weak petals; taste the stinging sensation!"
"As long as Harpie Perfumer's card name exists on the field or in the Graveyard, it is treated as 'Harpie Lady'. Therefore, it triggered the mandatory activation effect of Harpie's Hunting Ground! I target the card on the left side of your Backrow and destroy it!"
Don't let Harpie Perfumer's charming and delicate appearance fool you. The corner of her mouth curved into a smirk, and she mischievously threw the perfume bottle in her hand again, confusing Marauding Captain on Valon's field, making him dizzy. Without noticing, he took a step back and happened to step on the card Valon had Set behind him.
"Crack."
A cracking sound rang out, calling back Marauding Captain's will. He lifted the Trap he had just stepped on with a look of annoyance, revealing the Sakuretsu Armor, which was already shattered and unusable. Sakuretsu Armor once again upheld its strange setting and was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard without having any effect. Mai Valentine couldn't help but show a smug expression.
Valon, however, still had a casual expression. "So you've switched to the Harpie Lady, which has weaker combat power but is extremely effective against Backrow cards? But just one Harpie Lady won't amount to much."
"I still have one more Set card. And if you don't destroy Marauding Captain, you can't attack my Chevalier de Fleur."
"Hmph, that's just nonsense! Don't you know that Harpie Ladies are gregarious?" Mai Valentine sneered and flipped over the Set card on her field. "I activate the Spell Card, Elegant Egotist! When a Harpie Lady exists on my field, I can Special Summon other Harpie Ladies from my Deck or hand!"
"It's time for a party, my Ladies!"
Chapter 403: Harpie Lady's Offensive
"It's time for the carnival, My Ladies!"
"From my Deck, I Special Summon **Harpie Channeler** in Attack Position! Because her Card Name is treated as **Harpie Lady** while she is on the Field, the Effect of **Harpie's Hunting Ground** activates again!"
Mai Valentine pointed sharply at Valon's last Set Card in his Backrow: "Your final Set Card is Destroyed!"
With her orange hair styled in a complex knot, wearing a sexy white bodysuit that revealed her cleavage, **Harpie Channeler** appeared on Mai Valentine's Field, holding a staff and an empty pet collar with a chain attached. She spun gracefully and charmingly in place, her white thigh-high stockings revealing a beautiful "Absolute Domain". The only regret was perhaps the detestable safety shorts worn under **Harpie Channeler**'s short skirt.
After all, the Prototype for the **Harpie Lady** monsters were the "Harpies" from mythology who lured unsuspecting travelers with their beauty. The effort Maximillion Pegasus put into designing them was evident even to Bystanders who weren't particularly interested in Duel Monsters; each one was excessively beautiful, making people stare.
Mokuba even saw Tristan and Otogi, those two Perverts, covering their noses with their arms and tilting their Heads back in strangely synchronized movements, frantically pulling out tissues to stuff their nostrils.
Even Yugi Mutou couldn't help but blush looking at **Harpie Channeler**'s outfit, only managing to maintain composure under the gazes of Téa sitting to his left, Rebecca to his right, and Dark Yugi within the Millennium Puzzle—the three of them.
On the other hand, Joey Wheeler, that guy, wasn't moved in the slightest by **Harpie Channeler**'s appearance. Instead, he focused intently on Mai Valentine's Operation: "That's amazing! Mai is completely serious now. She easily got rid of two of that guy Valon's Set Cards."
Although she was Dueling, Mai Valentine was actually paying attention to the Audience Seats. Even though she couldn't hear Joey Wheeler's words because of the large crowd, she could tell that Joey Wheeler was looking at her and not the newly Summoned **Harpie Channeler**. She couldn't help but show a satisfied smile.
What she didn't know was that Joey Wheeler's lack of reaction to **Harpie Channeler**'s appearance was purely because his preference wasn't for white stockings but for high boots, and he also had a preference for hair color, only being attracted to black hair and blonde hair.
Although, the factors mentioned above did indeed point towards Mai Valentine.
**Harpie Channeler** held up her staff, chanted a couple of Spell/Chant, then slyly put the staff down. Suddenly, she swung the chain of the collar in her Hand, forcefully throwing the metal collar out. This startled the two Monsters on Valon's Field, who quickly avoided it, but it resulted in Valon's last Set Card being Destroyed.
The Card he had Set was **Time Machine**, which had the Ability to Revive a Monster Destroyed by Battle to the Field.
Watching Mai Valentine's Operation, which consecutively Destroyed two Cards in his Backrow, Valon, who had been casual until now, couldn't help but look seriously at Mai Valentine, whose aura had become serious and stern. He sent **Time Machine** to the Graveyard: "Oh, are you getting serious now?"
"Serious? It's not over yet, I still have Cards to use." Mai Valentine raised a charming eyebrow. After gathering two **Harpie Lady** monsters on the Field, she Activated another Card. "**Hysteric Sign**! When this Card's Effect is Activated, I Add to Hand one **Elegant Egotist** from my Deck or Graveyard. Then I Activate **Elegant Egotist** again!"
"My third **Harpie Lady**! **Harpie Harpist**!"
Using a black hairband to tie back her orange-red long hair into a neat haircut, the quiet **Harpie Harpist** appeared holding a large harp, her Harpie Claws gently plucking the strings. Her aura was completely different from the sexy **Harpie Perfumer** and the playful **Harpie Channeler**.
Another **Harpie Lady** Monster was Summoned to Mai Valentine's Field. This time, even without Mai Valentine explaining, Valon had an expectation: "If there are no unexpected circumstances, this **Harpie Harpist** should also have the Effect 'This Card's Card Name is treated as **Harpie Lady** while it is on the Field or in the Graveyard', right?"
"You haven't forgotten the Effect of **Harpie's Hunting Ground** that you Activated so quickly, have you? Its Effect is different from other Cards; it should be a Mandatory Activation."
As he spoke, Valon looked at his completely empty Backrow. "There are no Cards left in my Backrow. Are you saying you're going to Destroy your own Backrow?"
Valon was expecting Mai Valentine to show the annoyed expression of a spoiled woman realizing she had made a mistake. However, to his surprise, Mai Valentine simply gave a confident smile: "Don't underestimate me! What if I *am* going to Destroy my own Backrow?"
"Because of the Effect of **Harpie's Hunting Ground**, When **Harpie Harpist** is successfully Special Summoned, I choose to Destroy the **Hysteric Sign** I just Activated in my Backrow!"
The quiet **Harpie Harpist** plucked a string. The previously invisible sound waves suddenly transformed into visible blades. After flying across half the Field, they abruptly curved, tearing apart the **Hysteric Sign** that Mai Valentine had just Activated.
At this moment, Mai Valentine had cleared both her and Valon's Backrow, leaving only one **Swords of Revealing Light**. At the same time, she had Summoned three **Harpie Lady** Monsters to her Field, and the Field was **Harpie's Hunting Ground**, the most familiar domain for the **Harpie Lady** monsters. The cost was that she still had four Cards in her Hand.
**Harpie Channeler** [4 Star/Wind]
[Winged Beast Type/Effect]
[1400/1300 → 1600/1500]
**Harpie Harpist** [4 Star/Wind]
[Winged Beast Type/Effect]
[1700/600 → 1900/800]
**Harpie Perfumer** [4 Star/Wind]
[Winged Beast Type/Effect]
[1400/1300 → 1600/1500]
Among Mai Valentine's four Cards in Hand, there was also **Cyber Shield** that she had Added to Hand earlier with the Effect of **Harpie Perfumer**. It could be Equipped to a **Harpie Lady** or **Harpie Lady Sisters** to Increase their ATK/DEF by 500 points.
And she did indeed Activate it.
"Activate **Cyber Shield**, and Equip it to **Harpie Channeler**, whose Card Name is treated as **Harpie Lady**. It Increases her ATK/DEF by 500 points."
**Harpie Channeler** [1600/1500 → 2100/2000]
After Equipping the Equip Spell Card to **Harpie Channeler**, the Monster with the lowest stats on the Field, Mai Valentine waved her hand forward: "Entering the Battle Phase! Let's launch an all-out Attack, My Ladies!"
"Don't forget my **Marauding Captain**!" Valon reminded her. "Because of his Effect, all your Attacks targeting Warrior-Type Monsters will be redirected to him."
Mai Valentine looked at Valon strangely, not quite understanding why he would remind her. Although Mai Valentine remembered this Effect, if someone with a bad memory were to Attack with **Harpie Channeler**, the Monster with the highest Attack, that Attack would be wasted by being redirected to **Marauding Captain** in Defense Position.
Valon could have just let that happen; after all, taking less Damage would be beneficial to him. Why would he do that?
Despite her doubt, Mai Valentine continued to Command: "In that case, I'll first Attack **Marauding Captain** in Defense Position with **Harpie Perfumer**, the one with the lowest Attack!"
"Perfume Strategy!"
**Harpie Perfumer**, who had discarded both bottles of perfume she had when she first appeared, reached behind her and somehow produced another bottle of perfume with a strange color, like polluted river water covered in oil slicks. She threw it towards **Marauding Captain**'s position.
**Marauding Captain** repeatedly reminded himself in his mind not to be mesmerized by the perfume again. However, the moment he smelled the fragrance, his mind was taken over once more. Only when a sharp pain shot through his chest did he see that **Harpie Perfumer** had completed her Attack.
"Thud."
**Marauding Captain** was Destroyed by **Harpie Perfumer**'s Harpie Claws and sent to the Graveyard. Valon's Field was now left with only one **Chevalier de Fleur** in Attack Position. Ignoring its Effect as a Gemini Monster that requires a second Summon to Tribute, its 1900 Attack alone made it a decent Opponent.
Mai Valentine now had two Monsters that hadn't Attacked yet: **Harpie Harpist** with 1900 Attack and **Harpie Channeler** with 2100 Attack. Theoretically, Mai Valentine could first use **Harpie Channeler** to Destroy **Chevalier de Fleur**, then use **Harpie Harpist** for a Direct Attack, achieving the maximum benefit and keeping losses at 0.
But to Valon's unexpected surprise, Mai Valentine made the "incorrect" choice without hesitation: "Second Attack! I will use **Harpie Harpist** to Attack **Chevalier de Fleur**! Since both Monsters have equal Attack, they will be Destroyed together!"
"She actually chose a mutual destruction?"
While Valon was surprised, **Harpie Harpist** executed Mai Valentine's Command without hesitation. Her sharp Harpie Claws plucked the strings repeatedly, like shaving a head with a kitchen knife, sending wave after wave of sound blades towards **Chevalier de Fleur**.
**Chevalier de Fleur** didn't show any weakness either. Flames suddenly extended, covering its blade. With repeated swings, fiery slashes intercepted the sound wave blades in mid-air.
However, even with great care, there was an oversight. The standoff between the two Attacks didn't last long. One sound wave blade pierced through the fiery slash defense and struck **Chevalier de Fleur**. But at the same time, a fiery slash also successfully passed through the sound wave blades, Destroying **Harpie Harpist** before she could fly away with her harp.
Mai Valentine's face showed a hint of regret, seemingly feeling guilty about Destroying a Monster that trusted her and sending it to the Graveyard like that. After sending **Harpie Harpist** to the Graveyard, she looked up again, her gaze firm, and said: "Then this is the third Attack! **Harpie Channeler**, perform a Direct Attack on the Opponent Duelist!"
**Harpie Channeler**, wearing the **Cyber Shield** which had a strange design that looked more like a fetish outfit than Armor, didn't even bother to hide it this time. She directly flew up, swinging an iron chain with a metal collar attached to one end. She swooped down towards Valon, throwing the collar, which had accumulated enough power in her Hand, like a meteor hammer. The Attack's Phantom Image passed directly through Valon's body!
[Valon: 4000 → 1900 LP]
"Ouch! Ah, that hurts." Valon said, touching the spot where he had just been hit by **Harpie Channeler** with one hand. Although he said it hurt, the expression on his face was too artificial; it was impossible to feel that he had been in any pain just now.
"You're truly amazing, Mai Valentine." For the first time, Valon called Mai Valentine by her name, looking at her with a very serious gaze and saying, "That last Attack was truly simple and direct. That's the kind of Attack I like."
"I really should take back what I said at the start of the Duel. You are a formidable Duelist, worthy of me getting serious."
Valon wasn't joking. Mai Valentine's Dueling Style, which involved removing all Backrow Cards and leaving only Duel Monsters for direct physical Collision, was perfectly to Valon's taste. He was truly fired up and ready to show the true Strength of the Deck he was using.
Of course, the Deck he normally used wasn't this one, but another. That Deck had a "slightly" different Dueling Style. Its Effects in Battle were very peculiar, and it also had Effects that could cause Damage to the Duelist's vitality. It wasn't very suitable for use in a place like the KC Cup, which is why Valon switched to the current Deck.
But Mai Valentine didn't know any of this. She thought the Deck Valon was using was his main Deck, and hearing Valon say he hadn't shown his Full Power yet made her truly Annoyed.
"Show your Full Power? Then go right ahead! The stronger, the better! I'm going to Defeat you anyway and show you how amazing I am, hmph!" After a cold snort, Mai Valentine held three Cards between her fingers and swiped them across her Duel Disk, skillfully inserting all of them into the Spell & Trap Zone. "I Set all three Cards in my Hand, then I End my Turn."
"During my Standby Phase, the Effects of **Hysteric Sign** and **Harpie Harpist**, which were sent to the Graveyard this turn, can Activate."
Valon showed an understanding expression: "I see. They have Effects that can only be Activated when sent to the Graveyard? This Duel is getting more and more interesting."
"The Effect of **Harpie Harpist** is to Add to Hand one Winged Beast Type, 4 Star Monster with 1500 or less Attack from my Deck. Then **Hysteric Sign** allows me to Add to Hand up to three [Harpie] Cards from my Deck, with a maximum of one Card with the same Card Name."
The Effects of both Cards Take Effect simultaneously. After Mai Valentine used up the Cards she had Replenished through **Card of Demise** in one Turn, she actually Replenished four more Cards from her Deck!
[Mai Valentine: 4000 LP, Hand 4]
**Harpie Channeler** (Cyber Shield) [ATK 2100]
**Harpie Perfumer** [ATK 1600]
**Swords of Revealing Light** [Set Card] X3
Field: **Harpie's Hunting Ground**
Valon's fingers rested on his Deck, a smirk playing on his lips: "The upcoming Battle might be a bit rough, but are you ready to face my Fire, Mai Valentine?"
"My Turn, Drawing Cards!"
(Author's Note: 4K words, yesterday's chapter. Finally caught up on all the owed chapters.)
(Author's Note: Also, this FGO Infinite Pool event is too short. It ends in just one day, which is really annoying. I haven't farmed enough yet.)
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 404: Blazing Blade Draw, Gearfried?!
"My Turn, Draw!"
"Then, I Activate Spell Card, Graceful Charity! I draw three Cards from my Deck, then select two Cards from my Hand to Discard."
After Sending the Cards to the Graveyard, Valon seemed to have drawn good Cards, a smile appearing on his face. "I can feel it, the wind of Victory is blowing from behind me."
"I Activate Continuous Spell Card, Adamantine Power!" Valon played a card, the Card Art showing the Chevalier de Fleur, which had just been Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard, controlling flames to create a barrier. "This Card's Effect is, if there is a Monster on the opponent's field and I have no Monsters on my field, Once per turn I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Gemini Monster from my Hand!"
"From my Hand, I Special Summon True Protector - Rebless, and then Normal Summon it again!"
From the blazing Flames, a Monster emerged that was not much different in appearance from the Chevalier de Fleur Valon had Summoned earlier. The only difference was that the Chevalier de Fleur's skirt had been changed to a cape, and the sword in its hand was replaced with a chain flail.
[True Protector - Rebless] [Level 4/FIRE]
[Warrior-Type/Gemini/Effect]
[1500/1000]
Although its ATK was only 1500, facing the Harpie Perfumer with 1600 ATK and the Harpie Channeler with 2100 ATK, True Protector - Rebless still had ample presence.
"After being Treated as the Second Summon, True Protector - Rebless's Effect is Unlocked and Activated Simultaneously," Valon said, pointing to his Graveyard,
"Once per turn, When True Protector - Rebless is Summoned or Special Summoned, I can Target one Warrior-Type and/or FIRE Attribute monster, or one Gemini Monster, from my Graveyard, except True Protector - Rebless, and Special Summon it."
As the True Protector - Rebless on Valon's field chanted a Spell/Chant, a mass of Blazing Fire surged from his Graveyard and landed on Valon's field. Within the surging Flames, only a Humanoid Form could barely be discerned.
Mai Valentine frowned. "A Warrior-Type or FIRE Attribute Monster, and a Gemini Monster... In Valon's Graveyard, there should only be one Chevalier de Fleur. But why does this Monster look a little different?"
Although the Chevalier de Fleur had also appeared shrouded in Flames when it first came out, the Flames were more chaotic and uncontrolled, unlike this mass of Flames, which was so contained it barely seemed like Fire.
Moreover, the Volume of this mass of Flames was much larger. Mai Valentine could swear on Joey Wheeler's future luck with women that this Monster was definitely not Chevalier de Fleur!
"Clang!"
With the sound of a Sword Drawn, a Greatsword wreathed in Flames extended from the Flames, splitting them apart. The Blazing Fire parted like the spread wings of a Phoenix, revealing a tall figure within the Flames, holding a Sword and Shield and wearing White Armor.
"Blazing Blade Draw! At the moment the Eternal Immortal Bird and the Blazing Fire Sword intersect, all evil shall be turned to nothingness!"
"This is the Strongest Monster in my Deck, Phoenix Knight Gearfried!" Valon said, looking at the fully Armored Phoenix Knight Gearfried, his hands itching.
His preferred Dueling Style wasn't this one. He only chose this Deck because fully Armored Warrior-Type Monsters fit his preference better. However, even though Valon's Battle Spirit was ignited now, this Deck not only failed to satisfy the craving but made Valon even more restless.
What Mai Valentine cared about wasn't the Strength or coolness of the Monster Valon Summoned, but its Name. "Gearfried?"
As she muttered the Name, Mai Valentine slightly turned her head and immediately spotted Joey Wheeler in the audience seats, wearing a similarly unexpected expression.
When it came to Gearfried, the first thing Mai Valentine thought of was Joey Wheeler's Iron Knight Gearfried, and the Blade Master - Barefoot Gearfried after its restraints were released. But she hadn't expected to see a brand new Gearfried here today.
[Phoenix Knight Gearfried] [Level 8/FIRE]
[Warrior-Type/Normal Monster]
[2800/2200]
"ATK, 2800?" Mai Valentine's expression was serious. Although she had seen Monsters with higher ATK, in most cases, Mai Valentine didn't have to face those Monsters.
The biggest characteristic of the Harpie Lady Deck is its proficiency in backrow destruction, but its weakness lies in the generally low ATK, requiring card support, and it's not good at direct battles comparing ATK.
Furthermore, Phoenix Knight Gearfried's similar summoning method, which was almost identical to Chevalier de Fleur and True Protector - Rebless, made Mai Valentine suspect that this was also a Gemini Monster.
The only thing worth celebrating was that Valon had already used his Normal Summon Opportunity this turn on True Protector - Rebless. Even if Phoenix Knight Gearfried was a Gemini Monster, he would have to wait until the next turn to use its effect.
"Even if Phoenix Knight Gearfried is a Gemini Monster, I'll have to wait until the next turn to use its effect. Miss Mai Valentine, that's what you're thinking, isn't it?"
As if seeing through Mai Valentine's thoughts, Valon had a confident smile on his face and drew a card. "In a sense, that's true. After all, I don't have any Normal Summon Opportunities left this turn, and I don't have a Double Summon Card in my Hand."
"But, without bragging, I'm actually quite good at using various armor and equipment for enhanced combat."
Valon inserted the card in his hand into the Spell & Trap Zone. "Your Harpie Lady has its exclusive Equip Spell Card, Cyber Shield. Similarly, Gemini Monsters also have exclusive Equipment. I Equip Phoenix Knight Gearfried with the Equip Spell Card, Supervise!"
"Only a Gemini Monster can be Equipped with Supervise. It is Treated as the Second Summon for a Gemini Monster. Therefore, Phoenix Knight Gearfried's Power Unleashed!"
With that command, the Flames that were previously restrained behind Phoenix Knight Gearfried surged violently, actually detaching from its body and taking form beside it as a giant Phoenix made of Flames!
"Now, enter the Battle Phase!" Valon's hand clenched into a fist, and he swung it forward fiercely. Then, realizing something belatedly, he changed it to a hand chop motion. "Phoenix Knight Gearfried, Attack Harpie Channeler!"
"Phoenix Cross Slash!"
"Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried, Attack Harpie Channeler!"
"Phoenix Cross Slash!"
Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried, holding a man-sized shield and greatsword and clad in thick armor, moved. His speed was nothing like what someone burdened by such heavy equipment should be capable of. Faster than the blink of an eye, Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried appeared before Harpie Channeler as if teleporting, about to swing his greatsword.
Harpie Channeler didn't even have time to take off from the ground. Just as she was about to be Destroyed, Mai Valentine reacted in time, pressing the activation button on her Duel Disk. "Don't think you'll get away with that, look over here!"
"I Activate Trap Card Sakuretsu Armor! By Chaining to your Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried's Attack Declaration, I'll Destroy it!"
As Mai Valentine spoke, one of the three Set Cards in her Backrow was flipped face-up. A laser beam shot out from Sakuretsu Armor's Card Art, striking towards Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried. If hit by this laser, no matter how powerful Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried's Attack was, it would simply be blown up and Destroyed.
Mai Valentine was feeling smug, but saw that the momentum of Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried's greatsword didn't slow down at all. It heavily slashed down onto Harpie Channeler, piercing and tearing through the Cyber Shield she was wearing, Sending her to the Graveyard.
Facing the incoming laser, he didn't even frown. He simply raised his shield wreathed in Flames and performed a shield bash, actually managing to block the laser!
Seeing the look of shock on Mai Valentine's face, Valon explained with a smile. "Don't forget, Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried is already in its Gemini Summoned state! Although I didn't Activate its Effect during the Main Phase, as long as the Conditions are met, it can use its special Ability even during the Battle Phase!"
"Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried can, by Tributing one Equip Card on my Field, Negate and Destroy the Activation of a Spell/Trap Card that Targets a Monster on the Field!"
"Haa!"
Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried, who had raised his shield, pushed it forward with all his might. The laser beam that was held at bay by his shield was actually forced back, returning the way it came and hitting the Sakuretsu Armor Card itself.
The Sakuretsu Armor Card was Destroyed by the Attack it itself had unleashed, and at the same time, the Battle Damage from Harpie Channeler being Destroyed earlier was dealt to Mai Valentine.
"Mmm-hmm!"
[Mai Valentine: 4000 → 3300 LP]
Having completed an Attack and perfectly defended against a Destruction Effect, Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried returned to Valon's Field. The only Cost was that the Fire Phoenix, which had awakened due to the Effect of equipping Super Double Summon earlier, burned out and vanished because Super Double Summon was gone.
The Equip Card Valon had Sent to the Graveyard to Activate Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried's Effect was Super Double Summon. It was precisely because it lost Super Double Summon that Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried reverted to its Normal Monster state before being Gemini Summoned. The Flames receded back onto its back, forming a cape.
However, this was only a portion of the Flames. Where the Fire Phoenix had dissipated, a ball of Flames was still burning fiercely. It even began to spread and expand.
"When a Face-up Super Double Summon is Sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one Normal Monster from my Graveyard as a Target," Valon said, retrieving a Card from the Graveyard Zone and showing it to Mai Valentine. "The Monster I'm Summoning is Evocator Chevalier, which was Destroyed earlier!"
"Since he's here, my second Attack will be Evocator Chevalier attacking Harpie Perfumer!"
A figure flew out from the burning Flames. Evocator Chevalier, holding a sharp blade, returned Revived from the Graveyard. He pierced Harpie Perfumer's Chest with a single strike, not at all distracted by her beauty.
His cold Gaze seemed to say, "Women only slow down my sword draw."
[Mai Valentine: 3300 → 3000 LP]
Mai Valentine took Battle Damage once again. Her Life Points had dropped by a total of 1000. Although it seemed her Life Points were higher than Valon's, the Harpie Ladies on Mai Valentine's Front Row had just had their last one Destroyed. Meanwhile, Valon still had a True Evolution Protector - Bishop with 1500 Attack on his Field that hadn't Attacked yet.
"This will be the third Attack, Miss Mai Valentine!" Valon shouted excitedly, pumping his fist. "If there are no Monsters to block my Attack, True Evolution Protector - Bishop, Direct Attack the Duelist!"
The chain hammer wreathed in Flames was swung by True Evolution Protector - Bishop. Due to the nature of whip-like weapons, the ball at the end was constantly Accelerating. Swinging his chain hammer, True Evolution Protector - Bishop stepped forward, preparing to Direct Attack Mai Valentine.
In the Audience Seats, Joey Wheeler watched Mai Valentine, who had fallen into Danger, with extreme anxiety. Excitedly, he grabbed Tristan 's thigh and suddenly stood up, shouting loudly towards the Field. "Don't lose, Mai!"
The sound in the arena was so noisy. Theoretically, with so much noise interference, no matter how loud Joey Wheeler's voice was, Mai Valentine would be unable to hear what he said clearly due to her attention being distracted by the noise.
But Mai Valentine, for no reason at all, heard Joey Wheeler's shout.
Without turning her Head to look at Joey Wheeler, who was being pushed back into his seat by Tristan and apologizing to the Audience behind them, Mai Valentine retorted, "Idiot Joey Wheeler, even if I get hit by that Attack, it's not enough for me to lose. You actually think I'd lose just like this? Don't underestimate me too much!"
Her words were quite defiant, but the corner of Mai Valentine's mouth unconsciously curved up.
"Valon, you just said you were going to Direct Attack me, right?" Mai Valentine's finger pressed the button to Activate her Set Card. One of her Set Cards on the Field flipped up, revealing a semi-circular barrier. "You've already Destroyed all my Monsters and gained a sufficient Advantage, but you don't know when to quit while you're ahead."
"Then don't blame me for using this Card. I also have Joey Wheeler to thank for drawing this Card and giving it to me not long ago. I promised him we'd settle things in the group Finals later!"
"Activate Trap Card, Wave-Motion Wall!"
"What!?"
In front of Mai Valentine, a light blue transparent barrier silently expanded. As True Evolution Protector - Bishop's chain hammer slammed down heavily, it only caused a slight ripple on this seemingly fragile shield. It didn't even leave a single dent.
At the same time, as if triggered by True Evolution Protector - Bishop's Attack, the barrier protecting Mai Valentine suddenly released, transforming into a surging flood of compressed water, turning the entire Field into an ocean in just an instant. Valon's Monsters were all Engulfed by the torrent and disappeared!
"Wave-Motion Wall seems to be a derivative Card of Mirror Force. It has a similar Effect, sending all Attack Position Monsters on your Field back. It's not Destruction, but returning to the Deck. This way, even Cards like Monster Reborn won't bring back the Monsters that left the Field. Therefore, I think its Effect is a bit stronger."
"However, powerful Effects inevitably have strict Restrictions. Mirror Force only requires a Monster's Attack Declaration to be Activated, whereas Wave-Motion Wall requires a Monster's Direct Attack."
Mai Valentine paused, looking at the gradually receding flood. "In other words, Valon, it was your excessive desire to Attack that caused all your Monsters to be cleared."
No sooner had she finished speaking, Mai Valentine saw beneath the receding water, a golden spear stuck in the sand. It created an extremely small space behind it that wasn't submerged by the water for a humanoid ball of Flames.
Valon said helplessly, "You're lecturing me that this happened because of my excessive desire to Attack? I felt like I was already restraining myself quite a bit to be a calm person. Furthermore, not all Monsters left the Field."
"Quick-Play Spell Card Forbidden Lance, I Activated this Card from my Hand, Chaining to Miss Mai Valentine's Wave-Motion Wall Effect," Valon said, showing the Card. "At the Cost of decreasing its Attack by 800 points, I granted Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried the Ability to not be affected by Spell/Trap Card Effects other than this Card."
"However, for him who has already Attacked, the Cost of decreasing Attack is effectively meaningless. And it only needs to last until the End Phase."
Pausing, Valon glanced at the three Cards in his Hand. He Set all of them in his Backrow. "However, that was truly an excellent Counter, Miss Mai Valentine. If it weren't for Luck, my Monsters might really have been completely Depleted by you."
"Since there's nothing left to do, I Set three Cards and End Turn."
Valon said, looking at Mai Valentine. He suddenly felt full of Expectation for her next move.
He had to retract the evaluation he made when he first saw Mai Valentine. Mai Valentine was not at all the loud, pretentious woman he thought she was. On the contrary, she possessed a firm Will and tenacious fighting spirit. She was completely fearless in the face of various difficulties and Challenges.
Honestly, even though Valon believed he wouldn't fall for a woman, but facing Mai Valentine, his heart rate accelerated like never before. It wasn't the Influence of adrenaline secreted from exciting Duels like before, but because of hormones.
Come on, Miss Mai, I'm looking forward to your next Battle.
Let me see your Power as a Duelist, and your tenacious fighting spirit that has moved me!
[Valon: 1900 LP, Hand 0]
[Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried] [ATK 2800]
[Adamantine Power] [Set Card] X3
Once again, Mai Valentine's Turn arrived. Drawing Cards from her Deck, she calmly Declared, "My Turn, Draw!"
Along with the Drawing of the Card, Swords of Revealing Light, which had reached its second Standby Phase after Activation, completely shattered and entered the Graveyard.
Glancing at the five Cards in her Hand, the one Set Card in her Backrow, and Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried on Valon's Field, Mai Valentine took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. Her Gaze focused intently on Valon opposite her. "You are a Powerful Duelist, Valon."
"It's an Honor to receive your praise, Miss Mai Valentine."
Mai Valentine heard Valon's compliment but shook her Head. "I don't need that kind of verbal flattery."
"I am a Duelist, and my Goal is to prove that female Duelists aren't necessarily weaker than male ones. Glory, praise, and such are all unimportant to me. All I need is Power and Victory!"
"For this, I Activate the Set Card on my Field, Hysteric Party!"
Mai Valentine's last Set Card in her Backrow flipped up, revealing Hysteric Party. On the Card Art, Harpie Lady Monsters were gathered together, one after another.
Sending one Card from her Hand to the Graveyard, Mai Valentine explained Hysteric Party's Effect. "Harpie Ladies are gregarious creatures, skilled at team actions. And this Card can Summon Harpie Lady Monsters to the maximum extent."
"Activate by discarding one Card from your Hand; Special Summon as many Harpie Ladies as possible from my Graveyard."
Mai Valentine waved her Hand towards the sky. "Return to my Field, Harpie Ladies!"
"Harpie Queen!"
"Harpie Channeler!"
"Harpie Harpist!"
"Harpie Perfumer!"
"And, Harpie Dancer, who I just Sent to the Graveyard!"
[Harpie Queen] [ATK 1900 → 2100]
[Harpie Channeler] [ATK 1400 → 1600]
[Harpie Harpist] [ATK 1700 → 1900]
[Harpie Perfumer] [ATK 1400 → 1600]
[Harpie Dancer] [Level 4 Star/Wind Attribute]
[Winged Beast Type/Effect]
[1200/1000 → 1400/1200]
Accompanied by a clear hawk cry, in this Harpie's Hunting Ground, Harpie Lady after Harpie Lady appeared en masse, circling high in the sky. They stared menacingly at Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried on the Ground, who was standing ready against the large army of Harpie Ladies.
"She actually Summoned a full five Monsters in an instant!"
Valon was also greatly shocked by the appearance of the Harpie Lady army in the sky. But at the same time, he knew that all the Harpie Ladies could rely on at this moment was merely their numbers.
"Although there are many of them, Miss Mai, even Harpie Queen, with the highest Attack, only has 2100 points. She cannot defeat Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried."
Mai Valentine didn't get angry; she just replied with a confident smile. "Whether that's the case is hard to say. Now, due to the Special Summon of the Harpie Ladies, Harpie's Hunting Ground's Effect is Mandatory Activation. Although there are five of them, because they were treated as a single Special Summon, I can choose one Spell/Trap Card on the Field to Destroy."
As she spoke, Mai Valentine's Hand pointed towards the center position in Valon's Backrow, the Set Card directly behind Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried. "I choose to Destroy the Set Card in your middle!"
"Although I don't know what that Set Card is, my Intuition tells me that Card is very Dangerous!"
Harpie Queen was surrounded by the other four Harpie Ladies. Her light yellow eyes, clear like amber, locked firmly onto Valon's Set Card. She flapped her wings and shot out several feather arrows, about to pierce that Set Card.
Seeing this, Valon pressed the button to Activate his Set Card with some helplessness. "I didn't expect your Intuition to be so sharp, Miss Mai. Then, I'll Chain to Harpie's Hunting Ground's Effect and Activate this 'Dangerous' Set Card!"
"Trap Card Double Booster, Activate by Targeting one Gemini Monster on my Field. Equip Double Booster to that Monster as an Equip Card with the Ability to 'Increase Attack by 700 points'!"
Valon's Operation was quite strange. Because even if Double Booster becomes an Equip Card after Activation, Harpie's Hunting Ground's Effect won't be Negated just because it changed from a Set Trap Card to an Equip Card equipped to a Monster. Double Booster will still be Destroyed, and the Effect that Increases Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried's Attack will also disappear because Double Booster is gone.
On the surface, Valon's Operation seemed like a Futile Effort? Did his Card Activation achieve nothing?
Before it was hit, a Machine appeared from Double Booster and was equipped onto Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried's back, despite the completely mismatched art style. But it hadn't been on his back for more than three seconds when the feather arrows shot by Harpie Queen spun in mid-air and changed trajectory. They still accurately Hit Double Booster, causing it to Explode!
[Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried] [ATK 2800 → 3500 → 2800]
Mai Valentine frowned. Even though she had already Destroyed Double Booster, the sense of Danger in her heart not only didn't ease, but instead grew stronger.
Her doubt didn't last long. The situation on the Field told Mai Valentine where her sense of Danger came from.
She saw that at the location where Double Booster Exploded, Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried, Engulfed in Smoke and Dust and Flames, dragged his greatsword on the Ground. He slowly walked out of the smoke. And behind him, the Fire Phoenix, identical to when he was equipped with Super Double Summon earlier, also revealed its form!
"How can this be!?" Mai Valentine said in surprise. "Don't Gemini Monsters need to be Summoned a second time to Activate their Effects? Furthermore, Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried isn't equipped with a Card like Super Double Summon!"
Valon smiled. "The answer is Double Booster, which you just Destroyed, Miss Mai."
"When Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard while in the state of an Equip Card, Double Booster can Target one Gemini Monster on the Field and make it become its Gemini Summoned Form."
Mai Valentine heard Valon's explanation and understood. She had been used.
Originally, Double Booster could indeed Increase Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried's Attack by 700 points, but that was all. That version of Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried would just be a Normal Monster with 3500 Attack.
Unfortunately, the Harpie Ladies Mai Valentine used are good at Backrow Destruction, and she just happened to Destroy Double Booster. This actually fulfilled Valon's wish, allowing Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried to regain his Power.
"Tch, he actually used the Harpie Ladies' characteristic against me. I was tricked," Mai Valentine complained, then said, "Then I'll continue processing the previous Effect."
"Activate when Harpie Perfumer is Summoned or Special Summoned. I can Add one Spell/Trap Card that lists Harpie Lady Sisters in its Card Name from my Deck to my Hand."
After Searching her Deck for a Card and replenishing her Hand to five Cards, Mai Valentine's Hand pointed towards Harpie Dancer on her Field. "Next, I Activate Harpie Dancer's Effect!"
Hearing Mai Valentine's words, Harpie Dancer, who was flying around Harpie Queen in mid-air, left the flock and came before Mai Valentine. After a slight nod, she began to spin, jump, and close her eyes, like she came from an Indian movie set, starting to dance at the drop of a hat.
Mai Valentine took Harpie Dancer, with the lowest Attack, from her Duel Disk and said, "Harpie Dancer's Effect can only be Used Once per turn. From my Field, I return one Wind Attribute Monster to its owner's Hand. Then I can Summon one Wind Attribute Monster."
Mai Valentine drew a Card from her Hand, the highest Level Monster she had played in this Duel. "The Monster I'm going to Summon is this one! By Tributing Harpie Perfumer and Harpie Harpist, I Tribute Summon it!"
"It's time for you to appear, Harpie's Pet Dragon!"
Harpie Perfumer and Harpie Harpist disappeared from the Field together. And in their place appeared an orange-red Flying Dragon wearing a Collar and Chains around its neck, letting out a deafening roar at Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried:
"ROAR!!!"
Harpie's Pet Dragon's appearance injected new vitality into the Harpie Ladies on Mai Valentine's Field. Harpie Channeler replaced the Collar in her Hand with the one on Harpie's Pet Dragon's neck, leading it around like a fox borrowing a tiger's might. Meanwhile, Harpie Queen proudly stepped onto Harpie's Pet Dragon's Head, puffing out her Chest.
"Harpie Ladies possess sufficient intelligence. Although they aren't very skilled in Battle, they have tamed Flying Dragons to serve as their Combat Power," Mai Valentine explained. "Harpie's Pet Dragon has the Ability for its Attack to Increase as the Number of Harpie Lady Monsters on the Field increases."
"Each Harpie Lady Increases Harpie's Pet Dragon's Attack by 200 points!"
[Harpie's Pet Dragon] [Level 7 Star/Wind Attribute]
[Dragon-Type/Effect]
[2000/2500 → 2400/2500]
Harpie's Pet Dragon's Level is 7 Star. For this, it requires two Tributes. And the Number of Harpie Ladies on Mai Valentine's Field thus decreased to 2, only bringing a 400 point Attack Increase.
However, Mai Valentine's offensive had not fully unfolded yet.
"Only two Harpie Ladies aren't enough. Then Harpie Channeler, start Calling other Harpie Ladies!"
"Once per turn, I can Activate this Effect by discarding one Harpie Card from my Hand." Mai Valentine Sent Harpie Dancer, which she had previously Recycled to her Hand, to the Graveyard. "Special Summon one Harpie Monster from my Deck, other than Harpie Channeler, in Defense Position!"
Playing a Card, Mai Valentine said, "I Special Summon Harpie Oracle, then Activate her Effect. When Harpie Oracle is Summoned or Special Summoned, during the End Phase of this turn, I can Add one Card that lists Harpie Lady Sisters in its Card Name from my Graveyard to my Hand!"
Another Harpie Lady Monster was Summoned to Mai Valentine's Field. Although it was in Defense Position and couldn't participate in Attacks, and its Effect was a delayed Activation type that could only be Used during the End Phase, however, as long as it was a Harpie Lady, it was considered a contribution.
In addition to Harpie's Pet Dragon's Attack Increase, Harpie's Hunting Ground's Effect was Mandatory Activation once again. Mai Valentine could choose one Spell/Trap Card to Destroy.
Without waiting for Mai Valentine to explain anything, Valon calmly spread his Hand and pointed to his Field. "I still have these two Set Cards in my Backrow. So, are you going to Destroy them, Miss Mai?"
"Hmph, is that even a question?" Mai Valentine Annoyed snorted. "Then this time, I choose to Destroy the Set Card on your left!"
Harpie Oracle held a delicate stargazing instrument in her Hand. Her eyes carefully examined the scene inside. After seeing something, Harpie Oracle suddenly threw the stargazing instrument like a shot put athlete. It smashed onto Valon's second Card.
This time, Valon didn't Chain to Harpie's Hunting Ground's Effect and Activate the Set Card that was about to be Destroyed. But before Mai Valentine could get happy, she heard Valon's light chuckle.
"What a shame, Miss Mai. The Card you Destroyed this time is this one." Valon flipped up the Destroyed Card in his Backrow. "Trap Card, Security Orb. Its direct Use Effect is to change the Battle Position of the Attacking Monster by Chaining to the Attack Declaration."
"However, when a Set Security Orb is Destroyed by an opponent's Spell/Trap Card Effect, another Effect can Take Effect. I can choose one Monster on the Field and Destroy it directly."
Valon's Hand pointed towards one Monster on Mai Valentine's Field. "Although it feels a bit bad to extinguish your hope like this, a Duel is about going All Out. I choose to Destroy your Harpie's Pet Dragon, Miss Mai!"
A laser beam shot out from the remains of the Destroyed Security Orb. In just an instant, it pierced through Harpie's Pet Dragon's Body on Mai Valentine's Field, causing it to Explode and be Destroyed, Sending it to the Graveyard.
This is bad.
Mai Valentine's expression was grim. Because of Harpie Dancer, she still had the Opportunity for a Normal Summon after Summoning Harpie's Pet Dragon, and she indeed had a Monster in her Hand that could be Normal Summoned.
In her original Plan, she could use three consecutive Summons of Harpie Ladies to Destroy Valon's three Set Cards in the Backrow one by one. Then, after Summoning four Harpie Ladies, Harpie's Pet Dragon's Attack would also Increase to 2800 points. It could achieve Mutual Destruction with Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried. And then the Harpie Ladies would Direct Attack.
However, the most crucial link in this Plan had disappeared. Without Harpie's Pet Dragon, it was useless for Mai Valentine to Summon another Harpie Lady. She still had no Monster that could contend with Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried.
She still had four Cards in her Hand. There were no Cards that could create hope, except for Magical Mallet, which she drew during this turn's Draw Phase.
So, should she Summon the Harpie Lady in her Hand to play Defense, or Use Magical Mallet to replace all her Hand Cards with new possibilities and take a gamble?
Mai Valentine's answer was clear. She was never a calm person. Emotion always outweighed reason.
"I Activate Spell Card Magical Mallet. This Card allows me to Shuffle itself and my Hand into the Deck, then Draw the same Number of Cards." Mai Valentine put all her Hand Cards into her Deck. "I'm placing my hope on this Draw. Respond to me and create hope!"
"Draw!"
After seeing the drawn Cards, Mai Valentine's face broke into a Smile. "Yes! With this, I feel like I can do it!"
Valon didn't know what kind of Cards Mai Valentine had drawn, but he still Declared, "It seems you drew some good Cards? In that case, I Activate Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried's Effect."
"When the opponent Activates a Spell Card, I Target one Gemini Monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it. I Special Summon Double Soldier in Defense Position."
Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried plunged his shield into the Ground. Gripping his sword with both Hands, he forcefully slashed a cross shape in the air, forcibly cutting open Space. Then a Monster Mai Valentine had never seen before walked out from it.
That must be the Monster Valon Sent to the Graveyard with Graceful Charity last turn, right?
[Double Soldier] [Level 2 Star/Wind Attribute]
[Warrior-Type/Normal Monster]
[500/300]
"You Summoned a Monster in Defense Position? I thought you only put Monsters in Attack Position. However, even Defense is useless." Mai Valentine drew three Cards from her Hand. "Because I have completed everything needed for Victory!"
"Activate Spell Card Fusion! I use Amazoness Tiger and Amazoness Trainee from my Hand as Fusion Material!"
"Come forth, Guardian of the Amazoness, Amazoness Pet Liger!"
After the Harpie Ladies lost their Opportunity for Victory, Mai Valentine successfully created a miracle with Magical Mallet. She successfully Summoned Amazoness Pet Liger, which is also the Strongest in her Amazoness Deck!
The muscular yellow liger seemed like a ruler surveying its territory. It strode onto Mai Valentine's Field. It didn't need to make ostentatious roars or shouts. It only needed to stand there and stare at its Target. That alone was enough to bring about a terrifying Pressure.
[Amazoness Pet Liger] [Level 7 Star/EARTH Attribute]
[Beast Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2500/2400]
"Amazoness?" Valon commented. "But even this Monster's Attack is still no match for Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried. Although Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried's Effect doesn't have a Once per turn Restriction, because I no longer have any Gemini Monsters in my Graveyard, even if you Activate a Spell Card, I cannot Summon another Monster."
Mai Valentine raised an eyebrow, showing a smug expression. "In that case, I won't hold back. I Activate Spell Card Fusion Recovery, Recycling Amazoness Tiger and Fusion, which were used for Fusion Summoning earlier. Then, I Normal Summon Amazoness Tiger!"
A tiger-like Beast much smaller than Amazoness Pet Liger appeared on Mai Valentine's Field. Together with the former, it built a Defense line on the Ground.
[Amazoness Tiger] [Level 4 Star/EARTH Attribute]
[Beast Type/Effect]
[1100/1500 → 1500/1500]
"Amazoness Tiger's Effect is that for each Amazoness Monster on the Field, it gains 400 Attack. Furthermore, the opponent cannot Attack other Amazoness Monsters."
"And Amazoness Pet Liger also has the same Attack-attracting Effect."
Saying this, Mai Valentine showed a Smile. "In other words, you cannot Destroy my Amazoness Monsters. This is my return gift!"
Valon gave a wry smile. "You really hold a grudge."
The so-called return gift Mai Valentine was referring to was, of course, the double Marauding Captain Strategy Valon used at the start of the Duel. It could only be said to be exactly the same as Mai Valentine's current Strategy.
However...
"In other words, Miss Mai, is your Strategy Defense?"
Mai Valentine heard Valon's words, tidied her Bangs, full of spirit. "No, I said it already. I've seen the path to Victory, and it's completely clear!"
"Enter my Battle Phase!"
"I will Use Amazoness Pet Liger to Attack your Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried," Mai Valentine smiled slyly. "When actively initiating an Attack, Amazoness Pet Liger's Attack can Increase by 500 points!"
"Defeat Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried and win me Victory, Amazoness Pet Liger!"
"Hunting Rhythm!"
Amazoness Pet Liger opened its massive maw and pounced towards Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried. Relying on the explosive Power in its muscles, its Attack Increased by 500 points, enough to rival Blue-Eyes White Dragon!
[Amazoness Pet Liger] [ATK 2500 → 3000]
Once Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried is Destroyed by this Attack, Valon's Field will only be left with the weak Double Soldier. It will be completely unable to protect Valon from Mai Valentine's Other Monsters' Attacks.
"So strong, truly too strong!" Facing such a desperate situation, Valon not only didn't feel any sense of Danger, but was instead captivated by Amazoness Pet Liger's Aura as it pounced. "Such perfect muscles, such a strong Aura, it's too beautiful!"
As he spoke, he looked at Mai Valentine. Perhaps because she saw the hope of winning, Mai Valentine's face showed a confident Smile. Her golden long hair swayed in the Wind. Valon was a little stunned watching her, his cheeks slightly red.
However, he still came back to his senses in time. He pressed the button to Activate his Set Card with some hesitation.
"My Name is Valon, I'm 25 years old, unmarried, currently traveling the world without a fixed residence. I like swimming and long-distance running. Every day before sleeping, I exercise for thirty minutes before resting, and I always get a steady eight hours of sleep like a baby."
"I'm not introducing myself, just explaining. I am a person who longs for a peaceful life. I don't have an Obsession for Duel Monsters. However, I also don't want to lose in a Duel."
Valon's Backrow Card flipped up, revealing a Trap Card quite similar to the Card Mai Valentine Activated earlier—
The ultimate Attack Declaration Trap known as "Hanoi's Sublime Power", Mirror Force!
"Wh-What?!" Mai Valentine was completely shocked.
"Boom!"
Unrivaled Power erupted. Dazzling Light bloomed. First, it was Amazoness Pet Liger, the closest one. Then Amazoness Tiger. Even Harpie Channeler and Harpie Queen in the air couldn't escape, being Destroyed one after another.
Only Harpie Oracle, in Defense Position, as if she had already calculated this situation, hid behind Harpie Queen and Survived with a "Defense Summon".
In an instant, Mai Valentine's previously full Field was instantly Depleted. She looked at the sole Harpie Oracle on the Field with some disbelief, showing a wry smile.
"Truly, how embarrassing."
"I End Turn."
Mai Valentine truly had no choice but to End Turn. She had placed everything on the Battle just now. Her Hand, Set Cards were all Consumed.
If she had known this would happen, she should have Summoned the Harpie Ladies first before Activating Magical Mallet. Mai Valentine felt annoyed and regretful in her heart, but there's no medicine for regret in this world.
In the end, is it another Defeat...?
Mai Valentine felt quite Lost in her heart. Her mood was directly expressed on her face, which was full of frustration.
Time and time again, while Hayato, Yugi Mutou, and Joey Wheeler were advancing triumphantly towards the peak, she was always left behind them.
It was like this during Duelist Kingdom. It was also like this during Duel City. And by the KC Cup, she had even been Defeated by someone who wasn't even in the Top 8 of Duel City.
How much further will the distance between me and Joey Wheeler grow...?
Valon couldn't see Mai Valentine's inner thoughts, but he could somewhat see her mood.
To be honest, Mai Valentine has a lot of Strength, and Valon also had to admit he had feelings for her and wanted to pursue her. Looking at Mai Valentine's expression, it seemed she was Suffering over her lack of Power? While Drawing a Card and starting his Turn, Valon also made a decision in his heart.
True Evolution Protector - Bishop, who had been returned to the Deck earlier, reappeared. His chain hammer Destroyed Harpie Oracle, Sending her to the Graveyard. Following that were the Direct Attacks from Double Soldier and Phoenix Blade Master - Gearfried.
The greatsword wreathed in Flames slashed down. Mai Valentine's Life Points were completely Depleted. The Duel was decided then and there.
[Mai Valentine: 3000 LP → 2500 LP → 0]