Chapter 340 - # Chapter 411-415

# Chapter 411: Zigfried von Schroeder's Bizarre Adventure

After two or three Duels, Yugi finally managed to escape the confrontation between Téa and Rebecca. He had a valid reason, as his next Duel was up.

"Phew, I finally got away," Yugi patted his chest, letting out a big sigh of relief as he walked towards the preparation room, feeling as if a great weight had been lifted.

Compared to Joey Wheeler, who was slow-witted about feelings, Yugi was quite aware that both Téa and Rebecca had feelings for him. But honestly, they were both Yugi's friends, and Téa was his childhood friend, while Rebecca was a family friend. Yugi didn't want to hurt either of them.

Besides, Yugi truly didn't have any thoughts about dating yet. Being somewhat conservative and introverted, he could only choose to play dumb and pretend not to understand their feelings.

*'This is truly a trial like a love triangle conflict, aibo.'*

Inside the Millennium Puzzle, Dark Yugi teased.

"Seriously, stop making fun of me, Dark Yugi."

For Yugi, only Dark Yugi existed. Because they knew each other inside out, they could share anything with each other, express any feeling, and confide any thought.

Such a friend was hard to come by, and Yugi was sincerely grateful to the Millennium Puzzle for bringing him such a good friend.

Back then, after Solomon Mutou returned from archaeology in Egypt, he brought Yugi the fragments of the Millennium Puzzle as a gift and told Yugi that if someone could complete the Millennium Puzzle, they would gain the ability to fulfill a wish. Yugi spent eight years, with the thought of "wanting friends," assembling the shattered Millennium Puzzle into the Millennium Puzzle, and then came the meeting with Dark Yugi.

"It's really nice."

Recalling the past, ever since meeting Dark Yugi, he had successively met and befriended Joey Wheeler, Tristan, Hayato, and Otogi. Now, having gained more and more Bonds, the wish of "wanting friends" had long been realized. "This peaceful and happy life is really nice."

Yugi's exclamation was unintentional, but upon hearing it, the mood of Dark Yugi inside the Millennium Puzzle became somewhat complicated. He sighed and said, *'Yes, it's a truly peaceful life.'*

No matter how warm the daily life, no matter how peaceful the life, ever since learning from Ishizu Ishtar during Duel City that he was actually the Nameless Pharaoh from three thousand years ago, Dark Yugi had always understood one thing: that one day, he would have to search for his lost memories.

In other words, he and Yugi were destined to be separated.

The sensitive Yugi seemed to sense Dark Yugi's unusual mood: "What's wrong, Dark Yugi?"

*'No, nothing, aibo.'*

Dark Yugi pretended as if nothing was wrong and changed the subject: *'Your next opponent seems to be that 'Zigfried von Schroeder'?'*

Yugi, of course, also noticed that Dark Yugi was changing the subject, but he didn't mind. Since Dark Yugi didn't want to talk about that topic for now, they could talk about it later.

"Yeah, the Deck he uses is a Valkyrie Deck, but besides knowing it's a Valkyrie Deck, I know nothing else about it," Yugi recalled the information he got from Mai Valentine, a troubled expression appearing on his face. "Mai Valentine even Dueled Zigfried von Schroeder, but she couldn't even see clearly how she lost the Duel."

"It's said that after he only played two cards, Mai Valentine suddenly lost, and the situation was the same for the other Duelists who Dueled him."

Dark Yugi couldn't help but think as well: *'Even the Duelists who confronted him directly didn't know what happened before they lost? To qualify for the Top 64, Zigfried von Schroeder's opponents couldn't have been weak, and yet they still lost in an instant? It's incredible.'*

"Yeah, the Duel ended in an instant," Yugi said, raising his hands as if trying to grasp something and shouting "Za Warudo." Although he didn't know what it meant, according to Hayato, the phrase represented the power to stop time. "It's like time was stopped by 'Za Warudo.'"

Dark Yugi retorted: *'Aibo, your voice could be a bit more forceful. Hayato says that phrase with more imposingness.'*

*'But even an enemy who can stop time doesn't matter. Don't forget, our target is to become the Champion of the KC Cup.'*

"Speaking of that..." Yugi felt a bit awkward when Dark Yugi brought this up. "It's all because Grandfather insisted we participate."

Yugi himself wasn't very interested in the KC Cup, but Kaiba had set such a prize money for the Champion position, which successfully attracted Joey Wheeler, who came from a poor family background, and Yugi's Grandfather, Solomon Mutou, who was motivated by money. It was under Grandpa Solomon's instigation that Yugi reluctantly agreed to Kaiba's invitation to participate.

Dark Yugi couldn't help but smile and casually asked, *'So, aibo, do you need me to come out?'*

Yugi thought for a moment, recalling the humiliating scene of being caught between Téa and Rebecca, and quickly shook his head: "No, I'll be fine. Let me get some fresh air. If Dark Yugi were to go out, and this Duel ended too quickly, wouldn't I have to go back?"

"Besides, Zigfried von Schroeder's strategy is so strange, I think it's better for me, who is good at defense and counterattack, to handle it."

While saying this, Yugi started organizing his Deck, and Dark Yugi's figure appeared behind Yugi. Looking at Yugi sitting in his seat, adding cards like Torrential Tribute, Divine Wrath, and Magic Jammer one by one into his Deck, the corner of Dark Yugi's mouth curved up, revealing a gentle smile.

*'Unknowingly, you have grown, aibo. You are no longer the introverted self from before who couldn't stand in front.'*

*'So, for the first time in a while, instead of me fighting in your place, I will watch your fight.'*

————Sakurai speaks, Shimazaki laughs————

Before long, Yugi, who was ready, walked out of the player preparation room and stepped onto one side of the Duel platform, where the pink-haired man named "Zigfried von Schroeder" had been waiting for a long time.

"Hmph, you certainly kept me waiting, Yugi Mutou."

Yugi was sure that he had probably never faced Zigfried von Schroeder before, but looking at the opponent's arrogant expression, he seemed a bit annoyed with him. Was it because he was late? But now was the time the Duel was supposed to start, even if he got on stage early, he couldn't start the Duel early.

However, Yugi still said politely, "I'm truly sorry for keeping you waiting, Mr. Zigfried von Schroeder."

"Hmph, forget it. I have no interest in your apology which lacks any etiquette," Zigfried von Schroeder gave a cold, dismissive laugh, not even looking at Yugi, just raising his head and gently pushing the Deck Zone on his Duel Disk. The Deck, which was half-loaded beforehand, triggered the Duel Disk's transformation mechanism to unfold.

Although Yugi couldn't quite understand his actions, he could feel there was a special etiquette involved. If he had to say, it seemed to be the kind of etiquette European nobles performed before Duels with Duel Swords?

Yugi glanced at the referee nearby, and after receiving the signal, he also inserted his Deck into his Duel Disk. The two halves of the Duel Disk pieced together to form the Duel Zone and connected signals with Zigfried von Schroeder's Duel Disk on the opposite side. The Life Points areas simultaneously lit up with the number "4000."

"In this Duel match full of mediocre people, my first opponent in an official match is the former King of Games, hehe. Only this is barely worthy of my identity," Zigfried von Schroeder looked Yugi over with a scrutinizing gaze. "Although it feels a bit different from what I had seen before, it must be my imagination, and those are insignificant matters."

"Because the victor of this Duel will only be me. Even you, the Legendary Duelist Yugi Mutou, will be defeated before my Valkyrie Deck."

Yugi was not shaken by Zigfried von Schroeder's words and replied with a firm gaze: "I don't agree with what you said, because I believe the possibility of Duel Monsters is infinite. No one can assert victory or defeat before the Duel begins."

"And," Yugi paused, took a deep breath to muster his courage, imitating the tone of voice Dark Yugi used when speaking in his memory, "I don't think I'm weaker than you!"

"Hmph, then let's see who's better, Yugi Mutou," Zigfried von Schroeder sneered coldly, placing his finger on his Deck. Yugi's movements synchronized with his.

Both simultaneously drew five cards and declared: "Duel!" X2

[Yugi Mutou: 4000 LP]

[Zigfried von Schroeder: 4000 LP]

Yugi lowered his head and looked at his hand, wanting to confirm the cards he drew before deciding whether or not to take the first turn. But Zigfried von Schroeder, although his demeanor was as elegant as a noble's, was quite impatient when it came to Duel Monsters, and directly took the right to the first turn.

"I'll take the first turn. My turn, drawing cards!"

Seeing the cards he drew, Zigfried von Schroeder frowned. The strategy he had always used with his Valkyrie Deck was a special pseudo-OTK strategy. The core of this strategy was two cards, and as long as he could draw both of these cards, Zigfried von Schroeder could perform the "ability to end the Duel instantly" that he had always shown in previous Duels.

And in order to ensure the execution of this strategy as much as possible, Zigfried von Schroeder had always paid attention not to Summon Monsters to reveal information when he didn't have absolute certainty.

"I place two cards face-down on my field, and then I Summon a monster in face-down Defense Position." After playing three cards from his hand, Zigfried von Schroeder arrogantly said, "Your luck's not too bad, you escaped your fate of defeat, Yugi Mutou. My turn ends here."

*'Didn't draw the key card?'* Yugi thought, placing his finger on his Deck and drawing a card, "Then my turn, Draw!"

Looking at the card he drew, it was Magnet Warrior Alpha.

Although it was just a Normal Monster with only 1400 ATK, Yugi knew this monster was indispensable in his Deck and concealed a powerful strength.

Since Zigfried von Schroeder didn't immediately perform his instant-win strategy, Yugi planned to end the Duel before he could.

"I activate the Spell Card Unexpected Dai! This card's effect is that if there are no monsters on the field, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Normal Monster from my Deck. I Special Summon Magnet Warrior Beta in Attack Position, then Normal Summon Magnet Warrior Alpha from my hand."

After playing two cards, two Rock Warriors with different appearances, whose bodies were basically composed of "U"-shaped magnets, appeared on the field for Yugi.

[Magnet Warrior Alpha] [Level 4/EARTH]

[Rock-Type/Normal Monster]

[1400/1700]

[Magnet Warrior Beta] [Level 4/EARTH]

[Rock-Type/Normal Monster]

[1700/1600]

After successively Summoning two unremarkable Normal Monsters, Yugi didn't think much and directly waved his hand to order: "Then enter my Battle Phase. I'll start by using Magnet Warrior Beta to Attack that face-down monster."

Zigfried von Schroeder had a look of disdain and pressed the activation button for his Set Card: "I originally thought the former King of Games' attack would be incredibly strong, but it turns out it's only this level. In that case, I activate my Set Card, the Continuous Trap Trial of the Traveler!"

Just as Magnet Warrior Beta was swinging its palm with magnets, about to attack the face-down monster on Zigfried von Schroeder's field, a tall Sphinx suddenly appeared before it, blocking the path.

Zigfried von Schroeder said proudly, "In Egyptian legends, the human-headed, lion-bodied Divine Beast 'Sphinx' likes riddles. If you cannot guess its riddle correctly, you cannot proceed."

"When your monster declares an attack, you need to randomly select one card from my hand and guess the card type. If you guess incorrectly, the monster that declared the attack will be returned to hand."

While saying this, Zigfried von Schroeder raised his hand, and enlarged projections of the three cards in his hand appeared before Yugi.

"So, choose, which card is it, and what kind of card is it? Spell Card, Trap Card, or Monster Card?" Zigfried von Schroeder sneered and said confidently, "I'm sure you're troubled now, hesitating about what you should—"

"I guess the middle card is a Spell Card."

Yugi's voice rang out, making Zigfried von Schroeder freeze for a moment.

The cost of guessing incorrectly with Trial of the Traveler was that the monster he finally managed to Summon would be returned to hand. How could this person not show a trace of hesitation?

But from Yugi's gaze, Zigfried von Schroeder only saw confidence, as if he wasn't guessing the card type, but reading what that card was.

The middle card selected by Yugi shattered with a boom, the Sphinx's illusion disappeared, revealing the path forward. Magnet Warrior Beta's swinging fist delivered a smash attack, destroying Zigfried von Schroeder's Set Card—Valkyrie's Chariot—and sending it to the Graveyard.

Chapter 412: Valkyrie Arrives

Valkyrie Chariot [DEF 1000]

Magnet Warrior Beta [ATK 1700]

The monster Zigfried von Schroeder had Set on his Field was a Valkyrie riding a galloping chariot. Although it looked quite majestic, this monster only had 500 Attack and 1000 Defense, which was roughly the same level as the Ojama monsters.

Of course, before it was Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard, Yugi glimpsed the word Union in Valkyrie Chariot's card text, meaning Valkyrie Chariot was actually a Union Monster, a type that could only unleash its power by uniting with other monsters.

It was just like the XYZ Monsters that both Hayato and Kaiba had used; they weren't at their maximum power alone, only unleashing their ultimate power when united.

Since Valkyrie Chariot was in Defense Position, even though it was Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard, Zigfried von Schroeder didn't take any Battle Damage. However, next was the Direct Attack from Yugi's other monster, Magnet Warrior Alpha.

"You actually guessed correctly? Damn it." Zigfried von Schroeder was annoyed that his Trap Card didn't activate. "But, Trial of the Traveler is a Continuous Trap, and its effect will continue to apply."

Dark Yugi in the Millennium Puzzle raised an eyebrow. 'It seems this isn't a trial you can pass just once. Aibo, what are you planning to do next?'

"If only I had a card like Mystical Space Typhoon in hand, but right now, I can only continue the attack," Yugi said somewhat helplessly. "Alright, I'll continue to use Magnet Warrior Alpha to Direct Attack the opponent."

Hearing this, Zigfried von Schroeder quickly shuffled the three cards in his hand, changing their positions, and raised his hand, saying, "Because of Magnet Warrior Alpha's Attack Declaration, the effect of Trial of the Traveler activates again!"

"I refuse to believe you can guess correctly this time too!"

The stone Sphinx reappeared, blocking Magnet Warrior Alpha's path. And this time, Yugi still pointed firmly at the card in the middle, "I choose the card in the middle, and I declare it's a Spell Card!"

"Hmph, how could the same position be the same card? Do you think you can use the same—"

Zigfried von Schroeder's voice stopped abruptly. The card Yugi randomly chose shattered with a "crack," and the Sphinx blocking the way also shattered and disappeared.

Magnet Warrior Alpha, holding a Magnet Sword, was now unobstructed between itself and Zigfried von Schroeder. Zigfried von Schroeder could even see the strange light reflected in Magnet Warrior Alpha's dot eyes.

Seeing Magnet Warrior Alpha getting closer and closer, Zigfried von Schroeder immediately pressed another activation button to activate his Set card. "I didn't give permission for such an utterly common monster to touch me!"

"Activate my Set card, the Trap Card Counter Gate! It negates your Direct Attack, and I Draw one card!"

A hazy dimensional wall suddenly appeared in front of Magnet Warrior Alpha. Magnet Warrior Alpha, which was charging forward, failed to brake and crashed directly into it. In just a blink of an eye, Magnet Warrior Alpha found itself back on Yugi's Field, as if it hadn't attacked at all.

Zigfried von Schroeder also Drew a card from the top of his Deck. Seeing the card he Drew, Zigfried von Schroeder's eyebrows twitched, and he showed a smug expression. "When I Draw a Monster Card using the effect of Counter Gate, I can Normal Summon it onto the Field. However, unfortunately, I Drew a Spell Card."

"But, precisely because I Drew this card, your defeat has been woven, Mutou Yuugi!"

Yugi's brows furrowed.

'Did he Draw a key card? Does that mean Zigfried von Schroeder's instant win strategy is coming?'

Dark Yugi in the Millennium Puzzle reminded him, 'Although I don't know what kind of attack method it is, let's set up a defense first, Aibo.'

'Okay, I understand.'

Yugi nodded, looked at his four cards in hand, and chose two of them. "Then my Battle Phase ends. In my Main Phase 2, I Set two cards. I end my turn."

[Yugi: 4000 LP, Hand 2]

Magnet Warrior Alpha [ATK 1400]

Magnet Warrior Beta [ATK 1700]

[Set Card] X2

Seeing Yugi Set two cards, Zigfried von Schroeder was dismissive. "It's useless, useless. The finishing offensive of my Valkyrie Deck cannot be stopped by such a weak defense."

"Now, it's my turn! Draw!"

Looking at the card he Drew, the smile on Zigfried von Schroeder's face grew even smugger. "Heh heh, it seems destiny is on my side. The gods favor me, Zigfried von Schroeder, and have even provided a heavier stake for your defeat, Mutou Yuugi, my opponent."

"I Activate the Spell Card Nibelungen's Treasure! From my Hand or Deck, I Equip one Nibelungen Ring to one of your monsters! Then, as an exchange, I can Draw five cards from my Deck!"

"Draw five cards at once?!" In the audience, Joey Wheeler was very surprised, his face even showing an expression of doubt. "How is that possible? Just one Equip Spell Card can be exchanged for five cards in hand? Is that some kind of fake card?"

Mokuba, sitting behind Joey Wheeler, said annoyed, "Hmph, are you doubting KaibaCorp's technology department? No one can break through KaibaCorp's perfect firewall."

Although it was broken through once yesterday, that wasn't important.

"Furthermore, the card Nibelungen's Treasure isn't some so-called fake card. This card is a legitimate card issued by Industrial Illusions. However, it's said to be a one-of-a-kind card, and it can only be Activated in conjunction with another equally unique card, Nibelungen Ring. That's why you wouldn't know about it."

After a pause, Mokuba continued, "It seems that because of this reason, although Older Brother discussed the Forbidden & Limited List with that Pegasus guy before, he didn't include this card. However, Drawing five cards at once is indeed a bit unfair."

"See? I told you!" Joey Wheeler nodded, also somewhat confused. "How did that Pegasus guy design cards? And what is Nibelungen? Is a Ring that expensive?"

One should know that cards capable of replenishing a large number of cards at once were not nonexistent. For example, Kaiba's Card of Demise, Joey Wheeler's Card of Fate, and the Pot of Greed that many people had and was therefore limited to one. But without exception, these cards with the effect of replenishing a large number of cards all had certain side effects.

The side effect of Card of Demise, although rarely occurring, was not absent: you had to Discard your entire hand during the fifth Standby Phase after activation. Card of Fate required you to Banish as many cards as you Drew. And Pot of Greed was even more potent, letting both players Draw two cards.

How could Nibelungen's Treasure Draw five cards with almost no cost?

From Zigfried von Schroeder's Deck, he searched his Deck for the card Nibelungen Ring and inserted it into his Spell & Trap Zone to Activate it. "Nibelungen Ring, its true name is Andvarinaut. It is a cursed Magic Ring from Norse mythology that brings disaster to whoever possesses it."

"While bringing wealth to its possessor, it is also accompanied by endless misfortune. I'll give this hot potato to you." Zigfried von Schroeder pointed at Magnet Warrior Beta, the monster with the highest Attack on Yugi's Field. "Nibelungen Ring can only be Activated by the effect of Nibelungen's Treasure."

"The Equipped Monster cannot Attack, cannot Change its Battle Position, and its effects are negated. Simultaneously, the controller of the Equipped Monster Draws two cards during their Draw Phase each of their turns and must show me the cards they Drew. If a Monster Card is Drawn, you must Discard one Monster Card from among them."

Joey Wheeler in the audience seemed to understand. "So that's it. One is for Drawing a large number of cards in the short term, and the other is for more cards in the long term? That's a truly reasonable design—"

"—Not!" Joey Wheeler's tsukkomi spirit burned brightly. "If someone finally Summons a powerful monster, he can easily get rid of someone's Ace Monster with just one card!"

Nibelungen Ring could not only restrain attacks and fix the Battle Position, but also seal the monster's effects. This meant that even Joey Wheeler's Gearfried the Iron Knight would be restrained by this Equip Card.

Furthermore, compared to Drawing two cards in the long term, Drawing five cards in the short term was clearly stronger. This card was too unfair, wasn't it?

But no matter how much Joey Wheeler complained, Magnet Warrior Beta on Yugi's Field was ultimately Equipped with Nibelungen Ring. However, although it was called a Ring, the form shown in the virtual projection was an overly large headband, fitted onto Magnet Warrior Beta's U-shaped magnet head.

Looking at its size, perhaps it was a Ring of a giant or a demonic beast?

However, although it was made of metal, Nibelungen Ring wasn't firmly stuck by the magnet and could still move freely. It seemed to have the purpose of some kind of magic power; anyway, it couldn't possibly be stainless steel.

While Equipping Nibelungen Ring to Magnet Warrior Beta, Zigfried von Schroeder also Drew five cards from his Deck. Adding the cards in hand from Drawing cards due to Counter Gate last turn, his hand size was now an astonishing nine cards.

"Now, are you ready to face this final attack, Mutou Yuugi? Watch closely, this is the ultimate power of the Valkyrie Deck!" Zigfried von Schroeder Drew a card from his hand. "I Activate the Spell Card Ride of the Valkyries! Come forth, my Valkyries!"

"Cleanse the filth and sin before me! Valkyrie Fourth, Valkyrie Third, Valkyrie Second, and Valkyrie First!"

After playing the card Ride of the Valkyries, Zigfried von Schroeder extremely smugly played all four cards in his hand. In an instant, four monsters appeared simultaneously on his Field, and he hadn't even used his Normal Summon for this turn yet!

"He Summoned four monsters in an instant!?" Yugi looked in surprise at the four Valkyries of different appearances and ages that appeared on Zigfried von Schroeder's Field. "What exactly is Ride of the Valkyries...?"

"Since you asked with sincerity, I shall mercifully tell you." Zigfried von Schroeder said smugly, "The effect of Ride of the Valkyries is to Special Summon all 'Valkyrie' monsters from my Hand. However, monsters Special Summoned by this effect are returned to my Deck during the End Phase of this turn."

"However, I don't have an End Phase." At the end, Zigfried von Schroeder said something nonsensical, which made Yugi feel a little strange.

Although several monsters were Summoned at once, Yugi's pressure was relatively not very great. On one hand, it was because the Valkyries only surprised him in terms of quantity; their Attack was not very high. On the other hand, it was because he had defense measures prepared in his Backrow.

Valkyrie Fourth [Level 3/LIGHT/Fairy/Effect] [1400/1400]

Valkyrie Third [Level 4/LIGHT/Fairy/Effect] [1000/1600]

Valkyrie Second [Level 5/LIGHT/Fairy/Effect] [1600/1600]

Valkyrie First [Level 6/LIGHT/Fairy/Effect] [1600/1800]

Among the four Valkyrie monsters, even the ones with the highest Attack, Valkyrie Second and Valkyrie First, only had 1600 Attack. And looking at the naming convention of the Valkyrie monster series, Yugi felt that as long as cards like Father or Mother didn't appear next, Long Nu should be at the top.

Even Long Nu couldn't beat the 1700 Attack of Magnet Warrior Beta on his field. It didn't matter if he was sealed from attacking and changing forms, there was nothing to be afraid of anymore.

However, at the same time, the cautious Yugi still maintained a hint of vigilance. If the power of the Valkyries was limited to this, how did Zigfried von Schroeder get into the official competition? And he still hadn't used that "instant end the battle" ability.

So Yugi believed that maybe these Valkyries of different ages had effects that hadn't been activated yet.

Sure enough, Yugi had just thought of this possibility when Zigfried von Schroeder declared, "When Valkyrie Second is Summoned/Special Summoned, she has an effect that can be activated!"

"Target one monster on the opponent's field and destroy it!"

Yugi couldn't help but reveal a "just as I thought" expression. Without waiting for Valkyrie Second to move to activate her effect, he pressed the button on the Duel Disk to activate a Set card. "Before your effect takes effect, I will use my Set card!"

# Chapter 413: Kuriboh, Kuriboh Jumped Out Itself!

"I activate my Set Card!" Yugi pressed the button to activate a Set Card. A card on his Backrow flipped open, revealing a green Quick-Play Spell Card, [Land of the End]!

"How does that saying go?"

"Heroes have the stage where heroes battle, so naturally, Rock Warriors also have the environment that suits them."

Yugi revealed a smile. The usually gentle and introverted Yugi was rarely this confident, making Téa in the audience seats feel as though Dark Yugi had taken Yugi's place.

"[Land of the End]'s effect is that when the opponent Special Summons a monster, you can activate a Field Spell Card from your Deck?" Zigfried von Schroeder recalled the card's effect, then showed a disdainful expression. "Hmph, a futile struggle. You're not thinking of activating the Field Spell Card **[Wasteland]**, are you?"

"Even if it's **[Wasteland]** which can increase your Rock-Type Monster **[Magnet Warrior]**s' 200 ATK/DEF, what can it do? You are destined to be defeated by my **[Valkyrie]**s!"

"Is that so?" Yugi smiled, searched his Deck for a card, and placed it in the Duel Disk's Field Zone. "I never said the Field Spell I was activating was **[Wasteland]**. Because of [Land of the End]'s effect, I activate the Field Spell Card **[Chaos Field]** from my Deck!"

"And as the effect resolution when **[Chaos Field]** is activated, I can add the Ritual Monster **[Black Luster Soldier]** from my Deck to my hand."

Under the effect of [Land of the End], starting from Yugi's feet, the Duel Field was replaced by a pale blue void. Yugi also added a Ritual Monster from his Deck to his hand.

At the same time, because [Land of the End]'s effect resolution was complete, the effect of **[Valkyrie Second]**, which had been temporarily suspended, continued to take effect. A holy white light was released from the long sword in her hand, destroying the **[Magnet Warrior Beta]** equipped with [Nibelungen's Ring] on the field and sending it to the Graveyard.

However, as **[Magnet Warrior Beta]** left the field, some changes appeared within the **[Chaos Field]** that covered the field. Beside Yugi, the illusion of **[Magnet Warrior Beta]** manifested.

"As long as **[Chaos Field]** is in the Field Zone, each time both players send a monster from their hand or field to the Graveyard, I can place one Spell Counter on the **[Chaos Field]** card," Yugi's calm voice came through.

Zigfried von Schroeder looked at the **[Magnet Warrior Alpha]** whose attack hadn't changed at all and scoffed, "Hmph, a baffling effect. In my opinion, it's not even as useful as **[Wasteland]**'s effect. Even if you place ten or eight more Spell Counters on your Field Spell Card, what can it do?"

"You no longer have the opportunity to use its effect!"

Zigfried von Schroeder pointed at the **[Valkyrie Fourth]** on his field, which looked the youngest and had the lowest Level. "During my Main Phase, I activate the effect of **[Valkyrie Fourth]**. I reveal cards from the top of the Deck equal to the number of monsters on my field, except for **[Valkyrie Fourth]**."

"Because I have three **[Valkyrie]** monsters on my field besides **[Valkyrie Fourth]**, I can reveal three cards."

Drawing three cards from the top of the Deck to look at, Zigfried von Schroeder frowned. "If there are Normal Spell Cards or Normal Trap Cards among the cards revealed by **[Valkyrie Fourth]**, I can select one of them to add to my hand, and then send the remaining cards to the Graveyard. However, there are no Normal Spell Cards or Normal Trap Cards among the cards I revealed, so I return them to the Deck and shuffle."

Although **[Valkyrie Fourth]**'s effect activated and didn't really do anything, merely shuffling Zigfried von Schroeder's Deck, he didn't take this matter too seriously. After all, activating **[Valkyrie Fourth]**'s effect had no cost. If it could be used, it was a bonus; if it didn't succeed, it didn't matter.

Moreover, there were still two **[Valkyrie]** monsters that hadn't used their effects yet.

"Then next is the effect of **[Valkyrie First]**. Its effect is Once per turn: Banish one monster from the opponent's Graveyard, and then until the End Phase, **[Valkyrie First]**'s attack becomes equal to the original ATK of the monster banished by this effect."

After explaining **[Valkyrie First]**'s effect, Zigfried von Schroeder arrogantly pointed his finger downwards. "The monster I will banish is, of course, the **[Magnet Warrior Beta]** that was just destroyed by **[Valkyrie Second]**'s effect!"

"Destroying my monster before wasn't without cost. Be banished from this Duel!"

As Zigfried von Schroeder's command was issued, the **[Magnet Warrior Beta]**, whose true form slumbered in the Graveyard, was banished from the Duel under the gaze of the soul form floating beside Yugi. At the same time, the ATK of the two monsters on Zigfried von Schroeder's field changed.

**[Valkyrie Third]** [ATK1000→1100]

**[Valkyrie First]** [ATK1600→1700]

Yugi knew the reason for the change in **[Valkyrie First]**'s ATK. Zigfried von Schroeder had just said that **[Valkyrie First]**'s ATK would become the original ATK value of the **[Magnet Warrior Beta]** she banished. But why did the ATK of **[Valkyrie Third]**, which did nothing, also change?

Zigfried von Schroeder immediately gave the explanation: "The effect of the last **[Valkyrie Third]** is that its ATK can increase by the number of opponent's banished monsters x 100 points."

"This is the offensive of my **[Valkyrie]**s! Now, prepare to face your doom, Yugi!"

Zigfried von Schroeder arrogantly waved his hand. "I use **[Valkyrie First]** to attack **[Magnet Warrior Alpha]**!"

The Valkyrie riding a pure white steed lightly squeezed the horse's flanks with her legs. The war horse beneath her and the knight coordinated perfectly and began their charge together. Although Yugi's **[Magnet Warrior Alpha]** raised the Magnet Sword and Shield in its hand and put up a fierce resistance, it ultimately couldn't block this attack and was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard.

While a second Spell Counter was added to the **[Chaos Field]** and the illusion of **[Magnet Warrior Alpha]** appeared beside Yugi, the overflowing battle damage was deducted from Yugi's Life Points. However, because it was only 300 points, Yugi didn't react much.

[Yugi: 4000→3700LP]

"It's not over yet. Next is the all-out attack of the remaining **[Valkyrie]** monsters." Zigfried von Schroeder gave a cold smile and arrogantly tilted his head back. "Thinking about it, it's truly disappointing, Yugi. I remember Seto Kaiba once regarded you as a rival he needed to pursue. Is this all the strength you have?"

"Thinking about it this way, that guy Seto Kaiba's ability in Duel Monsters is nothing special either. Or perhaps, I am too strong?" Narcissistically stroking his drooping pink hair, Zigfried von Schroeder pointed towards Yugi. "Now, direct attack the opponent duelist, **[Valkyrie]**s!"

"All-Out Attack!"

**[Valkyrie Fourth]** [ATK1400]

**[Valkyrie Third]** [ATK1100]

**[Valkyrie Second]** [ATK1600]

On Zigfried von Schroeder's field, the total ATK of the three **[Valkyrie]**s had reached a full 4100 points. One round of attacks would absolutely be enough to deplete Yugi's Life Points. Yet, even as the three **[Valkyrie]**s, having received Zigfried von Schroeder's command, charged towards him, Yugi still hadn't activated the Set Card on his field.

The **[Valkyrie]**s, whose charge turned into three illusions, returned to Zigfried von Schroeder's field. Looking at Yugi's Life Points on the opposite side, which only began to fall continuously after the attack finished, Zigfried von Schroeder revealed a confident smile, but just as he was about to say something, he saw that Yugi's Life Points stopped falling after dropping to exactly 1200 points.

[Yugi: 3700→2300→1200LP]

The battle damage from **[Valkyrie Fourth]** and **[Valkyrie Third]** was indeed calculated, but the attack from **[Valkyrie Second]**, which clearly attacked alongside them, was not settled.

Zigfried von Schroeder's doubt was answered by the third illusion that appeared beside Yugi.

"Kurikuri~" The soul form of the fluffy spherical cute creature appeared beside Yugi, showing a "fierce" expression towards the group of bad women who had just attacked its master, but it only made people think it was very cute.

"At the instant **[Valkyrie Second]** attacked me, I used the effect of **[Kuriboh]** from my hand." His Life Points plummeted from 3700 to only 1200. Although it wasn't a Dark Game, the burden caused by the Virtual Projection System was real. Yugi felt somewhat uncomfortable, but he still raised the card in his hand.

"**[Kuriboh]**'s effect is that when an opponent's monster attacks, during damage calculation, you can discard this card from your hand; the battle damage you would take from that battle becomes 0. Also, because **[Kuriboh]** was sent from my hand to the Graveyard, I can place another Spell Counter on **[Chaos Field]**."

Sending **[Kuriboh]** to the Graveyard, Yugi smiled slightly as he looked at the illusion of **[Kuriboh]** protecting him. "Thank you for saving me, **[Kuriboh]**."

"Kuririri~" **[Kuriboh]** squinted its eyes and smiled somewhat shyly.

Looking at Yugi warmly interacting with his monster, Zigfried von Schroeder was quite disdainful. "Hmph, even at this point, you're still playing house with mere illusory Duel Monsters?"

"Because of that monster, it seems you saw an opportunity to survive this turn, let my **[Valkyrie]**s return to the Deck, and launch a counterattack? You are completely mistaken, Yugi!" Zigfried von Schroeder drew out a card from his hand. "I did indeed say a sentence before, 'I have no End Phase.' This sentence doesn't just represent my absolute certainty of victory!"

"The literal meaning is that I will use a power that can surpass destiny to finish you off in this fleeting moment."

"So don't blink, Yugi, the pain will only last for an instant!"

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card—"

As Zigfried von Schroeder played the card in his hand, both Yugi and Dark Yugi inside the Millennium Puzzle could feel an invisible force expanding outwards from the card in Zigfried von Schroeder's hand, and in just an instant, it enveloped the entire field.

Although the form of manifestation was somewhat similar to the Field Spell Card **[Chaos Field]** that Yugi had just activated, this Quick-Play Spell Card, whose name he hadn't heard clearly yet, activated its own effect the moment it was set. An indescribable feeling instantly obscured Yugi's senses.

This feeling, Yugi knew where he had encountered it before—it was the feeling when [Time Wizard]'s effect successfully activated!

As the Millennium Eye on the front of the Millennium Puzzle gleamed with a golden light, this strange feeling instantly receded from Yugi. As the two Yugis, inside and outside, broke free from this strange experience, they also finally heard clearly the name of the card spoken by Zigfried von Schroeder—

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, **[Goddess of Sweet Revenge]**!"

"In a world where time vanishes, chant a dirge!"

After saying this sentence, Zigfried von Schroeder revealed a smug expression. "Heh heh, I've wanted to say that for a long time. But after activating this card, no one will be able to hear it anyway."

"**[Goddess of Sweet Revenge]**'s ability is to interrupt the time that should be linearly continuous and leap to the start of my specified future Battle Phase. In other words, it's a card that skips all disadvantages, deletes time, and creates a world dominated by me." Looking at the calm-faced Yugi, Zigfried von Schroeder gave a cold smile. "Just like this, unknowingly, be defeated and leave the field by me within the time that was leaped over, Yugi."

"However, I refuse."

"What?!"

Zigfried von Schroeder originally thought that Yugi would be like everyone else he had encountered before, falling into a state where he couldn't react after activating **[Goddess of Sweet Revenge]** and being defeated and leaving the field. But Yugi actually reacted?!

In a world where only he should have been able to act, a second person actually entered! It was just as disgusting as someone else's sweaty smell appearing in his own exclusive bed!

After a slight surprise, Zigfried von Schroeder came back to his senses, a mocking smile hanging on the corner of his mouth. "As expected of Yugi, truly beyond my expectation. But even so, what can you do?"

"In the previous turn, you must have used all your means. If your Set Card could be used, it would have been activated long ago. It's impossible for it to remain until now."

"And on my field, although **[Valkyrie First]**'s ATK returned to its basic value because it entered the next turn, at the same time, their ability to attack also recovered!"

"With no monsters on the field that can serve as a wall to block, only one unknown card in your hand, and one Ritual Monster you can't use, and your Set Card mostly useless, you're definitely going to lose!"

Chapter 414: Use Your Monster to Grant You Final Defeat

"With no monsters on the field to act as a defensive wall, only one unknown card in your hand and a Ritual Monster you can't use, and your Set Card likely useless, you're finished!"

The effect of the Quick-Play Spell Card, **Trick of the Time Goddess**, is to skip the current phase to the start of the activator, Zigfried von Schroeder's, next Battle Phase. Because of this ability, he not only avoided the side effect of **Ride of the Valkyries** returning the **Valkyrie** monsters to the Deck, but also restored the attack ability of his **Valkyrie** monsters that had already attacked once.

Zigfried von Schroeder felt certain of victory, believing he had successfully cornered Yugi Muto, a troublesome opponent even for Seto Kaiba, into a complete dead end.

Although Yugi Muto currently had two cards in his hand and one Set Card, if he could have activated a Set Card like **Absorption Shield**, he would have done so already. And even if Yugi had a second **Kuriboh** in his hand, it could only block one attack and nothing more.

While Zigfried von Schroeder appeared somewhat arrogant and conceited, his confidence was built upon an absolute certainty of victory. If Yugi had shown even a hint of leeway in the previous Battle Phase, Zigfried von Schroeder would have paused his offensive to preserve the secret of his finishing move.

Defeating Yugi Muto to advance to the next round was necessary, but Zigfried von Schroeder's goal was always Seto Kaiba. To face Kaiba, who was in a different bracket, Zigfried von Schroeder needed to keep winning until the semifinals. The strategy using **Trick of the Time Goddess** was one of his ace cards and had to be preserved as much as possible before facing Seto Kaiba.

Of course, Zigfried von Schroeder hadn't anticipated that Yugi Muto would still retain normal reaction capabilities despite him activating **Trick of the Time Goddess**.

However, after witnessing Yugi's Life Points clinging to life at only 1200, Zigfried von Schroeder was absolutely certain that his victory was inevitable and would be decided without needing to wait for the next turn.

Glancing at his **Valkyrie** monsters lined up on his field, Zigfried von Schroeder confidently raised his head and arrogantly commanded, "Yugi Muto, for you with only 1200 Life Points remaining, using just this one monster is enough."

"The 1400 Attack **Valkyrie Fourth**, direct attack Yugi Muto! Offer me victory!"

Receiving Zigfried von Schroeder's command, the youngest **Valkyrie Fourth**, although unable to ride a war horse like her sisters due to her age, still adopted a charging stance with her sword and shield and attacked towards Yugi.

It was precisely because **Valkyrie Fourth**'s movement was relatively slower that Yugi had enough time to exclaim, "The **Valkyrie** Deck is truly amazing! Not only the cooperation between the monsters, but even their weaponry and equipment are quite powerful."

"So strong, truly too strong."

"Heh heh, even if you say that, do you think I would be merciful and hold back to let you survive another turn?" Zigfried von Schroeder said coldly, "Don't forget, I've already declared an attack! This isn't something you can simply withdraw!"

Yugi, however, shook his head: "No, that's not what I meant."

"Zigfried von Schroeder, although it seems to you that you cornered me into a dead end before activating that **Trick of the Time Goddess** to secure victory with one blow, in reality, this was all within my calculation!"

"Wh-What?!"

Under Zigfried von Schroeder's surprised, even somewhat fearful gaze, Yugi pressed the activate Set Card button on his Duel Disk.

"It is precisely because I knew you possessed the ability to end the Duel in an instant that I deliberately hid this card from the start, actively exposing myself to danger. And just as I expected, you considered this card useless and used your decisive **Trick of the Time Goddess**."

The card on Yugi's field flipped open, and Zigfried von Schroeder's face instantly changed color: "That card is!"

"I activate the Trap Card, **Mirror Force**!" As the card was activated, a smile involuntarily curled up on Yugi's lips, seemingly in a very good mood.

Thinking about it, pretending to be weak and enduring for so long, finally being able to raise his head in triumph – wasn't this the moment a heavy trap deck player lived for?

Just as Zigfried von Schroeder himself had said, once he declared an attack, he couldn't withdraw it. As a translucent, mirror-like arc barrier/shield expanded in front of Yugi, **Valkyrie Fourth**, completely unaware of the approaching danger, thrust forward the sharp sword in her hand.

Hanoi's sublime power descends here.

In just an instant, a devastating power swept across Zigfried von Schroeder's field. Starting with **Valkyrie Fourth**, who was closest to the center of the explosion, Zigfried von Schroeder's **Valkyrie** monsters were successively destroyed by the effect of **Mirror Force** and sent to the Graveyard with screams.

As the impact wave gradually dissipated, looking at the smoke and dust covering Zigfried von Schroeder's field, Yugi's mindset calmed down again. He calmly stated, "**Mirror Force** is a Trap Card that can be activated in chain to a monster's attack declaration. Its effect is to destroy all Attack Position monsters on the opponent's field."

"With this, Zigfried von Schroeder, all your **Valkyrie** monsters are—"

"Don't underestimate me, you guy!"

Yugi's words were interrupted by an annoyed Zigfried von Schroeder. He was certain of victory, just one step away from winning, and had already declared victory, only to have the situation reversed by a single card. What a disgrace!

Feeling such utter humiliation, the enraged Zigfried von Schroeder fiercely waved his hand, glaring viciously at Yugi: "Who told you all my monsters were destroyed!"

*Clang~*

Along with Zigfried von Schroeder's words, from within the gradually dissipating dust, **Valkyrie First**, who had put away her sword and replaced it with a golden long spear, walked out, supporting herself with the spear.

"Chaining to your **Mirror Force**, I also activated this Quick-Play Spell Card from my hand, **Forbidden Lance**." Zigfried von Schroeder inserted a card into his Duel Disk. "At the cost of decreasing its Attack by 800 points until the end of the turn, **Valkyrie First** has been granted the ability to not be affected by Spell/Trap Card effects other than **Forbidden Lance**!"

[Valkyrie First] [ATK 1600 → 800]

"Even if it's only 800 Attack, the humiliation you inflicted upon me must be repaid!"

With his cards almost depleted and only **Valkyrie First** remaining on the field, the most rational course of action for Zigfried von Schroeder at this moment would have been to end his Battle Phase, then change **Valkyrie First** to Defense Position in his Main Phase 2 to ensure defense, rather than continuing to command her to attack.

However, Zigfried von Schroeder still did it.

Call him impulsive, or say his emotions outweighed his rationality, in any case, the current Zigfried von Schroeder could only be described as "fuming." The sense of superiority he had just felt, thinking "This legendary duelist is nothing special, I'm about to win," instantly turned into "Everything was within my calculation." The resulting gap caused Zigfried von Schroeder's already poor mindset to completely explode.

"**Valkyrie First**, direct attack Yugi Muto!" Zigfried von Schroeder completely failed to notice the reluctance on his monster's face, giving the command forcefully, not caring if this choice would sacrifice his monster.

In his mind, although the **Valkyrie** Deck consisted of quite rare cards, they were ultimately just tools.

**Valkyrie First**, holding the **Forbidden Lance**, sighed helplessly. She weakly tugged the war horse's reins, urging it to charge towards Yugi. No matter how reluctant, she couldn't defy the rules of Duel Monsters. She thrust out the golden long spear, and it pierced through Yugi's body.

[Yugi: 1200 → 400 LP]

Seeing Yugi's already low Life Points decrease further, Zigfried von Schroeder laughed gleefully, his mindset somewhat twisted as he said, "Weren't you very arrogant just now, Yugi Muto? Saying things like 'Everything was within your calculation.' You're just a lowlife, what qualification do you have to feel that kind of superiority?"

"Noble and pure blood flows through my veins, I am the absolute elite of humanity. How dare a mere lowlife presume to stand above me and speak such arrogant words? You're just as detestable as Seto Kaiba, that guy who got lucky and wormed his way into the upper class!"

Zigfried von Schroeder had completely cast aside his jealousy and hatred for Kaiba for the moment, because at this instant, Yugi was the only enemy in his eyes. To put it more precisely, Zigfried von Schroeder had completely merged his dissatisfaction and hatred towards Kaiba into his rage towards Yugi.

At a banquet when Zigfried von Schroeder was very young, the Schroeder Group, controlled by his Schroeder Family, received an invitation from KaibaCorp and attended. There, he met Seto Kaiba, who had recently been adopted by Gozaburo Kaiba.

Zigfried von Schroeder, unaware of the inside story at the time, assumed Kaiba was also an elite child who had received a good education all along, because Gozaburo Kaiba had mentioned when speaking of Seto Kaiba, "Seto Kaiba is a genius, very capable in command and digital fields." He developed a desire to befriend and compete with him.

Thus, when Gozaburo Kaiba was showing off to other invited guests that the latest firewall used by KaibaCorp was programmed by Seto Kaiba, Zigfried von Schroeder secretly used his hacker skills to break through the firewall, placing a virus program within KaibaCorp's internal network to complete the invasion.

At that time, seeing Seto Kaiba, who had worn a dismissive expression and looked down on everyone since the start of the banquet, show a surprised expression, Zigfried von Schroeder felt quite satisfied.

However, shortly after the banquet ended, just after leaving the venue, the personal terminal Zigfried von Schroeder used was inversely invaded and burned out due to overload. Before it burned out, his terminal also received a recording from Kaiba—

"Ignorant and fearless rat, are you very excited about breaking through my firewall?"

"Unfortunately, you are nothing but a mediocrity. You couldn't even see through the disguise I set up and were there gloating."

"You didn't even realize that your own tool was inversely invaded by the program I set. Hmph, just wait for the KaibaCorp legal team."

It wasn't until the circuit board overloaded and burned out, nearly scalding his skin, that Zigfried von Schroeder realized that what he thought was "I am the strongest genius" was merely a one-sided delusion, and "I am Seto Kaiba's opponent" was even more out of the question. The shadow named "Seto Kaiba" began to loom over the arrogant Zigfried von Schroeder, who considered himself superior, from that moment on.

Zigfried von Schroeder, who had originally wanted to befriend Seto Kaiba, another future successor of an arms conglomerate, saw that desire for friendship twist due to this perceived gap in talent. His goal became surpassing Kaiba to prove his own talent.

But as time passed, after repeated overt and covert clashes, Zigfried von Schroeder despairingly discovered that he wasn't the genius he thought he was at all. The gap between him and Seto Kaiba not only didn't shrink but grew wider. Especially after learning from his father that Seto Kaiba wasn't Gozaburo Kaiba's biological son at all, but merely an adopted "commoner," Zigfried von Schroeder's obsession with Kaiba completely transformed into jealousy and hatred.

Later, Seto Kaiba and Zigfried von Schroeder each became the chairman of their respective groups, taking charge of their companies on a new stage, but the result remained unchanged. The Schroeder Group, which had been suppressed in the arms domain, hadn't even had time to transition when KaibaCorp suddenly transformed into an entertainment company specializing in Duel Monsters; Zigfried von Schroeder painstakingly developed a similar virtual projection system, but before he could promote it, KaibaCorp had already signed a contract with the Duel Monster Cards publisher—Industrial Illusions.

Suppressed again and again, Seto Kaiba completely became Zigfried von Schroeder's obsession. And Yugi's actions just now could be said to have recreated Kaiba's attitude of disregard and contempt towards Zigfried von Schroeder in a similar but different way.

It's no wonder Zigfried von Schroeder would project his resentment towards Kaiba onto Yugi.

As his Life Points decreased again, even though it wasn't a Dark Game, Yugi still felt a bit of fatigue, holding two cards in his hand and breathing slightly.

Zigfried von Schroeder glanced at Yugi, showing a pleased smile, as if he had hallucinated Yugi as Kaiba: "I will prove it, I am the elite, my talent is above yours, and your struggle will only bring despair."

"I Set one card from my hand, turn end."

[Zigfried von Schroeder: 4000 LP, Hand 1]

[Valkyrie First] [ATK 800 → 1600]

[Trial of the Traveler] [Set Card]

Zigfried von Schroeder was annoyed that he couldn't end the Duel in one turn as he had declared, but he was very confident in his defense setup.

Don't let the fact that he only had **Valkyrie First** in Attack Position on the field fool you; the **Trial of the Traveler** on his backrow, which could block a monster's attack, was still there. Although Yugi had guessed the correct answer twice in a row, the stubborn Zigfried von Schroeder didn't believe Yugi's good luck would continue.

Activating **Trial of the Traveler** required Zigfried von Schroeder to have a card in his hand. Therefore, he deliberately kept a Monster Card, **Chariot of Destiny**, in his hand to fulfill the activation conditions. At the same time, this was also a trap Zigfried von Schroeder had set.

The effect of **Ride of the Valkyries** that Zigfried von Schroeder activated last turn was to "Special Summon all **Valkyrie** monsters from your hand." This meant that after activating it, whether Zigfried von Schroeder wanted to or not, he had to play all **Valkyrie** monsters from his hand that could be Special Summoned. At that time, he had four **Valkyrie** monsters in his hand.

Thus, he summoned four **Valkyrie** monsters on the field, leaving only one Monster Zone open. Anyone making a judgment would conclude, "Since Zigfried von Schroeder summoned four **Valkyrie** monsters after activating **Ride of the Valkyries**, he definitely has no **Valkyrie** monsters left in his hand." Subconsciously, they would naturally assume Zigfried von Schroeder no longer had any Monster Cards in his hand.

But precisely, Zigfried von Schroeder did have a Monster Card in his hand.

Using a card's effect as misdirection, Zigfried von Schroeder felt he was truly a genius.

As for Yugi activating some other card to destroy **Trial of the Traveler**? There was even less need to worry, because the card Zigfried von Schroeder Set was **Judgment of Anubis**. It had the ability to negate and destroy cards with the effect "Destroy Spell/Trap Cards on the field," and at the same time, target one face-up monster the opponent controlled, destroy it, and inflict damage to the opponent's Life Points equal to that monster's Attack.

Furthermore, Zigfried von Schroeder's current Life Points were still a full 4000, which was 1000% of Yugi's mere 400 Life Points. There was absolutely no way he could lose!

Zigfried von Schroeder, unaware of how strong Yugi was when his Life Points were locked, thought proudly.

Yugi didn't know Zigfried von Schroeder's thoughts. After giving Dark Yugi beside him a smile to indicate he was fine, he took a deep breath, placed his fingers on his Deck, and drew a card.

"My turn, draw!"

After drawing a card from his Deck and adding it to his hand, Yugi didn't rush to activate it. Instead, he looked behind him.

Because of the effect of **Mirror Force** last turn, three of Zigfried von Schroeder's **Valkyrie** monsters were destroyed and sent to the Graveyard. As a result, three Spell Counters were added to the Field Spell Card **Chaos Field**. At this moment, the illusions of three Valkyries of different ages stood behind Yugi.

Yugi calmly declared: "I will activate the effect of the Field Spell Card, **Chaos Field**. Once per turn, I can remove three Spell Counters from it, and then I can add one Ritual Spell Card from my Deck to my hand."

Zigfried von Schroeder was somewhat disdainful: "Using the Field Spell Card's effect to collect Ritual Monsters and Ritual Spell Cards first? Hmph, it's useless. Even if you have the altar and sacrifice target, it's useless without Tributes."

"Normal Ritual Spell Cards require you to choose Tribute monsters from the field or hand for a Ritual Summon, that's correct." Hearing Zigfried von Schroeder's words, Yugi calmly searched his Deck for the card and inserted it into his Duel Disk. "But the card I'm activating is not a normal Ritual, it's **Advanced Ritual Art**!"

"The reason it's called **Advanced Ritual Art** is that I can send Normal Monsters from my Deck to the Graveyard until their combined Star Levels equal that of the Ritual Monster for a Ritual Summon!"

As Yugi activated the **Advanced Ritual Art** card, an altar rose on his field. The Level 4 **Queen's Knight** and the third Magnet Warrior, **Magnet Warrior Gamma**, voluntarily appeared from Yugi's Deck and willingly threw themselves into the altar.

"Their combined Level is 8 Stars. One soul guides darkness, one soul guides light!" Yugi held the card in his hand high. "Use a sharp sword to cleave through this chaotic despair and open up a future of hope!"

"Ritual Summon! **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**!!"

On Yugi's field, a flash of sword light appeared. A strike without hesitation or excess, controlling even time and space, was unleashed. The completely new form of **Black Luster Soldier**—**Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**—slowly walked out from the chaos behind the sword light.

[Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier] [Level 8 / EARTH]

[Warrior-Type / Ritual / Effect]

[3000 / 2500]

**Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**, whose combat power was equivalent to a **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**, was clearly much more flashy in its armor than **Black Luster Soldier**. It was adorned with many gem decorations filled with magic power, and the shape of its armor, shield, and war blade had also changed somewhat.

At the same time, it had transformed from a Level 8 vanilla Ritual Monster into an Effect Monster.

"**Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**!?" Zigfried von Schroeder could clearly feel the pressure emanating from this monster, but he wasn't worried that Yugi would gain a chance of victory because of this one monster. "So what if you summoned a monster with Attack equivalent to **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**?"

"No matter how high its Attack is, it's meaningless if it can't hit!"

Although Zigfried von Schroeder didn't say it explicitly, Yugi could guess what he meant: the **Trial of the Traveler** on Zigfried von Schroeder's backrow. Although Yugi had the courage to guess, if possible, Yugi actually didn't want to bet everything. He was actually a pragmatist who prioritized stability.

The bad news was that the card he just drew wasn't a card that could destroy the backrow, so he couldn't do anything about **Trial of the Traveler** for now. The good news was that the card he drew this turn was much more practical than cards like **Mystical Space Typhoon**.

"I activate the Spell Card, **Pot of Greed**. I draw two cards from my Deck." Placing his fingers on his Deck, Yugi drew two cards. After seeing the cards, he couldn't help but smile. "Yosh, I drew the key cards!"

"Then, I will activate the effect of **Double Cyclone** in my hand. This card can target one Spell/Trap Card on my field and one Spell/Trap Card on my opponent's field, and destroy the two targeted cards!" Yugi inserted **Double Cyclone** into his Duel Disk without hesitation, pointing a finger at Zigfried von Schroeder's backrow.

"The ones I choose are that **Trial of the Traveler** on your field, and the Field Spell Card **Chaos Field** on my field. Destroy both of these cards!"

A red and yellow two-colored cyclone appeared on Yugi's and Zigfried von Schroeder's fields. Aside from the difference in color, the two cyclones, like reflections in a mirror, respectively struck Yugi's **Chaos Field** and Zigfried von Schroeder's **Trial of the Traveler**. Yugi expected to see a surprised expression on Zigfried von Schroeder's face, but unexpectedly, he merely curled his lips in disregard and then burst into laughter.

"Hmph hmph, heh heh, hahahahaha!!" Zigfried von Schroeder's laughter was quite unrestrained. "I didn't expect you to fall into this trap so easily, Yugi Muto! Your actions were completely within my design!"

"Destroying my card? That's exactly what I wanted! You fell for it, Yugi Muto, this is my strategy for victory!" Zigfried von Schroeder pressed the activate Set Card button without hesitation. As the Set **Judgment of Anubis** was revealed, Zigfried von Schroeder also discarded **Chariot of Destiny** from his hand and sent it to the Graveyard.

Although this card was a necessary condition for activating **Trial of the Traveler**, victory was clearly only one step away now, and he no longer needed this card.

Yugi was slightly surprised to see **Chariot of Destiny** sent to the Graveyard, because before seeing this card, he had indeed been misled by Zigfried von Schroeder's **Ride of the Valkyries**. His guess about Zigfried von Schroeder's hand only considered the possibilities of Spell Cards and Trap Cards, completely forgetting that **Ride of the Valkyries** could leave monsters other than **Valkyrie** in Zigfried von Schroeder's hand.

Fortunately, Zigfried von Schroeder discarded it, otherwise Yugi really might have fallen for the trap.

As **Chariot of Destiny** was sent to the Graveyard, the effect of **Judgment of Anubis** began to take effect. **Double Cyclone**, which was just about to destroy the two cards, suddenly disappeared from the field. In its place, a strange Anubis god statue emitting a mysterious rune appeared.

"**Judgment of Anubis** requires one card from my hand as a cost to activate. Before the God of Death from Egyptian mythology, the activation and effect of the Quick-Play Spell Card **Double Cyclone** you activated, which has the effect 'Destroy Spell/Trap Cards on the field,' are all negated and destroyed," Zigfried von Schroeder said proudly. "At the same time, you must bear the punishment of divine power!"

Dark Yugi, floating beside Yugi, subconsciously raised an eyebrow. For some reason, listening to Zigfried von Schroeder's threats, Dark Yugi felt that Anubis's punishment was nothing to worry about at all.

Zigfried von Schroeder extended his finger and pointed at **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier** on Yugi's field: "After the first effect, **Judgment of Anubis** can destroy one face-up monster on the opponent's field and inflict damage to the opponent player equal to that monster's Attack!"

"Reap what you sow, Yugi Muto! Use your monster to grant you final defeat!"

A light flashed on the black Anubis god statue. A black sharp sword shot towards **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**, as if to gouge out its heart and carve into its bones.

If this blow hit, not only would Yugi's last hope—**Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**—be destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, but Yugi's Life Points would also be instantly depleted and he would be defeated due to the 3000 points of effect damage!

Yugi certainly wouldn't stand by and watch this happen. He immediately drew a card from his hand and activated it: "I won't let you destroy **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**!"

"Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card **Forbidden Dress**! Target **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**! Its Attack decreases by 600 points until the end of the turn, but it cannot be targeted by effects and cannot be destroyed by effect!" Yugi said with a determined gaze. "With this, **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier** won't be destroyed by **Judgment of Anubis**!"

Outside **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**'s enchanted armor, pure light element condensed into a translucent holy garment covering him. Although it seemed thin, when the sharp sword from **Judgment of Anubis** struck the holy garment, it made a crisp "clang" sound.

Even the noble non-targeting **Judgment of Anubis** failed to penetrate the target's defense.

[Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier] [ATK 3000 → 2400]

Zigfried von Schroeder bit his lip, annoyed: "Idiot! So what if you saved your monster? The destruction effect and damage effect of **Judgment of Anubis** aren't necessarily sequential conditions, they are processed in parallel."

"Although the damage decreased to 2400 points because **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**'s Attack decreased, it's still enough to deplete your Life Points! Be defeated now!"

Failing to destroy **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**, the black sharp sword decisively turned into an illusion, penetrating his defense and heading straight for Yugi. Although slightly dimmed due to the influence of **Forbidden Dress**, it was still a fatal blow for Yugi!

Seeing this, Yugi looked at the last card in his hand and instead smiled: "Yes, I certainly cannot withstand such an attack."

"In that case, I'll return this damage to you, Zigfried von Schroeder!"

"What?!"

Yugi played the last card in his hand: "My final card is the Quick-Play Spell Card **Spell of Pain**!"

"This card allows effect damage inflicted to me by my opponent to be transferred and borne by the opponent duelist!"

"Take this blow, Zigfried von Schroeder!"

Just as the black sharp sword was about to land on Yugi's body, a string of mysterious runes protected Yugi's body, preventing the power of **Judgment of Anubis** from invading Yugi's body at all. Instead, the sword itself was invaded and controlled, turning its direction and attacking towards Zigfried von Schroeder!

"How can this be, how can this be?!" Zigfried von Schroeder completely failed to anticipate that the last card in Yugi's hand would successfully counter his decisive blow. Watching the sharp sword, symbolizing the effect damage power of **Judgment of Anubis**, get closer and closer, Zigfried von Schroeder shouted in panic:

"Don't come near me!!!"

But unfortunately, his refusal could not change the power of the rules. The black long sword instantly pierced through Zigfried von Schroeder's body, turning into black smoke and dissipating along with the Anubis god statue. Extremely intense pain invaded Zigfried von Schroeder's body, causing him to involuntarily kneel on one knee. At the same time, his Life Points plummeted.

[Zigfried von Schroeder: 4000 → 1600 LP]

The sudden infliction of a full 2400 points of effect damage made Zigfried von Schroeder, who was always pampered and used to attacking others rather than being attacked, nearly bite his tongue in pain. Cold sweat dripped down his forehead. He looked up at Yugi on the opposite field: "You... you detestable guy, how dare you injure me?"

"Not even my father has ever hit me!"

Zigfried von Schroeder still hadn't given up the idea of revenge against Yugi, because in his opinion, the Duel wasn't over yet. **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**'s Attack was still 2400 points after decreasing due to the effect of **Forbidden Dress**. If it attacked the 1600 Attack **Valkyrie First** on his field, it could only inflict 800 points of damage to himself.

Yugi had no other resources either. He still had the next turn. As long as he could find a way to clear Yugi Muto's remaining 400 Life Points, victory would still belong to him, and Zigfried von Schroeder would still be the winner of the Duel!

"Enter my Battle Phase." Zigfried von Schroeder watched Yugi raise his arm and wave it. "**Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**, attack **Valkyrie First**!"

"Hope Severing Slash!"

Without any unnecessary movements, **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier** simply slowly returned its drawn sword to its sheath, then stepped forward, drew it out, and slashed. A slash that could cleave even time and space and chaos was unleashed. **Valkyrie First** gave Yugi a smile before being destroyed by **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier** and sent to the Graveyard.

"Igh!"

The sword light from the slash brought intense stinging pain to Zigfried von Schroeder. After the battle damage landed on him, who hadn't recovered from the previous effect damage, Zigfried von Schroeder's knees went weak, and he nearly knelt down again after finally standing straight.

Looking at **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**, which was still walking towards him despite having finished its attack, Zigfried von Schroeder completely failed to sense the danger. Instead, he glared viciously at Yugi behind it: "What a disgrace, to make me lose face like this! You guy are unforgivable!"

"When it's my turn, I will make you—"

**Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier** reached out and grabbed Zigfried von Schroeder by the collar. The fierce gaze beneath its helmet made it impossible for Zigfried von Schroeder to say the rest of his words.

"Wh-What's going on?"

"You don't have a next turn, Zigfried von Schroeder." The speaker was Yugi. With his arms crossed over his chest, for some reason, Zigfried von Schroeder felt as if Yugi had become a different person at this moment, his aura completely different.

Imitating Dark Yugi's way of speaking and tone under his urging, Yugi tried hard to keep a straight face and showed a cold smile: "The result of the Duel was decided the moment **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**'s attack was completed."

In Zigfried von Schroeder's disbelieving gaze, a new illusion appeared beside **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier**. It was **Valkyrie First**, who had just been sent to the Graveyard. Because the effect of **Double Cyclone** was negated, the effect of **Chaos Field** was still taking effect.

However, the state of **Valkyrie First** who appeared at this moment was different from the state of her three sisters. The other three were purely soul forms, appearing without their weapons, while **Valkyrie First** still held the sharp sword she had used before in her hand.

"The effect of **Black Luster Soldier - Super Soldier** is that when it battle destroys an opponent's monster and sends it to the Graveyard, it inflicts damage to the opponent duelist equal to that monster's original Attack."

As Yugi explained, **Valkyrie First**, who had accumulated considerable emotion due to Zigfried von Schroeder constantly treating them as tools, recklessly commanding, utilizing, and sacrificing them, raised the long sword in her hand and slashed down fiercely!

Yugi recalled what Zigfried von Schroeder had said earlier and delivered the finishing statement: "Use your monster to grant you final defeat, Zigfried von Schroeder."

"This move is called, Chaos Return."

[Zigfried von Schroeder: 1600 LP → 0]

As Zigfried von Schroeder's Life Points were completely depleted, the referee promptly declared: "Player Zigfried von Schroeder's Life Points have reached 0, defeat confirmed. The winner of this duel is, Yugi Muto!"

*Author's Notes:*

Jiang Ziya's pool sank. A single pull only yielded a five-star Craft Essence and a max-limit-broken four-star Craft Essence. Not a single gold card came out. I tried fishing for the fishing enthusiast but came up empty. I even waited specifically for the 3 AM superstition.

The only thing worth celebrating is that the event's Ritual Stone is permanent, so I can wait for it to spook me later.

Also, regarding the opponent relationship between Zigfried von Schroeder and Kaiba in this chapter, I actually referenced Emu Hojo and Kuroto Dan. It's that memory segment where Kuroto Dan, who prided himself as a genius, discovered that his talent in game design was surpassed by the genius gamer M. However, Zigfried von Schroeder won't have the chance to become the world's first person afflicted with the Game Disease and provide famous scenes.

Finally, 8k the day before yesterday, 8k yesterday, and I even added a bit today, totaling over 7k. So, is it okay if I take a day off? Just a short break to save up some drafts for later use.

(End of Chapter)

# Chapter 415: Still Buying Tickets After the Price Went Up, Aren't They Cheap?

After the Duel ended, Zigfried von Schroeder, as the eliminated player, had a face full of unwillingness. Just as Zigfried von Schroeder was about to say some harsh words to Yugi Mutou, his peripheral vision caught a glimpse below the Duel platform, his expression changed, and he hurriedly left the Duel field.

Yugi Mutou was a little puzzled. After all, ever since he said "Everything is within calculation" just now, he hadn't understood why Zigfried von Schroeder suddenly became filled with hatred towards him.

It was clearly an interesting Duel, wasn't it?

"Congratulations, Aibo," from within the Millennium Puzzle, Dark Yugi, who had watched the entire Duel, showed a relieved smile. "A glorious victory, truly an interesting Duel."

"Oh, it was nothing, I'm not that amazing," Yugi Mutou scratched the back of his head a little shyly and looked at the audience all around him.

When he was just immersed in the Duel, because Zigfried von Schroeder was distracting him, Yugi Mutou didn't feel anything was wrong. Now recalling that so many people had been staring at him since the beginning, it really was a little embarrassing!

It was different from Duelist Kingdom and Duel City. Although the former also had many audience members, there were only a little over a hundred people. Although the latter had more audience members, Yugi Mutou could accept it because it was broadcast through cameras. But the current KC Cup, the Kaiba Dome was packed with ten thousand people; that kind of visual impact was completely incomparable to the several matches Yugi Mutou had participated in before.

Dark Yugi chuckled, "Don't be so shy, Aibo. You are the winner, what you should do now is puff out your chest and openly welcome this glory."

Dark Yugi, as the Pharaoh, didn't think Yugi Mutou's recent actions were shameful at all. Displaying the King's radiance under the adore of all people was the most normal thing. Even if he hadn't recovered his memory, Dark Yugi's subconscious also thought so.

Perhaps Dark Yugi's words were very convincing, or perhaps Yugi Mutou also felt he should change his introverted personality somewhat. He mustered his courage and let himself show a confident smile, looking towards the audience seats.

Because during Duelist Kingdom, he and Hayato together defeated Maximillion Pegasus, and then in Duel City, as one of the three Duelists who used God Cards, he fought and achieved a Top 4 result, although Yugi Mutou's personal personality was low-key and not ostentatious, in reality, his popularity in the Duel Monsters related circles was quite high.

Those willing to buy tickets to watch the KC Cup despite the bizarre lottery rules set by Kaiba, although it doesn't exclude some wealthy and idle bystanders, the majority are definitely people with a hobby for Duel Monsters.

Seeing Yugi Mutou, who had performed a wonderful Duel, inspecting the venue with a confident smile, the audience naturally offered thunderous applause---

"Mutou Yuugi!"

"Yugi-sama!"

"You easily did what we couldn't, I truly adore you!"

"I really like you!"

Although some strange things were mixed into the audience's shouts, Yugi Mutou truly felt the audience's passion.

And after rarely mustering the courage to change himself and face so many audience members, Yugi Mutou also discovered that changing wasn't as difficult as he had imagined at all.

However, Yugi Mutou's relaxed mood didn't last long. An arrogant voice sounded behind him:

"Hmph, still enjoying the feeling of being a winner, Yugi Mutou?"

Stepping up the steps one by one, the trench coat worn by the speaker, although indoors with no wind, floated up against gravity. "Or rather, are you, who couldn't fully enjoy the Duel just now, wanting to Duel me again?"

"If that's the case, at least show me your serious side, not that child's play-like Duel just now where you didn't even Summon Dark Magician!"

Yugi Mutou turned around, with a face full of unexpected. "Kaiba?"

Even though his opponent hadn't even come out of the preparation room yet, Kaiba, who had already put his Deck into his Duel Disk and activated it early, crossed his arms over his chest and slightly raised his head arrogantly. "Let me state this beforehand, I haven't made any adjustments to the order of the Duels. It just so happens that the person Dueling after you is indeed me."

If Kaiba's gaze hadn't shifted away from Yugi Mutou and glanced to the side while he was speaking, his words might actually have been very convincing.

Thinking that his Duel had ended and that the next match was about to begin, Yugi Mutou smiled apologetically at Kaiba and chose to leave the Duel platform.

Although on the surface, during a Duel Monsters Duel, both players just stand there drawing cards and playing cards, occasionally pressing the Activate Set Card button on the Duel Disk, it seems like it doesn't consume much physical strength. But in reality, KaibaCorp's high-fidelity virtual projection system still puts some burden on a person's body, especially since Yugi Mutou's Life Points in the previous Duel were only 400 LP remaining.

Not everyone can be like President Kaiba, who suffers from severe dueling addiction and thinks of nothing but dueling all day, forgetting about tea and food.

Watching Yugi Mutou leave the Duel field, Kaiba let out a cold snort, seemingly annoyed that Yugi Mutou hadn't accepted his Duel invitation.

But even if Yugi Mutou had agreed, it wouldn't have worked. Although Kaiba had used his administrator authority to pull some strings these past two days, he was still quite particular about the publicly stated rules. Yugi Mutou and Kaiba, who were placed in different groups, even if they wanted to face each other, the earliest they could meet would be the semifinals.

Kaiba wasn't worried that Yugi Mutou would be eliminated before the semifinals. If that were the case, he wouldn't consider Yugi Mutou one of his targets.

If he wanted to become the strongest duelist in name and reality, the first thing he had to do was defeat Yugi Mutou, and then defeat Hayato. Before Dueling Hayato again, Yugi Mutou was the final obstacle on Kaiba's path. None of the other duelists were considered by Kaiba, not even the "Rafael" he met yesterday. After all, running away before the Duel ended was clearly an act of cowardice.

As for Joey Wheeler? Kaiba had never considered him an opponent, because Joey Wheeler had never won against Kaiba even once.

His gaze shifted towards the surrounding audience. Looking at the packed Kaiba Dome, Kaiba, waiting for his opponent to enter, was somewhat pleased by the number of audience members.

Although yesterday was the first day of the KC Cup's opening, in terms of the audience's level of interest, today was still the day. This was mainly because the second and third strongest duelists in terms of strength on the surface—namely Kaiba and Yugi Mutou—would both appear in today's match schedule. So the tickets for the Kaiba Dome today sold extremely well, even though Kaiba had raised the ticket price by another dollar.

Although Yugi Mutou was in the Top 4 in Duel City and Kaiba was the runner-up, in the eyes of the audience, Yugi Mutou's strength was stronger than Kaiba's. This was mainly because the two of them hadn't faced each other in Duel City, and the only previous record was Kaiba losing to Yugi Mutou.

"Ah, sorry, sorry, have you been waiting long, President Kaiba?" An unprofessional-sounding voice rang out, bringing Kaiba's thoughts back. Only to see a guy wearing a cloak walk onto the Duel platform, using his hood to cover most of his face, not revealing his true appearance.

Seeing this, Kaiba slightly furrowed his brow.

Although the KC Cup was an official match that had gone through proper registration, sufficient preparation, and complete application, because Kaiba wanted to maximize the relaxation of the registration restrictions, the KC Cup's registration mechanism was quite irregular. One could participate just by providing a Duel Disk, a normal Deck, and a name.

It was also because of this that guys like Rafael, Valon, Amelda, Zigfried von Schroeder, and "Dan Kuroto" were able to sneak into the match.

Although there was an audition phase to help Kaiba eliminate a considerable portion of those trying to sneak by, it was clear that the aforementioned individuals proved that as long as one had strength, they could still get through the audition and enter the official match.

And the guy standing before Kaiba at this moment, who was concealing his identity with a cloak, was also one of them. Although the KC Cup was an official match, the only requirement for the players was simply not to cheat. There were no restrictions on clothing or appearance, and Kaiba couldn't demand the other person reveal their face just because he found them suspicious.

If there really were requirements for appearance, many people would have to look up immediately, especially Yugi Mutou, who had the most flamboyant and colorful haircut and was the best at dueling. And yet, that haircut was something he was born with.

"You are Bakura Nerofa?" Recalling the other person's name and calling it out, Kaiba, with a cold face, raised his Duel Disk which was already ready. "Since you are ready, I don't mind starting this Duel a little earlier. Anyway, sooner or later, the Duel will only end in an instant."

Using a beatdown Deck, Kaiba, who was especially skilled at "high-level opening hand," definitely had the qualification to say such arrogant words.

"Hoya hoya, you're really as impatient as ever, Seto Kaiba." The duelist named "Bakura Nerofa" revealed his Duel Disk from under his cloak, took out his Deck from his waist on the other side, and pushed the Deck into the Duel Disk like loading a bullet, activating it. "My suggestion is, don't speak too soon, and don't speak too confidently."

"If you want to know why, I've actually been proven wrong on this matter quite a bit myself, and I know how awkward that can be."

Both Bakura Nerofa and Kaiba were ready. Although the scheduled time for the next Duel hadn't arrived yet, the referee had long since gotten used to their President's usual impulsiveness. After notifying the audience via broadcast that Kaiba's Duel was about to begin, the two's Duel started at light speed.

"Duel!" x2

[Kaiba: 4000 LP]

[Bakura: 4000 LP]

"I'll be taking the First Turn, is that alright, Seto Kaiba?" Seemingly asking, Bakura Nerofa was not polite at all. After drawing five cards from his Hand simultaneously with Kaiba, he quite directly drew another card.

Bakura Nerofa's English sounded quite non-standard to Kaiba. It even had a bit of an Indian accent, and also sounded a bit like it was from Egypt. Especially when he called out "Seto," he inexplicably added emphasis, making it sound very unfamiliar.

"Hmph, whatever you want. Anyway, your weak resistance is completely meaningless." Looking at Bakura Nerofa with a stern face, Kaiba let out a cold snort.

The name Bakura Nerofa was likely just a pseudonym. This was something Kaiba found out incidentally yesterday when checking on Rafael, Zigfried von Schroeder, and others. Kaiba also conveniently arranged for Bakura Nerofa and himself to be in the same Duel group. Towards such a rat using a pseudonym and hiding their appearance, Kaiba naturally wouldn't show a pleasant expression. Of course, even towards an old acquaintance like Joey Wheeler, Kaiba wouldn't show a pleasant expression either.

Bakura Nerofa taking the First Turn was irrelevant, because for Kaiba, the Second Turn was more practical than the First Turn. Although in that case, he would have to deal with the Traps prepared by the player who went first, on the other hand, there was no need to worry about Defense, he just needed to Attack with Full Power.

Especially, in the situation where he had drawn this "perfect hand". Looking at the 24 stars in hand, Kaiba sneered inwardly, while his face remained stern on the surface.

"Then, my turn," looking at the cards in hand, Bakura Nerofa drew two cards from his Hand. "I Normal Summon Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands in Defense Position, then Activate its Effect when Summoned to Add to Hand one Ritual Spell Card or Ritual Monster from my Deck."

[Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands][Level 4/LIGHT]

[Fairy/Effect]

[1400/1000]

Although it is classified as a Fairy Type, the appearance of Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands is clearly very different from what ordinary people understand as "angels". Its bronze body is covered in arm after arm. Compared to Senju of the Thousand Hands, which has a "thousand hands" image, Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands appearing on Bakura Nerofa's Field gives a feeling of ferocity rather than might.

"The Ritual Monster I choose to Add to Hand is Demise, King of Armageddon."

'A Ritual Monster? Just like Super Soldier - Chaos Soldier used by Yugi Mutou just now, as long as the Level is met, you can Tribute Monsters with almost no restrictions to Summon high-level powerful monsters.'

'But before my Blue-Eyes, hmph hmph...'

Kaiba watched Bakura Nerofa's operation, gave a cold smile and said nothing.

After Searching Deck for the Card Demise, King of Armageddon from his Deck, Bakura Nerofa temporarily Added to Hand it, and then played another card. "I have gathered the Ritual Monster and the Spell Card used for the Ritual in my Hand, so now, it is time to Offer the Tribute."

"Activate Spell Card End of the World! From my Hand and Field, select Monsters with a combined Level of Level 8 or higher to Tribute. Ritual Summon Demise, King of Armageddon, which was just Added to Hand from my Hand."

Bakura Nerofa said, sending one card from his Hand and Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands from the Field to the Graveyard together, "The Monsters I choose are Ritual Raven with Level 4 from my Hand and Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands with Level 4 from the Field! The combined Level is Level 8!"

"Dark pole in the cycle of creation and destruction, if you accept the Tribute, offer your power for my use!"

"Ritual Summon! Demise, King of Armageddon!"

[Demise, King of Armageddon][Level 8/DARK]

[Fiend/Ritual/Effect]

[2400/2000]