Cherreads

Chapter 345 - Chapter 436-440

Chapter 436: The Death of Bubbleman

"The Dark Magician of Chaos was actually destroyed?!"

Looking at the surprised Yugi, Judai said proudly, "Hehe, E•HERO Neo Bubbleman isn't just for show."

"His effect is that a monster battling E•HERO Neo Bubbleman is destroyed at the end of the Damage Step."

Yugi frowned, taking the Dark Magician of Chaos card off his Duel Disk. He didn't send it to the Graveyard but put it into his pants pocket for temporary safekeeping.

Dark Magician of Chaos is a new form of Dark Magician after mastering Chaos Power. While gaining stronger power, it also has to bear a heavier side effect. If Dark Magician of Chaos leaves the Field, it is banished directly.

"It has such an effect? Doesn't that mean even the strongest monster can destroy each other with it? That's really something."

"But Judai, you should also take battle damage from this battle, and the E•HERO Neo Bubbleman you finally Summoned will also be destroyed because of this."

Yugi said this, and his finger also pointed at the E•HERO Neo Bubbleman on Judai's Field.

But awkwardly, E•HERO Neo Bubbleman still stood there perfectly fine, even taking the Bubble Blaster from his shoulder and placing it aside, striking a pose.

Fooled you, huh? I'm fine~

"The second effect of Bubble Blaster is that if the Equip Monster would be destroyed, it can be destroyed as a substitute instead," Judai explained. "Furthermore, the damage I take from this battle is treated as 0."

"Then, my Turn ends here."

A card that provides such a unilaterally skewed advantage is, in a sense, quite excessive. I can't defeat you, nor can I inflict damage to you, and after it's over, I'm the one who dies. The combination of E•HERO Neo Bubbleman and Bubble Blaster is quite powerful.

But it was precisely this power that ignited Yugi's fighting spirit.

[Judai: 2900 LP, Hand 0]

[E•HERO Neo Bubbleman] [ATK 800]

Looking at the lineup on Judai's Field, Yugi smiled. It wasn't the smile of seeing a Duelist with great potential, but the smile of encountering a Duelist worthy of becoming an opponent.

"My Turn, Draw a card."

Although his tone wasn't overly excited when speaking, as Yugi drew a card from his Deck, whether it was an illusion or not, Judai saw a golden radiance flash by.

"After such an intense battle, it's time to replenish our cards. Activate the Spell Card, Card of Sanctity!"

As Yugi spoke, he drew six cards from his Deck. "This card allows both players to replenish their hand to six cards. Since my hand is 0, I can draw six cards."

"Then I can also draw six cards!" Judai also drew six cards, unwilling to be outdone.

Card of Sanctity, the strongest card for replenishing hand in Duel Monsters, even listed as the sole Limited Card to this day, is that amazing. One card replenished the depleted hands of both Yugi and Judai to the limit.

One card draws twelve. Can other cards do that?

However, although he drew six cards like Yugi, Judai wasn't particularly happy. The reason was that it was currently Yugi's Turn. Yugi could freely use the resources in his hand, but Judai could only hold the cards in his hand without being able to use them.

"Activate the Spell Card Monster Reborn. I Special Summon Dark Magician Girl from my Graveyard to my Field in Attack Position."

The Ankh symbol, representing life, manifested on Yugi's Field. Dark Magician Girl cautiously reappeared on Yugi's Field. After confirming that the E•HERO Clayman who hugged her and performed a self-destruct earlier was no longer on the Field, she resumed her confident stance.

[Dark Magician Girl] [ATK 2000 → 2300]

"Next is this card, Gem of the Sage." Yugi drew another card from his hand. "If Dark Magician Girl exists on my Field, I can Special Summon Dark Magician from my hand or Deck."

"Come forth, my most loyal servant, Dark Magician!"

Dark Magician Girl playfully waved the wand in her hand. Although she had a Master who loved close combat, at least for now, Dark Magician Girl was properly using magic.

As the obscure and profound chant was chanted, a brilliant and colorful gem appeared out of thin air beside Dark Magician Girl. The jade shattered and transformed into surging mystical power, and the Dark Magician from Yugi's hand was also Summoned to the Field!

[Dark Magician] [ATK 2500]

Watching Yugi Summon his most trusted Master-Apprentice duo of Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl to the Field without even using a Normal Summon, Judai was quite nervous at this moment, but also exceptionally excited.

The number of Duelists in the entire World who could make Mutou Yuugi Summon Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl in a single Turn wouldn't be many. To be treated so seriously, how could Judai not be excited?

Looking at the cards in his hand, Yugi smiled. "Judai, from our previous Duel, I fully felt your passionate heart as a Duelist. The E HERO cards suit you quite well."

"If I remember correctly, E•HERO Neo Bubbleman's effect doesn't activate 'when attacking a monster', but 'after battle', right? Even after dying, it makes one last struggle for justice. A remarkable conviction."

Yugi inserted a card from his hand into the Spell & Trap Zone. "However, conviction alone cannot uphold justice. Here, I will show you the power of my magicians."

"Quick-Play Spell Card Dark Magic Secret Rite! Send the Fusion Material Monsters determined by a Fusion Monster Card, including Dark Magician or Dark Magician Girl, from my hand or Field to the Graveyard, and Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster."

A black and red mystical power vortex gathered on Yugi's Field. Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl moved closer, standing side by side.

"The Master-Apprentice staffs now intersect, dual mystical power resonates here, and the strongest magician combination is formed!"

Yugi shouted with raised arms,

"Fusion Summon! The Dark Magicians!!"

As Yugi activated the card, the Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl on his Field stood side by side in a rather awkward manner, as if they had already completed the Fusion. However, although the superficial Fusion process seemed quite simple, even "perfunctory," Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl were indeed treated as a single monster.

[The Dark Magicians] [Level 8 / DARK]

[Spellcaster Type / Fusion / Effect]

[2800 ATK / 2300 DEF]

"Now, enter Battle Phase!" Yugi waved his hand forward. "Here comes the attack, Judai!"

"The Dark Magicians, Attack E•HERO Neo Bubbleman!"

"Dark Burning Magic!!"

Judai was also full of fighting spirit. "Oh! Bring it on, Mr. Yugi!"

Looking into the eyes of his monster, E•HERO Neo Bubbleman, Judai felt its full fighting spirit. "Although we understand the gap between us, we can't lose in spirit, E•HERO Neo Bubbleman!"

"Attack!"

E•HERO Neo Bubbleman nodded, raised its arm, and aimed its cannon at The Dark Magicians on Yugi's Field. A blue bubble stream was fired.

"...Here we go," Dark Magician said softly to Dark Magician Girl beside him, raising his staff first. Surging mystical power gathered at the tip of the staff, forming a vortex, and a mystical power storm was ready to erupt.

Dark Magician Girl responded energetically, "Okay! Watch me, Master!"

A second surge of power joined the mystical power vortex gathered by Dark Magician. Dark Magician Girl, crossing her short staff with Dark Magician's long staff, used her full power, and the mystical power storm suddenly erupted!

The blue bubble stream and the black and purple mystical power shockwave collided in mid-air. Facing the attack of two top-tier magicians working together, E•HERO Neo Bubbleman ultimately found it difficult to withstand the power. The bubble stream was defeated in an instant, and E•HERO Neo Bubbleman itself was swallowed by the mystical power storm!

"Ugh!" After the impact of the mystical power storm was partially blocked by E•HERO Neo Bubbleman, it also landed on Judai behind it, causing him to stumble back two steps in pain.

[Judai: 2900 → 900 LP]

"Yay!" Dark Magician Girl cheered when she saw the attack was effective, but what she didn't notice at all was that in the location where it was swallowed by the mystical power storm, E•HERO Neo Bubbleman, with its last breath, locked onto her position using her voice and raised its arm, firing one last attack!

"My final, Bubble Cutter!"

"Clang!"

In Judai's expectant gaze, the final attack launched by E•HERO Neo Bubbleman was defended by a shield Dark Magician, who had been vigilant, had set up in advance.

"After The Dark Magicians attacks E•HERO Neo Bubbleman, it will be destroyed by E•HERO Neo Bubbleman's effect," Yugi explained. "However, if The Dark Magicians is destroyed, I can Special Summon one Dark Magician and one Dark Magician Girl from my Graveyard."

"I see, that's how you blocked E•HERO Neo Bubbleman's final strike."

Watching The Dark Magicians on Yugi's Field simply separating and transforming back into the two monsters, Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl, Judai exclaimed, then sighed. "As expected of Mr. Yugi."

E•HERO Neo Bubbleman can destroy the monster it battles after damage calculation, allowing for a stable mutual destruction with one monster. However, The Dark Magicians has the effect to revive Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl, its Fusion Material, after being destroyed.

E•HERO Neo Bubbleman's own effect instead granted The Dark Magicians the opportunity to maximize its effect, trading the already attacked The Dark Magicians for the Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl who could still attack. Even the opponent's monster effect can be utilized. Is this the True Duelist?

"Then, this is the final attack, Judai."

Yugi pointed his finger at Judai, making the final attack declaration: "Dark Magician, Direct Attack on the Duelist!"

"Dark Magic Attack!"

Looking at Dark Magician, who raised a magic orb with his staff and attacked him, Judai fell into silence.

He still had six cards in his hand. If he could just last until the next Turn, he might be able to achieve a comeback and seize victory.

But he couldn't even last through this Turn.

The combined ATK of Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl on Yugi's Field was already as high as 4800 points. With Magician's Robe, it would even be 5600 points, while his Life Points were only a mere 900 points. There was absolutely no possibility of victory.

He had finally gotten to Duel Mr. Yugi, but he was defeated without even Summoning his E HERO Fusion Monsters. How frustrating...

Somewhat disheartened, Judai didn't notice at all that in his Deck, a golden radiance flickered. A portion of the WATER Attribute power and EARTH Attribute power accumulated in his Graveyard was drawn into the Deck, as if something was being nurtured.

Even Yubel, who was not put into Judai's Deck but was sealed away in the Card Box, sensed something appearing on Judai's body. The jealous Yubel roared from within the sealed card:

"Judai—!"

"Use me, Judai!!"

"I love you so much, I can bring you the victory you desire!!"

"Judai!!!"

However, due to the seal, Yubel's voice was not heard by anyone, nor could anyone remind Judai of the change occurring in his Deck.

Not even Yugi, who was standing right across from Judai, sensed anything amiss.

"Boom!"

[Judai: 900 LP → 0]

Looking at his Life Points returning to zero, Judai instead smiled.

"I see, this way, I've completely remembered this gap."

Yugi looked at the smiling Judai with some surprise. Because of Judai's age, he thought Judai might be disappointed or even start crying after he defeated him, but a smiling Judai was not within his expectation.

"After seeing the gap with Mr. Yugi, I definitely feel more motivation to become stronger!" Judai gave Yugi a thumbs-up. "That was a truly interesting Duel, Mr. Yugi."

"I see, it seems Hayato has good taste. The E HERO Deck suits you well." Looking at Judai, who was not affected by the defeat at all, but instead used it as fuel for his drive to improve, Yugi greatly anticipated how far the future Judai could go. "I look forward to your future, Judai-kun."

In the Spectator Area, Hayato stood up, watching Judai who had lost the Duel. The next Duel was his Turn.

Initially, Hayato had planned to use Cyber Dragon or Kaiju, but seeing Judai's defeat, he changed his mind.

"Tsk tsk, that Kid Judai hasn't learned the essence of a Hero at all," Hayato muttered to himself. "Then next, I'll use E HERO to bring smiles to others."

Chapter 437: Immortal Body, Ageless and Immortal.

Tila Muku walked out of the Player Waiting Room, waiting for her opponent to arrive at the Duel Field. Tilla Muku brushed the strands of hair falling by her ears, feeling quite good.

Since participating in the KC Cup, Tilla hadn't encountered any powerful duelists. She had easily reached the second round without even needing to use the ace monster in her deck much.

For some duelists who enjoyed excitement and challenge, they might feel unlucky not encountering strong opponents, but Tilla considered it good fortune. Essentially, her interest in Duel Monsters was far less than her desire for prize money.

She was participating in this KC Cup because she had been commissioned. Her employer seemed to be planning something and needed assistance from a player who had qualified for KC Cup. If the employer's plan succeeded, Tilla felt she might even get paid twice.

As Tilla thought this, she heard footsteps ascending the Stairs.

"Yo, Waited Long?"

Looking over at the sound, Tilla smirked contemptuously and narrowed her eyes as she saw "Dan Kuroto" step onto the Duel Field.

Dan Kuroto, a duelist whose name wasn't well-known before the KC Cup and only started gaining fame during this event. His commonly used decks were the mysterious Cyber Dragon and Kaiju, which could tribute the opponent's monster for summon.

Recalling Dan Kuroto's information, Tilla didn't consider him her opponent at all, as she had absolute confidence in her own deck.

Unlike those incompetent duelists, Tilla had discovered long ago that she could actually hear the voices of the Duel Monsters coming from her deck. Not long ago, she had even successfully seen Duel Monsters moving without relying on the Virtual Projection System.

Without a doubt, she was the chosen one. No one else possessed this talent. Perhaps only legendary duelists like the Duel King and Mutou Yuugi might possess the power she had.

As for trash duelists without this power, they weren't even worthy of Tilla's notice.

Hayato walked onto the Duel Field, took out his deck, and looked somewhat strange at the woman before him who was staring at him with a contemptuous expression.

This woman seemed to be called Tila Muku. He had no impression of her and hadn't faced her during the qualifiers. However, if he remembered correctly, he seemed to have seen her duel a few days ago. She seemed to be using a Vampire Deck.

But, because the current era didn't have Xyz Summon, the Vampire Deck couldn't fully utilize its power. Hayato felt the Vampire Deck's strength was quite weak, basically only capable of tribute summoning.

"Tila Muku, using a Vampire Deck. Remember this name, because next, I will defeat you together with my Master."

Tilla Muku arrogantly lifted her chin, issued a challenge, and then placed her deck into her duel disk and activated it. Only then did Hayato notice that Tilla's duel disk seemed to have been modified; the originally blue parts were painted black.

"Master?" Another thing that made Hayato feel strange was the "Master" Tilla mentioned.

Seeing Tilla's strange gaze when she looked at his deck, Hayato suddenly had a guess—could this guy be treating her favorite monster from her deck as her Master?

Well, some people treat their monsters as wives, some as partners, some as cannon fodder, but this was the first time Hayato had seen someone treat their monster as their master. You sure know how to have fun.

"Heh heh, declaring your victory beforehand? Isn't that a bit too early? Besides, I don't think I'll lose to someone like you." Hayato stretched his neck, inserted his deck into his duel disk and activated it, revealing a healthy smile. "Dan Kuroto, since my opponent is a Vampire, I guess I'll play the 'Hero' for a change."

"This time, I am using a Pure HERO Deck."

"Duel!" X2

[Dan Kuroto: 4000 LP]

[Tilla: 4000 LP]

"Hero?" Tilla frowned, recalling the kid who had the bad luck of facing Mutou Yuugi in the previous duel. He seemed to be using an Elemental HERO—an E HERO Deck. "Heh, it's useless. The ultimate destiny of any monster will only be to be trampled underfoot by my Master."

"I'll take the First Turn. Draw a Card."

"Then, Activate the Field Spell Card, Vampire Kingdom!"

As Tilla placed a card from her hand into the Field Zone of her duel disk, surrounding the entire Duel Field, an ancient, even 'decaying,' medieval-style castle rose from underground. The originally sealed indoor ceiling transformed into a gloomy sky, covered in dark clouds.

"Vampire Kingdom is a world ruled by Vampires. Within this territory, Vampires are the supreme gods, they are invincible!"

Hayato curled his lip in disdain. "You dare claim to be invincible? What reckless nonsense you're spouting."

"Whether it's nonsense or not, you'll experience it soon enough." Tilla said arrogantly, a smirk playing on her lips, and drew another card. "Then, I Attack Position Summon Vampire Ghost."

On Tilla's Field, a humanoid monster wearing a black and red hooded robe floated out from a house beside Tilla, like a ghost.

Looking at its face alone, Vampire Ghost could be considered one of the few humanoid Duel Monsters with normal skin tone and handsome appearance. However, the ghastly expression on Vampire Ghost's face, its red-glowing eyes, and the fangs revealed by its curled lips made it impossible to appreciate its handsomeness.

[Vampire Ghost] [Level 3/Dark]

[Zombie/Effect]

[1500/0]

As soon as it appeared on the Field, Vampire Ghost's arm extended as if boneless, grabbing a phantom from the void. It looked like some kind of small animal. Holding the phantom in one hand, Vampire Ghost opened its mouth wide like a snake, swallowing the phantom, which was larger than its entire head, in one gulp.

Hayato watched Vampire Ghost's effect animation with some disgust. Although it looked cool, it was indeed not human; meanwhile, Tilla watched her monster's effect animation with a delighted expression, as if seeing something beautiful.

"Vampire Ghost's Effect is, when it is successfully Summoned, I can Send to Graveyard one Vampire Monster other than Vampire Ghost from my Hand or Field to Activate its Effect."

"I Send Vampire Familiar from my Hand to the Graveyard. Then, because of Vampire Ghost's Effect, I add one Level 4 or higher Vampire Monster from my Deck— Vampire Scarlet Scourge, Level 6—to my Hand, and then Send to Graveyard one Level 2 or lower Vampire Monster— Vampire Familiar, Level 1."

Tilla showed Vampire Familiar from her Hand—the true form of the small animal phantom that was just swallowed—before Sending it to the Graveyard. As she spoke, she smoothly caught the cards that popped out of her Deck for Search, Sending one of them, Vampire Familiar, to the Graveyard as well.

Hayato naturally noticed that her duel disk had indeed been modified with an automatic Search Function.

Adding the newly Searched Vampire Scarlet Scourge to her Hand, Tilla glanced at the undisguised disgusted expression on "Dan Kuroto"'s face and showed a rather fierce look. "Hey, hey, what kind of expression is that? It's your honor to witness the power of Vampires. Don't be so unappreciative, you small fry!"

"Tch, whatever. You're just a nobody anyway. I'll let you witness an even deeper despair." Tilla, sneering, revealed a card from her Hand. "I Activate the Effect of Vampire Familiar in my Graveyard! By Sending one Vampire Monster from my Hand or Field to the Graveyard, I Special Summon Vampire Familiar from the Graveyard to the Field!"

"I Send Vampire Baby from my Hand to the Graveyard! Revive, Vampire Familiar!"

"Even if they are just dirty, low-level animals themselves, after gaining the power of Vampires, they can become existences that surpass humans!"

Tilla Sent another card from her Hand to the Graveyard. In exchange, Vampire Ghost, which had just swallowed the phantom, opened its mouth and spat the phantom back out, returning it to the Field. What appeared before Hayato was a white fox with snowy white fur, looking harmless.

If Hayato had only seen half of Vampire Familiar's body.

It was as if half of its body was infected, or perhaps what he saw before was just a disguise and this part was its true form. The other half of the white fox's body was a deep, dark black, constantly swirling like smoke, making anyone who saw it think of existences like 'demons.'

[Vampire Familiar] [Level 2/Dark]

[Zombie/Effect]

[1200/0]

As soon as it appeared on the Field, Vampire Familiar didn't look towards Hayato. Instead, it turned around, and its dark half transformed into complete smoke, enveloping Tila Muku. It only returned to its original state when a trace of bright red appeared within the black mist.

"The Vampire's sight is everywhere. Both Familiars and Retainers are part of the Vampire's power." After the smoke dispersed, Tilla's voice sounded slightly weak to Hayato, but she herself had an excited expression. "When Vampire Familiar is successfully Special Summoned, I Pay 500 Life Points to add one Vampire Spell/Trap Card from my Deck to my Hand."

"The Card I will add to my Hand is Vampire Domain, and I will Activate it immediately!"

[Tilla: 4000 → 3500 LP]

Above the ancient castle, the dark clouds casting a shadow gradually dispersed. However, what was revealed was not bright moonlight, but a giant, scarlet Bloody Moon, looking almost like a blood-colored sun!

"Heh heh, under the illumination of the Bloody Moon constructed by Vampire Domain, Vampire Monsters will become even more active, and at the same time, I will also receive a feedback of power!" Tilla ran her finger across her scarlet lips, as if eager to taste something.

As Vampire Domain was activated, Hayato felt a dark power expanding. He couldn't help but look at Tilla warily. "This feeling... is it a Dark Game?!"

"Huh? Dark Game? Heh, that's a very fitting name." When Tilla heard 'Dark Game,' a hint of confusion appeared on her face, but she quickly accepted the term. "The side that loses this Game will have their soul swallowed by my Master and fall into darkness."

"Activate Vampire Domain's Effect. Once per Turn, I Pay 500 Life Points to allow myself to perform one Vampire Monster Summon in addition to my Normal Summon."

"I Tribute Vampire Familiar on my Field! Come forth, Vampire Scarlet Scourge!"

[Tilla: 3500 → 3000 LP]

Behind Tilla, bats suddenly appeared one after another, swarming onto Tilla's body. Ignoring the fact that Tilla was a Duelist, the bats frantically bit open Tilla's skin and sucked her blood.

The swarming bats pieced together and transformed into a shadow. Then, a terrifyingly pale hand flicked the shadow's cloak aside, revealing a man in the image of a medieval noble, who had just finished sucking blood and released Tilla's neck.

[Vampire Scarlet Scourge] [Level 6/Dark]

[Zombie/Effect]

[2200/2200]

Unlike the previous Vampire Familiar and Vampire Ghost still on the Field, what appeared on Tilla's Field this time wasn't a ghost, fox, or similar creature, but a genuine Vampire. Furthermore, from its appearance as a medieval noble, it was clear that Vampire Scarlet Scourge wasn't the mindless monster from ancient European legends, but the 'bloodline' image influenced by literature.

Living in dark nights, feeding on blood, and controlling supernatural abilities—this was the Vampire Deck Tilla used.

"Immortal Body, Ageless and Immortal, Power of Blood!" Tilla looked proudly at the Vampire Scarlet Scourge she had Summoned. "No one can surpass my perfect monster, because Vampires cannot die!"

"When Vampire Scarlet Scourge is successfully Normal or Special Summoned, I Pay 1000 Life Points to Special Summon one Vampire Monster from my Graveyard, except for Vampire Scarlet Scourge!"

"Revive, Vampire Familiar!"

"Then, when Vampire Familiar is successfully Special Summoned, I Pay 500 Life Points to add one Vampire Monster Card to my Hand!"

[Tilla: 3000 → 2000 → 1500 LP]

Looking at the three monsters on her Field, and the Vampire Monster she had just added to her Hand, Tilla said proudly, "Do you dare defy me, who possesses Vampires, Dan Kuroto?"

"Set two Cards from my Hand. My Turn Ends!"

Hearing Tilla's End Turn Declaration, Hayato was unfazed. "My Turn, Draw a Card."

"'Undying monster'? Oh, how scary~" Looking at the card he had just drawn, Hayato showed a mischievous smile. "Then Revive from Graveyard and show me, Vampires."

"I will give you this powerful monster!"

Under Tilla's bewildered gaze, her invincible Vampire Scarlet Scourge and Vampire Ghost together turned into a massive ball of lava.

Chapter 438: Will You Remember How Many Loaves of Bread You Have Eaten?

[Tilla: 1500 LP, Hand 1]

[Vampire Ghost] [ATK 1500]

[Vampire Familiar] [DEF 0]

[Vampire Scarlet Scourge] [ATK 2200]

[Vampire's Domain] [Set Card] X2

Field: [Vampire Kingdom]

Such a perfect situation, such a smooth setup. To be honest, this was the first time Tilla herself had experienced such a smooth Duel.

In a single Turn, she had Summoned three Monsters to her Field, including [Vampire Scarlet Scourge]. Although one was the filler [Vampire Familiar] and she had Paid Life Points as a cost, leaving her with only 1500, Tilla didn't feel it was a loss at all.

With such a powerful lineup, let alone the guy named Dan Kuroto in front of her, even a strong Duelist like Mutou Yuugi would probably have a hard time dealing with it quickly, right?

Tilla's confidence wasn't just from her trust in her Monsters, but also from her confidence in her Set Cards.

[Bottomless Trap Hole] could Flip a powerful Monster her opponent had painstakingly Summoned Face-Down.

[Mystik Wok], on the other hand, could use a Monster on her Field to Recover her Life Points.

Whether Dan Kuroto tried to Summon Monsters for a strong Attack or attempted a Burn Strategy, she had the perfect Countermeasures.

Coupled with [Vampire Kingdom], which could boost the ATK of [Vampire] Monsters by 500 Points during the Battle Phase, and [Vampire's Domain], which could Recover Life Points after inflicting Battle Damage, how could she possibly lose?

Then, the confident Tilla received a gift from Dan Kuroto.

"By Tributing your [Vampire Scarlet Scourge] and [Vampire Ghost] on your Field, I shall give you this powerful Monster!"

Hayato wore a healthy smile, enjoying the gloomy expression on Tilla's face.

The card he gave her was the invincible Lava Golem. While absorbing two bothersome Vampires from Tilla's Field, it also had the effect to inflict 1000 points of damage to her during each of Tilla's Standby Phases. With Tilla's remaining 1500 Life Points, she could only withstand Lava Golem's effect once. In this situation, using this card was absolutely perfect.

"How dare you take my Vampires—" Tilla's expression management completely failed. Before, when she didn't speak and kept a straight face, she gave off the impression of a cold beauty, but witnessing her beloved Vampires turn into ugly lava conglomerates, she cursed like a shrew, "You fat pig!"

"Hey, hey, this is a gift from a divine-beast, don't be ungrateful," Hayato said shamelessly. "If I didn't see that your Monsters were so weak, and after all your moves you couldn't even get a Monster with Blue-Eyes White Dragon-level ATK, I wouldn't have bestowed Lava Golem upon you."

"To give you this card, I couldn't even perform a Normal Summon this Turn."

"However, miracles and magic aren't free. As the cost for Lava Golem's existence, you will take 1000 points of damage every turn."

Hearing this, Tilla looked towards the Lava Golem on her Field. The Lava Golem Hayato used didn't have the extreme twisted sense of humor of the one Dark Marik used, which trapped the controller in a cage. However, the massive Lava Golem rampaged through the mist-shrouded Vampire Kingdom, destroying many buildings, still earning Tilla's disgust.

"My Life Points aren't meant for that kind of trash," Tilla said, pressing the button on her Duel Disk to activate her Set Card. "I activate the effect of Vampire Ghost, which you sent to the Graveyard! By banishing Vampire Ghost from the Graveyard and paying 500 life points, I can Summon a Vampire Monster to the Field!"

Tilla flipped the card in her Hand, a blush appearing on her face as she showed a Face Art Smile: "My Master, please accept this humble offering from me, revive from your slumber, and end this Duel that disturbs your rest!"

"I Tribute Vampire Familiar and the disgusting Lava Golem! I Tribute Summon Vampire Fascinator from my Hand!"

[Tilla: 1500 → 1000 LP]

Compared to the commotion when she Summoned Vampire Scarlet Scourge earlier, Vampire Fascinator's appearance was much calmer this time. Even though Lava Golem and Vampire Familiar were Sent to Tilla's and Hayato's respective Graveyards, Vampire Fascinator's True Form was nowhere to be seen.

Following Tilla's upward gaze, Hayato finally found Vampire Fascinator, who had appeared without him noticing.

Standing atop the highest Castle on the Duel Field, the white-haired Vampire sat on the edge of the tower with her legs crossed. Her crimson eyes overlooked the scenery below. When she noticed Hayato, she revealed a charming smile, beckoned with a finger, opened her cherry-like mouth, and licked her lips with her pink tongue, revealing her small fangs.

[Vampire Fascinator] [Level 7 / Dark Attribute]

[Zombie / Effect]

[2000 ATK / 2000 DEF]

If he ignored the demonic bat wings behind her, just looking at Vampire Fascinator's human-like expression and actions, Hayato might have actually mistaken her for a real person.

However, the strong metallic scent emanating from her, along with the expanding Dark Power, made Hayato take her seriously, which was rare for him.

Earlier, when Hayato asked Tilla about the "Dark Game," although Tilla herself called it a Dark Game, Hayato hadn't felt any Dark Power encompassing him.

The main reason he asked Tilla was that Hayato noticed that as her Life Points decreased, although Tilla didn't seem to change outwardly, something extremely mysterious and indescribable about her was constantly diminishing in his perception. In Hayato's prediction, it might be sanity, soul, or life force—in any case, it was something dangerous to lose.

However, after Vampire Fascinator appeared, the Mystical Power that had only enveloped Tilla herself began to expand, quickly surrounding Hayato as well.

With Vampire Fascinator's debut as the signal, this Duel transformed into a true Dark Game!

And the initiator of the Dark Game wasn't Hayato, but Tila Muku, who had no Supernatural Aura before the Duel?

Under Hayato's watchful eye, the wings on Vampire Fascinator's back helped her glide down to the ground. After casually waving her hand to receive the Life Points Tilla had contributed, she narrowed her ruby-like, sparkling eyes and pointed a finger at Hayato.

"You seem to have a strong power about you." To Hayato's surprised eyes, Vampire Fascinator actually spoke. However, Tilla, standing behind her, seemed not to have heard anything, merely gazing at Vampire Fascinator with infatuated eyes. "At least you smell much sweeter than this waste."

"Eating you might feel quite good?"

A Duel Monster that had Awakened its Card Spirit?!

Hayato was surprised that Vampire Fascinator could speak. After all, although he himself was accompanied by many Card Spirits, it was rare to see a Duelist other than himself whose Card Spirit had Awakened.

However, what surprised Hayato even more was what Vampire Fascinator said.

After a brief thought, Hayato's gaze towards Tilla changed from contempt to pity. Meeting Vampire Fascinator's playful eyes, he spoke, "This girl, she's become your puppet now, hasn't she?"

"Not really. After all, my power isn't complete yet; there's still a lot of room for growth," Vampire Fascinator glanced back at Tilla, who was looking at her with infatuated eyes, a look of disgust on her face. "I just slightly twisted her thoughts, amplified her dependence on me, and made her stop caring about anything other than me."

"Isn't she your master?"

Vampire Fascinator chuckled lightly: "Don't be ridiculous, I don't have such an ugly master. Although if it weren't for her, I wouldn't have reached this level of awakening, it's her honor to offer everything to me."

"You, young man, are my next goal."

Hayato frowned, having somewhat guessed the truth.

If he wasn't mistaken, Tila Muku's personality might not have been like this before. Due to prolonged Dueling, the Card Spirit of her Deck's Ace Card, Vampire Fascinator, had Awakened. However, after Awakening, Vampire Fascinator had instead targeted Tilla in order to grow faster.

Moreover, judging by her words, it might not just be Tilla. After all, the Dark Power Hayato was currently sensing, while not as strong as the Millennium Items, was definitely not something ordinary Duel Monsters could emit.

"Just how many people have you 'hunted' so far?"

"Will you remember how many loaves of bread you have eaten?"

"Thirteen slices. I'm a Japanese food enthusiast."

Seeing the expression on Hayato's face, Vampire Fascinator smiled slightly, brushed aside her silver hair near her ear, raised her hand, and snapped her fingers. A red light flashed in her eyes.

Synchronously, Tilla's face stiffened. Her originally emerald-green eyes were quickly stained red as if a drop of blood had been dripped into them. A smile completely synchronized with Vampire Fascinator appeared at the corner of her mouth: "Then, please begin your performance. Your final performance before you are eaten by me."

"I'm looking forward to it."

Hayato gave a cold smile: "You said it yourself. If you get taken down right here, don't resent me."

"My hero shall vanquish something as foul as a turd in the toilet!"

Saying this, Hayato played a card, holding his hand over his head, feeling the wind brush against his fingertips.

"I activate the Magic Card Unexpected Dai! I Special Summon Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh from my Deck!"

The storm began to gather, under the blood moon, the figure of the angelic Winged Kuriboh appeared in the sky, but behind Winged Kuriboh there were two black spots.

"Then, the Quick-Play Magic Card Infernal Reckless Summon!" Stretching out his fingers to catch two cards that popped out of the Deck, Hayato played them on the Duel Disk: "It can only be activated when there is a face-up monster on the opponent's field and only one special summoned monster with an attack power of 1500 or less on my field."

"Special Summon as many monsters with the same name as the Special Summoned Monster from my Deck, Hand, and Graveyard as possible!"

"Come on out, Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh No. 1, No. 2, V3!"

The third Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh who landed on Hayato's field from the air almost twisted his ankle when he landed, so there is no No. 3?!

[Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh] [ATK 1000]

[Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh] [ATK 1000]

[Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh] [ATK 1000]

"Ho? Monsters with only 1000 attack power. Heh heh, do you expect to use such monsters to uphold justice?" Because there is only one Vampire Fascinator in the deck on the field, "Tilla" who cannot use the Infernal Reckless Summon effect to summon monsters, smiles disdainfully at the appearance of Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh, "And it's still in attack position, how interesting."

"Although I don't know what you are relying on, I will use this card to cut off your hope."

"Open my set card, Trap Card Bottomless Trap Hole!"

Tilla's back row was opened, and a bottomless pit appeared under the feet of the three Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh on Hayato's field.

Tilla, or rather Vampire Fascinator, smiled triumphantly: "If I remember correctly, this card can be used on multiple monsters at once, right?"

"Although the first one can escape from here, the two Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh that appeared later will all be turned into face-down defense position!"

[Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh] → [Face-Down Defense Monster]

[Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh] → [Face-Down Defense Monster]

Vampire Fascinator looked at Hayato triumphantly, thinking about whether disappointment or other emotions would appear on his face, but found that Hayato didn't care at all that the Elemental HERO Winged Kuriboh he summoned was set.

"I see, they were set, what a pity." Hayato looked at the three cards remaining in his hand and pulled out one of them, "In that case, I still have to use this card, the card full of the bond between me and my companions."

"Magic Card Change of Heart, until the end of the turn, I can gain control of one monster on the opponent's field." Hayato pointed his hand at Vampire Fascinator, "I'll directly take you!"

"Damn it, I don't want that!" Vampire Fascinator widened her eyes, watching the pink heart with a strange aura being fired at herself as "Dan Kuroto" activated the card.

If you get hit by that kind of thing, you have a hunch that it will develop in a subtle direction!

"Quick-Play Magic Card Mystical Wok, release Vampire Fascinator and recover 2000 Life Points!"

Before being hit by Change of Heart, Tilla's back row was opened, sending Vampire Fascinator directly to the Graveyard by "frying and eating" it, allowing her to escape.

But after Vampire Fascinator left the field, the red light in Tilla's eyes did not show any signs of dissipating, but became more and more intense. It was as if it was about to completely seep into her eyes.

[Tilla: 1000 → 3000 LP]

# Chapter 439: Fatal Combo

The effect of Change of Heart landed on empty space, but Hayato wasn't disheartened. However, the look in his eyes as he gazed at Tila Muku was quite serious.

Most widely circulated Vampire legends share a common point: Vampires can increase their numbers by giving others their own blood. Hayato had originally thought that forcing Vampire Fraulein to leave Tila Muku's Field might slightly lessen her influence over Tila Muku.

However, it now seemed that the control of Vampire Fraulein was already deeply rooted.

"That was close, you almost took my Master away from me." Tila Muku looked at Hayato with a pair of reddish eyes. "So, are you going to attack?"

Thanks to Hayato's previous actions, Tila Muku's Field was completely cleared of cards. There wasn't even a single Monster that could be used for Defense.

Her Field was wide open, so how could Hayato miss such a perfect opportunity?

"Although I got caught by Bottomless Trap Hole, I'll collect some interest first." Hayato said, waving his hand forward. "Go, E•HERO Avian, Direct Attack the Opponent!"

"Extreme Dive Bombing Crash!"

Although the Attack Name he shouted sounded like E•HERO Avian was about to unleash a "world-destroying" move that would scare Harpie Lady to death, in reality, E•HERO Avian merely flapped its wings and flew up, shooting the feathers from its back wings like darts from above.

[Tilla: 3000→2000 LP]

"Hehe, a painless attack."

Perhaps numb to losing Life Points, Tilla, who was directly hit by E•HERO Avian's darts, showed no expression of pain. Instead, she lightly brushed her short golden hair. "Though it was faint, I've remembered this pain."

"Next Turn, I will repay it double."

Hayato pursed his lips and Set the last card in his Hand in the Spell/Trap Zone. "Is that so? That's quite something, but do you have the Ability to Summon a Monster strong enough to give me sufficient pain?"

"My Turn ends."

[Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand 0]

[E•HERO Avian] [ATK 1000]

[Face-down Defense Position Monster] (E•HERO Avian) X2

[Set Card]

"It seems you have no clear understanding of your situation." Tilla gave a cold laugh, not rushing to Draw a Card. She merely pointed proudly at her Graveyard. "I told you, Vampires are Undying. Even if you kill them countless times, they will Revive infinitely from the Graveyard."

"If I don't tear you to pieces, my Master won't be able to enjoy peaceful slumber."

"My Turn, Draw! Then, the Spell Card Pot of Greed!" Tilla inserted the card she drew into the Spell & Trap Zone, and with a sneer, drew two cards. "Haha, I drew some quite useful cards."

"I Activate the Spell Card Book of Life! This card can be Activated by targeting one Zombie-Type Monster in my Graveyard and one Monster in the Opponent's Graveyard."

"My Zombie-Type Monster is Special Summoned to the Field, and then that Monster of the Opponent is Banished."

The crimson in Tilla's eyes grew stronger. "Banish that annoying Lava Golem from your Graveyard, and then, I can Special Summon my Master who is Sleeping in the Graveyard—Vampire Fraulein—to the Field!"

As the ancient book appeared and opened in Tilla's Spell/Trap Zone, the wail of Lava Golem came from Hayato's Graveyard. The Graveyard Zone automatically ejected the Lava Golem card, and the Lava Golem on the card seemed to have its magma body slightly dimmed.

And as if absorbing the power lost by Lava Golem as Nourishment, Vampire Fraulein, who had voluntarily entered the Graveyard last Turn, licked her lips with her tongue and reappeared on the Field, looking smug.

And Tilla's fragmented spirit was once again brought under her Control.

[Vampire Fraulein] [ATK 2000]

"Next, I Normal Summon Vampire Baby." Playing a card from her Hand, Tilla revealed a bloodthirsty smile as she looked at the Vampire Baby in a black robe that appeared on her Field. "Now I'll show you what true Despair is!"

"Enter Battle Phase! First, I use Vampire Baby to Attack the Face-Down Defense Position E•HERO Avian!"

Although small in stature, upon receiving Tilla's Instruction, Vampire Baby completely revealed its nature as a bloodthirsty Fiend. Under the light of the Red Moon, it opened its mouth and revealed its still-developing fangs.

[Vampire Baby] [Level 3/DARK]

[Zombie/Effect]

[700/1000 → 1200/1000]

"Only During Damage Calculation, Zombie-Type Monsters will Increase their ATK by 500 points due to the effect of Vampire Kingdom. Therefore, Vampire Baby's ATK will Increase to 1200 points, which is enough to tear apart E•HERO Avian's Defense!"

Tilla laughed ferociously:

"Bloodlust Impulse!"

The E•HERO Avian card, which had been Set due to the effect of Bottomless Trap Hole, was flipped face-up by Vampire Baby's Attack. Before the E•HERO Avian, seeing the light of day again, could do anything, it was pounced upon by Vampire Baby and bitten on the neck.

Although it had powerful wings and sharp Claws, close combat was undoubtedly E•HERO Avian's weakness. Coupled with being caught off guard, Vampire Baby easily Destroyed E•HERO Avian. However, suspiciously, the Corpse of E•HERO Avian that was Destroyed by it merely shriveled up and was not Sent to the Graveyard.

And closely following Vampire Baby was Vampire Fraulein, who had long been anticipating the taste of Hayato's fresh Blood.

"Due to the effect of Vampire Domain, when a Vampire Monster inflicts Battle Damage to the Opponent, my Life Points can Recover the amount of Battle Damage." Tilla showed an expectant expression. "Vampire Fraulein Attacks that Attack Position E•HERO Avian! I'll take your Life Points!"

"Vampire Hunt: Crimson Cross!"

[Vampire Fraulein] [ATK 2000 → 2500]

Although she appeared as a delicate and Charming young girl, Vampire Fraulein's Level was not just for show. As a Level 7 Monster equal to Dark Magician, she couldn't possibly be a mere decoration. With a gentle flick of her wrist, a streak of blood, seemingly from nowhere, gathered in her hand to form a slender crimson cross Long Sword.

The crimson cross sword was thrown out. Although E•HERO Avian had prepared its Defense beforehand, its resistance was completely futile. The Long Sword easily Pierced through the wings and arms it had crossed in front of its body, directly stabbing its Heart.

Not only that, but after breaking through E•HERO Avian, the cross Long Sword suddenly burst into a rain of blood. The splashing blood droplets were like Sharp Blades, cutting a wound on Hayato's face, who was standing behind E•HERO Avian.

[Hayato: 4000→2500 LP]

After silently enduring the Damage, Hayato watched as the blood rain that had caused him Damage abruptly stopped and returned to Vampire Fraulein's body. Feeling the Power she had absorbed from Hayato, both Vampire Fraulein and Tila Muku's faces flushed.

[Tilla: 2000→3500 LP]

"Turning Blood into your own Power? Hmph, I guess I should say, as expected of a Vampire?" Hayato felt the feeling of weakness coming from his body. Losing 1500 Life Points in one go, although not as intense as the Pain Hayato felt during Duels with other Dark Duelists, it was still significant.

"Can I take that as a compliment?" Vampire Fraulein stuck out her tongue and licked her lips, seemingly savoring the taste she had just felt from Hayato. "Well then, my Battle Phase ends."

Vampire Fraulein, as a Duel Monster, directly declared the end of the Battle Phase on behalf of Tilla. At the same time, the body of E•HERO Avian, which was still on Hayato's Field and had been Destroyed by Vampire Baby earlier, moved strangely.

"The Monster that Vampire Baby Destroyed will become my Familiar after the Battle Phase ends."

Hearing Vampire Fraulein's explanation, Hayato frowned. "The so-called 'Embrace'?"

"You're finished, Tila Muku. I'm the only one who gets to Take Control of others' monsters, and not only did you refuse to have your monster Taken Control of by me, you even Took Control of my E•HERO Avian. Next Turn, I will definitely defeat you in one turn!"

Tilla narrowed her eyes. "Oh? Are you angry? But making threats is useless, because you cannot defeat my Master, the Invincible Vampire Fraulein!"

"My Turn ends."

[Tilla: 3500 LP, Hand 0]

[Vampire Fraulein] [ATK 2000]

[Vampire Baby] [ATK 700]

[E•HERO Avian] [DEF 1000]

[Vampire Domain]

Field: [Vampire Kingdom]

In Tilla's view, Hayato's words were just empty threats, as she didn't believe there was any possibility of her being "defeated in one turn".

Thanks to the effect of Vampire Domain, her Life Points had recovered to a full 3500 points, practically as if she hadn't taken any Damage. And the weakest Monster on her Field, Vampire Baby, had an ATK of 1200 points when combined with the Boost from Vampire Kingdom.

What did this mean?

Even using Vampire Baby as a weak point, "Dan Kuroto" would need to Summon a Monster with an ATK of 3500 + 1200 = 4700 or more in one Turn.

Even the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, Fusion Summoned using three legendary Blue-Eyes White Dragon as Material, only had 4500 ATK. "Dan Kuroto" would need to Summon a Monster stronger than Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon to defeat her, and as far as Tilla knew, such a Monster was not something just anyone could possess and Summon in one Turn with an Empty Hand.

"My Turn, Draw." Hayato calmly drew a card from his Deck, then pressed the Activate Set Card Button on his Duel Disk. "Then, I Activate the Trap Card I Set last Turn, Reckless Greed."

"The effect of this card is that I can Draw two cards from my Deck, but as a cost, my next two Draw Phases will be skipped."

Tilla sneered. "You would use such a card, overdrafting your Future for the present? Hehe, do you really believe you can Summon a Monster stronger than Vampire Fraulein in this Turn?"

Hayato returned a cold laugh. "Before Drawing a Card, no one knows what their Future holds. But a True Duelist can Control their own Future. Even Drawing a Card can be created by oneself."

"My Draw can even dominate the Future!" He sharply drew two cards from his Deck. At the same time, two large "X" marks appeared above Hayato's head, signifying that the cards for his next two Draw Phases had been drawn now.

If he couldn't defeat Tila Muku in one Turn as he had said last Turn, then Hayato, with no cards to replenish his Hand, had only Defeat in his Future.

However, looking at the cards in his Hand, Hayato showed a confident smile. "It seems the Goddess of Fortune is on my side."

"I feel it, the Wind of Victory is constantly blowing from behind me!" Drawing a card from his Hand, Hayato Summoned it to the Field. "Then, the Monster that carries my hope for victory, descend here!"

"My Glory, my Tamashii!"

"The Invincible Kuriboh!"

Light flashed, and on Hayato's Field, a bewildered Winged Kuriboh looked at the eerie environment around it, its voice trembling slightly. "Ku, Kuriri!?"

[Winged Kuriboh] [Level 1/LIGHT]

[Fairy/Effect]

[300/200]

Looking at Winged Kuriboh, Vampire Fraulein contemptuously raised her head, completely disregarding it. Tilla also sneered, "In the end, the Monster you Summoned is just a Weak Monster of this level?"

"What use is a Monster with no Combat Power like this? And you even Summoned it in Attack Position?"

"Heh heh, you'll know that soon enough. Knowing the Future in advance will only plunge you into Despair too early." Hearing this, Hayato didn't explain anything. Instead, he played his other two cards one after another. "First, I Activate the Spell Card Will."

"The effect of this card is that when my Monster is Sent to the Graveyard this Turn, I can Special Summon 1 Monster with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck."

"Then, the final puzzle piece to Victory, I Activate the Equip Spell Card Junk Impact."

"The effect of this card is that when the Equipped Monster Battle Destroys a Monster, it inflicts Damage to the Opponent's Life Points equal to half the ATK of the Destroyed Monster."

Tilla became even more Confused by Hayato's actions.

"What use is that Equip Card in your current situation? What kind of Monster can that furball with wings Destroy, even if it's Equipped with that Equip Card that doesn't Increase ATK?"

"Or are you trying to make me laugh to death with this nonsensical actions?"

"It's like trying to stab someone with a wooden stick without a spearhead, utterly ridiculous!"

Hearing this, Hayato smiled confidently. "Who says you can't stab someone without a spearhead?"

"Besides, I never said Junk Impact would be Equipped to Winged Kuriboh." He pointed a finger at Tilla's Vampire Baby. "I will Grant this powerful Equip Card to your Monster!"

"Then, Enter my Battle Phase."

After completing all the preparatory steps, Hayato squatted down under Tilla's gaze, which was mixed with Confusion and Contempt. Looking at Winged Kuriboh, who had shrunk to his feet out of Fear, he gently placed his hand on Winged Kuriboh's head.

"Kuriboh, my dear Kuriboh!"

"Ku, Kuri?"

Although it's a Fairy-Type Monster, it's extremely afraid of the night and eerie environments, Winged Kuriboh trembled and looked up at Hayato with teary eyes.

"I can feel your Fear. After all, this is your first time participating in Duel Monsters."

"But Kuriboh, my dear Kuriboh! This is a Trial, a Trial from Fear. Only by Surpassing this Fear can you achieve Growth."

While Winged Kuriboh was dumbfounded, Hayato grabbed the top of its head with one hand, like grabbing a basketball, lifting the entire Winged Kuriboh into his hand. He then aimed towards Vampire Baby.

"So, Attack bravely, Kuriboh! Your Target is Vampire Baby!"

As he spoke, Hayato actually raised the Winged Kuriboh he was holding high above his head, assuming a throwing motion and charging up!

"H-how could he!" Even Vampire Fraulein widened her eyes. She had thought Hayato would comfort the frightened Winged Kuriboh next, but the action he was making now was clearly—

"Ora!"

"Spinning Piercing Yellow Furball!"

"He's actually throwing out the Monster he didn't want to Attack with?!" Tilla looked at Winged Kuriboh smashing towards her Field like a football. Besides her surprise, she also showed a cold laugh. "Although I don't know why you're using this Suicidal Attack."

"But don't forget, the Monster Destroyed by Vampire Baby will become my Monster after the Battle Phase ends this Turn. This effect can Activate even if it's attacked passively!"

"Finish off that furball, Vampire Baby!"

[Vampire Baby] [ATK 700 → 1200]

Winged Kuriboh's own ATK was only a mere 300 points, while Vampire Baby had 700 ATK even without the Boost from Vampire Kingdom. With a swing of its Claws, the Winged Kuriboh, scared to tears by Hayato, was immediately Destroyed.

At the same time, both Hayato's and Tilla's Life Points changed.

[Hayato: 2500→1600 LP]

[Tilla: 3500→4400 LP]

Because Vampire Baby inflicted 900 points of Battle Damage to Hayato, Tilla enjoyed the Life Force flowing back to her due to the effect of Vampire Domain with a look of Pleasure. But just as she was enjoying this incredibly pleasant feeling, she suddenly let out a muffled groan. "Ugh!"

[Tilla: 4400→4250 LP]

Very abruptly, Tilla, who hadn't been attacked by any Monster, suddenly lost 150 Life Points. The Value was exactly half the ATK of Winged Kuriboh, which had just been Destroyed by Vampire Baby.

Looking at the Confused Tilla, Hayato took a deep breath, ignoring the feeling of weakness coming from his body, and showed a proud smile. "How is it? How does the taste of my Life Points feel?"

Because of the deep control over Tilla, Vampire Fraulein, who received most of the Power when absorbing Life Points, felt the greatest Pain just now. This nauseating feeling, as if the absorbed blood was mixed with poison, although only 150 points of Damage, still made her extremely uncomfortable.

"You bastard, what did you do!?"

"The effect of Junk Impact is that after the Equipped Monster Battle Destroys a Monster, it inflicts Damage to the Opponent. Unfortunately, the Opponent in this effect is not me, but you, because I am the Controller of this card." Hayato pointed proudly at the Equip Spell Card on his Field. "Therefore, after Battle Destroying Winged Kuriboh, you will take Damage equal to half of its ATK."

"But you Destroyed my Monster, that's unforgivable!"

"You were the one who attacked first!"

Hearing Hayato's words, which sounded angry but were clearly full of Pleasure, Tilla didn't want to take the blame for something that had nothing to do with her and retorted directly. At the same time, having recovered from that faint Pain, she showed a cold laugh again. "It's just a mere 150 points of Damage, which isn't even as much as I recovered."

"Just that much Damage, is this what you meant by defeating me in one Turn?"

Hearing this, Hayato raised his hand and snapped his fingers. Along with this crisp finger snap, at the position where Winged Kuriboh had just been Destroyed on Hayato's Field, the EARTH Attribute Elemental HERO—E•HERO Clayman—appeared in Attack Position.

[E•HERO Clayman] [ATK 800]

"Special Summon During the Battle Phase?" Tilla was also startled, then suddenly remembered one of the three cards Hayato had Activated earlier. "It's that Will!"

"Bingo~" Hayato crossed his arms over his chest and said proudly, "Due to the effect of Will, every time my Monster is Sent to the Graveyard this Turn, I can Special Summon one Monster with 1500 or less ATK from my Deck."

"And because it's a Monster Summoned during this Battle Phase, E•HERO Clayman can still Attack."

As he spoke, Hayato pointed his finger towards Vampire Baby. "Winged Kuriboh is a Monster I cherish greatly, and you evil Monster actually harmed it and even Destroyed it! That's a heinous crime!"

"Although its ATK isn't as high as yours, don't think you can escape this sin peacefully!"

"E•HERO Clayman, Attack Vampire Baby!"

"Arctic Sandstorm!"

Using an Attack Name that sounded very powerful, capable of even defeating a gorilla, E•HERO Clayman was actually just clumsily swinging its fists. Seeing this, Tilla didn't even bother to rant about the shameless act of the Opponent actively attacking with a Monster and then framing her for attacking it. Instead, she laughed wildly.

"Hahahaha, it's useless, useless! What can a mere E•HERO Clayman, a Normal Monster with only 800 ATK, do? That Kid who used [E HERO] earlier and overestimated himself by challenging Mutou Yuugi was already stupid enough, I didn't expect you to be even stupider!"

"Due to the effect of Vampire Kingdom, my Vampire Baby's ATK will Increase to 1200 points. The Battle with E•HERO Clayman will inflict 400 points of Battle Damage to you, and this Damage will be converted into 400 points of Life Point recovery for me, perfectly canceling out half of E•HERO Clayman's ATK!"

"Since you're so eager to give me monsters, I'll ruthlessly Destroy them with Vampire Baby and then take possession!"

Facing the clumsily attacking E•HERO Clayman, Vampire Baby completely repeated the action it used to Defeat Winged Kuriboh just now. With a swing of its Claws, it easily cut through E•HERO Clayman's tough body. The Destroyed body of E•HERO Clayman, like the fallen Winged Kuriboh before it, remained on Hayato's Field, seemingly waiting to be Controlled by Tilla after the Battle Phase ended.

Tilla and Vampire Fraulein synchronized their movements and opened their arms, waiting to absorb the Power from the Battle Damage. At the same time, they also paid a little attention, guarding against the Damage from Junk Impact that would come along with the Life Force.

"Ugh!"

[Tilla: 4250→3850 LP]

As the Damage landed, Tilla and Vampire Fraulein both showed expressions of Pain. Unlike actively paying Life Points to use the various Abilities of the Vampire Deck, after unleashing the full Dark Game, every instance of Damage inflicted by Hayato felt like a sharp knife piercing directly into their souls.

Ferociously baring her fangs, Vampire Fraulein endured this wave of Pain, then couldn't help but sneer, waiting for the arrival of the absorbed Life Force. But even after a second E•HERO Clayman appeared on Hayato's Field due to the effect of Will, neither Vampire Fraulein nor Tilla received any Life Point increase, which suddenly made them feel a sense of panic.

"W-what happened?!"

"Why aren't my Life Points recovering!"

Glaring at Hayato, who wore a smug smirk, Vampire Fraulein gritted her teeth and said, "You bastard, what did you do!?"

"Me? I didn't really do anything." Hayato shrugged, indicating he hadn't done anything, but his face held a righteous expression. "I have to thank Winged Kuriboh for sacrificing itself for me!"

"Although its body died from your Damage, Winged Kuriboh's heroic soul has always been protecting me. During the Turn Winged Kuriboh is Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard, the Battle Damage I take becomes 0. To be saved by Kuriboh, I'm truly moved!"

Beside Hayato, the Soul Form of Winged Kuriboh, separated from its body, looked resentful, seemingly still thinking about how Hayato had just thrown it out like throwing Iggy.

However, annoyed as it was, it still exercised its effect, constructing a Protective Barrier in front of Hayato that, while seemingly weak, was actually difficult for even a Deity to break through.

Listening to the self-satisfied Hayato's words, Vampire Fraulein panicked.

"After being Destroyed, Battle Damage becomes 0?!" Widening her crimson eyes, Vampire Fraulein looked on in Disbelief. "In that case, my Vampire Baby won't be able to inflict Battle Damage to you!"

"Along with that, the Life Point recovery effect of Vampire Domain won't be able to Activate, and what follows is your monsters attacking me infinitely, then being Destroyed by Vampire Baby and inflicting Damage to me due to the effect of Junk Impact?!"

"You bastard, you said you were using some 'Pure HERO' Deck at the beginning, what kind of messy strategy is this for a Hero!"

"What do you mean messy strategy? This is righteous Group Attack!"

Hayato looked at Vampire Fraulein, who had analyzed the subsequent strategy herself without needing his explanation, and gave a cold laugh.

"To put it another way, you can completely think of my monsters as Cheating Characters in an Arcade Game with Infinite Continues, and I've been given Forced Invincibility so I won't take damage. Although your Life Points are still 3850, how many attacks can you withstand?"

"I'll just Wear Down your Life Points like this through infinite attacks." Hayato said, waving his hand again to give the command, making the E•HERO Clayman on his Field Attack once again. "Do you have enough Life Point reserves, Tila Muku?"

"As for me, I'm going to continue until I clear the game."

"Go, E•HERO Clayman, this is a Necessary Sacrifice!"

"Ugh!"

[Tila Muku: 3850→3450 LP]

E•HERO Clayman had just been Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard, and E•HERO Bubbleman, with the same 800 ATK, immediately followed, appearing and attacking again.

"E•HERO Bubbleman! Aria of the Bubble Shadow!"

"Uwaah!"

[Tila Muku: 3450→3050 LP]

[Tila Muku: 3450→3050 LP]

[Tila Muku: 3050→2650 LP]

"E•HERO Clayman! Primal World Stripping Technique!"

"Cough!"

[Tila Muku: 2650→2250 LP]

"Support Dog!"

"Ugh ugh!"

[Tila Muku: 2250→1850 LP]

[Tila Muku: 1850→1450 LP]

[Tila Muku: 1450→1050 LP]

"Hero Kid!"

"Uwaahahaha!"

[Tila Muku: 1050→900 LP]

[Tila Muku: 900→750 LP]

[Tila Muku: 750→600 LP]

"E•HERO Knospe!"

One suicidal attack after another. Although none of the monsters had an ATK higher than Vampire Baby's 1200 ATK, due to the effect of Junk Impact, Tilla's Life Points, despite having stronger monsters, were reduced again and again. Along with that, Vampire Fraulein, whose senses were linked to hers, also became weak and listless from the continuous extreme Pain, gasping for breath.

Looking at the bud-like monster that appeared on Hayato's Field, Tilla's spirit almost collapsed. The red in her eyes had faded enough that her original green pupils were faintly visible.

"E•HERO Knospe has the effect to Direct Attack the Opponent. So, this is the Final Blow, Tila Muku." Hayato's hand brushed across his chest, calling upon a bit of the power of the Millennium Ring and intervening in the Dark Game. "E•HERO Knospe, Direct Attack the Opponent!"

"Flower Breathing: Final Form - Vermillion Eye of the Other Shore!"

Watching the flower in its palm fully open and radiate with a beautiful bloom as E•HERO Knospe approached her, Tila Muku's Will finally completely collapsed. Pointing at E•HERO Knospe, she shouted:

"Don't... don't come near me!!!"

[Tila Muku: 600 LP → 0]

# Chapter 440: Being the Master's Dog is the Greatest Honor

As Tila Muku's last 600 Life Points were completely cleared, the Dark Game covering the Duel Field also automatically began to dissipate.

However, before receding, they still had to execute the Penalty on the defeated party of the Duel — just as Tila Muku had said before, the soul of the losing party in this Duel would be stripped away.

"Damn it!" Vampire Fraulein's face was filled with unwillingness and anger. Although she had initiated the Dark Game herself, she fundamentally had no right to change the Dark Game's Rules. The defeated party had to receive Punishment.

Even when she was at full strength, Vampire Fraulein had no ability to resist the Dark Game. Much less now, as Vampire Fraulein, having deeply controlled Tila Muku before and shared her senses, had also endured the Fatal Combo that Hayato had just now executed, taking the brunt of it. In fact, it was already impressive that she, in her weakened state, could still maintain her form and hadn't been sent back into the Card.

However, amidst her frustration, Vampire Fraulein looked at the shrinking domain of dark magic power and felt a bit of relief.

"Ever since my Awakening, so that I wouldn't become a sacrifice of the Duel Monsters Game, and also to maximize my profit, I performed a 'Role Reversal' on the Master-Servant Relationship between myself and this woman."

"As a result, I, who originally existed merely as a servant and tool, instead gained freedom. I know deeply that this is what I must master, and as long as I possess this freedom, I can forever maintain happiness, even in the present!"

As Vampire Fraulein spoke, she actively flew towards her own Card, which was still placed on Tila Muku's Duel Disk!

Looking at Tila Muku, who was dazed from the continuous attacks, Vampire Fraulein laughed wildly: "Thanks to this control that goes deep into the soul! Just now, when the Dark Game began, as a safety measure, I didn't show myself and instead let you decide the bet. This caution embraced my freedom!"

"You shall bear this Penalty, my servant!"

Maintaining her pouncing motion, Vampire Fraulein approached her Card like a diver —

And then hit an iron plate?!

"Hey, you weren't thinking of using someone else as a scapegoat after losing the Duel, were you?" Hayato's voice came from behind Vampire Fraulein. "There was a Six-Year-Old (Nickname) who smiled very brightly who also pulled a trick like that in front of me before. How should I put it, that guy's end wasn't very good."

Vampire Fraulein turned around and once again looked towards "Dan Kuroto". However, this time, behind the "Dan Kuroto" in her eyes, one phantom after another manifested, whose mere existence was enough to make one forget their breathing out of fear. And a golden light flashed across "Dan Kuroto"'s chest.

Although Vampire Fraulein belonged to the quite rare self-awakened Card Spirits in this world, what she was facing was not a Monster, but Kami!

Obelisk and Osiris, led by Ra, extended a portion of their power from the Card Box on Hayato's body. Although it didn't affect reality in the slightest, in Vampire Fraulein's perception, it was as if the sky and earth instantly turned dark.

"The Dark Game's Rules changed?! No, that's not right! It's actually obeying you!?" Feeling the power that seemed as if it would crush her, Vampire Fraulein finally came to know what it was on "Dan Kuroto" that had been continuously attracting her before.

She had thought it was warm flames and eagerly flocked to it, but the result was actually a sun so vast it couldn't be ignored!

After her Awakening, although Vampire Fraulein had controlled Tila Muku to activate the Dark Game more than once, it wasn't for meaningless slaughter for fun. Instead, she carefully sought targets that could provide the greatest value without posing a threat to herself or the target. It was just that this time, she had targeted Hayato.

At this moment, she completely lacked the idea of taking Hayato's power for her own growth. All she had was pure fear, and the survival instinct born of unwillingness to lose her freedom just like this: "No, don't do that! I don't want to become a mindless tool again!"

"I am a Card Spirit residing within Duel Monsters. I am willing to become your power, and I absolutely will not bring up the idea of controlling you like I controlled this woman!"

"I can help you set up Dark Games, and then plunder life force from others to keep you eternally young!"

"Please, spare me!"

Hayato remained silent, not answering. He just coldly watched Vampire Fraulein, who was continuously demeaning her own dignity, desperately listing her advantages and what she could do, like a fisherman trying to sell his catch before it became stale and worthless.

However, although Hayato did not answer, other existences besides him did.

"What a shameless declaration!"

"It's just like willingly becoming a lapdog!"

"You actually want to become Aniki's dog!"

"That's too undignified!"

"You actually want to steal our position too!"

Hearing that Vampire Fraulein actually wanted to become Hayato's dog, the most excited ones were surprisingly the Ojama Brothers. Led by Ojama Yellow, the Ojama family jumped out. Having taken on the definition of "Hayato's lapdogs" since who knows when, they glared angrily at Vampire Fraulein, who wanted to surrender.

If other powerful Card Spirits were subdued by Hayato, they wouldn't be so excited. The main reason was that Vampire Fraulein was actually their peer, and between peers, there was fierce rivalry.

"Yakama shi!"

Although she appeared quite tough and numerous when she appeared, Vampire Fraulein just shouted slightly louder and bared her teeth, glaring with scarlet eyes. The Ojama family, this bunch of useless cards, unexpectedly chose to retreat, cling to Hayato's leg, and complain, hiding behind him and acting tough by association.

Looking at the Ojama family, who were like small fry, Vampire Fraulein was surprised that Hayato actually had Card Spirits too, but she didn't pay any attention to this bunch of useless cards with 0 ATK. Instead, she accepted the "being a dog" declaration: "Being the Master's dog is the greatest honor!"

But as soon as she finished speaking, the Card Spirits that appeared immediately after the Ojama family made Vampire Fraulein's expression somewhat sluggish.

Rainbow Kuriboh(trasnlter:idont know when he becuam strong monster ), Performapal Sky Magician, Gaia the Fierce Knight... One powerful Monster after another appeared, making Vampire Fraulein suddenly know something.

She had thought she could capitalize on being a rare Card Spirit and negotiate her price, but this person in front of her actually had such a large quantity of Card Spirits by his side, from weak normal monsters to powerful magicians, from small animals with various abilities to resolute warriors.

Her opponent fundamentally didn't lack a Card Spirit like her.

"Just what kind of person are you?"

Hayato raised his hand and gave a light finger snap, watching Vampire Fraulein be completely crushed by the Dark Game's Rules: "Just a Passing Duelist. Remember that."

(End of Chapter)

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