Chapter 451: Weevil, Living in Memories
Rewinding time to before Kaiba's duel with Zigfried.
Looking at the card Rafael held out, Yugi's pupils constricted. He said in surprise, "That card is—!"
"Uria, Lord of Searing Flames. I believe you've dueled against the duelist who once held this card, haven't you, Mutou Yuugi?"
Rafael looked at the Uria, Lord of Searing Flames card in his hand. "Because it has the special ability to absorb life force, Uria, Lord of Searing Flames seems to be known as one of the 'Sacred Beasts' alongside two other cards held by Duel King Hayato Kobayashi."
"Although not comparable to the great power held by the Three Egyptian Gods, the Sacred Beasts are also significant. So, as part of a deal with someone, we set up an encirclement centered around this card, which is the Domain encompassing the entire Kaiba Dome."
Hearing this, Joey Wheeler looked at Yugi in surprise. "Hey Yugi, is what that guy is saying true or false? Are there really other super powerful cards besides the Three Egyptian Gods?"
"Hayato's Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca isn't that a good example?" Dark Yugi frowned. "What this guy is saying isn't false. Back during the stage of collecting Puzzle Cards in Battle City, the first opponent I encountered was the person who held that Uria, Lord of Searing Flames. And you know that person too, it's 'Insect' Weevil."
"Weevil? That Insect Bastard!" Joey Wheeler's fists clenched tightly when he heard Weevil's name. He recalled the events from Duelist Kingdom, specifically what happened on the Cruise Ship heading to Duelist Kingdom.
That guy Weevil used Outside-the-Duel Tactics to try and throw Exodia the Forbidden One, which Grandpa Solomon had given to Yugi, into the sea, in order to reduce the number of duelists who were a threat to him.
Although Hayato had prepared in advance and found someone to catch the card with a net, due to a moment of carelessness, Joey Wheeler, who was restraining Weevil, was bitten by Weevil. In pain, he let go, and Weevil seized the opportunity to forcibly eat the most key card, Exodia the Forbidden One, causing Exodia to no longer be complete.
Feeling that this was due to his own carelessness, Joey Wheeler still remembers this matter even today because of his self-blame.
Although at the opening of Duelist Kingdom, that bastard Weevil was stripped of his qualification as a duelist by Hayato using Duel Monsters in front of all the Duelist Kingdom Participants at the time, and incidentally even erased his identity as a duelist and took away his Duel Chips and Deck, Joey Wheeler felt that even this level of punishment was too light for that bastard.
Having his temper provoked, Joey Wheeler said angrily, "Wasn't that bastard Weevil already stripped of his qualification as a duelist by Hayato in front of all the Duelist Kingdom Participants at the time? He could actually still get a Duel Disk and participate? That's too much! He better not let me run into him, otherwise I'll definitely teach him a lesson."
While speaking, Joey Wheeler clearly also forgot that he himself actually didn't have the qualification to participate in Battle City either, and only managed to get a Duel Disk with difficulty thanks to Manjoume Shouji's luck.
Listening to Joey Wheeler's words, Yugi hesitated for a moment and said, "Um, Joey Wheeler, I'm afraid you can't do that anymore..."
Looking solemnly at the Uria, Lord of Searing Flames in Rafael's hand, Yugi continued, "The previous person who used Uria, Lord of Searing Flames, Weevil, had already died at the same time he lost the duel."
"Specifically, he died from having his soul devoured by Uria, Lord of Searing Flames. This kind of card filled with evil energy isn't something just anyone can control. Using it isn't without stakes," Rafael added.
Joey Wheeler looked surprised. "So this is true? That card could actually really do things like absorb life force and devour souls!?"
Suddenly, Joey Wheeler's expression changed, and he said nervously, "Wait a minute, if I'm not hearing things or my memory isn't mistaken, didn't you just say that you used that Uria, Lord of Searing Flames to set up some kind of Domain?!"
"Could it be, the effect of that Domain—!!"
Under Yugi and Joey Wheeler's gaze, Rafael nodded. "Uria, Lord of Searing Flames can absorb the life force of Duel Monsters and human souls, and the Domain acts as an amplifier to spread this effect. However, out of personal preference, the Domain after I modified it won't have much impact on Duel Monsters, but it will continuously absorb everyone's fighting spirit and life force."
"Although in the short term, it will only make people feel listless and weak all over, if it lasts for a long time, endangering some people's lives isn't impossible," Rafael gazed into Yugi's eyes. "Therefore, if you want to break this Domain, you have to act faster, Nameless Pharaoh."
"Win against me in a duel and take Uria, Lord of Searing Flames, and then put this card back into the Domain located beneath this venue, and you can dispel the Domain."
Yugi looked at Rafael, who had a calm expression, his heart full of doubt. "You shouldn't be on my side, right? Why are you telling us so much?"
"Exactly! And we also don't know whether what you're saying is true or false."
Ignoring Joey Wheeler, who was standing beside Yugi, Rafael said calmly, "Whether you believe it or not, that depends on you, Nameless Pharaoh. But, regardless of whether what I say is true or false, after seeing that I possess Uria, Lord of Searing Flames, you won't refuse to duel me, right?"
Answering Rafael was Yugi, who took out his Deck. Inserting his Deck into his Duel Disk, the arm blade-like Duel Disk closed. Raising his arm, Yugi pointed towards Rafael from a distance. "Rafael, just as you said, I don't trust you, nor can I confirm whether what you said is truly real."
"Bringing Uria, Lord of Searing Flames back to the underground Domain might be possible to dispel the Domain, but it's also possible to step into the trap you've set. Nothing is certain."
"But there's one thing you said that's not wrong, and that is I won't refuse to duel you."
"Not just because Uria, Lord of Searing Flames is a possible key card, but also because that card with evil power must be recycled."
While speaking, a confident smile appeared on Yugi's lips. "What's more, we still have a duel from before that wasn't finished."
Not long before today, Yugi had faced off against Rafael under Kaiba's arrangement. However, after both sides only probed a little and before they could even start getting serious, Rafael voluntarily surrendered and ended the duel.
That unfinished duel is restarted at this moment.
"Duel!" x2
[Rafael: 4000 LP]
[Yugi: 4000 LP]
"I'll take the first turn, draw a card!" Yugi drew a card from his Deck, but didn't rush to make his play. Instead, he frowned, looking at Rafael, who had drawn five cards into his Hand and was waiting for Yugi to make his move.
In order to obtain the Uria, Lord of Searing Flames that Rafael possessed and test if his method for breaking the Domain was real, Yugi had started a Duel with him. However, Yugi, who had inserted his Deck into his Duel Disk beforehand and was waiting for Rafael, noticed that Rafael hadn't put the Uria, Lord of Searing Flames he had taken out earlier into his Deck before inserting it into his Duel Disk.
Despite having a card like Uria, Lord of Searing Flames, which, although evil, was undeniably powerful, he wasn't using it. Yugi couldn't figure out Rafael's reasoning.
Although Yugi couldn't see through Rafael, Rafael, conversely, saw through Yugi's thoughts at that moment: "Are you wondering why I'm not using Uria, Lord of Searing Flames, Nameless Pharaoh?"
"Ah, yes. Not using a powerful card makes me a little suspicious," Yugi didn't shy away, directly admitting that his thoughts were indeed as Rafael had said.
If he hadn't faced Uria, Lord of Searing Flames directly before, and if he hadn't felt a similar aura from the card Rafael had taken out, Yugi would have even suspected that Rafael was trying to fool him with a fake card.
Rafael thought for a moment and said, "The reason I'm not using it is probably compatibility. I don't like the Uria, Lord of Searing Flames card, and even if I forced it into my Deck, it would only hinder me."
"It's not because of the monster effect or other factors hindering me, but because of a monster like Uria, Lord of Searing Flames. Both I and my cards dislike it. It's purely for this reason."
Listening to Rafael's words, Yugi was slightly taken aback: "You and your monsters?"
Yugi Mutou within the Millennium Puzzle reminded him: "The Other Me, look over there."
Both Yugis' gazes turned towards Rafael's side. Although from the perspective of others, there was nothing but empty space there, Yugi Mutou and Dark Yugi, who had the ability to see Duel Monsters, clearly saw a semi-transparent phantom floating beside Rafael.
However, they only caught a glimpse of the phantom. As if sensing Yugi's gaze, the phantom promptly retreated into nothingness, leaving only the quickly fading head of a bird and a pair of pure white wings in the two Yugis' sight.
"Was that... a Duel Monster's Card Spirit just now?" Yugi Mutou within the Millennium Puzzle said with some uncertainty.
Compared to Dark Yugi, he had noticed the phantom beside Rafael earlier. However, he had only noticed that the phantom had a bird's head, which was more than Dark Yugi, who only saw the disappearing wings.
"It looks like it might be a Winged Beast-Type Monster?"
"It could also be a Fairy-Type Monster."
The two Yugis exchanged their views in their minds, but after hearing Yugi Mutou's words, Dark Yugi glanced at the expressionless Rafael and shook his head: "Although I don't know what organization Rafael belongs to or what position he holds within it, having committed crimes that affected so many innocent people, how could his Card Spirit be a Fairy-Type Monster?"
Although there was no evidence, in Yugi's understanding, the type of a Duelist's Card Spirit was often closely related to the Duelist's personality. Yugi guessed that it was likely because the card that awakened the Card Spirit was often the one the Duelist liked to use the most, and what kind of person would naturally use what kind of card.
The two Yugis had a total of three Card Spirits: Dark Magician, Dark Magician Girl, and Kuriboh, which were Spellcaster-Type and Fiend-Type respectively.
The former two corresponded to Dark Yugi, who had extremely strong adaptability and active thinking, while the latter represented Yugi Mutou, probably because Yugi Mutou's Deck contained many Trap Cards.
The arrogant Kaiba used the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, known for its power and standing at the apex. Furthermore, Yugi often saw a blurry phantom accompanying Kaiba, although Kaiba himself never noticed it—even if he did, believing in science, Kaiba would only think it was a phantom caused by being too tired.
As for Hayato, the number of Card Spirits around him could only be described as a tragedy: Gaia of the Warrior-Type, Winged Kuriboh of the Fairy-Type, Rainbow Kuriboh of the Fiend-Type, Cyber Dragon of the Machine-Type, Sky Magician of the Spellcaster-Type, the Ojama Brothers of the Beast-Type, and a variety of Performapals.
However, according to what Yugi learned from Hayato, Hayato's earliest awakened Card Spirit was actually Ojama Trio, followed by Rainbow Kuriboh and Gaia. But it was precisely because Hayato's earliest awakening was Ojama Trio that Yugi felt his idea was correct.
Ojama Trio is not a collective term for the three Ojama Brothers; it's a Trap Card Hayato possesses. While others have also awakened Duel Monster Card Spirits, everyone else's were Monster Cards. Only you, Hayato, incredibly awakened a Card Monster from a Trap Card.
You're something else, Hayato.
Pulling his scattered thoughts back, Yugi looked seriously at Rafael.
"Although you've awakened a Card Spirit of an unknown type, I won't acknowledge you as a True Duelist because of it. The crimes you've committed are too numerous to count," Yugi said, drawing a card from his Hand. "The ones who will judge you are me and my monsters!"
"I activate the Continuous Spell Card, Magician's Salvation! When this card is activated, I can search my Deck for one Eternal Soul and Set it in my Spell & Trap Zone!" Yugi searched his Deck for a card and Set it. Revealing a card from his Hand, Yugi said, "Next, I activate the Ritual Spell Card, Chaos Ritual!"
"I Tribute the Level 6 Dark Magician Girl and the Level 1 AD Changer from my Hand! Their combined levels are 7! I give the ultimate Spellcaster the chaos power of light and dark!"
After sending the two cards from his Hand to the Graveyard, Yugi summoned a Ritual Monster from his Hand to the Field,
"Supreme Mage, inscribed with Chaos, this moment is the ultimate moment!"
"Ritual Summon! Chaos Magician!"
## Chapter 453: Sakuretsu Armor: Used to It
"Ritual Summon, **[Magician of Black Chaos]**!"
Ritual Summon, although it never got its own anime even as Duel Monsters evolved through several eras, is still one of the Special Summon methods, and activating it is quite impressive.
As Yugi sent **[Dark Magician Girl]** and **[A/D Changer]** from his Hand to the Graveyard, providing enough energy to fill the Altar that appeared in Yugi's Spell/Trap Zone, the environment around Rafael and Yugi suddenly darkened, as if the indoor lights had been turned off.
"Whoa, it got dark!!"
Joey Wheeler , ever the lively character, didn't disturb Yugi and Rafael, who were focused on the Duel. As the Ritual Summon Altar shattered, **[Dark Magician]**, having gained Chaos Power, appeared on Yugi's Field in a new robe.
[Magician of Black Chaos] [Level 7/Dark]
[Spellcaster Type/Ritual/Effect]
[2500/2100]
Compared to the previous flashy purple robe, **[Magician of Black Chaos]'s** new robe was adorned with many dark red stripes, and surging magical power flowed within these circuit-like patterns.
**[Magician of Black Chaos]** is a new form of **[Dark Magician]** after mastering Chaos Power. As long as it exists on the Field or in the Graveyard, **[Magician of Black Chaos]'s** card name can be treated as **[Dark Magician]."** Yugi showed a triumphant smile. "When I Special Summon **[Dark Magician]** or **[Dark Magician Girl]**, I can use the effect of my Continuous Spell Card **[Magician's Rescue]** on my Spell/Trap Zone."
"Targeting **[Magician of Black Chaos]**, I Special Summon **[Dark Magician Girl]** from my Graveyard, whose card name is different from it!"
[Magician of Black Chaos] lightly tapped the ground with the staff held beside him, and a magic circle instantly formed. **[Dark Magician Girl]**, who had been Tributed for the Ritual Summon earlier, playfully leaped out of the magic circle.
[Dark Magician Girl] [ATK 2000]
"Summoning two high-level Spellcaster-Type monsters in a single turn, you truly are Mutou Yuugi." Rafael watched **[Dark Magician Girl]**, who had appeared on Yugi's Field and was circling [Magician of Black Chaos], examining his new clothes. "However, this level is still far from defeating me and taking **[Uria, Lord of Searing Flames]**."
Yugi's lips curved into a smirk. "Before you say things that underestimate my monster, you should think about how to block my attack, Rafael."
"[Magician of Black Chaos], having mastered Chaos Power, isn't just for show. Don't get burned by my sharp blade."
"My turn ends."
[Yugi: 4000 LP, Hand 1]
[Magician of Black Chaos] [ATK 2500]
[Dark Magician Girl] [ATK 2000]
[Set Card (Eternal Soul)], [Magician's Rescue]
An ordinary duelist would often have to go all out to summon a monster with 2400 ATK on the first turn (referencing Joey Wheeler Tributing five cards to Summon **[Red-Eyes Black Dragon]**). Yet, Yugi not only summoned two high-level Spellcaster-Type monsters on the first turn but also had the capacity to set cards in his Spell/Trap Zone.
However, seeing this, Rafael showed no pressure. The expression on his face remained unchanged, as if all of Yugi's moves so far were within his calculations.
"My turn, draw."
After drawing a card, Rafael played a card that Yugi didn't expect. "I activate the Equip Spell Card **[Goddess's Holy Sword - Eashu]**. This card's effect increases the equipped monster's ATK by 500 points. Then, I will equip this card to **[Magician of Black Chaos]** on your Field, Nameless Pharaoh."
"What?" Yugi looked confused and puzzled. "An Equip Spell Card that increases ATK, equipped to my monster?"
Rafael inserted a card into the Spell & Trap Zone. With a loud hawk's cry, **[Magician of Black Chaos]** on Yugi's Field gained a long sword in his hand. It looked majestic and clearly wasn't an ordinary weapon.
[Magician of Black Chaos] [ATK 2500 → 3000]
"It actually increased [Magician of Black Chaos]'s ATK?"
After exchanging glances with [Magician of Black Chaos], Yugi became even more confused. After being equipped with [Goddess's Holy Sword - Eashu], **[Magician of Black Chaos]** could feel his ATK had indeed increased, unlike certain cards that increase ATK temporarily but cause a continuous loss of ATK afterward.
Furthermore, **[Goddess's Holy Sword - Eashu]** was indeed a "Holy Sword." This didn't refer to its Attribute, but rather that it had no hidden negative effects, such as armor that looks like it protects the wearer but turns into tentacles when worn. **[Goddess's Holy Sword - Eashu]** had no impact on [Magician of Black Chaos]'s own power.
Yugi had seen various equip cards, such as Hayato's **[Rainbow Kuriboh]** which prevents the opponent's monster from attacking, Pegasus's **[Relinquished]** which can equip monster cards and increase ATK, and Yugi Mutou's **[Dark Ruler Ha Des]** which can revive as an equip card to decrease the opponent's ATK.
However, this usage by Rafael, increasing the opponent's monster's ATK, was the first time Yugi had seen it.
And Rafael's moves continued. "Next, I Normal Summon **[Backup Gardna]** in face-up Defense Position on my Field."
A large monster with a ferocious ogre-like appearance and blue skin appeared on Rafael's Field. Although it looked tall and imposing, **[Backup Gardna]** was not skilled in attack but was better at defense. Kneeling on one knee and half-crouching on the Field, **[Backup Gardna]** resolutely maintained its Defense Position.
[Backup Gardna] [Level 4/Dark]
[Warrior Type/Effect]
[500/2200]
"A Level 4 monster, yet it has a DEF as high as 2200 points? But, it's still no match for my [Magician of Black Chaos]," Yugi commented, and Rafael didn't refute anything, simply drawing three cards from his Hand and setting them on his Field.
"I set three cards from my Hand. My turn ends here." Looking up at Yugi, Rafael calmly stated, "My defense is complete. If you can do it, fulfill what you just said and break through my monster, Nameless Pharaoh."
"However, I will also use everything to stop you."
[Rafael: 4000 LP, Hand 1]
[Backup Gardna] [DEF 2200]
[Goddess's Holy Sword - Eashu], [Set Card] x3
Joey Wheeler , watching from the side, was dismissive. "So it's only this level, huh? I thought you were some strong duelist before, but it's just this level."
"Heh heh, an opponent like you, it'll only take Yugi a few turns to defeat you."
Responding to Joey Wheeler 's words, Yugi also drew a card. "My turn, draw!"
Glancing at the drawn card, Yugi, meeting Rafael's gaze, said with a serious expression, "Normally, I might enjoy the fun of Duel Monsters, but the time I have left isn't ample."
"So, I'm going to start my offensive now, Rafael!"
As he spoke, Yugi waved his hand forward. "Entering my Battle Phase, I'll first use [Magician of Black Chaos] to attack [Backup Gardna] in Defense Position on your Field! Chaos Magician!!"
Although Yugi still called out [Magician of Black Chaos]'s Attack Name from when he was a mage, [Magician of Black Chaos], upon receiving the attack command, first looked at [Goddess's Holy Sword - Eashu] in his hand, then looked at the staff floating beside him, and decisively chose to use the long sword.
Is it only magic when cast with a staff? How could magic be so inconvenient?
With a finger snap, [Magician of Black Chaos] casually condensed a large magic orb. However, instead of throwing it out for a ranged attack like a proper mage, he arrogantly gripped the magic orb, swiped it over [Goddess's Holy Sword - Eashu] with his palm, enchanting the long sword with magic, and charged out dragging the sword.
In just an instant, [Magician of Black Chaos], a "mage" with a melee class, arrived before the crouching [Backup Gardna]. Chanting a spell, he performed a jumping slash:
"Swear here, I will not allow anything I cannot cut through to exist!"
Although he was an Egyptian mage, [Magician of Black Chaos] chanted Celtic sorcery, slashing out fiercely with his sword, vowing to cut down [Backup Gardna] in Defense Position.
But as he swung the long sword, [Magician of Black Chaos]'s brow furrowed, because he felt something was off about the feeling of his swing. It seemed that before hitting [Backup Gardna], the sword had cut something in mid-air.
[Magician of Black Chaos], whose 3000 ATK was enough for Mutual Destruction with **[Blue-Eyes White Dragon]**, attacking [Backup Gardna] with 2200 DEF, should have resulted in [Backup Gardna] being directly destroyed by [Magician of Black Chaos]. But under the surprised gaze of Yugi and Joey Wheeler ,
"After a moment of silence, Rafael shook his head.
"Is that so? You don't want to talk about your past?" Yugi noticed the look of reminiscence in Rafael's eyes. "Then, I continue my turn."
"Although Dark Magician Girl's ATK is lower than Backup Gardna's DEF, because of the effect of Curse of Fiend you just activated, I will activate this card from my Hand!"
Saying this, Yugi drew a card from his Hand. "Quick-Play Spell, Forbidden Dress!"
As Yugi inserted the card into the Spell & Trap Zone, a white holy robe appeared on Dark Magician Girl on his Field.
The card Forbidden Dress itself has the ability to "decrease a monster's ATK by 600 points, make the monster unaffected by Spell/Trap effects and also prevent it from being destroyed by effects." But the Forbidden Dress appearing on Dark Magician Girl at this moment not only didn't become a burden for her magic, but instead boosted Dark Magician Girl's power with its own sacred aura!
[Dark Magician Girl: ATK 2000 → 2600]
Rafael wasn't confused by this, only impressed by Yugi's adaptability. "Because I used the effect of Curse of Fiend to turn Goddess Bow's ATK-increasing effect into an ATK-decreasing effect, are you now conversely utilizing the Curse of Fiend I used to increase your own monster's ATK?"
"That's right. The original ATK increase reversed to decrease, so the ATK-decreasing effect will therefore also reverse to increase ATK. A True Duelist is someone who can even utilize the restrictions created by their opponent," Yugi replied with a smile, waving his hand forward. "After the ATK increase, Dark Magician Girl's ATK has already surpassed Backup Gardna. Go attack, Dark Magician Girl!"
"Dark Magic Attack!"
Magic power gathered in Dark Magician Girl's hand, forming a purple sphere. Like a meteor falling from the sky, it heavily smashed down from above Backup Gardna's head. And this time, Backup Gardna couldn't make any effective counter, and was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard.
However, because it was in Defense Position, Backup Gardna being destroyed did not cause Rafael any damage.
And just then, Rafael activated the last card in his Spell/Trap Zone. "Don't think you can destroy my monster like this, Nameless Pharaoh. I said, I won't let you destroy my monster!"
"I Flip my Set Card, Time Machine! This card can only be activated when both players have a monster destroyed. Special Summon that destroyed monster on its controller's Field in the same position!" Rafael Summoned the Backup Gardna that was just Sent to Graveyard again. "Revive, Backup Gardna!"
[Backup Gardna: DEF 2200]
Yugi looked at the Backup Gardna revived on Rafael's Field, not quite understanding why Rafael would spend so much effort on a lower-Level monster.
It's not that Yugi looks down on lower-Level monsters; there are many low-Level monsters that have powerful effects, and Yugi himself also really likes to use lower-Level monsters. But, the act of spending a lot of resources to protect one monster made him unable to understand.
It's almost like that monster is his important partner, so he doesn't want it to be destroyed no matter what.
Thinking of this, Yugi's eyebrows couldn't help but raise, because if he tried putting himself in their shoes by substituting the monsters on his Field with Hayato, Téa , and the others, he might also make the same play as Rafael.
However, that kind of premise would have to be a Dark Game. For example, if a monster hosting the soul of his partner was in the Graveyard, it would be hunted by the Reaper (Reaper's Hunt) or something similar. Only with such conditions forcing Yugi would he likely make the same choice as Rafael.
But, although Uria, Lord of Searing Flames was wagered in this duel, this duel between Yugi and Rafael was just a simple duel. Rafael's play seemed quite confusing to Yugi.
"Enter my Main Phase 2." Unable to figure it out for a moment, Yugi temporarily pushed the confusion to the back of his mind. "I activate the Spell Card in my Hand, Graceful Charity. This card allows both players to replenish their hands until they have six cards."
"Because my last card in hand was Graceful Charity, so I can draw six cards."
"Then, I can draw five cards." Seeing Yugi draw cards extensively, Rafael also revealed one of his cards in hand, and drew five cards from his Deck.
After Yugi drew six cards into his hand, he drew two cards from them. "Because of Cotton Ball's effect, if it is added to my hand by a card effect, I can Special Summon it directly to the Field. Then, since I haven't performed a Normal Summon this turn, I Normal Summon Magical Merchant in Attack Position."
Beside Chaos Magician and Dark Magician Girl, the soft and fluffy Cotton Ball and the jester-dressed magician, Magical Merchant, appeared on the Field. And as soon as they manifested, Magical Merchant smirkingly formed a spell seal, and a magic circle spread out from under his feet, surrounding itself and the panicked Cotton Ball beside it.
"Magical Merchant's effect is while it exists in face-up position on the Field, I can Tribute Summon one Spellcaster-Type monster in face-up Attack Position during the Main Phase, in addition to my Normal Summon. And the monster I will summon is this one."
Along with the explanation, Yugi held the card in his hand high. And the Magical Merchant and Cotton Ball on his Field, after only a few seconds of appearing, turned into particles and dispersed, leaving the Field.
And looking at the card in Yugi's hand, Rafael's gaze narrowed. "That card is... Is it coming? Nameless Pharaoh's ace monster!"
"My most loyal servant, and the strongest magician among Duel Monsters, appear by my side!" Yugi slammed the card in his hand onto the Duel Disk. "Tribute Summoning with Magical Merchant and Cotton Ball as Tribute, Dark Magician!"
"Alright! It's Yugi's ace card, Dark Magician!"
"He's here! The second Master!"
Accompanied by the cheering of Joey Wheeler and Dark Magician Girl, the particles from Cotton Ball and Magical Merchant leaving the Field gathered into a magic circle, and Dark Magician's figure manifested from it, coolly swung the staff in his hand and struck a cool pose.
However, after seeing Chaos Magician who appeared earlier, Dark Magician almost dropped his staff while swinging it, especially noticing that he, who had changed into a new set of clothes, was actually still holding a pair of long swords.
Dark Magician, who also has a heart for close combat, in short, was just jealous in various ways.
[Dark Magician: ATK 2500]
"As a standalone magician, Dark Magician's ATK is the top-tier 2500 points. But, now that the Battle Phase has passed, even if you summon Dark Magician, it cannot attack."
Rafael did not lose his composure because of Dark Magician's appearance. Keeping a straight face and showing no emotion, neither Yugi nor Joey Wheeler could see through his thoughts.
"Ah, I know that too." Yugi nodded.
Theoretically speaking, if you want to maximize the battle results within this turn, activating Graceful Charity during Main Phase 1 seems like the most suitable choice. After all, if Dark Magician, who just appeared now, were moved to Main Phase 1, there would be one more monster that could be used for attack during the Battle Phase, at least Backup Gardna could be destroyed.
But, if Rafael's three cards in the Spell/Trap Zone aren't cleared, Yugi wouldn't activate Graceful Charity. Yugi had already suffered a loss in this aspect when he faced Rafael in the previous KC Cup.
At that time, Yugi, who didn't get the first turn, looked at Rafael's three cards in the Spell/Trap Zone. After one field setup without dealing with the Set Cards, he rashly chose to activate Graceful Charity. As a result, all his hand cards were banished by Rafael's Card Destruction, and also took 1400 damage points because of the Spirit Swordsman of Tippani he drew.
1400 damage points is not a light injury. Moreover, the card used to replenish his hand became ineffective, and also replenished the opponent's hand to 6 cards. Six of his own cards were banished. This led to Yugi's next few turns in that duel being quite difficult.
It was precisely to guard against this and not want to suffer a loss again, Yugi held onto Graceful Charity tightly and refused to activate it. Even the card that Chaos Magician actively destroyed was a Set Card in Rafael's Spell/Trap Zone instead of directly destroying Backup Gardna. Only after all the cards in Rafael's Spell/Trap Zone were used did Yugi activate Graceful Charity.
Looking at Rafael, Yugi suddenly had a strange feeling. There seems like a very wonderful aura about him. That kind of aura Yugi had only felt on a very few people.
Yugi always felt, Rafael seems like a True Duelist. But, Rafael, who is doing things that hurt others, is he really the kind of Duelist Yugi thought? Yugi couldn't make a judgment.
"If Magical Merchant is sent to the Graveyard from the Field, add to my hand one Spellcaster-Type Normal Monster from my Deck or Graveyard. I select another Dark Magician from my Deck."
Sizing up Rafael with a scrutinizing gaze, Yugi searched a card from his Deck and added to his hand. Pondering for a moment, Yugi drew two cards, and hesitantly said to Rafael: "Although I'm not sure if it's my illusion, but Rafael, I can feel, you seem like a True Duelist."
"Despite not having a complete duel with you, despite always feeling you are avoiding dueling me with your full power, but I can still perceive the resonance happening between your duelist spirit and mine."
Listening to Yugi's words, Rafael couldn't help but meet his gaze. "Nameless Pharaoh..."
"Rafael, you have a truly existing duelist's dignity. I believe in my intuition, and I also believe that with such noble self-esteem, you have no reason to hurt others." Setting two cards, Yugi firmly said, "I Set two cards and end my turn."
"Then, please, Rafael, let me see your duelist's glory."
[Yugi: 3800 LP, Hand 2]
[Chaos Magician (Goddess Bow): ATK 2000 → 3000]
[Dark Magician Girl: ATK 2600 → 2000]
[Dark Magician: ATK 2500]
[Set Card (Eternal Soul)] [Magician's Restage] [Set Cards] X2
"My duelist's dignity..." Rafael's gaze showed a moment of confusion, seems like he recalled some past, but feeling the weight of the green gem pendant on his chest, Rafael reached out and touched the pendant, his gaze became firm again.
"I'm sorry, Nameless Pharaoh, so-called duelist's dignity, if it is to achieve That Individual's goal, I don't have such a thing."
"My turn, Draw!" Looking at the card he drew, Rafael said coldly, "Nameless Pharaoh, do you know why before I didn't activate Sakuretsu Armor to destroy your Chaos Magician?"
"The answer is, I will use the Goddess Bow equipped to Chaos Magician as a springboard, summon the ace card in my Deck!"
—————————Scene Transitioning—————————
The duel between Yugi and Rafael is still ongoing, and at the same time, the domain surrounding the entire Kaiba Dome Venue is still operating.
Although the KC Cup is hosted by KaibaCorp, and Industrial Illusions is cooperating in hosting it, but compared to the fun-loving Pegasus, and Kaiba, whose main purpose is simply dueling, the one who least wants any accident to happen at the KC Cup venue is actually the State Government. The Governor is counting on this performance to get votes for his political career afterwards.
Therefore, after learning about the large-scale audience mass fainting incident at the KC Cup venue from the broadcast TV channel, because the early promotion had already made it impossible to separate himself from the KC Cup, the Governor immediately ordered people to handle this matter.
However, the famous American system speed, even if the Governor ordered, it couldn't speed up much.
"Damn it!" Angrily put down his mobile phone, Tristan said annoyedly, "This is already the third phone call. 911 over there fundamentally only uses boilerplate language to prevaricate, saying things like 'Still arranging work'. Too bureaucratic!"
Beside Tristan , Marik also ranted: "You can say it's very American system. Even 911, which is responsible for life-saving work, is playing the same game as the officials above."
Leaning back in the chair, compared to Téa and the other people, although Marik was also very weak, but at least he still had the strength to move and didn't directly faint. Looking at Tristan who hung up the phone, Marik was quite confused: "Strange, why can't other people's phones make calls? But you can make calls normally?"
"Probably because someone destroyed the surrounding Signal Towers. Mine is a satellite phone." Big Spender Tristan shrugged. "Don't know about Yugi's side..."
"Bang!"
A gunshot interrupted Tristan 's words. Everyone's line of sight collectively turned towards the direction the sound came from. Only to see in a Safety Passage not far from them, a man in black clothes walked out while wiping the bloodstains on his sunglasses that obscured his line of sight, beside him followed a Machine monster whose appearance was like a canine but whose head was a revolver—Blowback Dragon.
And after the man in black walked out of the Passage Entrance, he scanned left and right, quickly noticed Tristan 's side.
Chapter 455: Marik, Grand Revive!
"Duel Monsters, materialized?!"
Honda had a disbelieving expression as he looked at the **Blowback Dragon** that appeared beside the Staff. "And it's not Kaiba's Virtual Projection System, it actually has substance!?"
Although there was some distance, Tristan could clearly see the marks where the **Blowback Dragon's** claws had scratched the backs of the chairs as it clambered over rows of seats beside the Staff.
While Tristan had seen his fair share of bizarre actions from Duelists during Duels, like shouting loudly after taking high Damage or being sent flying by a powerful Attack, these could still be explained by Kaiba's Virtual Projection System.
The Virtual Projection System designed by Kaiba could convert the two-dimensional Duel Monsters that originally only existed on Cards into three-dimensional Projections. Furthermore, through Black Technology means, it could restore effects like Airflow and storms that appear during Monster Battles to increase immersion and a sense of presence. However, the drawback was that this function required two or more Duel Disks to be connected.
But how did that guy running towards them manage to activate the Virtual Projection System, and even give the Duel Monsters further substance, when he had his Duel Disk out but no other Duel Disk connected!?
Kujaku Mai naturally also saw the Staff running over. Although she didn't know the opponent's specific Identity and Goal, judging by the Bloodstain still on his suit, he was definitely not a benevolent person. Forcing herself to maintain composure, Kujaku Mai looked at the only person among them who had once possessed Mysterious Power—Marik, who was sitting in a chair deep in thought.
"What should we do in this situation, Malik Ishtar!" Kujaku Mai shielded Téa and Rebecca with her Body and asked, "Hurry up and think of something, that guy is coming over!"
Marik frowned, looking at the Staff approaching them, or more precisely, looking at the **Blowback Dragon** beside him. A hint of disdain appeared in his eyes. Gathering strength, he said to Kujaku Mai, "Draw a Card and Summon a Monster, shouldn't that be your instinct as a Duelist?"
Kujaku Mai was startled at first, then said discontentedly, "What kind of time is this? That kind of thing—"
Noticing that the Staff was getting closer and closer, now less than eight meters away, Kujaku Mai gritted her teeth and deployed her Duel Disk. "I'll trust you this time!"
"Draw!"
"Then, Summon **Harpie Lady Sisters**!"
She casually drew a Card from her Deck and happened to Draw **Harpie Lady Sisters**. But as Kujaku Mai placed the Card on her Duel Disk, she didn't see the **Harpie Lady Sisters** Manifest in front of her as they would in a Duel.
In contrast, the Staff was quite close now, only less than eight meters away.
"It's completely useless!" Seeing that nothing happened after Kujaku Mai performed the Operation as Marik said, Tristan was somewhat anxiously about to rush forward.
Although he didn't have much confidence in interrupting the seemingly powerful **Blowback Dragon** with melee combat, Tristan didn't want girls shielding him.
Joey Wheeler and Yugi had said when they left that Kujaku Mai and Téa were entrusted to his protection. If anyone wanted to harm them, then—
Just as Tristan had already prepared himself for Sacrifice and was about to step forward, he was pulled back by Marik, who had already anticipated his thoughts.
Turning his head, Tristan only saw Marik with an expression of "Just as I thought" on his face. Before he could say anything, Tristan heard a Hawk Cry from above.
"Chirp!"
Accompanied by this strange Hawk Cry, a gust of Gale suddenly swept over Tristan 's head. A Monster with a human face and Hawk Body swooped down from high in the sky and accurately kicked the Staff in the body, sending him flying.
The **Blowback Dragon** beside the Staff didn't have time to react at all. By the time it realized its Controller had been sent flying, just as it was about to Counterattack, it found that two more figures had attacked while it couldn't react.
"Tuck!"
"Wash!"
"Boom!"
The **Blowback Dragon** was instantly destroyed under the pincer Attack. Accompanied by the Airflow from the **Blowback Dragon's** Explosion, Tristan and the others stared blankly at the three Monsters that landed in front of everyone. Those were clearly the **Harpie Lady Sisters**!
"Wh-What is this?" Kujaku Mai looked blankly at the **Harpie Lady Sisters** Card she had placed on her Duel Disk, completely unable to understand what was going on.
As for Marik, after Kujaku Mai's experiment verified his Conjecture, he now had an expression of understanding on his face.
"I've felt Strange since just now. Although it's not as clear as when I held the Millennium Rod before, I could at least always sense Rishid's condition, even if we were far apart." Marik stood up, leaning on the chair, with a serious expression on his face. "But ever since the unexpected situation started just now, I've gradually started to lose the feeling of Rishid!"
As he spoke, Marik's expression was extremely serious and earnest, as if he had returned to his three-year-old self before being corrected, making people wonder if he would pull out a Big Baby Lava Golem and bestow it upon his Opponent the next second.
If he weren't wearing a Character Shirt covered in strange Anime/Manga character Avatars.
"Although it seems bad to interrupt you when you're being so rare and serious, I think you should put on a cape or something, otherwise, we listeners will feel quite taken out of the moment," Tristan also offered a sharp Rant.
"That's not the Key Point." Marik waved his hand. Although very tired, he could still barely walk. "We can't stay here. Anyway, rescue won't be coming. We have to figure something out ourselves."
As he spoke, Marik glanced at the Staff who had fallen to the ground unconscious. He somewhat awkwardly imitated Hayato and took off his Duel Disk, and also conveniently took the opponent's Deck.
"What do you mean rescue isn't coming, Marik, what are you talking about?" Tristan looked at Marik, who had actually learned to swipe other people's stuff, and didn't even bother to Rant. He was quite concerned about what Marik had just said. "What do you mean 'rely on ourselves'?"
Marik put the Duel Disk on his Wrist and replied to Tristan with a cold laugh:
"Why can Duel Monsters materialize directly on the Field without even needing the Virtual Projection System?"
"Why can't I feel Rishid?"
"Why are so many people in this Venue drained of strength and spirit, even falling unconscious?"
"There's only one answer."
Marik's Finger pointed towards Hayato and Leon von Schroeder, who were still Dueling in the center of the Kaiba Dome Venue: "As a Duelist who once deeply Fell into Darkness, my Intuition told me that there's something dangerous underneath that is constantly absorbing the Fighting Spirit and Life Force of everyone present, converting this place into a Different Dimension where Spirits exist!"
——————Detective Marik——————
On the Duel Field, although Hayato and Rayne were quite engrossed in the Duel, after such an obvious Incident occurred within the Kaiba Dome, although the two didn't stop the Duel because of it, they temporarily ceased their exchange.
"Wh-What's going on?!"
The cheers of the surrounding Audience gradually weakened, even falling into an eerie silence. This caused Rayne von Schroeder's gaze to involuntarily turn towards the Spectator Area, and thus noticed the scene where the originally enthusiastic Audience were now like leeks being harvested, collapsing in large swathes, row after row, onto their seats.
At his feet, the brilliant **Golden Castle of Stromberg** was still dazzling, but it shone with an eerie radiance.
Hayato also frowned and looked around. When Professor Banner told him about the Magic Circle underground, he did mention that although the size of the Magic Circle was only the size of the Duel Platform, the affected area would definitely expand after activation. It's just that Hayato didn't expect it to affect everyone within the Kaiba Dome.
With the activation of the Domain, Hayato also finally realized what kind of Use that thing was meant for.
"An-Aniki!"
On Hayato's Shoulder, **Ojama Yellow**, who was trying to get Presence, unexpectedly ran out again, imitating an Anime/Manga girl by grabbing her other arm with her Palm. "Ah, I feel so uncomfortable, I feel like I'm going to die any second now~"
While speaking in a tone that didn't sound weak at all, **Ojama Yellow** rubbed against Hayato's cheek. "A~ni~kiiii~~~!!"
"Kuriboh Kick!"
Just before **Ojama Yellow** was about to rub against Hayato's face, **Rainbow Kuriboh** decisively took action—or rather, used its foot?—kicked **Ojama Yellow** off Hayato's Shoulder, then occupied the spot **Ojama Yellow** was just in, looking like "Look how awesome I am".
"Onore! You colorful bastard!"
Listening to the two lively characters fooling around, Hayato sighed helplessly. "What could possibly happen to you? If something were to happen, it should be me."
"Although this feeling is very similar to the Sacred Beasts, it clearly feels like their Power has been Reversed. From absorbing the Power of Card Monsters and feeding it back to Humans, it has been Reversed into absorbing the Power of Humans and feeding it back to Card Spirits, the Card Monsters. Also, the suction doesn't seem as strong as when the Sacred Beasts are all gathered, probably only the level of one of them."
"Did that guy Bakura create this using **Uria, Lord of Searing Flames**? Perhaps with the addition of people from Doma."
With furrowed brows, Hayato looked at the flustered Rayne opposite him. "Rayne von Schroeder, although our Duel isn't over yet, you should be able to tell that the Duel can't continue, right?"
"Huh? Yeah." Rayne von Schroeder turned his head and replied absentmindedly. The Incident within the Kaiba Dome doesn't look like a small matter no matter how you look at it. Although it hasn't affected the Duel Field for now, no matter how you look at it, the best option now is to quickly end the Duel.
Moreover, although Rayne didn't have any Evidence, his Intuition told him that the Anomaly currently appearing is very likely related to his Brother—Zigfried, and possibly even has some connection to himself.
Rayne's gaze flickered towards his Field Spell Card Zone on his Duel Disk. The Anomaly started after that sudden Blackout, and that Blackout happened to occur the Instant he Activated the **Golden Castle of Stromberg** Card his Brother gave him. To say all this is just a simple Accident would be a bit too coincidental.
Thinking this, Rayne reached out his Hand towards the Duel Disk, planning to take out the **Golden Castle of Stromberg** that had already been Activated.
But just as Rayne's Finger was placed on the Field Spell Zone on the Duel Disk, the Card slot that had been retracted couldn't be opened no matter what, and even released Electric Current to shock Rayne, who was trying to force open the Mechanism. In pain, Rayne withdrew his Finger and looked at his Duel Disk in surprise. "Wh-What's going on?!"
"Why can't my Duel Disk open?"
"Could it be that Brother also tampered with my Duel Disk?!"
Hayato saw that Rayne's attempt to "pull the screw" failed, but wasn't particularly disappointed. Since that guy Zigfried von Schroeder United with Doma and the Rabbit-Eared Great Evil God, if simply taking off the Card could end the opponent's scheme, that would be the Strange thing.
Even if the Duel is interrupted, the opponent might activate a hidden program in the Card and pull some new trick.
"Which means, as expected, we still have to continue the Duel." Hayato stood still and raised his Duel Disk. "I don't know if I should be happy about this, but it really saves a lot of trouble that in this World, most things can be solved just by Dueling."
"If pulling the screw doesn't work, then I'll just defeat you."
"S-Sorry!" Rayne isn't quite sure what the situation is now, but judging from the Anomaly appearing on his Duel Disk, it's definitely related to his Brother.
He glanced at his Deck with some distress, took a deep Breath to calm his Mood, and also raised his Duel Disk. "Although I seem to have been dragged into something very dangerous, but if it's Duel Monsters, I won't give up!"
As he spoke, Rayne saw that in the Spectator Area behind Hayato, several people, led by a white-haired Egyptian man wearing an Anime/Manga Character Shirt, came to the front row. That Egyptian man also shouted towards the Duel Field, "Brother-in-law, let me use the Millennium Rod for a bit!"
"I told you not to shout about things that aren't confirmed yet! Who's your Brother-in-law?!"
Hayato Ranted casually, throwing the Millennium Rod that was always hanging on his waist towards Marik. Fortunately, Tristan was agile enough to jump high and catch the Millennium Rod even while carrying Téa .
Looking at the Millennium Rod handed over by Tristan , Marik took a deep Breath, smiled and picked up the Gold scepter, feeling the weakness and powerlessness in his Body swept away.
Although he no longer possesses a "Divine-Beast", but after getting back the Millennium Rod, the former Rare Hunters leader, Battle City Top 8 Duelist, Face-Acting Master Marik, makes his grand Revive!
As for Rayne von Schroeder, he looked at Hayato, who had returned to being the "Duel King" after the Millennium Rod stopped maintaining the Illusion. "Mr. Hayato Kobayashi?!"