From the golden vortex emerged a dazzling figure. She wore a regal gown, cradling a bouquet of flowers exuding icy chill. Her silver hair cascaded down her shoulders, and from her ornate parasol hung delicate icicles.
[Teardrop the Rikka Queen] Level 8│WATER│Plant│2800 ATK / 2800 DEF
At the sight of the monster, Jade gasped. It was the first time she had ever seen such a beautiful monster—graceful and elegant, like falling snowflakes. For a moment, she was entranced. Though she quickly recovered, it was still the opponent's monster, and its very presence posed a threat to Morgan.
Thankfully, its Attack was only 2800, still lower than Dogmatika Fleurdelis equipped with her Spell Card.
Even so, Isla thought differently. With only one monster left on Morgan's field, she was in a precarious position. Typically, a Deck's high-level monster embodied its signature power. Since Rikka specialized in Tribute effects, this Rank 8 Xyz was almost certainly tied to Tributing.
Dogmatika Fleurdelis likely had no protection against such an effect. If her opponent activated it, Morgan's field would be wiped once more, giving Luli a direct path to attack.
And Isla was right—Teardrop the Rikka Queen was the upgraded version of the Continuous Spell, Rikka Flurries. By detaching one material, it could Tribute any monster on the field—a powerful form of removal.
Luli eagerly declared:
"I activate Teardrop the Rikka Queen's effect!"
"By detaching one material and targeting a monster on either field, I Tribute that monster!"
"I detach one material to Tribute your Dogmatika Fleurdelis!"
A golden orb, symbolizing the detached material, spun in the air before sinking into Teardrop's chest. Her effect activated—Fleurdelis's legs transformed into petals, her body engulfed by blossoms, until she vanished completely.
Seeing Luli remove two of Morgan's powerful monsters in such an incredible way, the spectators cried out in shock. Even the Senior Division principal widened his eyes in disbelief.
"Remarkable! She actually Tributed Morgan's monster to send it to the Graveyard. What an extraordinary student."
The principal couldn't help but marvel. Though he oversaw the Senior Division, his own dueling passion had long since waned. However, watching Luli and Morgan duel reignited his spirit.
"Indeed, what an impressive child. We old-timers may soon have to step aside—the future belongs to them."
The Director of General Affairs also spoke warmly. Since his defeat by Morgan, his outlook had changed, and he had let go of many old burdens.
Now, with Morgan's last monster gone, her field lay wide open, giving Luli a direct chance to attack.
But because Fleurdelis was Tributed rather than destroyed, the Equip Spell Dogmatikacism did not activate, and Morgan couldn't send a card from her Extra Deck to the Graveyard.
Despite that, she wasn't worried. She had set a Trap Card earlier, perfectly suited for this moment.
Of course, Luli wasn't going to miss the chance. She immediately declared an attack.
"Battle! Teardrop the Rikka Queen, direct attack!"
Teardrop swung her ornate parasol, unleashing a flurry of icicles toward Morgan.
Suddenly, at that instant, Morgan flipped her set card.
"I activate the Trap Card, Shaddoll Core!"
"When activated, this card becomes an Effect Monster (Spellcaster│DARK│Level 9│1450 ATK / 1950 DEF) and is Special Summoned to the Monster Zone."
An ancient stone orchid appeared on Morgan's field. From it poured a writhing, formless mass, which twisted and coiled until it became a serpentine creature with fangs and claws.
Teardrop's attack struck Shaddoll Core. The Core shattered, but as it was in Defense Position, Morgan took no damage.
Seeing her direct attack thwarted, Luli faltered, biting her lip in frustration. She took a deep breath, suppressing her irritation and steadying herself for the next assault.
After all, Teardrop still had one more material left, and her effect could Tribute another monster—even during Morgan's turn.
"I set two cards and end my turn."
Jade patted her chest in relief. With Teardrop's 2800 Attack, a direct hit would have been devastating.
"Morgan's set card was perfect… a Trap Monster that blocked the attack at just the right time."
Isla nodded. Though it seemed almost impossible, perhaps Morgan had foreseen this and prepared for her monster to be removed. With her skill, it wasn't unthinkable.
Isla shook her head in self-reproach. From the sidelines, it was easy to analyze countless possibilities. But on the field, her own playstyle was rigid—just playing whatever she drew, forgetting strategy and setups entirely. That was the enormous gap between her and Morgan: Morgan's adaptability was simply out of reach.
Meanwhile, Hannah frowned, then relaxed. Luli hadn't panicked or broken down after her failed attack. That calmness was the only way to beat Morgan—and Luli had managed it.
On the field, Morgan studied her hand.
She held Aleister the Invoker and Shaddoll Fusion.
On her field, she still had Shaddoll Schism. She could absolutely fight back. However, she knew Teardrop still had one more material and could activate her effect even during Morgan's turn. She would have to be cautious.
Both sides were running out of chances. The next turn would decide the entire match.
Morgan smiled.
"My turn—draw!"
...
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