[Youyu, LP 2500]
A 1500 effect damage right at the start is quite painful in an environment with only 4000 LP.
The Volcanic Deck was quite famous back in the day, both in reality and in the anime. This deck appeared in "Yu-Gi-Oh! GX," used by Austin O'Brien, one of the few reliable allies in the GX series.
As the holder of the Volcanic Deck, O'Brien was also given ample face in the anime. The first time he faced Yuki Judai, he might have won if he didn't hold back due to a mission.
Later, when Judai was consumed by inner darkness and transformed into the invincible Supreme King, it was O'Brien who stood up and fought hard, ultimately perishing with the King, freeing Judai from his inner darkness.
Although O'Brien didn't duel much, and the Volcanic Deck had few opportunities to shine in the anime, its limited record was quite impressive.
It's uncertain how much power this Duelist from the D Department in front of us can unleash.
"My turn, draw!" Youyu began his play, "Summon 'Elemental Hero Solidman'!"
The Monster Card appeared, and the hero clad in steel armor flew out, clenching its fist powerfully, emitting a dazzling diamond-like shine.
[Elemental Hero Solidman, ATK 1300]
"Solidman's effect!" Youyu waved his hand, "When summoned successfully, Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Hero Monster from the hand. Come forth! Elemental Hero Airman!"
A white whirlwind brought forth a hero in high-tech armor descending from the sky, metal turbines spinning at full speed, riding on an invisible gust.
[Elemental Hero Airman, ATK 1800]
"Airman's effect!" Youyu continued, "When summoned or Special Summoned, add one 'Hero' monster from the Deck to the hand. I choose Elemental Hero Liquidman."
The Duel Disc automatically searched—thanks to Comrade Pa from the future for their generosity, Liquidman's card popped into his hand as his voice fell.
"Next, activate the Magic Card - Fusion Substitute from my hand!" Youyu played this newly obtained Fusion Card, "Fuse the on-field 'Elemental Hero Airman' and 'Elemental Hero Solidman' with Earth Attribute!"
The Fusion condition is an Elemental Hero plus any Earth Attribute Monster.
Fusion Summon!
Roar, Elemental Hero Gaia (GAIA)!"
Airman turned into a green whirlwind, Solidman turned into a thick mire, the Fusion Substitute card opened a fusion vortex on the ground, and the two figures intertwined and entered it, unleashing a chaotic storm.
Gaia!!!
A dark steel figure landed heavily, the earth cracked, and a massive metal Elemental Hero stood towering.
[Elemental Hero Gaia, ATK 2200]
"Just as intel suggested, starting with a strong attack using fusion Hero." Fujino commented lightly.
"Gaia's effect!" Youyu pointed forward, "When summoned successfully, one monster on the opponent's field has its attack halved until the end of the turn, and that value is added to Gaia's attack!
Gaia Shock!"
Gaia's helmet gleamed, his two fists smashed down like hammers, shattering the floor. The cracks rapidly spread to the feet of the Volcanic Slicer, which cried out as half of its body sank down.
[Volcanic Slicer, ATK 1800 → ATK 900]
[Elemental Hero Gaia, ATK 2200 → ATK 3100]
"At this moment, the effect of 'Elemental Hero Solidman' in the Graveyard!" Youyu waved grandly, "When Solidman is sent from the field to the Graveyard by a Magic Effect, Special Summon another 'Hero' Monster from the Graveyard except Solidman in Defense Position!"
A card popped out from the Duel Disc's Grave Zone, taken back into Youyu's hand.
"Return! Elemental Hero Airman!"
A gale accompanied by engine buzzing, Airman now landed crouched on the ground, arms crossed in front of him.
[Elemental Hero Airman, DEF 300]
"Airman's second effect!" Youyu spread his hand, "When summoned or Special Summoned, for each Hero Monster on your side of the field except Airman, destroy one Magic or Trap Card.
Now on my field, there is 'Elemental Hero Gaia.' So, I choose to destroy that Set Card in your back row!"
Youyu pointed to Ueno's right Set Card. Airman promptly got up, turbine spinning, releasing a white whirlwind to blast the Set Card.
The Set Card was blown away, revealing a Continuous Trap - Volcanic Armor. As long as this card is face-up on the field, whenever your Pyro-Type monster is destroyed, inflict 500 damage to the opponent. (Anime Card)
Another life-point-draining card, thankfully this trap was removed early. If the opponent's Deck is focused on draining opponent's life points, LP becomes more precious in such matches. Especially since in a 4000 LP environment you can't take too much of such 500 damage hits.
"As expected of the Duel King, truly leaving no gaps for the opponent." Fujino said.
"Hmph, such little exposure to this, it's only natural." Despite saying so, Kaiba's mouth corner slightly lifted, seeming satisfied with Youyu's performance.
Fujino chuckled, not responding.
"Battle." Youyu waved his hand, "'Elemental Hero Gaia', attack 'Volcanic Slicer'!"
Gaia's helmet gleamed red, its huge body lifted from the ground, launching a massive black fist flying towards the Volcanic Monster's location.
"Activate Set Card!" Ueno waved, "Trap Card - Destruction Ring! Destroy a monster on my field, both sides take 1000 damage!"
He pointed to the Volcanic Slicer on the field.
"I destroy the Volcanic Slicer!"
A small ring latched onto Volcanic Slicer, exploding with a "bang," sending burning debris shooting towards both sides in the arena.
[Ueno, LP 4000 → LP 3000]
[Youyu, LP 2500 → LP 1500]
"Ah!" Mokuba exclaimed, "Reducing his own life just to inflict effect damage? But this means... he has to face Gaia's direct attack!"
[Elemental Hero Gaia, ATK 3100]
If this hit goes through, the duel would be directly over.
Though suspecting the opponent has a counter, Youyu certainly wouldn't pass up such an attack opportunity.
"Battle Recall, Gaia! Direct attack on the player!"
Gaia charged with an overwhelming roar and commotion straight towards Ueno, smashing down with a heavy punch without a second thought!
Yet the opponent was prepared: "Activate Set Card! Continuous Trap - Firewall! When the opponent's direct attack occurs, by banishing a Pyro-Type Monster in the Graveyard, negate the attack."
A card popped out from his Graveyard.
"I banish 'Volcanic Slicer' to negate the attack!"
Volcanic Slicer's shadow briefly flashed by, transforming into a fiery wall blocking ahead. Gaia's heavy punch struck the heated wall, turning his steel fist into fiery red, but ultimately couldn't penetrate.
Youyu wasn't surprised.
As expected, it wasn't that easy...
"Set one card, end turn." Youyu said, "At the end stage, Gaia's effect ends, attack power returns to normal."
[Elemental Hero Gaia, ATK 3100 → ATK 2200]