Yugioh [311-315] (Patreon)

Chapter 311: The City Transforms Into Duel City

"Here."

Mokuba handed Kira a briefcase and smiled.

"This should complete your set of 'Monarchs.'"

Kira opened the case to check, nodded, and quickly closed it again.

"Thanks," he smiled. "Now I think I'm all set."

Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Thunder, Darkness, Light, and Evil—the original eight Monarchs. But Kira knew there was much room for the deck to grow.

As a real card deck with no anime prototype, it was impressive that it continued to get new support cards after so many years, showing its high popularity.

In the future, every Monarch would have even more powerful evolved forms, subordinates for support, and even field spells, spells, and traps exclusively for them.

At least for now, the deck's development potential was limitless. And as a future deck, even its fully evolved form relied solely on Tribute Summon, not involving any summoning methods that hadn't been invented yet—a solid choice for research.

Kira had already set up a special project team for Monarch development, guiding the direction of upgrades and support cards.

His lab was now working with the world's top Monarch development department. The "Dark Advance" trap he'd used was their latest result.

Although "Dark Advance" didn't have "Monarch" in its name, its effect clearly stated "Monsters with ATK 2400 or higher and DEF 1000"—all but naming every Monarch directly. It was practically a half-Monarch card.

"Oh, right, the classmate I mentioned before—" Kira remembered something.

"The one called Jaden Yuki, right?" Mokuba nodded. "It's fine, I've informed the committee. He'll get a spot."

He paused, then asked, "But it's rare for you to recommend someone. Are you close friends?"

"Haha, I guess. But I didn't recommend him just for that—he's also a very strong duelist." Kira smiled. "Even the President might take notice of him."

"That strong?" Mokuba blinked. "But wasn't he in Slifer Red?"

"Uh, well, he's kind of an oddball. Besides, I'm still in Yellow Dorm, right?"

"...That's true."

Mokuba nodded and didn't ask further.

"Alright, it's almost time for the opening ceremony." Mokuba stood and smiled. "Let's get going."

"I was just wondering—"

Kira was puzzled.

"There's no venue for the opening ceremony? They just said to arrive in Domino, but not where."

"Ah."

Mokuba smiled mysteriously.

"You'll find out soon enough."

Kira was confused at first but quickly understood what Mokuba meant.

Because, as the countdown ended, President Kaiba suddenly appeared before him.

Even Kira had to admit, he was startled. Since coming to this world where even ghosts had to duel, few things could surprise him.

Just like a monster summoning, a swirling vortex and a blaze of golden light appeared. Seto Kaiba rose into the air, his coat tails fluttering, and landed in a superhero pose.

With a flourish, he stood up.

Kira was momentarily stunned, then quickly understood.

"A hologram?"

He looked at his duel disk.

All participants' duel disks were KaibaCorp products, so it was easy to guess that Kaiba was broadcasting his image through them.

"Not exactly," Mokuba grinned. "It's a virtual image, but not a hologram. It's in your mind."

Kira: "?"

By now, he had some idea of Kaiba's tech. It was the same memory-projection technology used in the movie. By interacting with the duelists' memory centers, it could project the image directly into their minds.

So now, President Kaiba was appearing to all contestants in a projection only they could see.

"To all duelists who have arrived in Duel City, as the organizer, I welcome you."

Kaiba crossed his arms and smirked.

"Each of you is a battle-hardened warrior, having earned your way to this battlefield with your skills and record. But this is only the beginning."

Kaiba stepped forward, his voice ringing out.

"This city will now become the city of duels! The entire city is your battlefield. Your deck will be your only sword. Only those who survive to the end will stand at the top!"

He raised his duel disk, showing off his deck.

"Of course, this isn't the first Battle City tournament, so I'm sure you all know the rules."

"The winner of a duel can take a rare card from the loser, and the winner chooses which card."

As expected, the ante rule.

Kira narrowed his eyes.

This rule had existed since the original Battle City, established by Kaiba to win the three Egyptian God Cards, and retained as a tradition afterward.

Anyone not confident enough, or unwilling to risk rare cards, would never enter this tournament.

"Ah, so losing isn't an option," Kira sighed.

"You're at it again," Mokuba laughed. "As if you ever planned to lose."

Kaiba continued:

"Only the eight fastest duelists to win through the city brawl will qualify for the finals. The finals location is hidden somewhere in the city."

Kaiba sneered.

"And I don't know where it is, either. Don't bother looking for previous venues, because every tournament the location changes."

"Each contestant has a puzzle piece card. Only those who collect six pieces and assemble them will reveal the map to the finals."

Kira wasn't surprised.

The rules were almost a one-to-one recreation of the first Battle City tournament.

"Oh, and one more thing. This Battle City also has a special rule."

Kaiba Seto said flatly:

"The tournament champion will earn the long-vacant title of 'King of Games.'"

Chapter 312: First Battle

"The title of King of Games."

This genuinely surprised Kira.

Ever since Yugi Muto retired, that title had remained vacant. After the first Duel City tournament ended, no other event had used that title as a selling point.

In fact, everyone knew that since the Pharaoh was gone and Yugi had retired, if Seto Kaiba wanted the title of King of Games, it would be his for the taking. There was hardly anyone left in the world who could be his match.

But all these years, Kaiba never did so.

Perhaps he felt that unless he defeated that person, even if he beat every other duelist alive, he would be unworthy of the title.

That's why Kira was surprised. Not only had Kaiba decided to return to the tournament this time, but he was also reopening the title of Duel King.

What did this mean? Had the president finally accepted that Atem was gone, and decided to step out of the Pharaoh's shadow?

The opening speech ended, and Mokuba stretched.

"Phew~ I barely slept last night, working on the tournament. I'm exhausted."

Mokuba yawned and turned to Kira.

"Well, now that the tournament's officially begun, shouldn't you head out too? Your opponents are all the duelists in Domino City—you'd better hurry.

Spots are limited. If you don't take one of the eight slots fast enough, you'll be eliminated."

Kira nodded in understanding.

Indeed, this was a throwback to the original Duel Monsters tournament rules. So even top-level duelists confident in their skills would feel the pressure—if they moved too slowly, someone else could get ahead.

"But this tournament isn't going to be so simple," Mokuba warned, "Be careful. Some of our people investigated—there's a chance New Doma agents have already slipped in.

I suspect there's something in this tournament they absolutely have to win."

Kira understood: "The 'Sealing Device', right?"

"Yeah. So stay sharp. Its appearance in this world is probably their signal for a decisive battle. Actually, one fox has already shown its tail."

Mokuba swiped his hand, and a surveillance feed appeared before them.

On the screen was a shifty man in a black cloak, half-hidden in the shadows, watching something.

"This guy's been hanging around for ages—just outside this building. We cross-referenced with our intel and confirmed he's a dark duelist under New Doma.

I think… he's looking for you."

Mokuba snorted.

"He really underestimates the Kaiba Corporation. Does he really think our surveillance network hasn't noticed him?"

Kira studied the man in the feed and smiled lightly.

Interesting.

"Thanks, Mokuba." He stood up. "Looks like my first prey—no, my first opponent—is settled."

…

Yemo lurked in the shadows, staring fixedly at the Kaiba Corp tower.

Then he frowned slightly.

Strange. Why hadn't his target come out yet?

The tournament had already started—shouldn't everyone be rushing out to compete? Where was he?

Could he have slipped out another exit? Thinking this, Yemo considered checking a different location.

He turned to leave the alley but froze after taking just a few steps.

A dead end.

That shouldn't be possible. He was sure he'd been heading toward the exit.

A sense of foreboding crept over him. He turned around and felt as if a sinister fog loomed before him. Under the dim yellow light, he pushed through the mist, only to find another dark wall blocking his path.

Still a dead end.

Being a dark duelist, Yemo quickly realized something was wrong. He frowned, turned again, and stood quietly for a moment.

Sure enough, a figure soon stepped through the darkness and mist.

"Looks like you're looking for me," Kira said with a light chuckle. "Well, here I am."

"How confident, kid," Yemo narrowed his eyes, scanning the ominous mist around them.

"A Dark Duel barrier," he muttered, "Let me guess—only one of us leaves here alive?"

"Heh, no wonder you're a New Doma assassin—you catch on quick," Kira laughed. "That's right, this is a Dark Duel barrier. Anyway, you were planning to challenge me to one, weren't you? I'm just saving you the trouble."

He raised his duel disk.

"Shall we?"

"Interesting. That was my plan. Since you're so fearless, I'll finish this quickly and report back."

Yemo also activated his duel disk. His was a special Doma edition, different from Kira's.

Kira smiled without replying.

"Duel!" x2

[Kira, LP: 4000]

[Yemo, LP: 4000]

"I'll go first. Draw," Kira declared. "I set a monster facedown in defense position, then set three cards facedown and end my turn."

A simple opening, but typical of slower competitive formats. Early on, it was rare to go all-in and summon a high-attack boss monster on the first turn—there simply weren't enough sturdy monsters. Spending three or five cards on one big monster, only to lose it to a single removal card, was usually a disaster. Outside of the anime, few people did that.

"My turn. Draw."

Yemo drew and eyed Kira warily.

He was no longer as confident as he appeared.

He'd thought it was just a Duel Academy student—what could be hard about that? But meeting Kira in person, he began to feel uneasy.

He couldn't say why, but it felt wrong.

He was supposed to be the hunter and Kira the prey, yet it suddenly felt the opposite.

He hadn't expected Kira to initiate a Dark Duel.

And when had he circled behind him and set up this barrier?

Yemo realized that since Kira had noticed him, if Kira wanted to slip away unnoticed, he couldn't stop it.

But Kira had appeared before him anyway.

What did that mean?

Was he completely disregarding this Doma elite?

"Arrogant geniuses always learn the hard way how wide the world really is."

A glint flashed in Yemo's eyes.

"Let's use this duel to teach you that lesson!"

Chapter 313: The Dark Scorpion Strikes

Yemo played a card.

"I summon 'Armored Bee' in attack position!"

[Armored Bee, ATK 1600]

Armored Bee had the effect of halving the ATK of an opponent's monster once per turn. With 1600 ATK, it could easily take down any monster with 3200 or less, making it a strong lower-level beater, especially in early formats where it could readily create resource advantage.

"Armored Bee attacks the facedown monster!"

The bee buzzed into the air, trailing gold as it dove at Kira's set monster. The card flipped—it was a striking woman in leather armor, wielding a spiked whip.

[Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn, DEF 1800]

Meanae's DEF was higher than Armored Bee's ATK. With a flick of her whip, she battered the bee, forcing it back in a daze.

[Yemo, LP: 4000 → 3800]

"You attacked 'Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn'," Kira said. "When this card inflicts battle damage to the opponent, I can choose one of two effects:

Add a 'Dark Scorpion' card from the deck or graveyard to my hand."

The Dark Scorpion cards belonged to the same group as "Don Zaloog," a mainstay in Kira's decks.

Anyone who watched the GX anime would remember the Dark Scorpion Burglars—they may have been villains, but their antics were legendary. After losing to Chazz, they even became his spirit allies.

Though comic relief in the anime, these cards once had a solid reputation in the competitive scene. Many became staples in elaborate combos throughout Yu-Gi-Oh!'s history.

Don Zaloog and Meanae were especially notable.

Don Zaloog was infamous for hand destruction—students at Duel Academy had learned this firsthand.

Meanae, though only 1000 ATK, boasted 1800 DEF—solid in a meta where 1600 was standard—and could often surprise attackers and trigger her effect.

Her effect provided both searching and graveyard recovery, making her a "huge potential card advantage engine." And since she herself counted as a "Dark Scorpion" monster, her own effect could always be activated, even solo.

But what truly unlocked her potential was the strategy Kira now used.

"Using Meanae's effect, I add a second 'Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn' from my deck to my hand."

Kira drew the searched card.

"Strengthening your defense and gaining resources, huh," Yemo remarked. "I set a card and end my turn."

"My turn, draw."

Kira snapped his fingers.

"Trap Card—Crush Card Virus!" (Anime Effect.)

Crush Card Virus?

Yemo was stunned.

He recognized it as Seto Kaiba's signature move. But—

"Wait, to activate Crush Card Virus, you have to tribute a DARK monster with 1000 or less ATK destroyed in battle!" Yemo protested.

Don't try to bluff me—I know the effect!

"Oh, you may not know. This is our lab's latest prototype. We tweaked the effect a bit," Kira grinned. "Now, Crush Card Virus can be activated any time by tributing a DARK monster with 1000 or less ATK—not just after battle destruction."

Yemo: "!"

What the hell—Kaiba Corp just prints whatever cards they want now?

Why not just remove the ATK limit while you're at it?

"I tribute my 'Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn' with 1000 ATK. For the next three turns, all your monsters on the field and in your hand with 1500 or more ATK are destroyed!"

This early powerhouse deck was called [Meanae Virus], with Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn as the key card.

Crush Card Virus immediately caught attention upon release and spent years on the ban list.

To use it, people sought out DARK monsters with 1000 or less ATK, and Meanae stood out for her DEF and effect.

[Meanae Virus] thrived until the ban hammer hit Crush Card Virus.

Red virus spread from Yemo's Armored Bee, corrupting and dissolving the monster until it vanished.

Then it infected his hand, targeting a card and blowing it up in a flash.

His hand monsters were gone too.

And worse, the virus lingered, waiting to devour any 1500+ ATK monsters he drew for three turns.

But that was fine.

Yemo glanced at his hand, eyes narrowing on a card:

[Monster Reborn].

Sure, Crush Card Virus was powerful—his deck relied on high-ATK monsters, so his draws would be dead for three turns.

But as a side effect, Crush Card Virus dumped his boss monsters into the graveyard.

So next turn, he'd just use Monster Reborn to bring one back and swing the duel!

"I summon the second 'Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn' I searched earlier," Kira said.

[Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn, ATK 1000]

He paused, then smiled: "Next, I activate the Continuous Trap 'Ultimate Offering'. By paying 500 LP, I can perform an additional normal summon.

I pay 500 LP and summon again."

[Kira, LP: 4000 → 3500]

"This time, I summon 'Don Zaloog'."

[Don Zaloog, ATK 1400]

"Battle. First, 'Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn' attacks directly."

Yemo frowned.

"As long as Meanae remains, her effect means the Dark Scorpion gang will keep replenishing their forces—but it's not that easy!"

Yemo shouted,

"I activate the powerful trap 'Mirror Force'!

When an opponent's monster attacks, destroy all attack position monsters they control!"

Kira narrowed his eyes.

A powerful trap, for sure…

"Then I chain 'Trap Stun'," Kira responded. "This turn, all other Trap effects on the field are negated."

"NANI!?" (What!?)

Yemo's face twitched as his trump card fizzled out and broke.

Meanae leaped forward, her spiked whip lashing out at Yemo. The pain was real—the Dark Duel's penalty stung. Oddly, he felt a strange tinge of pleasure. XD

[Yemo, LP: 3800 → 2800]

Meanae smiled seductively and retreated. Yemo's heart skipped a beat, and he forced himself to focus.

No, be serious—this is a duel for my life!

"Then, Meanae's effect—when she inflicts battle damage, I add or recover a 'Dark Scorpion' card from my deck or graveyard."

Kira added a card.

"This time, I add 'Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow' to my hand."

After searching, Kira gestured again.

"Next, 'Don Zaloog' attacks directly."

Don Zaloog—the reliable one-eyed captain—spun his gun like a Western cowboy and fired a shot straight at Yemo's heart.

"Urgh…"

The pain was searing, like a real bullet. Yemo groaned, half-kneeling.

[Yemo, LP: 2800 → 1400]

"Don Zaloog's effect: when he inflicts battle damage, I randomly discard a card from your hand," Kira said calmly.

Random discard—just like when Yugi pinned Kaiba's Obelisk with a Swords of Revealing Light, picking the card he held aloft.

Yemo's heart skipped.

Random discard—oh no.

"You were giving a weird grin while staring at a card just now," Kira remarked, smiling as he pointed.

"So, the second card from the right. Don't look, just toss it."

Yemo: "…"

He looked at his one remaining card—Monster Reborn.

He felt like crying.

Chapter 314: The Psychology of Dueling

Today, Yemo finally understood: dueling wasn't just about luck or skill—it was about psychology.

Seto Kaiba had learned this the hard way.

Back then, Kaiba had assembled the three sacrifices for his God card first but insisted on showing off before summoning Obelisk.

Yugi immediately activated Swords of Revealing Light, randomly sealing a card in Kaiba's hand. Yugi pointed at the card Kaiba was holding up, and Kaiba was stunned.

Now, Yemo faced a dire situation.

Three turns without monsters in hand, and his game-changer Monster Reborn was gone. Next turn, he'd have no monsters to play.

With only 1400 LP left, even if Kira didn't summon new monsters, he'd lose to these two comic relief gangs…

What a joke! To be toyed with by the Dark Scorpion gang, a bunch of joke-tier goons?

"My turn—draw!"

Yemo roared, hoping for a miracle.

"Spell Card: Pot of Greed! I draw two cards!"

He drew two, and then his eyes widened.

"Field Spell—"

He almost shouted,

"—Seal of Orichalcos, activate!!!"

A six-pointed star glowed on the ground, green light shooting skyward and swirling around the field.

"Oh? You're activating the barrier even now?" Kira smiled.

The field was against Yemo, and activating the barrier meant risking becoming a sacrifice to the Evil God. But with a Dark Duel already started, it was a duel for life anyway, so maybe this wasn't the wrong move.

More importantly, the Seal of Orichalcos granted a boost of fate power—even ordinary duelists could borrow the serpent god's might. This unwritten bonus was the field's greatest strength.

"Hahaha! I can feel it—the god's power surging through my veins!"

A six-pointed star glowed on Yemo's forehead as he cackled madly.

"I activate the Spell Card 'Fiend's Sanctuary' to Special Summon a 'Metal Fiend Token'."

[Metal Fiend Token, ATK 0]

"Then I tribute the Metal Field Token to activate this card—

Spell Card 'Monster Gate'!"

The token turned to golden light and vanished as a dimensional vortex swirled above.

"Tribute one monster on my field, then reveal cards from my deck until I reveal a monster that can be summoned. That monster is Special Summoned; the rest go to the graveyard."

Yemo's right hand blazed with green flame as he invoked the barrier's power.

"With the god's power, I am now unstoppable!

Now, Monster Gate's effect—reveal from the top of my deck!"

He revealed six cards in a row—all Spells—dumped into the graveyard.

The seventh was a monster.

"'Chaosrider Gustaph'!" Yemo declared. "Special Summon via Monster Gate!"

An engine roared as the chaos rider burst out atop a blood-red motorcycle.

[Chaosrider Gustaph, ATK 1400]

"At this moment, I activate the Quick-Play Spell 'Inferno Reckless Summon'!" Yemo said. "When I Special Summon a monster with 1500 or less ATK, I can Special Summon all cards with the same name from my hand, deck, or graveyard in attack position.

But as a trade-off, my opponent can also Special Summon as many monsters with the same name as possible from their field."

Two beams of gold shot from Yemo's deck.

"Special Summon two more 'Chaosrider Gustaph'!"

[Chaosrider Gustaph, ATK 1400] x2

Kira also pulled cards from his graveyard and deck.

"I Special Summon two more 'Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn' in defense position."

[Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn, DEF 1800]

Yemo continued, "Chaosrider Gustaph's effect: once per turn, I can banish up to two Spell Cards from my graveyard, gaining 300 ATK for each!

I banish the six Spells just sent by Monster Gate!"

Six cards turned to golden light, powering up all three Chaosrider Gustaph.

"Each Chaosrider Gustaph gains 600 ATK!"

[Chaosrider Gustaph, ATK 1400 → 2000] x3

"And 'Seal of Orichalcos' gives all my monsters another 500 ATK!"

[Chaosrider Gustaph, ATK 2000 → 2500] x3

Yemo roared, "Battle! The first Chaosrider Gustaph attacks 'Don Zaloog'!"

The blood-red bike barreled over Don Zaloog, sending him flying and shattering him.

[Kira, LP: 3500 → 2400]

"The second Chaosrider Gustaph attacks 'Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn'!"

The second rode forward, targeting the only attack-position Meanae.

"Then I activate the Trap 'Destruct Potion'. Destroy one of my own monsters and recover LP equal to its ATK." Kira pointed to his set card.

"I destroy the attacked 'Dark Scorpion - Meanae the Thorn' and recover 1000 LP."

[Kira, LP: 2400 → 3400]

"Destroying your weak monster to avoid damage, huh?" Yemo sneered. "Clever. Now, the remaining two Chaosrider Gustaph attack the two defense-position Meanae!"

With no mercy, Yemo struck down both Meanae, reversing the field.

"Unfortunately, at the end of the turn, Chaosrider Gustaph loses the ATK boost and reverts to base stats. But before that…"

Yemo raised his hand.

"Quick-Play Spell 'Mystik Wok'! Before the ATK drops, I tribute one of my monsters and recover LP equal to its ATK or DEF.

So I gain LP equal to Chaosrider Gustaph's current ATK!"

[Yemo, LP: 1400 → 3900]

"My turn end."

[Chaosrider Gustaph, ATK 2500 → 1900] x2

Chapter 315: The Power of Dark Scorpion

"Heh, Crush Card Virus is certainly strong, but if you think this alone can defeat me, you're far too naive." Yemo snorted. "Do you see? This is the power granted to me by the gods! Even in desperate situations, I can create a chance to turn the tables. No matter how dirty or sinister your tactics, they're useless against me!"

Kira tilted his head slightly.

Dirty and sinister? Is he referring to deck destruction and hand destruction?

But both [Card Destruction] and [Virus of Meanae] are top-tier builds crafted by players, and the Dark Scorpion deck is recognized as the proper way to play it.

Isn't this how Yu-Gi-Oh! is supposed to be played?

He didn't get it.

"My turn. Draw."

Kira drew a card and calmly revealed what he'd drawn.

"Pot of Greed. Draw two more cards from my deck."

He drew two more.

"Normal summon 'Witch of the Black Forest.'"

Witch of the Black Forest, ATK 1100

"Equip 'Witch of the Black Forest' with 'Wonder Wand.' This card can only be equipped to Spellcasters and increases ATK by 500," said Kira.

[Witch of the Black Forest: ATK 1100 → 1600]

"Heh, but even with that boost, it's still no match for the Chaosrider Gustaph under the Seal of Orichalcos' amplification."

"Hold on," Kira replied. "I'll use Wonder Wand's second effect. Send both the equipped monster and this card to the Graveyard to draw two cards from my deck."

He drew two more cards and smiled faintly.

"Then, when Witch of the Black Forest is sent to the Graveyard, I can add a monster with 1500 or less DEF from my deck to my hand. I'll add this one."

[Makyura the Destructor, DEF 1200]

"Next, I activate the Spell Card 'Hand Destruction!'" Kira said. "Both players discard all cards in their hands, then draw the same number!"

Yemo frowned. "Makyura the Destructor's effect is…"

"Exactly. During the turn 'Makyura the Destructor' is sent to the Graveyard, I can activate Trap Cards from my hand this turn." (Old effect)

Kira quickly played another card from his hand.

"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell 'Flute of Kuriboh Summoning.'" Kira declared, "Special Summon 'Kuriboh' from my deck to the field."

"Kuri, Kuri!"

Kuriboh leaped out, hopping to the front of the field.

[Kuriboh, ATK 300]

Yemo was surprised. "Another small fry?"

He thought for a moment, frowning even more.

"Your deck… is it all just small fry like this?"

So far, it was nothing but low-level monsters—he hadn't seen a single high-level one, or even anything above 1500 ATK.

Was Kira really planning to win with this bunch of small fry?

"Equip Spell 'Rainbow Blessing,' equipping it to Kuriboh." (Anime card)

The Magic Card materialized, and Kuriboh was instantly bathed in rainbow colors, radiating with a seven-colored glow.

"Then I tribute Kuriboh. After a Kuriboh equipped with 'Rainbow Blessing' is tributed, all my monsters can attack directly this turn."

Yemo frowned. "So your plan is to bypass the front line with your weak monsters and attack directly, huh?"

But he just sneered.

"Too bad. If I hadn't recovered LP last turn, maybe you could've finished me off. But my Life Points are still at 3900. With your small fry…"

Kira chuckled.

Some people are already dead—they just haven't realized it yet.

"'Makyura the Destructor's effect lets me activate Trap Cards from my hand this turn. So…"

Kira smiled and revealed a card in his hand.

"Continuous Trap 'Call of the Haunted'—revive a monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. I'll revive the card that was searched by Meanae's effect last turn, and discarded just now:

—Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow."

[Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow, ATK 1000]

"And thanks to 'Rainbow Blessing's' effect, this turn, it can attack directly." Kira waved his hand. "Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow, cross the rainbow bridge Kuriboh left behind and attack directly!"

Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow leaped forward, sliding across the rainbow bridge. With a massive slap, Yemo's vision went black, and he staggered back half a step.

[Yemo, LP 3900 → LP 2900]

"Tch, that's barely any damage."

Yemo brushed the dust off his clothes with a flourish.

"Heh, I could barely feel that. Are you even trying?"

"Haha, sorry for not entertaining you more. But don't worry, it's not over yet." Kira smiled.

"Next, Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow's effect activates: when it inflicts battle damage, I can return a card on the field to its owner's hand."

"Which one? Chaosrider Gustaph? Or the barrier?" Yemo sneered. "If that's your plan, forget it. The Seal of Orichalcos is invincible—once activated, it can't be removed by any means."

Kira smiled. "Actually, I'm returning this card."

He pointed to his own backrow.

[Continuous Trap—Call of the Haunted.]

Yemo: "?"

What's the meaning of this? Is he giving me a card as a gesture of goodwill?

"But, Call of the Haunted has a restriction. When this card leaves the field, the monster Special Summoned by its effect is destroyed."

Kira shrugged.

"So, Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow is destroyed."

Boom!

With a bang, Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow vanished in a cloud of black smoke.

"Hm, so you're trying to recover your Trap for repeated use." Yemo seemed to catch on a little. "But so what? Your Graveyard's full of small fry. Even if you get your Trap back, resurrecting anything won't…"

He stopped, his eyes widening in shock as if he'd just realized something terrifying.

That's right.

For the entire turn that Makyura the Destructor was sent to the Graveyard, the opponent can activate Traps from their hand.

Doesn't that mean…

"Once again, I activate the Continuous Trap 'Call of the Haunted' from my hand."

Kira smiled, revealing the Trap.

"A second Special Summon—Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow."

[Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow, ATK 1000]

"Because the Trap was used during the Battle Phase to revive the monster, of course it can attack again." Kira waved, "Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow, cross the rainbow path again and attack directly."

Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow darted across the rainbow bridge, landing another slap on Yemo's face.

Yemo: "Ugh!"

[Yemo, LP 2900 → LP 1900]

"Then, Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow's effect activates again. After dealing battle damage, return a card on the field to the owner's hand.

I'll return 'Call of the Haunted' to my hand."

Kira took the Trap back.

"And since the Trap left the field, the revived monster is destroyed. Then, once again, I activate the Continuous Trap 'Call of the Haunted' from my hand to revive 'Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow'."

"…"

Yemo's expression twisted as he desperately shook his head and staggered backward.

"No, no, no… this can't be happening…"

Every time the Trap is activated, Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow is revived, its state reset, and it can attack directly again. Each direct attack triggers Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow's effect, returning the Trap to hand, destroying Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow, and the cycle repeats as long as the Trap is revived.

An infinite LOOP!

Even if Yemo had ten thousand or a million or infinite Life Points, he'd be smacked to death by this endless cycle of slaps!

"Aaaah!"

The third slap landed. Yemo's face was swollen, his eyes dazed as he fell to his knees.

[Yemo, LP 900]

The black mist of the Shadow Game mingled with the green glow of the Seal of Orichalcos, highlighting Kira's chilling smile—like a demon admiring a prey already trapped in its cage.

Yemo recoiled in terror, trying to run, only to find his sweat-soaked back pressed up against a solid wall.

It was the edge of the Seal of Orichalcos—the very cage he'd set, now trapping himself with a demon.

He'd locked himself in with the devil, and now he had nowhere left to run.

"…The final blow. Fourth consecutive attack," Kira announced. "Dark Scorpion - Chick the Yellow, direct attack!"

The last slap landed. Yemo saw stars and, unable to bear it any longer, collapsed heavily to the ground.

[Yemo, LP 0]

PS: That's so nasty.