Yugioh [336-340] (Patreon)

Chapter 336: Monarchs VS Cyber Dragons

"That's Kira for you."

The student streaming the duel gasped.

"Kaiser's two Cyber Twin Dragons, a fourfold attack, were actually neutralized so effortlessly."

At this point, he couldn't help but feel a little gloomy.

So, it's still not enough?

Even someone as strong as Kaiser is struggling this much against darkness. What's left for the rest of us—where should we go from here?

 Zane took a deep breath and said, "Then I activate the Spell Card 'Card of Burial Magic.' I banish the Spell Cards 'Mystical Space Typhoon,' 'Pot of Greed,' and 'Graceful Charity' from my Graveyard to draw two cards." (Anime card)

After drawing, he helplessly waved his hand.

"I set three cards facedown. My turn ends."

His offensive had been completely neutralized, and now his field was empty. His Life Points were only 1600, and for the next turn, he could only rely on his backrow for defense.

"My turn. Draw."

Kira pointed to his own field, and another beam of sacred white light descended from the sky.

"My front-row Storm Monarch was tributed, and my backrow set cards have all been used. There are no longer any Spells or Traps on my field. Therefore, the effect of 'Treeborn Frog' in my Graveyard can activate again.

If I have no cards in my Spell/Trap Zone during my Standby Phase, Treeborn Frog Special Summons itself from the Graveyard."

[Treeborn Frog, DEF 100]

Zane frowned.

He was starting to understand Kira's Monarch deck strategy.

The endlessly reviving Treeborn Frog could provide a Tribute for Monarchs every turn, and the different attributes of Monarchs each had powerful field-clearing effects, granting strong offense and continuous resources every turn.

In fact, this was the classic top-tier build during the Monarchs' heyday in the real TCG, called the "Frog Monarch" combo.

Sure enough, with Treeborn Frog as an infinite Tribute resource, the Monarchs launched another wave of assault.

"Tribute 'Treeborn Frog'," Kira declared. "This time, the Rock Monarch, showing power enough to shake the land—

—Granmarg the Rock Monarch, Summon!!"

A deafening roar echoed as the earth shattered. The ground seemed to tremble violently, stones flying everywhere.

From the cracks emerged a massive golden figure, shining like sunlight on fragments of earth, its armor stacked like steel boulders, immeasurably heavy—its mere presence pressed down on everyone.

[Granmarg the Rock Monarch, ATK 2400]

"When Granmarg is successfully Tribute Summoned, destroy one set card on the field."

Kira pointed to Kaiser's backrow.

"Well, I'll just choose one at random. The one in the center."

Zane took a deep breath. "Then I chain that set card—Trap Card 'Back to the Front'!

Revive a monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position!"

A vortex opened in the Graveyard, and an armored dragon, crackling with electricity, was revived.

"I Special Summon 'Cyber Dragon' from the Graveyard!"

[Cyber Dragon, DEF 1600]

A student from the Yellow Dorm said, "That was close. Now at least Kaiser has a Defense monster and should survive this turn's assault."

"Then, 'Granmarg the Rock Monarch' attacks 'Cyber Dragon'," Kira declared.

Zane shouted, "I activate the Trap Card 'Attack Reflector Unit'!"

The Trap Card flipped, projecting an arsenal-like scene—robotic arms and machinery surrounded Cyber Dragon, rapidly transforming it.

"Attack Reflector Unit: Tribute a 'Cyber Dragon' you control to Special Summon 'Cyber Barrier Dragon' from your Deck!"

 Zane shouted.

"Tribute 'Cyber Dragon' and evolve into a new form!

Cyber Barrier Dragon, Summon!"

A golden beam shot skyward as Cyber Dragon rapidly transformed, evolving into a new steel dragon.

[Cyber Barrier Dragon, DEF 2800]

"2800 Defense!" shouted a Blue Dorm student. "Now the Monarch can't break through!"

"Then, the battle rewinds—'Granmarg the Rock Monarch' cancels its attack."

Kira revealed another card from his hand.

"But I activate the Quick-Play Spell 'Quick Summon'—I can perform another Normal Summon of a monster from my hand." (Anime card)

He revealed another card from his hand.

"Tribute 'Granmarg the Rock Monarch' for another Tribute Summon!"

Zane's face changed. "A second Monarch in one turn?"

"Under the thunderous sky, the ruler of lightning descends—

—Zaborg the Thunder Monarch, Summon!"

A projection of black clouds appeared in the sky, releasing surging energy like a boiling sea. Silver lightning flashed, swirling and expanding, as a towering figure descended amidst the storm!

[Zaborg the Thunder Monarch, ATK 2400]

"When Zaborg the Thunder Monarch is Tribute Summoned, destroy a monster on the field!" Kira declared. "Destroy 'Cyber Barrier Dragon!'"

Zaborg raised his hand, golden light shooting skyward. The sky split open, and thunder rained down like a torrent onto Cyber Barrier Dragon. The steel dragon looked fragile under the thick lightning, pierced as easily as butter by a hot knife.

"Ugh—" Zane raised his arm to shield himself from the blast.

"Oh no, the newly summoned Cyber Barrier Dragon was instantly shattered by the Monarch's might!" the streamer narrated.

"Now Kaiser's field is empty again! Will Zaborg's attack decide the Academy's new king!?"

Kira waved his hand. "Zaborg the Thunder Monarch, direct attack!"

Lightning surged between Zaborg's hands, arcing toward his opponent!

 "I activate a set card!" Zane shouted. "Continuous Trap 'Call of the Haunted!' Revive a monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position!"

A monster card emerged from the Graveyard.

"I revive 'Cyber Barrier Dragon!'"

Kira's first instinct was to argue that Cyber Barrier Dragon couldn't be Special Summoned except by 'Attack Reflector Unit,' not even if it was properly summoned, because of its own effect. But then he remembered—in the anime, during the episode where Zame faced Vampire Camula, he did use Call of the Haunted to revive Cyber Barrier Dragon to block an attack.

So, clearly in the anime, there's no such summoning restriction. Once properly summoned, it can be revived.

"'Cyber Barrier Dragon,' Special Summon again!"

[Cyber Barrier Dragon, ATK 800]

"Cyber Barrier Dragon's effect: When this card is in Attack Position, once per turn, it can negate an opponent's attack," Zane said.

The mechanical head of Cyber Barrier Dragon activated, projecting a defensive energy barrier. The Thunder Monarch's lightning slammed into it, exploding on the shield.

In fact, the battle could be rewound here, but whether Kira attacked or not didn't matter. He didn't retract his attack.

"Then, I set a card," Kira said. "Turn end."

Chapter 337: Against Flash Defense!

Zane let out a long breath.

No matter what, he'd barely survived this turn.

Losing two Cyber Twin Dragons in a single turn was too much. The Storm Monarch's repeated hand-bouncing, combined with Treeborn Frog and Monarchs' relentless assault, was enough to make even him sweat.

Actually, Zane had long sensed that Kira, in some ways, was a duelist who walked a path completely different from his own.

Zane pursued dueling his own way, keeping his pace steady and focusing on his own process rather than just victory. All in all, he valued the journey over the result.

Kira was the opposite. His dueling was a formula derived for victory—if it won, the means didn't matter. Flashy tactics or monster slugfests popular with modern duelists were irrelevant.

For him, the result clearly mattered more than the process.

Well, if he could have fun along the way while winning, that was even better.

Zane didn't think his path was superior, nor did he plan to change. For him, his conviction was his strength, and regardless of his opponent's tactics, he would always be himself.

As long as he stayed true to his path, his deck would answer him. Whether he won or lost was secondary.

"My turn. Draw!"

Zane declared.

"And during this turn's Standby Phase, it's my second Standby Phase after 'Different Dimension Capsule' was activated. According to its effect, 'Different Dimension Capsule' is destroyed, and I add the card I banished with it to my hand."

A vortex appeared on the ground, and the Different Dimension Capsule, like a coffin from another dimension, emerged and slowly opened. The card within returned to Zane's hand.

Of course, everyone knew what Kaiser's Different Dimension Capsule contained—just like everyone always knew Seto Kaiba's set card was Polymerization.

"Then I activate the Spell Card 'Spell Books from the Pot'—both players draw three cards from their Decks." (Manga card)

After drawing, he quickly made a decision and revealed three cards from his hand.

"Activate the Spell Card 'Monster Reborn!'" Zane played his signature card. "Revive any monster from my Graveyard!

I choose this card—

—Proto-Cyber Dragon, Summon!"

[Proto-Cyber Dragon, ATK 1100]

"And at this moment, activate Quick-Play Spell 'Inferno Reckless Summon!'" Zane declared. "When your opponent controls a monster and you Special Summon a monster with 1500 or less ATK, you can Special Summon as many copies of that monster as possible from your hand, Deck, or Graveyard.

But as a cost, your opponent can also Special Summon as many copies of one of their face-up monsters as possible."

"My field has 'Zaborg the Thunder Monarch'," Kira said. "But I don't have any more copies in my Deck."

Monarchs were already super-rare in this world, and nobody ran two or three copies of Zaborg anyway, so he only had one.

A Yellow Dorm student in the crowd said, "Kaiser just Special Summoned Proto-Cyber Dragon, so with Inferno Reckless Summon, he'll get two more from his Deck."

"You idiot, did you forget Proto-Cyber Dragon's effect?" a Blue Dorm student reminded him.

The Yellow Dorm student froze. "When Proto-Cyber Dragon is on the field, its name becomes 'Cyber Dragon.' Masaka (could it be)!?"

Sure enough, next moment, Zane revealed three more cards in quick succession.

"I Special Summon these three cards from my Graveyard and Deck!

Appear, three Cyber Dragons, Special Summon together!!!"

[Cyber Dragon, ATK 2100] x3

 "Then, activate the Spell Card 'Power Bond'! Using Fusion Materials from my hand or field, I Fusion Summon a Machine monster!" Zane declared. "I fuse Proto-Cyber Dragon, treated as 'Cyber Dragon,' with two more 'Cyber Dragons'!

Transform into the ultimate evolution of Cyber Dragon—descend in your mightiest form!"

Zane raised his arm high.

"Fusion Summon! Cyber End Dragon!!!"

As if tearing through the boundaries of space, a three-headed steel dragon arrived with a roar of grinding machinery! Its massive body, every inch of armor sparking with electricity, the silver plates shining like a flowing galaxy.

[Cyber End Dragon, ATK 4000]

"Power Bond's effect—when a Machine monster is Fusion Summoned with this card, its ATK is doubled!"

[Cyber End Dragon, ATK 4000 → ATK 8000]

"It appeared!"

The students on site and those watching the stream all became excited.

"Kaiser's signature—an 8000-attack Cyber End Dragon!"

"So powerful, it's practically a legendary monster..."

8000 attack points—a barrier unattainable for most ordinary duelists. Now this three-headed steel dragon was the embodiment of might itself!

"Battle!" Zane declared. "Cyber End Dragon, attack 'Zaborg the Thunder Monarch!'

Eternal Evolution Burst!!"

All three mechanical jaws of the End Dragon opened wide, like black cannon barrels charging up! The raging energy swirled inside, crashing and roaring.

With 8000 attack, even a glancing blow meant instant annihilation.

"Power Bond + Cyber End Dragon—this is your trump card, so strong, too strong."

Kira nodded in acknowledgment, giving his opponent due respect

 —or at least he felt he did.

Then, with a flourish, he flipped a card, and in that instant, dazzling light burst forth from the card!

Such overwhelming, radiant power—everyone in the room was forced to shield their eyes, squinting to see what the card was.

Zane also shielded his eyes, his face grim. "That power... Could it be...?"

"Exactly."

Kira, at some point, had calmly put on sunglasses to block the light, so he didn't need to shield his eyes like the others. Facing the blinding light with ease, the dazzling glow was reflected on his black lenses.

He spoke calmly:

"Trap Card, Mirror Force.

When your opponent's monster declares an attack—"

He slowly gestured across Kaiser's field, passing over 'Cyber Dragon,' 'Cyber End Dragon,' and 'Cyber Barrier Dragon'—such a magnificent lineup.

"All Attack Position monsters your opponent controls are destroyed!"

Chapter 338: Give Him a Heavy Blow

Mirror Force!

Holy blue light burst forth from the Trap Card, forming a shield on the field. At first, the barrier was as calm as a lake, but as Cyber End Dragon's Eternal Evolution Burst crashed into it, the light trembled, becoming hot and dazzling. The flames of light leapt in the void, as if absorbing Cyber End Dragon's unmatched power, then returned it a hundredfold!

The blue glow surged like a flood, shaking space itself.

Cyber Dragon, Cyber End Dragon, and Cyber Barrier Dragon—all three mechanical giants were mercilessly engulfed, their steel bodies instantly shattering, twisting in the shockwave.

"To use Mirror Force at a time like this..."

Zane said in a low voice.

"Then I activate the Quick-Play Spell 'Cybernetic Zone'!"

The Spell Card's image unfolded in golden light, appearing on his field at the critical moment.

"I target a Machine Fusion Monster I control and banish it!"

He pointed to his Cyber End Dragon.

"I banish 'Cyber End Dragon'!"

A starry blue barrier enveloped the field. Cyber End Dragon was encased within, vanishing just before the holy light could destroy it.

"Dodged, huh." Kira nodded. "But the remaining 'Cyber Dragon' and 'Cyber Barrier Dragon' are destroyed."

Like a shooting star streaking briefly but brilliantly across the night sky, the holy radiance swept the field, leaving only emptiness—no trace even of metal fragments.

"What a pity. Such a lineup, gone in an instant. That was close—whether it was the Cyber Twin Dragons earlier or the Cyber End Dragon just now, one careless hit and it would've been all over."

Kira patted his chest in a show of relief.

"As expected of Kaiser, truly the legendary wielder of overwhelming power."

Zane was silent.

"But unfortunately, your opponent won't always meet force with force," Kira said. "Maybe to you, using your strongest monster and going all out is the highest respect for your opponent—but duelists come in all kinds."

"...I understand."

Zane closed his eyes and spoke slowly.

"But I've already decided—no matter what, I'll walk with my old friends to the end. That's my way, my path. No matter what tactics or methods my opponent uses, it doesn't matter."

He drew another card.

"Activate Spell Card 'One Day of Peace.' Both players draw a card, and until the end of your opponent's next turn, neither takes battle or effect damage."

He drew a card, and then seemed to consider for a moment.

"Activate Spell Card 'Card of Burial Magic.' Banish 'One Day of Peace,' 'Different Dimension Capsule,' and 'Inferno Reckless Summon' from my Graveyard, and draw two cards." (Anime card)

Then he set two more cards.

"I set two cards in my backrow and end my turn."

Zane declared,

"In the End Phase, the monster I banished with 'Cybernetic Zone'—Cyber End Dragon—returns to the field. And when it returns, its ATK is doubled!"

A star-blue beam descended again, Cyber End Dragon's image roaring as it reappeared.

[Cyber End Dragon, ATK 8000 → ATK 16000]

The students watching instinctively held their breath, not daring to make a sound.

"Cyber End Dragon with 16,000 attack!"

 "That's terrifying—at that power, even Five-Headed Dragon would be just a wall, or even less!"

The streamer continued his commentary.

"What a duel! Kaiser has continuously set up OTK fields, only for Kira to neutralize them with ease—yet Kaiser's offense shows no sign of faltering, it's only getting stronger!

Did you see that? 16,000 ATK Cyber End Dragon! Sixteen thousand!"

Zane said gravely, "Power Bond's effect—during the End Phase, if the Fusion Monster summoned with it is still on the field, I take damage equal to its original ATK." (Anime effect)

The anime and real card effects of Power Bond differ. In the real TCG, Power Bond's damage is applied at the end of the turn regardless of whether the Fusion Monster is still present, and the effect doesn't start a new chain.

But in the anime, the effect triggers and requires the Fusion Monster to be present at the end of the turn. That's why, in the anime, Kaiser can use De-Fusion or similar effects to avoid the damage, but not in the real game.

"Because I activated 'One Day of Peace,' all damage until the end of your next turn becomes zero," Zane said. "So, Power Bond's damage is negated."

"...Amazing!"

The spectators were once again awestruck.

"He even accounted for Power Bond's drawback!"

Kira smiled, not surprised.

Power Bond was Zane's soul card, but every time he summoned Cyber End Dragon, he either won outright or had a way to dodge the self-burn. He'd never actually lost to Power Bond's own damage.

Of course. If he couldn't handle the inevitable side effect of his own card, he wouldn't deserve the title of Kaiser.

"My turn. Draw."

Kira drew.

"During my Standby Phase, since my Spell/Trap Zone is empty, Treeborn Frog revives from my Graveyard."

[Treeborn Frog, DEF 100]

Zane frowned.

That frog again—the Monarchs' endless ammunition.

Kira could also see that, even after all these setbacks, Kaiser hadn't wavered.

He still stuck to his chosen path, just as stubbornly determined to win using Cyber Dragon or its fusions.

From Zane's first underground duel, it was apparent that his Fusion deck always had other powerful monsters like Chimeratech Overdragon, but he used to refuse to play them.

Only at a life-or-death moment did he finally let go of the obsession with winning with Cyber Dragon, and decided to fight to win.

But now, it seemed he was still persistent—meaning he hadn't faced enough resistance or setbacks yet.

But that was fine.

Kira smiled slightly.

Then let's give him an even greater defeat to experience.

"Tribute 'Treeborn Frog' once again."

Kira raised his hand.

Treeborn Frog was swallowed by a dark vortex, jet-black winds erupting like a hellish storm!

"The embodiment of destruction, breaking free from chains and awakening from endless darkness—

—Caius the Shadow Monarch, Summon!!!"

Chapter 339: The Fleeting Strongest Moment

[Caius the Shadow Monarch, ATK 2400]

Zane's expression tightened: "The legendary Shadow Monarch…"

The form of the Caius the Shadow Monarch was shrouded in pitch-black mist, his crimson eyes appearing all the more mysterious and ethereal in the darkness.

"The effect of Caius the Shadow Monarch: When it's Tribute Summoned, you can banish any card on the field."

Kira pointed again at the massive dragon dominating Zane's field.

"Cyber End Dragon is banished!"

The demon god rising from the darkness flashed with red light in its eyes as black energy began to gather in its palm.

As if it contained the chaotic origin of countless negative emotions, the energy twisted the air, tearing through the field like a comet. Space itself seemed to be dragged and warped by an invisible hand, the dimension's structure collapsing, with the path of destruction stretching straight toward Cyber End Dragon.

Even with an attack power of 16,000, Cyber End Dragon was powerless before the might of the Shadow Monarch. A direct hit would erase it completely!

"Then I'll activate a set card—once again, this one!"

Zane flipped a Spell in his back row.

"Quick-Play Spell: 'Cybernetic Zone'!"

"Oh?" Kira murmured, "You actually had a second copy?"

"Cybernetic Zone's effect: It banishes a face-up Fusion Monster on the field until the end of the turn," Zane explained. "Cyber End Dragon, dodge the Shadow Monarch's attack!"

A bluish magic barrier fell once again, and Cyber End Dragon vanished in the nick of time. Caius the Shadow Monarch's black energy sphere howled past Zane's side.

"That was close."

Even the spectators couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat for Zane.

This duel was nerve-wracking for everyone, no matter which side they supported. Zane's extreme OTK style of aggressive offense seemed, so far, to be calmly neutralized by Kira. But if even a single attack slipped through, it could mean instant defeat.

Cyber End Dragon looked dazzling, but he was walking a razor's edge. The opponent avoided direct confrontation, instead bombarding him with removal and banishment effects. One careless move could end the match.

"You actually protected it, as expected of Kaiser," Kira said. "But thanks to 'One Day of Peace,' no damage can be dealt this turn."

He drew three more cards from his hand.

"I set three cards face-down in my back row and end my turn."

"End Phase: Cybernetic Zone's effect! Cyber End Dragon returns! And its ATK doubles again!"

Zane called out.

"This is the ultimate duel I pursue—the strongest moment! Return in your invincible form, Cyber End Dragon!"

[Cyber End Dragon, ATK 16,000 → ATK 32,000]

"Thirty-two thousand attack power!"

The watching students were stunned. They gazed up at the three-headed dragon, momentarily feeling as if Zane had fused with the metallic fortress behind him.

It was as if Cyber End Dragon was his avatar, the crystallization of his duelist's soul burning at its peak—the symbol of his pursuit of the highest summit.

"As expected of you," Kira smiled. "But don't forget—monsters powered up by 'Cybernetic Zone' are destroyed during your next Standby Phase, right?"

Such strength was only surface-level; the power brought by this card truly was a fleeting beauty that seemed to burn up the soul and life itself, with the cost being an early demise.

But Zane only smiled: "Thanks for the reminder, but I have my own plan."

"My turn, draw!"

Zane drew a card, then swept his hand to reveal another set card.

"Trap Card: 'Solomon's Lawbook'! This card lets me skip my next Standby Phase!"

"Oh?" Even Kira raised an eyebrow.

That was creative.

The audience exploded.

Skip your next Standby Phase? That's possible!?

"The downside of the power boost from Cybernetic Zone is that the monster self-destructs in the next Standby Phase," a Blue Dorm student explained. "But if you skip that phase…"

"A thirty-two thousand ATK Cyber End Dragon stays on the field and doesn't self-destruct!" a Yellow Dorm student shook his friend in excitement. "Kaiser is insanely powerful! This is too much!"

Zane glanced at the card he drew, then at Kira's three set cards. After thinking for a moment, he showed his hand: "Next, I play Spell Card, 'Card of Sanctity'! Both players draw until they have six cards in hand!"

After replenishing his hand and checking his cards, he finally seemed to settle and swept his arm forward.

"Battle! Cyber End Dragon, attack 'Caius the Shadow Monarch'!

Eternal Evolution Ray!"

Countless streams of electronic pulses flowed along the dragon's silver body, surging into its mouth and gathering energy like a cannon.

A dazzling beam erupted—a concentrated burst of electronic energy, roaring with deafening thunder.

Thirty-two thousand attack power: a touch is instant annihilation!

But of course, Kira wouldn't let it pass so easily: "I activate a set card—Trap Card, 'Dimensional Prison'!"

Electricity crackled as a rift in space exploded open, a massive chasm to the abyss forming in front of Cyber End Dragon!

Zane tensed.

Another banishment!

It was as if the traps never ended—no matter how he tried, he couldn't break through, no matter how strong his monsters were.

He had poured everything into creating the ultimate Cyber End Dragon, but his opponent kept sidestepping his challenge. Even with such overwhelming attack power, it felt like punching into cotton.

But he had another move.

"Quick-Play Spell: 'De-Fusion'!"

Zane called out.

"De-Fusing Cyber End Dragon!"

A golden light enveloped the three-headed steel dragon, splitting it back into three Cyber Dragons.

"By de-fusing Cyber End Dragon, I Special Summon the Fusion Materials from the Graveyard: two 'Cyber Dragons' and one 'Proto-Cyber Dragon!'"

[Cyber Dragon, ATK 2100] x2

[Proto-Cyber Dragon, ATK 1100]

"This way, 'Dimensional Prison' loses its target," Kira nodded. "But your Cyber End Dragon is gone now. How unfortunate; a thirty-two thousand ATK dragon, wasted."

Kira feigned regret.

Zane: "..."

It was true, but hearing it from the culprit was infuriating.

Still, he composed himself and pressed on.

"You must think my Cyber Dragons can't defeat your Emperors. But my attack isn't over yet."

A glint flashed in Zane's eyes as he revealed another card.

"Quick-Play Spell: Limiter Removal!"

Chapter 340: The Risk of Power

Limiter Removal!

The machine-type's ultimate OTK weapon, it can grant ordinary Machine monsters the power to kill in one blow. Zane's three Cyber Dragons were instantly empowered, blue electric serpents coiling around their silver bodies, energy output skyrocketing!

[Cyber Dragon, ATK 2100 → 4200] x2

[Proto-Cyber Dragon, ATK 1100 → 2200]

In an instant, over ten thousand total attack power again!

A few students watching were dumbfounded.

Another OTK!?

Kaiser is an OTK monster!

To keep falling into traps and yet still muster up OTK firepower again and again…

 "This is Kaiser's true strength?" a Blue Dorm student murmured.

"The battle continues. If you can defend against even this, show me, Kira!"

Zane called out.

"Cyber Dragon triple attack!

First, the first Cyber Dragon attacks 'Zaborg the Thunder Monarch!'

Evolution Ray!"

With doubled attack power, Cyber Dragon now outclassed even Monarch-level monsters. Its electrified energy blast shot forth like a wild stallion, illuminating the field and overpowering the Thunder Monarch.

The Monarch's armor shattered, the beam piercing his defenses. His hulking body was torn apart, torrents of electricity exploding from the cracks.

[Kira, LP 4000 → LP 2200]

Kira raised an arm to shield himself, smiling lightly.

"Impressive."

"Second strike!" Zane called again, "Cyber Dragon #2 attacks 'Caius the Shadow Monarch!'"

Another Evolution Ray, this time targeting the Shadow Monarch. The king in the darkness tried to resist, but his shield was also pierced instantly, his dark armor shattering under the beam.

Caius the Shadow Monarch's massive body collapsed, a torrent of dark energy surging out and opening a portal to the abyss, his body dissolving into the void.

[Kira, LP 2200 → LP 400]

Kira slid back a few steps under the impact, black smoke fading from his body, eyebrows only slightly furrowed.

"All Monarch, wiped out!"

The commentator was ecstatic.

"Kaiser has finally broken through Kira's defenses! Could this be the day!?"

The moment Zane broke the darkness, it was like sunlight piercing the clouds at Duel Academy—a historic moment, worthy of campus-wide celebration!

"Final strike," Zane shouted. "Proto-Cyber Dragon, direct attack!"

The doubled Proto-Cyber Dragon opened its mouth, flames and electricity surging forth to engulf Kira and his flickering LP.

BOOM!

A massive explosion, black smoke billowing and covering half the field.

Zane panted, only then realizing he was drenched in sweat, beads running down his face.

Did I finally win?

It should be over.

But for some reason, he didn't feel victorious.

Instead, he sensed that his attack had only triggered some dangerous fuse, drawing him deeper into an unfathomable darkness.

The smoke cleared.

[Kira, LP 5400]

"Phew, that was close," Kira wiped imaginary sweat. "You almost got me."

Zane: "???"

He rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things.

Life points… five thousand four hundred!?

"Why…?"

"At the last moment, I activated the Trap 'Rainbow Life.'"

Kira smiled, displaying the Trap Card that was now in the Graveyard.

"Rainbow Life: Discard one card to activate. All damage this turn becomes zero, and my life points return to what they were at the start of the turn—four thousand.

And on top of that, I recover any life points lost this turn up to the point the card was activated." (Anime effect)

(The TCG version only recovers damage taken after activation.)

In short, in the anime it absorbed damage before activation; in the card game, it absorbs after activation.

"I see," Zane nodded. "So after activating Rainbow Life, your LP went back to 4000, plus the damage from the two Cyber Dragons—3600."

"Yes, so my LP rose to 7600," Kira nodded. "Then I took 2200 from Proto-Cyber Dragon's direct attack."

[Kira, LP 5400]

Zane gritted his teeth.

He had truly given it his all, he and his Cyber Dragons. But even such a fierce assault felt like dropping a stone in the ocean.

And as much as he hated to admit it, he could feel it—

This guy was still holding back.

The commentator deflated.

"Damn, even that couldn't break through Kira's defense…"

No, it seemed like the more he hit, the more LP his opponent had.

And Limiter Removal has a drawback: monsters powered by it self-destruct at end of turn. If you don't win in one shot, it's a complete reversal.

Not only did Kira survive, he healed, and now Zane's field would be wiped clean by self-destruction—no more "One Day of Peace" protection.

Things looked grim.

"He really can't…?"

A Blue Dorm student murmured.

In his eyes, Zane was already more than strong enough—he was on another level compared to ordinary students.

But even so, he was still toyed with by Kira.

The academy's future looked darker than ever.

"Great power always carries a risk," Kira said. "After Limiter Removal, your Cyber Dragons will be destroyed at the end of the turn."

"I know."

Zane replied.

"Main Phase 2. I Normal Summon 'Machina Peacekeeper.'"

[Machina Peacekeeper, ATK 500]

"I play Spell Card 'Machine Duplication.' I select a Machine-type with 500 or less ATK and special summon up to two more copies from the Deck."

He searched his Deck.

"I only have one monster zone left, so I summon one more Peacekeeper."

[Machina Peacekeeper, ATK 500]

"Peacekeeper's effect: once per turn, you can equip it to a Machine-Type monster as an Equip Card.

I equip each Peacekeeper to a Cyber Dragon."

The two little machines transformed, becoming armor on the Cyber Dragons.

"Then I set two cards face-down and end my turn. End Phase: Limiter Removal's drawback destroys both Cyber Dragons.

But when the equipped monster would be destroyed by battle or card effect, Machina Peacekeeper is destroyed instead.

So both Peacekeepers are destroyed instead of the Cyber Dragons!"

Two explosions, two fireballs and black smoke, but the Cyber Dragons remained unharmed. Only the unequipped Proto-Cyber Dragon self-destructed.

"And Peacekeeper's other effect: if it's sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add a Union Monster from my deck to my hand."

Zane searched his deck.

"I add 'Armored Cybern' to my hand."