Yugioh [387-389] (Patreon)

Chapter 387: The Path of Duel

Although the first duel knocked someone out, President Kaiba's insistence meant the tournament wasn't much affected. After a brief pause, the second match of the quarterfinals soon began.

This time, it was an in-house Duel Academy match—Jaden happened to be matched against Zane.

"Come to think of it, this year's Duel City has three Duel Academy students in the top eight," Mokuba couldn't help but say. "There are plenty of pro duelists competing too. Are today's students really that overpowered?"

"Or maybe the current pro duelists just aren't that great?" Kira remarked.

Mokuba: "..."

Kira wasn't just talking nonsense. In GX, the pros never looked that impressive in the anime. Even so, Kira wasn't one to underestimate the pro scene here without seeing it for himself.

But after some personal experience, he realized his old stereotype actually had merit.

The pros really weren't all that.

After all, in the world of Yu-Gi-Oh, the real powerhouses don’t bother with the pro circuit!

Zane wasn't in his best form right now.

Doubting your own path is fatal for a duelist. Uncertainty directly affects your performance in a duel. That's why, in the original story, after losing to Aster, Zane couldn't even beat random nobodies.

Though he wasn't as devastated as he was back then, his mindset had definitely taken a hit.

But right now, on the dueling stage, all he could do was force himself to set aside his doubts and devote himself fully to the duel at hand.

"Come on, Zane, round two!" Jaden called out confidently. "I'm not the same as before!"

Zane seemed lost in thought but snapped back to attention, shaking his head and forcing himself into focus. The duel disk unfolded.

But the duel itself didn't go smoothly for either side.

Both struggled.

". . ."

"The effect of the spell card 'Different Dimension Capsule' activates after two turns," Zane stated. "So in my Standby Phase two turns later, I add the card sealed in 'Different Dimension Capsule!"

"Ooh, here it comes," Jaden rubbed his nose. "But I can't let you have it that easy."

"Activate set card—trap card 'Mind Crush'! I declare 'Power Bond'—if you have that card in your hand, you must discard it immediately!"

"NANI!?"

Zane was shocked.

"You actually knew the card I was getting was Power Bond!?"

Even Kira watching outside couldn't help but laugh.

It was just like when Kaiba was shocked that Yugi knew he was about to summon Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon.

Zane had been using the same playstyle for three years at Duel Academy—he always searched for his soul card "Power Bond" with Different Dimension Capsule. Even someone as dense as Jaden had memorized it by now.

Zane scowled at Jaden.

His eyes seemed to say, "You've changed; you didn't duel like this before..."

But of course, this kind of interference wasn't enough to stop Zane.

The duel heated up, with Jaden's endless Fusion Heroes and Zane's relentless Cyber Dragons clashing back and forth in a wild, dizzying battle.

"Duel Academy is insanely strong this year..." Mokuba couldn't help but comment again.

"Hmph, it's alright," Kaiba replied.

His gaze paused on Zane for a moment.

He could see a bit of his own younger self in this kid: the same aggressive style, the pursuit of ultimate power. Once, Kaiba too believed power was everything—in life and especially in dueling.

But that was long ago. Now, he'd moved past that phase, aiming for higher realms.

"Zane Truesdale, huh. Interesting," Kaiba murmured.

"Will you remain lost, or will you evolve and join the ranks of true duelists?"

But evolution probably wasn't coming today.

After a fierce exchange, the final turn arrived.

"Elemental HERO Plasma Vice's effect!" Jaden declared. "Discard a card to destroy one of your opponent's Attack Position monsters.

I discard a card—destroy Cyber End Dragon!"

Plasma Vice's arm crackled with electricity and speared toward Ryo's lone Cyber End Dragon!

"Quick-Play Spell—Forbidden Dress!" Zane shouted. "Cyber End Dragon loses 600 ATK and can't be targeted or destroyed by card effects until the end of the turn!"

[Cyber End Dragon: 4000 → 3400 ATK]

An almost invincible barrier surrounded Cyber End Dragon, sacrificing 600 ATK for powerful defense. Plasma Vice's attack was repelled, its effect nullified.

"Now Cyber End Dragon is immune to most effects this turn," Zane declared. "If you want to destroy it, you'll have to do it in battle, Jaden!"

But Zane was ready for that, too.

Face-down on his field was the key card from his graduation duel with Jaden: Quick-Play Spell "Battle Fusion," which raises his monster's ATK by the opposing monster's ATK during battle.

In other words, no matter how high Jaden stacked his Hero’s ATK, Cyber End Dragon would surpass it—and this would decide the duel!

"So strong, Zane. You even prepared this level of defense..." Jaden said. "But if there's one thing I've learned this semester, it's that there's no such thing as an unbeatable monster!

Watch closely, Zane—this is my evolution after six months!"

"Come at me, Jaden!" Zane yelled. "Bring it on with everything you've got!"

"Alright! First, activate Spell Card 'Fusion Recovery' to return 'Polymerization' and 'Elemental Hero Wildheart' from my Graveyard to my hand.

Then, activate 'Polymerization'—fusing 'Elemental Hero Necroshade' and 'Wildheart' in my hand! Fusion Summon—Elemental HERO Necroid Shaman!"

[Elemental HERO Necroid Shaman: 1900 ATK]

"Necroid Shaman?" Zane was caught off guard.

This wasn't Jaden's usual OTK high-ATK Hero play.

"Necroid Shaman's effect," Jaden grinned. "Tribute an opponent's monster to Special Summon a monster from their Graveyard. (Original effect)

I tribute Cyber End Dragon to Special Summon your Cyber Dragon from your Graveyard!"

"NANI!?"

Zane was stunned.

Wait, you’re stealing my move!?

He instantly remembered when his Cyber Dragon was sacked by Kira's Chimeratech Fortress Dragon not long ago—history repeating itself.

"Cyber End Dragon can't be targeted or destroyed by effects, but tributing is a cost for Necroid Shaman's effect—not targeting or destroying."

Jaden smiled.

"Now, Elemental Hero Plasma Vice and Necroid Shaman—attack Zane together!"

". . ."

[Zane Truesdale, LP 0]

The result was decided. Zane staggered backward, collapsing to the ground, momentarily in a daze.

He looked up at the sky.

Was his dueling path really wrong?

Chapter 388: The Avenger

"I won! That was a fun duel!"

Jaden struck a pose.

Zane: "..."

"...As much as I'd like to say that, I'm sure you don't feel the same way," Jaden admitted.

So, you noticed.

Zane took a deep breath, adjusted his mindset, and stood up, closing his eyes for a moment.

"Well played. You’ve improved a lot these past six months. Right now, you're stronger, Jaden Yuki."

"I wouldn't say that," Jadeb scratched his head. "Honestly, I could kind of feel it—you weren't at your best, were you, Zane?"

Zane frowned. "If you think I was going easy, you're wrong. That would be disrespectful. No matter the opponent or situation, as a duelist, I would never allow myself to do that."

"No, no, that's not what I mean," Jaden waved his hands. "It's more like, while you were dueling me, your real opponent seemed to be someone else in your mind..."

Zane pondered.

Was his mind really elsewhere?

"Your dueling feels different now, like you couldn't fully focus or show your best. It's a shame... But you're still strong, Zane. You'll bounce back soon—no, you'll be even stronger than before."

Jaden grinned and held out his hand.

"When that happens, let's duel again."

Zane was silent for a few seconds, then took Jaden’s hand.

"...Alright."

The match ended. It was rare for a quarterfinal duel to end without anyone getting seriously hurt. The medics waiting outside dashed to the field as soon as Zane’s life points hit zero, ready to carry him off on a stretcher, but he refused.

The medics were surprised. "Hey, no casualties this time?"

Zane, on the other hand, thought he might need a therapist instead...

The third match started quickly—it was finally time for the legendary duelist Seto Kaiba to take the stage. Everyone was excited; after so many years, most had never seen Kaiba duel in person and were eager to know what his dueling looked like now.

The random draw was perfect—the next match was a grudge match.

His opponent was none other than the last of the New Doma Three Swordsmen, Loren, who seemed to hate him to the core.

The two stood on stage.

"Finally. Do you know how long I’ve waited for this moment, Seto Kaiba?" Loren said coldly.

"I don’t know, nor do I care," Kaiba replied flatly. "But since you’re here, duel like a real duelist. Hmph. Or are you scared? You can still back out."

"You!"

Loren’s anger only grew at Kaiba’s arrogance.

"Fine. Let's let the duel do the talking."

They each activated their duel disks.

"Duel!" x2

"I’ll go first. Draw!"

Loren wasted no time, raising a card.

"Field Spell—Seal of Orichalcos!"

A hexagram appeared, and a blaze of green light shot up, enveloping both duelists and sealing them off from the outside world.

The Arbiter outside smiled at the scene, even licking his lips.

"No need to explain Seal of Orichalcos; effect," Loren said coldly.

"Of course," Kaiba sneered. "You’re just digging your own grave."

"No, this is the embodiment of my revenge, the flames that will burn your arrogant soul to ashes!" Loren replied. "Activate Spell Card 'Graceful Charity'—draw three cards, discard two."

Loren discarded two cards, then summoned a monster.

"Set in Defense—Babycerasaurus!"

[Babycerasaurus: DEF 200]

"Hm?" Kira muttered.

"What’s up? Is something wrong with that monster?" Jaden asked.

"No, it’s nothing," Kira shook his head.

Babycerasaurus—now that was a card from GX.

Its effect: when destroyed by a card effect and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon any Level 4 or lower Dinosaur from your Deck.

Who would've thought this overlooked old card would someday become a top-tier one-limiter?

"Then I'll set my remaining cards—"

Loren set his remaining four cards at once.

"Four set cards?"

Jaden was surprised.

That’s just like Kira!

"This duel is the entire meaning of my existence now," Loren stared at Kaiba. "If it weren't for you all, I'd probably just be an ordinary person, with an ordinary, warm family..."

"My turn, draw," Kaiba interrupted mercilessly.

"You don’t even care who I am or why I want revenge?" Loren demanded.

"Heh. Why would I bother learning every stray dog’s backstory?"

"You—" Loren almost fainted from rage.

He was about to launch into a dramatic monologue, but Kaiba shot him down in a single sentence.

Kaiba didn’t care at all.

"Fine! Have it your way, we'll settle this with a duel!" Loren snapped. "Activate trap 'Paleozoic Marrella'! Send a trap from my deck to the Graveyard!"

"Paleozoic?" Kaiba frowned.

Another archetype even he hadn’t heard of.

But Kaiba knew the new Doma had their own custom printing methods, and their influence spanned many dimensions. It made sense they’d have cards unknown in this world.

"I send this trap from my deck," Loren revealed it.

"'Survival's End'—to the Graveyard."

Another card Kaiba didn't recognize.

As one of the world’s top card printers, Kaiba was confident he knew every card in existence—even if he didn’t own them. So he was sure which ones shouldn’t exist in the current world.

"Interesting," Kaiba smiled.

An opponent like this was worth his time.

"Then, from my hand, the effect of 'Dictator of D..' By sending a 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' from my deck to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it."

Kaiba sent Blue-Eyes from his deck to the Graveyard.

"Special Summon—Dictator of D.!"

[Dictator of D.: ATK 1200]

Loren recognized the card: "Kaiba's evolved 'Dragon Ruler' series. This guy has some nasty follow-up effects..."

Dictator of D. can discard a Blue-Eyes or any card with Blue-Eyes White Dragon in its name to revive a Blue-Eyes monster from the Graveyard.

Loren: "Then I'll take care of your troublesome monster right away.

Activate the trap 'Survival's End' from the Graveyard!"

Mokuba was shocked: "A trap from the Graveyard!?"

"'Survival's End' banishes itself from the Graveyard to destroy one Dinosaur you control and one card your opponent controls."

Loren declared.

"I'll destroy my Babycerasaurus and your Dictator of D.! Let's go down together, Seto Kaiba!"

Chapter 389: The Crushing Blow

"The effect of 'Survival's End' in the Graveyard!" Loren shouted. "Dictator of D. and Babycerasaurus are destroyed!"

The trap card spun out of the Graveyard, and both monsters on the field were crushed and vanished into golden light.

"Then, Babycerasaurus's effect activates—when destroyed by a card effect and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Dinosaur from my deck."

Loren searched his deck and picked a card.

"I Special Summon a second Babycerasaurus from my deck!"

[Babycerasaurus: DEF 500]

"Another one?" Mokuba wondered.

"Then activate set card, trap 'Paleozoic Leanchoilia!'" Loren continued. "Return one banished card to the Graveyard—so I return 'Survival's End.'"

He revealed the trap again.

"'Survival's End' returns to the Graveyard!"

"What an amazing combo," Koyo quickly realized the power of this setup.

Searching Survival's End to the Graveyard, then using it from the Graveyard to blow up Kaiba's monsters, then reviving Babycerasaurus to search another Dinosaur, and returning Survival's End to the Graveyard for another use.

If the second Babycerasaurus is destroyed, that's another search...

"Interruption and resource gain in one," Midori commented. "This duelist is really strong."

Loren pressed on: "Not done yet. When 'Paleozoic Leanchoilia' is activated, the second effect of 'Paleozoic Marrella' in the Graveyard triggers—it can Special Summon itself as a Normal Monster when you activate a trap."

Loren revived Marrella in defense from the Graveyard.

A twisted, trilobite-like creature emerged, its shell covered in spiny tendrils like tangled deep-sea vines.

[Paleozoic Marrella: DEF 0]

"Traps used as monsters—trap monsters," Kaiba mused.

Even though it was his first time seeing this series, he quickly deduced the main theme of the Paleozoics.

"That's right—this is the power given to me by the gods after my rebirth, the power to take revenge on you," Loren declared. "My time stopped ten years ago, the moment you destroyed everything I had..."

"Activate 'Graceful Charity,'" Kaiba interrupted, drawing three cards and discarding two.

Kaiba only cared about cards, not about some stranger's tragic backstory.

Loren's attempt at a flashback was cut short again, leaving him even more frustrated.

"Next, Spell Card 'Trade-In'—discard a Level 8 monster to draw two cards," Kaiba said. "I discard 'Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon' and draw two."

Kaiba discarded and drew.

"Now, let the whip of total defeat strike! Ritual Spell 'Chaos Form'—activate!"

A vision of chaos, like a bottomless abyss, opened up behind him.

"'Chaos Form' can Ritual Summon a 'Chaos' monster from your hand without tribute if 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' is in your Graveyard," (original effect).

This was the effect Kaiba first used in the movie; the printed card later required banishing Blue-Eyes from the Graveyard as tribute.

Loren muttered, "You have the Blue-Eyes sent to the Graveyard by Dictator of D.'s summon..."

Kaiba: "Descend in a form of chaos, shatter all trivial barriers! Appear—

—Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon!"

Clad in armor, Blue-Eyes emerged in a storm of lightning from the abyss, dominating the field.

[Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon: ATK 4000]

"Another new Blue-Eyes..." Loren frowned.

Even if he'd never seen it before, he could sense its power—this was no ordinary monster. He had to assume its effect was just as strong.

But—

"But you forgot—I still have this card in my Graveyard!" Loren shouted. "Activate 'Survival's End' from the Graveyard! Banish it to destroy my Babycerasaurus and your Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon!"

But nothing happened.

It was as if the duel disk ignored his command.

"NANI?" Loren was stunned. "Why!?"

"Ha ha ha ha ha!"

Kaiba threw back his head and laughed.

"Let me tell you, foolish wretch, your petty tricks are helpless before absolute power.

'Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon' cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects!"

Loren: "!"

His intuition was correct—this dragon was just as powerful in the duel as it looked. Such a strong immunity!

Kaiba only had Chaos MAX Dragon on the field, and since it can't be targeted, Survival's End had no valid targets and couldn't activate.

"Trash should be crushed along with their grudges," Kaiba declared.

"Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon, attack Paleozoic Marrella!"

A vortex of energy gathered in Blue-Eyes’ mouth, ready to unleash a blast that would tear through everything.

"Chaos MAX Dragon's effect—when attacking a Defense Position monster, inflict double piercing damage!"

"Double!?" Loren's heart skipped a beat.

The crowd was stunned.

[Paleozoic Marrella: DEF 0]

[Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon: ATK 4000]

This attack would deal 8000 double-damage—enough to annihilate even the ashes.

Opening with a move like this...

This is Seto Kaiba’s duel!?