"Hmph, that card?" Seeing Ishizu play «Necrovalley», Marik seemed to have a strong opinion. "The Pharaoh's Graveyard, a symbol of the Tomb Keepers, where even the Egyptian God Cards cannot be revived once they enter it. It's truly fortunate it wasn't used on me."
Marik recalled his childhood memories. Back then, due to the Tomb Keepers' traditional customs, the clan members could only remain within their territory and were forbidden from going to the outside world. When Marik, Ishizu, and Odion, who were all of similar age, had free time, they could only pass the time with one of the few outside items that had made their way into the Tomb Keepers' clan: Duel Monsters cards—after all, while the Tomb Keepers were traditional, they weren't primitive people living three thousand years ago.
Based on their individual interests, the three of them each built different Decks. Marik's early impression of Duel Monsters during his childhood was one of endless Traps, and being endlessly crushed by «Present-Past» and «Gravekeeper's».
After Ishizu activated «Necrovalley» on the Field, she activated another Spell Card: "Although Trap Cards and the effects of low-Level monsters are negated against God Cards, Spell Cards still have an effect for one turn. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, «Book of Eclipse», to change all face-up monsters on the Field to face-down Defense Position."
Ishizu really had some tricks up her sleeve. Although Hayato's Field simultaneously had the powerful «The Winged Dragon of Ra» and «Ojama King», which possesses an effect that blocks Monster Zones, the weaknesses of the two monsters were surprisingly similar—
The change in «The Winged Dragon of Ra»'s original ATK originated from the effect activated during its Tribute Summon. If it were flipped face-down, then «The Winged Dragon of Ra»'s ATK/DEF would immediately drop to 0. As for «Ojama King», its blockade of the Monster Zones was only effective while it was in face-up Position. If it were flipped face-down, its effect would immediately become inactive.
"Don't think it's that simple, Ishizu, I chain to your «Book of Eclipse» and activate my Set card in the back row!" Hayato activated one of his two Set cards, "Quick-Play Spell Card «Forbidden Lance», it makes «The Winged Dragon of Ra»'s ATK decrease by 800, and until the end of the turn, it will not be affected by Spell/Trap Card effects!"
On Ishizu's Field, a book with a dark Solar Disc printed on it appeared. The light of a solar eclipse, symbolizing the sun's fall, burst forth from the book. «Ojama King» was immediately affected by its effect, sealing it back into a card. However, as the light reached «The Winged Dragon of Ra», it was obscured by a divine spear that suddenly appeared before it.
Although the sacred spear prevented «The Winged Dragon of Ra» from being flipped face-down, its power indiscriminately suppressed some of «The Winged Dragon of Ra»'s own strength, causing its ATK to decrease.
«The Winged Dragon of Ra» [ATK 4800 → 4000]
«Book of Eclipse» didn't take effect, but Ishizu showed no disappointment; instead, she revealed an expression as if everything was going according to plan: "Just as I expected, Hayato, you indeed sacrificed «The Winged Dragon of Ra»'s ATK to protect it. In that case—"
As she spoke, Ishizu drew a card and Summoned it to the Field.
"Besides possessing the ability to cleanse the Graveyard, within «Necrovalley» also resides the Tomb Keepers clan, who have guarded it for generations. I Normal Summon «Gravekeeper's Spiritualist», and due to «Necrovalley»'s effect, the ATK/DEF of «Gravekeeper's» monsters will increase by 500."
On Ishizu's Field, a woman wearing a black cat-god Bastet Mask, holding a black version of the «Millennium Eye» and a golden staff, elegantly appeared.
«Gravekeeper's Spiritualist» [Level 4/DARK]
[Spellcaster/Effect]
[ATK/DEF 1500/1500 → 2000/2000]
"Its ATK and DEF have been boosted to a pretty good level, but it still can't compare to my «The Winged Dragon of Ra»."
Ishizu heard Hayato's words and said with a smile, "After all, it is «The Winged Dragon of Ra», the highest-ranking among the Egyptian God Cards. A mere «Gravekeeper's Spiritualist» naturally cannot defeat it. However, the monsters of the Tomb Keepers clan never act alone, you know."
At Ishizu's hint, Hayato immediately understood her intentions. If he remembered correctly, «Gravekeeper's Spiritualist»'s effect seemed to be...
"I activate «Gravekeeper's Spiritualist»'s effect," As if by telepathy, just as Hayato noticed the combo Ishizu intended to use, she began to implement it, "If «Necrovalley» is on the Field, I can send monsters from my Hand or Field, including this card, to the Graveyard as Fusion Material, to Fusion Summon a Spellcaster Fusion Monster!"
"I send «Gravekeeper's Summoner» from my Hand and «Gravekeeper's Spiritualist» from the Field to the Graveyard as Fusion Material, and Fusion Summon «Gravekeeper's Visionary»!"
«Gravekeeper's Spiritualist» raised her golden scepter and began chanting. «Gravekeeper's Summoner», which had been added to Ishizu's Hand from the effect of «Painful Choice» earlier, appeared on the Field. Then, under the dual chanting, both monsters transformed into particles and dissipated, and a double magic circle was constructed on the Field.
With the two monsters sent to the Graveyard as power, the magic circle began to operate, and a sturdy, white-haired man holding a long staff appeared, with a resolute expression on his face. Behind him, the phantom images of «Gravekeeper's Spiritualist» and «Gravekeeper's Summoner» surfaced.
«Gravekeeper's Visionary» [Level 7/DARK]
[Spellcaster/Fusion/Effect]
[ATK/DEF 2000/2000]
"«Gravekeeper's Visionary» possesses an effect that inherits the power of the «Gravekeeper's» monsters used as its Fusion Material. Its ATK and DEF will increase by a value equal to the combined original Levels of the Fusion Materials x 100," Ishizu explained, "Furthermore, «Necrovalley»'s effect is still active, so «Gravekeeper's Visionary»'s ATK/DEF will increase by another 500!"
«Gravekeeper's Visionary» [ATK/DEF 2000/2000 → 2800/2800 → 3300/3300]
"ATK 3300?!" Joey exclaimed, looking at «Gravekeeper's Visionary» in surprise.
In his previous Duel, he had unexpectedly Fusion Summoned «Black Skull Dragon» with 3200 ATK and a powerful effect. He thought that besides the God Cards, only Kaiba's «Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon» could surpass it. But in his very next Duel, Ishizu Summoned a monster whose ATK was exactly 100 points higher than «Black Skull Dragon».
"It's not over yet. I set one card from my Hand, then I activate the Equip Spell Card «United We Stand» from my Hand, Equipping it to «Gravekeeper's Visionary»!" Ishizu played out her last two cards from hand. "A monster equipped with «United We Stand» gains ATK/DEF equal to the number of monsters on my Field x 800!"
«Gravekeeper's Visionary» [ATK/DEF 3300/3300 → 4100/4100]
"You successfully raised its ATK to surpass that of a God." Hayato looked at Ishizu. "So next, you'll attack a God, right? You're really showing no mercy."
"After all, if a mortal doesn't give their all, it's hard to surpass a God."
Ishizu raised her hand and commanded, "Enter my Battle Phase! «Gravekeeper's Visionary», send the Sun God «The Winged Dragon of Ra» to the Underworld! Underworld Pull!"
Raising the staff in its hand, «Gravekeeper's Visionary», taking advantage of «The Winged Dragon of Ra»'s decreased ATK due to «Forbidden Lance»'s effect, summoned a seal to suppress and seal it, sending it to the Graveyard.
[Hayato: 4000 → 3900 LP]
Originally, Hayato should have been somewhat happy that «The Winged Dragon of Ra» was sent to the Graveyard, because the famous «The Winged Dragon of Ra» researcher, Marik, once said, "«The Winged Dragon of Ra» is in its strongest state in the Graveyard." However, the presence of «Necrovalley» perfectly countered «The Winged Dragon of Ra»'s effect.
The God that could unleash its strongest effect after reviving from the Graveyard, now that the Graveyard was sealed, could practically be ruled out for an indefinite period.
"During my Main Phase 2, I activate «Gravekeeper's Visionary»'s effect. During this turn's End Phase, I can add one «Gravekeeper's» monster or «Necrovalley» from my Deck to my Hand. After that, I end my turn." Ishizu said, "Because of «Book of Eclipse»'s effect, monsters that were changed to face-down Defense Position will flip back to face-up Defense Position, and the opponent will draw cards equal to the number of monsters that were changed to face-down Defense Position."
As «Ojama King» returned to face-up Defense Position, its effect was applied again, and three zones on Ishizu's Field were once again occupied and could not be used to Summon monsters. At the same time, Hayato also drew a card, bringing his Hand size to five cards.
Simultaneously, Ishizu also activated «Gravekeeper's Visionary»'s effect, adding a «Gravekeeper's» monster from her Deck to her Hand.
[Ishizu: 4000 LP, Hand 1]
«Gravekeeper's Visionary» («United We Stand») [ATK 4100]
[Set Card]
Field: «Necrovalley»
"This is really troublesome." Hayato rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
Hayato had previously expected Ishizu to use a «Present-Past» Deck. For that, he had specifically set a «Red Reboot» that he had painstakingly acquired from the System Shop, precisely to prevent Ishizu from activating «Present-Past». But who would have thought that she would switch to «Gravekeeper's»?
Even using «Gravekeeper's» was fine, Hayato thought that none of the «Gravekeeper's» monsters specialized in high ATK. His «Ojama King» with 3000 DEF and «The Winged Dragon of Ra» with 4800 ATK on his Field should have been able to stay on the Field for several turns. But Ishizu unexpectedly played «Gravekeeper's Visionary» with 4100 ATK and destroyed «The Winged Dragon of Ra» in one turn.
Indeed, he shouldn't have gotten carried away and summoned a God just now.
"My turn, draw." Despite his frustration, Hayato began his turn, drawing a card from his Deck. With «Mirage of Nightmare» from the previous turn, Ishizu's «Book of Eclipse», and this turn's draw, Hayato's Hand size was back up to a full six cards.
However, because «Mirage of Nightmare» would activate its effect during the Standby Phase, requiring Hayato to discard four cards from hand, Hayato activated a card from his Hand: "Before entering the Standby Phase, Quick-Play Spell Card «Emergency Provisions» is activated! I send «Mirage of Nightmare» to the Graveyard and gain 1000 Life Points."
[Hayato: 3900 → 4900 LP]
"Although «Ojama King»'s DEF is as high as 3000, it's still far inferior compared to your «Gravekeeper's Visionary» on the Field, Ishizu. In that case, I activate «Call of the Stargazer» to return the Level 6 «Ojama King» on the Field to the Deck, and I draw two cards."
As «Ojama King» disappeared, the origami figures of the three «Ojama» monsters that occupied Ishizu's Monster Zones also vanished. After Hayato drew two cards from his Deck, he smiled: "Although 4100 ATK seems quite exaggerated, I have already gathered the pieces to defeat him!"
"I activate «Gaia the Fierce Knight»'s effect from my Hand! If there are no monsters on my Field, or if a monster with 2300 or more ATK exists on your Field, it can be Normal Summoned from my Hand without Tributing. Also, when it is Summoned or Special Summoned, I Special Summon the Level 5 «Curse of Dragon» from my Hand!"
"Then, because it was Special Summoned, «Curse of Dragon»'s effect activates! I can target one Field Spell Card on the Field and destroy it!"
«Gaia the Fierce Knight» [Level 7/LIGHT]
[Warrior/Effect]
[ATK/DEF 2300/2100]
«Curse of Dragon» [Level 5/DARK]
[Dragon/Effect]
[ATK/DEF 2000/1500]
The familiar combo appeared on Hayato's Field. Donning a new form yet maintaining its usual tradition, «Gaia the Fierce Knight», despite being a "Magical Knight" but LIGHT Attribute, commanded «Curse of Dragon». As soon as it appeared on the Field, «Curse of Dragon» spat out a torrent of flames, incinerating the valley, and «Necrovalley» instantly turned into a sea of fire.
However, at the same time, «Gravekeeper's Visionary» waved the long staff in its hand, and golden energy was injected into the valley beneath it, activating the inherent mysterious power of «Necrovalley». The infernal flames spat out by «Curse of Dragon» gradually extinguished, revealing «Necrovalley» unharmed.
"Because of «Gravekeeper's Visionary»'s effect, as long as «Necrovalley» is on the Field, this card and the cards in my Field Zone cannot be destroyed by card effects."
Hearing Ishizu's words, Hayato shrugged, "I knew it wouldn't be that simple. In that case, I activate «Curse of Dragon»'s second effect."
"I send Fusion Materials, including this card, that are determined for a Fusion Monster on my Field, to the Graveyard, and Fusion Summon a monster!" Hayato cheered, "Whether it's martial might or magic, having both under control—only then can it be called complete! Appear, «Gaia the Dragon Champion»!!!"
«Gaia the Dragon Champion» [Level 7/WIND]
[Dragon/Fusion/Effect]
[ATK/DEF 2600/2100]
After Summoning «Gaia the Dragon Champion», Hayato showed a confident smile: "With this, the equation to defeat «Gravekeeper's Visionary» is successfully completed. Enter my Battle Phase! I attack «Gravekeeper's Visionary» with «Gaia the Dragon Champion»!"
"Go, «Gaia the Fierce Knight», perfect Cavalry Charge!"
On Hayato's Field, «Gaia the Fierce Knight», mounted on «Curse of Dragon», received Hayato's command, and after just a glance at «Gravekeeper's Visionary», whose ATK far surpassed its own, it unhesitatingly charged forward, riding the yellow wyvern.
"Using a monster with 2600 ATK to attack a monster with 4100 ATK? What is Hayato trying to do?" Joey was utterly bewildered.
Even Yugi was somewhat confused: "Does that «Gaia the Dragon Champion» possess an effect similar to «Dimensional Warrior» that results in mutual destruction with an opponent's monster?"
Ishizu also made the same guess. After all, Hayato's action at this moment was clearly a suicidal attack. It couldn't be that «Gaia the Dragon Champion»'s ATK would suddenly increase in the middle of the Battle, could it?
"I activate my Set card, «Wall of Disruption»! This card can only be activated when an opponent's monster declares an attack. All Attack Position monsters on the opponent's Field lose ATK equal to the number of monsters on the opponent's Field x 800!"
Ishizu's Set card in the back row was revealed. An invisible wall of air blocked the space between Ishizu's and Hayato's Fields. As «Gaia the Dragon Champion» charged, its ATK decreased as it passed through the air wall.
«Gaia the Dragon Champion» [ATK 2600 → 1800]
Just as the two monsters, whose ATK difference had widened again, were about to clash, at that moment, Hayato calmly played a card: "So this was your Set card, Ishizu. Then I'm truly lucky. I activate Quick-Play Spell Card «Forbidden Scripture»!"
"This card can only be activated during the Damage Calculation of both players' monsters. Until the end of the Damage Step, all card effects on the Field, except for «Forbidden Scripture», are negated, and this battle's Damage Calculation is performed using both monsters' original ATK/DEF!"
"What?!" Hearing Hayato's explanation, Ishizu was also startled. She looked towards the charging «Gaia the Dragon Champion» and «Gravekeeper's Visionary» on her Field.
As a sacred book opened in Hayato's back row, the protection from «Necrovalley» on «Gravekeeper's Visionary», the boost from the two Fusion Material monsters, and the increase from the Equip Spell Card «United We Stand» were all stripped away.
«Gravekeeper's Visionary» [ATK 4100 → 2000]
"Powerful magic and foreknowledge of the future—while such external forces can help us go further to a certain extent, in the most crucial moments, what we can ultimately rely on is our own power!"
Hayato exclaimed, "With this single attack, send «Gravekeeper's Visionary» to the Underworld, «Gaia the Fierce Knight»!"
Riding the wyvern, extending its weapon in a spiral motion, the clash between «Gaia the Fierce Knight» and «Gravekeeper's Visionary» lasted only an instant. The Dragon Knight returned to Hayato's Field, while «Gravekeeper's Visionary» was sent to Ishizu's Graveyard to rest.
[Ishizu: 4000 → 3400 LP]
"Because «Gaia the Dragon Champion» destroyed a monster by battle, its effect applies, increasing its ATK by 2600." Looking at «Gaia the Dragon Champion», Hayato set two cards from hand. "I set two cards, my turn ends."
[Hayato: 4900 LP, Hand 1]
«Gaia the Dragon Champion» [ATK 2600 → 5200]
[Set Card] x3
"My turn, draw." It was Ishizu's turn again. She calmly drew a card, smiled, and played a card from her Hand. "I Summon «Gravekeeper's Priestess»."
«Gravekeeper's Priestess», wearing a braided turban and holding a jackal-headed scepter, appeared on Ishizu's Field. Compared to the other «Gravekeeper's» monsters Hayato had seen before, «Gravekeeper's Priestess» appeared to be the youngest. Especially when compared to an incredibly experienced monster like «Gravekeeper's Heavy Blaster», there was practically a generation's difference.
«Gravekeeper's Priestess» [Level 4/DARK]
[Spellcaster/Effect]
[ATK/DEF 500/1500 → 1000/2000]
However, Hayato would not underestimate «Gravekeeper's Priestess» because of this. Because as soon as it entered the Field, its mouth began to ramble, seemingly chanting some kind of spell in Ancient Egyptian.
Fortunately, Hayato didn't understand Ancient Egyptian very well, so he felt «Gravekeeper's Priestess»'s ramblings were profoundly mysterious. But to Ishizu, «Gravekeeper's Priestess» was actually muttering—
"Oh dear, why have you called me out again? Can't you youngsters solve your own problems? Why do you always need us old-timers to step in?"
"Oh oh oh, is this the technology of the modern world? How amazing! I thought I had Solid Visioned."
"Oh, Ishizu, your stats are getting better and better lately! Have you found a boyfriend? Bought a house? When do you plan to have children?"
Annoyed by the constant chatter, Ishizu quickly interrupted «Gravekeeper's Priestess», her face slightly flushed, "A-Activate «Gravekeeper's Priestess»'s effect! When it is Summoned, Flip Summoned, or Special Summoned, I can target one «Gravekeeper's» monster in the Graveyard and Special Summon it in face-up Attack Position or face-down Defense Position."
"Ah, Ishizu finds me annoying now, how sad." Though it said this, «Gravekeeper's Priestess» did become somewhat serious, and truly began chanting a spell in Ancient Egyptian. Beside «Gravekeeper's Priestess», a magic circle connecting to the Underworld appeared.
"Huh, Special Summon from the Graveyard?"
In the Spectator Stands, Joey, who had just understood the meaning of «Necrovalley»'s effect from Yugi's explanation, was quite puzzled. "Didn't they say that when «Necrovalley» is present, effects involving cards in the Graveyard would be negated? Why can «Gravekeeper's Priestess»'s effect be used?"
"Hmph, you fool. «Necrovalley» was built by our Tomb Keepers clan in the very beginning. Even I, who was alive at the time, contributed to it. Do you think I would be affected by «Necrovalley»'s effect?" «Gravekeeper's Priestess» said in Ancient Egyptian, which only Ishizu and Marik present could understand.
Ishizu then explained, "Although «Necrovalley» possesses a Graveyard cleansing effect that applies to both players, the Tomb Keepers clan, who have guarded this place for many years, have certain privileges. «Gravekeeper's Priestess»'s effect is not affected by «Necrovalley»'s effect."
The magic circle leading to the Underworld was completed. «Gravekeeper's Spiritualist», who had been sent to the Graveyard by Ishizu earlier to Summon «Gravekeeper's Visionary», reappeared.
«Gravekeeper's Spiritualist» [ATK/DEF 1500/1500 → 2000/2000]
(end of chapter)