Chapter 536: Scumbag, Ptooey!
Under Hayato's gaze, a pair of open palms slowly rose from the grass.
"Don't be nervous, don't be nervous, I don't mean any harm~"
A frivolous male voice came from the bushes, accompanied by a hooded head emerging, its hair filled with broken twigs and scattered leaves.
Hayato saw the man dressed as a spellcaster, raising his hands to signal he was no threat, and felt a sense of familiarity at first glance. Although the other party claimed to have no ill intentions, Hayato still maintained the necessary vigilance.
"Whether there are ill intentions or not, mere words can't prove anything."
"Hmm, that's true," the hooded spellcaster said, maintaining distance from Hayato. He fully emerged from the bushes, shaking his robe with one hand while the other remained raised above his head. "But I really don't mean any harm, I just don't have any way to prove it."
"I was originally riding a summoned beast, making my way, when suddenly a strange fluctuation appeared from nowhere, forcibly shattering the summoned beast I had Summoned and returning it to its original form, causing me to fall from the sky into this forest."
"I just simply wanted to find the source of that fluctuation to take a look; I have no ill intentions towards you, young man."
As the hooded spellcaster spoke, he even forced out a smile as gentle as possible, seemingly genuinely wanting to prove to Hayato that he meant no harm.
Upon hearing this, Hayato seemed to genuinely believe the other party's words, his shoulders relaxing as if he had lowered his guard.
"I see, it seems you pose no threat." After a pause, Hayato's tone changed, "Did you think I'd say that?"
"Clang!" "Bang!"
Behind Hayato, the `Gaia the Dragon Champion` he had discreetly placed on his Duel Disk just as he lowered his hand thrust its lance, precisely striking down a silently attacking dark shadow in mid-air, sending it crashing to the ground. Only then could they clearly see that the dark shadow was actually a strange staff with a javelin-like tip.
Seeing his sneak attack fail, the hooded spellcaster couldn't help but reveal an annoyed expression: "Tch, I was discovered. How cautious."
Following the `Gaia` that made the first move, the tall, three-headed Machine-Type Dragon `Cyber End Dragon` and the perfectly elegant maid housekeeper `Dragonmaid Sheou` also appeared by Hayato's side. `Cyber End Dragon` fiercely blocked Hayato with a formidable aura, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws at the hooded spellcaster, while `Dragonmaid Sheou` anxiously asked if Hayato was injured.
In response to `Dragonmaid Sheou`'s attentiveness, `Rainbow Kuriboh` excitedly cried "Kurikuri!", seemingly feeling that a "Dragon" was threatening its status. Hayato, on the other hand, nodded, indicating he was fine, and looked at the calm-faced hooded spellcaster.
"Although I feel like I've seen you somewhere before, I don't think I've ever provoked you, unknown fellow."
The hooded spellcaster watched as the Duel Monster Spirits Hayato had Summoned gradually surrounded him, yet he remained composed and calm, spreading his hands helplessly: "In this world, do conflicts and disputes really need a reason?"
"I genuinely wasn't lying to you earlier; there truly was a strange fluctuation that interfered with my ritual, and in my perception, the source of that fluctuation seems to be you. Although I was heading to a slightly distant place to look at something, studying the fluctuation on you to refine my ritual is definitely more important than that."
Hayato's lips curled into a slight smirk: "That's truly a shame; I have no interest in cooperating with others to research my body."
As he spoke, Hayato raised his Duel Disk, and a golden light began to surge from the `Millennium Ring` on his chest, instantly unleashing a wave of Dark Magic.
"Hm? Is this a Duel Ceremony?" The hooded spellcaster wanted to break free and escape the moment the `Millennium Ring` on Hayato's chest lit up, but his movement was a step too slow. The magic-constructed barrier had already formed, enclosing him and Hayato within it.
Looking at the device that had appeared on his wrist, identical to the Duel Disk on Hayato's, the hooded spellcaster remarked with interest: "How fascinating. You clearly had a huge advantage earlier, controlling those Duel Monster Spirits. Why suddenly initiate a Duel Ceremony against me?"
"Simple, I just need a guide, and you're the right person. As for why I didn't use the already present `Gaia` and the others to force you," Hayato chuckled lightly, "I didn't see the slightest hint of apprehension towards `Gaia` and the others on your face, Hooded Man."
"'Hooded Man' and such, that's quite unpleasant. I have a proper spellcaster title and full name, but I don't want to just tell you who I am." The hooded spellcaster's lips curled, "You can just call me 'Lord Crowley, the Handsome, Elegant, and Powerful Spellcaster'."
"Alright, 'Scumbag Crowley'."
"It's 'Lord Crowley, the Handsome, Elegant, and Powerful Spellcaster'."
"'Pervert Crowley-san'."
"I'm not a pervert!"
"So, you don't deny being a scumbag at all?" Hayato quipped, "Well then, Crowley, are you ready to be defeated by me in this Duel and become my guide?"
"Hmph, quite confident, aren't you? But I'm used to my freedom and have never intended to become anyone's subordinate. Therefore, I'll take this Duel Ceremony a little more seriously."
Crowley was somewhat displeased that Hayato didn't address him as 'Lord Crowley, the Handsome, Elegant, and Powerful Spellcaster,' but 'Crowley' was still better than 'Scumbag Crowley.'
"However, since it's a Duel Ceremony, the cost for both sides must be equal, right? That's a basic rule of this game." Crowley smirked cunningly, "If you want me to become your subordinate, then as an equal cost, I'll take your soul and body as material to perfect my ritual."
As Crowley said this, he submitted his conditions to the fair yet rigid Shadow Game. However, to his surprise, the final judgment was completely different from what he had anticipated.
"Who are you, you bastard!?" Crowley stared at Hayato with a strange expression. "You look just like one of those ordinary mortals, so why is it that just the value of one of your arms can be collateral for my entire life up to this point?"
"If you lose, you just have to lose an arm to me, but if I lose, I have to become your card!"
"Beats me~"
Hayato answered nonchalantly, which somewhat annoyed Crowley: "Fine, as long as I defeat you, an arm is good enough. Anyway, with my intellect, even with one arm, it's enough to figure out what secrets you're hiding."
"Duel!"
(end of chapter)
"Duel!" (x2)
[Hayato: 4000 Life Points]
[Crowley: 4000 Life Points]
"I'll take the first turn, Draw!" Crowley drew a card from his Deck, glanced at it, then Set the drawn card directly to his Field. "I'll Set a monster in face-down Defense Position on my Field, then I'll activate this Spell Card from my Hand, (Book of Taiyou), to change one face-down monster on the Field to face-up Attack Position."
"Of course, I choose the only monster on the Field. Flip! (Magical Merchant)!"
On Crowley's Back Row, an ancient-looking Spellbook with a sun relief on its cover appeared. As the book opened, releasing its contained magic power, the card Crowley had just Set on the Field flipped over, revealing a blue-purple cockroach-spirit standing upright, wearing a traveler's cloak and clutching various odd items.
[(Magical Merchant) [Level 1/LIGHT Attribute]
[Insect-Type/Flip/Effect]
[200 ATK/700 DEF]
With only a meager 200 Attack, (Magical Merchant) was undoubtedly just a fodder monster. However, as a Flip Monster, its ATK and DEF have never been the key factors; what matters is its Flip Effect.
"(Magical Merchant) activates its effect when it's flipped: I reveal cards from the top of my Deck until a Spell or Trap Card appears. I add that revealed Spell or Trap Card to my Hand, then send the rest of the revealed cards to the Graveyard."
Crowley said smugly, reaching towards his Deck.
But just as Crowley was about to reveal the topmost card, Hayato suddenly stopped him: "Search? Negate!"
Hayato revealed a card from his Hand that he had obtained from the late Paradox: "I activate the effect of (Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring) from my Hand! When my opponent activates an effect that adds a card from the Deck to the Hand, Special Summons a monster from the Deck, or sends a card from the Deck to the Graveyard, I can discard (Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring) from my Hand to negate that effect!"
"Huh?!"
To Crowley's surprise, a streak of light flew from Hayato's Hand, striking the (Magical Merchant) on his Field and transforming into a cute little girl with a mischievous smile. The moment the cockroach-spirit (Magical Merchant) saw the little girl appear, it immediately prostrated itself on the ground and played dead, as if targeted by a natural predator, not daring to move, let alone search for cards for Crowley.
Watching the (Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring) on the Field, which was actually a dog spirit, playfully stick out its tongue at him before disappearing, Hayato didn't pay much attention. Instead, he smiled at Crowley across from him and said, "Although it's only a Level 1 monster, I wouldn't underestimate (Magical Merchant)'s effect just because of its low Level."
"Quickly dumping a large number of cards into the Graveyard while also searching for a Spell Card from the Deck, it would be unthinkable not to negate such an effect."
As he spoke, Hayato glanced at the space on the (Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring) card where the word "Tuner" should have been but was currently vacant, then sent it to the Graveyard.
[(Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring) [Level 3/FIRE Attribute]
[Zombie-Type/Dark Sword/Effect]
[0 ATK/1800 DEF]
Although Paradox and Yusei had performed various Synchro Summons when they traveled from the future to the present, after the Crimson Dragon, "Ultimaya Tzolkin", left this time-space, the once active "Yusei particles" eventually returned to peace. It would probably be decades until Yusei's father, Dr. Fudo, invented the Perpetual Motion Machine again, creating another opportunity for Synchro Summoning.
With the dormancy of the Yusei particles, Synchro Summoning, a Summoning method from the future, could not exist in this World. In the Deck Hayato had obtained from Paradox, the Malefic Synchro Monsters and Tuner Monsters directly disappeared after Paradox's demise, and other Tuner Monsters also lost their "Tuner" designation, making them unusable for Synchro Summoning.
However, their effects remained, so the loss of "Tuner" was not too significant. After all, for Hand Traps like (Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit) and (Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring), whether they had the "Tuner" designation or not was irrelevant, as Hayato would never use them for Synchro Summons anyway.
While Hayato found it satisfying to negate his opponent's combo/board development, Crowley, whose effect was negated, was not pleased. After all, he had used two cards from his resources to activate (Magical Merchant)'s effect, only to have it negated by one of Hayato's cards. It seemed like a heavy loss, not to mention he wasted a Normal Summon on his Field to place a mere target with only 200 Attack.
"Oh dear, girls that age are really annoying. So cute on the outside, but with such irritating effects," Crowley said, adjusting his glasses. "In that case, I activate the Spell Card (Prescient Plan), banishing the top three cards of my Deck face-down."
"The three cards banished by this effect will be added to my hand during the Standby Phase of my third turn after this card's activation."
"After that, I Set two cards, then I End Turn."
[Crowley: 4000 Life Points, 1 Card in Hand]
[(Magical Merchant) [200 ATK]]
[Set Card] [Set Card]
"It's My Turn, Draw." Hayato looked at the (Magical Merchant) on Crowley's Field, unconcerned. "Although you have two Set Cards in your Back Row, I'm afraid they won't protect your weak monster from being destroyed."
"I activate the Spell Card (Harpie's Feather Duster)! Destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on the opponent's Field! With this card, I will destroy all Set cards in your Back Row!"
A giant feather duster appeared on Hayato's Field, its slight swing unleashing a fierce hurricane that swept towards Crowley's Back Row, destroying both of his Set cards.
One of the cards was (Sakuretsu Armor), but upon seeing the other card, Hayato had a bad feeling.
"Tsk tsk, you destroyed my Set cards in the Back Row, how terrifying. But, you've disturbed something rather troublesome, you know," Crowley said proudly, revealing one of his Back Row cards. "Although (Sakuretsu Armor) was destroyed, the effect of this card, destroyed along with it, can be activated!"
"(Waking the Dragon)! This Set card can be activated if it leaves the Field due to an opponent's effect, either by being sent to the Graveyard or banished. I can Special Summon 1 monster from my Deck or Extra Deck! I will Special Summon this monster from my Extra Deck!"
"Light gathers as armor, riding a divine chariot, appear in the name of the hexagram, my one true body!"
"(Invoked Mechaba)!"
Amidst the storm stirred by (Harpie's Feather Duster), the destroyed (Waking the Dragon) transformed into a patch of grass, and a white figure leaped out from it.
White and gray armor tightly covered a demonic beast dragging a pair of massive wheels. Although it only had a front half, with its back half connected to the wheels, the beast, resembling both an ox and a gorilla, its body still stretched to an exaggerated length of over ten meters.
On the chariot stood a soldier wielding a spear and shield, covered in gray and white armor like the demonic beast pulling the chariot. However, looking into the helmet's empty space revealed that the "soldier" was merely an unmanned armor. A glowing green staff, inserted into the very center of the demonic beast's head, further proved that the chariot's true body was actually the beast pulling it, rather than the armor above.
[(Invoked Mechaba) [Level 9/LIGHT Attribute]
[Machine-Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2500 ATK/2100 DEF]
Looking at the monster with standard (Dark Magician) ATK/DEF that appeared on Crowley's Field, Hayato finally realized what the sense of familiarity he'd felt since seeing Crowley was.
"Tch, you Set (Waking the Dragon), letting you pull out the Light Summon," Hayato said, looking at Crowley with dangerous eyes, as if looking at a philanderer juggling N relationships.
"Light Summon? Are you talking about Mechaba? That abbreviation sounds pretty good, but 'Mechaba' is a name I painstakingly came up with. Don't so easily dismiss my efforts to name it!" Crowley said with a snarky expression, shrugging.
Glancing at (Invoked Mechaba) on Crowley's Field, then down at the cards in his Hand, Hayato drew a card: "Although it's a monster with 2500 ATK, it's meaningless no matter how strong it is if it can't Attack. I activate the Spell Card (Change of Heart), which allows me to Take Control of your (Invoked Mechaba) until the End Phase."
"Tsk tsk, no no. I value my Invocation magic and the Invoked monsters I Summon through it very highly. I won't let you just take (Invoked Mechaba) like that."
Watching the half-angel, half-demon Priest that appeared on Hayato's Back Row about to Take Control of his (Invoked Mechaba), Crowley revealed a card from his Hand: "Once per turn, when a monster effect, Spell Card, or Trap Card is activated, I can send 1 card of the same type from my Hand to the Graveyard to negate that activation and banish it."
"(Change of Heart) is a Spell Card, so I discard the Equip Spell Card (Cursed Bamboo Sword) from my Hand to negate and banish (Change of Heart)!"
As Crowley discarded the card from his Hand, the markings on the armor of the soldier holding the shield and spear on the mechanical chariot, (Invoked Mechaba), lit up with alternating yellow, green, and red lights, before settling on green after a moment of change.
The magic energy of (Change of Heart) touched it, but was instantly absorbed by the shield held by the armor. The energy flowed along the green markings, converging at the spear tip, and was returned the same way!
"Bang!"
The (Change of Heart) card was shattered by its own power and banished from Hayato's Field. Crowley then continued, "When (Cursed Bamboo Sword) is sent to the Graveyard, I activate its effect: I can add 1 (Bamboo Sword) card, other than (Cursed Bamboo Sword), from my Deck to my Hand. I choose (Golden Bamboo Sword)."
"The card discarded as cost has an effect to replenish hand cards, but (Invoked Mechaba)'s effect is only once per turn, right? That means it no longer has a counter effect now."
Hayato glanced at (Invoked Mechaba), whose markings had dimmed. Since he already knew its effect beforehand, Hayato deliberately used the undeniable (Change of Heart) as a test to bait out Crowley's single-use effect.
Now that (Invoked Mechaba)'s interference was gone, Hayato could truly begin his combo/board development.
"I activate the Spell Card (Polymerization)! Using (Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon) and (Gaia the Fierce Knight) from my Hand as Fusion Material!"
"A knight who soars through the sky, riding the swift wind and a Great Dragon! Fusion Summon! (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion)!"
[(Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion) [2600 ATK]]
Riding its Wyvern mount, (Gaia) appeared before Hayato, holding a long spear, an imposing aura.
"Although (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion) specifies (Dark Knight Gaia) and a Dragon-Type Monster as Fusion Material, (Gaia the Fierce Knight) has the ability to be treated as (Dark Knight Gaia) by rule."
"When (Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon) is sent to the Graveyard as Fusion Material, I can target (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion) on my Field, whose name is treated as (Dragon Knight Gaia), and activate its effect: All face-up monsters on the opponent's Field with ATK lower than (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion)'s ATK have their effects negated until the End Phase."
"Additionally, when (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion) is Special Summoned, I can select one (Spiral Spear Strike) from my Deck or Graveyard and add it to my Hand."
"Chain resolution in reverse order! First, I add (Spiral Spear Strike) from my Deck to my Hand. Then, the effect of (Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon) resolves! Since (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion) has the highest ATK on the Field at 2600, all monster effects on the opponent's Field are negated!"
As Hayato pointed forward, (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion)'s Wyvern mount roared. The oppressive presence from the Dragon-Type instantly caused the aura of (Magical Merchant) and (Invoked Mechaba) on Crowley's Field to plummet, their effects simultaneously negated.
"I activate the Continuous Spell Card (Spiral Spear Strike)! This card grants my (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion) on the Field piercing damage against Defense Position monsters! Now, Battle Phase!" Hayato pointed a finger at (Invoked Mechaba) on Crowley's Field. "I declare an attack on the Attack Position (Invoked Mechaba)!"
"When (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion) declares an attack, change the Battle Position of the target monster! Believe in the Cavalry Charge!"
The Dragon Knight commanded its Wyvern mount to flap its massive wings. Facing the storm descending from above, the effect-negated (Invoked Mechaba) had no resistance and was instantly changed to Defense Position.
[(Invoked Mechaba) [2500 ATK → 2100 DEF]]
"Dive, charge, and then pierce through! Golden Cavalry Charge!"
"Our Spiral Power will pierce the heavens!"
Accompanying Hayato's spirited attack declaration, (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion) thrust its spinning spear forward. The spiral power instantly pierced through and destroyed the now Defense Position (Invoked Mechaba)!
Battle Damage was inflicted upon Crowley behind it: "Ugh!"
[Crowley: 4000 → 3500 Life Points]
Thanks to the 100 points donated by "user20200304082634915".
Thanks to the 100 points donated by "user-a little confused-2333".
Thanks to the 500 points donated by "Jie Qing".
FGO's new AE Taishishengjun is cool, but his Noble Phantasm being "Disturbing the Grand Duke on His Head" is too hilarious.
(end of chapter)
## Chapter 538: A Timeless Classic — I Summon Myself
(Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion), through the Effect of (Spiral Spear Strike), not only Destroyed (Invoked Mechaba) but also inflicted Piercing Damage upon Crowler. However, because (Invoked Mechaba)'s ATK and DEF were relatively balanced, it only dealt a mere 500 points of Damage.
However, dealing Damage was enough. Hayato placed his finger on top of his Deck, Drawing two Cards: "When (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion), which is treated as (Dragon Knight Gaia), inflicts Damage to my Opponent through the first Effect of (Spiral Spear Strike), I Draw two Cards from my Deck, then Discard one Card from my Hand."
"Then, I Set one Card. I End Turn."
It wasn't that Hayato didn't want to perform more additional actions; he simply had no resources left in his Hand to use.
(Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring) had Countered Crowler's Search, and although (Harpie's Feather Duster) cleared out the (Blast Held by a Tribute) Trap Card, it Triggered (Invoked Mechaba). To prevent (Polymerization) from being Countered, he even had to use (Change of Heart) to bait a Counter. After a round of plays, Hayato truly had no resources left to use.
If not for (Spiral Spear Strike)'s Effect, which was similar to (Angel's Baton), Hayato wouldn't even have been able to Set that Card in his Back Row.
[Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
[(Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion) ATK 2600]
[(Spiral Spear Strike)] [Set Card]
"Hmph, quite spirited, aren't we? Well, it's My Turn again. Draw!" Crowler said with ease. "One Turn has passed for (Prescient Plan)'s Effect. In two more Turns, I'll be able to increase my Hand resources by three Cards at once."
"But, there's also a chance I won't get to Activate (Prescient Plan)'s Effect, because I might have already defeated you before then."
As he spoke, Crowler Activated the Card he had just Drawn on the Field: "I Activate the Equip Spell Card (Broken Bamboo Sword), which I just Drew. I Equip it to (Magical Merchant) on my Field, increasing its ATK by 0 points."
As Crowler inserted the Card into his Duel Disk, a tattered bamboo sword, broken halfway down its blade, appeared in his hand. Just holding it made one worry it might crumble, let alone use it in Battle. It was no wonder it didn't increase any ATK; it was good enough if it didn't get in the way.
However, this obscure Equip Card had another purpose.
"Then, because a (Bamboo Sword) Equip Card exists on my Field, I Activate the Spell Card (Golden Bamboo Sword), which was Added to my Hand earlier by the Effect of (Cursed Bamboo Sword). I Draw two Cards from my Deck. Oh, how fortunate! I then Activate the second (Golden Bamboo Sword) I just Drew, Drawing two more Cards."
As if struck by an incredible stroke of luck, after Crowler Activated the (Golden Bamboo Sword) he Searched for, he once again Drew the same Card. Due to this Card's Effect, his Hand size directly increased to a full three Cards.
Pulling one Card from his Hand, Crowler wore a helpless expression that, no matter how you looked at it, had a thoroughly punchable look about him: "Yare yare, I wanted to maintain the dignity and elegance of a Spellcaster, but I wasn't the first one to inflict Damage. Such a disgraceful thing! It seems I can't help but get serious now."
"Then, I will Normal Summon, Targeting myself!"
As Crowler spoke, he flipped over the Card in his Hand and revealed it. "I Summon (Aleister the Invoker) in Attack Position!"
Raising his hand above his head, Crowler spread his five fingers. A Staff, like the one that had appeared on (Invoked Mechaba), manifested in his hand. Crowler—or rather, Aleister Crowler—stepped onto his Field, standing beside (Magical Merchant).
[(Aleister the Invoker)][Level 4/DARK Attribute]
[Spellcaster-Type/Effect]
[1000/1800]
Hayato watched Aleister Crowler perform a Yu-Gi-Oh! World classic—"I Summon Myself"—without much surprise, as he had already guessed his identity.
Aleister Crowler, or rather, (Aleister the Invoker), was named after a real-life occultist from Hayato's previous life's World. He was known by grand-sounding yet imbued with intense chuunibyou energy titles like "King of Beasts," "Beast of Revelation," and "the most wicked man in the world," making one almost want to recall a classic quote from the famous anti-chuunibyou expert, Miss Hatoko.
Based on such a figure, (Aleister the Invoker) was naturally no benevolent individual. In the Card Art lore of Duel Monsters, he was a powerful Spellcaster, even once called the "Great Sage of the Law," ranking among the "Three Great Sages."
The other two of the "Three Great Sages" were the undisputed King of the Spellbook Archetype, which focused on Spell Counters, the "Great Sage of Sacred Magic," (Endymion, the Mighty Master of Magic). One of the Field Spell Cards Hayato possessed, (Magical Citadel of Endymion), was established by him and bore his name.
The other was the "Big Sister" of the Witchcrafter Archetype, skilled at Activating Spell/Trap Card Effects in the Graveyard. She was the "Great Sage of Crystals," (Witchcrafter Golem Aruru), who was a great beauty in her youth and later rejuvenated as she aged—also a master of magic.
Beyond the Card Art lore of Duel Monsters, (Aleister the Invoker) was also renowned because he primarily focused on Fusion Summoning. However, his Archetype had only one Low-Level Monster, (Aleister the Invoker) himself, while the Invoked Monsters he could Fusion Summon generally only had Attribute restrictions.
This meant that (Aleister the Invoker), with its incredibly minimal System, was best used as an Engine, appearing in all sorts of disparate Decks. Especially since he possessed the ability to Search Fusion Cards for his Archetype and excellent Recycle capabilities, making him ubiquitously versatile.
Furthermore, because the Decks that used the (Aleister the Invoker) Engine were often Waifu Card Decks like Sky Striker, Shaddoll, Trickstar, Dogmatika, Witchcrafter, and even Dragonmaid, (Aleister the Invoker), who would "Contact Fusion" with (Dogmatika Ecclesia, the Virtuous) today and get cozy with (El Shaddoll Construct) and (El Shaddoll Winda) tomorrow, earned the title of "playboy."
Though, Hayato had actually seen the Specialty of using (Aleister the Invoker) as an Engine in a (Worm) Deck full of Unspeakable Alien Reptiles. It was so strange that Hayato even took a few extra glances at the time.
What's more worth mentioning is that (Aleister the Invoker) once also received the honor of "He Changed Fusion." However, he was always in the process of contending for this honor with another powerful Card that appeared in the same pack: the formidable (Predaplant Verte Anaconda).
Both battled fiercely on the Forbidden & Limited List, entering the Forbidden List one after another, repeatedly bouncing between Limited, Semi-Limited, and Unlimited statuses multiple times. Ultimately, the struggle ended with (Predaplant Verte Anaconda) becoming an unusable Forbidden Card.
"When I successfully Summon or Flip Summon, I Add one (Invocation) from my Deck to my Hand."
Aleister Crowler had no idea Hayato was mentally critiquing him. Instead, he Searched a Card from his Deck and Added it to his Hand. "The Effect of (Invocation) is that I can Send the Fusion Material Monsters determined by a Fusion Monster from my Hand to the Graveyard to Fusion Summon that Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck."
"However, as my most proficient magic, (Invocation) has a special Enhancement when used to Summon Invoked Monsters. I can choose Fusion Material from my Field and both players' Graveyards, Banishing them to Fusion Summon."
"I Activate (Invocation)! I Banish (Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon), which is a DARK Attribute monster in your Graveyard, and myself on my Field!"
Slamming the (Invocation) Card onto his Duel Disk, Aleister raised his Staff above his head. A huge Magic Circle was constructed out of thin air above him by Magical Energy. Inside the Magic Circle, a special hexagram, similar yet different from the (Orichalcos Barrier), shone brightly!
"By my Magic Name 'Great Beast', Infuse Wildness, Nature, Desire! Pour in Dark Magic Power to Call a Demon Beast with Rebellious Power!"
"Fusion Summon! (Invoked Caliga)!"
The Power of Hayato's (Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon) in the Graveyard was drained by the Magic Circle of (Invocation). The Magic Circle's color suddenly changed to an ominous dark red, sweeping down towards Aleister Crowler himself. His body rapidly transformed—
Amidst dark red Lightning, Aleister's robes were instantly ripped apart by rapidly expanding muscles, revealing his increasingly crimson, powerful body. Dark red Power directly infused into Aleister's body, causing a pair of winding ram horns to grow from Aleister's head. The Staff in his hand, named Aiwass, even flew out on its own and plunged into his own body from behind!
In just a few breaths, the hooded young Spellcaster, who had absorbed the DARK Attribute Magical Energy of Hayato's (Curse of Dragon, the Cursed Dragon), transformed into a tall Fiend covered in powerful red muscles, with bat wings growing from his wrists, thorns on his back, a Dragon-Type tail dragging behind him, and ram horns on his head!
[(Invoked Caliga)][Level 4/DARK Attribute]
[Beast-Type/Fusion/Effect]
[1000/1800]
Whether it was Level/Rank, Attribute, or ATK and DEF, the Demon Beast before them, (Invoked Caliga), was identical to (Aleister the Invoker) himself. Even without seeing the entire transformation process like Hayato, one could somewhat guess the relationship between the two. Not to mention, (Invoked Caliga) was even draped in Aleister Crowler's tattered clothes.
Hayato watched the appearance of (Invoked Caliga), filled with doubt. In his impression, Aleister indeed Summoned this Fiend in the Card Art lore.
But after that, Aleister himself completely went berserk, using his Magic Name "Great Beast" to Fuse all his Invoked Monsters together in one go. He Summoned his Ultimate Strongest Invoked Monster, a god-like gigantic Invoked monster named after Elysium, the underworld from Greek Mythology—(Invoked Elysium).
Aleister himself, during that berserk Summon, first Fused with (Invoked Caliga) to become one, then further transformed into (Invoked Mechaba) and fell into a deep sleep. Later, he was taken away by his old acquaintance, (Endymion, the Master Magician), and reformed into (Grand Spellbook Tower), with Aleister himself becoming a battery-like existence deep within, being used.
What exactly was going on with the Aleister before him? Which timeline was he in? Why could he Summon (Invoked Caliga) without going berserk?
Or was this the moment he was about to go berserk?!
But just then, Hayato saw the Magic Circle beneath (Invoked Caliga)'s feet suddenly begin to reverse, tracing back to the Staff "Aiwass" plunged into its back. The Staff expanded and transformed into a passage, and an (Aleister the Invoker) identical to the previous one actually crawled out from within!?
"Hee hee hee, how's that? Were you surprised by my cool (Invocation)? You should know, this is almost exclusively my magic; no one else can use it." Aleister Crowler proudly put his hands on his hips, showing no signs of abnormality, and then revealed a Card. "Although I, the Invoker, was Banished along with (Invocation), I don't want to Leave the Field so easily."
"The second Effect of (Invocation) can only be used once per Turn. (Invocation) in the Graveyard returns to the Deck, then one (Aleister the Invoker) Banished from the Game is Added to my Hand. Therefore, Lord Crowler, Revive!"
Aleister Crowler looked full of Vitality. Hayato temporarily put aside the doubts in his Heart, as he could always slowly ask his Opponent after winning the Duel if he really wanted to know. "An excellent Recycle System. Next Turn, you'll be able to Normal Summon yourself again and Search (Invocation), won't you?"
"While your System's loop is excellent, don't forget that the (Invoked Caliga) you just Fusion Summoned is merely a weak monster with 1000 ATK and 1800 DEF. It simply can't block the Attack of my (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion)."
"Hmph, that's not necessarily true." Aleister smiled, glancing at the three Cards in his Hand. (Aleister the Invoker), or himself, couldn't be used this Turn as he had already been Normal Summoned. Of the remaining two Cards in his Hand, one was a Trap Card that needed to be Set, but the other Spell Card could be used to take down that (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion).
"I will use the Spell Card (Riryoku)! I Activate its Effect, Targeting your (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion) on the Field and my (Invoked Caliga) on the Field!"
"I will decrease (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion)'s ATK by half, which is 1300 points, and then add that decreased ATK value to my (Invoked Caliga), increasing its ATK!"
Aleister said triumphantly, "Now, in terms of ATK, I'm stronger! Enter Battle Phase!"
"(Invoked Caliga) Attacks (Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion)!"
"Rebellious Claw!"
(end of chapter)
Chapter 539: God Said, "You Can't"
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] [ATK 2600 → 1300]
[Invoked Caligula] [ATK 1000 → 2300]
Empowered by the opponent's strength, the previously disadvantaged [Invoked Caligula] turned the tide. Under Aleister's command, it charged at the weakened [Gaia], raising its sharp claws and slashing down!
"Ugh!"
[Chumley: 4000 → 3000 LP]
Losing a quarter of his Life Points in one go was no negligible wound, even for Chumley, who had participated in Shadow Games more than once. As [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] was Destroyed, Chumley was knocked back half a step by the impact.
"Although [Magical Merchant] is in Attack Position and hasn't attacked this Turn, it's unfortunate that one of my [Invoked Caligula]'s effects states that both Duelists can only use one monster to attack during the Battle Phase of their respective Turns."
Aleister Crowley wore a regretful expression. "Therefore, I Set one card from my hand, then change [Magical Merchant], which hasn't battled this Turn, to Defense Position. I End my Turn."
[Aleister: 3500 LP, Hand 1]
[Invoked Caligula] [ATK 2300 → 1000]
[Magical Merchant] [ATK 200 → DEF 700]
[Set Card]
Although [Riryoku]'s effect only lasted for one Turn, after its duration expired, [Invoked Caligula]'s Attack on Aleister's Field returned to a mere 1000, unable to even penetrate the Defense of a fodder monster like [Ojama Yellow].
However, having identified Aleister's true identity, even if Aleister himself hadn't revealed all the effects of [Summoner Aleister] in his hand, Chumley knew that he could discard itself from his hand to increase the Attack and DEF of one Fusion Monster by 1000, and this effect could be activated during the opponent's Turn.
This meant that even though [Invoked Caligula]'s Attack was only 1000, seemingly breakable by any lower-level monster with decent Attack, its Attack could actually be boosted at any moment to an excellent 2000 points, which is exceptionally high for a lower-level monster, making it impossible for ordinary monsters to break through and instead leading to a counterattack.
Furthermore, Aleister had a Set Card in his Back Row that he absolutely had to watch out for.
"My Turn, Draw." Chumley drew a card from his Deck. His luck was decent; it was [Pot of Greed], which allowed for a two-for-one without cost. "I activate the Spell Card [Pot of Greed]'s effect. I draw two cards from my Deck."
Just as Chumley was about to draw two cards from his Deck, Aleister activated his Set Card: "At this moment, I activate my Set Card, the Counter Trap Card [Solemn Judgment]!"
As Aleister's Set Card opened, a white-bearded old man with an outstretched palm appeared in his Back Row, grabbing Chumley's activated [Pot of Greed] with a grim expression, as if saying, "You can't!"
"By paying half my Life Points, I can negate the activation of a Spell/Trap Card or the Normal, Flip, or Special Summon of a monster by either Duelist, and Destroy it." Aleister did not hesitate to pay a large amount of Life Points, saying to Chumley triumphantly, "I finally gained the upper hand and suppressed you."
"Did you think you could turn the tables by drawing with that [Pot of Greed]? You can't!"
[Aleister: 3500 → 1750 LP]
As Aleister's Life Points dropped to below 2000, the white-bearded old man of [Solemn Judgment] clenched his hand, crushing the smirking [Pot of Greed] directly into dust, not even leaving behind [Pot of Greed Fragments].
Chumley thus lost the only Card in his Hand, causing him to frown, sensing great trouble.
On his Field, he only had [Spiral Spear Strike], which was only useful during an Attack, and a Set Card of unknown significance. Other than that, both his Monster Zone and Hand were empty of resources. He couldn't perform any combos or board development at all. Not only could he not deal with Aleister's monster on the Field, but in the next Turn, he would even suffer a Direct Attack.
Things were looking incredibly bad.
With a helpless expression, Chumley resignedly said, "Then, I End my Turn."
[Chumley: 3000 LP, Hand 0]
[Spiral Spear Strike] [Set Card]
"Hoh? You're ending your Turn just like that, are you giving up on meaningless resistance?" Aleister pushed up his glasses and chuckled, "No monsters at all, you've truly given me the best opportunity. I can't help but imagine how much my sorcery will advance once I obtain your bodily tissues."
"My Turn, Draw."
Glancing at the drawn card, it was a Quick-Play Spell Card. This made Aleister feel even more that he was just a step away from victory. All he needed was—
"I Normal Summon myself, then activate [Summoner Aleister]'s effect to search [Invocation] from my Deck and add it to my Hand, then activate it."
Walking to the Monster Zone, Aleister's staff, "Aiwass," struck the ground, conjuring a summoning circle that had appeared once before, and once again connected himself with the monster in Chumley's Graveyard.
Although the process was the same, unlike the previous Turn, this time there was an additional monster in Chumley's Graveyard: [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], which had been destroyed by battle by [Invoked Caligula] in the previous Turn.
"I target myself on the Field, and the Fusion Monster [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] in my opponent's Graveyard as material for a Fusion Summon, banishing them from the game." Feeling the powerful magical energy enveloping him, Aleister's lips curled into a slightly sinister smile. "A higher-level Fusion Summon shall now be revealed!"
"Entangled self and soul unify at this moment, in the name of the planet, I shall transform into a being of Light!"
"Fusion Summon, [Invoked Mechaba]!"
The staff named "Aiwass" was plunged into Aleister's chest. The magical energy metal forming the staff decomposed into countless ribbons that entwined around Aleister, leaving behind only the green phantom of the staff.
The power of [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion] was drawn from Chumley's Graveyard, flowing into the magical energy ribbons along with the unfurling summoning ritual, imprinting upon them. Aleister, spreading his arms as if to embrace the world, ascended into the air, his aura growing increasingly oppressive!
Under Chumley's grave gaze, [Summoner Aleister] once again merged with a Summoned Beast, transforming into a colossal humanoid floating in the sky like a god!
[Invoked Mechaba] [Level 8/LIGHT Attribute]
[Fairy Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2000 ATK / 2800 DEF]
[100 points were given by "Jie Qing", thank you]
[P.S. Jyo's "Fire Summon Chaos" is also "Chaos," so let's use this to popularize some knowledge.]
[P.S. Many of Aleister's Summoned Beasts have backgrounds from mythology.]
[Invoked Cocytus is named after Cocytus, one of the five Underworld rivers in Greek Mythology, the River of Wailing. In Dante (the poet, not the white-haired demon hunter)'s The Divine Comedy, Lake Cocytus is described as a frozen lake with Satan in its center. The Water Summon's ability is high Defense, and with high Defense, it can attack with low ATK, like solid ice imprisoning sinners in Hell, yet slowly eroding their souls.]
[Invoked Purgatrio is a variant of Purgatorium, the name of Purgatory in The Divine Comedy. In Christianity, baptism with water symbolizes admonishment and purification, that is, a baptism. Purgatory is where the sins to be atoned for require purification by fire. 'Trio' refers to a trio because there are three demons. Purgatory is where the dead reflect on their sins in life through flames, so the more cards the opponent has, the higher the Fire Summon's Attack, and it can also perform an all-out Attack with piercing damage against Defense Position monsters, symbolizing the inescapability of fiery punishment and sin.]
[The Wind Summon is [Invoked Caligula]. The Wind Summon is even simpler, a homage to Lightning from Final Fantasy. Old FF fans would recognize it instantly. The reason Lightning is Wind, not Light, is because in Final Fantasy, Lightning's Summoning magic "True Zantetsuken" is a WIND Attribute magic with an instant death effect. Its effect therefore allows it to disregard powerful stats and directly flip an opponent's monster face-down, even during the opponent's Turn.]
(end of chapter)
Chapter 540: Your Life Points Are Like a Flickering Candle
As Invoked Augoeides looked down like a deity, just as before, Aleister himself returned to the Field, relying on the phantom of his staff, "Aiwass," which he had left behind.
Specifically, Invocation in the Graveyard returned to the Deck, and the Banished Aleister the Invoker was returned to his Hand.
Looking at Invoked Augoeides high in the sky, Aleister wore a proud expression. "The so-called 'Augoeides,' while it can be understood as 'Luminous Body' and is also considered to refer to 'Planet,' can also be linked to the Higher Self and Soul."
"Invoked Augoeides is my Higher Self, the Magician named 'Great Beast,' Aleister Crowley. I will use it to achieve victory in this Duel Ceremony and ascend to a higher place upon your sacrifice."
"Once per Turn, when Invoked Augoeides is Special Summoned, or when the Opponent Special Summons a Monster, I can Target one Monster on the Opponent's Field and Destroy it. Also, once per Turn, Invoked Augoeides has the ability to Banish one Fusion Monster from my Graveyard to Increase its ATK by the Banished Monster's ATK value until the Opponent's End Phase."
Aleister tried hard to show a fierce expression, but immediately his aura relaxed, replaced by a lazy expression. "Pity, due to the Restriction of Invoked Caliga, I can only Activate a Monster Effect once this Turn. That was when I Searched for Invocation myself earlier."
Aleister reached out and pointed at Hayato, who had no Monsters on his Front Row. "However, even without Increasing ATK, Invoked Augoeides still has 2000 ATK. I will Enter my Battle Phase, and then use Invoked Augoeides to Direct Attack you!"
"Golden Dawn!"
The giant, deity-like Invoked Augoeides's body began to bloom with magical radiance. The "bandages" transformed from magical metal gathered into a cylinder, and mystical power was released through the inscribed magic circle formula. A blue magic laser attacked towards Hayato!
"Ugh!"
Hayato's Life Points were originally only 3000. Invoked Augoeides' attack, without any reduction, hit directly and took away a full 2000 Life Points, leaving him with only 1000 Life Points remaining, making him extremely fragile in front of Aleister's Monsters!
Looking at Hayato, who still hadn't Activated that Set Card in the Spell/Trap Zone, Aleister felt somewhat relieved. "It seems it's really not a Card that can turn the tables. Was I being overly cautious? No, just a necessary probe."
"So, do you think you've survived this Turn?" But at this moment, Aleister instead Activated that Quick-Play Spell Card from his Hand!
"Pity, this Duel will end this Turn! I Activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Book of the Law! I Tribute Invoked Caliga on my Field and Send it to the Graveyard, and Special Summon one Invoked Monster with a non-DARK Attribute from my Fusion Deck as a Fusion Summon!"
"Giant of the moving continent that doesn't exist in this world, also the strongest Invoked Monster, descend under my command, Invoked Magellanica!"
In Aleister's Spell/Trap Zone, an ancient book opened. As the book pages turned one by one, the figure of Invoked Caliga, which restricted Monster Effects and Attacks, disappeared from Aleister's Field. It was replaced by a towering giant that suddenly appeared!
Its towering body seemed to pierce the sky as if a continental plate had been placed sideways. Hot lava flowed over its Rock-Type body. At the left hand position of the Rock Giant named "Magellanica," there was also a phantom of Aleister's Staff "Aiwass," proving that this terrifying existence before him was also Aleister's Invoked Monster!
[Invoked Magellanica] [Level 8 / EARTH]
[Rock-Type / Fusion]
[3000 ATK / 3300 DEF]
"Because it's during the Battle Phase, Invoked Magellanica, which was just Summoned, can also Attack. And because Invoked Caliga left, I no longer have the Attack Restriction!"
"Mountain Range Fist!"
Invoked Magellanica, whose ATK is equal to Blue-Eyes White Dragon's, raised its rock giant fist from which lava occasionally dripped. The rock fist, whose size was comparable to the entire size of a normal Monster, fell towards Hayato!
With Hayato's currently remaining 1000 Life Points, he absolutely could not withstand this Attack. And Hayato at this moment didn't even have a single Monster or a single Card in his Hand!
"The winner of this Duel is me! The wind of victory is blowing from behind me!" Aleister said with certain victory.
But looking at the incoming Attack, Hayato instead let out a light laugh: "Sore wa dou kana!"
"Activate Trap Card, Silent Wailing!"
"Nani?!"
As Hayato's Set Card was revealed, countless evil spirits flew out from the Card, blocking Invoked Magellanica's rock fist. And some wrapped around the body of the Magical Merchant nearby?
"Silent Wailing can only be Activated during the Opponent's Battle Step. It Negates the Attack of one Monster, and you choose another Face-Up Position Monster on the Opponent's Field to Attack instead. If it's a Defense Position Monster, it changes to Attack Position." Hayato's finger pointed towards the Magical Merchant. "I choose the Magical Merchant on your Field!"
[Magical Merchant] [700 DEF → 200 ATK]
The rock giant, entangled by the evil spirits, was forced to stop its Attack. It was replaced by the Magical Merchant, with an unwilling expression on its face, swinging the Broken Bamboo Sword and cutting into Hayato's body.
[Hayato: 1000 → 800 LP]
Although it was only 200 points of damage, it still hurt a lot. But compared to taking 3000 points of damage directly, Hayato could still endure the mere 200 points of damage.
Aleister, annoyed, looked at the Magical Merchant on his Field. He shouldn't have Summoned Invoked Augoeides just now; instead, he should have Summoned Invoked Mechaba one more time using Magical Merchant. But now it's a little late to regret.
"You got away with your Life. In that case, I End my Battle Phase." He glanced at his own 1750 Life Points, and then glanced at the mere 200 ATK of the Magical Merchant that was forced into Attack Position. Aleister put it aside for now. "Because Invoked Caliga left, it's not just the Monster's Attack Restriction that's lifted."
"In Main Phase 2, I Activate Invoked Augoeides' second Effect. I Banish Invoked Mechaba from my Graveyard, Increasing its ATK by 2500 until the End Phase of your Turn."
"Then, I End my Turn." Having no Hand Cards to Set, Aleister said, annoyed, "I'll let you struggle for one more Turn. Next Turn, the Prescient Planter I Activated earlier will Take Effect. I can increase my Hand resources by three Cards. The winner will still be me."
[Aleister: 1750 LP, Hand 1]
[Magical Merchant (Broken Bamboo Sword)] [200 ATK]
[Invoked Magellanica] [3000 ATK]
[Invoked Augoeides] [2000 ATK → 4500 ATK]
"Your Life Points are already like a flickering candle."
Hearing Aleister Crowley say this, Hayato, placing his finger on his Deck and preparing to Draw a Card for this Turn, knew that he had it secured.
Author's Notes:
Invoked Mechaba, because of its Omninegate Effect similar to Arcana Knight Joker, is the one with the highest appearance rate and strongest presence in the Aleister System. The name Merkabah in Hebrew merkavah means "chariot" or "that which comes by chariot". Its source is the vision of "a chariot flying through the sky" recorded in the first chapter of the Book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament of the Bible.
Furthermore, Merkabah can be composed of three small words, Mer-KA-ba, which come from Egyptian. It can be understood as the unified merging and sublimation of light, spirit, and matter, which is the ability of the Light Summon to Negate and Banish Monster Effects, Spell Cards, and Trap Cards.
The origin of the name Invoked Magellanica is due to Aristotle's concept of an "unknown southern continent," which was later continuously refined by Ptolemy and others. Then, in the 15th century, Magellan sailed through the then unknown straits of Antarctica into the Pacific Ocean, leading Europeans to believe he had reached that "unknown southern continent," so they named it "Magellanica."
Then, in Magellan's "Map of the Myriad Countries of the World" the famous Catholic missionary Matteo Ricci marked "Magallanica" with the strange Chinese characters "Magellanica" (Magellanica), which then became the name for the EARTH Summon.
In the map, the southern continent is very large, but ultimately it was just a fantasy. Therefore, the ATK and DEF of the EARTH Summon are the highest among the other Invoked Monsters besides Invoked Elysium, but it has no Effect.
The next chapter will end the Duel.
End of Chapter