Truly experiencing the feeling of a Duel, Tierra's understanding of Dueling finally underwent a transformation.
A "Duel" wasn't just simple combat.
In reality, it was a process of fulfilling each side's philosophy and showcasing their abilities.
Just like how Amaki Hikaru used Fusion, not just because he liked it, but because it was his alchemy, his Fusion.
"A god?" Construct felt a deep sense of discomfort.
No wonder this opponent kept mentioning things like "El Shaddoll Fusion" earlier.
But calling oneself a god... that was absurd.
"Claiming to be a deity is beyond arrogant. At least," It hesitated. "At least show some proof." Even with its mechanical voice, Construct's tone wavered. Instinct and soul warned it, yet as a warrior, it stood firm. "Besides, right now, your performance is terrible. You're hardly godlike."
Construct knew its advantage.
Its own effect allowed it to destroy monsters without battling Special Summoned monsters directly.
And Winda's ability sealed Special Summons on the field.
Infernoids relied on Special Summons; Individually, their monsters weren't threatening. So, as long as Winda remained, Construct's field would remain unshakable, extremely stable.
"Fine. Then I'll show you how Shaddolls were born."
"When I awakened, I needed agents to speak for me. So, Spell Card, Monster Reincarnation." She pointed lightly ahead. A card floated from her hand.
"Find a suitable proxy. Substitute its death, revive it as my divine envoy.
Discarding Cyber Dragon, retrieving Antra from the Graveyard."
Tierra's Deck held only four Infernoids. Of course, she could've included twelve, while new Infernoids were hard to get, these components already crafted by Hikaru, she could replicate.
Even so, she disliked that idea.
Her philosophy rejected mass-producing herself, seeing multiple bodies flailing around.
Moreover, she had absolute faith: she'd always draw the Infernoid she needed.
Whether she played well was debatable, but her draws? Always on point.
However, this meant reaching forty cards in her Deck wasn't really doable.
So Tierra compromised.
Her Deck was filled with various Machine monsters, allowing her to pivot to Machine Fusions if necessary.
Hikaru's cards, the ones too hard to fit into his ultra-thick Decks, Tierra had collected into her own makeshift Deck.
A build of Infernoids plus Machines, including Cyber Dragons, Ancient Gears, and Hikaru's favorite Labyrinth Tank.
Still… For this first official Duel, she hadn't used any of those. Every card she played so far had been her own.
"Banish Pirmais. Special Summon: Antra."
[Infernoid Antra] Level 2│FIRE│Fiend│2000 DEF
"That monster again." Seeing it reappear, Construct frowned.
"When life becomes untimely, I exercise my Authority and send it where it belongs, whether living or dead.
"Antra's effect: Once per turn, return one face-up card on your field to your hand. Winda, back to the waiting room."
Antra controlled blue flames, appearing beside Winda, freezing her in blue fire.
"Urgh." Construct winced. Its hard-earned lockdown monster returned to the Extra Deck instantly, frustrating.
Yet at least;
Now, it could breathe easier.
It should be fine now.
"Banish Patrulea. Harmadik, your turn."
Harmadik, Chancellor of Hell, Demon of Wealth, with its signature triangle, symbolized its status.
[Infernoid Harmadik] Level 3│FIRE│Fiend│1600 ATK
[Infernoid Harmadik, ATK: 1600 → 1800]
"Once per turn, Harmadik can destroy one monster on the field. Its cost: it cannot attack. Construct, for the sin of defiance, punishment awaits."
Boom
Down went Construct again.
And again, it was punished for "defiance."
"Ugh, what a strong effect." Even so, "When sent to the Graveyard, I can retrieve a Shaddoll Spell Card. Adding Nephe Shaddoll Fusion back to hand."
Tierra didn't mind.
Crossing her arms, she coughed lightly: "Void Breach's power: returning the banished Pirmais to my hand."
A card floated to Tierra's hand.
"Huh..."
Construct vaguely sensed looming danger.
"End turn."
On Construct's turn, after drawing and reviewing its hand, it frowned.
"...Flip Summon: Falco. Activating its effect: Special Summon Construct from the Graveyard face-down."
"Harmadik's effect: Tribute it to banish Construct from your Graveyard." As Tierra activated the effect, she raised her hand. Ice-blue flames engulfed the area. "Reincarnation is my duty—my Authority!
"I won't allow anyone to steal my jurisdiction!"
This was her true belief.
Tierra and Sophia—their core conflict as Source of Destruction Goddesses had always been their differing views on life and reincarnation.
Only now did Construct realize the problem.
It was completely countered!
Wait—was it… being manipulated by her?
Looking at its hand—
Now what?
"...End turn."
After thinking a moment, Construct decided: No need to panic yet.
After all, the opponent could only field two Infernoid monsters per turn at most. It could wait for another chance.
Yet;
Tierra would never give it that chance.
"Hmm. Pot of Greed." Tierra picked a card before her.
Two cards flew from her Deck, floating before her.
After drawing, she glanced at her hand, lips curling in a faint smile.
Recycle banished cards, banish monsters from the Graveyard.
Repeat. Bounce Falco back to hand. Deny even wall fodder.
"You're probably thinking, even if you take hits from Harmadik or Patrulea this turn, it's fine. Their Attack is just 1600, 1800. You'd survive, right?"
"Huh?" Construct blinked.
"However...ha...Spell Card: Polymerization." Tierra played a card entirely different in style from her previous plays.
She reached for the floating Polymerization, giving it a light twist between her fingers: "Fusing Giga-Tech Wolf and Cannon Soldier from my hand."
"Fusion Summon: Level 7, Labyrinth Tank!"
The classic mini-tank appeared under Tierra's command!
[Labyrinth Tank] Level 7│DARK│Machine│2400 ATK
'What the!?'
Construct gaped.
1800 plus 2400... and with an open field... it had lost.
"Since a non-Infernoid monster appeared on my field, Void Breach will be destroyed, but that's fine."
After all, even a god had to evolve.