Archangel Michael swung his sword skillfully, clashing with the monstrous Chimerafflesia.
But just as he was about to strike the finishing blow, the monstrous blossom suddenly surged in power, swelling in size and revealing its trap-like form—a ferocious predator that devoured the angel whole.
[Jain, LP: 3000 → 1100]
Jain shielded herself from the aftermath of her monster's destruction. As her Life Points dwindled, her expression hardened.
"A trap tactic... baiting the unaware into attacking? A clever strategy," she admitted, regaining her composure quickly. "Michael's effect: When destroyed, I can target any number of Lightsworn monsters other than itself in my Graveyard, return them to the Deck, and gain 300 LP for each. Archer, Dragon, Summoner... and myself."
[Jain, LP: 1100 → 2300]
She didn't regain much; regardless, it was better than dangerously low.
"Main Phase 2." Jain flicked her cloak. "I must admit, I underestimated you. Your Duel is truly cunning, human warrior.
Anyhow, I won't fall so easily."
"I overlay Level 4 Wulf and Level 4 Raiden!"
The two monsters became swirling lights.
"Huh?"
"What?!"
"That spirit, she—!"
Even Hikaru was stunned.
Not just Synchro... She had mastered Xyz Summoning as well?
"Xyz Summon! Our holy maiden—Rank 4: Minerva, the Exalted Lightsworn!"
A pristine owl soared skyward, shedding feathers that rained down gently as a pure-white girl descended, leaning softly on her scepter.
[Minerva, the Exalted Lightsworn] Rank 4 | LIGHT | Fairy | 2000 ATK | Xyz Materials: 2
"Minerva's effect: Detach 1 material, send the top 3 cards of my Deck to the Graveyard."
Jain drew and sent three cards.
"If any are Lightsworn cards, I draw that many cards. One was Lightsworn Judgment, so I draw 1."
"Then… Lightsworn Judgment's effect: If sent to the Graveyard by a Lightsworn monster effect, add 1 'Judgment Dragon' from Deck to hand."
She deliberately retrieved a high-Level monster from her Deck.
The audience couldn't see it clearly, though from the stars on it, they could tell it wasn't just any card.
"I set 1 card and end my turn."
She flicked her sleeve and pointed at Hikaru. "True, Chain Material is a powerful Fusion support card, but such strength always has risk. At the End Phase, your Fusion monster will be destroyed!"
On the field, Chimerafflesia was already wrapped in chains, being pulled into the Graveyard.
"No, no," Hikaru shook his head. "The only problem with a powerful card is that it's not powerful enough. If it has risks, it simply means it's not strong enough."
"End Phase: D.D. Scout Plane's effect activates. If banished, Special Summon it in Attack Position."
A strange prototype machine slowly descended from the sky.
[D.D. Scout Plane] Level 2 | DARK | Machine | 800 ATK
"Then… My turn. Draw—and now, Chimerafflesia's effect: If sent to the Graveyard, during the next Standby Phase, add 1 'Fusion' Spell Card from Deck to hand."
'!?' Jain flinched.
"Any Fusion Spell?!"
"Incredible. Is this the pinnacle of Fusion?" one Lightsworn spirit murmured.
"We, the Realm of Justice, fight endlessly for righteousness and the weak. Even in death, we never fear. I never expected a Duelist or monster from another dimension to mirror that resolve."
Hikaru heard their voices.
The Realm of Justice, created by Archangel Michael, was like a "Valhalla" for Lightsworn. As long as the realm existed, its warriors could revive again and again through the light.
That's why Lightsworn decks excel at milling.
"I add Instant Fusion to my hand," Hikaru said, eyes narrowing.
The card spun out of the Deck like a dart. He caught it midair.
"Instant Fusion? Why that one?" someone wondered aloud.
"What do you mean?"
"Instant Fusion summons a monster that can't attack, right? Minerva only has 2000 ATK. If Hikaru just summoned a stronger monster, he could end the Duel..."
"Yeah..."
Serena clasped her hands behind her head.
A year ago, she might've asked the same.
Although now, she knew better.
"Like commanding an army," Hikaru said, glancing at the new card. "A general must know both his enemy and his terrain to fight effectively.
Fusion is the same.
To pursue ultimate Fusion, one must understand more. Only then can we reach greater heights."
He hadn't forgotten Minerva's "last will" effect. He wouldn't let her be destroyed.
"I pay 1000 LP to activate Instant Fusion and summon Level 1—Thousand-Eyes Restrict!"
The long-absent evil god twisted its body, glaring with its many eyes as it floated before Hikaru.
[Thousand-Eyes Restrict] Level 1 | DARK | Spellcaster | 0 ATK
"Tch..." Jain clicked her tongue. "Right. If Minerva is destroyed, she mills 3 and can destroy opponent's cards depending on how many Lightsworns are sent."
"But even if Thousand-Eyes Restrict reaches 2000 ATK, it doesn't matter. As long as it's on the field, you can only attack with one monster.
And since it was summoned by Instant Fusion, it will be destroyed at End Phase!"
Hikaru nodded. "That's true; that said, it's not that simple.
First, I activate Thousand-Eyes Restrict's effect—absorb Minerva."
A sinister purple glow engulfed Minerva as she was devoured.
"Then… Spell Card: Fusion Substitute! This card lets me Fusion Summon using monsters on my field."
"Huh?" Jain blinked. "What could you even summon with those?"
Thousand-Eyes Restrict and D.D. Scout Plane were both distinctive but hardly seemed compatible.
"Yeah, what could those fuse into?" murmured the students.
"Fusion materials: Any 2 DARK monsters on the field, excluding Tokens!"
"I fuse the Level 1 DARK Thousand-Eyes Restrict and the Level 2 DARK D.D. Scout Plane!"
"Wings of Fusion, spread wide! Embrace the ultimate form of Fusion!"
"Fusion Summon!"
A purple light flared behind Hikaru, growing ever brighter.
"Level 8!
Starving Venom Fusion Dragon!"
...
STONES< STONES< STONES 💎💎
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