"You're thinking 'what's the point?' aren't you?" Kira smiled.
Mr. Armstrong frowned. "Even with raised ATK, such a small fry monster…"
"In the world of duel monsters, there are no unnecessary monsters—just as in this world, there are no unnecessary people." Kira said quietly. "We may be rich or poor, but dignity should have no hierarchy."
Stirred by these words, the prisoners all around the courtyard were moved.
In truth, not all of them here were true criminals. Many, like Yusei, were imprisoned because of their low birth—caught simply for entering the wealthy district, forbidden to them.
Many more were innocent but had nowhere to appeal to, their suffering ignored.
They were like pebbles by the road, used to being overlooked. This was the first time someone had spoken up for them—even if it was just empty words for show.
And the one saying it was the head of the Sector Security.
Mr. Armstrong blinked, opened his mouth, utterly confused—at a loss for words.
Did the Director eat something strange today…?
Kira continued, "Now, the monster you see as a 'small fry' will teach you that lesson.
Woodland Sprite's monster effect: by sending an Equip Card equipped to it to the graveyard, inflict 500 damage to your opponent!"
Mr. Armstrong: "!!!"
Nani?! 500 damage—that's…
[Mr. Armstrong – LP 500]
The Warden's face turned ashen, staring in shock at the insignificant little Woodland Sprite.
How could it be…
I'm about to be OTK'd by…
…by a useless, bottom-tier monster?
But before he could even protest, Kira continued coldly:
"Chain activation—set Trap Card 'Gift Card'.
Restore 3000 LP to the opponent."
[Mr. Armstrong – LP 500 → 3500]
Mr. Armstrong: "???"
Spectators: "???"
Why the hell… cure your opponent's LP?!
"AAAHH—!"
[Mr. Armstrong – LP 3500 → 3000]
Mr. Armstrong was shocked by electricity again, shuddering and panting, kneeling on one knee—yet staring at Director Goodwin with a new, odd expression.
Why…?
"I've heard about you, Mr. Armstrong," Kira said coolly. "I've heard you often abuse your position, subjecting your prisoners to unauthorized violence.
That doesn't match protocol, does it?"
Mr. Armstrong twitched, a mix of fear and confusion in his eyes.
To him, wasn't this all normal?
Yes, much he did was against regulations, but regulations were just empty words. For years, everyone accepted that social class was set; nobody cared. Human rights were just a slogan; no one took them seriously. Rules said one thing—but in this city, everyone believed birth determined status, and accepted it as normal.
District citizens looked down on Satellite dwellers; top-tier tycoons despised wage slaves. Everyone accepted this without shame.
Yet now, the Director himself was accusing him of violating human rights?
Mr. Armstrong was dumbfounded, at a loss for words.
"And so, in view of all your past violations," Kira said, with a mysterious smile,
"—You can consider this duel your punishment."
For an instant, it seemed to Mr. Armstrong as if half the Director's face was sunk in shadow, voice whispering like a devil in his ear.
He felt his soul wrenched, his body frozen, chest constricted—he could hardly breathe.
"The Equip Spell 'Divine Sword - Phoenix Blade,' sent to the grave just now, activates.
While it's in the grave, banish two Warrior-type monsters to return it to your hand.
I banish 'Seven Swords Warrior' and 'Jutte Fighter' from my grave to return Phoenix Blade to my hand."
Kira revealed the reclaimed Phoenix Blade.
"And then, once again, I equip 'Divine Sword - Phoenix Blade' to Woodland Sprite.
Because it's still a Warrior, it gains 300 more attack."
[Woodland Sprite – ATK 900 → 1200]
"Then, Woodland Sprite's effect activates again!
Send the equip to the grave—inflict 500 damage!"
Mr. Armstrong: "!"
Wait…!
That Woodland Sprite's effect isn't once per turn!?
Realizing this, the little Woodland Sprite tossed away its sword—a silver meteor streaked through Mr. Armstrong's chest.
And again, a fierce electric shock.
"AAAHHH—!"
[Mr. Armstrong – LP 3000 → 2500]
Clutching his chest, Mr. Armstrong stumbled, writhing in agony.
Once more he heard the demon's calm voice: "Phoenix Blade's effect—banish two Warriors from the grave to return it to my hand."
Mr. Armstrong's eyes widened. "That sword—is its effect unlimited, too…?"
"That's right." Kira smiled, displaying the retrieved Phoenix Blade.
Mr. Armstrong began to tremble.
How…
Banish two Warriors to retrieve the sword—no limit. Woodland Sprite, throw an equip to burn for 500—no limit.
It's not quite infinite, but limited only by the number of Warriors in the grave.
And Kira's grave…
"Your Chain deck is a mill theme, right?" "Director Goodwin" gave a strangely sinister laugh. "What bad luck for you to cross my Equip-Burn deck.
Guess how many Warriors you've sent to my grave so far?"
Mr. Armstrong: "…"
Even counting the 3000 LP gifted, his total LP came to 3500. That's seven burns—fourteen Warriors.
Now, Mr. Armstrong suddenly realized—
That's why the Director healed him earlier.
Because, as stated—
This duel was never just a game.
From the start, it was his execution.
"AAAHHH—!"
And thus an endless string of agonized screams followed.
[Mr. Armstrong – LP 0]
…
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