The Earth descends!
The white giant lands again, raising a vast curtain of dust, its body towering to the sky!
[Elemental Hero Earthman, Attack Power 2500]
"Summoning both of Hibiki Momiji's aces at once," Keihei couldn't help but comment, "Amazing!"
Hibiki Midori looked at Judai on stage, and for a moment, she seemed to see Hibiki Momiji's figure overlapping with the young boy's, leaving her momentarily lost in thought.
"Is this what you wanted to pass on through dueling, Momiji..." she murmured.
"It's not over yet... Activate the effect of Elemental Hero Earthman, using 'Elemental Hero Absolute Zero' as a sacrifice, it can absorb its attack power and defense power!
The Earth Magma!!!"
As Judai gave the order, Absolute Zero quickly transformed into pure energy and fused into the Earthman's body. The originally snow-white body of Earthman instantly became fiery hot, as if spewing magma, turning its entire appearance a scorching red like a branding iron.
[Elemental Hero Earthman, Attack Power 2500 → Attack Power 5000]
"Five thousand attack power..."
The Judge looked up at Earthman, as if staring directly at Hibiki Momiji's spirit.
"Are you trying to decide the outcome in one blow?"
"It's not over yet, at this moment, I activate the new ability of 'Elemental Hero Absolute Zero'—
—Absolute Zero!!!"
"Nani!?" The bystanders were shocked.
Even Kaiba was slightly flustered.
"This kid... Using the 'power' of the Duelist, did he realize the evolution of the monster on the spot?"
This situation is not unprecedented; for example, the "Ultimate Dragon Knight," fused by the game and Kaiba, is born in this manner. But the probability of such situations occurring is indeed negligible.
This not only requires the Duelist to possess immense Destiny Power, but also to have an extraordinary connection with the monster they control, something many refer to as a "bond."
Only in extremely specific situations, when the Duelist and the monster resonate highly, can autonomous monster evolution be triggered in a duel.
It's commonly known as card imprinting.
Just like what Judai is doing now, he awakened the hidden new ability of the ace "Elemental Hero Absolute Zero" originally held by Hibiki Momiji.
Though for only a brief moment, at that moment, the Judge clearly saw a flash of gold in the boy's eyes.
They were fearsome golden pupils, resembling a blazing fire.
However, it was only for that instant, and quickly returned to normal.
"Heh, I knew I wasn't seeing things," the Judge smiled.
Indeed, a very interesting kid...
"Elemental Hero Absolute Zero, new effect! When this card leaves the field, all monsters on the opponent's field are destroyed!"
"Such a powerful ability!?"
Keihei was astonished.
The absolute freeze, as if the temperature on the field dropped to absolute zero. No ordinary creatures could survive such icy terrain, the Judge's Dark Armed Dragon, Flame Winged People, and Hell Poet, all monsters on the field were instantly frozen, then shattered into countless brilliant ice crystals in just a few seconds.
"Interesting... truly interesting."
The Judge grew increasingly intrigued.
"Battle, the final strike!" Judai declared, "Earthman's attack will mark the end of the duel..."
The pinnacle of ice, followed by the fury of magma. Earthman with five thousand attack absorbs all erupting magma into itself, and forms a Flame Sword of destruction in its hand!
Even the audience couldn't help but hold their breath at this moment.
Will it win?
"Not bad, not bad, it triggered a hint of power from the original..."
"But sadly, it's still not enough."
The Judge said calmly.
"Apparently, unless forced to face your past, that dormant soul won't completely awaken."
"What?" Judai frowned.
"Doma has resources all over the world, we know all events from ancient times to now in this world. Since you yourself have forgotten, let me help you remember."
The Judge said flatly.
"That year, you just began understanding the game of Duel Monsters. Your father returned from a business trip abroad and bought that Rare Card from outside, that card you truly loved, carrying extraordinary meaning for you..."
Judai was stunned.
The distant voice echoed again in his mind.
"Judai... Judai..."
There it was again, that voice once more.
His heart was racing, and his mind began to grow hazy. Judai held his head, staggering slightly.
What was this? Something important he had forgotten...
No, he couldn't be led by the opponent's pace.
Finish the duel first...
"Elemental Hero Earthman!" Judai shouted, "Direct attack!"
The instant the blazing blade was drawn, he felt the headache intensify.
He staggered, barely able to stand firm.
But the command had already been successfully conveyed, Earthman had already crossed the frozen field, the high temperature around it seemed to melt all the ice and snow away. Earth Blade unleashed, five thousand power striking towards the Judge's face.
"Activate trap cards."
The Judge twisted his finger.
"Trap Card 'Enemy Attack Alert.' During your monster's attack declaration, Special Summon a monster from your hand, and your opponent must forcibly attack that monster instead." (Original effect)
Judai's headache reached its peak.
Something was coming, something very important to him...
"Special summon this card from my hand, meet your old friend—"
The Judge flipped the card in his hand calmly.
"—Yubel, summon!"
Thorny vines flew out from the ground, twirling several circles. A demon's shadow condensed within, wrapped by massive black bone wings.
Then abruptly, the bone wings unfolded, and the demon with a somewhat feminine physique slowly raised its head, its heterochromatic eyes slowly opening, coldly staring at Judai.
[Yubel, Attack Power 0]
This time even Yugen was slightly taken aback.
Sister Yubel!?
Could it be Sister Yubel was intercepted by Doma while returning from the cosmos...
Considering Doma's worldwide power and resources, it seems not impossible for them.
However, upon closer inspection, Yugen realized it didn't seem so.
This card was not an Elf.
So possibly, although Yubel's card is rare, it might not be the only one in the world. The card Judai held in childhood housed an Elf with deep connections to him.
This one lacks an Elf or extraordinary attributes, just an ordinary Rare Monster Card, and with the Judge's ability to acquire it, it was certainly no difficulty.
Judai widened his eyes, looking at the monster on the opponent's field, suddenly feeling a jolt in his heart.
Fragmented memories pieced together automatically like magnets attracting.
His once favorite card, carrying the most special meaning, the first Elf he ever encountered in life...
"Enemy Attack Alert's effect, Earthman must attack Yubel." The Judge said.
"But Yubel's attack is only 0!" Keihei said.
Kaiba frowned, "No, that monster's special effect..."
"Yubel cannot be destroyed by battle, and any battle damage taken becomes 0. Additionally..." The Judge stated flatly, "That damage value is reflected back to the opponent."
"Nani!?" Keihei was shocked, "What kind of a sneaky effect is that!?"
The Earthman with five thousand attack slashed at Yubel but couldn't deal any damage. On the contrary, the vines surrounding Yubel absorbed all the magma and energy and shot towards Judai with lightning speed!
Judai was pierced through the chest, swaying backward, yet he continued to stare fixedly at the monster delivering the fatal blow.
"Yu... Yubel..."
[Judai, LP 1200→LP 0]