"Overlord's Monopoly, this turn you can't target Stardust Dragon!" Clero shouted.
"Oh dear, cancelling my battle phase before it even begins." Yugen said, "This indeed poses a bit of a challenge."
He shook his head and smiled.
"Since you've gone this far to protect Stardust Dragon, I'll give you this chance.
However, I do have to make some preparations..."
Yugen pointed to the sinister giant tree rooted in this dark field.
"First, we have the effect of the Field Spell 'Lost Paradise.' Once per turn, since I have Phantom Demons on my field, I draw two cards from my deck."
The Phantom Demon Emperor Rabiel emanated a faint blue glow, and Yugen drew two cards.
In truth, this was one of the reasons he chose to use the Three Phantom Demons against Yusei and his team.
Even though Yusei and company are still somewhat in their beginner phase with low levels, they are protagonists after all, possessing considerable Destiny Power. Facing three opponents, Yugen naturally couldn't choose a deck too casually. The Three Phantom Demons are powerful and, as Phantom Demons, have a significant Destiny Power boost, making them suitable opponents.
Moreover, the Three Phantom Demons exude heavy evil energy, their summoning accompanied by celestial phenomena and strong pressure, which perfectly matches Yugen's role as the antagonist in this game.
The final reason is this 'Lost Paradise.'
The biggest disadvantage of fighting three opponents is the card gap. Starting with six cards against eighteen, the resource disadvantage is fearsome. But in the ideal state within the field of Lost Paradise, it's akin to drawing three cards per turn, slightly bridging the gap.
See now, they've played to this point, Yugen has turned the initial absolute resource disadvantage into an advantage. The opponents' cards are dwindling, while his resources grow. Even without considering the field and health, he's already reversed the situation resource-wise.
The current situation is highly unfavorable for the trio. Facing an absolute field disadvantage, their combined resources are fewer than Yugen's. Whether field or card gap, Yugen has completely reversed the natural initial disadvantage into a dominating position.
Continuing like this, even if Yusei and co. manage to extend the game a few more rounds through various defenses, the gap will only widen. They must deplete resources to defend against attacks while, as turns drag on, Yugen's resources under 'Lost Paradise' continue to grow, widening the gap.
At this moment, Yusei started to sense the issue. Initially, a prolonged battle of three against one should be favorable, yet unexpectedly, the situation has turned like this.
"Then I activate the Cover Card." Yugen said, "Continuous Trap 'Restricted Revival,' allowing me to revive a monster with 1000 or less Attack Power from the graveyard."
Everyone's hearts tightened once more.
A monster with less than 1000 Attack Power...
From the Three Phantom Demons, the Divine Flame Emperor initially had less than 1000 Attack Power, but was exiled to the Other Dimension by Clero's 'D.D. Crow,' and cannot be revived.
"I revive 'Phantom Demon Summoning God' with 0 Attack Power from the graveyard!"
[Phantom Demon Summoning God, Attack Power 0]
Jack's heart tightened: "This thing again!"
Clero: "This monster can immediately summon Phantom Demons to the field..."
"Precisely."
Yugen chuckled lightly.
"I release 'Phantom Demon Summoning God' to add, from the deck or graveyard, one of 'Divine Flame Emperor Uriah,' 'Phantom Demon Emperor Rabiel,' or 'Thunder Emperor Harmon' to my hand.
Adding 'Thunder Emperor Harmon' from the grave to my hand!"
Thunder cracked through the sky, a huge golden shadow roaring behind the heavy clouds.
"Thereafter, I can Special Summon from my hand any one monster of Flame Race, Thunder Race, or Demon Race with 10 stars, Attack Power equal to Defense Power, ignoring summon conditions!"
As if summoned, the sky echoed with thunder upon the altar's peak, shredded by azure lightning, a mountainous shadow emerged, wrapped in thunder chains, its true form appearing like thirty thousand bolts bursting simultaneously. Golden skeletal armor danced with azure electric snakes, bone spines releasing towering lightning spears.
Thunder Emperor Harmon, summoned!
"Well, since this turn lacks a battle phase," Yugen said, "Harmon shall be set in defense position."
[Thunder Emperor Harmon, Defense Power 4000]
"Finally, I set two cards and end my turn."
Yugen said.
"All right, my formation's complete. Come, show me the strength connected by your bonds!"
As expected, the turn finally came to Yusei Fudo.
But Yusei was silent, his head down, showing no signs of action.
"Yusei?"
Jack frowned, calling out to Yusei.
"At this point, what's there to hesitate over!?"
Yet Yusei remained silent.
Seconds later, he finally raised his head, his azure eyes meeting Yugen's straight on.
"Godwin, you didn't genuinely intend to destroy the world... no, actually you never truly intended to be our enemy, right?"
The crowd: "?"
Everyone was surprised, looking at Yusei.
At this point, what's he saying?
They've been fiercely battling, reaching a point where the world teeters on the brink of the Yellow Springs, and suddenly he says such things?
"No, before that..."
Yusei shook his head and suddenly said.
"Are you really...not Godwin?"
Upon these words, everyone was further startled.
What does he mean by this?
If not Godwin, then who could he be?
"Oh?"
Yugen squinted, facing Yusei.
Truly, Yusei Fudo is known for being one of the most perceptive protagonists in Yu-Gi-Oh! history. Something must have slipped, it seems his disguise might not hold.
Of course, if it falls, it falls; he never really cared. In fact, even Yugen himself was surprised at how long he managed to maintain his disguise.
"Why do you say so?" Yugen asked, intrigued.
"Because I experienced a real Dark Duel with the Dark Markers before, so I can sense the difference now." Yusei said, "Even though this duel carries real damage, and the pain surpasses normal levels, my instincts don't feel a life-death threat.
I suspect this duel isn't actually as you claim, wagering life and death. Certainly not as a gamble for the world's fate either.
Throughout this duel, I haven't felt any killing intent from you."
Yugen narrowed his eyes.
Killing intent... well...
Yusei Fudo is indeed a person with exceptionally sharp intuition.