Forest
Rex Raptor has won three additional star chips through various duels and felt that was a good number to acquire before hunting down Mai Valentine. This time, he’d use his own deck and defeat her in turn for the defeat she handed him.
Rex was just passing through a clearing within the forest when he heard a familiar laugh. “Weevil.”
Weevil walked out from the brush with a grin. “Rex.”
“Grr, I’m not in the mood to deal with you right now.” Rex stated. “Why don’t you do like your monsters and buzz off until later?” He naturally wanted a rematch with Weevil, but Mai had humiliated him by kicking him out of his own room. “Then, my dino’s will gladly stomp you.”
“Someone seems determined.” Weevil held up his gauntlet. “You’d even refuse my duel if I were to put up double the star chips against what you will wager?”
Rex’s eyes went wide upon seeing just how many star chips the insect duelist had. “What, you already have seven star chips!?” He’d assumed his competitor for that prior tittle would have roughly the same number as he did. “How’d you manage that?”
“Oh, you’ll see through the duel we’re going to have.” Weevil chuckled. “If you accept, I’ll put six star chips up against the three I’ll need from you to enter Pegasus’ castle.”
“Something’s not adding up.” Rex thought a little on edge. “Weevil is more confident than when we last were going to face off, but the chance to get all the star chips I need…” He firmed his resolve. “Since you’re willing to bet six star chips, I can take the time to crush you.”
“You really are easy to read, Rex.” Weevil thought. “Little do you know, my deck has gone through a massive evolution.”
The arena appeared with Weevil taking the red side and Rex the blue side. Once the chips and decks were on their respective consoles, it was time to begin.
“Let’s duel!”
(Rex 2000/Weevil 2000)
“Weevil favors going first, so I won’t let him have it.” Rex drew. “Since you challenged me, I’m taking the first turn.”
“By all means.” Weevil grinned. “Have it.”
“Is he trying to psych me out?” Rex growled. “I’ll start by activating Graceful Charity which allows me to draw three cards before discarding any two cards from my hand. I’ll then summon Black Stego(LV 4/1200/2000) and set two cards. You’re move.”
“What a move it’ll be.” Weevil drew. “I’ll first summon my Dragonbite(LV 4/1000/1000).” An insect-dragon appeared. “When he’s normal summoned, I can special summon any 1 level 4 or lower insect monster from my hand.”
“Planning on getting out your Underground Arachnid right away I see.” Rex commented.
“While that is an option, I have so many others now, Rex.” Weevil declared. “Allow me to show you by summoning Battlewasp-Pin the Bullseye(LV 1/200/300).” A little wasp appeared.
“Battlewasp?” Rex questioned.
“There one of the latest lines of insect monsters and have great effects.” Weevil informed. “For instance, this one could have special summoned himself since I control an insect monster. He can also deal my opponent 200 damage, during the main phase, for everyone of him I control/”
“What!?” Rex exclaimed. “If he summoned three of those, then six hundred of anyone’s 2000 life points would be gone just like that!?”
“Lucky for you, I only control him, so you’ll be taking 200 (Rex 1800/Weevil 2000).” Weevil continued. “That isn’t where I’m going to end my turn because Dragonbite is a tuner, and he’ll give Pin a tune up to Synchro for 5. Synchro summon Battlewasp-Azusa the Ghost Bow(LV 5/2200/1600).” A bipedal insect in white and purple garbs with a bow appeared.
“Er, that monster is just strong enough to get over my Stego.” Rex stated.
“That’s the least of your worries.” Weevil declared. “Azusa, destroy Black Stego.”
“When Black Stego is attacked, he changes to defense position meaning my life points are safe.” Rex declared as his monster was destroyed.
“Not exactly.” Weevil grinned. “When a Battlewasp monster I control destroys a monster you control, I can send Battlewasp-Dart the Hunter(ATK 100) from my hand to the grave. Then, you take damage equal to the destroyed monster’s original attack.”
“That’s another 1200 damage (Rex 600/Weevil 2000)!” Rex exclaimed.
“That’s not all.” Weevil laughed. “Since you just took effect damage from a Battlewasp monster, Azusa can deal you effect damage equal to that Battlewasp’s original ATK (Rex 500/Weevil 2000). With that, I shall end my turn with one face down. Your move.”
“Er, this is only turn three, and those new monsters of his have already dealt away with fifteen hundred of my life points. I’ll have to make this turn count!” Rex drew. “It’s a bad idea to back a predator into the corner Weevil because that’s when we’re at our most dangerous.
I discard Destroyersaurus to activate his effect adding a Jurassic World from my deck to my hand. I choose my Jurassic Kingdom field spell, which is always treated as Jurassic World, and will immediately activate it.”
The field transformed into an ancient plain with a nearby volcano.
“Jurassic Kingdom…” Weevil looking around. “Looks like I’m not the only one with new cards. Tell me, what separates this from your Jurassic World?”
“First, this card lowers the ATK/DEF of all non-Dinosaur monsters by 500.” Rex informed.
Battlewasp-Azusa the Ghost Bow(LV 5/1700/1100 effect)
“Next, once per either of our turns, I can activate one of two effects.” Rex continued. “One of those effects is that I can send a dino from my deck to the grave to negate the effects of one face up card you control. Your Azusa is my target. Now I will normal summon Black Brachios(LV 4/1800/1100)” A large, long neck, and black dino appeared.
“To bad that card of yours can’t negate face down cards because mine ends this duel!” Weevil declared. “I activate Parasite Worm. This destroys the monster you just summoned and deals you damage equal to its attack.”
“Now that’s a card I remember you having, so I prepared for it.” Rex declared. “I activate my first face down, Survival Instinct. This trap banishs any number of dino’s from my grave, and I gain 400 life points for each monster banished.
I sent two with Graceful Charity, Black Stego went next, I discarded Destroyersaurus for my field spell, and sent one from my deck to utilize Jurassic Kingdom’s effect. That means five dinos will be banished granting me 2000 life points before your effect kicks in.”
(Rex 500-2500-700/Weevil 2000)
“Well, you managed to survive my strategy.” Weevil commented. “What will you do now that you lost out on your normal summon?”
“You should know better than anyone my deck has effects that take full advantage of the grave.” Rex declared. “I activate Dino Devour. This spell will banish my now only monster, Black Brochis(LV 4/ATK: 1800), from my grave.
Then, I can special summon any dino with an equal or less level to that monster from my deck. I’ll choose my Soul Eating Oviraptor(LV 4/1800/500).” A black oviraptor with a light blue flame going down its back appeared.
“Big deal.” Weevil smirked. “One hundred damage is worthless in the grand scheme of things.”
“It won’t just be one hundred damage.” Rex stated to the confusion of his opponent. “Before I get to that, my Oviraptor, when normal or special summoned, allows me to either add any dinosaur I want from my deck or send it to the grave.
I’ll add one to my hand.” “Now, the reaming effect of Dino Devour activates granting the monster summoned ATK equal to half the original ATK of the monster banished. That means an extra 900 ATK is coming Oviraptor’s way.”
Soul Eating Oviraptor(LV 4/2700/500 effect)
“2700 ATK!?” Weevil exclaimed. That’s now one thousand stronger than my current Battlewasp.”
“That’s right Weevil.” Rex declared. “My dino will stomp out that Synchro of yours (Rex 700/Weevil 1000). With that, I end my turn.” His gaze turned to his remaining set card. “At this rate, giving him another turn is out of the question.
I just wish I’d drawn the second piece to my combo. If I’d drawn Red-Eyes, I could have won this turn. Since my life points are lower, I just need him to summon 1 monster. Then, I can use Jurassic Impact. While it won’t be a victory, a draw means I keep my chips.”
“My turn!” Weevil drew before grinning and bursting out laughing. “This is the end Rex, but first I’m going to ensure you can’t interrupt what I’m about to do. I activate Mystical Space Typhoon which will do away with your set card.”
“No!” Rex was sweating. “Alright, you got rid of my set card; big deal. In the end, I still have a monster that’s 2700 strong. Last time I checked, you had nothing short of Doom Dozer that could beat that.”
“That was before I obtained my new cards; however, it’s quite poetic you’d bring up Doom Dozer since he’s going to make this play possible at all.” Weevil chuckled. “I banish Battlewasps-Pin the Bullseye and Dart the Hunter from my grave fulfilling the requirement.
Now, I can special summon my Doom Dozer(LV 8/2300/2100 effect).” A long, pink millipede appeared. “Then, I activate the last card in my hand, Monster Reborn to bring back Dragonbite(LV 4/500/500 effect).”
“You brought back your tuner monster!” Rex’s eyes went wide. “Battlewasp have a level 12 Synchro monster!?”
“That’s right, Rex.” Weevil declared. “Dragonbite will give Doom Dozer a tuner up to synchro for 12. This new monster spells the end of days. Synchro summon Battlewasp-Ballista the Armageddon(LV 12/2500/300 effect).”
A massive black and red wasp appeared.
Rex took a step back. “Without Jurassic Kingdom, that monster would be just as strong as a Blue-Eyes White Dragon!”
“It’s attack certainly is, but this monster’s special ability more than makes up for its lack of defense.” Weevil declared. “When this card is special summoned, I can banish every insect in my grave. Then, every monster you control loses 500 ATK/DEF for every insect banished.
I still have Doom Dozer, Dragonite, and Azusa meaning your powerful dino is reduced to nothing in the face of Armageddon Soul Eating Oviraptor(LV 4/1200/0 effect)!” Weevil declared. “Destroy that dino with Armageddon Strike!”
Armageddon fired three spears into Oviraptor devastating him (Rex 0/Weevil 1000).
“Nooooo…” Rex groaned.
Just like that, Weevil had the ten star chips needed to enter the castle while Rex was brought all the way back to the beginning with two star chips left in his gauntlet.
Main Dock
Penumbra had returned to the docks where every contestant first stepped onto the island. Her gauntlet now only contained a single star chip as she’d lost another two to her next opponent after Yugi.
“Everything seemed promising when I first stepped off the boat…” Penumbra sighed. “What am I going to do?”
Shining Armor was just one star chip away from being able to enter the castle; however, he hasn’t run into any other contestant since his last. While he had the rest of today and tomorrow to find his last opponent, he never was one to procrastinate.
“Maybe someone will be back at that dock.” Shining pondered as he moved in that direction. “I’d prefer it not be Yugi Muto since he’s a duelist I’d like to take on within the castle, but I’d even take him on at this…Hm?”
As he walked onto the docks, his thoughts were stopped upon seeing a girl with dark purple hair, in a side pony tail, looking rather melancholic and contemplative. Kind of reminded him a little of how Twilight could get at times when he asked how she was liking Crystal Prep.
“Hey, are you alright?” Shining asked.
Penumbra jumped slightly and quickly corrected her features before turning to face the owner of that voice which slightly shocked her. “You’re the American Duel Monsters Champion, Shining Armor!”
Shining walked forward and stopped next to her noting that her change in demeanor was also rather reminiscent of Twilight’s. He knew his sister faced problems at school, but if she refused to say anything, he couldn’t help her much. He only hoped this girl wouldn’t be the same.
“That’s right.” Shining nodded. “I apologize I can’t return that, but I am drawing a blank on your prominence within the world of dueling.”
“It makes sense considering I haven’t really made a name for myself.” Penumbra returned.
“Huh?” Shining raised an eyebrow. “I was under the impression Pegasus was rather selective in who he let join his tournament, so you must have some renown to be here.”
“I suppose…” Penumbra began before she looked away.
“You know, I’m not a bad listener.” Shining stated. “If there’s a problem, I can at least hear you out and maybe even offer a solution.” She looked at him, and he shrugged. “What could it hurt?”
Penumbra studied him for a few moments before ultimately sighing. “My name is Penumbra Nocturna, and I’m from Spain. Dueling hasn’t quite caught on there like it has in America or Japan. When I tried my hand at it, I fell in love with the game.
It’s to the point that I want it to become something more back home, so I competed in every small-time tourney with my deck of winged-beast monsters. Ultimately, those wins led me here where I hoped I could make it to the finals and become an icon to the people back home.
In the beginning, things were going well. Then, one loss comes alone, and…” She held up her gauntlet containing one star chip. “…I’m left with one star chip. It’s like the synergy I felt with my deck prior has just evaporated now.”
“I know what you need.” Shining stated drawing a surprised look from the winged-beast user. “You and I will duel with one star chip on the line. If you win, all this negativity is in your head. If you lose, I’ll have a better understanding of your deck and can better help you.”
“If I am going to end up returning home, I wouldn’t want it to be on a whimper. Either I win here and turn this tournament around, or I’ll have lost to arguably one of the strongest duelists here.” Penumbra nodded. “Alright, I’ll accept that challenge.”
With that, a duel arena rose up with Penumbra taking the blue side and Shining taking the red side. With their star chips and decks on the console, it was time to get started.
“Let’s Duel!”
(Penumbra 2000/Shining 2000)
“I’ll start!” Shining drew. “I’ll set 1 monster and one face down before ending my turn.”
“It might look like a simple move, but he isn’t known for simple meaning those two face down cards will be trouble.” Penumbra drew. “I’ll activate Double Summon allowing me to normal summon twice this turn.
My first will be Winged Sage Falcos(LV 4/1700/1200).” A bipedal falcon in sage like attire appeared. “Next, I’ll bring out my Firebird(LV 4/1000/800).” A large, red feathered bird appeared.
“Two level four monsters… I think I know where this is going.” Shining thought.
“I now overlay my two level four monsters to construct the overlay network.” Penumbra declared. “Xyz summon Tornado Dragon(R 4/O 2/2100/2000).” A dragon made from a tornado appeared.
“Impressive.” Shining noted. “At this point, I can only count on one hand the number of people who could pull off an Xyz summon with your confidence and ease.”
“Summoning them is easy once you understand how to do it.” Penumbra noted. “Now, I’ll activate my dragon’s ability. By detaching 1 overlay unit, he can destroy a spell or trap on the field. Your face down is his only target.”
Tornado Dragon(R 4/O 1/2100/2000)
‘Ultimately, I can’t use this card now, but I did play it more for its graveyard effect.” Shining thought as he sent the card to the grave.
“Next, my dragon will destroy your face down monster.” Penumbra declared.
Shining sent that card to the grave as well not even bothering to reveal her since this monster’s effects had nothing to do with being flipped.
“I’ll then end my turn with one face down card.” Penumbra declared. “You’re move.”
“Not a bad turn; however, you’ve inadvertently set up my next move.” Shining informed.
“What do you mean?” Penumbra asked.
“Allow me to show you.” Shining drew. “First, I banish the trap you sent to the grave, Until Noble Arms are Needed Once Again. This allows me to special summon a Noble Knight from my deck provided its name is different from any one I control or have in my grave.
I choose Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn(LV 5/2000/800).” A warrior with black hair and armor appeared. “Then, I’ll activate the effect of the monster you destroyed last turn, Lady of the Lake(LV 1/200/1800).
Provided she’s in the grave, I can target any Level 5 Noble Knight I control, reduce its level by one, and special summon her back to the field. I’ll reduce Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn(LV 4/2000/800).” A blond haired woman in a blue and white dress appeared.
“No way… He planned for all of this from that first turn and managed to bust out two monsters.” Penumbra thought shocked yet impressed. “I don’t think this is where he’ll end it either.”
“Now, Lady of the Lake will give my Ignoble Knight a tune up to Synchro for 5. Knight overtaken by the darkness within his heart, appear! Synchro summon Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn(LV 5/2100/900).” The black haired warrior appeared cloaked in a dark aura.
“When he’s Synchro summoned, I can choose any Noble Arm I wish from my deck and equip it to him. I choose Noble Arms-Gallatin. This spell grants my monster 1000 more ATK at the cost of said ATK going down by 200 everyone of my standby phases.”
Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn(LV 5/3100/900 effect)
“I activate the effect of Tornado Dragon(R 4/O 0/2100/2000) and use it to destroy your equip spell.” Penumbra declared.
Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn(LV 5/2100/900)
“That’d work on most cards; however, most of my Noble Arms come with recursion.” Shining countered. “Once per turn, when Gallatin is destroyed and sent to the grave, I can target any 1 Noble Knight monster I control and equip back to them.”
Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn(LV 5/3100/900 effect)
“I knew this was a skilled opponent but facing him in person is a whole other story.” Penumbra thought shocked. “My turn ended up being a full on advantage for him, and he even managed to counter my saving grace just now.”
“Now, High Laundsallyn will destroy Tornado Dragon.” Shining declared. “Go, Darkness Rend!”
High Laundsallyn rushed forward and swung his blades into Tornado Dragon destroying him (Penumbra 1000/Shining 2000).
“Let’s see you counter this.” Penumbra stated. “I activate my face down, Cross Heart. When I take battle damage, this card grants me permanent control of your monster while it remains on the field.”
“Not bad.” Shining stated genuinely as he took the card and threw it to Penumbra who caught it. “That said, it doesn’t stop me from using his last effect. Since he destroyed a monster by battle, I can add any Noble Arm or Noble Knight from my deck to my hand. Now, I end my turn.”
“You really are something else, but my deck isn’t without its answers.” Penumbra drew. “Just what I needed. I’ll set one monster on my field before activating Book of Taiyou which allows me to flip one face down monster into face up ATK position.
The monster I had set was Stealth Bird(LV 3/700/1700).” A small, ethereal blue bird appeared. “When this monster is flip summoned, I can deal you 1000 life points of damage (Penumbra 1000/1000).”
Shining laughed. “That’s a really great card.”
“Just wait because my bird isn’t done.” Penumbra declared. “Once per turn, Stealth Bird allows me to flip him back into face down defense position.”
“Attacking that monster or waiting until your next turn would mean I lose the duel.” Shining grinned. “Well, that’s certainly one way to put your opponent in a bind.”
“I’ll now end my turn with one set card.” Penumbra declared.
“You’ve certainly backed me into quite the corner, but just as your deck has their answers, my deck follows suit.” Shining drew Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn(LV 5/3100/900 effect). “I’ll summon Noble Knight Artorigus(LV 4/1800/1800).”
A warrior in white armor appeared. “This monster is the only one within my deck without an effect; however, Noble Arms more than make up for this. First, I equip him with Noble Arms-Excaliburn which prevents you from targeting him with card effects.”
“Not like it matters.” Penumbra thought. “My face down is Breakthrough Skill because I was expecting an effect monster.”
“Next, I’ll equip him with Noble Arms-Clarent.” Shining continued. “By paying 500 of my own life points, my monster can attack directly this turn (Penumbra 1000/Shining 500).”
“Wait, you have a card like that!?” Penumbra exclaimed.
“Sure do.” Shining smiled. “When you can’t breakthrough a board, you might as well go around it. Artorigus, end this with a direct attack!”
Artorigus, dual wielding swords, sped forward, pivoted around the monsters, and attacked Penumbra directly (Penumbra 0/Shining 500).
They got off the arena where Penumbra handed over her last star chip with a sigh. “So, what advice do you have for me?”
“Well, your skills are sharp; however, it seems to me that your deck could use an upgrade.” Shining took out a voucher. “Not long after Duelist Kingdom ends, Kaiba Corp will be launching beta test of a game based around the card came.”
He passed the voucher to her. “If you show up, they’ll provide you with a deck to use, and you’ll be allowed to keep it after. Given I get the feeling you didn’t choose the Winged Beast on a whim, I’m certain you’ll make an appropriate chose that could at least improve your own deck.”
“You’re really okay with giving this to me?” Penumbra questioned confused.
“Noble Knights are my deck, and if new cards for it ever come out, I don’t have a problem securing them for myself.” Shining shrugged. “Plus, your goal is a good one. Sometimes we all just need a little help to realize it.
Back when I first started out, I used a warrior deck, but there came a time when I needed something more challenging to push my skills to the next level. Now, I’ve gotten where I am today.”
“Surely you can’t just give this to me for free.” Penumbra retorted. “I have to give you something for this.”
“If you’re that insistent, then why don’t we make a promise to duel again.” Shining extended his hand. “Win or lose, I wouldn’t mind dueling you again.”
Penumbra looked from the voucher to the outstretched hand before ultimately coming to a decision. “Alright.” She shook the offered hand. “As thanks for this, no matter how this turns out, I will duel you again one day.”