Chapter 90: Mentality
Chapter 90: Mentality
To some extent, Sanzawa's premonition was correct. Chaos decks don't rely heavily on trap cards, and the championship build he faced back then actually included the lockdown trap, "Royal Decree."
Given the overwhelming strength of Chaos' key cards compared to other decks at the time, it stood to reason that Chaos would have the advantage when both sides were locked out of their trap cards.
You Xuan: "I activate the continuous spell, 'Nightmare Mirage.' During your End Phase, draw until you have 4 cards in your hand, but during my End Phase, I must discard the same number of cards randomly.
Lastly, I set a card and end my turn."
Sanzawa: "My turn, draw!"
The situation took a drastic turn, now heavily favoring him. He had to come up with something during this turn.
"I activate the spell card, 'Reverse Fate'! When there is a Special Summoned monster on your field and no monsters on my field, draw 2 cards from your deck!" (Anime original card)
A lifesaving draw, Sanzawa's expression brightened as he saw one of the two new cards he drew.
Here it is! The game-changer!
"Looks like my deck hasn't given up on the top spot yet."
Sanzawa lifted his head and smiled, raising his Duel Disk. The Graveyard zone on the disk shone with a dazzling golden light.
"Number one, do you know what happens to carbon when it's under immense pressure?"
You Xuan: "It turns into a diamond?"
He vaguely recalled Sanzawa saying something similar in the anime.
"Oh, well done, number one!" Sanzawa said, "The card I discarded to the Graveyard with 'Mathematician's' effect was 'Carbonedsaurus'!
The effect of 'Carbonedsaurus'! When this card is sent to the Graveyard, if there are 10 or more cards above this card in the Graveyard, you can activate its effect!
Remove 'Carbonedsaurus' from the game to Special Summon 'Diamondsaurus' from your hand or Graveyard!" (Anime effect)
A unique effect befitting Sanzawa's academic persona, though this anime effect was rather tricky to pull off. The physical card version of 'Carbonedsaurus' received a significant boost, no longer requiring the cumbersome condition of having 10 cards stacked on top of it in the Graveyard. Instead, simply by removing itself from the Graveyard, it could Special Summon any Level 7 or lower Dragon-Type Normal Monster from the deck or Graveyard, not just 'Diamondsaurus'. However, there was now the restriction that the summoned monster had to be in face-up Defense Position.
"Now that there are more than 10 cards stacked above 'Carbonedsaurus' in my Graveyard, its effect activates! Emerge in your dazzling diamond form—
—Level 7, Diamondsaurus, I summon you!"
Even without seeing its full glory, the dragon's radiance was almost blinding. A crystalline behemoth took to the skies, showering sparkling light everywhere, an aura of incomparable nobility and grandeur.
[Diamondsaurus: ATK 2100]
The kind of card that might not be overwhelmingly powerful, but you knew it wasn't cheap.
Asuka, in the audience: "So that's why he used 'Mathematician's' effect to send a monster to the Graveyard on his first turn. That's why Sanzawa Daichi has been setting up his backrow since the start of the duel."
"But Diamondsaurus' power isn't enough to break through the current situation," Ryo Marufuji said, "He must have something else up his sleeve."
Indeed, Sanzawa smiled confidently: "After Chaos Sorcerer comes Black Rose Dragon, and then comes a legendary monster! So I shall also burn with all my might and face you in battle!
I activate the equip spell, 'Gigantification,' from my hand, and equip it to 'Diamondsaurus'!
When your LP is lower than your opponent's, the original ATK of the equipped monster becomes double!"
[Diamondsaurus: ATK 2100 → ATK 4200]
"Attack power of four thousand two hundred!" The students couldn't help but stir once more.
The tide had turned again!
"Go, Diamondsaurus! Attack 'Chaos Sorcerer'!"
You Xuan had 1600 LP remaining, and Chaos Sorcerer had an ATK of only 2300. This attack would deal a substantial 1900 damage.
Sanzawa's comeback!
Diamondsaurus opened its mouth, drawing in the swirling light that covered its body and transforming it into a spiraling beam of light that surged forth!
You Xuan waved his hand: "Trap card—Enemy Controller!"
"Wooden it be!" Sanzawa exclaimed, "'Royal Decree' is still on the field, so any trap is useless!"
"I know," You Xuan said, raising his hand, "So I immediately activate my second face-down card, the quick-play spell, 'Evil-Closing Strike!' Discard one card to destroy all Continuous Trap Cards on the field.
Destroy 'Royal Decree'!"
Sanzawa understood: "I see. The effects of later-activated cards are applied first, so by the time the effect of 'Enemy Controller' would apply, the Continuous Trap, 'Royal Decree,' is no longer on the field, allowing the trap effect to resolve normally."
"Exactly."
As he spoke, a black storm rose from the backrow, picking up the trap card and crushing it to pieces with a domineering force.
"Therefore, the effect of 'Enemy Controller' applies normally. When a monster your opponent controls declares an attack, Special Summon 1 monster from your hand, and the attacking monster must target the summoned monster for its attack!" (Anime effect)
Enemy Controller, also from the DM side story, 'Yu-Gi-Oh! R,' a trap card used in the Machine deck.
You Xuan smiled and waved his hand.
"By the effect of 'Enemy Controller,' I special summon 'Elemental HERO Air Neos' from my hand in face-down Defense Position, and it must battle your 'Diamond Dragon'!"
Sanzawa: "What!?!!?"
It was none other than Elemental HERO Air Neos.
[Elemental HERO Air Neos: DEF 1600]
As an exemplary student, Sanzawa naturally remembered that this monster's effect stated:
"Stop! I won't attack! Diamond Dragon, return!"
"Too bad. A monster summoned by 'Enemy Controller' must battle the attacking monster!" You Xuan explained, "And now, the effect of 'Elemental HERO Air Neos'!
After battling an opponent's monster, both monsters are banished from the field!"
Elemental HERO Air Neos leaped into the air, initiating a sacrificial attack. She took the brunt of Diamond Dragon's assault, her sword cleaving through the air as the force of their clash shattered space itself. The powerful gravitational pull sucked both Diamond Dragon and herself into a swirling vortex, sending them on an interdimensional journey alongside her teammates.
Sanzawa's eyes welled up as he mourned the loss of his Diamond Dragon.
A 4200 ATK Diamond Dragon, roughly equivalent to an Obelisk the Tormentor.
"Hmm, in that case, I'll set three cards and end my turn." Sanzawa declared.
With the destruction of Royal Oppression, his strategy of locking down You Xuan's graveyard had officially failed. However, looking on the bright side, he could now utilize his trap cards. In this overwhelmingly unfavorable situation, that might not be such a bad thing.
There's still a chance!
"My turn, draw." You Xuan said, "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, 'Dust Tornado,' to destroy 'Nightmare Mirage,' so I don't have to discard my hand according to its negative effect.
Then, in the Battle Phase, 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon' attacks directly!"
"Not so fast! At the start of the Battle Phase, I activate my face-down card! Trap Card, 'Roar of Warning'!"
Invisible sound waves burst forth from the trap card, sweeping across You Xuan's field. Red-Eyes Black Dragon let out a low growl and raised its dragon claws to cover its ears.
Sanzawa: "During the turn 'Roar of Warning' is activated, your monsters cannot declare an attack!"
You Xuan: "In that case, I'll set another monster card face-down and end my turn."
"My turn! I activate the Magic Card, 'Pot of Greed,' and draw two more cards from my deck."
Sanzawa drew his cards, furrowing his brows slightly as he didn't seem to draw the game-changer he needed.
"It's a gamble, but here goes! I activate my face-down trap card, 'Reckless Greed'! By skipping my next two Draw Phases, I can draw two more cards from my deck!"
At this point in the duel, if he couldn't turn the tables within this turn, his chances of winning would become increasingly slim.
It's now or never!
"I activate my face-down card, the Continuous Trap Card, 'Call of the Haunted'! I Special Summimate a monster from my graveyard in Attack Position!" Sanzawa declared, "I revive this card that I discarded during my first turn! Sovereign of the cosmos, ruler of myriad worlds—
—Level 8, Queen of Fate!"
[Queen of Fate: ATK 2900]
"Then, I activate the Ritual Spell Card, 'Ritual of Grace' from my hand! By tributing monsters from my hand or field whose total Levels are 8 or more, I Ritual Summon 'Ritual Sorcerer of Grace' from my hand!
I tribute 'Queen of Fate' from my field! Cut through the darkness and evil with the sword in your hand! Ritual Summon—
—Level 8, Ritual Sorcerer of Grace!!!"
Queen of Fate vanished amidst the ritual flames, replaced by a swordsman wielding twin blades and clad in a crimson cape that billowed elegantly.
[Ritual Sorcerer of Grace: ATK 0]
"The Ritual Sorcerer of Grace has an original ATK of 0, but when there's a face-up Trap Card on the field, its ATK increases by 3000!" Sanzawa explained, "I have the Continuous Trap Card, 'Call of the Haunted' on my field, so its ATK becomes 3000!"
[Ritual Sorcerer of Grace: ATK 0 → ATK 3000]
This was the very same ace monster that Sanzawa had summoned during his duel with Judai in the anime.
"I see." You Xuan smiled, "The Ritual Sorcerer of Grace is a Ritual Monster that's unaffected by Trap Card effects and cannot be destroyed in battle.
Is this your other plan to counter me, aside from 'Royal Oppression'?"
"Indeed, this is the ace monster I've chosen to determine the outcome of our duel!"
"But let me remind you that even with the Trap Card on the field, its ATK still falls short of my 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'."
"I'm aware of that!" Sanzawa said, "But I haven't performed my Normal Summon this turn yet. The monster I'm about to summon is the one I'm pinning my hopes on—
—Mimic of Doom!"
A single-star Magic monster, its small mirror hid its face.
[Mimic of Doom: ATK 0]
"The effect of Mimic of Doom allows it to copy the original ATK and DEF of one monster on your field! I'll use this card to copy your 'Red-Eyes Black Dragon'!"
The tiny Mimic of Doom fixed its mirror on the massive black dragon, reflecting the dragon's image. In an instant, the minuscule magician transformed into an identical colossal black dragon!
[Mimic of Doom: ATK 0 → ATK 3500]
Sanzawa sent a card from his hand to the graveyard.
"I discard the Level 8 'Water Dragon' from my hand and choose the Level 1 'Mimic of Doom' on the field! This turn, 'Mimic of Doom' can attack twice!"
The observing students stirred once more, captivated by the unfolding events.
From such a dire situation, facing the absolute suppression of Chaos, Sanzawa Daichi once again tenaciously fought back!
Asuka, in the audience, grew increasingly excited. "To turn things around like that in the face of such overwhelming odds... Sanzawa is so strong!"
Manjyome narrowed his eyes at You Xuan, muttering as if to himself, "You must have something else up your sleeve."
He wouldn't allow this dog to lose to anyone before their rematch!
"'Mimic of Doom', first attack, go for the 'Chaos Sorcerer'!"
The fantasy magician, mimicking the Black Dragon, opened its mouth, and a domineering shockwave burst forth. The Chaos Sorcerer was instantly engulfed in flames and reduced to ashes.
[You Xuan: LP 1600 → LP 400]
You Xuan staggered back, a smile on his face. "Impressive, runner-up."
"To remain so calm, champion. Looks like I'll have to try even harder then." Sanzawa smiled.
"And now, the second attack! Mimic of Doom, attack Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"
The two powerful black dragons opened their jaws, unleashing torrents of fiery meteors upon each other without restraint! The meteoric flames collided in the center of the Duel Arena, spewing endless lava that spread and engulfed the surrounding area until both dragons were melted away.
Sanzawa's momentum was unstoppable.
Red-Eyes Black Dragon, vanquished!
"Now, 'Thestalos the Mega Monarch', attack the face-down monster!"
He could feel it; the tide of victory was turning back in his favor!
Thestalos the Mega Monarch was one of his strongest trump cards. Possessing an attack strength comparable to the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, it couldn't be destroyed in battle and had the powerful trait of ignoring trap cards, making it the perfect counter against his current opponent!
He could already glimpse the light of victory.
"Your attack target is 'Dimensional Warrior'," You Xuan stated calmly. "When this card battles a monster, that monster and this card are removed from play."
[Dimensional Warrior: DEF 1000]
Sanzawa: "..."
Students: "..."
Once again, a dimensional rift tore open, unleashing boundless gravitational force. Sanzawa's invincible Thestalos the Mega Monarch and the Dimensional Warrior were pulled into the vortex and vanished without a trace.
Any destruction immunity or trap-ignoring abilities were rendered meaningless in the face of the all-powerful Dimensional Fissure.
Before its might, all creatures were equal, banished to another dimension.
No one shouted, no one explained, and for a moment, no one made a sound.
An eerie silence fell.
After a moment of quiet, Ryo Marufuji spoke softly, "Your assessment of him was correct. He's certainly not an easy opponent to pin down tactically."
"Mmm," Asuka murmured, her expression complex.
What could she say?
Sometimes, when a dog wanted to mess with someone's head, it might be unstoppable.
"My turn, draw."
You Xuan calmly continued his turn amidst the silence.
"I activate the magic card, 'Burial Goods', removing three magic cards from my graveyard from play and drawing two cards from my deck." (Anime original card)
The images of the three magic cards rose from the graveyard, turning into golden light and dissipating.
"I remove 'Trick Goblin', 'Hand Destruction', and 'Angel's Charity' from my graveyard and draw two cards."
"I activate the magic card, 'Warrior's Return', returning a warrior-type monster from my graveyard to my hand.
I return 'Chaos Soldier - Messenger of Chaos' to my hand.
Then, I remove from play the Light attribute 'Shining Angel' that was sent to the graveyard by 'Hand Destruction' and the Dark attribute 'Chaos Sorcerer' from my graveyard.
Offer the souls of Light and Dark to the Chaos field, and summon the legendary ultimate warrior! Creation of the Heavens and Earth—
—Level 8, Chaos Soldier - Messenger of Chaos, descend once more!"
Dazzling golden light exploded from the chaos vortex, and a domineering beam of light slammed into the ground. The blades of light and dark cleaved through the chaos, and the legendary swordsman stood ready.
[Chaos Soldier - Messenger of Chaos: ATK 3000]
Sanzawa: "..."
"Chaos Soldier - Messenger of Chaos, direct attack on Sanzawa—
—Chaos Double Break!!!"
The forces of light and darkness converged on the sword blade, and the sword light fell. Sanzawa looked up, his eyes fixed on the descending sword light, and then he exhaled and closed his eyes.
Oh well, he had given it his all.
[Sanzawa: LP 500 → LP 0]
(End of Chapter)
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