Yugioh [276-280] (Patreon)

Chapter 276: Kira’s So Scary

Armed Dragon LV7, destroyed!

"With that, my Battle Phase is over. But my turn isn't finished yet."

Kira gave a slight smile and played another card from his hand.

"Next, I activate this card—

—Spell Card, 'Metamorphosis'!"

Chazz held his breath. "That card is…?"

"By tributing a monster on my field, I can Special Summon a Fusion Monster with the same Level," Kira explained. "I tribute my Level 6 Ojama King to Special Summon a Level 6 Fusion Monster!"

Chazz still didn't quite get it, but Alexis and the others were already drawing in cold breaths.

In the deck Kira was using, a Level 6 Fusion monster could only mean…

"Come forth!"

Under the radiance that enveloped Kira's field, the Ojama King vanished, a storm brewing as a graceful figure glided out on ice blades.

"Level 6, Cyber Blader, Special Summon in Defense Position!"

[Cyber Blader, DEF 800]

(The real card is Level 7, but in the anime it's Level 6, same as Ojama King.)

Just as expected!

Those who'd seen this combo before, like Alexis and Misawa, were already casting sympathetic glances at Chazz.

To be hit by this move from Kira in a nationally televised duel…

Misawa said nothing, merely shaking his head.

He looked at Chazz as if he were already dead.

"Cyber Blader? Isn't that Alexis Rhodes' card? And in Defense Position?"

Chazz clearly hadn't seen this combo before and just frowned.

"Are you serious?"

As a Level 6 monster, Cyber Blader has 2100 ATK, but only 800 DEF. It was hard not to think Kira had slipped up…

"Activating my set card," Kira announced with a snap of his fingers, revealing the card he had set at the start of the duel. "Trap Card: 'Ojama Trio'!

It Special Summons three 'Ojama Tokens' to your opponent's field in Defense Position."

[Ojama Token, DEF 0] x3

The green, yellow, and black trio promptly jumped onto Chazz's field, each getting comfy—sipping tea, snoring, reading the paper.

Then Ojama Yellow Spirit popped out excitedly: "Hey, dropping by for a visit?"

"Whoa, a fellow countryman!" Ojama Yellow exclaimed, eyes lighting up.

Ojama Green grinned. "Come, sit down, let's have a chat."

"Yeah, yeah! Let me tell you, my Boss is so stingy—he says I'm too weak to get any screen time," Ojama Yellow Spirit whispered, sighing. "You guys are lucky, following the right boss. You get so many scenes…"

Ojama Black: "Zzz… zzz…"

Chazz took a deep breath.

Stay calm. Don't get mad. Tear up a card as a Duelist? Never. No matter how angry, you can't rip up this damned Ojama Yellow…

"Cyber Blader's effect: when your opponent controls exactly three monsters, all the effects of their Spells, Traps, and monsters are negated," Kira said, smiling.

Chazz's eyelid twitched.

All Spell, Trap, and monster effects negated? This Blader had such a broken lockdown effect?

Never saw that when Alexis Rhodes used it before…

(In the anime, Alexis used this effect only once; most people only know the first two effects, so those unfamiliar with Cyber Blader never realize it has a hidden ability.)

"Stay calm," Chazz muttered, suppressing his anxiety. "But the lock only works if I have exactly three monsters. It's strong, but I can break it just by summoning another monster…"

"Field Spell: 'Ojama Country'—effect activates," Kira continued. "Once per turn, I can send one 'Ojama' card from my hand to the Graveyard to Special Summon an 'Ojama' monster from my Graveyard."

He briefly showed a card from his hand before sending it to the Graveyard.

"I send the Trap Card 'Ojama Delta Wear!!' from my hand to the Graveyard."

Kira then picked up a card from his Graveyard.

"And I Special Summon this 'Ojama' monster from the Graveyard—

—Ojama King, revive!"

Ojama King hopped back onto the field, flexed his muscles, and let out a gruff cheer.

"Ojama, Ojama!"

The three tokens and the Ojama Yellow Spirit all applauded: "Awesome! So cool!"

But Chazz couldn't care less about the annoying losers. He'd just realized something terrifying: "That effect…"

"When Ojama King is on the field, select up to three of your opponent's Monster Zones—they can't be used," Kira declared. "So I choose your last two remaining Monster Zones to seal!

Ojama Lock!"

Ojama King roared: "Ojama, Ojama!"

As he spoke, two more Ojama tokens leaped out, sitting to the left and right on Chazz's last two Monster Zones.

Total lockdown!

Chazz was dumbstruck.

Th-th-th-this…

Three tokens clog up three zones, and the other two are sealed by Ojama King. In other words, he can't summon any more monsters at all.

And if he can't change the number of monsters on his field, Blader keeps its "negate all effects your opponent controls" lock.

How is he supposed to play?! He can't do anything!

Why does a strategy this disgusting even exist in the world???

Chazz's brothers couldn't sit still either; they shot up, staring dumbfounded at the chilling field.

"Dueling… can it really be like this?" Jagger asked his brother blankly.

His brother Slade shook his head, face saying, "Don't ask me, I'm just a political science major—I barely know more about cards than you do."

But even outsiders could see—

—he's already dead, isn't he?

"Next, I activate the Spell Card 'Card of Burial Magic'—I banish 'Pot of Greed,' 'Reasoning,' and 'Graceful Charity' from my Graveyard to draw two cards from my Deck."

Kira drew two more cards, glanced at them, and set them both.

"I set two cards, and end my turn."

Kira was quite polite.

"Your turn, Chazz."

Chazz: "…"

The whole place fell silent.

Chazz didn't draw, but no one found it strange—they even felt a twinge of sympathy.

Chazz had never been well-liked at the academy—always looking down on others, demanding people make way for him, gathering lackeys. But most people just disliked him; he'd never actually harmed anyone's interests. Now, looking at him, he seemed not so bad—maybe he didn't deserve this…

"Actually, Chazz still has a chance," model student Misawa analyzed. "With 'Ojama King' on the field, thanks to 'Ojama Country,' all monsters' ATK and DEF on both sides swap.

Ojama Tokens usually have 0 ATK, 1000 DEF, but swapped, their ATK becomes 1000."

"Is 1000 ATK any use?" Syrus asked, confused.

"Normally, not really. But look, Ojama King's ATK is 0, DEF is 3000, so swapped…"

"Its DEF becomes 0, so a token could destroy it! That would free up the two sealed zones!" Syrus realized.

"Exactly. So, look at the state of Kira's Ojama King," Misawa said.

[Ojama King, ATK 3000]

"Ah, it's in Attack Position…" Syrus frowned. "So the tokens can't beat it. This is useless."

"Haha, not entirely," Misawa explained patiently. "If a low-ATK monster attacks a high-DEF monster in Defense, you just lose LP—attacking monsters don't self-destruct.

But if you attack an Attack Position monster…"

"I see!" Syrus finally got it. "So Chazz just needs to switch a token to Attack Position and ram it into Ojama King—he'll take damage, but reduce his monster count to two.

Then Blader's lock will be broken, and he can use card effects again!"

"Yes, though he'll lose 2000 LP. It's a big price, but it's his only way out," Misawa nodded.

But then Alexis spoke up again: "Is it really that easy?"

"Eh?" Syrus blinked.

"You know Kira's dueling style. Do you really think he wouldn't have prepared for this weakness?"

Syrus hesitated: "Rhodes, you mean…"

They all glanced at the two set cards in Kira's back row.

"Exactly," Misawa nodded. "That's what I was thinking. Chazz can't use any effects, summon monsters, or activate cards. He literally can't play anything.

All he can do is switch a token to Attack and ram it in—that's his only move.

But Kira has plenty of options."

"Maybe a trap that could kill Chazz instantly during the attack," Alexis said. "Whatever it is, Chazz won't be able to counter, since all his effects are negated."

"Or even just a trap that blocks attacks. If Chazz can't attack, he can't break the lock at all," Misawa shook his head. "If I were in Chazz's place, I can't imagine a way to win."

Syrus: "…"

Listening to the model student's analysis, Syrus looked at Kira on the field—calm, radiant, smiling as always, but somehow more terrifying than ever.

Kira really is scary…

Chapter 277: Break the LOCK

Is this… the end?

Chazz stared at the impenetrable wall before him, momentarily dazed.

That feeling of helplessness he'd had before, when facing Kira—the sense that nothing he did mattered, that all efforts were futile—returned.

He'd gone through so much, he'd gotten so much stronger. He'd crawled out of hell and vowed never to fall again.

But in the end, the gap between them hadn't narrowed at all.

Chazz had figured out Misawa's analysis, too: his only move was to sacrifice his LP and command a token to suicide attack.

But he was sure Kira had prepared for that. Even without trying, he sensed it would almost certainly fail.

He was… powerless.

Almost subconsciously, he glanced back at the audience.

And met his two brothers' furious glares. Without a word, he could almost hear their voices.

"What the hell are you doing, Chazz?"

"Forget it, forget it. You were always the black sheep anyway. My fault for expecting more…"

"Maybe you really are destined to be with the bottom-feeder losers…"

"…No. This isn't right.

Why should he be the black sheep?

Chazz clenched his fist.

No, it's not over yet. This duel—this one duel—he absolutely can't lose!

"My turn!"

Chazz raised his head, and a challenger's fighting spirit blazed in his eyes as he looked again at the unbeatable lock before him.

This time, he'd stake everything on his draw!

"Draw!"

His pupils shrank as he held the drawn card high.

"Spell Card—

—Mini Guts!"

"Oh?" Kira narrowed his eyes, smiling.

Things were getting interesting.

Chazz shouted, "Mini Guts! By tributing one of my monsters, I select one of your monsters and reduce its ATK to 0 until the end of the turn!"

"Amazing!" Misawa jumped up. "He actually had this move… Even I didn't think of it…"

"But with Blader on the field, all card effects are negated," Syrus said, still confused. "Wouldn't the Spell be negated?"

"Blader can negate any effect," Alexis explained. "But only the effect, not the cost. 'Tributing a monster' is a cost, not an effect.

Activation costs can't be negated."

"Right. By tributing one of the three tokens as a cost, the number of monsters drops to two—and Blader's lock is broken," Misawa said. "So, when 'Mini Guts' resolves, Chazz only has two monsters.

Meaning, Blader's 'negate all effects' is no longer active."

He looked at Chazz with admiration.

"The Chazz who fought his way back from North Academy really is a new person. To find hope in a near-impossible situation—he's surpassed his old self."

"…"

"I tribute one 'Ojama Token' to reduce your Attack Position 'Ojama King's' ATK to 0!"

[Ojama King, ATK 3000 → ATK 0]

The Ojama Yellow Spirit popped out again, pleading: "Boss, don't hit my brother! Or at least not in the face!"

"Get lost."

Chazz let out a deep breath.

He couldn't help glancing again at his brothers in the audience.

This time, their faces finally showed a glimmer of approval.

Yes—he'd decided long ago, he wouldn't be the black sheep anymore.

Chazzz's gaze was resolute.

He would use his own hands to take back his rightful place!

Kira smiled and nodded. "Not bad—you even broke through the Blader lock. Impressive…"

"Hmph, your composure ends here," Chazz said. "With only two monsters on my field, the lock is broken! I activate 'Trade-In'! I discard a Level 8 monster to draw two cards!"

He sent a card to the Graveyard and drew two more.

"Next, 'Graceful Charity'! Draw three, discard two!"

Now free from the lock, Chazz's deck cycling accelerated at full speed.

Of course, he knew the crisis wasn't over. If he summoned another monster, his field would again have three, and Blader would lock him out once more.

"But this card will shatter your sinister formation—"

Chazz raised another card high.

"Spell Card, 'Dark Hole'! Destroy all monsters on both sides of the field!"

A collapsing celestial body emerged, warping space. Chazz's tokens and Kira's Ojama King and Blader were all sucked in and obliterated.

"When 'Ojama Tokens' are destroyed, you take 300 damage for each," Kira said.

[Chazz, LP 4000 → 3400]

"Tch, but at least the field is clear again," Chazz said.

"Then, I activate 'Level Modulation'! My opponent draws two cards, and I Special Summon an LV monster from my Graveyard, ignoring its Summoning condition!"

A monster card emerged from the Graveyard.

"So, I revive this card from my Graveyard! Return to the field—

—Armed Dragon LV7, arise!"

A storm erupted as the iron-armed dragon returned!

[Armed Dragon LV7, ATK 2800]

"Monsters Special Summoned by 'Level Modulation' can't attack or use effects this turn.

But! I tribute 'Armed Dragon LV7' to upgrade it even further!"

LV7's form dissolved into golden light, a storm swirling as the dragon evolved. Crimson brilliance slashed the sky; amidst the tempest, a vast figure emerged—steel scales, razor-sharp armor glinting coldly, its eyes burning with fire.

"The ultimate Armed Dragon, Armed Dragon LV10, summoned!"

[Armed Dragon LV10, ATK 3000]

Chapter 278: The Light and Darkness

Armed Dragon LV10, summoned!

"To break through that kind of lock and instantly turn the tables in Princeton's favor…" Alexis murmured.

"Indeed. Standing there now might not even be the Chazz we used to know," Misawa said.

Jaden's eyes sparkled.

I want to duel Chazz again…

"It's not over yet!" Chazz declared. "I activate my set card: Continuous Trap—Limit Reverse!

Special Summon one monster with 1000 or less ATK from my Graveyard in Attack Position!"

He pulled a card from his Graveyard.

"I revive the card I discarded with 'Graceful Charity'—come back, 'Wish Dragon'!"

[Wish Dragon, ATK 700]

"Wish Dragon's effect: Tribute it to Special Summon two 'Dragon Tokens!'"

Wish Dragon dissolved into light—two tokens appeared.

[Dragon Token, ATK 0] x2

"Then, activate the Continuous Spell 'Precious Cards from Beyond!'

If I Tribute two or more monsters for a Tribute Summon, I can draw two cards."

Chazz took a deep breath.

"I know—you may look empty-handed, but you must have something hidden in your back row, right?" Chazz said.

Kira: "…"

"Or maybe it's in your hand… heh, I know you. No matter how far I push or how close I get, you're always that calm, composed guy, always with a plan.

That's what's most infuriating."

But he raised his voice, his tone suddenly sharp.

"But! This is the end!" Chazz shouted. "Watch closely, Kira! This is the power I found after returning from hell, my symbol of rebirth!

I tribute my two 'Dragon Tokens'!"

A white whirlwind—both tokens vanished.

"Shine, wings of light! Devour, abyss of darkness! Descend at the border of light and dark—"

He raised the card high; a storm of light and darkness burst forth.

"Light and Darkness Dragon, Summon!!!"

Half holy light, half abyssal dark—the conflicting colors merged on one dragon's body. One eye blazed like the sun, the other deep as night.

[Light and Darkness Dragon, ATK 2800]

"What kind of monster is that?" Syrus gasped.

"That sacred feeling… Is this Chazz's new ace?" Misawa wondered.

A divine aura enveloped the field. Even those without spirit-sensing ability could feel this monster was extraordinary.

"Kuri, kuri!" Jaden's Winged Kuriboh floated out.

"A spirit, huh?" Jaden's eyes lit up. "Chazz met such a powerful spirit…"

"'Precious Cards from Beyond's' effect: when I Tribute two or more monsters for a Tribute Summon, I draw two cards."

Chazz drew.

Light and Darkness Dragon has the ability: whenever its ATK or DEF drops by 500, negate the activation of a monster, Spell, or Trap effect—this is mandatory and can't be chosen.

However, it only negates effects when they're activated. It can't negate continuous Spell effects already on the field.

That's why Chazz could draw thanks to 'Precious Cards from Beyond.'

Kira smiled. "Though you only recently met it, looks like you can handle Light and Darkness Dragon's power quite well."

Chazz's heart skipped.

That tone… does he know about Light and Darkness Dragon's effect?

But he quickly shook off the doubt.

Whatever. Even if he knows, it doesn't matter.

This duel—he's already won!

"Attack!" Chazz roared. "Light and Darkness Dragon, Armed Dragon LV10—direct attack!"

A combined firepower of 5800!

Chazz held his breath.

This would decide the match!

"Sorry, Chazz, but I don't plan on leaving just yet."

Kira smiled gently, waving his hand.

"Upon your attack declaration, I activate my set card! Trap Card: 'No Entry!!'" Kira called. "All Attack Position monsters on the field are switched to Defense Position!"

"Knew it," Chazz squinted.

If he hadn't top-decked 'Mini Guts' and used a token to attack, this trap would have stopped him.

But now—

"Muda!" Chazz shouted. "'Light and Darkness Dragon's' effect! Each time a monster, Spell, or Trap's effect activates, this card's ATK/DEF each drop by 500, but the effect is negated!"

[Light and Darkness Dragon, ATK 2800 → ATK 2300]

The audience was shocked.

What a terrifying ability!

From the description, it's clear—there's no once-per-turn limit. Even its controller can't stop it; it negates everything indiscriminately, including effects you yourself activate.

As long as its ATK or DEF remain above 500, the effect can activate as many times as needed.

"Doesn't that mean Kira's finished?" Syrus panicked.

No matter how many set Traps or hand and Graveyard tricks Kira had, all would be negated by Light and Darkness Dragon.

If both dragons' attacks went through, Chazz would win!

"I've won!" Chazz's eyes widened.

He'd waited so long for this moment. He'd sacrificed so much, and climbed this mountain—it was almost unreal.

But now, finally, the moment had come.

"Sorry, Chazz, but like I said—I'm not planning to leave just yet."

Kira raised a hand.

"To honor a monster of Light and Darkness Dragon's caliber, I'll respond with the most sacred power I have. I activate my Trap—

—Mirror Force!!!"

The legendary Trap Card, from Duel King Yugi Muto to every generation since—Mirror Force!

Chapter 279: The Ojama Shadow

"Mirror Force, activate!"

A holy blue radiance condensed in front of Kira, forming a translucent shield that blocked the Light and Darkness Dragon's breath.

"What?" Chazz frowned. "It's useless! I already told you, no number of traps matter in front of the Light and Darkness Dragon!"

Light and Darkness Dragon's effect activated again, lowering its ATK by 500 to negate Mirror Force—

"Huh!?"

Chazz watched as the Light and Darkness Dragon ignored his command and continued to breathe at the reflective shield, his heart skipping a beat.

Why?

Why didn't the effect activate?

"I take back what I said earlier. Looks like you haven't fully understood your new friend's power after all, Chazz," Kira smiled.

"It sounds unbeatable—any effect activation is negated—but in actual duels, you'll quickly see it's not as great as it seems."

Because the Light and Darkness Dragon actually has a hidden restriction:

"This effect can only be activated once per chain."

This rule is clearly written on the card in later editions, but the old version didn't say so. Konami only clarified it in their rulings: "It can only be activated once per chain."

So, at the moment of the attack declaration, Kira first activated "No Entry!!" to switch the opponent to Defense Position. The Light and Darkness Dragon's effect was forced to activate and negated it, but Kira immediately chained "Mirror Force."

Since both were activated in the same chain at the attack declaration, the Light and Darkness Dragon's negation had already been used up on "No Entry!!," so it couldn't negate Mirror Force's activation.

"Well, the Light and Darkness Dragon does have weaknesses. Remember this after today. No need for thanks," Kira smiled.

"Mirror Force's effect resolves. Destroy all Attack Position monsters on your opponent's field."

He waved his hand over Chazz's field.

"Therefore, 'Armed Dragon LV10' and 'Light and Darkness Dragon' are destroyed!"

The Light and Darkness Dragon—defeated!

"Ugh..." Chazz's face grew ugly.

His ultimate trump card, the invincible Light and Darkness Dragon, was eliminated just like that.

It was only now that Chazz realized—

Only one activation per chain, huh...

That really is a big weakness for the Light and Darkness Dragon.

But then, how did Kira know? Even he hadn't realized this!

Chazz glanced at Kira again, finding him more unfathomable than ever. Every time he thought he'd caught up, every time he tried to reclaim the field with confidence, he'd always find that the other side was hiding more than he'd ever realized.

Even if he fought this hard, was the gap between them really not shrinking at all?

No, that can't be.

He refused to accept that.

"Light and Darkness Dragon's final effect!" Chazz shouted. "When this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, destroy all cards you control! Then, Special Summon one monster from your Graveyard!"

The spectators held their breath.

A dragon this powerful had another hidden ability?

Chazz drew a card from his Graveyard.

"Revived from the Graveyard once again—

—Armed Dragon LV5!"

[Armed Dragon LV5, ATK 2400]

Armed Dragon LV7 and LV10 have strict summoning conditions; except for LV-specific effects like "Level Up," they can't be Special Summoned by other cards.

"Armed Dragon LV5, direct attack!"

The dragon's claws fell, a red whirlwind roaring towards Kira.

"Then, I discard 'Kuriboh' from my hand," said Kira. "Battle damage becomes 0."

"Kurii!"

Kuriboh leaped out, and the Armed Dragon's claw landed on it, but still couldn't get through.

Still not enough...

Chazz realized he was out of breath.

This was his limit.

"Fine, then I'll end the Battle Phase and activate the Spell Card 'Card of Heaven and Earth.'

In a turn when I performed a Tribute Summon, I draw two cards, but I can't use them this turn; if possible, I must Set at least one." (Manga Cards.)

Chazz drew two, frowned, and then set those two plus another from his hand.

"Set two cards," he said, "and activate Quick-Play Spell 'Super Rejuvenation!'

At the end of this turn, for each Dragon-Type monster I discarded or Tributed this turn, I draw one card.

I discarded one for Trade-In, two for Graceful Charity, and tributed a 'Wish Dragon' and two 'Dragon Tokens.'

So, six cards from my deck!"

Chazz instantly refilled his hand.

As expected from the most powerful Dragon draw engine—really reminiscent of the old Dragon Ruler days.

"My turn, draw!" Kira said. "First, I activate 'Card of Adversity.' If my opponent controls a Special Summoned monster and I control none, I draw two cards." (Manga Card.)

Kira drew.

"Next, Field Spell 'Ojama Country.' Once per turn, I can send a 'Ojama' card from my hand to the Graveyard to Special Summon a 'Ojama' monster from the Graveyard."

He sent a card.

"Discard Spell Card 'Ojama Delta Hurricane!!,' revive—Ojama King!"

[Ojama King, ATK 0]

"And since an Ojama monster is on the field, 'Ojama Country' swaps original ATK and DEF!"

[Ojama King, ATK 3000]

"Ojama King, attack 'Armed Dragon LV5!'"

With a shout, the Ojama King struck a pose, flexed his muscles, and delivered a Superman punch. The Armed Dragon was shattered in a red explosion.

[Chazz, LP 3400 → LP 2100]

"Damn it, beaten again by this loser monster..." Chazz gritted his teeth, shielding himself.

These Ojamas were getting more annoying by the minute.

"Set two cards, end my turn."

"My turn, draw!"

Kira glared at the Ojama King.

Ever since he learned his opponent in the exhibition match would be Kira, he'd lost sleep, couldn't eat—whenever he closed his eyes, that annoying but gentle smiling face appeared in the darkness.

He'd worked so hard and prepared so much. He thought he was at his peak, but what did he face?

 Ojama Brothers, Ojama Tokens, Ojama King...

The only real monster was Cyber Blader, and even she was just helping the Ojamas...

Was his revenge really going to end at the hands of these clowns?

Don't make me laugh!

"Activate the Trap Card 'Breakthrough Skill' from my Graveyard. Only in my turn can I banish it to negate a monster's effect on the field. I'll negate Ojama King's effect and unlock the Monster Zone!"

He drew a card.

"Then, activate Spell Card 'Monster Reincarnation!' Discard a card to add a monster from my Graveyard to my hand.

I return 'Light and Darkness Dragon' to my hand."

A sense of foreboding swept the arena.

That dragon... is coming back?

"And chain to 'Monster Reincarnation.' Quick-Play Spell 'Celestial Transformation,' Special Summon a Fairy-Type monster from my hand. Its ATK is halved and it's destroyed at the end of the turn.

I Special Summon 'The Agent of Creation - Venus!'"

[The Agent of Creation - Venus, ATK 1600]

"Of course, Venus's ATK and DEF are swapped by 'Ojama King,' and its ATK is halved, but that doesn't matter."

Chazz continued.

"Chain to the effect, I activate Continuous Trap 'Dragon's Rage.'

As long as this card is on the field, when my Dragon attacks a Defense Position monster, if its ATK exceeds DEF, I inflict piercing damage!"

"Oh?" Kira was interested. "Looks like you're setting up something big."

"You'll understand soon," Chazz said. "Next, Quick-Play Spell 'Chain Summoning!' Only usable in Chain Link 3 or higher.

This turn I can Normal Summon up to three times."

"So that's the plan," Kira nodded.

"First, Normal Summon 'Black Brachios!' Its effect changes a monster to face-up Defense Position when summoned," Chazz said.

[Black Brachios Dragon, ATK 1800 → 1100] (ATK/DEF swapped) 2x

He pointed at Ojama King.

"Change Ojama King to Defense!"

[Ojama King, ATK 3000 → DEF 0]

"Ah, I see!" Chumley in the stands realized. "With 'Dragon's Rage,' his dragons can pierce through defense!"

"Trying to OTK with piercing?" Syrus realized.

"…"

"'Chain Summoning,' second Normal Summon," Chazz announced. "I summon a second 'Wish Dragon' and activate its effect—tribute it to Special Summon two Dragon Tokens!"

[Dragon Token, ATK 0] ×2

"Then, 'Chain Summoning,' third Normal Summon.

I tribute both tokens. Light and Darkness converge once more—

—Light and Darkness Dragon, summon!"

The Light and Darkness Dragon, Chazz's new ace, appeared amidst the storm!

[Light and Darkness Dragon, ATK 2800 → 2400] (ATK/DEF swapped) 2x

"Here I go, Kira! Witness my limit!"

He roared.

"Activate Venus's effect!" Chazz said. "Pay 500 LP to Special Summon a 'Mystical Shine Ball' from my deck!"

[Chazz, LP 2100 → LP 1600]

"Eh?" Syrus blinked. "But won't his Light and Darkness Dragon's effect—"

Chazz began to explain: "Correct! My Light and Darkness Dragon's effect auto-activates. ATK and DEF decrease by 500, Venus's effect is negated."

[Light and Darkness Dragon, ATK 2400 → 1900]

Everyone was stunned.

Negating your own effect? What kind of play was this?

"But Venus's effect isn't once per turn, so I pay another 500 LP to Special Summon another 'Mystical Shine Ball.'"

[Chazz, LP 1600 → LP 1100]

Chazz squinted.

"Of course, the effect is negated by the Light and Darkness Dragon again, losing another 500 ATK/DEF."

[Light and Darkness Dragon, ATK 1900 → 1400]

People were even more confused, but Kira seemed to know what Chazz was doing.

Because he'd seen Chazz use a similar move in the manga.

"Continue activating Venus's effect," Chazz said. "Each time, I pay 500 LP, and the Light and Darkness Dragon loses 500 ATK/DEF.

I'll keep going until the Light and Darkness Dragon can't lose another 500."

[Chazz, LP 100]

[Light and Darkness Dragon, ATK 400]

"Deliberately lowering your LP to the lowest..." Syrus murmured. "And the Light and Darkness Dragon is so weak now, its effect can't be used..."

Is this desperation?

Chazz paused, looking up at his battered, exhausted Light and Darkness Dragon.

"Now my Light and Darkness Dragon is just like me not long ago," he muttered. "Hit rock bottom, battered and dying, but—!"

He raised his voice.

"Even if it's hell, I'll crawl back up! Everything that doesn't defeat me only makes me stronger—together with this Dragon!"

He lifted his final trap.

"Watch, Kira! This is the obsession of the defeated! Trap Card 'Reverse Trap!'

Until end of turn, all ATK/DEF decreases become increases!"

The Light and Darkness Dragon now had just 400 ATK, so its effect couldn't activate to negate this. The effect resolved, and now, the Light and Darkness Dragon's ATK/DEF increased by all the amounts it had lost!

[Light and Darkness Dragon, ATK 400/DEF 800 → ATK 4400/DEF 4800]

"NANI?!"

The whole crowd was shocked.

He'd shot up to over 4000 ATK/DEF in a single turn?

"And not only that, its effect is back!" Chazz said urgently. "4400 ATK means it can negate eight more effects!"

"And with 'Dragon's Rage,' its attacks are piercing," Alexis noted. "If it hits Ojama King with zero DEF—"

"OTK?!" Syrus was stunned.

Jaden was hyped: "Awesome combo! Amazing duel!"

"Go, Light and Darkness Dragon! Win this!" Chazz roared. "Crush that trash monster!"

Light and darkness's breath seemed to tear the sky, shake the earth, and annihilate everything.

"This is all of me, back from hell!" Chazz took a step forward. "Every mountain in my way, I'll destroy with this power!"

"Well, having ambition is good," Kira nodded.

"But if you get too caught up in your own world, you'll leave openings."

"What?" Chazz frowned.

"Activate my set card—Quick-Play Spell 'Emergency Provisions,'" Kira said. "Send any number of my Spell/Trap Cards to the Graveyard, gain 1000 LP for each."

"Trying to survive this attack? But my Light and Darkness Dragon will negate it!" Chazz shouted. "Light and Darkness Dragon, lose 500 ATK/DEF to negate 'Emergency Provisions'!"

[Light and Darkness Dragon, ATK 4400/DEF 4800 → ATK 3900/DEF 4300]

"Of course it's negated. But just like when you used 'Mini Guts' to break the Blader lock, only the effect gets negated, not the cost."

Kira explained:

"Sending Spells/Traps to the Graveyard is the activation cost, not the effect. So I send 'Ojama Country' to the Graveyard.

Now, all monsters' ATK/DEF swap back!"

[Light and Darkness Dragon, ATK 3900 → 4300]

[Ojama King, DEF 0 → 3000]

"So you used the cost to get rid of the Field Spell," Chazz grunted.

"You're not the only one who knows how to exploit costs," Kira smiled.

"But even so, you're still taking a lot of damage. With 'Dragon's Rage,' you'll take piercing damage equal to the difference."

"Don't be hasty. Why do you think I waited until your attack declaration to activate 'Emergency Provisions'?" Kiran smiled.

Chazz's eyes widened, recalling what happened earlier—only one negation per chain!

"Could it be—"

"Exactly. At the attack declaration, I chain my set card! Trap Card—D2 Shield!

Target one face-up Defense Position monster I control. Its DEF becomes double its original value!"

Chazz's eyes bugged out.

Double original DEF? That's—

[Ojama King, DEF 3000 → 6000]

"Six thousand DEF?!"

Ojama King instantly swelled to mountainous proportions.

No... no way...

He'd come so far, played so perfectly, but still couldn't get past an Ojama?

Ojama...

 Chazz nearly wept.

He didn't think he'd ever escape their shadow.

"Ojama!"

The Ojama King shouted, slapping the Light and Darkness Dragon's holy breath back at it, exploding it on the spot.

[Chazz, LP 100 → LP 0]

Chapter 280: Is That Really True?

This year's Duel Academy exhibition match was far more watched than any before.

Mainly because of the Princeton Corporation's involvement—they'd used their resources and money to get the duel broadcast on TV. Their hype campaign had also raised expectations for the match.

So, a lot of people were watching live.

But whether they were ordinary duelists there to learn, bored office workers killing time, or professional duelists harshly judging the new class, they all quickly got hooked—

—Because it was really fun to watch.

Especially this Fujiki Kira—everyone remembered his name.

How could they not? His plays were hilarious. When he handed over three ugly tokens, and then suddenly locked Chazz out with Cyber Blader, the viewers went wild.

But Chazz, managing to topdeck his way to a comeback, also won respect. Even pros were shocked.

Are Duel Academy students really this good now?

And this year's reps are all first-years?

Either one of them could go pro right now!

Even the TV staff were having a blast, pointing at the screen and chatting. The whole studio was full of laughter.

Until Kira gave Ojama King 6000 DEF, and Chazz watched his 4000 ATK dragon crash into it in despair...

"Wow, 6000 DEF King!" a staffer cheered.

"Hahaha, this kid's funny—beat a Dragon deck with nothing but Ojamas!"

Just then, the manager's angry voice rang out: "What are you laughing at! CUT! CUT!!"

The sponsor's about to lose and you're all laughing? Don't you want your jobs?

So, right before the Dragon's breath hit the Ojama King, all TV screens cut to static. In a blink, a pretty host appeared, smiling sweetly:

"Let's take a quick break for the weather! Today and tomorrow: clear skies!"

"..."

"What!?"

The whole country exploded.

They cut it at the most critical moment!?

But of course, everyone knew the result. Cutting the broadcast made it obvious. The only point was to spare the sponsor's dignity.

"…"

Chazz fell to his knees, stunned.

He lost. Again.

Strangely, when his LP hit zero, he found he wasn't as disappointed as he expected.

It felt... natural.

Why?

Had his subconscious already accepted, "I can't beat this guy"?

Realizing this, Chazz felt even worse.

Worse than losing, is being used to losing.

"It was a good duel, Chazz," Kira smiled, putting away his Duel Disk. "Coming back from the northern school, you've really improved."

Chazz: "..."

Improved?

He knelt, looking up at Kira, who seemed even taller and more unreachable under the arena lights.

No, maybe he'd always been this way—he'd just never realized.

No matter how much he grew stronger, the gap didn't close.

Maybe from the very beginning, they weren't even in the same league.

Maybe from the start, he never had a chance to win.

"Ojama..."

Chazz gave a bitter smile.

Even with my best cards, I'm no match for him with the trash monster.

"What are you doing, Chazz!?"

Chazz's brothers came down, the eldest barking angrily.

"Do you realize what you've done?"

Slade shouted: "You think this was just about you? This was our family's business. Do you know how much we invested, and what this loss means for the company?"

Chazz hung his head. "Sorry..."

"Stop it!"

Jaden, ever the hero, couldn't take it. He leaped onstage.

"Chazz fought beautifully," Jaden said. "He gave it his all, and everyone saw his performance, right?"

The eldest brother glared at the jellyfish head from Red Dorm.

"We don't care about performance. All that matters is the result," he said coldly. "He lost. Our investment is gone. That's all.

A duel without victory is meaningless."

"No!" Jaden argued. "Dueling isn't just about winning or losing. What's important is what you gain from it!"

The brothers frowned at Jaden.

Who was this guy? What right did he have to meddle?

"Chazz has always fought with the pressure you two put on him," Jaden said. "Even in pain, he kept battling.

His real obstacle in this duel wasn't Kira—it was you two."

"What?" Slade frowned.

Jagger added, "But he lost with a joke deck, right?"

Chazz: "..."

Thinking back, he realized all his cards—Armed Dragon, Light and Darkness Dragon—were rare, powerful cards that only elite duelists could use.

By contrast, Kira's deck was full of commons—cards you could buy anywhere.

That thought made him feel even worse.

"No," Jaden interrupted. "Kira could have used any deck, but he chose this one, against Chazz, in the most important match. Do you know why?"

Chazz froze.

Why?

Because...

Because he's twisted and enjoys watching people struggle?

"Because this deck carries something Kira wants to tell you through this duel!" Jaden said.

Chazz: "?"

Huh?

He did?