Yugioh [799-801] (Patreon)

Chapter 799: An Unexpected Gain 

"My turn—draw!" 

It was Mello's turn again. 

The attack lock still wasn't lifted. Most of the Gladiator Beasts' power remained sealed, and even Gyzarus, the Gladiator Beast boss, had been taken down. Though Rainbow Life had restored a big chunk of LP, the situation still looked grim for him overall. 

But there was still a way. 

"I Normal Summon 'Gladiator Beast Andal'!" 

With a deep roar, a black bear in heavy armor appeared in a burst of golden light, pounding its chest like a gorilla. 

[Gladiator Beast Andal, ATK 1900] 

The only vanilla in the Gladiator Beast family, but it was considered a key reinforcement when it was released. 1900 ATK outclassed the then-main 4-star beater Bestiari, and being a Level 4 vanilla made it easy to Special Summon with the Spell Card Unexpected Dai, turning that into an advantage. 

"Then I activate the effect of another 'Test Tiger' in my hand," Mello said. "If I control a Gladiator Beast, Test Tiger can Special Summon itself. 

I Special Summon 'Test Tiger' from my hand again!" 

[Test Tiger, ATK 600] 

"Though this duel hasn't gone exactly as planned, it seems I still have to get serious against you," Mello said. "You're a duelist blessed by talent, Fujiki Kira. Your ability alone puts you above most people in this world. 

And precisely because of that, I can't afford to lose." 

He paused, eyes narrowing slightly, and spoke slowly. 

"With President Pegasus's aid, the completed Gladiator cards are at last ready to unleash their power. 

I activate Test Tiger's effect: tribute this card, return 1 'Gladiator Beast' I control to the Deck, then Special Summon any 'Gladiator Beast' from the Deck!" 

Test Tiger, fresh on the field and just done licking its little paw, dissolved into countless golden motes and vanished. 

"I return 'Gladiator Beast Andal' from the field to the Deck. From the Deck, a new Gladiator Beast appears—show yourself— 

—Gladiator Beast Augustus!" 

A pitch-black whirlwind rose; feathers filled the air. A greatsword split the black gale into fragments as the avian king of the arena descended in heavy armor. 

[Gladiator Beast Augustus, ATK 2600] 

"Now, Augustus's effect activates!" Mello said. "When Augustus is Special Summoned by a 'Gladiator Beast' effect: I can Special Summon 1 'Gladiator Beast' monster from my hand in Defense Position!" 

"Test Tiger isn't a Gladiator Beast by name, but it counts as Special Summoned by a Gladiator Beast effect, right?" Kira asked. 

"Correct," Mello replied. "However, the monster Special Summoned by Augustus's effect must return to its owner's Deck during the End Phase. But one turn is more than enough!" 

Mello revealed another Gladiator Beast. 

"I Special Summon 'Gladiator Beast Darius'!" 

A shrill whinny rang out as the horse-faced Beast-Warrior returned to the field. 

[Gladiator Beast Darius, ATK 1700] 

"Then Darius's effect," Mello continued. "When Darius is Special Summoned by a Gladiator Beast effect: negate the effects of a Gladiator Beast in the GY and Special Summon it!" 

"Your Bestiari went back to the Deck last turn," Kira reminded him. 

"I know," Mello said coldly. "But in the GY still sleeps the Gladiator king you destroyed with 'Blaze Accelerator'! 

Return once more and display your majesty— 

—Gladiator Beast Gyzarus!!!" 

A green tornado surged as the king of the arena descended again. But unlike before, his colors seemed darker and his aura slightly diminished. 

"When Darius revives a Gladiator Beast, that monster's effects are negated," Kira noted. "So even if you bring Gyzarus back, it can't pop Gravity Bind." 

"I'm well aware." 

Mello snorted in annoyance, as if offended that Kira would suspect him of rules lawyering. 

"Now behold my ultimate Gladiator power! 

I return 'Gladiator Beast Augustus,' 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus,' and 'Gladiator Beast Darius' from my field to the Deck—Contact Fusion of three!" 

Kira raised an eyebrow. 

Wait, those fusion conditions… a triple Contact Fusion? 

In his memory, the early absolute boss of Gladiator Beasts was Gyzarus—the deck's symbol. If there was some ace beyond Gyzarus… 

"The Fusion Materials are 'Gladiator Beast Augustus' plus any two Gladiator Beasts—Fusion Summon!" 

Mello thrust his arm high. 

"O restless specters of ancient gladiators, gather in the emperor's name and offer up your strength! 

Fusion Summon! Descend— 

—Gladiator Beast Andabata!!!" 

The three Gladiator Beasts vanished into the vortex. With a triple Contact Fusion, it was as if the fabric of spacetime tore—roars and cries from ancient arenas swallowed everything. 

A gladiator in an archaic helm, green body clad in radiant blue armor, blade gleaming in hand, a tail ending in a rending spike. 

[Gladiator Beast Andabata, ATK 1000] 

"...Huh." 

Even Kira was slightly surprised. 

"So that's it. This is the Gladiator power completed with President Pegasus's help… something that shouldn't exist in this era," Kira murmured. 

Of course, "shouldn't exist in this era" was by his understanding. In reality, by the time this card was printed, Gladiator Beasts' golden age had long passed—GB had become nostalgia for veterans; this was years-later support. 

But unlike most late support, this one had anime backing. "Gladiator Beast Andabata" first appeared in Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V. 

Arc-V is a curious entry in Yu-Gi-Oh. Due to low ratings, explosive word-of-mouth, and an abstract plot, many cardheads treat it like official fanfiction—yet it undeniably contributed a lot. 

Most notably, its worldbuilding integrated prior summoning-method dimensions—Fusion, Synchro, Xyz—into a multiverse-like setup. 

The Fusion Dimension mirrors a GX-like parallel world, featuring counterparts of GX's Aster Phoenix and Alexis Rhodes. 

This world also has a Duel Academy—but as a military academy invading other worlds via dueling. 

And sealed deep within that academy as a feared doomsday weapon—their strongest duelist, Battle Beast—is the Gladiator Beast user. 

The "Gladiator Beast Andabata" Kira now faced was that character's ace in the anime. 

"This is getting interesting." 

Kira narrowed his eyes at the opponent—more precisely, at "Gladiator Beast Andabata" on the field. 

This guy's deck had a lot of good stuff. He hadn't expected such a bonus find. 

Chapter 800: Anime Gladiator Beasts 

Andabata's arrival greatly boosted Mello's confidence. A Gladiator Beast transcending its era—his true trump card. 

"Andabata's effect! When this card is Special Summoned: Special Summon 1 'Gladiator Beast' Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, except 'Gladiator Beast Andabata,' ignoring its Summoning conditions!" 

"Another Fusion Glad…" Kira understood. 

"I see. The 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' that Darius revived went back to the Extra Deck as Fusion Material for Andabata…" 

"Hahaha, as expected of the Duel King—quick on the uptake." 

Mello raised his arm. 

"So I can ignore materials and directly Special Summon Gyzarus this time. 

Return to the field and display your kingly might— 

—Gladiator Beast Gyzarus, come forth!!!" 

Andabata cut the air, his sword marking a red arc. The ancient arena seemed to flicker into view; a storm rose amid fevered roars, heralding the return of the avian king! 

[Gladiator Beast Gyzarus, ATK 2400] 

"And this time, Gyzarus's effect isn't negated," Mello sneered. "So, Gyzarus's effect activates! 

When Special Summoned: destroy up to two cards on the field!" 

He pointed at Kira's two backrow. 

"The Continuous Spell 'Blaze Accelerator' and Continuous Trap 'Gravity Bind'—clear out those eyesores!" 

Mello's face contorted theatrically—not quite like Sartorius's corruption, but certainly from excitement. 

Finally! At last! 

He, a proud Gladiator Beast duelist wielding sovereign power, had reached this point without a single battle; the opponent hadn't even been scratched. 

Who could understand such pent-up frustration? 

But now it was over. With Andabata and Gyzarus together, the opponent had no chance. Whatever stood in the way would be blown to pieces— 

"Chaining to Gyzarus's effect," Kira said. "I activate the set Trap 'Volcanic Force.' 

Send my 'Tri-Blaze Accelerator' from the field to the GY; then Special Summon 1 'Volcanic Doomfire' from my hand, Deck, or GY!" (anime card) 

Mello frowned. "Sacrificing Blaze Accelerator before Gyzarus bombs it?" 

Churning magma swallowed Kira's Tri-Blaze Accelerator with a glugging roar. 

A slumbering volcano awoke; its black breath shot skyward like an enraged dragon. 

The crust split; molten rock surged like boiling blood. The lava solidified into a body hot enough to melt steel; talons gleamed blade-sharp with a dark red glow. Its long lava tail whipped sparks and heat; an undying flame blazed atop its head. 

Volcanic Doomfire, arise! 

[Volcanic Doomfire, ATK 3000] 

This Trap was the anime-only card that summons Doomfire; it was never printed. Doomfire itself, however, is real—Special Summon it by sending a face-up "Tri-Blaze Accelerator" you control to the GY. 

In the anime, Aster's comrade Axel used both the printed method and the anime-only trap; both apply here. 

"ATK three thousand, huh." 

Mello muttered, then smirked. 

"Interesting… But with the attack lock lifted, my Gladiator Beasts fear nothing! 

Battle! 'Gladiator Beast Gyzarus' attacks 'Volcanic Doomfire'!" 

[Gladiator Beast Gyzarus, ATK 2400] 

It looked like a suicide charge, but at the command, Gyzarus dove without hesitation, wings beating in a headlong assault. 

Given he attacked so boldly… 

Kira glanced at Mello's facedown. 

That set since turn one, still unused. 

Gladiator Beasts rely on battle to function. Granting "cannot be destroyed by battle" is key to keeping them alive to trigger their end-of-battle effects. 

Turn one, Mello summoned Hoplomus, then set and passed. But Kira never battled—he just blew Hoplomus up with Blaze Accelerator. In fact, neither side had conducted a single proper battle, so if that set was anti-battle-destruction, it never had a chance to shine. 

As expected. 

"Activate face-down!" Mello shouted. "Continuous Trap 'Gladiator Beast's Medallion'! 

While this card is face-up, your 'Gladiator Beast' monsters cannot be destroyed by battle. As a cost, any battle damage you take from their battles is doubled!" (anime card) 

Kira's brow arched. 

Well now—an anime-only Gladiator card. 

This card, like Andabata, was used by the Fusion Academy's forbidden weapon Battle Beast in Arc-V. Andabata got printed; this Trap did not. 

Arc-V may be rough as an anime, but it gave Gladiator Beasts—former champions—their due. 

Using GB, Battle Beast first crushed Crow Hogan from the Synchro Dimension, then nearly steamrolled protagonist Yuya and his teammate Gong in a 1v2. It took Jack Atlas interrupting mid-duel to team up with Yuya and finally defeat him. 

"So you even have the new Trap," Kira said, interest growing. "You really cooked up a lot of goodies at Industrial Illusions." 

So many goodies—how generous of you; I'm almost embarrassed… 

And since the Trap is anime-only, Kira boldly surmised that this Andabata on the field… 

At that moment, Gyzarus slammed into Volcanic Doomfire. Doomfire swatted him aside with a flaming claw, but the Trap's invisible barrier protected Gyzarus from destruction. 

As a price, Mello took double battle damage. The Trap gives benefits but raises the stakes—forcing the duelist to act as the shield for his monsters. 

[Mello, LP 3500 → 2300] 

Staggering back from the impact, Mello growled: 

"Andabata's effect! 

A 'Gladiator Beast' Special Summoned by Andabata that battles returns to the Extra Deck after damage calculation. 

And while Andabata is on the field, when your Gladiator Beasts return to the Main or Extra Deck, Andabata gains ATK equal to that monster's ATK!" 

As expected. 

Kira narrowed his eyes, unsurprised. 

He was facing the anime version of "Gladiator Beast Andabata." 

Chapter 801: King of the Volcano 

"Andabata's effect—after battle, return Gyzarus to the Deck!" 

Gyzarus, who'd barely thrown a punch, turned into golden light and flew back into Mello's Deck. Though gone, a ghostly afterimage lingered on the field. 

Andabata spread his arms, and the phantom overlaid him like a guardian spirit. His aura surged. 

"Then Andabata gains ATK equal to the returned Gyzarus's ATK!" 

[Gladiator Beast Andabata, ATK 1000 → 3400] 

Though Andabata was eventually printed post–Arc-V, its effect was heavily nerfed. The auto-return and ATK-absorption from allies were cut. 

"Now with Gyzarus's power, Andabata surpasses Doomfire!" Mello declared. "'Gladiator Beast Andabata,' attack 'Volcanic Doomfire'!" 

Gyzarus's phantom merged into Andabata, whose momentum soared. His blade fell; as it did, a storm of metal feathers—Gyzarus's barrage—rained down like a blanket. 

Volcanic Doomfire was riddled like a sieve and grunted. The sword then cleaved down its face, exploding into a fireball. 

But when the flames cleared, that ever-burning head and molten body emerged again from the smoke. 

"What?" Mello frowned. 

Kira revealed a monster card. 

"One of the cards sent by the Continuous Spell 'Volcanic Wall' was this," Kira said. "Relinkuriboh. When your monster would be destroyed by battle, you can banish this from your GY instead." 

A fluffy little ball floated at his side like a ghost, chirping proudly. 

"Kuri-kuri!" 

"Tch. But the battle damage still applies," Mello said. 

[Kira, LP 2500 → 2100] 

Even so, failing to push through irked Mello. But at least he'd finally conducted the duel's first real battle, and his Gladiator Beasts could now operate. 

"Andabata's effect!" Mello said. "At the end of the Battle Phase in which it battled: return this card to the Extra Deck. Then Special Summon any two 'Gladiator Beasts' from your Deck!" 

Andabata flew back into the Deck, splitting into two beams that landed on his field. 

"First, 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo'!" 

A spiral of water appeared; a fish-type Gladiator Beast manifested with thick lips and twin turbines on its back blasting high-pressure jets. 

[Gladiator Beast Murmillo, DEF 400] 

"Murmillo's effect: when Special Summoned by a Gladiator Beast effect, destroy a face-up monster." 

Mello raised his arm and shouted: 

"Destroy 'Volcanic Doomfire' here and now!" 

A high-pressure water blast fired; even Doomfire's eternal flames dimmed under it. With a resentful roar, the demon was pierced and exploded, billowing steam across the field. 

Kira raised an arm against the blast. "As expected of Gladiator Beasts—able to press forward even from disadvantage." 

"We're not done," Mello said coolly. "The other Gladiator Beast I'm Special Summoning is 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari'!" 

Green winds swirled; the avian Gladiator with spread wings descended again—Gyzarus's key material, the pivotal Bestiari. 

[Gladiator Beast Bestiari, DEF 800] 

"When Bestiari is Special Summoned by a Gladiator Beast effect: target 1 Spell/Trap on the field and destroy it!" 

Mello's eyes cut to Kira's backrow. 

"That eyesore Continuous Spell 'Volcanic Wall'—be gone." 

Bestiari's twin wing turbines spun; a green pressure storm blasted out. Kira's last backrow was shredded by feathered volleys, torn to pieces. 

With that, Kira's backrow was wiped, and his ace, Volcanic Doomfire, was gone as well. The Volcanic formation was largely dismantled. 

Kira clapped lightly. 

"Under an attack lock, getting this far is impressive—well done," he smiled. "Yare, yare, looks like the pressure's on me now. You've cleared me out in one sweep and kept resources for another wave next turn…" 

With Bestiari on board, next turn would surely see Gyzarus again, then another round of explosions to clear Kira's field. 

And with the Continuous Trap "Gladiator Beast's Medallion" in place, all Gladiator Beasts had the invincible buff of battle indestructibility. And since they were in Defense, the "double battle damage" drawback was negligible; attacking recklessly would just trigger their tag-out effects and feed Mello more resources. 

"Seems you get it now—good," Mello sneered. "I said you never had a chance against GB. I won't lose again—not to anyone—especially not to self-styled geniuses like you." 

"I've never called myself a genius. I've always thought I was pretty average," Kira said helplessly. 

"My turn—draw." 

"I activate the Spell 'Graceful Charity': draw three, then discard two." 

Kira drew, looked at his hand, and closed his eyes lightly. 

Then, as if making a major decision, he stared solemnly at Mello. 

"Your Gladiator Beasts are indeed strong—I admit it. Seems this level of firepower isn't enough to beat them, so I'll have to invoke this Deck's true ace." 

Mello stiffened. 

The Volcanic true ace… so he hasn't been serious yet? 

He steadied himself quickly. 

No matter. Whatever power it is, there's nothing his Gladiator Beasts can't handle. 

With that thought, his confidence grew. 

"Is that so? Then reveal your trump card now," Mello barked. "Come at me! A king at full strength is worth defeating!" 

"Alright—have it your way—" 

As Kira raised that card, Mello held his breath. 

Come on! 

Bring out your strongest monster—and my Gladiator Beasts will crush it head-on! 

"I tribute your 'Gladiator Beast Bestiari' and 'Gladiator Beast Murmillo' on your field to Special Summon—to your side of the field! 

From the abyssal magma, awaken—power of destruction and rebirth— 

—the King of the Volcano, Lava Golem!" 

Mello: "…" 

PS: XD