Era of Spirits and Shadows Chapter 10 (Patreon)

Hey friends and fans! Kairomaru is bringing you another chapter of Era of Spirits and Shadows! With Alexis, Jasmine, and Mindy now learning Ba and Ka from Drake, the group of five are becoming closer. Chazz is getting more pissed at Jaden, and to a lesser extent Drake. The first Promotion Exams are drawing closer too. But before that, a certain top student wants to introduce himself to the two guys that’ve become Alexis’s friends. His Duelist Spirit is stirred and it’s been a while since he’d actually wanted to Duel someone.

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So, without further delay, please enjoy.

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Chapter 10 – The Academy’s Top Student

“I summon Des Koala…” Chumley placed the Effect Monster on the field, only to be cut off.

“Why?” Jaden blinked at the play. It was just a legitimately bad play.

“No!” Drake was less questioning and more outright physical as he swatted Chumley on top of the head with a rolled up magazine. “No! No! No!” He hit him once for each word.

“Ow! Hey! Stop it, Drake!” Chumley covered his head from the swats.

“You don’t summon Des Koala, you Set it!” Drake pointed at the card on the game mat. “It has 1100 ATK and 1800 DEF and it’s a Flip Effect Monster! Unless you’re going in for the kill, why would you ever summon it?”

“Hey now, man, maybe he was going to fuse it with another Monster?” Jaden offered a potential reason.

“He doesn’t have Polymerization in his hand and he’s already drawn this turn.” Drake deadpanned at Jaden.

“Oh…” Jaden looked thoughtful for a moment. “Yeah, sorry Chumley, but that’s a bad play.”

The three teens were having a practice Duel in their dorm. Chumley had been inspired by Jaden’s victory in the Expulsion Duel and wanted to do better, so he’d asked for some help with his Dueling. Seeing as the Promotion Exams were coming up, and with Chumley having been held back once already, if the large boy didn’t pass the exams, then he’d most likely be expelled. With that in mind, Jaden and Drake had agreed to help Chumley practice for the practical portion of the upcoming exams.

However, it was quickly made clear to both Jaden and Drake why Chumley didn’t seek out Duels with the other students. Their roommate clearly had some card knowledge, but his actual Dueling wasn’t very good. He second guessed every play he made, overthought on others, and messed up when he was rushed. His Deck was a Themed Beast Deck, which was somewhat interesting. An Australian/Outback Deck wasn’t something either Drake or Jaden had ever heard of before.

“Sorry, I thought I could get in some damage since Jaden’s only Monster is Elemental Hero Avian.” Chumley looked at the game state.

“You don’t think those two facedown cards might be Trap cards?” Drake questioned the other teen with a raised eyebrow.

“Right…” Chumley conceded that rushing in with an attack would’ve been foolish.

“Don’t sweat it, Chumley.” Jaden waved off the bad play. “That’s why we’re practicing, right?”

“Thanks, Jaden.” Chumley smiled at the Elemental Hero user. “Did you have a Trap Card to stop me?”

“Not a Trap Card,” Jaden flipped over one of his facedown cards to reveal the Quick Play Spell card ‘Mask Change’. “But I did have this to bring out Masked Hero Divine Wind.”

“You baited me.” Chumley realized after a second. “And I walked right into it.”

“Masked Hero Divine Wind has 2700 ATK, can’t be destroyed by battle, limits the opponent to only attacking with a single Monster per Battle Phase, and every time it destroys an opponent’s Monster and sends it to the graveyard, I get to draw one card.” Jaden rattled off his Monster’s attack power and effects.

“At that point, Jaden would’ve had you over a barrel for the rest of the Duel.” Drake pointed out that Chumley most likely wouldn’t have been able to recover from such a counter play. Very few of his Monsters could overcome 2700 ATK. And Chumley’s Deck was lacking on Monster destruction or removal cards, to put it mildly.

“I need to rework my Deck before the exams.” Chumley stated with determination, the first that Jaden or Drake could recall seeing from the rotund teen. “I need more removal cards and some stronger Monsters.”

“That’s the spirit, Chumley!” Jaden grinned at their roommate. “If you don’t have the DP to buy cards or packs at the Card Shop, then try trading with some of the other Slifers. You’ve got a pretty large card binder, right? You could definitely get a few new things for your Deck.”

“You’ve seen the issues now, and you have a plan to correct them.” Drake nodded to Chumley with a grin. “Once you rework and improve your Deck, then we’ll practice with you to make sure that you can use it to full effect before the exams.”

“Thanks, guys!” Chumley smiled at his friends brightly. “I’m definitely going to pass! This isn’t the end for me at Duel Academy!” He pumped himself up. With that motivation, he gathered his Deck, then grabbed his card binder beside him. Chumley was out the door of their dorm and off to trade with their fellow Slifers faster than they had ever seen him move.

“I’m glad he’s so into it now.” Jaden chuckled while gathering his cards back up.

“Sometimes all a person really needs is some inspiration.” Drake agreed, a bit of laughter escaping him. “He left so fast he didn’t even close the door.” The Red-Eyes user shook his head. He made his way over to close the door when voices caught his attention from outside.

“I just want to talk to them.” A male voice commented just loud enough for Drake to hear.

“Why do you have your Duel Disk?” Alexis’s voice was slightly raised as she asked the question.

“Was that Alexis?” Jaden asked, standing up and coming over to the opened door.

“We’re supposed to keep them with us at all times, remember?” Whoever the man was replied.

“No, you stopped carrying yours last year because no one ever challenged you anymore.” Alexis stated matter-of-factly to the guy. “You told me that yourself.”

“I just want to talk to them.” The man restated calmly.

“This is something I’d expect from Atticus, not you!” Alexis’s voice was clearly a mixed of distressed and exasperated.

“I just want to talk to them.” The male voice didn’t change tone at all.

“You don’t need your Duel Disk for a talk.” Alexis’s voice was insistent. From the increased clarity of her words, both Drake and Jaden could tell that the two were getting closer.

“I just want to talk to them.” The man replied again.

“That’s not true, and you don’t need to do this!” Alexis raised her voice a bit more.

“I just want to Duel them.” The man replied in the same measured tone.

“You can’t Duel them!” Alexis denied outright and both Jaden and Drake blinked as they saw the blonde girl rush to the top of the stairs leading to the second level of the Slifer Dorms. She blocked the way with her arms spread wide.

“I just want to talk to them.” Zane Truesdale spoke calmly as he stopped in front of Alexis. He clearly wouldn’t force his way past her, but his sharp eyes did look straight at the two Slifer students.

“Umm, can we help you?” Drake questioned the two Obelisk students with a curious look.

“Drake! Jaden!” Alexis turned her head to face them so quickly that her long blonde hair spun and nearly hit Zane in the face. “You don’t need to do anything. Don’t listen to him.” She shot a look at Zane with her golden-hazel eyes.

“I’d like to Duel one of you today, if possible.” Zane greeted the two Slifers with a challenge, rather than a formal introduction.

“No!” Alexis denied, staring directly at Zane. She knew that Jaden and Drake were good Duelists. But Zane was a prodigy if ever there was one. She’d seen people stop Dueling after being crushed by Zane. She didn’t want it to happen to her friends.

“It’s not that big of a deal.” Drake shrugged, even though he was grinning widely at the challenge. “We’d need to see what the top of the Academy looks like at some point anyway, right?”

“Yeah, this will be awesome!” Jaden had a brilliant smile on his face.

“I’ll let you two decide who Duels today.” Zane nodded to the eager Slifers.

“You two…” Alexis looked at Drake and then Jaden. “Don’t.” Her worry was palpable for them.

“You worry too much, Alexis.” Drake smiled at her. “One loss isn’t going to break our spirits.” He assured her, making Alexis’s eyes widen that he’d easily figured out what had her worried.

“But how do we decide who gets to Duel?” Jaden shot Alexis a bright smile before turning to Drake.

“You got to be in the Tag Duel.” Drake pointed out. “Let me Duel him today.”

“You’re the one that told me to be in the Tag Duel, remember?” Jaden reminded, since he didn’t want to miss out on the chance to Duel Zane.

“Rock-Paper-Scissors for it?” Drake held up his fist.

“You’re on!” Jaden held up his own fist.

“Boys…” Mindy sighed, revealing that she and Jasmine were at the bottom of the stairs and watching this whole thing play out.

“Especially those two.” Jasmine shook her head playfully, getting a grin from Mindy.

Both of them had a similar worry for Drake and Jaden when it came to Dueling against Zane. But they also knew that both of the Slifers wouldn’t turn down the challenge either. Even if said challenge was almost guaranteed to be a crushing defeat.

“Rock, Paper, Scissors, go!” Drake and Jaden chanted before throwing their hands forward.

“Hah! Paper beats rock, Jaden!” Drake held up his palm with a grin. “Looks like I’ll be Dueling him today.”

“Darn it.” Jaden looked at his closed fist with a grimace.

“Looks like it’s you and me, Number One.” Drake grinned at Zane with a fire in his eyes. “Let me get my Duel Disk.” He was in and out of the dorm room in seconds. The red-lined Duel Disk was strapped to his arm as he walked towards the stairs.

“Drake.” Alexis looked worried still as Zane and Drake headed down the stairs.

“Don’t worry, Alexis.” Jaden smiled at her with absolute confidence in his brown eyes. “Drake won’t go down without a fight.”

“I’m worried about after the Duel, more than the Duel itself.” Alexis fretted slightly next to him.

“We appreciate it.” Jaden admitted to her with a grin. “But neither of us is the type of Duelist to give up. Even if he loses, Drake will only get stronger.”

“Jaden…” Alexis looked at him with some amazement even as her heart thumped in her chest. The two of them walked down the stairs together and headed over to where Jasmine and Mindy were standing.

“I saw a good deal of what Jaden could do during the Tag Duel.” Zane spoke as he and Drake moved a proper distance from each other. “So, in a way, I’m glad that I get to Duel you, Drake.”

“Pleasure is all mine, Mr. Truesdale.” Drake replied as they both activated their Duel Disks.

“Duel!” Zane and Drake called out at the same time.

Drake – 4,000

Zane – 4,000

“As the junior, you can have first move.” Zane offered to Drake with no concern.

“I’ll take you up on that.” Drake had a wide grin on his face. “I draw.” He drew for turn and looked at his hand. ‘Not too bad at all.’ He heard the rumbling hiss of his Ka in his mind. ‘Yeah, he’s strong, I can tell, partner. His Ba is much stronger than any other untrained Ba on this island.’ That was another point in Zane’s favor as a prodigy. If he was taught how to harness his powerful Ba, he’d definitely become a powerful Shadow Magic user. “I’ll start with everyone’s favorite, Pot of Greed!” The hologram of the Spell card featuring the widely smiling green and blue jar appeared on the field as Drake drew two more cards.

“Seems like a decent first hand.” Jasmine hummed from the sidelines with Mindy, Alexis, and Jaden.

“Next up, I’ll activate Cards of the Red Stone!” Drake placed another Spell card into his Duel Disk. The hologram appeared, showing a black egg shattering, while a golden light poured out of it and a small, glowing red eye was seen within.  “With this card, I send one Level 7 ‘Red-Eyes’ Monster from my hand to the graveyard: then draw two more cards.” He explained, sliding one card into the graveyard on his Duel Disk before drawing two from his Deck. “Then I can send another Level 7 ‘Red-Eyes’ Monster from my Deck to the graveyard.” Drake searched his Deck and added a second card to his graveyard. The Deck was auto-shuffled as soon as it was placed back in the Disk.

“He’s gaining quite a bit of card advantage.” Mindy watched the Duel closely.

“Now for some more fun, I’ll play Graceful Charity!” Drake seemed to be holding in a laugh as he activated the Spell card. The green card appeared, depicting an angel on it with a glowing white card floating into her hands. “So, I’ll draw three cards and then discard two.” He drew his three cards and selected two from his hand to add to the graveyard.

“Are you planning to draw your entire Deck on the first turn, Drake?” Jaden called out with a laugh to his best friend.

“I’ll Set a Monster, and then Set two facedown cards.” Drake placed the cards onto his Duel Disk with a smile. “I’ll end my turn with that.” He passed the turn over to Zane.

“Draw.” Zane drew for his turn and his eyes quickly scanned his hand. “I play the Spell card Emergency Cyber.” Zane activated the card as the hologram appeared on the field briefly. It depicted a jet diving towards a landmass while surrounded by dragons. “This lets me add one Light Machine Monster that cannot be Normal Summoned or Set, or one ‘Cyber Dragon’ Monster from my Deck to my hand.” Zane waited for a second to see if Drake had a counter, but the Red-Eyes user shook his head. With confirmation that his card would take effect, Zane searched his Deck and took a card from it. “I choose my Cyber Dragon Vier.” He showed the Effect Monster to Drake before putting it into his hand.

“Zane really isn’t playing around.” Alexis sighed from beside Jaden. “That’s a Monster that he only keeps in the best version of his Deck.” She was kind of hoping he’d be using a more moderate Deck. But it was nice to know that he clearly respected Drake’s skills.

“Now I’ll activate my Cyber Dragon’s effect from my hand.” Zane pulled out a different card. “As long as only my opponent controls a Monster, I can Special Summon my Cyber Dragon without a tribute.” He placed the Effect Monster on his Duel Disk. What appeared on the field was a huge robotic dragon. It was long and sinuous, like a snake, but clearly had a dragon-like head. Its body was gleaming metal overlapping in sections down its length. The Cyber Dragon’s eyes glowed as it roared before turning its gaze on the Set Monster on Drake’s side of the field.

Cyber Dragon – LIGHT – Level 5 – Machine/Effect – 2100 ATK/1600 DEF

“Now, because I Special Summoned my Cyber Dragon, I can activate the effect of my Cyber Dragon Vier from my hand and Special Summon it in Defense Position.” Zane continued, placing the previously searched Cyber Dragon Monster onto the field horizontally. The robotic dragon that appeared this time was smaller than the first Cyber Dragon. It was thinner, and on each section of its long body a circular purple light glowed. Its tail was tipped with triangular edges and on its head another purple orb glowed as it curled up defensively.

Cyber Dragon Vier – LIGHT – Level 4 – Machine/Effect – 1100 ATK/1600 DEF

“Also, while my Cyber Dragon Vier is on the field, all of my Cyber Dragons get a 500 ATK/DEF boost.” Zane informed while both Cyber Dragon and Cyber Dragon Vier glowed.

Cyber Dragon – LIGHT – Level 5 – Machine/Effect – 2600 ATK/2100 DEF

Cyber Dragon Vier – LIGHT – Level 4 – Machine/Effect – 1600 ATK/2100 DEF

“Next, I’ll summon Cyber Dragon Core.” Zane placed a third Monster onto the field, actually using his regular summon for the turn. The cybernetic dragon that appeared this time was about the same size as Vier, but looked less refined and rougher in its construction, like it was lacking some parts that would cover its long body which appeared to be made of metallic orbs. A larger silvery orb close to the middle of Core’s body had a brightly glowing red light on it.

Cyber Dragon Core – LIGHT – Level 2 – Machine/Effect – 400 ATK/1500 DEF

“Of course, Core also gets the boost from Vier.” Zane stated as Cyber Dragon Core began to glow like the other two.

Cyber Dragon Core – LIGHT – Level 2 – Machine/Effect – 900 ATK/2000 DEF

“I activate Cyber Dragon Core’s effect.” Zane declared and his Monster let out a metallic-sounding roar. “Because Core was Normal Summoned, I can search my Deck for one ‘Cyber’ Spell or Trap card and add it to my hand.” Once more, Zane pulled out his Deck and searched it for a short moment. “I choose the Spell card Cyber Revsystem.” He showed the card to Drake before adding it to his hand.

“Three Monsters on the first turn, all three have boosted stats, and Drake only has a single Set Monster.” Jasmine looked a little worried as she commented on the game state.

“Drake has two facedown cards though, he’s probably prepared.” Mindy tried to reassure Jasmine, though neither girl took their eyes off the Duel.

“I’ll enter Battle Phase and attack your Set Monster with my Cyber Dragon!” Zane pointed at his target and the original Cyber Dragon roared before blasting a stream of flames at the facedown card.

The Set Monster flipped over to reveal Red-Eyes Baby Dragon. The little dragon let out a small roar before it was engulfed in the flames and shattered into pixels. Drake moved the card to his graveyard with a thankful smile.

“I activate Red-Eyes Baby Dragon’s effect!” Drake declared as he pulled his Deck from his Duel Disk. “When it is destroyed by battle and sent to the graveyard, I can Special Summon one Level 7 or lower ‘Red-Eyes’ Monster from my Deck.” He picked out the Monster he wanted and placed it onto the field. “I Special Summon my Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact!”

In a burst of flames a new dragon appeared. It had tough-looking dark scales, and large wings. Its arms ended in sharp claws and its feet had wicked talons. The tail whipped side to side as the dragon roared loudly.

Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact – DARK – Level 6 – Dragon/Gemini/Effect – 1800 ATK/2000 DEF

“The graveyard effect of my Red-Eyes Baby Dragon activates.” Drake explained as he pulled the card out of the graveyard and slid it into a free Spell/Trap card slot. “It gets equipped to the Monster summoned by its own effect, giving it a 300 ATK boost in the process.” A dark glow appeared around the Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact.

Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact – DARK – Level 6 – Dragon/Gemini/Effect – 2100 ATK/2000 DEF

“I’ll Set one card and end my turn.” Zane slipped the card into his Duel Disk and entered his End Phase since Cyber Dragon Core was too weak to defeat Drake’s Dragon.

“When you enter End Phase, I activate my Trap card!” Drake hit the button on his Duel Disk. One of the facedown holograms on the field flipped face up to reveal a Trap card depicting the Monster known as Red-Eyes Flare Metal Dragon surrounded by black fire. “Return of the Red-Eyes is a Continuous Trap card. As long as I control a ‘Red-Eyes’ Monster, I can select a ‘Red-Eyes’ Normal Monster in my graveyard and Special Summon it to the field once per turn.”

“Nice!” Jaden had a huge grin on his face at seeing the Trap card. It would certainly help turn the tables on Zane!

“I Special Summon my Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon!” Drake pulled the chosen Monster out of the graveyard and placed in on the field. In a towering blaze of flames a new dragon appeared. It was a black-scaled dragon, like the others of its Archetype, with wings burning with powerful flames and black spikes emerging from various points on its body. Its arms had small wings on them as well, and the lashing tail scattered flames everywhere.

Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon – DARK – Level 7 – Dragon/Gemini/Effect – 2400 ATK/2000 DEF

“Wait, isn’t that an Effect Monster?” Mindy blinked at seeing the orange card on Drake’s Duel Disk.

“No, it’s a Gemini Monster, that means it’s treated as a Normal Monster on the field and in the graveyard.” Alexis actually cracked a smile at the move. “It’s a valid target for Return of the Red-Eyes.”

“Now, since you ended your turn, I’ll draw for mine.” Drake drew his next card. “Nice.” He grinned at the drawn card, not having used this particular one in a while. “I discard the Red-Eyes Black Dragon in my hand.” Drake placed the Normal Monster into the graveyard. “To Special Summon the Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon from my hand!” He placed the new Monster onto the field with a smile.

A burst of black flames covered a section of the field before being scattered by the wings of the dragon. Like a normal Red-Eyes Black Dragon, the Alternative version had jet-black scales covering its body. But it also had glowing vein-like lines through its wings and its body appeared bulkier. The Dragon leaned forward with a screeching roar as it eyed the Cyber Dragons.

Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon – DARK – Level 7 – Dragon/Effect – 2400 ATK/2000 DEF

“Now I activate the effect of the Black Metal Dragon in my hand.” Drake declared as he slipped the Effect Monster into a free Spell/Trap card zone. “I can equip it to any ‘Red-Eyes’ Monster on my field to give it a 600 ATK boost! I choose my Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon!” The Black Metal Dragon appeared on the field, looking more like a machine than a living dragon. It combined with the Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon as if it was a piece of armor.

Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon – DARK – Level 7 – Dragon/Gemini/Effect – 3000 ATK/2000 DEF

“Now I activate my last Set card.” Drake tapped the button and the hologram rose up to show that it was a trap. Jasmine smiled at seeing it, happy that Drake was using the card he’d traded with her to get. “Red-Eyes Fang with Chain! With this Trap, I can equip it to any of my ‘Red-Eyes’ Monsters and that Monster can make two attacks per Battle Phase! So, I’ll go with my heaviest hitter and equip it to my Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon!”

“I chain my Trap card.” Zane activated his only Set card. “Infinite Impermanence! I can target any Monster you control and negate its effects with this card.” He explained before pointing at Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon. “Since you have nothing to counter my Trap card with, Infinite Impermanence resolves and its second effect activates. Any Spell or Trap in the same column as it is, will be negated.”

“Ah, crap.” Drake realized that his Red-Eyes Fang with Chain was in the same column. “And because my Trap card didn’t resolve, it’s destroyed and sent to the graveyard.” He moved the Trap over with a grimace.

“Boo!” Jasmine had a pout on her face at seeing the Red-Eyes Fang with Chain being destroyed. Mindy giggled at the brunette’s actions. Alexis cracked a smile herself, and Jaden chuckled at Jasmine’s reaction.

“Then I’ll enter Battle Phase and have my Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon destroy your Cyber Dragon!” Drake declared his attack. His dragon roared before blasting the machine dragon with blazing hot flames. The Cyber Dragon let out a distressed roar before shattering into pixels.

Drake – 4,000

Zane – 3,600

“Wow, first damage goes to Drake.” Mindy looked somewhat impressed.

“Now Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon attacks your Cyber Dragon Core!” Drake pointed at the smaller cybernetic dragon. The bulkier Red-Eyes roared before it fired the dark red and black fireball it was famous for at the machine, blowing it to pixels in an instant.

Drake – 4,000

Zane – 2,100

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Zane at almost half Life Points.” Alexis was barely blinking as she watched the Duel continue. ‘There’s no way that Drake actually wins this, right?’ The idea of Zane losing to any First Year was hard to believe for someone that knew him rather well.

“I’ll go to Main Phase Two.” Drake informed Zane, getting a nod from the older teen. “I haven’t Normal Summoned this turn, so I’ll use my summon on Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact to activate its effect!” The dark dragon glowed for a moment before the light faded. “Now, none of my other ‘Red-Eyes’ Monsters can be destroyed by battle or card effects.”

“He’s got this.” Jaden grinned for his best friend. “Now his Monsters not only overpower and outnumber Zane’s, but they’re all nearly indestructible too!”

“I activate Return of the Red-Eyes!” Drake declared and the Continuous Trap card glowed. “I Special Summon my Red-Eyes Black Dragon from the graveyard!” He took his Ka’s card from the graveyard and set it on the field. A torrent of flames appeared to herald the dragon’s arrival. The flames were scattered by the jet-black wings of the famous dragon while its screeching roar resounded through the area.

Red-Eyes Black Dragon – DARK – Level 7 – Dragon – 2400 ATK/2000 DEF

“I’ll end my turn with that.” Drake nodded to Zane, passing the turn over.

“Four Red-Eyes on the field, all of them with 2100 ATK or more, and Zane only has his Cyber Dragon Vier in Defense.” Mindy murmured, but the other three heard her clearly. “Is…Is Drake about to win?”

“Never count Zane out until his Life Points hit zero.” Alexis shook her head, her sharp eyes watching the Duel for Zane’s move.

“I draw.” Zane drew his card and looked at his hand. “I’ll activate the effect of the Cyber Dragon Nachster in my hand by discarding one other Monster.” He showed Drake a Cyber Dragon Herz before sliding it into his graveyard. “I can now Special Summon Cyber Dragon Nachster in Defense Mode.” He placed the card on the field horizontally.

The machine dragon that appeared this time was very different than the previous ones. It still had the long, sinuous body reminiscent of a snake, but on its back were two large ‘wings’ that were attached to the body with glowing, golden hexagons. Nachster’s body also looked less mechanical and more like living flesh. It had a line of lights running down its body that glowed in sequence as it curled up into a defensive position.

Cyber Dragon Nachster – LIGHT – Level 1 – Machine/Effect – 200 ATK/200 DEF

“Now I use Nachster’s effect! By Special Summoning it, I can target one Cyber Dragon with either 2100 ATK or DEF in my Graveyard and Special Summon it. But that’s not all, you remember that I sent Cyber Dragon Herz to the graveyard, right? I can chain the activation of its graveyard effect to add one other ‘Cyber Dragon’ from my Deck or graveyard to my hand.”

“That doesn’t sound good.” Jasmine felt herself start to fidget as Zane made a chain combo.

“I bring Cyber Dragon Core back to my hand.” Zane retrieved the Monster from the graveyard. “Now I Special Summon Cyber Dragon from the graveyard as well!” The large cybernetic dragon reappeared in a flash of light. The machine let out a roar as its eyes glowed brightly.

Cyber Dragon – LIGHT – Level 5 – Machine/Effect – 2100 ATK/1600 DEF

“I’ll summon Cyber Dragon Core.” Zane placed the card onto the field again. Once more the seemingly bare frame of a Cyber Dragon appeared on the field with a metallic sound.

Cyber Dragon Core – LIGHT – Level 2 – Machine/Effect – 400 ATK/1500 DEF

“I activate Cyber Dragon Core’s effect.” Zane used his Monster’s effect again. “Just like before, I can search for one ‘Cyber’ Spell or Trap card from my Deck and place it into my hand.” The Third Year quickly found the card he wanted and showed it to Drake. “I choose Cyberload Fusion.” Zane placed the card in his hand before taking a different one and sliding it into his Duel Disk. “I activate the Spell card Cyber Revsystem! With this card, I can Special Summon one ‘Cyber Dragon’ from my hand or graveyard and it cannot be destroyed by card effects. I’ll bring back Cyber Dragon Herz from the graveyard.” He placed the Monster back on the field.

Cyber Dragon Herz – LIGHT – Level 1 – Machine/Effect – 100 ATK/100 DEF

“Now, I’ll Contact Fuse all five of my Cyber Dragons!” Zane declared, making the eyes of everyone widen in shock. Duel Academy’s Top Student took all five of his Monsters from the field and put them into the graveyard. Then he placed a Fusion Monster onto the field. “To Fusion Summon my Chimeratech Fortress Dragon!

The five Cyber Dragons on the field glowed before they began to come apart rapidly. The flying components gathered into a single area and continued to build up. Larger and larger the new Monster became until it crashed to the ground and let out a massive mechanical roar. It was a behemoth among behemoths! A long metallic body made up of circular metal sections connected to each other. The head was sharp, and clearly resembled a dragon. The silver and purple metals that made up its body gleamed and the long tail at the end swung through the air. The strangest thing about the cybernetic dragon was the two smaller heads it had sticking out of the lower part of its massive body. They seemed to have been added on without any thought towards symmetry as they were in different locations along the length of the colossal machine. The eyes of all three heads glowed with a blue light, this same light emanated from their jaws as well.

Chimeratech Fortress Dragon – DARK – Level 8 – Machine/Fusion/Effect – 5000 ATK/0 DEF

“Ah…damn.” Drake looked up at the titanic machine dragon. If he’d looked, he would’ve seen Jaden, Jasmine, Mindy, and Alexis doing the same.

“Chimeratech Fortress Dragon, attack Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact!” Zane targeted the weakest of Drake’s Monsters. The massive war machine opened its jaws, the bright blue light within focused and a beam of eye-burning intensity vaporized Drake’s dragon.

Drake – 1,100

Zane – 2,100

“I’ll Set one card facedown and end my turn.” Zane slid a card into the Spell/Trap zone.

“At your End Phase, I activate Return of the Red Eyes.” Drake activated his Continuous Trap. “I Special Summon Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact in Defense Position.” The dragon that was just destroyed returned in a blast of fire and crouched low, defensively, between Drake and the Chimeratech Fortress Dragon.

Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact – DARK – Level 6 – Dragon/Gemini/Effect – 1800 ATK/2000 DEF

“My draw!” Drake drew for his turn and examined his options to try and deal with Zane’s cybernetic war machine. ‘As good a time as any.’ The Red-Eyes user grinned to himself. “I activate Polymerization!” He placed the Spell card on the field. “I chain Return of the Red-Eyes to bring back the other Red-Eyes Black Dragon in my graveyard!” He took the card from the graveyard slot and placed it onto the field. Another blast of flames was scattered by dark wings and a screeching roar as another dragon joined the others.

Red-Eyes Black Dragon – DARK – Level 7 – Dragon – 2400 ATK/2000 DEF

“Now I fuse one of the Red-Eyes Black Dragons on my field, with the Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact in my hand to Fusion Summon my Meteor Black Comet Dragon!” He removed one of the Red-Eyes Black Dragons and placed it into the graveyard with the second Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact. Then he placed his Fusion Monster onto the field.

In a blast of intense black flames an earth-shaking roar was simulated by the Duel Disks. From the flames emerged a behemoth of a dragon! It stood taller than his Red-Eyes Black Dragon even though it had a similar body-shape. It looked almost like it had lines of magma running beneath its scales and every part of the dragon spewed flames. Its claws were engulfed in fire as were its talons. Its tail sent a wave of fire everywhere as it swung through the air. When the great dragon spread its blazing wings wide, small meteors were scattered over the field.

Meteor Black Comet Dragon – DARK – Level 8 – Dragon/Fusion/Effect – 3500 ATK/2000 DEF

“I activate Meteor Black Comet Dragon’s effect,” Drake declared and quickly looked through his Deck for the best card to send to the graveyard. “I discard my last Red-Eyes Black Dragon to deal half of it ATK to you as Burn Damage.” Drake slid the card into the graveyard as his Meteor Black Comet Dragon let out a bellowing roar and with a powerful beat of its wings launched small meteors at Zane. The Third Year didn’t even flinch as the area around him was engulfed in the holographic explosions.

Drake – 1,100

Zane – 900

“I’ll use my regular summon on my Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact to activate its Gemini Effect, preventing my Monsters from being destroyed by battle or card effects.” Drake activated his Monster’s effect, making all of his dragons glow for a moment. “Then I’ll Set one card and end my turn.” He placed the last card in his hand into the Spell/Trap zone.

“I draw.” Zane pulled his next card. “I’ll summon Cyber Dragon Drei.” He placed the card on his Duel Disk. He wouldn’t take a chance that Drake’s newly Set card wasn’t something that could turn the tables if he was careless.

A sleek white cybernetic dragon with gold accents appeared on the field. It, like all of the other Cyber Dragons, had a long and serpent-like body. On its back was what appeared to be a jet or plane of some kind acting as ‘wings’ for the machine dragon.

Cyber Dragon Drei – LIGHT – Level 4 – Machine/Effect – 1800 ATK/800 DEF

“I activate my Trap card, Red-Eyes Fang with Chain!” Drake declared, as the hologram flipped face up. Jasmine nearly beamed at seeing the card again. She knew Drake had one before he’d gotten his second one from her, but to see both of them in the same Duel made her smile. “I’ll equip it to my Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact!”

“I see.” Zane actually had a small grin on his face. “I activate Limiter Removal.” He placed the Spell card onto the field, leaving his hand empty just like Drake’s. Since Limiter Removal was a Quick-Play Spell, it naturally became the first card in the chain, meaning that Drake’s Trap would resolve first.

“I discard Red-Eyes Fang with Chain to snatch your Chimeratech Fortress Dragon and equip it to my Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact!” Drake took out the threat of the 5,000 ATK Monster as it was dragged over to his side of the field by a length of chain and attached to his much smaller dragon.

Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact – DARK – Level 6 – Dragon/Gemini/Effect – 0 ATK/0 DEF

“It zeroes out his ATK and DEF, because those are the original stats of your Fusion Monster, but at least I’m not getting vaporized by a Boss Monster.” Drake laughed; he was having an absolute blast in this Duel. It was too bad that Limiter Removal was still going to resolve and end this Duel unfavorably for him.

“Limiter Removal doubles the ATK of all Machine Monsters that I currently control.” Zane continued as the Spell powered up his last remaining Monster.

Cyber Dragon Drei – LIGHT – Level 4 – Machine/Effect – 3600 ATK/800 DEF

The cybernetic dragon released a high-pitched roar that made Drake wince at the volume. With its ATK doubled, it could attack either of Drake’s Red-Eyes Black Dragons, original or alternative, and make the Duel Zane’s victory. He already knew the outcome. Now it was just a matter of which Zane would choose.

“Cyber Dragon Drei attacks your Red-Eyes Alternative Black Dragon!” Zane pointed at the Red-Eyes and his Monster blasted it with a bright yellow laser. The glow of Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact’s effect covered the attacked dragon, preventing it from being destroyed. That didn’t stop Drake from losing Life Points though.

Drake – 0

Zane – 900

The holograms faded away. All five of Drake’s dragons disappearing, but the last Red-Eyes Black Dragon looked at him as it disappeared. The Ka apologized in its own way, but Drake wasn’t unhappy or disappointed. He sent back feelings of pride, happiness, and a desire to continue to get stronger with his Ka. The dragon’s happy rumbling resounded through their bond as the Duel ended.

“That was awesome.” Drake complimented Zane as the two approached each other.

“You did very well.” Zane nodded to the Slifer First Year with a small grin. “It’s been a long time since I was forced below a thousand Life Points.” The two shook hands and then turned to face their audience.

“Drake, you were so close, dude!” Jaden laughed, patting his best friend on the back.

“Yeah, I thought I had him there for a second.” Drake chuckled, recalling the full board of powerful Monsters he’d had.

“You’d have beaten me with that line up. I can admit that.” Mindy smiled beautifully at Drake.

“Can’t say I would’ve found any way out of staring down five Red-Eyes Dragons either.” Jasmine admitted with a soft smiled on her face. “That was an amazing Duel, Drake.”

“Thanks.” Drake smiled back at the two girls. “I still have new heights that I need to reach in order to stand at the top of the Academy though.” He looked at Zane with a challenging smirk. “But one day I’ll have to even the score.”

“You’re welcome to try.” Zane’s response was as cool and composed as always.

“Man, I want to Duel you even more now!” Jaden was clearly amped up as he looked at Zane. “Maybe I’ll submit one of those Duel Request Forms? That’s usually how things are done, right?”

“Something like that.” Zane nodded to Jaden, the same small grin still on his face.

“I hope you’re satisfied now.” Alexis looked at Zane with a raised eyebrow.

“It was a good Duel.” Zane nodded to Alexis, the grin may have been small, but it was one of satisfaction at finally having a challenge again.

“Big bro?!” Syrus nearly shrieked from the second floor balcony.

“Syrus.” Zane looked up, meeting his little brother’s eyes. Syrus seemed to immediately shrink in on himself.

“Huh?” Chumley, who’d been walking behind Syrus, the two having agreed to trade, looked between Zane and Syrus. “Zane is your older brother?!”

This naturally got curious looks from Jaden, Drake, Jasmine, and Mindy. Alexis looked at Syrus with some pity, before turning her golden gaze on Zane. She knew the two brothers had some kind of complicated relationship. But she didn’t know the details since Zane hadn’t deemed the situation important enough to talk about.

‘There’s definitely some kind of story here.’ Drake noticed the sharp rise in tension. But it wasn’t anyone’s place to pry into the family matters between these two brothers. ‘Hopefully this doesn’t turn into a mess.’

-End Chapter-

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BOOM!

A Duel to shake the Academy!

Drake may not have won, but he finally gave Zane the challenge he’s been lacking for a long time. That counts for something, right?

Jaden amped up to eleven now after seeing Zane Duel. He wants his shot at taking on the Academy’s Number One!

But now it seems like some family drama is about to unfold!

How will this tense situation play out?

Keep reading to find out!

Until I get your reviews, later!