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Chapter 565: Unreachable—
"My Glory, my Tamashii!!"
"Cyber End Dragon!!!"
The majestic Machine Heavenly Dragon manifested behind Hayato, its massive figure seemingly about to pierce the ceiling of the Palace. After Cyber End Dragon appeared, Hayato waved his hand fiercely: "When Cyber End Dragon is Special Summoned, I activate its effect: Send all other monsters on both players' fields, except Cyber End Dragon, to the Graveyard!"
Hearing this, Dartz said strangely, "But, because of Koa'ki Meiru Doom's effect, the effects of LIGHT and DARK Attribute monsters activated during the Main Phase are all negated. That Cyber End Dragon is a LIGHT Attribute monster, isn't it?"
"That's true, but the power from the starlight is different from souls bound by gravity, Dartz." Hayato pointed to the Trap Card on his Spell/Trap Zone, which was gradually dispersing after its effect banished Machine-Type monsters from his Graveyard to Special Summon Cyber End Dragon.
"The Cyber End Dragon Special Summoned by the effect of Descent from the Dracos will have its ATK and DEF become the number of monsters banished by Descent from the Dracos's activation × 500, and it gains the ability to not be affected by card effects other than its own."
"Cyber End Dragon isn't just for show. A mere Koa'ki Meiru Doom, watch me push it back!"
"Star Cluster Siege!"
Cyber End Dragon [??/?? → 5000/5000]
Inheriting the power of the ten monsters in Hayato's Graveyard, Cyber End Dragon's power instantly increased to a peak difficult for ordinary Duel Monsters to reach—a full 5000 points, on par with Five-Headed Dragon.
At the same time, the countless dragon-headed funnels hovering around it all began to charge, the radiance emitted by the converging energy beams like countless stars in the night sky!
Koa'ki Meiru Doom on Dartz's Field naturally let out a roar immediately, attempting to interrupt the effect activation of Cyber End Dragon, a LIGHT Attribute monster that should have been countered by it, just like when it interrupted Herald of Perfection's effect before.
However, the emotionless Machine Heavenly Dragon clearly wouldn't care about the threat of an ant on the ground, even if it was a demon of corpses.
Koa'ki Meiru Doom's deterrence had absolutely no effect on Cyber End Dragon. This was only natural, after all, what Descent from the Dracos granted to Cyber End Dragon was the most noble ultimate immunity; neither Spell/Trap Cards nor Monster Effects are effective against Cyber End Dragon.
A laser rain filled with destructive aura fell with a roar as Hayato waved his palm!
After a roar like World destruction, Koa'ki Meiru Doom and Koa'ki Meiru Drago, which were just now showing off on Dartz's Field, had disappeared.
With this, there were no monsters left on Dartz's Field. As long as he used Cyber End Dragon to direct attack, victory would be his!
After seeing the light of hope for victory, Hayato didn't get carried away and recklessly attack directly. Instead, he vigilantly noticed the Set Card that stood out on Dartz's Spell/Trap Zone after his Front Row was completely cleared.
Although Cyber End Dragon gained ultimate immunity to "not be affected by opponent's effects," Dartz's cards like Sakuretsu Armor for destruction, Dimensional Prison for banishing, Magic Cylinder for returning damage, or Enemy Controller for changing battle position, none of these would take effect on it.
But that didn't mean Hayato could ignore Dartz's Set Card. If the card Dartz Set was something that revived his monster or a card like The Golden Apples that recovered Life Points, Dartz's Set Card could still effectively protect him without targeting Cyber End Dragon.
Hayato drew a card from his Hand: "Perhaps I'm being too cautious, but just to be safe, let me see what your Set Card is, Dartz."
"Quick-Play Spell Card Mystical Space Typhoon, I choose to destroy that Set Card on your Spell/Trap Zone."
A cyclone formed on Hayato's Field and moved towards the only Set Card on Dartz's Spell/Trap Zone. Dartz naturally wouldn't let the tornado released by Hayato destroy his Set Card and pressed the button on his Duel Disk: "I don't want this duel with you, Hayato, to end just like this. That would be a pity. Chain Mystical Space Typhoon, I activate Trap Card Waboku."
Due to the Chain Rule's principle of "last activated, first resolved," Dartz's Set Card successfully flipped open and revealed its true form before Mystical Space Typhoon arrived. A layer of golden energy shield was released from the card, enveloping Dartz. Although Waboku was then destroyed by Mystical Space Typhoon, the shield was retained.
"Waboku's effect is that my monsters will not be battle destroyed this turn, and the battle damage I take also becomes 0," Dartz said with a smile as he sent the destroyed Waboku to the Graveyard. "It was originally a card meant to prevent Koa'ki Meiru Doom from being battle destroyed, but it was destroyed by you, Hayato, before the Battle Phase."
"Not destroyed, but sent to Graveyard. There's a big difference between the two."
Hayato corrected him, pouting annoyedly, "Is this the card you used to protect your monster? Tsk, you still managed to make it take effect."
"Yes, Hayato, I will not take any more battle damage this turn," Dartz said with a smile, his tone not containing any taunt, merely asking, "So, are you going to make a pointless attack with Cyber End Dragon?"
Hayato frowned and said, "That kind of pointless action has no meaning at all, does it? It's not like I can inflict damage to you anyway."
Knowing clearly that Cyber End Dragon's attack would not inflict any damage to Dartz while Waboku was in effect, Hayato naturally wouldn't attack just to suffer a setback.
Anyway, Waboku's effect only lasts for one turn. He could attack next turn to end Dartz. With Cyber End Dragon's ultimate immunity and extremely high ATK, could it possibly be defeated within one turn?
Hayato put down the card in his Hand: "Set one card. My turn ends."
[Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
Cyber End Dragon [ATK 5000]
[Set Card]
"It's my turn again. Draw a card." Even though Hayato had an invincible Cyber End Dragon on his Field, Dartz didn't feel nervous at all and easily drew a card. "Then I activate Spell Card Pot of Greed. Draw two cards from my Deck."
After his Hand size increased to two, Dartz looked at the cards he drew and smiled: "Hmm, I drew a good card."
"Hayato, your power is truly strong. From you, I can constantly feel the light of hope that you, from a Different Dimension, bring to this World polluted by desire."
"To prevent this light of yours from leaving, I will definitely win this duel. So, from now on, I'm going to get serious."
Although Dartz's words were gentle, Hayato felt annoyed hearing them.
"Don't talk as if you can win anytime, Dartz. Before saying things that underestimate me, at least gain the upper hand in the duel."
Hayato glanced at the Cyber End Dragon on his Field and said proudly, "Although I've always believed that the word 'Invincible' is a perfect flag, describing whoever says it will suffer a setback, my Cyber End Dragon right now can indeed only be described as 'Invincible'."
"5000 ATK at the peak of Duel Monsters, a sturdy 5000 DEF, and ultimate immunity that won't be affected by your card effects!"
"Do you dare defy me, who possesses Cyber End Dragon?"
Dartz heard Hayato's analysis and nodded in agreement: "It is indeed as you say, Hayato. Your Cyber End Dragon is a considerably powerful card, even to the point of being an 'Invincible' existence among Duel Monsters."
"However, it still has one major flaw."
As he spoke, Dartz summoned a monster card to his Field.
"I Normal Summon Koa'ki Meiru Crusader in Attack Position. Then I activate this Spell Card, Flash Absorption."
On Dartz's Field, a humanoid monster holding two swords manifested. Various parts of its body were asymmetrical, looking as if many fragmented pieces were haphazardly pieced together to form it.
Koa'ki Meiru Crusader [Level 4 / EARTH]
[Warrior Type / Effect]
[2000/200]
Hayato's face was full of vigilance, but not because of Koa'ki Meiru Crusader.
Although a Level 4 monster having 2000 ATK was considered excellent, considering the generally unstable characteristic of Koa'ki Meiru monsters which require Koa'ki Meiru Core to maintain existence, Koa'ki Meiru Crusader was "nothing special."
What Hayato cared about was the Flash Absorption that Dartz activated.
As the Flash Absorption card appeared on Dartz's Spell/Trap Zone, a very thin screen appeared on Koa'ki Meiru Crusader's body.
And at the same time that screen appeared, countless slender ribbons of light drifted from Cyber End Dragon on Hayato's Field, floating towards Koa'ki Meiru Crusader on Dartz's Field!
"Flash Absorption is a Spell Card that can be activated by targeting one LIGHT Attribute monster on the Opponent's Field. Its effect is to increase the ATK of all Face-up Attack Position monsters on my Field by the targeted monster's ATK until the End Phase."
Dartz said Flash Absorption's effect with a smile.
"Cyber End Dragon only gained resistance to not be affected by opponent's effects, it can still be the effect target of your card. Did you utilize this point, Dartz?" Hayato looked at the imposing Koa'ki Meiru Crusader after it absorbed the powerful energy from Cyber End Dragon. "Cyber End Dragon's ATK is 5000 points..."
"Yes, therefore, Koa'ki Meiru Crusader on my Field will also increase its ATK by 5000 points to a full 7000 points!"
Koa'ki Meiru Crusader [ATK 2000 → 7000]
"Not only that, Koa'ki Meiru Crusader also has the ability to make a second attack only once if it battle destroys a monster. I enter Battle Phase, and use Koa'ki Meiru Crusader to attack Cyber End Dragon on your Field."
"This is the end, Hayato. Join Doma." Dartz pointed his finger at Cyber End Dragon. "Koa'ki Meiru Cross Slash!"
"Boom!"
Even though Cyber End Dragon on Hayato's Field had its ATK increased to 5000 points, facing Koa'ki Meiru Crusader's attack with 7000 ATK, Cyber End Dragon, which only had resistance to effects and no battle destruction immunity, was ultimately destroyed.
"Ugh!" Hayato also cried out in pain from taking damage for the first time in this duel.
[Hayato: 4000 → 2000 LP]
"Because it battle destroyed a monster, Koa'ki Meiru Crusader can make a second direct—"
"Before that, I activate my Set Card!"
Dartz's words were cut off halfway by Hayato's sudden interruption.
Only to see the Set Card on Hayato's Spell/Trap Zone open, and a red light suddenly shot towards Koa'ki Meiru Crusader, which was about to make its second attack, forming a collar with several grenades attached around its neck.
The card Hayato activated was not a particularly rare card, and Dartz recognized it immediately: "This is, Ring of Destruction?"
"Its effect is to destroy one monster on the Field, and then inflict damage to both players equal to that monster's ATK value..." Dartz said, revealing a rather helpless expression. "Are you that obsessed with victory or defeat, Hayato?"
"At least I don't want to lose my life's freedom." Hayato showed an unwilling expression. "Because of Ring of Destruction's effect, your Koa'ki Meiru Crusader will be destroyed, and then you and I will both take 7000 points of damage!"
"Now's the time! I've endured to my limit! I'm pressing it now!"
Pointing his thumb towards the collar on Koa'ki Meiru Crusader's neck, Hayato bent it as if pressing a button, and Ring of Destruction exploded with a roar following this action!
"Boom!"
[Hayato: 2000 LP → 0]
[Dartz: 4000 LP → 0]
Although Hayato didn't start a dark game and Dartz didn't use Seal of Orichalcos in this duel, the simulated impact accompanying the high 7000 points of damage was enough to make ordinary duelists lose their strength and fall. For a moment, due to the impact caused by Ring of Destruction, Hayato and Dartz, standing on opposite sides, both knelt on the ground, panting heavily.
Perhaps because he had taken 2000 fewer points of damage than Hayato, or perhaps because he was no longer a normal life form, Dartz got up earlier than Hayato. He walked in front of Hayato, who hadn't recovered yet, and reached out his hand: "The ending of this duel is a draw, Hayato. It seems I can't entrust my life to you."
"Hmph, are you humiliating me, Dartz?" Hayato didn't take Dartz's hand but stood up with an unwilling expression. "To draw in such a humiliating manner, it truly harms my pride. Truly losing composure."
"But Dartz, I was just careless just now. If we duel again with my full power, I won't lose!"
"Yes, I know that too, Hayato. But you're not the only one who didn't use full power, I didn't either." Dartz looked regretful when Hayato didn't take his hand, then spoke again, "However, thanks to dueling with you, I've understood something."
"Even if you, from a Different Dimension, lost this duel, you probably wouldn't obey me and join Doma. This will that cannot be twisted truly moves me. Therefore, I've changed my mind; I won't force your will."
"However, if you look at this World from my perspective, you will definitely understand the correctness of what I am doing. This World built by humans is wrong and must be changed. Organization Doma is not an evil organization acting for selfish desire."
Dartz reached out his hand again, looking directly into Hayato's gaze: "So, join Doma, Hayato. Not as my subordinate, but as my collaborator."
Facing Dartz's renewed invitation, Hayato pondered for a moment, then slowly raised his arm and gripped Dartz's palm, his face stubborn: "Let me make it clear beforehand, I'm only doing this to wait for the next opportunity to take your life. I won't help you do anything."
Dartz didn't care about Hayato's words and said with a smile: "Of course, that's fine. But I believe that before that, you will understand me."
And just as Hayato gripped Dartz's hand, he finally received a message from the system:
[Special Condition {Join Hostile Force: Duel with Dartz and Draw 1/1} Completed]
[Task Changing]
[Task Change Completed]
[Main Quest Triggered: {I Want to Become a Yangge Star}]
[Task Description: Ageless and immortal, immortal body, and the Orichalcos power. How can you possibly defeat such a Dartz? Might as well join Doma.]
[Trigger Condition: In the {The Emperor is My Hayato, This Point Has Never Changed} Task, complete the {Join Hostile Force} Option]
[Content:
Enemy, grass! Enemy, fight! — Defeat Legendary Dragon card holders 0/3
Defeat them all — Defeat Doma Three Swordsmen 0/3
Become a gang boss in nine days — Defeat Dartz 0/1
??? — Defeat ??? 0/1]
[Task Reward Preview: 30000 DP, UR Limited Exchange Ticket X5]
Yes, this draw situation was entirely orchestrated by Hayato.
Hayato losing to Dartz? That's impossible to even think about.
In fact, when Hayato appeared before Dartz, he received a notification from the system, telling him that because he was now in front of Dartz, he had triggered a hidden condition of the task {The Emperor is My Hayato, This Point Has Never Changed} that had been triggered long ago.
As long as he dueled Dartz and drew, Hayato could change the original task, which aimed at annihilation Organization Doma, into this current task of joining Organization Doma.
Hayato remembered that Dartz was essentially integrated with the power of the Orichalcos God. As the darkness of the planet, the Orichalcos God was forcibly sealed by the Pharaoh's power at the end of the Doma Arc, and Dartz was naturally not someone who could be killed by just one dark game.
As for the condition of "betting Dartz's life in the duel," Dartz didn't take it seriously, and Hayato didn't really take it seriously either.
After all, as early as Duelist Kingdom, Hayato had learned through the dark game with Dark Bakura that dark games were okay for dealing with ordinary duelists, but against guys like Anubis, Bakura, and Dartz who feed on darkness, perhaps a handgun would be more useful. At least a handgun doesn't consume one's energy like a dark game.
And to make his joining Organization Doma seem less abrupt, Hayato even prepared a persona for himself, but it turned out to be completely useless because Dartz inexplicably had a good affection for him. Only after the duel ended in a draw did Hayato barely manage to use a bit of the acting he had painstakingly prepared.
However, reflecting on it now, Hayato felt that his flaws were actually quite significant. For example, using Ring of Destruction on Koa'ki Meiru Crusader could have been chained to Flash Absorption, causing it to be destroyed before its ATK increased, resulting in Dartz having an empty Field.
Another example is that he actually had Rainbow Kuriboh in his Graveyard, which was sent to the Graveyard by Reasoning earlier. Even if he didn't use Ring of Destruction after Cyber End Dragon was destroyed by Koa'ki Meiru Crusader, he could special summon Rainbow Kuriboh and wouldn't be direct attacked.
Hayato left quite a few such flaws in this duel. After all, his usual habit is to dig traps and wait for others to step on them. Even though this time he deliberately went easy for the sake of a draw, he still subconsciously left many traps unburied.
It's like how a Thunder Dragon player subconsciously sets a T-shaped trap when they draw a Hand of red cards, how a Junk Doppel player habitually summons a Water Machine and Hundred-Headed Dragon, or how a Drytron player negates an effect whenever someone activates one—it has become a conditioned reflex.
He could only hope that Dartz didn't notice these flaws.
However, while Hayato was worried about this, in reality, although it was his first time acting, Hayato's acting was quite good because he referenced Kaiba after being crushed repeatedly. At least in Dartz's view, Hayato's performance was genuine.
Hayato, who came from a Different Dimension, formed bonds and became partners with the Nameless Pharaoh and others. Due to an accident, he went to a Different Dimension and returned to Reality, appearing before him. After learning that he was the leader of Organization Doma, Hayato, out of a sense of justice and to protect his partners, challenged him. At the end of the duel, he was even willing to give up his Duelist's glory and go for a mutual destruction with Ring of Destruction rather than join Doma.
Ah, what a radiant soul.
Who knows how many filters Dartz added when looking at Hayato from a Different Dimension.
And Hayato's willingness to join Doma made Dartz incredibly happy. In his view, since Hayato was willing to stay in Doma, it meant there was hope for Hayato to be persuaded by him. With a little more effort, perhaps Hayato could quickly understand him and truly become his companion, working together for the New World.
Dartz believed that his personal charisma successfully persuaded Hayato, while Hayato joined Doma with different intentions, preparing to pull a big one on Dartz someday. Their feelings were ultimately misplaced.
End of Chapter
"My Glory, my Tamashii!!"
"Cyber End Dragon!!!"
The majestic Machine Heavenly Dragon manifested behind Hayato, its massive figure seemingly about to pierce the ceiling of the Palace. After Cyber End Dragon appeared, Hayato waved his hand fiercely: "When Cyber End Dragon is Special Summoned, I activate its effect: Send all other monsters on both players' fields, except Cyber End Dragon, to the Graveyard!"
Hearing this, Dartz said strangely, "But, because of Koa'ki Meiru Doom's effect, the effects of LIGHT and DARK Attribute monsters activated during the Main Phase are all negated. That Cyber End Dragon is a LIGHT Attribute monster, isn't it?"
"That's true, but the power from the starlight is different from souls bound by gravity, Dartz." Hayato pointed to the Trap Card on his Spell/Trap Zone, which was gradually dispersing after its effect banished Machine-Type monsters from his Graveyard to Special Summon Cyber End Dragon.
"The Cyber End Dragon Special Summoned by the effect of Descent from the Dracos will have its ATK and DEF become the number of monsters banished by Descent from the Dracos's activation × 500, and it gains the ability to not be affected by card effects other than its own."
"Cyber End Dragon isn't just for show. A mere Koa'ki Meiru Doom, watch me push it back!"
"Star Cluster Siege!"
Cyber End Dragon [??/?? → 5000/5000]
Inheriting the power of the ten monsters in Hayato's Graveyard, Cyber End Dragon's power instantly increased to a peak difficult for ordinary Duel Monsters to reach—a full 5000 points, on par with Five-Headed Dragon.
At the same time, the countless dragon-headed funnels hovering around it all began to charge, the radiance emitted by the converging energy beams like countless stars in the night sky!
Koa'ki Meiru Doom on Dartz's Field naturally let out a roar immediately, attempting to interrupt the effect activation of Cyber End Dragon, a LIGHT Attribute monster that should have been countered by it, just like when it interrupted Herald of Perfection's effect before.
However, the emotionless Machine Heavenly Dragon clearly wouldn't care about the threat of an ant on the ground, even if it was a demon of corpses.
Koa'ki Meiru Doom's deterrence had absolutely no effect on Cyber End Dragon. This was only natural, after all, what Descent from the Dracos granted to Cyber End Dragon was the most noble ultimate immunity; neither Spell/Trap Cards nor Monster Effects are effective against Cyber End Dragon.
A laser rain filled with destructive aura fell with a roar as Hayato waved his palm!
After a roar like World destruction, Koa'ki Meiru Doom and Koa'ki Meiru Drago, which were just now showing off on Dartz's Field, had disappeared.
With this, there were no monsters left on Dartz's Field. As long as he used Cyber End Dragon to direct attack, victory would be his!
After seeing the light of hope for victory, Hayato didn't get carried away and recklessly attack directly. Instead, he vigilantly noticed the Set Card that stood out on Dartz's Spell/Trap Zone after his Front Row was completely cleared.
Although Cyber End Dragon gained ultimate immunity to "not be affected by opponent's effects," Dartz's cards like Sakuretsu Armor for destruction, Dimensional Prison for banishing, Magic Cylinder for returning damage, or Enemy Controller for changing battle position, none of these would take effect on it.
But that didn't mean Hayato could ignore Dartz's Set Card. If the card Dartz Set was something that revived his monster or a card like The Golden Apples that recovered Life Points, Dartz's Set Card could still effectively protect him without targeting Cyber End Dragon.
Hayato drew a card from his Hand: "Perhaps I'm being too cautious, but just to be safe, let me see what your Set Card is, Dartz."
"Quick-Play Spell Card Mystical Space Typhoon, I choose to destroy that Set Card on your Spell/Trap Zone."
A cyclone formed on Hayato's Field and moved towards the only Set Card on Dartz's Spell/Trap Zone. Dartz naturally wouldn't let the tornado released by Hayato destroy his Set Card and pressed the button on his Duel Disk: "I don't want this duel with you, Hayato, to end just like this. That would be a pity. Chain Mystical Space Typhoon, I activate Trap Card Waboku."
Due to the Chain Rule's principle of "last activated, first resolved," Dartz's Set Card successfully flipped open and revealed its true form before Mystical Space Typhoon arrived. A layer of golden energy shield was released from the card, enveloping Dartz. Although Waboku was then destroyed by Mystical Space Typhoon, the shield was retained.
"Waboku's effect is that my monsters will not be battle destroyed this turn, and the battle damage I take also becomes 0," Dartz said with a smile as he sent the destroyed Waboku to the Graveyard. "It was originally a card meant to prevent Koa'ki Meiru Doom from being battle destroyed, but it was destroyed by you, Hayato, before the Battle Phase."
"Not destroyed, but sent to Graveyard. There's a big difference between the two."
Hayato corrected him, pouting annoyedly, "Is this the card you used to protect your monster? Tsk, you still managed to make it take effect."
"Yes, Hayato, I will not take any more battle damage this turn," Dartz said with a smile, his tone not containing any taunt, merely asking, "So, are you going to make a pointless attack with Cyber End Dragon?"
Hayato frowned and said, "That kind of pointless action has no meaning at all, does it? It's not like I can inflict damage to you anyway."
Knowing clearly that Cyber End Dragon's attack would not inflict any damage to Dartz while Waboku was in effect, Hayato naturally wouldn't attack just to suffer a setback.
Anyway, Waboku's effect only lasts for one turn. He could attack next turn to end Dartz. With Cyber End Dragon's ultimate immunity and extremely high ATK, could it possibly be defeated within one turn?
Hayato put down the card in his Hand: "Set one card. My turn ends."
[Hayato: 4000 LP, Hand 0]
Cyber End Dragon [ATK 5000]
[Set Card]
"It's my turn again. Draw a card." Even though Hayato had an invincible Cyber End Dragon on his Field, Dartz didn't feel nervous at all and easily drew a card. "Then I activate Spell Card Pot of Greed. Draw two cards from my Deck."
After his Hand size increased to two, Dartz looked at the cards he drew and smiled: "Hmm, I drew a good card."
"Hayato, your power is truly strong. From you, I can constantly feel the light of hope that you, from a Different Dimension, bring to this World polluted by desire."
"To prevent this light of yours from leaving, I will definitely win this duel. So, from now on, I'm going to get serious."
Although Dartz's words were gentle, Hayato felt annoyed hearing them.
"Don't talk as if you can win anytime, Dartz. Before saying things that underestimate me, at least gain the upper hand in the duel."
Hayato glanced at the Cyber End Dragon on his Field and said proudly, "Although I've always believed that the word 'Invincible' is a perfect flag, describing whoever says it will suffer a setback, my Cyber End Dragon right now can indeed only be described as 'Invincible'."
"5000 ATK at the peak of Duel Monsters, a sturdy 5000 DEF, and ultimate immunity that won't be affected by your card effects!"
"Do you dare defy me, who possesses Cyber End Dragon?"
Dartz heard Hayato's analysis and nodded in agreement: "It is indeed as you say, Hayato. Your Cyber End Dragon is a considerably powerful card, even to the point of being an 'Invincible' existence among Duel Monsters."
"However, it still has one major flaw."
As he spoke, Dartz summoned a monster card to his Field.
"I Normal Summon Koa'ki Meiru Crusader in Attack Position. Then I activate this Spell Card, Flash Absorption."
On Dartz's Field, a humanoid monster holding two swords manifested. Various parts of its body were asymmetrical, looking as if many fragmented pieces were haphazardly pieced together to form it.
Koa'ki Meiru Crusader [Level 4 / EARTH]
[Warrior Type / Effect]
[2000/200]
Hayato's face was full of vigilance, but not because of Koa'ki Meiru Crusader.
Although a Level 4 monster having 2000 ATK was considered excellent, considering the generally unstable characteristic of Koa'ki Meiru monsters which require Koa'ki Meiru Core to maintain existence, Koa'ki Meiru Crusader was "nothing special."
What Hayato cared about was the Flash Absorption that Dartz activated.
As the Flash Absorption card appeared on Dartz's Spell/Trap Zone, a very thin screen appeared on Koa'ki Meiru Crusader's body.
And at the same time that screen appeared, countless slender ribbons of light drifted from Cyber End Dragon on Hayato's Field, floating towards Koa'ki Meiru Crusader on Dartz's Field!
"Flash Absorption is a Spell Card that can be activated by targeting one LIGHT Attribute monster on the Opponent's Field. Its effect is to increase the ATK of all Face-up Attack Position monsters on my Field by the targeted monster's ATK until the End Phase."
Dartz said Flash Absorption's effect with a smile.
"Cyber End Dragon only gained resistance to not be affected by opponent's effects, it can still be the effect target of your card. Did you utilize this point, Dartz?" Hayato looked at the imposing Koa'ki Meiru Crusader after it absorbed the powerful energy from Cyber End Dragon. "Cyber End Dragon's ATK is 5000 points..."
"Yes, therefore, Koa'ki Meiru Crusader on my Field will also increase its ATK by 5000 points to a full 7000 points!"
Koa'ki Meiru Crusader [ATK 2000 → 7000]
"Not only that, Koa'ki Meiru Crusader also has the ability to make a second attack only once if it battle destroys a monster. I enter Battle Phase, and use Koa'ki Meiru Crusader to attack Cyber End Dragon on your Field."
"This is the end, Hayato. Join Doma." Dartz pointed his finger at Cyber End Dragon. "Koa'ki Meiru Cross Slash!"
"Boom!"
Even though Cyber End Dragon on Hayato's Field had its ATK increased to 5000 points, facing Koa'ki Meiru Crusader's attack with 7000 ATK, Cyber End Dragon, which only had resistance to effects and no battle destruction immunity, was ultimately destroyed.
"Ugh!" Hayato also cried out in pain from taking damage for the first time in this duel.
[Hayato: 4000 → 2000 LP]
"Because it battle destroyed a monster, Koa'ki Meiru Crusader can make a second direct—"
"Before that, I activate my Set Card!"
Dartz's words were cut off halfway by Hayato's sudden interruption.
Only to see the Set Card on Hayato's Spell/Trap Zone open, and a red light suddenly shot towards Koa'ki Meiru Crusader, which was about to make its second attack, forming a collar with several grenades attached around its neck.
The card Hayato activated was not a particularly rare card, and Dartz recognized it immediately: "This is, Ring of Destruction?"
"Its effect is to destroy one monster on the Field, and then inflict damage to both players equal to that monster's ATK value..." Dartz said, revealing a rather helpless expression. "Are you that obsessed with victory or defeat, Hayato?"
"At least I don't want to lose my life's freedom." Hayato showed an unwilling expression. "Because of Ring of Destruction's effect, your Koa'ki Meiru Crusader will be destroyed, and then you and I will both take 7000 points of damage!"
"Now's the time! I've endured to my limit! I'm pressing it now!"
Pointing his thumb towards the collar on Koa'ki Meiru Crusader's neck, Hayato bent it as if pressing a button, and Ring of Destruction exploded with a roar following this action!
"Boom!"
[Hayato: 2000 LP → 0]
[Dartz: 4000 LP → 0]
Although Hayato didn't start a dark game and Dartz didn't use Seal of Orichalcos in this duel, the simulated impact accompanying the high 7000 points of damage was enough to make ordinary duelists lose their strength and fall. For a moment, due to the impact caused by Ring of Destruction, Hayato and Dartz, standing on opposite sides, both knelt on the ground, panting heavily.
Perhaps because he had taken 2000 fewer points of damage than Hayato, or perhaps because he was no longer a normal life form, Dartz got up earlier than Hayato. He walked in front of Hayato, who hadn't recovered yet, and reached out his hand: "The ending of this duel is a draw, Hayato. It seems I can't entrust my life to you."
"Hmph, are you humiliating me, Dartz?" Hayato didn't take Dartz's hand but stood up with an unwilling expression. "To draw in such a humiliating manner, it truly harms my pride. Truly losing composure."
"But Dartz, I was just careless just now. If we duel again with my full power, I won't lose!"
"Yes, I know that too, Hayato. But you're not the only one who didn't use full power, I didn't either." Dartz looked regretful when Hayato didn't take his hand, then spoke again, "However, thanks to dueling with you, I've understood something."
"Even if you, from a Different Dimension, lost this duel, you probably wouldn't obey me and join Doma. This will that cannot be twisted truly moves me. Therefore, I've changed my mind; I won't force your will."
"However, if you look at this World from my perspective, you will definitely understand the correctness of what I am doing. This World built by humans is wrong and must be changed. Organization Doma is not an evil organization acting for selfish desire."
Dartz reached out his hand again, looking directly into Hayato's gaze: "So, join Doma, Hayato. Not as my subordinate, but as my collaborator."
Facing Dartz's renewed invitation, Hayato pondered for a moment, then slowly raised his arm and gripped Dartz's palm, his face stubborn: "Let me make it clear beforehand, I'm only doing this to wait for the next opportunity to take your life. I won't help you do anything."
Dartz didn't care about Hayato's words and said with a smile: "Of course, that's fine. But I believe that before that, you will understand me."
And just as Hayato gripped Dartz's hand, he finally received a message from the system:
[Special Condition {Join Hostile Force: Duel with Dartz and Draw 1/1} Completed]
[Task Changing]
[Task Change Completed]
[Main Quest Triggered: {I Want to Become a Yangge Star}]
[Task Description: Ageless and immortal, immortal body, and the Orichalcos power. How can you possibly defeat such a Dartz? Might as well join Doma.]
[Trigger Condition: In the {The Emperor is My Hayato, This Point Has Never Changed} Task, complete the {Join Hostile Force} Option]
[Content:
Enemy, grass! Enemy, fight! — Defeat Legendary Dragon card holders 0/3
Defeat them all — Defeat Doma Three Swordsmen 0/3
Become a gang boss in nine days — Defeat Dartz 0/1
??? — Defeat ??? 0/1]
[Task Reward Preview: 30000 DP, UR Limited Exchange Ticket X5]
Yes, this draw situation was entirely orchestrated by Hayato.
Hayato losing to Dartz? That's impossible to even think about.
In fact, when Hayato appeared before Dartz, he received a notification from the system, telling him that because he was now in front of Dartz, he had triggered a hidden condition of the task {The Emperor is My Hayato, This Point Has Never Changed} that had been triggered long ago.
As long as he dueled Dartz and drew, Hayato could change the original task, which aimed at annihilation Organization Doma, into this current task of joining Organization Doma.
Hayato remembered that Dartz was essentially integrated with the power of the Orichalcos God. As the darkness of the planet, the Orichalcos God was forcibly sealed by the Pharaoh's power at the end of the Doma Arc, and Dartz was naturally not someone who could be killed by just one dark game.
As for the condition of "betting Dartz's life in the duel," Dartz didn't take it seriously, and Hayato didn't really take it seriously either.
After all, as early as Duelist Kingdom, Hayato had learned through the dark game with Dark Bakura that dark games were okay for dealing with ordinary duelists, but against guys like Anubis, Bakura, and Dartz who feed on darkness, perhaps a handgun would be more useful. At least a handgun doesn't consume one's energy like a dark game.
And to make his joining Organization Doma seem less abrupt, Hayato even prepared a persona for himself, but it turned out to be completely useless because Dartz inexplicably had a good affection for him. Only after the duel ended in a draw did Hayato barely manage to use a bit of the acting he had painstakingly prepared.
However, reflecting on it now, Hayato felt that his flaws were actually quite significant. For example, using Ring of Destruction on Koa'ki Meiru Crusader could have been chained to Flash Absorption, causing it to be destroyed before its ATK increased, resulting in Dartz having an empty Field.
Another example is that he actually had Rainbow Kuriboh in his Graveyard, which was sent to the Graveyard by Reasoning earlier. Even if he didn't use Ring of Destruction after Cyber End Dragon was destroyed by Koa'ki Meiru Crusader, he could special summon Rainbow Kuriboh and wouldn't be direct attacked.
Hayato left quite a few such flaws in this duel. After all, his usual habit is to dig traps and wait for others to step on them. Even though this time he deliberately went easy for the sake of a draw, he still subconsciously left many traps unburied.
It's like how a Thunder Dragon player subconsciously sets a T-shaped trap when they draw a Hand of red cards, how a Junk Doppel player habitually summons a Water Machine and Hundred-Headed Dragon, or how a Drytron player negates an effect whenever someone activates one—it has become a conditioned reflex.
He could only hope that Dartz didn't notice these flaws.
However, while Hayato was worried about this, in reality, although it was his first time acting, Hayato's acting was quite good because he referenced Kaiba after being crushed repeatedly. At least in Dartz's view, Hayato's performance was genuine.
Hayato, who came from a Different Dimension, formed bonds and became partners with the Nameless Pharaoh and others. Due to an accident, he went to a Different Dimension and returned to Reality, appearing before him. After learning that he was the leader of Organization Doma, Hayato, out of a sense of justice and to protect his partners, challenged him. At the end of the duel, he was even willing to give up his Duelist's glory and go for a mutual destruction with Ring of Destruction rather than join Doma.
Ah, what a radiant soul.
Who knows how many filters Dartz added when looking at Hayato from a Different Dimension.
And Hayato's willingness to join Doma made Dartz incredibly happy. In his view, since Hayato was willing to stay in Doma, it meant there was hope for Hayato to be persuaded by him. With a little more effort, perhaps Hayato could quickly understand him and truly become his companion, working together for the New World.
Dartz believed that his personal charisma successfully persuaded Hayato, while Hayato joined Doma with different intentions, preparing to pull a big one on Dartz someday. Their feelings were ultimately misplaced.
End of Chapter
