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Chapter 608
In Kaiba's slightly surprised gaze, Alister played another card: "It's not over yet! Chain [Limiter Removal]! I'll also activate the effect of **Machina Armored Unit** from my hand!"
"By sending **Machina Armored Unit** from my hand or field to the Graveyard, I can target one [Meklord] monster on the field and increase its ATK by 1200 until the End Phase. This effect can also be activated during the opponent's turn!"
"Due to chain resolution, **Machina Armored Unit**'s effect resolves first, followed by [Limiter Removal]!"
Although **Machina Armored Unit**'s effect text doesn't explicitly state it can be activated during the Battle Phase, the language of Duel Monsters is that magical. Sometimes, even if it's not written on the card, some monsters can still be Special Summoned.
Actually, the description "Can also be activated during the opponent's turn" means that **Machina Armored Unit**'s effect is not a Spell Speed 1 effect that can only be used during your own turn, but a Quick Effect. It's equivalent to a Quick-Play Spell Card or a normal Trap Card. Just like [Limiter Removal], **Machina Armored Unit**'s effect can naturally also be activated during the Battle Phase.
A Machina Soldier wrapped in dark energy was sent to the Graveyard by Alister, but that dark energy didn't dissipate. Instead, it attached itself to **Machina Soldier**, causing its ATK to increase.
[Machina Soldier] [ATK 1700 → 2900]
In an instant, the attack of **Machina Soldier**, which originally had low ATK, soared to a full 2900 points, just 100 points shy of [Blue-Eyes White Dragon]'s 3000 ATK. Then, [Limiter Removal]'s effect began to take effect.
The card [Limiter Removal] is a Quick-Play Spell Card that has the effect of doubling the ATK of all Machine-Type monsters on the User's Field until the End Phase, with an incredibly terrifying increase.
The more powerful the monster, the greater the boost it receives. And **Machina Soldier**'s ATK, which had already been increased like this, reached an even higher level after being doubled!
[Machina Soldier] [ATK 2900 → 5800]
"It's a monster with 5800 ATK!" Keipei, who was watching, exclaimed in surprise. "It has already surpassed Brother's [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] and [Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon], and is even stronger than [Five-Headed Dragon], which has the highest ATK in Duel Monsters!"
Including the duel at Industrial Illusions that was interrupted midway, this was the second time Keipei had seen Kaiba and Alister duel.
Originally, seeing Alister use two cards from his hand just to Summon an underwhelming monster like **Machina Soldier**, Keipei felt the same caution as Kaiba. However, Keipei didn't expect that Alister would consecutively play two cards during the Battle Phase to provide such a massive boost for **Machina Soldier**!
If this operation had been performed before the Attack Declaration, Kaiba could have used [Lord of D. - The Dominator]'s effect to transfer the Attack Target to itself in Defense Position to avoid taking damage. But Alister chose the instant Kaiba declared [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] as the Attack Target to activate this combo!
That's just too unfair! If that attack hits, Kaiba will take a whopping 2800 points of battle damage in one go!
"Accept this attack, Kaiba Seto, and taste my pain!"
Even [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] with its high attack power of 3000 points couldn't withstand this seemingly fatal attack. Under Alister's expectant gaze, **Machina Soldier**'s ultimate attack truly hit the body of [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] in Attack Position on Kaiba's Field!
"Boom!"
Not only that, the expanding laser beam went past the [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] that was engulfed within it, fiercely blasting Kaiba who was behind it!
"Ugh!"
[Kaiba: 4000 → 1200 LP]
Kaiba's Life Points decrease caused Alister to feel relieved. It seemed that Kaiba Seto's two Set Cards in his Spell/Trap Zone didn't include troublesome cards like [Magic Cylinder] or [Mirror Force]. His attack was a success.
"How does it feel, Kaiba Seto, this pain?"
However, Alister's taunt only earned him a cold laugh from Kaiba.
"Hmph, you're getting so proud just from an attack that barely scratches me, not even counting as a massage?" Even though it was a virtual attack from a Duel Monster, Kaiba felt an unbearable burning pain where he was just engulfed by the laser beam, but he refused to lose any aura. "Or are you saying you think that level of attack can bury the radiance of my [Blue-Eyes]?"
"Stand up, [Blue-Eyes]!"
Accompanied by Kaiba's loud shout, the spot where **Machina Soldier**'s attack just hit suddenly radiated with light. Under the gale's breath, the smoke dispersed. Although covered in wounds, the [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] that was still alive let out a roar filled with authority!
"Roar!"
Alister's eyes widened: "What? [Blue-Eyes] wasn't destroyed by that attack just now!"
"It's just a Normal Monster with no effect, why—" Alister muttered, seeing a card on Kaiba's Spell/Trap Zone that had somehow been activated. "That card is?! When did he activate it?!"
"Hmph, idiot, you should ask yourself when you got the illusion that I didn't activate a Set Card?" Kaiba's lips curled up. Although his Life Points were low, only 1200 points remaining, his aura was even stronger than when he was at full health. "[The Ultimate Creature of Destruction], this card can only be activated by targeting one [Blue-Eyes] on my Field."
"This turn, that [Blue-Eyes] is unaffected by other card effects besides its own, and cannot be destroyed by battle."
"Tsk, you'd rather use a card that makes you take battle damage just to protect [Blue-Eyes White Dragon]? But what good is battle destruction resistance? What can you possibly do with your Life Points currently like a flickering candle?"
"As for my **Machina Soldier**, although it will be destroyed by [Limiter Removal]'s effect during the End Phase this turn, before that, I can proactively activate its effect to destroy itself and Special Summon a **Machina Armored Unit** from the Graveyard that was sent to the Graveyard before and has a Level lower than it!"
Alister looked contemptuously at Kaiba, whose Life Points were only 1200 points, and at the [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] glaring at him. He stated the strategy he planned to use next, provoking Kaiba.
His words were filled with "I left a trap," "Come step on it," and "This is a conspiracy." If it were someone else with sanity, they might resist the provocation, but Kaiba wasn't the type to quietly endure.
The proud Kaiba, even knowing there was a trap on the opponent's Field, wouldn't flinch because of it. He would only attack bravely and fearlessly.
To Alister's provocation, his response was—
"Is that so? In that case, I'll destroy that monster of yours before that, without even needing a second!"
Kaiba said, pointing a finger at **Machina Soldier** on Alister's Field, which still maintained 5800 ATK. "Even for this level of attack, a provocation must be answered! It's time for a counter, [Blue-Eyes]!"
Because Kaiba was attacked despite being under its protection, [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] showed a human-like dangerous gaze. Looking at **Machina Soldier**, it opened its mouth, and a white orb of light instantly formed. Its attack was at least three times more serious than before.
"Burst Stream of Destruction!"
The flood of light surged forth with Kaiba's wave of his hand. In just an instant, **Machina Soldier**, which was so arrogant just now, was instantly destroyed and turned into ash, sent to the Graveyard!
"Besides granting [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] battle destruction resistance and the ability to be unaffected by other card effects, [The Ultimate Creature of Destruction] also grants [Blue-Eyes] the ability to destroy your monster at the end of the Damage Step when battling a monster."
"Looks like you won't be able to pick up that 'trash' monster from the Graveyard again."
Kaiba said, looking proudly at Alister. Anyone who didn't know would think it wasn't him, but Alister, who just took 2800 points of battle damage.
Even though Kaiba had already destroyed the monster on his Field, Alister's expression seemed somewhat gloomy, as if suppressing wrath: "You really dare to say that, Kaiba Seto, calling these robots 'trash'..."
"You, who bear the Gozaburo Kaiba name, are indeed a deeply sinful fellow with dirty blood flowing in your veins, a soul that only knows destruction!" Raising his head, Alister's originally handsome face twisted in expression. "I must inflict the torment of defeat upon you!"
"Because you destroyed my Machine Type, EARTH Attribute **Machina Soldier** on the Field, this precisely fulfills the condition for my **Machina Force** in the Graveyard to activate its effect!"
"**Machina Force** is in the Graveyard. If a Machine Type, EARTH Attribute monster on my Field is destroyed, I can Special Summon **Machina Force** from the Graveyard!"
"The power of the destroyed gathers here, countering the one who dealt the destruction! Come forth, **Machina Force**!"
From the wreckage of **Machina Soldier**, destroyed by [Blue-Eyes White Dragon]'s counter, the sound of an engine starting up rang out again, even stronger this time. Amidst the sound of metal friction and operation, **Machina Force**, wielding a chainsaw and electromagnetic cannon, descended!
[Machina Force] [Level 10/EARTH]
[Machine Type/Special Summon/Effect]
[3000/2500]
Glancing at the **Machina Force** summoned by Alister, whose stats were practically identical to Blue-Eyes White Dragon's, Kaiba frowned and stared at Alister, saying, "I should have warned you, you rat, don't lump me together with that guy Gozaburo Kaiba."
However, after summoning **Machina Force** to the Field, Alister no longer paid attention to Kaiba. He glanced at the tall **Machina Force**, then looked at Keipei Off-field. Alister reached into his chest and pulled out his younger brother's keepsake again—that heavily damaged toy robot.
"Do you want to hear a story, Keipei Kaiba? A story about my past with KaibaCorp." Unlike when facing Kaiba, when looking at Keipei, Alister showed a rare gentle smile on his usually grim face. However, when he turned back to look at Kaiba, the smile on his face instantly turned ferocious. "Consider it me letting you, Kaiba Seto, die with understanding."
In Kaiba's slightly surprised gaze, Alister played another card: "It's not over yet! Chain [Limiter Removal]! I'll also activate the effect of **Machina Armored Unit** from my hand!"
"By sending **Machina Armored Unit** from my hand or field to the Graveyard, I can target one [Meklord] monster on the field and increase its ATK by 1200 until the End Phase. This effect can also be activated during the opponent's turn!"
"Due to chain resolution, **Machina Armored Unit**'s effect resolves first, followed by [Limiter Removal]!"
Although **Machina Armored Unit**'s effect text doesn't explicitly state it can be activated during the Battle Phase, the language of Duel Monsters is that magical. Sometimes, even if it's not written on the card, some monsters can still be Special Summoned.
Actually, the description "Can also be activated during the opponent's turn" means that **Machina Armored Unit**'s effect is not a Spell Speed 1 effect that can only be used during your own turn, but a Quick Effect. It's equivalent to a Quick-Play Spell Card or a normal Trap Card. Just like [Limiter Removal], **Machina Armored Unit**'s effect can naturally also be activated during the Battle Phase.
A Machina Soldier wrapped in dark energy was sent to the Graveyard by Alister, but that dark energy didn't dissipate. Instead, it attached itself to **Machina Soldier**, causing its ATK to increase.
[Machina Soldier] [ATK 1700 → 2900]
In an instant, the attack of **Machina Soldier**, which originally had low ATK, soared to a full 2900 points, just 100 points shy of [Blue-Eyes White Dragon]'s 3000 ATK. Then, [Limiter Removal]'s effect began to take effect.
The card [Limiter Removal] is a Quick-Play Spell Card that has the effect of doubling the ATK of all Machine-Type monsters on the User's Field until the End Phase, with an incredibly terrifying increase.
The more powerful the monster, the greater the boost it receives. And **Machina Soldier**'s ATK, which had already been increased like this, reached an even higher level after being doubled!
[Machina Soldier] [ATK 2900 → 5800]
"It's a monster with 5800 ATK!" Keipei, who was watching, exclaimed in surprise. "It has already surpassed Brother's [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] and [Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon], and is even stronger than [Five-Headed Dragon], which has the highest ATK in Duel Monsters!"
Including the duel at Industrial Illusions that was interrupted midway, this was the second time Keipei had seen Kaiba and Alister duel.
Originally, seeing Alister use two cards from his hand just to Summon an underwhelming monster like **Machina Soldier**, Keipei felt the same caution as Kaiba. However, Keipei didn't expect that Alister would consecutively play two cards during the Battle Phase to provide such a massive boost for **Machina Soldier**!
If this operation had been performed before the Attack Declaration, Kaiba could have used [Lord of D. - The Dominator]'s effect to transfer the Attack Target to itself in Defense Position to avoid taking damage. But Alister chose the instant Kaiba declared [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] as the Attack Target to activate this combo!
That's just too unfair! If that attack hits, Kaiba will take a whopping 2800 points of battle damage in one go!
"Accept this attack, Kaiba Seto, and taste my pain!"
Even [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] with its high attack power of 3000 points couldn't withstand this seemingly fatal attack. Under Alister's expectant gaze, **Machina Soldier**'s ultimate attack truly hit the body of [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] in Attack Position on Kaiba's Field!
"Boom!"
Not only that, the expanding laser beam went past the [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] that was engulfed within it, fiercely blasting Kaiba who was behind it!
"Ugh!"
[Kaiba: 4000 → 1200 LP]
Kaiba's Life Points decrease caused Alister to feel relieved. It seemed that Kaiba Seto's two Set Cards in his Spell/Trap Zone didn't include troublesome cards like [Magic Cylinder] or [Mirror Force]. His attack was a success.
"How does it feel, Kaiba Seto, this pain?"
However, Alister's taunt only earned him a cold laugh from Kaiba.
"Hmph, you're getting so proud just from an attack that barely scratches me, not even counting as a massage?" Even though it was a virtual attack from a Duel Monster, Kaiba felt an unbearable burning pain where he was just engulfed by the laser beam, but he refused to lose any aura. "Or are you saying you think that level of attack can bury the radiance of my [Blue-Eyes]?"
"Stand up, [Blue-Eyes]!"
Accompanied by Kaiba's loud shout, the spot where **Machina Soldier**'s attack just hit suddenly radiated with light. Under the gale's breath, the smoke dispersed. Although covered in wounds, the [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] that was still alive let out a roar filled with authority!
"Roar!"
Alister's eyes widened: "What? [Blue-Eyes] wasn't destroyed by that attack just now!"
"It's just a Normal Monster with no effect, why—" Alister muttered, seeing a card on Kaiba's Spell/Trap Zone that had somehow been activated. "That card is?! When did he activate it?!"
"Hmph, idiot, you should ask yourself when you got the illusion that I didn't activate a Set Card?" Kaiba's lips curled up. Although his Life Points were low, only 1200 points remaining, his aura was even stronger than when he was at full health. "[The Ultimate Creature of Destruction], this card can only be activated by targeting one [Blue-Eyes] on my Field."
"This turn, that [Blue-Eyes] is unaffected by other card effects besides its own, and cannot be destroyed by battle."
"Tsk, you'd rather use a card that makes you take battle damage just to protect [Blue-Eyes White Dragon]? But what good is battle destruction resistance? What can you possibly do with your Life Points currently like a flickering candle?"
"As for my **Machina Soldier**, although it will be destroyed by [Limiter Removal]'s effect during the End Phase this turn, before that, I can proactively activate its effect to destroy itself and Special Summon a **Machina Armored Unit** from the Graveyard that was sent to the Graveyard before and has a Level lower than it!"
Alister looked contemptuously at Kaiba, whose Life Points were only 1200 points, and at the [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] glaring at him. He stated the strategy he planned to use next, provoking Kaiba.
His words were filled with "I left a trap," "Come step on it," and "This is a conspiracy." If it were someone else with sanity, they might resist the provocation, but Kaiba wasn't the type to quietly endure.
The proud Kaiba, even knowing there was a trap on the opponent's Field, wouldn't flinch because of it. He would only attack bravely and fearlessly.
To Alister's provocation, his response was—
"Is that so? In that case, I'll destroy that monster of yours before that, without even needing a second!"
Kaiba said, pointing a finger at **Machina Soldier** on Alister's Field, which still maintained 5800 ATK. "Even for this level of attack, a provocation must be answered! It's time for a counter, [Blue-Eyes]!"
Because Kaiba was attacked despite being under its protection, [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] showed a human-like dangerous gaze. Looking at **Machina Soldier**, it opened its mouth, and a white orb of light instantly formed. Its attack was at least three times more serious than before.
"Burst Stream of Destruction!"
The flood of light surged forth with Kaiba's wave of his hand. In just an instant, **Machina Soldier**, which was so arrogant just now, was instantly destroyed and turned into ash, sent to the Graveyard!
"Besides granting [Blue-Eyes White Dragon] battle destruction resistance and the ability to be unaffected by other card effects, [The Ultimate Creature of Destruction] also grants [Blue-Eyes] the ability to destroy your monster at the end of the Damage Step when battling a monster."
"Looks like you won't be able to pick up that 'trash' monster from the Graveyard again."
Kaiba said, looking proudly at Alister. Anyone who didn't know would think it wasn't him, but Alister, who just took 2800 points of battle damage.
Even though Kaiba had already destroyed the monster on his Field, Alister's expression seemed somewhat gloomy, as if suppressing wrath: "You really dare to say that, Kaiba Seto, calling these robots 'trash'..."
"You, who bear the Gozaburo Kaiba name, are indeed a deeply sinful fellow with dirty blood flowing in your veins, a soul that only knows destruction!" Raising his head, Alister's originally handsome face twisted in expression. "I must inflict the torment of defeat upon you!"
"Because you destroyed my Machine Type, EARTH Attribute **Machina Soldier** on the Field, this precisely fulfills the condition for my **Machina Force** in the Graveyard to activate its effect!"
"**Machina Force** is in the Graveyard. If a Machine Type, EARTH Attribute monster on my Field is destroyed, I can Special Summon **Machina Force** from the Graveyard!"
"The power of the destroyed gathers here, countering the one who dealt the destruction! Come forth, **Machina Force**!"
From the wreckage of **Machina Soldier**, destroyed by [Blue-Eyes White Dragon]'s counter, the sound of an engine starting up rang out again, even stronger this time. Amidst the sound of metal friction and operation, **Machina Force**, wielding a chainsaw and electromagnetic cannon, descended!
[Machina Force] [Level 10/EARTH]
[Machine Type/Special Summon/Effect]
[3000/2500]
Glancing at the **Machina Force** summoned by Alister, whose stats were practically identical to Blue-Eyes White Dragon's, Kaiba frowned and stared at Alister, saying, "I should have warned you, you rat, don't lump me together with that guy Gozaburo Kaiba."
However, after summoning **Machina Force** to the Field, Alister no longer paid attention to Kaiba. He glanced at the tall **Machina Force**, then looked at Keipei Off-field. Alister reached into his chest and pulled out his younger brother's keepsake again—that heavily damaged toy robot.
"Do you want to hear a story, Keipei Kaiba? A story about my past with KaibaCorp." Unlike when facing Kaiba, when looking at Keipei, Alister showed a rare gentle smile on his usually grim face. However, when he turned back to look at Kaiba, the smile on his face instantly turned ferocious. "Consider it me letting you, Kaiba Seto, die with understanding."
