Chapter 598: The Surge of Simulated Mana Duels (12k)
“Simulated Mana Duel rules are mostly based on Mana Duel rules but have some changes. We can see that after connecting the duel disks in the hands of the two contestants, they can automatically generate the duel field. The numbers within the flame frame represent the duelists’ HP.”
Senior Judy quickly explained.
“Just like how Mana Guidance Balls work in Mana Duels, the HP of simulated duelists can adjust themselves, but only at three levels: 2000, 4000, and 8000.”
“The simulated duel field is divided into four regions. The foremost area for duelists is the ‘Set Zone,’ where cards must be placed during your turn to activate them during the opponent’s turn.”
“Right in front of the ‘Set Zone’ is the familiar ‘Summoning Area.’”
“Like the ‘Set Zone,’ the ‘Summoning Area’ also has five slots, meaning you can place up to five cards or summon up to five Mana Spirits.”
“In the middle of the field is a single-grid area called the ‘Field Zone,’ used for placing activated ‘Field Cards.’”
“Different from Mana Duel ‘Field Cards,’ the ‘Field Cards’ in simulated duels cover all areas and can only exist in one form. Later-placed ‘Field Cards’ can replace earlier ones.”
“Finally, there’s the ‘Graveyard Zone.’”
“This is the biggest difference between simulated duels and Mana Duels! Any magic item cards used or Mana Spirits defeated during the duel go to the ‘Graveyard Zone.’”
“If you have resurrection-type cards, you can bring Mana Spirits back from the ‘Graveyard Zone.’”
“That’s it for the field introduction.”
“There’s currently only one type of duel disk, but more varieties will be available when it’s officially released.”
“Each type of duel disk will feature different themed duel fields.”
“Everyone, look forward to it!”
…
When Senior Judy finished her explanation, Wit and Robert had already drawn five cards each during the ‘Standby Phase.’
As it’s a turn-based card game, there’s also a dice roll before drawing cards.
Wit barely got the first move.
However, in simulated duels, going first doesn’t necessarily mean having an advantage.
Because the first round as the first player cannot attack.
And just like in Mana Duels, no cards can be drawn in the first round of this simulated duel.
From the second round onwards, players draw two cards per turn from the top of their deck.
Only one normal summon can be made per round.
Both regular summons and sacrificial summons fall under normal summons.
Mana Spirits summoned can choose either ‘Attack Position’ or ‘Defense Position.’
‘Reverse Position’ rules have not been added yet.
In ‘Attack Position,’ the Mana Spirit attacks with its ATK.
In ‘Defense Position,’ the Mana Spirit defends with its DEF.
Each Mana Spirit can switch positions once per turn.
Only in ‘Attack Position’ can the Mana Spirit initiate an attack.
Usually, only one attack can be made per turn.
Once an attack ends, the position cannot be changed.
…
“Decided, it’s you, ‘Huhu’!”
In the first round of the ‘Battle Phase,’ Wit summoned ‘Huhu’ in ‘Defense Position’ and set two cards in the ‘Set Zone.’
With its 2200 DEF, ‘Huhu’ stood like a mountain blocking Robert’s way.
At the end of Wit’s turn, the duel shifted to Robert’s turn.
Robert, looking grave, summoned ‘Bear窝窝’ in ‘Defense Position’ and set one card in the ‘Set Zone,’ then ended his turn.
…
“Isn’t this my three little bears?” Diana blinked rapidly, curious.
Projected in the ‘Summoning Area’ was a crude hut made of red bricks.
It was Diana’s signature Mana Spirit—‘Bear窝窝’!
[Card Name: Bear窝窝]
[Level: ???]
[ATK: 0]
[DEF: 1200]
[Ultimate Skill: Three Little Bears]
Though ‘Bear窝窝’’s DEF isn’t as high as ‘Huhu’, its ultimate skill ‘Three Little Bears’ allows it to transform into three one-star ‘Bears’ if destroyed in battle.
Its effect is similar to ‘Huhu’s ‘Solidity,’ able to withstand an attack and gain three one-star sacrifices.
…
The duel entered the second round.
After drawing two new cards from the top of his deck, Wit immediately showed a look of wild joy: “Sorry, Robert, let’s end this one-sided duel! Activating the Set Card—‘Forbidden Love’!”
The ‘Forbidden Love’ card, derived from his core Mana Spirit card, revealed itself in the ‘Set Zone’ and suddenly released pink mist.
The mist vaguely formed the outline of a girl, arms outstretched towards Robert’s ‘Bear窝窝,’ as if to embrace it.
Then, the spectators outside were astounded to see a red mark appear on the roof of the brick house.
– Don’t ask why the brick house can be charmed by a girl =,=.
In any case, after being charmed by ‘Forbidden Love,’ ‘Bear窝窝’ instantly moved to Wit’s ‘Summoning Area’ in ‘Attack Position,’ pointing its sword at Robert!
Despite having an ATK of 0, Wit gained control of this Mana Spirit for one turn.
Unlike the real ‘Forbidden Love,’ similar cards in simulated duels can gain complete control over the opponent’s first-tier Mana Spirit—even using it as a sacrifice!
“Robert!”
Wit’s voice suddenly rose.
“My field already has two three-star Mana Spirits. According to the rules of simulated duels, as long as the total stars of the sacrifices meet or exceed the star level of the Mana Spirit in hand, I can perform a sacrifice summon.”
“And now, I’ll use my two three-star Mana Spirits as sacrifices to summon my five-star Mana Spirit—‘Lion Beast’!”
Amidst Wit’s excited shout, ‘Huhu’ and ‘Bear窝窝’ were sent to the ‘Graveyard Zone’ as sacrifices, while the mighty ‘Lion Beast’ appeared in a roar!
“‘Lion Beast,’ with its ultimate skill ‘Heart of Justice,’ is immune to any magic effects! Lion Beast, King’s Fist!”
[Card Name: Lion Beast]
[Level: ?????]
[ATK: 2300]
[DEF: 2300]
[Ultimate Skill: Heart of Justice]
“King’s Fist” is not the ultimate skill of ‘Lion Beast,’ but rather a battle cry.
With a powerful punch, a lion-shaped energy wave struck the opposite field.
[8000 – 5700]
Robert’s HP plummeted significantly.
Hero’s Child, taking the first victory!
…
Audience Seats…
Prince Charles slightly raised his spirits, muttering with a mocking tone, “The Hero is driving the Mana Spirits he should use.”
His confidant immediately flattered him, “After all, he is the Hero!”
Charles narrowed his eyes slightly, responding, “Yes, after all, he is the Hero.”
…
On stage, Wit’s aura surged, while Robert tightly watched ‘Lion Beast,’ grinding his teeth.
His set card was a ‘Counter Shield’.
However, among all the Mana Spirits in the first version, only ‘Lion Beast’ was unaffected by any magic cards, making it the absolute nemesis of ‘Counter Shield’.
But this ‘Lion Beast’ was only five stars; though its ATK and DEF were balanced, they hadn’t reached the peak.
In the simplified version, where fulfilling the star condition is enough for a sacrifice summon, Robert held nothing but high-ranking cards…
“How do I break through 2300 ATK?”
Robert looked grimly through his
He drew two new cards from the top of the deck, staking his lifelong luck on them.
“Here they come!”
His eyes flashed as he added the card to his hand and then took out another one directly.
“I activate the Field Card — ‘Valley of Wind’!”
As Robert shouted, the sound effect of howling wind suddenly filled the air.
The image of “Valley of Wind” appeared in the “Field Zone” in the center of the field, with projections of soil quickly rising up from both sides to form a slightly translucent valley landscape.
Then, Robert immediately drew his second card and urgently declared, “I Special Summon the Ultimate Skill ‘Eye of Wind Element’ from my hand, and I Special Summon the Mana Spirit — ‘Blade of Storm’ endowed with the Eye of Wind Element!”
[Card Name: Blade of Storm]
[Level: ????]
[Race: Elemental Kind]
[Attribute: Flying Type]
[Attack: 2300]
[Defense: 1400]
[Ultimate Skill: Eye of Wind Element]
When the humanoid form of the wind element, cloaked in emerald green, appeared in Robert’s “Summoning Area,” Mike Owen, standing in the spectator ring, showed a hint of a smile.
With renewed excitement, Robert declared, “In the ‘Valley of Wind’, the attack of Flying-type Mana Spirits increases by 200 points. The attack of ‘Blade of Storm’ rises to 2500! Then, I Normal Summon a Three-star Mana Spirit — ‘Minotaur Axe King’!”
[Card Name: Minotaur Axe King]
[Level: ????]
[Attack: 1700]
[Defense: 900]
[Ultimate Skill: None]
“Although ‘Minotaur Axe King’ is just a three-star Mana Spirit, it has an extremely powerful attack of 1700. Now it’s my turn, Wit!”
Robert raised his voice dramatically, roaring with confidence.
“‘Blade of Storm’, slay the ‘Lion Beast’!”
The atmosphere on the scene instantly became intense.
The audience, who loved duels, enjoyed watching duelists turn the tide when all seemed lost.
Though Robert’s counterattack wasn’t particularly spectacular, the sheer force behind it was impressive!
However, the audience didn’t forget that the “Hero’s Child” had snatched two “Counter Shield” cards at the start.
Sure enough.
Just as Robert’s confidence was about to overflow, Wit calmly flipped one of the face-down cards in the “Spell & Trap Zone” and declared, “Activate the Magic Spell Card — ‘Counter Shield’!”
In the next instant, a rotating shield of light appeared before the “Lion Beast”, instantly deflecting the attack from “Blade of Storm”.
With a loud “bang,” “Blade of Storm” was instantly shattered.
“Darn!”
Robert’s face turned pale.
Despite knowing that Wit had two “Counter Shield” cards, Robert still charged ahead, only to take a significant hit.
The attack (+200) of “Blade of Storm” exceeded its defense by 1100 points.
This blow left Robert not only unable to eliminate the “Lion Beast” but also taking 1100 damage himself, reducing his HP from 5700 to 4600.
Wit’s HP remained full!
Looking at the “Minotaur Axe King” in his Summoning Area, his expression was inscrutable.
Wit laughed, “Robert, bring out whatever else you have!”
Robert took a deep breath and said, “I set one more card, end phase.”
…
The third round began.
Wit had a significant advantage; even his card-drawing posture was different.
After drawing two cards, he looked at them with a smile, slowly placing them in his hand, and declared, “First, I Normal Summon a Three-star Mana Spirit — ‘Decaying Slime’ in Attack Position.”
[Card Name: Decaying Slime]
[Level: ????]
[Attack: 1200]
[Defense: 800]
[Ultimate Skill: False Death]
When this slime-like Mana Spirit appeared, Tom Nixon slightly moved.
After summoning the “Decaying Slime,” Wit placed a Trap Card in the “Spell & Trap Zone” and flipped it over.
“I activate the Trap Card — ‘Lion King Maru’!”
“Draw your blade, ‘Lion Beast’!”
A demonic sword appeared in the hands of the “Lion Beast.”
[Card Name: Lion King Maru]
[Type: Trap Card]
[Effect: +500 Attack, -500 Defense]
“For the ‘Lion Beast’ with a Defense of 2300, the loss of 500 Defense is negligible.”
“And its attack will increase to 2800 points!”
“Robert, can you hear the call of death?”
Wit suddenly stretched out his hand and commanded, “‘Lion Beast’, attack!”
Robert had only one Mana Spirit on his field, so no target needed to be specified.
The “Lion Beast” swung its blade.
A beam of light shot out, and “Minotaur Axe King” fell.
Robert’s HP plummeted again by 1100 points!
[4600-3500]
“‘Decaying Slime’, attack!” Wit commanded once more.
With “Minotaur Axe King” sent to the “Graveyard,” Robert had no Mana Spirits left in his Summoning Area.
The attack of “Decaying Slime” could now directly damage Robert’s HP.
Even though it only had 1200 attack, Robert’s remaining 3500 HP couldn’t withstand it.
He swiftly flipped a card in response to Wit’s command.
“I activate the Magic Spell Card — ‘Counter Shield’!”
It was too late.
Robert knew that with Wit’s nature, he would continue to use the “Lion Beast” to attack in the next round.
Given the “Lion Beast’s” current attack power of 2800, if he didn’t activate this “Counter Shield” now, there might not be a future for him…
With the activation of “Counter Shield,” the attack from “Decaying Slime” was successfully deflected.
Wit finally took damage.
His HP dropped from 8000 to 7600!
But the “Decaying Slime” did not die.
Its Ultimate Skill, “False Death,” allowed it to rise again.
Wit smiled slightly and calmly declared, “End phase.”
…
“It’s my turn!”
Robert drew two new cards, adding them to his hand.
Then he glanced at the two Mana Spirits on Wit’s field and quickly calculated.
“I Normal Summon ‘Huhu’ in Defense Position!”
“Set two more cards, end phase.”
In his Summoning Area, the solitary Mana Spirit resembling a small turtle stood alone.
“Is this the end?”
Wit drew two new cards.
Seeing Robert’s “Spell & Trap Zone,” he said, “Robert, you no longer have ‘Counter Shield’. Feigning won’t work.”
Robert replied firmly, “You can try!”
Wit’s eyes flashed as he quickly thought, “Apart from ‘Counter Shield,’ Robert’s deck has defensive counterplay cards like ‘Failed Sacrifice’, ‘Mutual Destruction’, and ‘Soul Recall’…”
But these Magic Spells wouldn’t be effective against the righteous “Lion Beast.” There was a high chance that one of his face-down cards was “Failed Sacrifice”; he couldn’t afford to take the risk.
So he abandoned the idea of Sacrificial Summoning an eight-star Mana Spirit and drew another card, declaring, “Normal Summon — ‘Gigant’ in Attack Position!”
[Card Name: Gigant]
[Attack: 1500]
[Defense: 1400]
[Ultimate Skill: Self-Sacrificing Impact]
With the arrival of Wit’s signature Mana Spirit — “Gigant” — his Summoning Area now held three Mana Spirits.
Then he drew another card and placed it face-down in the “Spell & Trap Zone.”
The empty “Spell & Trap Zone” finally had one more card.
“Next!”
He looked up at Robert and gave an order to the “Lion Beast”: “‘Lion Beast’, attack ‘Huhu’.”
“Roar!” The “Lion Beast” let out a roar and slashed with “Lion King Maru” in mid-air.
Facing it, “Huhu” was struck by a slash dealing 2800 attack points!
Despite its high defense of 2200 points, it was impossible to block the attack from the “Lion Beast.”
But in the next second, the ultimate skill “结实” was triggered.
“Huhu’s” defense plummeted from 2200 points to 0 points.
Yet, it was not sent to the “墓地区”!
And because “Huhu” was in defense mode, Robert did not take any damage.
However, there were still two “魔导精灵” in Wit’s field!
He immediately ordered, “Rotting Slime, attack Huhu.”
With an acidic attack sprayed out, “Huhu” finally could not withstand it and fell down.
Robert’s front was once again completely unobstructed.
Seeing that Robert did not activate his trap card even after “Huhu” fell, Wit pointed forward and shouted, “Last glimmer, Gigant, direct attack!”
“Bang!”
[3500-2000]
“Gigant’s” “Sacrificial Impact” increases its attack by 500, but after activation, “Gigant” would also be sent to the “墓地区.”
Thus, Wit did not activate “Sacrificial Impact.”
Until his life points dropped to only 2000, Robert still did not flip his trap card.
Wit inwardly determined and sneered, “Robert, you have only one round left. Let me extinguish your life like a candle flickering in the wind!”
…
“This might not be the case!”
Robert suppressed his inner agitation, slowly drew two cards from the top of his deck, and looked at them carefully.
Afterward, he kept his expression unchanged, adding these two cards to his hand and then abruptly flipping one from the “盖牌区.”
“I activate the magic card—‘Resurrection Spell’!”
“The effect of ‘Resurrection Spell’ is to recall a mana spirit of no more than three stars from the ‘墓地区’.”
“I choose to recall—‘Minotaur Axe King’!”
When the minotaur wielding a giant axe reappeared on the stage of the duel, a barely noticeable smile appeared on Robert’s lips.
The successful recall of “Minotaur Axe King” meant that the card in Wit’s “盖牌区” was not a magic card that could destroy special summoning.
Therefore, he immediately took out another card from his hand and activated it!
“I activate the magic card—‘Forbidden Love’!”
There were three “Forbidden Love” cards, and Robert naturally did not miss out on all of them.
Although “Forbidden Love” could only gain control of a first-tier mana spirit for one round, it could be used as a sacrifice during this round.
Robert stared intently at Wit’s face, pointing to the “Gigant” in Wit’s “召唤区”!
Robert’s idea was straightforward; since “Gigant’s” attack was higher than “Rotting Slime,” he chose to ntr “Gigant.”
In an instant, the “Gigant” with hearts above its head appeared in Robert’s “召唤区.”
Wit’s lips twitched indeed!
Though Wit remained composed on the surface, Robert, who was very familiar with him, had already noticed his nervousness.
And Robert was enjoying this feeling!
He randomly drew the second newly added card from his hand and said to Wit, “I activate my ultimate skill ‘Wind Element Eye’ again from my hand, special summoning a mana spirit with ‘Wind Element Eye’—‘Eye of the Storm’!”
[Card Name: Eye of the Storm]
[Level: ????]
[Attack: 1800]
[Defense: 700]
[Ultimate Skill: Wind Element Eye]
Though “Eye of the Storm” was only a four-star mana spirit with neither high attack nor defense, it also had “Wind Element Eye,” allowing it to be specially summoned in a wind-themed field like “Valley of the Wind.”
When this tornado-shaped “Eye of the Storm” appeared in Robert’s “召唤区,” his “召唤区” suddenly went from having nothing to possessing three mana spirits!
Judging from the number of mana spirits, the tide had turned.
“Wit, I told you before, whether it’s Mana Chess or simulated duels, the victor is always the one who remains calm!”
While speaking, Robert took out the strongest, coolest, and most awesome mana spirit card from his hand and held it up high!
“Watch closely, I already have one four-star mana spirit and two three-star mana spirits on my field. With these three mana spirits as sacrifices, I will summon—come out, ‘Blue-Eyed White Dragon’!”
The roar of the white dragon echoed from the duel disk, and the three sacrificial mana spirits were sent to the “墓地区.”
The strongest mana spirit with nine stars—”Blue-Eyed White Dragon”—was actually summoned by Robert!
Robert’s eyebrows shot up.
His demeanor regained confidence.
He could clearly see that Wit’s expression had completely broken down; perhaps he was shocked?
…
Judy, who was also serving as a commentator, exclaimed in shock, “This is astonishing! Robert managed to successfully summon a nine-star mana spirit in just one round!
Even though this blue-eyed white dragon doesn’t have an ultimate skill, its超高攻击力 and 防御力 make it an extremely terrifying presence in the current version of simulated duels. It even reminds me of ‘Sky White Dragon’!”
Amidst Judy’s exclamation, the audience also came to their senses.
This “Blue-Eyed White Dragon” and “Sky White Dragon,” both being nine-star white dragons, indeed had some similarities.
Then, many people began to place their hopes on “Blue-Eyed White Dragon.”
They wanted to see Robert use this “Blue-Eyed White Dragon” to turn the tables and ultimately win!
Of course, one should not be too hasty.
Robert had just suffered a loss earlier.
Everyone had seen this.
Now, there was still one card in Wit’s “盖牌区.”
If that card was “Counter Shield”…
Robert, who had been bitten by a snake once, was now even more cautious.
But…
“Do you think I dare not attack?” he suddenly smiled at Wit.
Then, amidst Wit’s surprised gaze, he pointed at “Lion Beast” and shouted, “Attack Lion Beast, annihilation beam!”
Even if that trap card was “Counter Shield,” so what?
It was just temporarily losing a round!
Duels were never without the possibility of losing.
Robert never feared failure.
And this time… he won the bet!
Wit did not activate his trap card.
The white light from “Blue-Eyed White Dragon” instantly melted “Lion Beast” on the spot!
The supporters of “Hero’s Child” in the field gasped in surprise.
Along with the fall of “Lion Beast,” the item card “Lion King Maru” was also sent to the “墓地区.”
Wit’s field was left with only the “Rotting Slime” that had used “Feign Death”!
And his life points plummeted from 7600 to 5400!
The situation had reversed instantly.
Robert gained a much greater advantage over Wit!
Just as he had expected.
Once he successfully summoned “Blue-Eyed White Dragon,” he had already secured victory!
“Now it’s your turn, Wit!”
Robert glanced at his last card in hand and declared the end of the round.
…
“Don’t get too cocky!”
Wit took a deep breath and drew two cards from the top of his deck.
“Blue-Eyed White Dragon” was powerful, but it wasn’t invincible.
As long as he drew the last “Counter Shield,” he could completely seal off “Blue-Eyed White Dragon’s” attacks.
Additionally, magic cards like “Mutual Destruction” could also be effective.
If he could draw “Resurrection Spell,” he could recall a three-star mana spirit from the “墓地区” and then summon a mana spirit of four stars or higher.
There were many methods, and it was far from the time to give up.
Wit regained his composure and looked at the two new cards in his hand.
Then he stared intently at Robert.
Tē, he placed one card on the “Set Zone”!
Immediately afterwards, he slowly said, “I will convert the ‘Corpse Rot Slime’ from ‘Attack Position’ to ‘Defense Position,’ then summon a three-star Golem—’Huhu’ in ‘Defense Position’!”
“Huhu!”
Once again, ‘Huhu’ appeared!
After summoning ‘Huhu,’ Wit calmly stated, “My turn ends.”
…
Robert scrutinized Wit’s face closely. But this time, no matter how hard he tried, he could not read Wit’s thoughts.
He quickly drew two new cards, then placed one of them and declared, “I will first summon ‘Minotaur Axe King’ in ‘Attack Position,’ and immediately attack the ‘Corpse Rot Slime’!”
“Moo!”
Amidst the roar of the ‘Minotaur Axe King,’ the ‘Corpse Rot Slime’ was finally split in half and sent to the “Graveyard.”
But on Wit’s field, there remained an unyielding ‘Huhu’!
“Should I continue the attack, or wait for the next turn?”
Robert tightly watched Wit’s “Set Zone,” especially the card he had just placed.
For some reason, he had a very strong intuition that the card was “Counter Shield”!
If ‘Blue-Eyed White Dragon’ attacked, Wit would immediately activate “Counter Shield.”
And if he did not attack…
He would still be in control.
There was no Golem with an attack power exceeding that of ‘Blue-Eyed White Dragon’ in this version.
“Blue-Eyed White Dragon… End of turn!”
Thinking thus far, Robert ultimately chose to play it safe.
And he did not set any cards.
…
The atmosphere on the scene became tense.
…
After drawing two new cards, Wit merely added another card to the “Set Zone” and declared his turn over.
His field now had three set cards and the only Golem—’Huhu’!
With its 2200 defense, ‘Huhu’ could block most attacks except those from ‘Blue-Eyed White Dragon.’
The more he did this, the more wary Robert became.
In Robert’s eyes, Wit was clearly setting a trap.
Knowing this, he could not possibly fall into it.
Therefore, after drawing cards in the new turn, Robert decisively special summoned the second “Storm Blade”!
The five-star “Storm Blade” had an attack power just slightly higher than ‘Huhu’s defense.
Then he normally summoned another three-star Golem—’Phantom City Illusionist’!
[Card Name: Phantom City Illusionist]
[Level: ???]
[Attack: 1400]
[Defense: 600]
[Ultimate Skill: Hat Trick]
‘Phantom City Illusionist’ is also from Mike Owen’s ‘Phantom City’ series of Golem cards.
Its ultimate skill, ‘Hat Trick,’ grants a temporary boost of 350 attack points during an attack and 350 defense points during defense.
This makes its attack and defense slightly higher by 50 points compared to ‘Minotaur Axe King’ when needed.
After summoning ‘Phantom City Illusionist,’ Robert immediately issued an attack command.
“‘Storm Blade,’ attack ‘Huhu’!”
As he gave the order, Robert closely watched Wit.
But Wit did not activate any of the three set cards.
When ‘Huhu’ was about to be destroyed, it successfully triggered its ultimate skill, ‘Sturdy.’
This reduced its attack and defense to zero.
Then Robert issued an attack command to ‘Minotaur Axe King.’
‘Huhu’ was sent to the “Graveyard”!
…
“Let me see how you turn this around,” Robert muttered, suppressing the urge to attack with ‘Blue-Eyed White Dragon.’
“End of turn!”
…
Wit drew cards again!
But at this moment, there were no Golems on his field, and without sacrifices, he couldn’t perform a Sacrificial Summon.
He didn’t choose any Special Summon cards from the Wind Element series either.
He couldn’t use ‘Wind Valley’ like Robert for quick Special Summons.
Even if he wanted to replicate Robert’s moves, it would be difficult.
Furthermore, if they continued to stall, once Robert summoned a high-star Golem using ‘Storm Blade’ and ‘Minotaur Axe King’ as sacrifices in the next turn, he would be completely overwhelmed.
“Trust the cards; the cards will tell you the answer,” Wit murmured, carefully examining the two new cards he drew.
In the next moment, his brows lifted, and excitement shone on his face.
“Robert, you missed your chance…”
After saying this, Wit flipped one card from the “Set Zone.”
“I will activate the first Magic Spell Card—’Spirit Summon’!”
Such a useful Golem card, Wit naturally wouldn’t miss it.
“According to the effect of ‘Spirit Summon,’ I can Special Summon a Golem no higher than three stars from my ‘Graveyard.'”
“I choose to summon—’Gigant’!”
After ‘Gigant’ reappeared in Wit’s “Summoning Area,” he revealed the second card from the “Set Zone” in front of Robert.
“Then I will activate the second Magic Spell Card—’Frenzy Curse’!”
Crimson blood light burst from ‘Frenzy Curse.’
Gigant was instantly enveloped in red light, its body rapidly swelling, growing even larger!
Moreover, its attack temporarily increased by 500 points.
The aftermath of ‘Frenzy Curse’ would reduce its attack by 500 points in the next turn.
But ‘Gigant’ was already destined not to have a next turn.
“Now, I will perform a Normal Summon.” Wit drew a card from his hand and spoke quickly.
“Normal Summon—’Weapon Soldier’!”
[Card Name: Weapon Soldier]
[Level: ???]
[Attack: 1400]
[Defense: 500]
[Ultimate Skill: Weaponization]
This Golem card designed by Dark based on ‘Solo Sword Sheath’ can use the ultimate skill ‘Weaponization’ to permanently transform into a Weapon Card, attaching to one Golem card.
After ‘Weaponization,’ ‘Weapon Soldier’s’ attack bonus will be halved to 700 points.
Without hesitation, Wit said, “‘Weapon Soldier,’ weaponize, target—’Gigant’!”
The projection of ‘Weapon Soldier’ transformed into a steel spear at his command, flying to ‘Gigant’ and being firmly grasped by it.
…
At this moment, even Robert clearly saw Wit’s intention.
His expression changed instantly, shifting from cautiousness to endless regret.
After equipping ‘Weapon Soldier,’ ‘Gigant’s’ attack rose by another 700 points, increasing from 1500 to a total of 2700!
If it then used its ultimate skill ‘Sacrifice Impact’—its attack would increase by another 500 points!
This meant ‘Gigant’ would gain a total of 3200 attack points in this turn!
“Wait, 3200?!”
Robert suddenly jolted.
His ‘Phantom City Illusionist’ had a fixed attack of 1400 points during the opponent’s turn, with remaining HP of 2000 points.
This meant Wit needed 200 more attack points to defeat him this turn!
“200! Just hold out for this turn, and I still have a chance!”
“No, just hold out for this turn, and I will definitely win!”
Robert clenched his fists tightly.
By this point, he knew full well he had been tricked by Wit.
None of the three set cards were ‘Counter Shield’ or ‘Mutual Destruction.’
If he hadn’t chosen to play it safe at the critical moment…
But in this world, the most unreliable thing is ‘if.’
Robert gritted his teeth, waiting for Wit to issue the command for ‘Gigant’ to use ‘Sacrifice Impact’.
Order.
But there wasn’t any.
Wit looked up and glanced at him, suddenly saying, “Robert, you want to win too much. Of course, I am the same. So… activate the magic card—’Knight’s Charge Horn’!”
He slowly flipped open the last of the three face-down cards.
“‘Knight’s Charge Horn’ can boost morale, making our golems surge with power in the sound of the horn, gaining a 200-point attack bonus.”
【Gigant’s Attack Power: 2700-2900】
“Let’s end this brave duel.”
Wit raised his hand straight out and pointed sharply at Robert.
“Gigant, use your ultimate skill—’Life-Sacrificing Impact’ on ‘Phantom City Illusionist’!”
…
“Roar!”
The blood-soaked projection of the “Gigant” charged forward lethally.
Robert could only watch as his “Phantom City Illusionist” was shattered.
Then, under the effect of “Life-Sacrificing Impact,” the attack power of the “Gigant” increased to 3400 points.
Even after countering the “Phantom City Illusionist’s” 1400-point attack, it still dealt an additional 2000 points of damage.
These 2000 points of damage were completely inflicted upon Robert’s HP!
【2000-0】
…
“Steel Fist Fighter, HP depleted.”
“Victor, ‘Hero’s Child’!”
The mechanical voice of the duel disk rang out simultaneously.
This duel between the Knight Academies finally came to an end amid the “Knight’s Charge Horn.”
A brief pause.
Whether it was the spectators in the ring or those outside, applause erupted.
Ophelia, standing beside Hephaestus, clapped particularly enthusiastically.
Hephaestus rolled her eyes, muttering as she waited for her daughter to appear.
In her opinion, the reason Wit Gold won was merely because his opponent was too weak.
If he couldn’t even grasp such an obvious victory, how could he fight on the battlefield?
However…
Excessive rigidity can break easily.
It’s not good…
Hephaestus seemed to have thought of something, her vision clouded with tears.
…
Senior Jody announced loudly that “Hero’s Child” had won.
Between choosing “Hero’s Child” and “Hero’s Child’s Sidekick,” many people hoped to see “Hero’s Child” win.
This would greatly promote and market the simulated duels.
One could say that the impact of Wit’s victory and Robert’s victory differed by at least a factor of two.
Thus, as the merchant of simulated duels, Dark Demon was very pleased with this outcome.
On the other side, Eve and Irina sisters even excitedly clapped their hands!
Under normal circumstances, such performance matches should have a script.
But they did not set up a script.
Reaching this ideal result could only be attributed to good fortune.
However, the performance match was not over; the second half was the main event.
The twins couldn’t help but pray.
…
Under Senior Jody’s guidance, Wit and Robert shook hands, demonstrating the spirit of “Friendship First, Competition Second.”
Then, Senior Jody interviewed the two performers amidst the applause.
She didn’t mention the outcome at all, only asking about their views and love for simulated duels.
Although Wit and Robert’s answers were a bit awkward, the gradually rosy cheeks of both clearly showed their fondness for the game.
After the interview ended, Senior Jody kindly gestured for them to leave the stage. She then interacted with the audience for some time before finally getting to the main point.
“There’s no doubt that ‘Hero’s Child’ and his friend’s performance was spectacular. Even I, Jody, couldn’t wait to try it after watching their duel.”
“However, it’s not time yet. The performance match isn’t over, so Jody cannot leave yet.”
“Now, let’s welcome the two star players from the Mana Academy!”
“Fifth-year student from the Mana Academy, Silver Dragon Girl—Pandora Dragon!”
“Fourth-year student from the Mana Academy, Winter Maiden—Vinnie Scarlet!”
When these names were announced, the audience burst into applause almost instantly, even louder than when the previous match ended!
Obviously, “Hero’s Child” may have a big name, but it’s more like a “heard-of” level of fame. Essentially, it’s just a name.
But the popularity of “Silver Dragon Girl” and “Winter Maiden” is real.
The audience’s enthusiasm for them was evident.
Especially those fans who had been following them from debut to growth to fame, many treated them as their own daughters.
They were commonly known as “Mommy Fans” and “Daddy Fans.”
Things like “Support Teams” and “Fan Clubs” were numerous.
As the two star duelists ascended the stage, the applause became deafening.
This terrifying popularity made Dark wonder if their payment was too little.
“However, with the current first edition cards, perhaps they can’t fully showcase their abilities…”
Dark looked at Senior Pandora on stage and felt anxious again.
Pandora and Vinnie seemed accustomed to the audience’s fervor, neither looking towards the audience nor responding.
After Jody briefly introduced them, she smiled and said, “In the first half, we gained a true understanding of the overall rules and mechanisms of simulated duels through the brilliant performance of ‘Hero’s Child’ and his friend.
We also witnessed the advancement of duel disks. After formal release, we will not only have duel disks with different themes but also various voice cards for replacement.
Perhaps one day, everyone will hear my voice on the duel disk!
Now, let’s start the second half. Let ‘Silver Dragon Girl’ and ‘Winter Maiden’ give us a deeper demonstration!
Even in mass-popularized simulated duels, we can achieve the depth of mana duels!
Wait, I seem to hear the organizers’ voice! Good, I heard it. Then, let’s add a bit of variation to the deck-building process in the second half of the performance match.”
…
Pandora and Vinnie walked to the spellboard, listening to Jody explain the so-called “temporary changes.” Both nodded slightly, showing no opposition.
Jody said, “Alright. This time, we won’t show each other’s decks. I will show you five cards one by one, and you can choose two from those five. During the card distribution, I will shuffle randomly until everyone has forty cards.”
Pandora and Vinnie exchanged glances and immediately understood the meaning of this new rule.
Building decks according to this new rule meant neither side would know the opponent’s deck and couldn’t fully follow their preconceived plans, requiring more adaptability.
It was truly a “battle of wits”!
It suited them perfectly.
“Since everyone understands, let’s roll the dice. The one with the higher number goes first.”
Jody took out two dice and gave one to each of them.
This new rule was projected and magnified for everyone to see.
The audience read and understood, each widening their eyes, wondering if someone was deliberately making things difficult for the duelists.
Wit and Robert, who had already left the stage, were relieved.
“Luckily, we’re not under this rule, otherwise it would be unimaginable…”
…
On stage, after three consecutive draws, Pandora and Vinnie finally decided the fourth round with a two-point difference.
Vinnie got the right to choose first.
Jody nodded, holding the box containing three sets of cards, and then snapped her fingers, creating a magical curtain between them, separating their fields of view.
Next, she moved to Vinnie’s side, drew five cards from the box, and placed them on the spellboard for display.
The displayed cards appeared above their heads through projection.
As long as they didn’t turn around, they wouldn’t see.
While the audience could see which cards they chose.
