Chapter 624: Dak Demonmont Unbeatable (8k)
Steven Com’s pre-game words were not false; he indeed conducted a very detailed study on Dak’s tactical system, but to apply these research results in practice required corresponding strength.
Steven Com detected the loophole in Dak’s tactical system and formulated corresponding strategies.
However, before considering the late-coming lightning, “Dianichiro”’s “Electric Interference” could not obstruct the performance of the “Capital Sin Card.”
Since “Electric Interference” was ineffective, then the other Mana Spirit Cards he had prepared… naturally wouldn’t be useful either!
The moment Steven Com failed in applying “Electric Interference,” he already sensed this.
His inner anxiety almost erupted.
But this was on the stage of the Mana Duel, with tens of thousands of spectators watching; he couldn’t leave immediately and could only continue on bravely.
The good news was:
“Lightning Call” did indeed inflict damage on that Second-tier Mana Spirit — “Black Deoxys.”
This meant that this Mana Spirit, which had not appeared many times, was less powerful than another similarly appearing white cat — “Deoxys”!
“Dak Demonmont’s hand seems less ideal, there’s still a chance!”
Analyzing this, Steven Com focused even more on the summoning of the second Mana Spirit Card.
Then, without Dak making a move, he successfully summoned a second Mana Spirit!
To the left of “Dianichiro,” a mud-like Mana Spirit slowly stood up.
[Card Name: Mud Monster]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ???]
[Race: Elemental]
[Attribute: Ground Type]
[Mana: 1200]
[Attack: 1200]
[Defense: 400]
[Ultimate Skills: Fragmentation, Swamp Summon]
Ground Type, Elemental, Purple Card!
Somewhat similar to “Stinkymud,” the “Mud Monster” possesses a certain degree of physical immunity and can split into several smaller elementals like some elemental species.
Its second ultimate skill is a Field Spell!
Transforming part of the field into a muddy swamp, preventing the opposing Mana Spirit from approaching from the ground, ensuring the safety of the Mana Guidance Ball when the opponent lacks ranged attacks or flying-type Mana Spirits.
Such restrictive Field Spells are relatively common in Mana Duels.
Even some magic spells can produce similar effects.
Steven Com glanced at Dak and said sternly, “Mud Monster, summon the swamp!”
That “Mud Monster” promptly spewed out a large amount of mud from below.
The ground covered by the mud gradually turned into a muddy swamp.
He then slightly relaxed, anxiously waiting for Dak’s action.
But Dak still didn’t move.
…
“Indeed, after that lightning, ‘Dianichiro’ has no long-range attack ultimate skills.”
In Dak’s right hand was “Deoxys'” Mana Spirit Card. Originally, he was considering whether to offer up the [Spell Cage: Black Deoxys] as a sacrifice to summon “Deoxys” right away.
But after observing the situation, he didn’t do it.
The result proved that his judgment was somewhat correct.
Even if he sacrificed and summoned “Deoxys,” it would be difficult to break through the muddy swamp and get close to the opponent’s Mana Guidance Ball.
Of course, he didn’t want to dirty “Deoxys.”
“Since Steven chose to hold back, I’ll follow his lead.”
He thought to himself.
…
However, the first round did not end here.
Steven Com, upon discovering that Dak had no intention of attacking, still reluctantly released the “Interference Spell.”
Regardless of its effectiveness, let’s add a layer first!
Moreover, the “Interference Spell” could also disrupt the flow of Mana, covering the aerial barrier of “Electric Interference,” interfering with high-altitude units releasing ultimate skills and affecting the remote Mana control of the Magus.
For him who had laid a layer of mud on the ground, this was relatively advantageous.
…
“Battle Phase (2)” [30s]
…
Immediately moving into the second round.
Both contestants, despite their varied expressions, immediately drew two Mana Spirit Cards from the top of their decks.
Seeing this, Dak looked down and then slightly raised his head.
[Gluttony III]
[Dream Sprite]
“‘Gluttony III’? With this, does it mean the offering for sacrificing and summoning ‘Deoxys’ is ready?”
There are many possible tactics to implement.
But the moment Dak saw “Gluttony III,” he no longer hesitated.
Within the first two rounds, he could gather the conditions for summoning “Bastemon.” This hand seemed to be fated to summon “Bastemon,” making him feel as if he heard “Bastemon” calling.
“Since so, it’s decided — ‘Trash Slime’!”
Three seconds later, Dak successfully performed a Normal Summon, bringing out “Trash Slime.”
He specifically summoned it on the Red Side Mana Guidance Ball’s Life Barrier, signaling “Black Deoxys” to protect it.
While waiting for the Normal Summon cooldown to reset, he continued observing the opponent.
He noticed that Steven Com’s originally dispirited expression had returned to normal.
At the beginning of the second round, Steven Com issued an order to the “Mud Monster” in the Blue Side Summoning Area to perform “Fragmentation.”
Subsequently, this “Mud Monster” fragmented into three parts.
Each part inflated into a small “Mud Monster” and directly slid into the swamp, disappearing.
Meanwhile, Steven Com was rapidly performing the “Sacrificial Summoning Spell!”
Second-year students have assessment requirements for applying “Sacrificial Summoning Spell,” but actually practicing it isn’t common.
Steven Com was clearly one of them.
He was the type who was very serious about learning and research, had clear goals, and would persistently advance toward them.
In the future, he might grow into a formidable rival.
Dak’s thoughts shifted, and he immediately began a new summon.
“In the name of Dak Demonmont, Mana Summon — ‘Gluttony III’!”
Even with “Electric Interference” plus “Interference Spell,” they couldn’t affect the brilliance of “Gluttony III” in the slightest.
Steven Com’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
Dak then gathered its brilliance, directing it entirely onto “Trash Slime.”
“Trash Slime” evolved for the second time into “Greed Slime II” on the Mana Duel stage!
When this jelly-like Slime over a meter and a half tall appeared from the light, “Black Deoxys” immediately retreated behind it.
As a four-star Mana Spirit, “Greed Slime II” has 2000 defense and 3000 mana, making it a standout in terms of attribute ratio. Its ultimate skill, “Photosynthesis,” effectively increases its defense by 1500 points.
This made it extremely reliable.
“Greed Slime, use ‘Division Makes Strength,’ four.”
Upon Dak issuing the command, a massive Sacrificial Summoning Array finally lit up in the Blue Side Summoning Area!
When the light shone, Steven Com’s face clearly lit up.
Since the “Interference Tactics” were useless, and the “Quick Attack Tactics” lost meaning, he could only rely on raw power to win.
Regardless of whether luck was involved, he firmly believed that he had summoned a Mana Spirit capable of deciding the outcome before Dak Demonmont!
“A three-star ‘Dianichiro’ and two one-star ‘Mud Monsters’ are offered up, Sacrificial Summon — ‘Synthesis Beast’!”
[Card Name: Synthesis Beast]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ?????]
[Race: Undead]
[Attribute: Ground Type, Evil]
[Mana: 2500]
[Attack: 2400]
[Defense: 1800]
[Ultimate Skill: None]
Five-star Mana Spirit — “Synthesis Beast”!
The “Synthesis Beast” emerging from the Sacrificial Summoning Array had a giant body nearly three meters tall.
Its main body was a giant octopus with eight tentacles, with a scissor-like beak growing from its mouth, and a thick monkey arm and a slender mantis blade arm growing from its sides.
From its head, along the spine line to a tentacle, various biological eyes densely distributed.
On both sides of the eyes, there were broken demon wings!
This “Synthesis Beast” seemed like a failure from the laboratory.
But it was both a Ground Type and Dark Type, and an Undead, with its mana reaching the perfect five-star level.
Though its attack wasn’t fully maxed out, it was still not weak, and its defense of 1800 points was not considered a weakness.
Its unique body structure allowed it to move swiftly through the muddy swamp.
In summary, apart from being a white card without an ultimate skill, this “Synthesized Beast” had no other obvious flaws.
If Dark couldn’t respond in time, the “Synthesized Beast” would indeed instill hope in him.
…
“Next, it’s time to sound the attack horn!”
Steven Com raised his head abruptly and shouted urgently, “Synthesized Beast, rush across the field and attack the opposing Mana Guidance Ball!”
Dealing with other Mana Golems would take a lot of time.
Steven Com knew he couldn’t wait and could only hope to end the battle within this second round for a chance to win.
But after performing the Sacrificial Summoning Spell, he was left with a very long cooldown period.
Now, he could only choose to trust his own Mana Golem.
But as soon as he spoke.
In the red side’s summoning area, a giant Slime suddenly lit up inside its body, and then two beams of white light shot out!
This scene was very familiar to Steven Com.
Dark Demon’s Mana Golem could split sacrifices with just Mana, far surpassing his “Mud Beast.”
And with these two beams of white light, it was certain that Dark Demon had completed the Sacrificial Summoning!
“It’s too fast!”
Even though he had seen it before, Steven Com still felt a sense of regret in his heart.
Clearly, he had been practicing hard, but the final result was far from satisfactory.
The only thing that prevented him from despairing was that both the regular Summoning Spell and the Sacrificial Summoning Spell had theoretical limits.
Dark reached the limit first; although he was a bit slower, he could catch up afterward.
His mind flashed this thought rapidly, and then he saw the dreaded White Cat manifest in the new Sacrificial Summoning Array!
Though it was a four-star, it had five-star stats—Deoxys—which instantly brought down his calculation of winning chances.
“Don’t rush, ‘Synthesized Beast’s’ attributes are theoretically higher than that ‘Deoxys’!”
He mustered his strength, trying to find a glimmer of hope.
But when his gaze fell back on the red side’s summoning area, his eyes widened as he saw both the “Black Deoxys” and “Deoxys”!
Even though Dark had rarely shown them on the dueling stage, Steven Com, who had studied them in detail, immediately made a connection.
Then his heart seemed to be blocked, holding his breath and staring in disbelief.
He suddenly looked up at Dark Demon on the red side’s competitor platform.
…
Under his gaze, Dark Demon calmly drew the next Mana Guidance Card from his hand and began a new summon.
The “Fusion” summon also required only a regular summoning spell.
However, the actual summoning time depended on the rate of Mana injection.
If the Magus had enough Mana and the transmission rate was high, providing sufficient Mana to this “Fusion” in three seconds, then it could be activated within the limit of a regular summon.
Dark’s Mana talent supported him having this foundation.
If a typical Magus’s Mana transmission pipe was like a small pipe, his was already like a channel.
And it continued to grow over time—until an unknown limit!
…
At this moment on the dueling arena.
Steven Com’s “Synthesized Beast” had just swum through the mud, wriggling its eight tentacles and dragging a long trail of mud across the field line.
Meanwhile, the “Greed Slime II” swallowed the red side’s Mana Guidance Ball in one bite.
Behind them, the “Black Deoxys” and “Deoxys” were glaring at each other.
The “Imp Beast” didn’t get along with the “Deoxys,” and this feeling intensified after evolving into “Black Deoxys.”
If not for Dark watching, they might have fought right there.
But upon seeing each other, both Mana Golems immediately understood Dark’s intentions, so even though they disliked each other, they could only wait quietly.
…
“In the name of Dark Demon, Mana Summoning—’Fusion’!”
Dark held up the Mana Guidance Card for “Fusion.” Upon success, he flipped it to show the front.
The familiar black and white fish quickly swam out from the card and grew rapidly in the wind.
As usual, the white fish flew toward “Deoxys,” and the black fish toward “Black Deoxys.”
Both Mana Golems relaxed their expressions, extending their claws as if welcoming the fish.
The white and black fish circled around them once, then carried them into two bright beams of light, soaring upward!
…
Only then did many spectators realize what was happening.
Someone was using a Fusion Summon!
Cheers erupted.
Amidst the rising background noise, the two beams of light met in the air, forming a pattern like Tai Chi, constructing a grand and mysterious fusion summoning array.
From the center of the array, intense light burst outward!
A seven-star Mana Golem—”Bastemon”—appeared once more!
…
“Bastemon” lightly touched her lips, not caring about the field situation, and looked up at the red side’s competitor platform overhead.
But the barrier created by “Electric Interference” + “Interference Curse” made the view from above extremely poor.
She frowned slightly and flicked her fingers.
A drop of fresh red blood instantly shot out from her claw, which was adorned with rings.
The drop of blood, imbued with dark power, radiated outward like ripples upon touching the interference barrier.
In an instant, the barrier, which should have interfered with Mana, was decomposed and consumed by the Mana.
As the blood fell, clarity returned above.
“Bastemon” smiled charmingly, her lips curving.
Then her gaze fell on Dark Demon’s face.
…
The fusion of two individual consciousnesses was a very peculiar experience.
In reality, real creatures with fusion abilities, even if they were telepathic, would inevitably experience conflicts after merging.
But this did not happen among Mana Golems.
This was due to the special nature of Mana Golems.
Also because normal Mana Golems lack “consciousness.”
However, Dark’s Mana Golem has “consciousness.”
Yet after fusing and evolving, “Black Deoxys” and “Deoxys” do not experience any conflict.
They almost became a single entity.
The thoughts from “Black Deoxys” and “Deoxys” overlapped or canceled out, forming entirely different personalities and thinking patterns.
Although Dark rarely summoned “Bastemon” during duels, he had summoned it in experiments to assist in research, thus gaining deep insights into “Bastemon.”
The biggest difference between “Bastemon” and “Black Deoxys” and “Deoxys” is that it became…very bold!
This brought significant trouble to Dark.
…
Dark lowered his head, looking at the passionate “Bastemon,” and said helplessly, “End the duel first.”
“Miaow—”
“Bastemon” extended her paw under the veil, licked her tongue, and revealed an exceptionally alluring smile.
As the embodiment of the goddess of cats in “Bliss,” every movement she made was enchanting.
“Tick-tock!”
“Tick-tock!”
The battle phase switched to the third round.
But neither player drew cards at this moment.
Dark was confident in his victory.
Steven clearly knew his deck lacked a Mana Guidance Card to deal with this seven-star Mana Golem.
No matter what he drew, it wouldn’t change the outcome.
He placed his hand on the spellboard, took a deep breath, and tried to maintain his usual expression.
The current result wasn’t unexpected.
He had been encouraging himself with various possibilities, telling himself there was a chance to win.
Including the exchanges during the standby phase, it was all for this purpose.
If he didn’t do this, he feared he wouldn’t even be able to cast spells smoothly.
The pressure Dark Demon exerted on his peers was immense!
A hideous amalgamation was struck apart by the whip.
Then, with another flick of his hand, the dark force condensed whip disintegrated into countless black bats that flew towards the Mana Guidance Ball on the blue side.
The bats swarmed the Mana Guidance Ball, and in no time, they completely shattered the Life Barrier.
The control “Bastemon” had over the dark power was innate, always making people suspect that it wasn’t a Mana Golem at all.
…
“Beep—”
“The duel has ended.”
“The victor: Dark Demon!”
…
This duel went smoothly from start to finish without much hindrance.
But Dark indeed gained some enlightenment from this duel. Quickly thinking about how to respond and resolve, he began to recall the Mana Golem back into the card.
However, he only managed to recall the “Trash Slime” before getting stuck. Then he suddenly remembered…
Mana Golems after being “Fused” needed to have the fusion undone before they could be individually recalled.
Since he hadn’t mastered the “Fusion Undo,” he could only wait for the effect of the fusion to naturally end.
So, he gathered the Mana Cards into his hand, organized them, and slightly raised his head to look across the arena.
Seeing Steven Kom looking at him, he couldn’t help but speak up: “I…”
Dark smiled and said, “Thank you.”
Then he waved at Steven Kom and walked down the platform amidst applause and cheers.
“Bastemon” had long left the arena and was waiting under the Competitors’ Platform.
In a blink, man and beast entered the Competitors’ Passage.
Once they were out of sight, “Bastemon” immediately showed a playful expression, then stepped forward and inserted one hand into Dark’s arm, wrapping around his arm while half of its body pressed against him.
Dark instantly caught a whiff of strong musk, his arm surrounded by softness.
But he was used to it, so he didn’t mind much.
“Bastemon” continued walking, rubbing its cheek, its two big eyes curving into adorable crescents, and its two tails swinging back and forth behind it.
…
Dark deliberately lingered in the Competitors’ Passage for a quarter of an hour before walking out with a sense of relief.
After this duel, he had no tasks for the afternoon.
Coincidentally, Diana and Rose also had no scheduled events.
Thus, the three of them agreed to visit Traveler’s Street in the afternoon.
Seeing Dark’s figure appear at the Competitors’ Entrance, Diana’s eyes lit up, and she immediately pulled Rose along to run over.
When she reached Dark, she abruptly stopped, then lightly jumped, her body swaying when she landed, and said with a cheerful tone, “Why did it take so long to come out?”
Dark shrugged and said, “Waiting for the fusion to undo.”
“Alright.” Diana had just asked casually, but now quickly changed the subject, “So, have you decided what to dress up as this time?”
Dark said, “I still have that set of the Night… yes, the Night Prince Outfit, in my dorm.”
Diana blinked, curious, “You haven’t tried it on yet?”
Dark nodded unconsciously and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Diana immediately gestured to her chest and said, “It’s too small!”
At twelve or thirteen years old, it was a period of rapid growth.
It had been almost a year since they bought the “Night Prince Outfit” and “Night Princess Outfit” last year.
Both Dark and Diana had grown taller and larger.
Those custom-made clothes from last year wouldn’t fit anymore.
Rose also laughed, “It seems Dark hasn’t noticed at all.”
Dark rubbed his nose, admitting, “I didn’t think about it either.”
“I win!” Diana raised her hand immediately.
Dark helplessly said, “Fine, you win.”
The three of them walked out of the Outdoor Duel Arena, heading toward the lake leading to Traveler’s Street.
Along the way, they enthusiastically discussed Halloween costumes, laughing constantly.
When they reached the Lotus Pavilion, Dark was about to sit on a stone bench but was stopped by Diana.
Diana blinked and said, “Let’s think more here. Let’s decide before we go in.”
“Sounds good.” Dark nodded and sat down next to the pavilion.
…
The autumn wind blew, causing the gradually yellowing leaves to drift into the lake, creating ripples.
Students, both known and unknown, frequently entered and exited through the central hub of the Lotus Pavilion.
People kept changing on the stone benches around the eight stone tables.
Dark and the others sat by the pavilion, each expressing their thoughts, time slowly passing.
Halfway through, Diana seemed to recall something unpleasant, furrowing her brows, then relaxing and brightening, saying, “Last year, during Halloween Eve, we all just dressed up as normal humans. How about we dress up as animals this year? Like Angie, as a little bear!”
Dark blinked, naturally diverting the topic, “Speaking of Angie, I wonder what the two of them will dress up as this year? And Victoria, Phoenix, Aurora…”
“Don’t change the subject; you just don’t want to wear a costume!” Diana puffed up her cheeks.
Dark laughed and explained, “You know, on Halloween Eve, the final ball is just the closing act. The real focus is on the activities before the ball. Wearing a costume isn’t conducive to movement. Don’t you want credits?”
Diana couldn’t help but say, “I do want them, but…”
Rose chimed in, “Credits are important, but having a happy Halloween is equally important.”
Diana quickly nodded, “Yes!”
Dark thought for a moment, realizing he might have been too focused on practicality.
But he really didn’t want to wear any costume!
What fun could there be in being wrapped up in an airtight, heavy outfit?
If they wanted to dress up as animals, they might as well just wear cat ears.
Dark pondered for a bit and said, “How about we compromise and dress up as human-animal hybrids?”
“There’s no such thing as a compromise like that,” Rose couldn’t help but chuckle.
Dark became serious, “Humans and beasts combined would be human-animal hybrids. If Diana wants to be a bear, she can just wear little bear ears. It would be cute, right?”
Diana’s face turned red, embarrassed, “Well, then maybe not… It wouldn’t be pure.”
Dark: “…”
Rose looked at both of them and suddenly had an idea, “Since that’s the case, why not play characters with Halloween themes, like ghosts, zombies, or mummies?”
Dark added, “Werewolves, vampires?”
Rose nodded, “And witches, imps, and Jack-o’-lanterns.”
Dark smiled, “Phoenixes, Bigfoot, gargoyles.”
He then added, “Thinking about it, Victoria and Phoenix can just dress as themselves.”
Diana curiously asked, “Can ogres count?”
Dark replied, “If you say they can, then they can.”
Diana complained, “That’s not fair.”
Rose nudged her arm and said, “How about dressing up as a witch? We can get a custom-made outfit like Professor Metia’s, and it can be worn after Halloween too.”
Diana seriously said, “Then we can wear our school uniforms, which would make us witches too.”
Rose was momentarily speechless but then said, “Then how about imps? We can just put wings on their backs.”
Diana shook her head vigorously, “Imps float, like Professor Lily. Just putting wings on the back doesn’t count as an imp.”
“You troublesome imp!” Rose exclaimed and lunged at her, and the two started playing around.
Dark sat alone, contemplating, “Vampires are actually quite good. They’re simple, convenient, and popular. Plus, we can customize wings like Victoria’s. Werewolves, Bigfoot, and gargoyles can be ruled out. Ghosts, zombies, and mummies are okay too.”
Diana stopped and gestured, “Mummified with bandages all over?”
Dark pointed to his face and hands, “Just wrap the exposed parts. Thinking about it, this might be the most economical makeup option.”
Diana asked curiously, “What about zombies?”
Dark said, “They walk by hopping.”
Diana quickly said, “Then it should be mummies!”
“Just an example,” Dark shook his head and said, “If you don’t like vampires, then ghosts!”
Diana gestured again, “Ghosts wearing bedsheets?”
Dark shook his head, “Of course not. Ghosts come in many forms, but the only common trait is that they are ethereal beings. So, we just need a cheap invisibility potion to make it look like we’re ghosts.”
Diana: “Why a cheap one?”
Dark explained, “Because a standard invisibility potion would completely hide a person. Of course, the potion has a limited duration, so we’d need several bottles.”
