Chapter 689 “Begging for Moon Tickets” Dark Demon and the Instrument of Wraiths (16k)
“Evolve, Demon Fox Beast!”
Golden pink light enveloped the entire body. At the moment the “Demon Fox Beast” leaped into the air, it began its evolution. Its slender body rapidly expanded, transforming from human form to beast form in an instant.
The nine fluffy tails stood erect, and blue flames instantly rose around the limbs of the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast,” granting it the ability to run through the air.
“Roar!”
All black electrical currents dispersed, and the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast” ran across the sky on blue flames, with ghostly flames凝聚于尾端。
战场瞬间转移到了空中。
然而，斯图尔特?福恩对达克的研究极为深入。在他看到达克召唤出“妖狐兽”的那一刻，就已经预料到了接下来的一幕。
他没有犹豫，第二张魔导卡早已准备完毕。
“以斯图尔特?福恩之名，魔导召唤——‘绝叫影鸦’！”
圆形的召唤阵在蓝方选手台的正面上展开，漆黑的影鸦在尖叫声中飞出，随后猛地抓住了飞到同样高度的蓝方魔导球。
“绝影分身！”
伴随着斯图尔特?福恩沉着冷静的命令，“绝叫影鸦”和它牢牢抓住的蓝方魔导球一起，突然之间一分为二，幻化出了一模一样的影分身。
下一瞬间，那两只“绝叫影鸦”再次闪烁消失，再出现时已经变成四只。
一分二、二分四、四分八、八分十六……
“绝叫影鸦”的分身行为还未停止，以异常恐怖的速度分身出了一百二十八只！
而这一百二十八只“绝叫影鸦”，又全部抓着蓝方魔导球。
它们在分身而出的刹那便向着天上地下飞去，密密麻麻地填满了整个空间。
……
“多重影分身？”
红方选手台上的达克·迪蒙露出惊讶的表情。
斯图尔特?福恩新召唤出来的这只魔导精灵所使用的必杀技，让他不禁联想到了某个火影忍者中的主角技能。
他用心观察，发现每一只“绝叫影鸦”的神态模样都相差无几——都是一个模样印出来的阴冷。
缺乏灵智的弊端在这一刻似乎成了优势。
达克根本无法通过肉眼分辨出哪只是真，哪只是假。
而且飞上天空的“绝叫影鸦”立刻散开，转眼铺满整个场地上空，使得一般的范围性必杀技都显得无用。
而俯冲向下的“绝叫影鸦”则竟然都一头钻入了地面之上的阴影之幕中，那些黑色的电流完全没有动静，似乎在它的索敌机制中，并不以“绝叫影鸦”为目标。
“多想无用！”
这“绝叫影鸦”的“绝影分身”确实让人眼花缭乱，达克连忙提醒自己，对“九尾狐兽”发出了命令。
“‘九尾狐兽’——‘狐炎龙’！”
“九尾狐兽”最擅长的“鬼火玉”打击面有限，而“狐电击”则倾向于单体攻击，唯有“狐炎龙”若操作得当，能最大程度地清理掉这整整一百二十八只的“绝叫影鸦”。
“吼！”
一时之间失去攻击目标的“九尾狐兽”，立刻暴喝一声，周身火焰汇聚成龙形，伴随着咆哮声奔腾而出。
“快闪开！”
“绝叫影鸦”发出刺耳的尖叫，疯狂逃散。
但“狐炎龙”在近距离时的速度极快，转眼便追上了附近的“绝叫影鸦”。
那火龙张开血盆大口，将一只只抓着蓝方魔导球的“绝叫影鸦”接连吞噬，惨叫声此起彼伏。
但这其中，没有任何一只是真正的“绝叫影鸦”！
达克的目光不由转向地面，低声道：“有意思……”
多重影分身似的必杀技只是表象，这“绝叫影鸦”必然已经藏身阴影之中。
只是让达克没想到的是，它竟然能够携带物品潜入阴影！
“这倒是和‘天蝎宫’的‘潜影术’有几分相似。”
“如果我没记错的话，斯图尔特?福恩的‘阴影之虫’也能通过在影子中挖洞的方式将魔导球藏入其中。”
“看来是换汤不换药的战术。”
但换不换药，只要好用就行。
如果达克也能炼出这种类型的魔导精灵，肯定也会经常使用。
他看了一眼手牌，便一边注意着操控魔导球不被偷袭，一边指挥“九尾狐兽”继续清扫“绝叫影鸦”的影子分身。
第一回合的三十秒倒计时很快过去。
空中乱飞的“绝叫影鸦”已经被清理大半，只剩下寥寥几只在继续逃散。
“九尾狐兽”的“狐炎龙”则已经到点，换成了操控“鬼火玉”继续清理。
而蓝方选手台上，斯图尔特?福恩显然有所保留，他手中剩下的三张手牌一张未动。
“嘀嗒！”
回合切换的声音转瞬响起。
双方选手都略微松懈的神经瞬间绷紧。
“战斗阶段（2）”【30s】
下一秒，达克·迪蒙与斯图尔特?福恩同时摸牌，分别将两张新的魔导卡加入手牌。
【美纳斯】
【傲慢Ⅲ】
一张高星的魔导精灵卡，加上一张第三等级的大罪卡。
“‘美纳斯’的话，有‘九尾狐兽’在场，只需再添一张‘垃圾史莱姆’就能将其献祭召唤。”
“不知道‘美纳斯’的‘月之守护’，能否保护魔导精灵不被麻痹？”
达克快速思索，忽然注意到斯图尔特?福恩已经将手牌高举，召唤之声瞬间拔高。
“以斯图尔特?福恩之名，魔导召唤——‘阴影娃娃’！”
依旧是第一阶梯的魔导精灵。
斯图尔特?福恩并没有像大部分决斗者一样将心力倾注到高星魔导精灵的炼成上。
他虽然也保有特招的能力，但更多的是将注意力放在第一二阶梯魔导精灵的应用上。
他擅长的‘阴影’系列卡组也是手段繁多，层出不穷，与其风格正好相符。
随着召唤结语的落下，蓝方召唤区的半空中出现了一个由黑雾形成的漩涡。
造型阴森的残破布偶从那漩涡中钻出，随即发出阴沉的笑声。
达克猛然凝神！
这‘阴影娃娃’在‘阴影’系列的魔导精灵卡中非常有名，因为它同时又是‘诅咒’系列卡组的标配！
【卡名：阴影娃娃】
【类型：精灵卡】
【等级：???】
【种族：不死种】
【属性：暗系/幽灵系】
【魔力：2000】
【攻击：100】
【防御：100】
【必杀技：生命连锁、阴影诅咒】
仅仅是三星的‘阴影娃娃’，却有着高达2000点的魔力。
而相应的，它的攻击和防御都只有最基础的100点。
但它的必杀技极其诡异，防不胜防！
“九尾狐兽！”
达克刚要提醒，斯图尔特?福恩便冷声道：“对‘九尾狐兽’使用‘生命连锁’！”
并非‘阴影诅咒’，而是‘生命连锁’！
“叽——”
‘阴影娃娃’立刻发出更加刺耳的尖叫声。
观众们突然发现观看这一次的决斗，非常废耳朵。
而在尖叫声中，‘阴影娃娃’的空洞双目骤然散发红光，在红光在其双眼之上构成法阵，法阵高速旋转，一股诡异之力爆发开来。
它抬起右手，伸出细细小小的手指，对着‘九尾狐兽’轻轻一指。
下一秒，从其指尖射出的红光便已命中‘九尾狐兽’的身体，在它体侧留下了一个暗红花瓣似的印记。
黑色的锁链从‘阴影娃娃’的双眼之中爆射而出，命中了被刻上印记的‘九尾狐兽’，锁链射入印记，瞬间上锁！
锁链本身却是在‘生命连锁’成功启动之后迅速消失，仅仅剩下前后两端的残余。
‘九尾狐兽’猛然转头，目光凶戾地瞪向‘阴影娃娃’。
在这一瞬间，它非常清晰地感知到自己与这只残破布偶之间产生了一种诡异的联系，就仿佛有一条线连接在两者之间，但除此之外并没有其他的感觉，魔力也并未有任何流失。
正在疑惑之间，它的耳边听到了达克的提醒：“‘生命连锁’，能将自身与目标的生命在短时间内连锁在一起，如果有一方濒临死亡，另一方将与之分享自身当前生命的百分之五十。”
‘九尾狐兽’顿时皱眉，感到了异常棘手。
这‘生命连锁’本该是为了维系同伴的生命而存在的必杀技，但魔导精灵的死亡并非终点，便可将其应用于对手身上。
然后通过献祭自身的生命来夺取对手当前生命的百分之五十。
当然，如果自身的生命上限不足对方当前生命的百分之五十，那么就只能到夺取自身生命的上限为止。
放在‘阴影娃娃’的身上，就是最多两千点。
基本上，‘生命连锁’就是这么一个必杀技。
‘阴影娃娃’原本就是非常稀少的魔导精灵，掌握了‘生命连锁’的‘阴影娃娃’更是少之又少。
斯图尔特?福恩能够炼成如此稀有的魔导精灵，也不知是支付了几年寿命为代价。
场外的观众们对此有所了解的，都是啧啧称羡。
但这只‘阴影娃娃’还不仅仅拥有‘生命连锁’这样的必杀技，它还有着‘阴影娃娃’的常规技能——‘阴影诅咒’！
被‘阴影诅咒’标记的魔导精灵，魔力缓慢流失，防御会大幅度下降。
并且会受到阴影的憎恶，遭到阴影或其它足够攻击时额外承受百分之五十的伤害。
基本上，魔导师会将其用于集火目标的身上。
……
斯图尔特福恩没有迟疑，立刻便让‘阴影娃娃’对‘九尾狐兽’使用‘阴影诅咒’。
‘九尾狐兽’的头顶之上，便立刻浮现出了小小的‘阴影娃娃’。
那‘阴影娃娃’的身上漂浮着黑色的泡沫，发出无声尖笑。
‘
The Nine-Tailed Fox Beast immediately felt uncomfortable, its brows shrouded in even darker clouds.
In the next moment, the “Shadow Curtain” above the ground suddenly became restless. The dark shadow energy, like tentacles, emerged and crazily reached out towards the empty space where the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast” should have been!
First, the limbs were grabbed, then they climbed up the body, and finally wrapped around the neck. In an instant, the Nine-Tailed Fox Beast’s body was already entangled by these shadow tentacles.
“Boom—”
Azure blue flames instantly burst forth.
The Nine-Tailed Fox Beast sharply raised its neck, flames fiercely burning all around it, incinerating the shadow tentacles to ashes!
These tentacles had little offensive power, but they truly made it feel nauseous.
Therefore, after dispersing the tentacles, it decisively released all the “Ghost Fire Orbs” from its tail, shattering the remaining “Cries of Shadow Crow” in the air — indeed, none of them were the real ones.
After releasing the “Ghost Fire Orbs,” the Nine-Tailed Fox Beast suddenly glared at the “Shadow Dummy,” forming a lightning bolt that quickly shot out.
With a loud crack, the “Shadow Dummy” was hit by the “Fox Lightning,” turning the entire dummy into fragments.
In the next instant, the “Life Chain” between both sides activated.
The Nine-Tailed Fox Beast’s remaining 3000 points of mana plummeted by half, while the “Shadow Dummy” stood up again.
However, the petal marks and chains on the Nine-Tailed Fox Beast also disappeared.
“Hmph.”
It let out a slight sneer, and with a flick of its limbs, it lunged toward the “Shadow Dummy” like the wind!
Seeing the “Shadow Dummy” about to be torn apart, Stewart Fane’s next Mana Card finally activated!
Meanwhile, Dark Demon remained observant.
He now had five cards in hand, but he found it difficult to use them effectively.
The few Mana Spirits he could directly summon currently had no place to land; they would immediately suffer from the paralyzing black current upon summoning.
More importantly, he temporarily lacked the means to force the Blue Side Mana Guidance Ball out of the shadows.
For now, relying on the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast” could still hold the fort.
“Let’s see.”
He was calm and collected, not in a hurry.
…
Stewart Fane, who was using various techniques, began to chant loudly.
“In the name of Stewart Fane, I offer up the ‘Cries of Shadow Crow’ and the ‘Shadow Dummy’ as sacrifices. Sacrificial Summon — ‘Dark Shadow Guardian’!”
As his words fell, the “Shadow Dummy” about to be pounced on by the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast” instantly turned into black light and flew upward.
And in a corner of the arena, the “Cries of Shadow Crow” hiding beneath the “Shadow Curtain” also instantly transformed into light.
Two beams of black light soared into the sky, outlining a massive sacrificial summoning array in the Blue Side Summoning Zone.
The “Dark Shadow Guardian,” completely enveloped in a black cloak, slowly appeared from this “Sacrificial Summoning Array.”
At the same time,
At the position where the “Cries of Shadow Crow” turned into black light, the Blue Side Mana Guidance Ball was spat out by the “Shadow Curtain.”
Then, black currents rapidly gathered and attacked the Blue Side Mana Guidance Ball.
After successfully summoning, Stewart Fane began to control it, but the Blue Side Mana Guidance Ball still took nearly 500 points of damage.
Both Mana Guidance Balls’ HPs were once again leveled.
With the appearance of the “Dark Shadow Guardian,” the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast,” sensing the threat, suddenly retreated, not rashly launching an attack.
Its mana was only slightly over 1500 points, and the “Shadow Curse” on top of its head continued to burn away its life, causing it to weaken continuously.
If it immediately used its last Ultimate Skill — “Tengu” — it would lose its utility afterward and even fail as a sacrifice.
But at this moment, Dark Demon, who had been observing, finally made a move.
He whispered to the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast,” “Return to the Summoning Area!”
The Nine-Tailed Fox Beast paused for a moment, then immediately acted.
When it successfully returned to the center of the Red Side Summoning Area, Dark Demon’s summon ended.
“In the name of Dark Demon, Mana Summoning — [Magical Beast: Ditto]!”
Not “Trash Slime.”
The three-star [Magical Beast: Ditto] appeared on its back, sluggishly wriggling its body.
After just three seconds, Dark immediately used a regular summoning spell and summoned again.
“In the name of Dark Demon, Mana Summoning — ‘Pride III’!”
Under the illumination of dark golden light, the body of the [Magical Beast: Ditto] suddenly expanded. As it grew, its star level rapidly rose from three stars to six stars!
The six-star [Magical Beast: Ditto], even without using its Ultimate Skill — “Transformation,” had average stats of 2500 HP, ATK, and DEF.
However, before dispelling the dark shadow curtain on the ground, the [Magical Beast: Ditto] could only transform into a bird-like form, trying to fly in the air using its wings for combat.
But Dark chose to summon it for a specific purpose.
“Ditto, Transformation — ‘Dark Shadow Guardian’!”
“Hurry!”
Standing on the back of the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast,” the [Magical Beast: Ditto] immediately performed its Ultimate Skill — “Transformation” after a soft call!
Its gaze fixed tightly on the “Dark Shadow Guardian” still in the Blue Side Summoning Area, its entire body underwent intense changes from inside out.
…
Seeing this, Stewart Fane’s expression on the Red Side Competitors’ Platform darkened slightly.
The “Dark Shadow Guardian” was a Mana Spirit he had refined at the end of the previous semester, possessing a six-star panel with both Dark and Ghost attributes, perfectly matching his deck composition.
[Card Name: Dark Shadow Guardian]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ????]
[Race: Undead]
[Attributes: Dark/Ghost]
[Mana: 2800]
[Attack: 2700]
[Defense: 1800]
[Ultimate Skills: Shadow Tomb, Summon Ravens, Black Curtain Curse]
The stats of the “Dark Shadow Guardian” were middle-upper among six-star Mana Spirits. Though it didn’t have any outstanding points, besides its weak defense, its mana and attack were quite decent.
However, it wasn’t a Mana Spirit that relied on close combat — its three ultimate skills made it an extremely terrifying existence.
Yet everything it possessed was perfectly replicated by the [Magical Beast: Ditto]!
…
After completing the transformation, the [Magical Beast: Ditto] leaped off the back of the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast” and firmly stood on the ground.
The black currents did not respond to it.
Clearly, Mana Spirits with shadow or dark energy were not within its retrieval range.
…
At this moment, the scene entered a subtle balance.
Both Mana Guidance Balls’ HPs were almost identical and hovering in the air.
Two completely identical “Dark Shadow Guardians” stood guard on either side, emitting a dark and eerie aura.
The only difference was that the Red Side area had an additional “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast.”
This was their advantage.
Dark did not hesitate to issue the command: “Tengu!”
The Nine-Tailed Fox Beast’s mana had dropped below half, and there was a failure probability if it were to perform a Sacrificial Summon.
Moreover, he could sense the Nine-Tailed Fox Beast’s will.
“Roar!”
The “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast,” with anger accumulating in its heart, instantly concentrated its flames high above.
The “Shadow Curse” had long been ignored.
Gathering all its remaining strength, it fiercely threw the Ultimate Skill named “Tengu” toward the Blue Side area!
An energy ball emitting a terrifying aura quickly shot toward the Blue Side area.
On the Blue Side Competitors’ Platform, when the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast” started to concentrate its flames, Stewart Fane immediately gave orders to the “Dark Shadow Guardian.”
The entire body of the “Dark Shadow Guardian” was covered in a black cloak, yet one could still see its tall stature, hunched and aged.
Its face was covered by a golden mask, leaving only holes for the nose and eyes.
In its right hand, it held a black staff with crow wings at the top.
After receiving the Magus’s command, the “Dark Shadow Guardian” forcefully stomped its staff, releasing a surge of shadow energy that quickly merged with the shadow curtain on the ground.
The ripple spread instantly, sweeping across the entire arena.
Then, a huge thick wall suddenly rose from the ground, blocking the terrifying energy ball like a giant shield!
The energy ball exploded upon hitting the wall.
Though the wall was resilient, under the terrifying power of “Tengu,” it shattered like glass.
Immediately after, a second and third wall appeared, seamlessly connecting behind it, layering and weakening the explosion’s power until it finally withstood the aftermath of “Tengu.”
The towering figure of the “Dark Shadow Guardian” wilted significantly.
…
At the same time, the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast” was killed by the continuous damage from the “Shadow Curse” after its mana ran out.
Drip! Drip! Drip!
The second round finally passed.
In the third round, Dark immediately issued the same command to the [Magical Beast: Ditto] transformed into the “Dark Shadow Guardian.”
Thus, the [Magical Beast: Ditto] also stomped its staff, integrating the shadow energy into the shadow curtain. Thick waves rapidly spread throughout the entire arena.
Thick walls sprang up afterward, completely altering the terrain of the arena!
From above, the 100×80 arena was divided by layers of walls, resembling a maze more than a cemetery.
This “Shadow Tomb” was an extension of the [Magical Beast: Ditto]’s body, allowing it to clearly probe every corner inside.
Apart from that, the “Shadow Tomb” neither provided attribute boosts nor had lethal traps.
It was theoretically a Ultimate Skill designed to divide the battlefield.
…
Stewart Fane’s “Dark Shadow Guardian” used all the walls it could generate from the “Shadow Tomb” to block the explosion of “Tengu.”
The advantage now lay with Dark.
But the high walls of the “Shadow Tomb” separated both sides, creating a temporary stalemate.
Both competitors took the opportunity to draw cards.
…
In Mana Duels, it was rare to see such types of Field Spells.
The appearance of the “Shadow Tomb” transformed the duel arena into something akin to a dungeon maze.
The [Magical Beast: Ditto] transformed into the “Dark Shadow Guardian” guarded at the end of this maze, waiting for Stewart Fane’s Mana Spirits to challenge it. The audience’s excitement surged, with exclamations rising and falling.
For Dark, this “Shadow Grave” held another layer of meaning.
He first looked at his newly acquired two Mana Guidance Balls.
【Deoxys】
【Eevee】
He had obtained two four-star Mana Spirits at once.
Dark frowned slightly.
These two Mana Spirits were not enough to break the current deadlock.
Without sacrificing the six-star 【Magical Beast: Ditto】, he couldn’t even summon “Mewtwo”.
He picked up the Mana Guidance Ball for 【Magical Beast: Ditto】 and injected mana to check its condition after transformation.
Afterwards, Dark’s eyes lit up as he issued a command to 【Magical Beast: Ditto】.
“Let’s try it out. Summon Crow-Dog!”
…
Almost simultaneously.
Stewart Fane on the Red Side also gave the same command to his “Dark Shadow Guardian.”
Both sides unleashed their ultimate skills—”Summon Crow-Dog”!
The “Dark Shadow Guardians” on both sides stomped their staffs on the ground, causing three summoning circles to appear in front of them. Almost immediately, two black dogs and one black crow emerged from these summoning circles.
The black crow’s feathers shimmered brightly, with edges sharp like blades, and its eyes were extremely sharp.
Dark received feedback from the Mana Guidance Ball, confirming that it was a four-star summon.
The other two black dogs were each three-star summons.
The black crow could fly and scout, with red eyes capable of exerting short-term mental control over weaker targets.
The black dogs had keen senses and could enter shadows, suitable for defense and surprise attacks.
This was essentially the standard equipment for a qualified “Dark Shadow Guardian.”
As Mana Spirits, the black crow and the two black dogs were relatively independent entities.
This meant they could be used as sacrifices for summoning!
…
Confirming that the black crow and black dogs could indeed be used as sacrifices, Dark suddenly lifted his head, his gaze meeting Stewart Fane’s.
The two stared intensely into each other’s eyes, lips moving rapidly.
“In the name of Dark Diemon, I offer a black crow and a black dog as sacrifices. Mana Summon—’Mewtwo’!”
“In the name of Stewart Fane, I offer a black crow and a black dog as sacrifices. Mana Summon—’Shadow Demon’!”
The duel instantly intensified.
Both contestants simultaneously summoned third-tier seven-star Mana Spirits through sacrifice!
Neither Dark Diemon nor Stewart Fane had often used sacrificial summoning to bring forth seven-star Mana Spirits before.
Moreover, the seven-star Mana Spirits they summoned were entirely new!
…
With the appearance of two massive sacrificial summoning circles, two seven-star Mana Spirits made their debut.
“Mewtwo,” exuding supreme charm, coiled around the high walls, its neck tilted upwards, eyes gleaming.
“Shadow Demon,” surrounded by dark flames, directly appeared in the Red Side’s summoning area, emitting a terrifying roar!
The high walls of “Shadow Grave” served as a cushion, ensuring “Mewtwo” wouldn’t be paralyzed by black currents upon landing—even if such paralysis might barely affect it.
But this aloof posture only added to its nobility.
Its mere appearance caused the audience’s cheers to surge dramatically.
Countless people were captivated by its charm, drawing all eyes toward it.
Meanwhile, the “Shadow Demon,” radiating regal power, was completely overlooked.
Even Stewart Fane on the Red Side, who was fully focused on “Mewtwo,” momentarily lost focus.
It wasn’t until the roar of “Shadow Demon” reached him that he snapped back to reality, immediately issuing commands to the two Mana Spirits in the field!
Though the “Shadow Grave” on the field wasn’t created by his “Dark Shadow Guardian,” it could be used skillfully as a protective barrier for the Mana Guidance Ball.
Thus, Stewart Fane decisively launched a full-scale attack!
…
With the strength of six-star and seven-star Mana Spirits, scaling the high walls wasn’t difficult.
However, Stewart Fane clearly didn’t want to give up this positional advantage. Under his command, “Dark Shadow Guardian” and “Shadow Demon” charged into the maze.
“Dark Shadow Guardian” moved slowly, but the remaining black dog was extremely fast.
“Shadow Demon” closely followed the black dog, leaving a trail of black scorch marks with every step.
【Card Name: Shadow Demon】
【Type: Elemental Card】
【Level: ???????】
【Race: Demon race】
【Attribute: Dark Attribute】
【Mana: 3200】
【Attack: 3200】
【Defense: 2200】
【Ultimate Skills: Shadow Wave, Wraith Scream, Shadow Descent】
“Shadow Demon” took human form, standing over two meters tall, with energy overflowing like flames.
Stewart Fane didn’t have many high-level Mana Guidance Balls, making this seven-star “Shadow Demon” one of the strongest in his possession.
After ordering it to launch an attack, Stewart Fane didn’t stop. He drew another card from his dwindling hand and silently summoned.
…
On the Red Side.
“Mewtwo” sat atop the wall and immediately released “Moon’s Protection.”
Faint moonlight, appearing dim under bright outdoor conditions, gradually spread as it called out softly, dotting the shadow curtain with specks of light.
About half of the Red Side area fell within the range of the moonlight.
While shadow energy on the ground remained unpurified, the air was saturated with lunar power.
This half of the Red Side area entered a state of “Moon’s Protection.”
The entire environment changed.
But “Mewtwo” glanced at the ground and showed no intention of descending.
The dark shadow curtain repelled it.
On the Red Side platform, Dark promptly initiated a new summon—summoning “Huhu”!
When “Huhu” appeared on the ground of the Red Side summoning area, hidden black currents instantly converged.
But just as these black currents were about to take effect, they were blocked by “Moon’s Protection.”
“Huhu” was enveloped in a faint glow, preventing the paralysis effect.
“Zap?”
“Huhu” curiously watched the black currents, lifting its tentacles to sweep them away.
These currents dispersed and reformed, much like little fish, which was quite interesting.
After confirming that “Moon’s Protection” could block the black currents, Dark truly relaxed.
Then he issued defensive orders, choosing to wait.
…
The maze’s winding paths delayed “Dark Shadow Guardian” and “Shadow Demon.” After several turns, they finally arrived at the final boss—【Magical Beast: Ditto】—in the next round.
【Battle Phase (4)】 [30s]
Both contestants calmly drew cards.
“Here we go!”
Stewart Fane suddenly raised his head, the corners of his mouth finally curling up.
Since he dared challenge Dark Diemon, he naturally had a winning strategy.
And this Mana Guidance Ball in his hand was the key!
At this moment, his two Mana Spirits were already within the sight of 【Magical Beast: Ditto】.
The duel reached its first direct confrontation.
First to initiate the attack was the highly aggressive “Shadow Demon.”
Its body sank into the shadows the instant it stepped forward, leaving ripples like water waves on the surface.
These ripples moved at an incredible speed, diving beneath 【Magical Beast: Ditto】 in the blink of an eye!
Then came “Dark Shadow Guardian,” launching its final ultimate skill—”Black Curtain Curse”!
It raised its staff high, its hunched back suddenly straightening, with blood-red light emanating from its eyes beneath the golden mask.
A point of darkness then floated above, expanding at a terrifying speed, turning into a black curtain in an instant, obscuring the entire sky.
A strong killing intent burst forth from this black curtain!
…
Above and below.
【Magical Beast: Ditto】 was barely a moment behind and was caught between the attacks from above and below.
“Dark Shadow Guardian” and “Shadow Demon” ignored nearby “Huhu,” focusing solely on attacking it.
Given 【Magical Beast: Ditto】’s current state, there was no way to avoid both attacks!
If both attacks hit, it would be killed instantly.
“Zap!”
In this critical moment, the ignored “Huhu” let out a cry.
Its eyes burst with white light symbolizing psychic power, releasing it in an instant.
“Shadow Demon” was underground and couldn’t be targeted.
Its target could only be “Dark Shadow Guardian.”
“Ultimate Skill—’Power Split’!”
The 2700 points of attack from “Dark Shadow Guardian” were split in half with “Huhu’s” attack, reducing it to 1350 points.
Even with the boost from the ultimate skill, 1350 points were insufficient to breach 1800 points of defense.
The killing intent from the black curtain suddenly became soft.
【Magical Beast: Ditto】 now only needed to face “Shadow Wave” from the shadows!
The waves released by “Shadow Demon” were like countless blades, surrounding 【Magical Beast: Ditto】.
After using its ultimate skill, it had about 2000 points of mana left, which plummeted sharply.
Seeing 【Magical Beast: Ditto】’s mana approaching zero, a life-giving stream surged, instantly wrapping around it.
Its mana instantly increased by a quarter of its maximum value due to the “Life Stream”!
This sudden recovery of 625 mana points was crucial, helping 【Magical Beast: Ditto】 withstand the first wave of attacks from “Shadow Demon.”
When “Shadow Demon” emerged from the shadows, attempting to deliver a finishing blow, 【Magical Beast: Ditto】 raised its staff, releasing its last bit of vitality.
Just like “Dark Shadow Guardian,” it unleashed “Black Curtain Curse,” targeting the real “Dark Shadow Guardian”!
“Dark Shadow Guardian” barely resisted “Black Curtain Curse” with its remaining mana, dropping to nearly zero due to the “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast”‘s “Tengu.”
After using all three ultimate skills,
It turned out that he immediately deactivated “Transformation,” barely dodging the second wave of attacks from the “Shadow Demon” by suddenly shrinking in size.
After deactivating “Transformation,” “Magical Beast: Ditto” not only shrunk in size but also saw its defense skyrocket from 1800 points back up to 2500 points.
Although this slight increase in defense was still not enough to withstand the next attack from the “Shadow Demon,” it didn’t matter.
“Hurry!”
“Huhu’s” eyes flashed with sharpness as it consecutively unleashed the remaining two ultimate skills— “Power Trick” and “Defense Split”!
“Power Trick” swapped its own attack and defense values.
With its attack reset to zero, after swapping, it became 2200 points, while its defense dropped to zero.
“Defense Split” evenly distributed the defense between “Ditto” and the “Shadow Demon.”
In that instant, the “Shadow Demon’s” defense plummeted to half, leaving only a meager 1100 points!
Immediately, “Magical Beast: Ditto” delivered a heavy blow!
With an attack power of 2500, the “Rubber Punch” struck the “Shadow Demon” right in the face, completely unprepared for retaliation.
This friendly punch reduced its mana by 1000 points.
More importantly, this punch completely drew the “Shadow Demon’s” attention.
With an intelligence level of 2.0, the “Shadow Demon,” unable to receive timely orders from Stewart Fane, was hit squarely by a “Cannon Water Blast” from above!
Without any doubt, its remaining 2000 mana points were insufficient to withstand the terrifying power of the “Cannon Water Blast.”
In that moment, the “Shadow Demon” was like a flame extinguished by water, vanishing in an instant!
The grand Seventh-Rank Mana Golem was destroyed before it could even use its remaining two ultimate skills!
On the Red Side competitors’ platform.
Dark Demon had a stern expression.
He added two new Mana Golem cards to his hand.
[Bronze Snake Mirror]
[Magical Beast: Eevee]
At the moment “Mewtwo” released “Water Cannon” and was immobilized, he did not hesitate and summoned [Magical Beast: Eevee]!
His deck contained three [Magical Beast: Eevee] cards!
And as long as he drew any one of them, he could use the ultimate skill—”Relay”—to continuously swap out the other two [Magical Beast: Eevee].
“Eevee, use ‘Wish’ on Ditto, then use ‘Relay.'”
“Eeeep!”
[Magical Beast: Eevee] swiftly executed the command, using “Wish” on [Magical Beast: Ditto], and immediately used “Relay” to summon the second [Magical Beast: Eevee].
It then returned to Dark’s hand.
Following that, the second [Magical Beast: Eevee] used “Wish” on [Magical Beast: Ditto] and again used “Relay.”
Dark now had two [Magical Beast: Eevee] cards in his hand, and there was still one standing on the field…
Through these operations, his hand increased rather than decreased.
“Finally, use ‘Wish’ on ‘Mewtwo,’ then ‘Relay’—’Primordial Dragon Egg!'”
Swapping the dragon egg with [Magical Beast: Eevee] has become Dark Demon’s standard tactic.
This last [Magical Beast: Eevee], after using “Wish” on nearly full-status “Mewtwo,” returned to the hand, and where it stood, a shining dragon egg appeared!
The duel entered Dark Demon’s unique rhythm.
…
But Stewart Fane did not remain passive.
He had pre-placed a Mana Golem card in the third round; the sacrifice of the “Shadow Demon” was not without value—even to say, it wasn’t a sacrifice at all!
Stewart Fane was not someone who would recklessly let the Mana Golem rush forward.
His reason was partly to try to end the match, and partly to prepare for the possibility of failure, tricking the opponent’s skills.
Generally speaking, the stronger the Mana Golem’s ultimate skill, the longer the cooldown period.
An ultimate skill capable of slaying a Seventh-Rank Mana Golem was basically impossible to use a second time in a single duel.
Stewart Fane indeed gained something—he successfully tricked “Mewtwo” into using “Cannon Water Blast,” and left it immobile for thirty seconds.
As for the “Dark Shadow Guardian” sacrificed—it had no value after blocking “Nine-Tailed Fox Beast’s” “Tengu” with “Shadow Tomb.”
Stewart Fane quietly activated the pre-placed Mana Golem card.
Under the wall near the Blue Side summoning zone, a small box opened, and a miniature “Shadow Demon” emerged and gradually returned to its original size.
Secret Rite Card—”Life Box!”
Before the Mana Golem’s death, its data was recorded in the “Life Box.” After death, it could be revived within the “Life Box.”
Though the “Life Box” only lasted three minutes, it was perfectly suited for Mana Duels.
Stewart Fane spent half a year successfully crafting two Mana Golem cards, one being this “Life Box” secret rite card.
The other was his existing Mana Golem card—”Spirit Vessel of Souls!”
When “Spirit Vessel of Souls” was activated, every death of a Mana Golem with shadow or dark powers became nourishment, making it increasingly powerful.
To gather the core materials for crafting “Soul Vessel of Shadows,” Stewart Fane faced life-threatening dangers.
After that adventure, he lay on a cold boulder, gazing at the cold moon.
He even felt disoriented, questioning the meaning of his goal to become a noble.
While nobles and commoners had class barriers, the status of a Magus was rising with the times.
Even without becoming a noble, he could become an excellent Magus and enjoy prestigious treatment equal to nobles.
Therefore, becoming a noble did not hold much significance for him.
But later, he realized his true desire.
He just wanted to fulfill his father’s wish.
For the previous generation of commoners, becoming a hereditary noble was a source of pride.
His father, through military achievements, became a non-hereditary merit noble, just one step away from his lifelong dream, yet that step seemed insurmountable.
After the war, Old Fane lost his job due to wartime injuries, spending his days drinking the money given by the authorities, becoming a different person.
Every time he saw his father off to the battlefield in his childhood, he felt his father’s back was as broad as the earth, and his shoulders as steady as mountains.
He did not want his father to remain depressed.
He wanted to become a hereditary noble so his father could stand up again and regain his former strength.
He had no grand ambitions, just this simple wish.
…
“In the name of Stewart Fane, Mana Summon—’Spirit Vessel of Souls!'”
Stewart Fane summoned “Spirit Vessel of Souls” without any concealment.
Its presence was too significant to hide.
He directly summoned “Spirit Vessel of Souls” in the Blue Side summoning zone, a spindle-shaped artifact embodying shadow energy.
From the moment “Spirit Vessel of Souls” was summoned, its mouth emitted a chilling, sharp light piercing the sky.
This continuous emission of chilling light drew everyone’s attention.
The senior students in the arena widened their eyes, and even the professors present were astonished.
Angus Jeffrey, who had been closely watching, suddenly showed a look of great surprise.
He had merely treated Stewart Fane as a disposable pawn, seeing his demands as simple—he just needed to give him a minor noble title to solve everything.
This was the class barrier.
After the war, the door for commoners to become nobles was closed.
Those who did not pay during the war could not become nobles after the war and reap the benefits without sacrifice—such a good thing was impossible.
Now, becoming a noble was dozens of times more difficult.
But Angus Jeffrey’s father was one of the Thirty-Six Senators, giving him that privilege.
Wasn’t Stewart Fane’s demand not high?
But now, he seemed to need to reassess the value of this pawn!
In a time when his supporters were distant, Stewart Fane’s importance undoubtedly rose.
…
Stewart Fane never imagined his performance would draw unwanted attention.
He summoned “Spirit Vessel of Souls” before “Dark Shadow Guardian” was completely destroyed, then quickly drew cards.
Yes, it was the fifth round!
This duel, typically decided within ten rounds, had already passed halfway.
The players rapidly drew new Mana Golem cards from the top of their decks.
As they recognized the two newly drawn Mana Golem cards, a dragon’s roar echoed in the Red Side summoning zone.
The majestic “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” burst forth from a massive dragon egg.
With the eggshell dissipating, it spread its wings and flew high, landing on a high wall near “Mewtwo.”
“Light Hall!”
Dark reminded quickly before looking back at his hand.
[Moon Bliss III]
[Wrestler Eagle]
After obtaining three “Moon Bliss III” cards, Dark placed them all in his deck.
This slightly increased the probability of drawing “Moon Bliss III.”
But in fact, whether it was any of the “Capital Sin Cards” at level III or higher, it was not a problem.
Thus, he now held three [Magical Beast: Eevee] cards!
…
“Roar!”
“Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” was always full of spirit.
Following Dark’s command, it spread its wings, bursting forth with dazzling white light from its suddenly extended dragon wings.
The white light gathered into a ball in the sky, radiating bright light like the sun.
Visibly, angelic white feathers drifted down from the sky.
The light ball exploded, finally dispelling the shadows on the ground!
Darkness retreated, and light advanced.
“Baby Blue-Eye Dragon”
The “Light Hall” rapidly transformed most of the field into its domain.
However, with a raised eyebrow, it glared at the nearly bloodied “Dark Shadow Guardian.”
Both being six-star Mana Guidance Balls, the stats of the “Dark Shadow Guardian” were far inferior to those of the “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon.”
With all their ultimate skills on cooldown, it was impossible for the “Dark Shadow Guardian” to be a match for the “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon.”
But before it could retreat, the “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” swooped down excitedly, finishing off the last bit of its health.
“Grrr!”
The black dog summoned by the “Dark Shadow Guardian” was grappling with the black dog summoned by the “Magical Beast: Ditto.”
The “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” turned its head, watching them curiously, but did not intervene as it couldn’t tell which one belonged to which side.
However, at the spot where the “Dark Shadow Guardian” dissipated, the mana that should have dispersed suddenly gathered and then flew towards the blue side, being absorbed by the “Ghost Vessel.”
The “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” suddenly realized this and bared its fangs at the “Ghost Vessel.”
Such items were not uncommon, but the “Ghost Vessel” gave it a very ominous feeling.
…
On the red side’s platform, Dark also noticed the threat of the “Ghost Vessel,” but he still summoned the “Magical Beast: Eevee.”
Naturally, this was the sentient one.
“An item capable of absorbing the power of a Mana Guidance Ball after death? Putting it out so obviously, don’t you fear I will target it?”
After a brief thought, Dark said to the “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon,” “Destroy it!”
The “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” responded by jumping from the high wall, shooting forward at high speed.
In its field of vision, the blue side had no defenses. Destroying the item first, then pursuing the Mana Guidance Ball, would ensure they win this match.
But when it got close, a shadow demon covered in dark flames suddenly leaped onto the high wall, opening its huge mouth and howling!
Ultimate skill—”Ghost Wail!”
The “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon’s” forward momentum was abruptly halted, its body being blown back uncontrollably.
It quickly flapped its wings to stabilize itself, but after fully enduring the damage from the “Ghost Wail,” its mana plummeted.
At the same time, countless pale ghosts emerged from the shadow demon’s mouth, carried by the sound waves.
These ghosts gathered together and flew towards the “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon,” clinging to its body like vampires.
The “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” felt its mana draining continuously and let out a long, mournful cry.
This cry was sorrowful and unlike its usual sounds.
It was the ultimate skill—”Dragon’s Call!”
Of course, without a second “Blue-Eyed White Dragon,” its call was futile.
As it was entangled by the ghosts, the shadow demon stomped fiercely, launching itself forward with tremendous force. Its fist, as big as a sandbag, struck the “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” with immense power.
The “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” shut its mouth, quickly extending its claws to grab the shadow demon’s fist, then pulling and twisting, followed by a roll and an elbow strike.
“Bang!”
The shadow demon’s strength was deflected, its chest taking a heavy blow, causing it to emit a pained cry.
The “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon” pressed its advantage, continuing to attack the shadow demon despite being wrapped in ghosts.
A seven-star Mana Guidance Ball was being beaten by a six-star Mana Guidance Ball!
Fortunately, the shadow demon lacked sentience; otherwise, it might have been even more humiliated.
…
At the same time.
Both sides continued summoning.
Dark Demon activated the second “Bliss III Moon” in this duel, directing the “Bliss” light toward the “Magical Beast: Eevee” standing on the wall…
The “Magical Beast: Eevee” raised its head, with the “Bliss” light gathering on its forehead, forming the “Bliss” emblem.
Then, the moonlight, tinged with pink mist, released from its forehead, enveloping its small body.
As the evolution light gradually converged, the “Magical Beast: Moon Eevee” stood proudly!
The “Moon Eevee” evolved from the “Bliss III Moon,” boasting 3500 points of terrifying defense and four ultimate skills: “Moonlight,” “Evil Fluctuation,” “Black Gaze,” and “Deception.”
Its stats were extremely formidable, far exceeding those of a typical seven-star Mana Guidance Ball.
After successfully evolving, the “Magical Beast: Moon Eevee” leaped over the high wall, rushing toward the blue side.
Its goal was clear: to destroy the “Ghost Vessel” as quickly as possible!
…
On the blue side’s summoning area, Stewart Fane also summoned a new Mana Guidance Ball.
It was a shadow demon with a minotaur appearance—the “Shadow Demon Bull”!
[Card Name: Shadow Demon Bull]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ???]
[Race: Avian-beast Kin]
[Attribute: Dark]
[Mana: 1500]
[Attack: 1500]
[Defense: 1400]
[Ultimate Skills: Shadow Veil, Provocation]
As a three-stat-maxed “Shadow” series Mana Guidance Ball, the “Shadow Demon Bull” only had two ultimate skills.
One was the common “Shadow Veil,” and the other was its value— “Provocation”!
“Provocation” was a taunt skill, although single-target, it could ignite the target’s anger, making them relentlessly pursue the “Shadow Demon Bull” until it regained consciousness.
This “Shadow Demon Bull” existed solely to protect the “Ghost Vessel”!
Stewart Fane immediately commanded after summoning it, “Identify your opponent, provoke the black Magical Beast.”
“Moo!” The “Shadow Demon Bull” responded, climbing up the wall, drawing its giant axe, and seriously eyeing the approaching “Magical Beast: Moon Eevee”…
“Moom!” The “Moon Eevee” emitted a sound, releasing “Evil Fluctuation” during its run.
The terrifying evil energy burst instantly, hitting both the “Shadow Demon Bull” and the “Shadow Demon” and “Baby Blue-Eye Dragon.”
The “Shadow Demon Bull” stood on the wall, with no shadows to hide in, and was immediately affected, almost vomiting blood.
“Moo!” It let out a deeper roar at that moment, releasing the ultimate skill “Provocation” on the “Magical Beast: Moon Eevee,” as if fearing it wouldn’t be killed.
Indeed, for a minotaur in the shadows, death was the only salvation.
When the “Magical Beast: Moon Eevee” was provoked and changed its route, Stewart Fane summoned a new Mana Guidance Ball.
It was a massive cauldron nearly two meters tall!
This cauldron was pale, with ceramic-like surfaces engraved with black ghost motifs, and two serpents twisted into a vine shape forming the handles.
Despite being only a three-star Mana Guidance Ball, it exuded a terrifying aura, resembling a deep abyss.
Dark had a deep impression of this Mana Guidance Ball, knowing it could summon homologous and homologous attribute Mana Guidance Balls not higher than itself in tier by consuming ghost and dark energy.
[Card Name: Ghost Vine Pot]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ???]
[Race: Undead]
[Attributes: Ghost/Dark]
[Mana: 1600]
[Attack: 0]
[Defense: 100]
[Ultimate Skill: Ghost King of the Pot]
At the Easter Duel Festival, Stewart Fane used this “Ghost Vine Pot” to special-summon the six-star giant python, “Ghost King of the Pot!”
“Eat, howl, and be born! Ghost King of the Pot!”
Stewart Fane spread his arms, eyes stern, shouting loudly.
The “Ghost Vine Pot’s” defense was only 100 points, easily destroyed in normal summoning.
But in this situation, being destroyed was advantageous, and not being destroyed was also advantageous!
“Huh—”
The lid of the “Ghost Vine Pot” automatically opened, revealing a pitch-black interior like a deep abyss.
A massive suction force emerged from the mouth, drawing in the remaining shadows and the wall formed by the “Shadow Tomb,” along with nearby walls being eroded and energy levels dropping rapidly.
A black vortex formed within the “Ghost Vine Pot,” emitting ghostly wails.
…
The fifth round was nearing its end.
Before passing the baton, the “Magical Beast: Eevee” used “Prayer” to take effect.
The “Magical Beast: Ditto” restored all its status under the effects of two “Prayers.”
The mana consumed by “Mewtwo” was completely replenished,
and the rigid state after using “Cannon Water Gun” was successfully resolved.
Moreover, Dark summoned the “Wrestler Eagle,” commanding it to attack the blue side’s Mana Guidance Ball.
The “Wrestler Eagle” spread its wings and charged towards the blue side’s Mana Guidance Ball.
The “Magical Beast: Ditto” transformed into “Mewtwo” near the wall, climbing up alongside it and charging towards the blue side.
…
“Drip!”
The “Battle Countdown (6)” began instantly.
The sixth round countdown started.
Both hands quickly drew cards.
Dark failed to stop the special summon of the “Ghost Vine Pot.” From within, a ghostly scream echoed, and a massive black python emerged violently.
Standing upright, it towered over the wall, its snake eyes emitting a cold, ferocious light.
It was the six-star Mana Guidance Ball—”Ghost King of the Pot”!
With all their hidden cards revealed, this duel was thoroughly white-hot.
[Card Name: Ghost King of the Pot]
[Type: Elemental Card]
[Level: ??????]
[Race: Undead]
[Attributes: Ghost/Dark]
[Mana: 2600]
[Attack: 2800]
[Defense: 1700]
[Ultimate Skills: Stamp of the Goblet, Sealing Goblet, Snake Demon Revelry]
The neck of the “Ghost King of the Pot” had large folds, and its tail tip was ethereal like a ghost.
It suddenly shrieked, releasing the ultimate skill—”Snake Demon Revelry,” summoning dozens of ghost snakes!
…
[Only two days left! If you don’t use your Moon Tickets, they’ll expire! Has the dark era of reaching 16k words per day and still begging for votes finally arrived? (? ? ?)]
[There’s no choice, I’ll just have to burst again after waking up.]
