"My turn!"
Yugi drew a card.
"I Normal Summon [Curse of Dragon] in Attack Position!"
The golden-scaled [Curse of Dragon] appeared on the field.
"Battle Phase!"
With a sweep of his arm, Yugi declared the attack without hesitation!
He had to probe his opponent's defenses—especially that Set Trap!
Just as he was about to command the attack—
"Now!"
Yuto Tenshou's voice cut like a drawn blade as he slammed a button on his Duel Disk.
"Trap Card activate—[Newtype Sensing]!"
Yugi didn't look too surprised.
"Yugi!"
Yuto's eyes locked on him, his voice pressing like a weight.
"According to [Newtype Sensing]'s effect, I secretly choose one of your monsters!"
His finger tapped rapidly over his Duel Disk's interface—the choice known only to him and the system.
"Listen well! If, during this Battle Phase, you declare an attack with the monster I chose—"
He paused deliberately, sharpening his tone.
"That monster will be destroyed immediately! And—you'll take damage equal to its original Attack!"
A secret choice!
The ghostly image of the Elmeth loomed faintly—if Yugi attacked with the chosen monster, it would solidify.
Yugi looked at his field.
[Curse of Dragon] had 2000 Attack. If Yuto picked it, one attack would cost him the duel outright.
Meanwhile, [Celtic Guardian] had 1400 Attack. Even if Yuto had chosen it, the damage wouldn't be fatal.
The logic seemed clear… Yugi's mind raced.
'Normally, to avoid instant defeat, I should not attack first with [Curse of Dragon].'
'So Yuto may anticipate that, and choose [Celtic Guardian] instead—'
'Then, if I try to probe safely with [Celtic Guardian], I'll walk right into his trap, losing it and taking 1400 damage for nothing!'
'Yet… Yuto Tenshou… how many layers are you thinking ahead?'
'Would you anticipate my caution, and counter it by picking [Celtic Guardian]?'
'Or expect me to see that, and still choose [Curse of Dragon]?'
'Or… something even deeper?'
The nameless Pharaoh ran countless scenarios in an instant.
Finally, his precise calculation of risk versus gain tipped the scales.
"[Celtic Guardian]!"
Yugi's voice was steady, his arm swinging decisively toward Yuto's Set monster.
"Attack the face-down monster!"
The safest choice!
Even if Yuto had indeed picked [Celtic Guardian], the cost was bearable.
More importantly, he could clear the face-down and test [Newtype Sensing]'s lock!
"Hmph! As expected—you chose [Celtic Guardian]!"
Yuto's eyes glinted as his lips curved knowingly.
"[Newtype Sensing] effect activates—the monster you picked is exactly the one I locked! [Celtic Guardian]—destroyed! And take its original Attack as damage!"
VMMM—!
Around [Celtic Guardian], remote bits and the looming Elmeth solidified, unleashing devastating fire!
The loyal green warrior had no time to cry out—his body was obliterated in a hail of energy!
Then the psychic backlash struck Yugi like a hammer!
"Urgh…"
His Life Points dropped rapidly!
"As expected of you, Yuto…"
Steadying himself, Yugi's eyes met his opponent's with wary respect.
Such precise psychological prediction—truly impressive!
Nevertheless, he pressed on.
"[Curse of Dragon]! Continue the attack! Destroy that Set card—Dark Fireball!!"
The dragon roared skyward, jade flames blazing in its jaws, before unleashing a torrent that consumed Yuto's Set monster!
The card flipped and shattered—it was [FF-B/2 Flying Manta Bomber]!
At 2000 Attack, it stood no chance and burned to ashes instantly.
"Turn end."
Though he had lost [Celtic Guardian] and taken damage, Yugi had cleared Yuto's defense, leaving [Curse of Dragon] on the field.
The duel was still in his grasp!
Pressure shifted back to Yuto!
"My turn!"
Yuto's fingers swept across his Deck with steely resolve.
"Draw!!!"
The card slid free—its white Mobile Suit illustration made his heart leap!
[GQuuuuuuX Gundam]!
And in his hand—[Unlock Psycommu System]…
Perfect! The ace and the key, together!
"Yugi!"
His voice brimmed with confidence and sharpness like never before.
"Behold the embodiment of Zeon's forbidden technology! I Normal Summon—[GQuuuuuuX Gundam]!!!"
KABOOOM—!
A blinding white light split the Duel Arena!
With a thunderous crash of steel and the roar of engines, a sleek, sharp-lined Mobile Suit in white, blue, and red armor descended mightily!
Its mono-eye gleamed crimson, sweeping the battlefield!
Hydraulics hissed deep in its joints—the latent power beneath its streamlined armor was chilling!
"And now!"
Without hesitation, Yuto slammed down his second card, his voice exalting in fervor.
"Equip Spell activate—[Unlock Psycommu System]!!!"
VRRRRMMMM—!!!
An indescribable resonance rang out, vibrating to the core of the soul!
Countless glowing circuitry patterns crawled alive across [GQuuuuuuX Gundam]'s armor, igniting brilliantly!
Its mono-eye blazed with a soul-piercing scarlet glare! Its Attack and Defense skyrocketed amidst surging waves of energy!
"The shackles of taboo are broken! Psycommu System—maximum output!!"
Yuto's voice rang like divine judgment as he thrust his arm toward Yugi's dragon.
"[GQuuuuuuX Gundam]! Target—[Curse of Dragon]! Beam Rifle—full power!!"
...
If you want to support, please consider Patreon, and read advanced chapters! Your support keeps this series going!
[Patreon.com/RedZTL]