All along, Judai has believed that if there really needs to be a "sacrifice," he could choose to sacrifice himself.
But, does this "sacrifice" truly come without "costs"?
His friends, his classmates, won't they suffer because of his own "sacrifice"?
Even though he previously thought it didn't matter, as long as everyone was safe, in reality, the "costs" will still remain with those classmates and friends who experience pain due to his injury or disappearance.
This is also a "cost."
Powerful cards always come with risks.
As a duelist, he must be prepared to pay the "COST," and that's the right way.
"I understand, Professor!" Judai shouted excitedly, "Then, I'm going in!"
Judai looked at the cards in his hand.
Instant Contact, Monster Reborn, and Poison Bomber—
Instant Contact allows the payment of 1000 Life Points to Special Summon a Fusion Monster ignoring its summoning conditions.
Judai initially thought to experiment with Lightning Golem's monster effect and the Professor's Set Card first, and if it didn't succeed in destruction, then as a last resort, Special Summon the "Shining Neos" directly to destroy Dong Zhuo, so that even at the end, he should still have 200 Life Points left to use.
But it seems, the Professor doesn't have means to stop it.
So, he can be at ease.
"Pay 1000 Life Points, activate Spell Card, Instant Contact."
"Special Summon 1 Fusion Monster of LV 7 or lower from Extra Deck, ignoring its summoning conditions.
Monster Special Summoned with this effect cannot attack if there is no Neos presence in player's field or Graveyard, its effects are negated, and it returns to Extra Deck at the end phase.
Special Summon!"
"Elemental Hero Air Neos!"
From the grave, Neos jumped out, a robust red bird-man's shadow enveloped it, and then it transformed into a crimson-winged warrior.
Wow—
Tenjo Hikari exclaimed in amazement from the audience.
Such an ultra-rare hero almost unseen in past ages!
Elemental Hero Air Neos, LV 7, Wind Attribute, Warrior-Type, Attack Power 2500.
"If player's Life Points are less than opponent's Life Points, Air Neos's Attack Power increases by that value."
"Whoa!?"
"Isn't that 3000 points!?"
"No, Professor also lost 600 points!"
"So... Air Neos's Attack Power rises by 2400 points!?"
Air Neos, ATK: 2500→4900.
Yuki Judai, LP: 2000→1000.
"It surpassed... Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!"
"Such a holy Fusion Monster, huh."
Judai surveyed his field.
The current situation seems quite promising.
Lightning Golem's ATK is 2400, Air Neos's ATK is 4900, Lü Feng's ATK is 2800, if successful attacks land, they'll deal far more than four thousand points of damage...
But what if the Professor's Set Card is a trap that either boosts ATK or reduces damage?
He turned his gaze to the Monster Reborn in his hand.
Initially, he intended to use a specific combo to retrieve Mask Change from the Deck into his hand with this card, only for Dong Ying to block it directly.
Given that, he'll not use it for now.
"Enter battle phase, use Air Neos to attack..."
Some classmates eagerly anticipated Judai defeating another professor.
Yet, others were not so optimistic.
"Too naive, Judai! Activate Lü Feng's effect, it can be activated once during each player's main phase. Destroy opponent's monster with the highest ATK!"
What—
Judai's eyes widened.
An effect targeting the monster with the highest ATK!
Lü Bu wielded his massive Heaven-piercing Halberd, swinging the long halberd towards Air Neos, ready to attack, and with a resounding bang, the monster shattered.
Judai stood dazed, watching the scene.
"Seems like, Judai, you still haven't grasped the 'scale.' A monster paid with 1000 Life Points, destroyed in an instant." Professor chuckled lightly.
"Damn it." Manjome's face changed, "Lü Bu's effect is actually directly to destroy the monster with the highest ATK... Before, the professor could have used that effect to destroy Lightning Golem, but he didn't, allowing Judai to operate freely, the fundamental reason being to lull Judai, making him ignore its ability! Thinking Dong Ying is the more troublesome one!"
"With this, what will Judai do?"
"Amazing, professor! If you had activated this card's effect earlier, my Lightning Golem wouldn't be able to destroy Dong Ying, right!?"
"Key cards must be used at crucial moments." Professor Moushou laughed heartily, raising his hand, "Now, Judai, you don't have any means to defeat Lü Feng, do you?"
"Normally, yes, but—Professor, you left me with possibility!"
"Possibility?" Moushou was taken aback.
Judai excitedly said, "As a duelist, as long as there's a sliver of hope, you can't give up on possibility, just like Tenjo's Polymerization, just like the guidance you provided me, right! Because you also believe in my capability, thus willing to duel with me!
Now, because you activated this effect, I won't enter the battle phase but will continue my main phase!"
Oh?
"Spell Card. Pot of Greed—"
"Ah?"
"Why?"
Many classmates couldn't understand.
Pot of Greed, this kind of card, shouldn't it be used at the beginning—
No way!