The earth cracked open to three giant shadows, countless gears meshing together. The parts assembled precisely, countless complex mechanical devices combined, and the three gigantic figures quickly grew taller. Their scarlet mechanical eyes lit up, precisely locking onto the target they were set to attack.
Ancient Gear Golem trio, all summoned!
[Ancient Gear Golem, ATK 3000] x3
"Quite impressive, Professor Chronos," said Principal Samejima, unable to restrain his admiration, "Summoning three Ancient Gear Golems at once—a sight not often seen."
Even Duel King Youyu agreed, "It is indeed remarkable."
That's a fact being acknowledged. Despite the development over the years, the overall level of background Duelists in the GX era has significantly improved compared to the past, but the extent is still limited.
Even in the current era, being able to bring out three monsters with 3000 attack points in one turn is quite extraordinary. Even in the Professional League, such a player would be considered a formidable figure, standing above the rest.
Cronos was filled with joy.
Recognition from the Duel King himself!
At this rate, there's a chance at becoming an outstanding teacher! Promotion and raise, becoming a principal, joining the high society, reaching the pinnacle of life...
Thinking of this, the teacher couldn't help but start grinning foolishly...
"Cough cough, Professor Cronos, we're still in a duel." Principal Samejima reminded him, lest Cronos gets distracted and drools.
"Oh... oh." He snapped back to focus, "Then let's battle, Norne! Ancient Gear Golem, attack 'The Dark Magicians'!"
The three gigantic mechanical entities simultaneously moved, the ancient giants stepping heavily, causing the ground to tremble.
The first machine swung its fist, mechanical gears rumbling within its arm, accompanied by sounds of components clashing and metal grinding. The iron fist surged like a cannonball, white steam gushing from its mechanical joints.
The body of the mechanical giant from the dark ages harbored terrifying power, unmatched even by the combined force of the Magician duo.
The pair gestured with their magic staffs, joining their strengths to cast a circular magic barrier, which was shattered under the overwhelming impact.
[Youyu, LP 4000 → LP 3800]
"But there's the effect of 'The Dark Magicians'," Youyu announced, "When destroyed, summon from the deck or the graveyard: Dark Magician or Dark Magician Girl.
I Special Summon 'Dark Magician Girl' from the graveyard and another 'Dark Magician' from the deck!
The duo's combination was broken, but the two mages remained on the field. They each jumped away in opposite directions, landing on either side of their master, vigilantly holding their magic staffs across their chests.
[Dark Magician, ATK 2500]
[Dark Magician Girl, ATK 2000]
Ancient Gear Golems have a piercing effect when attacking Defense Position monsters, so even if one tries switching the monster to Defense Position to resist damage, it wouldn't make a difference.
Here, Youyu simply kept the summoned monsters in Attack Position, which would at least reduce some damage intake.
"Then the second Ancient Gear Golem, attack 'Dark Magician of Chaos'!"
Clearly, Cronos felt that the forbidden chaos mage posed a greater threat than the ordinary Dark Magicians, and thus prioritized dealing with it.
The formidable iron fist struck the mage clad in dark attire, shattering the realm of chaos under the assault of steam and machinery.
[Youyu, LP 3800 → LP 3600]
"It's not over yet!" Cronos exclaimed excitedly, "The third Ancient Gear Golem, attack Dark Magician Girl!"
"When Dark Magician Girl has a 'Dark Magician' in the graveyard, her attack increases by 300," said Youyu.
[Dark Magician Girl, ATK 2000 → ATK 2300]
Of course, this increment was nowhere near enough, but it was better than nothing.
The giant advanced with a mountain-like pressure, its terrifying force overwhelming. The girl covered her eyes, lowering her head in fright, soon consumed by the fierce winds of the fist and the explosion's impact.
[Youyu, LP 3600 → LP 2900]
"Set two cards face-down, turn ends, Norne!"
Cronos ended the turn, feeling his heart pounding in his chest, growing increasingly exhilarated.
He felt he was getting into the groove!
Youyu closed his eyes, calmly enduring the virtual impact from the holographic projections, a slight smile forming at the corner of his lips.
Indeed, a very effective attack, showing that this elite teacher displayed the strength he had anticipated.
"My turn." Youyu drew a card.
This was precisely why Youyu sought him out, to verify his strength, and that this teacher could complete the task Youyu planned to entrust him with.
Of course, that was a matter for after the duel.
First, Youyu revealed the versatile magic card he retrieved last turn through the effect of 'Dark Magician of Chaos', the Pot of Greed...
"Magic Card 'Pot of Greed', draw two cards."
Cronos swallowed nervously.
Though the Dark Magician's attack power of 2500 seemed no match for the Ancient Gear Golem, he knew it was just an appearance.
The Dark Magician's might lay not within itself, but in the countless Black Magic spells and dedicated spells.
Cronos had no doubt that Youyu would mount a powerful counterattack this turn. Yet, even with three Ancient Gear Golems on the field—a luxurious ensemble—even the Duel King couldn't possibly dismantle it easily.
Youyu showcased a card in his hand, raising it high above his head. Before activating it, the card's surface erupted in a brilliant radiance.
"Magic Card 'Timaeus the Knight of Destiny'!"
Cronos's face fell instantly.
"Mama mia! Legendary Dragon, Norne!"
Years ago, Dartz was defeated by some of Earth's strongest duelists. Over time, that legend spread among the masses, inevitably involving the story of those "Legendary Dragons".
Now, the Legendary Dragons have become legends among duelists. It's known that the Legendary Dragons left this world after Doma's demise, leaving only Duel King Youyu with the last 'Timaeus the Knight of Destiny'.
The one and only remaining card in the world.
Another reason why the first Duel King became a legend.
"Timaeus the Knight of Destiny's effect—send the 'Black Magic' monster from the field to the graveyard as Fusion Material, and with it, Fusion Summon using the Fusion Monster that requires that monster!"
A colossal dragon soared from the magic card, spreading its wings and circling in the air. Dark Magician soared together, and both transformed into beams piercing through the sky, converging into a golden vortex.
"Combining the spell of Black Magic with the courage of warriors, banishing darkness into light—the magic knight—
"—Dark Cavalry, Summon!!!"