Scalding steam erupted from the ancient metal structure, with massive gears turning and clicking crisply. The ancient iron body burst forth from beneath the medieval Geartown, as if awakening from an endless slumber, towering majestically.
Ancient Gear Golem, Summon!
This card is known as a top tier Rare Card in GX, and is the personal symbol of the elite instructor, Professor Chronos. It's the crystallization of ancient craftsmen's wisdom, a giant emerging from a dark mechanical era, filled with a rustic and robust mechanical feel, with huge gears on its chest meshing and rotating like an ancient clock frozen in the Middle Ages.
[Ancient Gear Golem, ATK 3000]
"As expected of Professor Chronos." As the sole spectator, Principal Samejima nodded with arms crossed, "He summoned such an ace right at the start."
"It's not over yet, Norne!"
Chronos proudly raised his arms.
"Field Magic 'Geartown' also has an effect! When Geartown is sent to the graveyard after being destroyed, you can choose one 'Ancient Gear' monster from your hand, deck, or graveyard to Special Summon, Norne!"
Another card was ejected from Chronos's deck in his chest, drawn and held in his hand.
"Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Dragon, Special Summon from the Deck!!!"
The shattered Geartown began to tremble, with a humming sound emanating from its broken steam boiler. The remnants of steel writhed, as if a great new creation was about to emerge from the ruinous rubble.
Geartown's debris began to move, with countless fragments sweeping aside like waves of metal. Within the wreckage, a pair of broad wings unfurled—the skeletal wings of steel. A massive dragon soared into the sky with grandeur, displaying the stern yet fierce aesthetic of industrial creation.
[Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Dragon, ATK 3000]
"Starting with two monsters with 3000 attack?" Principal Samejima looked impressed, "Professor Chronos is definitely in great form."
"Of course, Norne!" Chronos became spirited, not daring to be careless, "Against Mr. Youyu, you must exert one hundred... no, a thousand percent strength!"
He drew another card from his hand.
"I set a card on the field, ending my turn, Norne!"
Youyu's gaze slowly scanned across the giant industrial monster and mechanical dragon, with a slight smile.
Ancient Gear is indeed one of the most distinctive decks of the GX era, possibly also one of the top tier in strength among the decks produced in that generation of anime.
Although Professor Chronos often played a comedic role, many times due to plot needs, he didn't even have a chance to play cards like a mere bystander. Yet, neither his deck nor his personal skill would be easily denied by most duelists.
Despite being defeated by Yuki Judai in the first episode of GX, becoming a stepping stone to accentuate the protagonist, he proved his strength in subsequent plots, especially when accepting Yuki Judai's "gratitude duel" near the finale, showing his true power as an elite educator.
Some believe that the first battle with Judai, considering it was just an entrance exam and the opponent was an inconspicuous underdog, Chronos may have taken it lightly and underestimated his opponent.
However, Chronos's skill as a Duelist is not weak, Youyu knew this.
"My turn, draw a card." Youyu said, "First, activate Magic Card - Pot of Greed to draw two cards from the deck."
Youyu started with a "Pot of Greed," and a green pot resembling Professor Chronos popped out, leading to a humorous moment as they stared each other down.
"Next, summon 'Berry Magician Girl' in Attack Position."
Radiant luminescent magic array formed, as the small-winged magical girl flew out slowly, nibbling on a pacifier with joyful giggles.
[Berry Magician Girl, ATK 400]
"Berry Magician Girl's effect." Youyu said, "When summoned, add 'Magician Girl' from the deck to the hand. I add 'Dark Magician Girl' to my hand."
"Magician deck?" Chronos concentrated on the duel.
It's well known that Duel King Youyu's signature deck is the "Hero" series, but not many can push him to use that deck. Chronos didn't initially have such expectations.
Aside from the famed Hero series, Duel King Youyu is renowned for skillfully wielding multiple themed decks. Statistics show that the Magician Girl series is also one of his most commonly used decks, a desire for many duelists.
The reason is simple. In any dimension or realm, gentlemen have little resistance to slim-waisted, long-legged, fair-skinned Magician Girls.
"Quick-Play Magic - Magical Dimension!" Youyu said, "When a Spellcaster-Type exists on your field, you can offer one monster on the field as a tribute to Special Summon a Spellcaster-Type monster from your hand.
I offer 'Berry Magician Girl' as a tribute to Special Summon 'Dark Magician Girl'!"
Transparent arrays opened again beneath the magical girl, yet the crystalline lines soon ignited in black flames, transforming into a new array.
Dark beams of light ascended, as the magic girl spun forth. Her staff gently twirled, silky long hair shimmering like gold, with emerald eyes mischievously blinking, her radiant and graceful form exuding youthful energy.
[Dark Magician Girl, ATK 2000]
"The subsequent effect of 'Magical Dimension.'" Youyu said, "Destroy one enemy monster on the field. Destroy 'Ancient Gear Gadjiltron Dragon.'
A pure golden blast shot from the center of the closed alloy coffin, piercing through the air like a beam of light. It sharply soared, striking squares against the tumultuous dragon. The mechanical structure instantaneously shattered, and half of the wings exploded into fragments. The dragon collapsed into pieces, scattering all around.
"Ah, my mechanical dragon, so easily..." Chronos dramatically clutched his cheeks.
But he quickly recovered: "But the attack of the magic girl is only 2000, and my ancient gear golem is still on the field. Her attack power isn't enough..."
As soon as Chronos spoke, he realized something was off.
He saw the magic girl on the rival field, who seemed to puff her rosy cheeks at the comment, looking at him fuming.
Who are you calling not enough? The girl pouted.
Looking like a Pot of Greed, yet still dares to belittle me!
My master has never called me insufficient!
Chronos suddenly remembered, didn't Duel King have a dozen monster spirits?
Thinking about this, he promptly shut up.
Better not say much, in case any spirits hold grudges, it won't be good...
To Youyu, Ancient Gear was indeed a worthy opponent.
The new power of black magic, the perfect opportunity for testing.
"Magic Card - Polymerization!" Youyu said, "Fusion 'Dark Magician Girl,' on the field, with 'Dark Magician' in hand!"
The tall figure wrapped in black robes flew out from the array, with magic surging like a swirling black storm. The black staff swirled in midair, with the tip gleaming like a gem, cutting a dazzling arc in the sky. The magician raised his right hand, grasping the swirling staff like holding the authority of black magic.
Chronos's face changed slightly: "Fusion of the Dark Magician... and Dark Magician Girl?"
"The bonds of master and apprentice shall open the forbidden gates of black magic! The ultimate power of magic, transcending three millennia, is unleashed here—
—The Dark Magicians, Fusion Summon!!!