novelhk #1560 - Say goodbye to your rainbow dragon!
#1560 - Say goodbye to your rainbow dragon!
Chapter 1563: Say Goodbye to Your Rainbow Dragon!
“Ahem, let's skip the previous topic for now.” Choosing to gloss over the awkward issue of the [Rainbow Dragon] tablet, Johan glanced at the six cards in his hand and said, “But regardless, I've now completed my defensive setup with [Rainbow Ancient City - Rainbow Ruins]."
“With three or more [Crystal Beast] cards in my back row, although I don't know what your set cards are, Jaden, I'm sure they won't have a chance to activate, because I have three [Crystal Beast]s on my field that can negate them.”
“Because this effect only requires three [Crystal Beast]s, I'll use a [Rare Value] first, sending a random [Crystal Beast] from my Spell \u0026 Trap Zone to the Graveyard to draw two cards from the Deck.”
A jewel shattered in Johan's back row, the green emerald representing [Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise]. Johan drew two cards from his Deck and solemnly placed [Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise] in the Graveyard for the time being.
“But Johan, if you use all your [Crystal Beast]s to stop me from activating Spell/Trap Cards, how are you going to win?” Jaden tilted his head. “I have a powerful monster like [E·Hero Sunrise] on my field, you know.”
“There's a saying, 'Soldiers against soldiers, generals against generals.' Using this card is better for dealing with your powerful [E·Hero], Jaden, right?”
Johan said, showing a card in his hand: “By sending all three face-up Continuous Spell Cards on my field to the Graveyard, I Special Summon!”
“The hidden demon who knows the past and future and manipulates hearts! Master of thunder and ice, descend here—[Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder]!”
Thunder from the sky struck the ground, shattering the large chunk of ice that had formed. From the ice shards, a dark yellow figure descended behind Johan. Its thin, bony wings spread open with a violent flap, shaking off the ice shards.
Ultimate Crystal God - Hamon (confirmed), appears!
[Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder] [10☆/LIGHT]
[Thunder/Special Summon/Effect]
[4000/4000]
Many years ago, Dark Bakura used the three Sacred Beast tablets that Daitokuji had collected at the time to create “Sacred Beast” cards, intending to use them in Duel City to prevent anyone from collecting the “Three God” cards, but he failed and ended up delivering them all to Hayato.
Dark Bakura, who created the three “Sacred Beast” cards at the time, was surprisingly pure despite being the will of the Great Evil God. He never even thought of sacrificing other people's lives to create more powerful “Sacred Beast” cards, mainly because the power he could release alone was enough to complete the “Sacred Beast” cards with full effects under the support of the tablets.
Later, Kagemaru was almost there, using the power of “Darkness” and collecting energy for five years from the “Seven Star Gate” on Duel Academy Island. He barely managed to create three “Sacred Beast” cards through his duel with Hayato. Although the effects were the same as the originals, the card art was much worse and not as refined as the original in Hayato's hand.
After defeating Kagemaru, Hayato, being a thrifty and outstanding young man who couldn't stand waste, naturally displayed the virtue of saving and retrieved several cards from Kagemaru and remade them. The [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder] that Johan played now was made based on those cards.
Although no real “Sacred Beast” resided within, it could barely be considered an outlet for the “Sacred Beast” to release its power. Moreover, precisely because no real “Sacred Beast” resided within, Johan didn't have to be too careful when using this [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder], and there was no risk of affecting the duel and turning it into a dark game.
On the card art, Hayato reset it to the exquisite real card version, but the effect was also reduced to the real card version effect due to being stripped of its demonic nature, lacking the common resistance of the “Sacred Beast”.
“The cards I sent to the Graveyard are [Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat], [Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth], and [Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle]. [Crystal Beast]s are treated as Continuous Spell Cards when they are in my back row. In a way, [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder] and the [Crystal Beast] Deck have excellent synergy.”
“But because the number of [Crystal Beast]s has decreased, the effect of [Rainbow Ancient City - Rainbow Ruins] completely disappears.” After making the move to send his [Crystal Beast]s to the Graveyard, Johan couldn't help but miss his family. “Then, the Spell Card [Pot of Avarice] returns the five monsters in my Graveyard—[Maxx “C”], [Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise], [Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat], [Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth], and [Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle]—to the Deck and shuffles it, and I draw two cards from the Deck.”
“Next, I activate the second Continuous Spell Card [Crystal Tree], and then activate this Equip Spell Card, [Golden Rule]!”
“It seems that because your duel with me is so pleasant, Jaden, the energy released by the [Crystal Beast]s is almost unprecedented, greatly advancing the progress of [Rainbow Dragon]'s awakening, and the already activated [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder] is also helping.” Johan said, raising his hand. “Then—let the seven colors gather here as one, building a bridge of hope and miracles, Wagatamashi!”
“Special Summon, [Ultimate Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon]!”
The pure white dragon with a pair of angel-like wings on its back descended onto the field, surrounded by the [Crystal Beast]s that Johan had called back from his Deck.
[Ultimate Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon] (Golden Rule) [8☆/LIGHT]
[Dragon/Effect]
[3000/0]
Although it was visibly noticeable that the current [Ultimate Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon] was still in an underdeveloped state, its wings were not strong enough, the scales on its body had not completely taken shape, and even the jewels embedded in its body were not bright enough and were somewhat dim. Compared to the expected [Ultimate Crystal God], the current [Ultimate Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon] could only be considered a “newborn” form.
However, this was still enough to make Johan's heart burn with excitement, and Jaden also felt a surge of emotion!
After all, they had witnessed a card spirit awaken from its ancient slumber. The effect area of the [Ultimate Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon], which had no text written on it, was now gradually being filled with text. The card was completely completed at this moment!
Johan and Jaden looked at each other, not at all like opponents competing for the right to continue participating in the “World's Second Best Martial Arts Tournament,” and said in unison: “[Ultimate Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon], Gotcha!”
“Being able to see the rare scene of the true birth of [Ultimate Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon], it's worth it even if I lose the duel now!”
Hearing Jaden's classic bloodthirsty spectator remarks, Johan smiled: “But you wouldn't be happy if I just let you lose like that, Jaden.”
“You really understand me, Johan, because I still want to see what kind of wonderful and interesting duel we can have if I continue to fight with you. Although I'm already very satisfied with just the birth of [Ultimate Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon], I'm still greedily craving more, such as—[Ultimate Crystal God Rainbow Dragon]!”
Jaden smirked. “Johan, I'm doing something greedy, try to stop me!”
“Okay, then you just watch, Jaden!” Looking at his monster zone filled with monsters and the one remaining spot in his back row, Johan didn't rush to play more cards, but instead reminded him, “Because [Golden Rule] placed [Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle] and [Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth] face-up in my Spell \u0026 Trap Zone as Continuous Spell Cards, the [Gem Counter] on [Crystal Tree] increases by one.”
[Johan Anderson: 4000LP, Hand 6→7→6→7→5]
[Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle] [ATK300]
[Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus] [ATK1800]
[Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger] [ATK1600]
[Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder] [ATK4000]
Back Row: [Crystal Beast Cobalt Eagle] [Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth] [Crystal Tree] [Gem Counter 0→1]
Field: [Rainbow Ancient City - Rainbow Ruins]
“You just used up the [Crystal Beast]s in your back row, and now you're about to gather three [Crystal Beast]s in your back row again?” Seeing this, Jaden preemptively pressed the button to activate his set card before Johan could activate the Quick-Play effect of [Crystal Tree]. “Then I'll take this opportunity to activate one of my set cards!”
“Quick-Play Spell Card [Mask Change Second]! By discarding one card from my hand, I can target one face-up monster on my field. Send that monster to the Graveyard, and Special Summon one [Masked HERO] monster from my Extra Deck with the same Attribute and a higher Level as that monster as [Mask Change]'s effect!”
Facing Johan, who was using a [Crystal Beast] Deck with an outdated system, Jaden unreservedly pulled out [Masked HERO]. “The target monster I'm selecting is—the WIND Attribute [Neo-Spacian Air Hummingbird]! Although they don't have the [HERO] category, they are also cosmic heroes from 'Neo-Space'!”
After a pause, Jaden waved his hand and shouted, “Form-Change! Cyclone!”
“Black storm swirls, emerald wind rolls! Obtain the will of steel and the speed of light, evolve!”
“Special Summon, Level 6☆!” The rising gale swirled around Jaden as he raised the card in his hand and shouted the card name, “Strike! [Masked HERO Gust]!”
The black battle suit had dark green armor embedded in it, and the light green color separation prevented it from looking too monotonous. The hero of the gale also had a red scarf around his neck, with the excess ends fluttering in the wind. No one could tell that he had just transformed from [Neo-Spacian Air Hummingbird].
[Masked HERO Gust] [6☆/WIND]
[Warrior/Fusion/Effect]
[2200/1800]
Although [Neo-Spacian Air Hummingbird] left Jaden's field, [Masked HERO Gust], which replaced its position, was also a WIND Attribute monster. The ATK boost provided by [E·Hero Sunrise] was still 600 points, raising [Masked HERO Gust]'s ATK to 2800 points.
[Jaden Yuki: 6000LP, Hand 1]
[E·Hero Sunrise] [ATK3100]
[Masked HERO Gust] [ATK2200→2800]
[E·Hero Solid Soldier] [ATK1900]
Back Row: [Set Card] X2
Of course, Jaden didn't have to choose [Masked HERO] with higher ATK, such as [Masked HERO Kamikaze], which he had used in his duel with Aster, which not only couldn't be destroyed by battle but also restricted the opponent to only attacking with one monster during the Battle Phase. In terms of defensive performance, it far surpassed [Masked HERO Gust], making it perfect for blocking attacks from [Ultimate Crystal God—I mean [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder], which has 4000 ATK, and [Ultimate Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon], which has 3000 ATK.
However, the key to determining the outcome of a duel doesn't lie in the ATK of the cards, but rather in the synergy between the cards.
For example, if Johan continues to maintain the state of having three or more [Crystal Beast]s in his back row, Jaden won't be able to activate any of his set cards in front of him, who has prepared enough [Crystal Beast] monsters. But while [Rainbow Ancient City - Rainbow Ruins] hasn't restored its suppression effect on Spell \u0026 Trap Cards, Jaden decisively activated [Mask Change] to Special Summon [Masked HERO Gust], what he's doing—
Is precisely its offensive effect, which has a strong restraining effect on Spell \u0026 Trap Cards, unlike [Masked HERO Kamikaze], which has a strong ability to resist monster attacks and is more defensive!
“If [Masked HERO Gust] is Special Summoned, you can target one face-up monster on your opponent's field and halve its ATK. I choose [Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder].”
After a pause, Jaden chained [Masked HERO Gust]'s other effect, “And during either player's turn, by paying 500 Life Points, I can activate [Masked HERO Gust]'s second effect by targeting one Spell/Trap Card on your field! Return the target card to the hand!”
[Jaden Yuki: 6000→5500LP, Hand 1]
The most powerful aspect of 【M·HERO Gust】 isn't destruction or sending to the graveyard, but its ability to return cards to the hand. Although this effect can effectively counter 【Rainbow Overdragon】's resistance to destruction by card effects granted by 【Rainbow Ruins】, returning it to Johan's hand is meaningless.
The same goes for the 【Crystal Beast】 monsters, which are Continuous Spell Cards. Even with one missing, Johan can quickly replace it with 【Crystal Tree】 on the field. And bouncing the 【Crystal Tree】 with only one 【Gem Counter】 just frees up a zone for Johan. In this situation, the most suitable card for Jaden to bounce is—
【Golden Rule】!?
Johan looked surprised as Jaden selected the Equip Spell Card on his back row.
【Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder】 whose attack power is about to be reduced to 2000 isn't a threat to me anymore. Instead, 【Rainbow Dragon】's 3000 attack power still puts considerable pressure on me.
I heard it clearly when you were dueling, Johan. 【Golden Rule】 destroys the equipped monster when it leaves the field, right?
Although it's a bit of a shame to see it go, say goodbye to your 【Rainbow Dragon】, Johan!
【M·HERO Gust】 summoned a gust of wind, kicking up sand and stones. The sandstorm seemed to completely engulf the arena where they were standing. Within this gale, 【Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder】's power withered. It couldn't unleash the "thunder" in its name, and even its signature frost attack weakened significantly.
More importantly, with the sound of glass shattering, 【Golden Rule】 was blown back into Johan's hand. 【Golden Rule】, which can only be activated once per turn, couldn't be activated again even if it returned to Johan's hand. And 【Rainbow Dragon】, who appeared with the help of 【Golden Rule】, let out a soft roar before becoming transparent and shattering into diamond stardust.
However, even Jaden didn't expect that in the next moment after 【Rainbow Dragon】 shattered, the rainbow light accumulated within it seemed to seize the opportunity to break free from its restraints and soar into the sky, transforming into a pillar of rainbow light!?
Oops, a big miscalculation. How could I forget that 【Rainbow Dragon】 is also a 【Crystal Beast】.
Jaden said with some regret, "The destroyed 【Rainbow Dragon】 appears in the back row as a Continuous Spell Card, just like other 【Crystal Beasts】?
Thanks to your interaction, Jaden, another 【Gem Counter】 has been added to my 【Crystal Tree】, but more importantly! I've seen it, Jaden!
【Crystal Tree】 【Gem Counter 1 → 2】
Looking at the Continuous Spell Card in his back row—the pillar of light that reached the sky—Johan's cheeks flushed slightly with excitement. "I've seen it! The perfect position! The rainbow bridge leading to the other side!"
Years of power accumulation awakened 【Rainbow Dragon】, then 【Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder】 brought enough energy to activate its second effect as a Continuous Spell Card, and finally, under the pressure from 【M·HERO Gust】, its third effect was completed!
By banishing 【Rainbow Dragon】 as a Continuous Spell Card, I activate its third effect: Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 【Crystal Beast】 from my Deck with its effects negated, and add this card from my Deck to my hand!
【Crystal Beast】, 【Rainbow Dragon】, and...
Reaching into the rainbow-like pillar of light, Johan suddenly drew a card.
Imitating a certain president's floor draw, Johan performed a light pillar draw for Jaden, pulling a card from the dissipating rainbow light—a card with an image very similar to 【Rainbow Dragon】, but one looked like a Champion form and the other like an Ultimate form!
Transcend time and space, exert all your strength, and come to my side! The stage for your descent is about to be completed! Awaken! My soul!!
【Rainbow Dragon】!!!
The baby Crystal Beast Rainbow Dragon, the Champion Rainbow Dragon, the wrongly evolved Rainbow Dark Dragon, and the Ultimate Rainbow Bridge Dragon and Super Ultimate Rainbow Dragon Transcend. The Rainbow Dragon Digimon theory is established.
Also, yesterday's Lantern Festival breakfast was glutinous rice balls with lard and sesame filling, the midday meal was matcha-flavored dry glutinous rice balls, and the evening meal was fried meat-filled glutinous rice balls, the most sweet-and-savory-inclusive episode (burp~