Want to play cards? I'll use my King's Deck!

"Use the power of this card to resurrect my god, return from the underworld, and protect me! 'Kaslia Pisco, the Earthbound God'!!"

"Kaslia Pisco, the Earthbound God, ATK: 2500"

The surrounding blue flames burned even more intensely, and the hummingbird earthbound god, which had disappeared for a time, cried out and descended again, its body even larger than "Osiris" standing shoulder to shoulder with it, confronting it head-on.

"Now that there's no 'Skill Drain,' 'Earthbound God Caslia Pisco' can unleash its full power. As long as 'Pisco' is on the field, it won't be targeted. Although its ATK will be reduced to 500 by 'Lightning Bolt,' none of your monsters will be able to cross 'Earthbound God's' barrier from now on!"

In addition, with its resistance to spells and traps, Yuuki cannot use quick-play spells like "Forbidden Grail" to clear the field.

It is truly an unbreakable barrier, and this is also the most powerful aspect of the "Earthbound God"—only I can hit you, but you cannot hit me.

In order to activate "Premature Burial," Yuki's HP is down to only 400. Even if "Pisco's" attack power is reduced to 500, it can still kill someone. This brat is too dangerous; I must eliminate him immediately next turn!

"Then let's chain 'Osiris' to activate the effect of 'Kuriboh'!"

However, even after hearing Grafa's declaration, Yu Xi's expression remained unchanged.

他冷静道：“1回合1次，丢弃1张陷阱卡，选择对方1只怪兽发动。那只怪兽的攻击力直到回合结束时下降1500。”

"Varied……!"

Before Grafa could finish his exclamation, the white-furred chestnut ball, which had just dealt with the "Dragon God," crashed into the hummingbird Earthbound God as if it had been deliberately provoked.

Despite their vastly different sizes, "Kuriboku Madoka," empowered by a Trap Card, manages to knock it off balance—the invincible "Earthbound God" has only one weakness: it cannot defend against monster effects.

"Earthbound God Caslia Pisco, ATK: 2500→1000"

"Once your attack power is reduced, [Summon Lightning Bolt] will be fully effective against your so-called 'Earthbound God'."

Yu Xi shouted, "Destroy that false god on the other side, 'Osiris'!"

The god's roar was like a deafening thunderclap, and azure lightning flashed three times, piercing the earthbound god's chest. The explosive flames instantly filled the entire night sky.

"Unexpectedly..."

There's only one reason you'll lose, Grafa!

Yuki said to the enemy, whose field was finally truly empty, "They underestimated us and the power of the Kuribohs!"

"So what if you underestimate me! I think you're the one underestimating the power of our god, brat!"

Coming to his senses, Grafa said in a low, agitated, and frantic voice, "Have you forgotten how carried away your pride? You destroyed 'Pisco,' bringing this terrible fate upon yourself!"

"The effect of 'Earthbound God Cassia Pisco' activates! Destroy all face-up monsters on your field and inflict damage to you equal to the number of those monsters x 800! [Netherworld Burial Flame]!!"

A burst of eerie blue flames erupted, using the remains of the hummingbird Earthbound God as a vessel, transforming into a fiery meteor that fell from the sky.

All "Earthbound Gods" are uniformly level 10 monsters, which are just outside the range of resistance against the Gem Gods. Even without considering this, when the Fire Meteor kills the innocent "Kuriko Madoka", it can still burn away Yuuki's remaining LP.

but……

"I haven't forgotten! It was because of this card that I dared to activate the effect of 'Kuriboh.' This is... the final 'Kuriboh'!"

Yu Xi stared at the fiery meteor and resolutely played his trump card—

"The effect of 'Clean Chestnut Ball' has activated!"

[When the effect of a monster that inflicts damage is activated by your opponent, you can discard this card from your hand to activate this effect. Negate that activation.]

"Use your power to withstand all the flames of this earthbound god, 'Cleansing Kuriboh'!"

"Krikrik!"

"Clean Chestnut Ball" let out a cute cry and flew into the sky. In the blink of an eye, "Clean Chestnut Ball" split into countless "Clean Chestnut Balls".

The thousands of "clean chestnut balls" had a clear division of labor, catching every single fireball falling to the earth with their own bodies.

Not a single card fell upon the God's Card or their fellow citizens.

"impossible!"

Grafa exclaimed incredulously, "They defended against everything!"

"I told you, you underestimated us. Now you've used up all your tricks, it's my turn. Go, Osiris! Unleash all your, my, and Izayoi's anger in this one strike!"

Because of Yu Xi's continuous use of cards and the reduction of his hand, he now only has three cards left in his hand, and the attack power of "Osiris Sky Dragon" has also dropped to 3000 points.

This number isn't high, but it's more than enough to defeat your opponent.

【Grafa LP: 2500】

The difference of 500 is the 500 that determines victory or defeat, life or death.

With all his might, imbued with his soul and will, Yu Xi uttered the final command of this duel to the god who had submitted to him—

"A direct attack from the 'Sky Dragon of Osiris,' [Superconducting Wave Lightning Cannon]!!"

"Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!!!"

[Grafa LP: 2500 → 0]

Explosive Kill!

Chapter 119 You Xi and Xue

The immense divine power of thunder and lightning burst forth like a flood, instantly illuminating the night scene as if it were daytime.

Without any monster to shield or share the burden, Grafa took the full brunt of the Phantom God's lightning strike with his own body.

A bloodcurdling scream burst from his mouth, but even that scream quickly vanished—this was a dark duel, where any duel's impact would be materialized, the implications of which need no further explanation.

In this torrent of lightning, the first things to be destroyed and burned were his clothes and exposed skin, followed by the mask on his face.

There wasn't a single spot on his body that was unharmed.

Human life is far too fragile under the wrath of the gods.

When "Osiris" finally stopped its attack, satisfied, and the lightning dissipated, Grafa could no longer utter a single word and collapsed to the ground.

He didn't even leave behind a last word.

As the duel concluded, the eerie blue flames that had surrounded them, and even the giant hummingbird image etched into the earth, vanished within seconds. The restraints on Yuki and the others were lifted.

"Ha ha……"

You Xi's chest heaved as he breathed heavily, and he finally felt relieved after seeing this.

"Finally... it's over..."

"Yeah, it's over."

The solemn yet violent lightning seemed unable to dissipate from Izayoi Yuki's eyes.

She looked at the majestic crimson phantom god and the boy who was controlling the dragon. She would probably never forget this scene for the rest of her life.

Izayoi Yuki still had so much to say to Yuki, but she didn't have the strength right now, and Yuki...

That's probably true.

Upon realizing he had won the Dark Duel, before he could even feel joy, Yuki swayed and fell backward.

But before he could completely collapse, a warm and soft embrace caught him.

The scent that wafted into my nostrils was one I had grown familiar with over this period of time.

"Miss Xingye?"

Youxi looked up and, through the gaps between the mountain peaks, caught sight of that dazzling golden hair.

"You Xi-kun, you've worked really hard." Xing Ye-wu, who rushed over, gently stroked You Xi's head. "Leave the rest to me. You and Xiao Xue should get some rest and go to sleep."

Listening to the girl's gentle voice, it felt as if my spirit was being soothed.

"...Alright, I'll leave it to you, Miss Hoshino."

Youxi nodded, letting go of her last bit of insistence, and her consciousness sank into deep darkness in the girl's arms.

As he fell into a deep sleep, the sirens of the police cars carrying the guards grew louder and louder in the distance.

A ghostly blue flame ignited on Grafa's corpse, burning away all traces of this dark duelist.

When the flames reached the cards, a fair hand snatched a white monster card from the fire...

……

Youxi opened her eyes again.

What came into view was no longer the alien street surrounded by ghostly flames, but an unfamiliar white ceiling.

What you smelled was no longer the fresh scent of a young girl, but rather the slightly pungent smell of disinfectant.

"here it is……"

Having just woken up, You Xi, still a little dazed, hadn't realized where he was when a clear, melodious female voice answered his question.

"This is the hospital, built with the support of the Duel Alliance, and is the largest and best-equipped public hospital in Morninglight City."

Youxi turned her head and saw the white-haired girl sitting on the edge of her bed.

The windows were bright and clean, and the warm sunlight and gentle breeze came in through the windows, shining and blowing on the girl, while the boy's face was reflected in her eyes.

"Izumi-kun, you're finally awake."

"Izayoi-kun... how long have I been asleep? Where's Hoshino-san?"

"If we start counting from that day, it's been about a week."

Izayoi Yuki helped Yuki sit up halfway and lean against the pillows, explaining the situation to him: "After all, Izumi-kun experienced a very intense dark duel this time, and his injuries are quite serious. He needs to undergo a full examination and treatment, both physically and mentally. As for Mai... she has to go to school today and can only come to see you after school. But she comes every day."

Looking around, you can see the fragrant flower basket and fruit on the bedside table.

In addition, there was a small greeting card.

The greeting card wished him a speedy recovery and discharge from the hospital, and was signed by all the children of the "Angel Church Orphanage," which warmed You Xi's heart.

He then asked the girl, "And you, Izayoi-kun? Are you alright?"

Yuki had, of course, noticed that Izayoi Yuki was also wearing a hospital gown, and he hadn't forgotten what he'd witnessed before his duel with Grafa. The girl's injuries back then might not have been much less severe than his own.

"I am fine."

Izayoi Yuki said softly, "I'm different from you. I've received more professional training and know better how to protect myself in dark duels. I also have the Feel ability to reduce damage to some extent. So I recover faster than you."

The girl was not pretending or lying.