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

"Great! Let's go, Captain!"

A turn of attack.

Yan Xiao truly demonstrated why he was qualified to be the team leader at a top-tier dueling academy like Feng Huo. What was supposed to be You Xi's turn not only unfolded smoothly, but after You Xi reversed the situation, he also pulled off an unexpected comeback.

The moment Yan Xiao uttered those words, before the "Super Magus - Black Magician Master and Apprentice" could even attack, the "Volcano Demon" had already stirred up the magma and roared.

A vortex of intense heat erupted from the fangs of the monster, instantly engulfing the monster on Yuki's field.

This scene greatly excited Jonouchi Ranpo.

Although Yu Xi is his friend, he also has great respect and admiration for the captain.

In this way, Youxi's last trump card was eliminated. As long as they can maintain this momentum, the victory of the Beacon Fire Team is within reach...

"wrong."

But looking at the raging, spreading waves of flames before him, Yan Xiao frowned slightly, sensing something was amiss.

His intuition proved true.

Within the flames powerful enough to melt gold and iron, a purple magic circle suddenly unfolded, expanding into a semi-circular protective shield. The black magician and his apprentice stood perfectly still inside the safe house, their staffs gleaming with magical light.

"The Sustainability Trap: 'Dimensional Guardians'!"

In front of Yu Xi, and behind the "Black Magician and His Apprentice," a purple trap stood quietly.

It was this trap card that protected "Dark Magician and Apprentice" in the battle just now.

"Based on this card's effect, this monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects when targeted in Attack Position as 'Super Magician - Dark Magician and His Apprentice.' Of course, it will still take battle damage."

[Yu Xi's LP: 7600 → 7400]

"The 'Dimensional Guardian,' the trap that was just set up by the 'Dark Magician and His Apprentice,'" Yan Xiao exclaimed in realization. "Your luck is really good, You Xi."

If the card they drew hadn't been "Dimensional Guardian," "Dark Magician and His Apprentice" would have been doomed.

No, that's not right either.

Given Yu Xi's strength, it's not surprising that she would draw this kind of card.

"But no matter what, you don't have anything to do now, do you?"

"That's it."

Yuki originally planned to use "Dark Knight Gaia Warrior" to search for "Chaos Warrior - Messenger of the Beginning" in her deck after the Battle Phase. Now that "Gaia Warrior" has been defeated by "Volcano Demon," there's only one thing left to do—

"The effect of 'Messenger of Chaos' activates. Banish 1 DARK monster and 1 LIGHT monster from your Graveyard. Return this card to my hand. End this turn."

"Then it's my turn again. Thanks to the effect of 'Volcanic Eruption,' 'Volcanic Demon' returns to my hand, and I draw another card."

The "Volcano Demon" behind him transformed into a ball of flame and entered the card, which was picked up by Yanxiao. He then added a new card to his deck, bringing his hand to four cards.

"During the Preparation Phase, since it was destroyed by 'Flame King,' retrieve 'True Flame King' from the Graveyard. Activate another effect of 'Flame King's Isle': If you control no monsters, you can Special Summon 1 Winged Beast FIRE monster from your hand. Special Summon 'True Flame King.'"

Lava erupted from the volcano beneath their feet, and a phoenix in the form of a fledgling flew out of the lava.

A spark fell from the fledgling's wing and transformed into a new card for Yanxiao.

If "True Flame King" is successfully Special Summoned, add 1 "Flame King" Spell/Trap Card from your Deck to your hand. Then activate a Quick-Play Spell: "Flame King's Divine Blaze!"

【Fire King Divine Blaze (Quick-Play Spell): You can target an equal number of "Fire King" monsters on your field and cards on your opponent's field. Destroy those cards.】

"The 'Dimensional Guardian's' protection is powerful, but it can still be broken—I choose to use 'True Flame King Phoenix' and 'Dimensional Guardian' to destroy it!"

Playing the card that was searched with "True Flame King" in the previous turn, "True Flame King" let out a small cry and then fell like a meteor, igniting Yuki's trap with its own life flame.

This scene is quite similar to the "Eagle King God" VS "Super Warrior", and it has a significant impact on Yuki.

Without the "Dimensional Guardian," he could no longer rely on the "Black Magician and Apprentice" shield to withstand Yan Xiao's fierce attacks. The "Black Magician and Apprentice" did indeed have a dying wish effect, but that wasn't foolproof.

but……

"When the effect of 'Ember Spirit' is activated, the effect of 'Dark Magician's Apprentice' is also triggered."

Yu Xi calmly said, "I will draw one card from my deck and then place it face down in the back row."

Should I just cover it up?

So, does that mean it's a quick-play spell or trap card that can be activated in the same turn?

Yan Xiao's gaze lingered on You Xi's faceplate for only a moment, but his hands did not stop moving.

If "True Flame King" is destroyed, "Holy Flame King Phoenix" is resurrected from the Graveyard. "Holy Flame King's" effect: Destroy "Flame King Beast Kirin" in your Deck and gain 500 ATK. If the latter is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, send the FIRE "Volcanic Edge Bullet" to the Graveyard.

"If this card is sent to the Graveyard, the 'Volcano Counter Beast' in your deck goes to the Graveyard."

"Then pay 500 Life Points, and add the last 'Volcanic Bomb' from your deck to your hand. Then activate the effect of 'Flame Cannon Magazine,' discard 'Volcanic Bomb,' and draw 1 card."

[Yanxiao LP: 7500→7000]

With its health bar slightly lowered, the Flame Bird, which could be reborn no matter how many times it was destroyed, flew out of the abyss of death. At the same time, Flame Sky added another card to its hand.

After taking one look, he immediately took a picture of the card.

"Perfect timing! Let's use this card to take down your 'Dark Magician and Apprentice'. Tribute 'Super Magician - Dark Magician and Apprentice' to Special Summon 'Volcano Queen' to your field, Yuki!"

"what?"

"Volcano Queen, Level 6/Fire/Fire" "ATK: 2500/DEF: 1200"

Before Yu Xi could react, the instant Yan Xiao uttered his declaration, a towering pillar of fire erupted from the ground, engulfing the figures of the "Super Magister - Black Magician Master and Apprentice".

Originally, the "Dark Magician Master and Apprentice" could summon the original "Dark Magician" and "Dark Magician Girl" for Yu Xi if the situation was disrupted, but this backup plan was blocked by Yan Xiao in advance.

Then, the flames solidified into a physical form, and dark wings unfurled, revealing a winged serpent dragon, primarily composed of flames, on Yuki's field.

"The 'Volcano Queen' can be Special Summoned by Tributing 1 monster your opponent controls. During the turn you Special Summon 'Volcano Queen,' you cannot Normal Summon, but there's really no need to."

Yan Xiao smiled at You Xi and said, "In that case, even if your face-down card is 'Dark Blast Magician,' without 'Dark Magician' and 'Dark Magician Girl,' it's just a piece of waste paper."

"Of course, I won't even leave you 'Volcano Queen'. While 'Flame Cannon Magazine' is in the Spell/Trap Zone, its card name is also considered 'Flame Cannon Trident,' so I'll send it to the Graveyard and Special Summon 'Volcano Demon'!"

"Volcano Demon, ATK: 3000"

The rocket emplacements that stood behind him were set ablaze.

The ferocious demon roared and returned above the flames.

This wasn't the first time Yu Xi had encountered the "Volcano Demon," yet its power remained as fierce and domineering as ever. Yan Xiao's desire for victory in this duel, and even in the Star Cup, was vividly displayed in this monster.

However, now is not the time to focus on this matter.

The "Flame Cannon Magazine" entering the graveyard signifies a very bad situation.

"Here it comes, Yuuki! The final effect of 'Flame Cannon Magazine' is activated!"

[You can activate this effect by banishing this card from your Graveyard during either your or your opponent's Main Phase. Send 1 "Volcano" card from your Deck to the Graveyard.]

"If I send 'Volcanic Deer Bullet' to the Graveyard, it deals 500 damage to my opponent. Furthermore, if it's sent to the Graveyard by the effect of 'Flame Cannon,' it has an additional effect: send two more 'Volcanic Deer Bullets' from the Deck or hand to the Graveyard, destroying all monsters on your opponent's field!"

After shuffling the deck, three cards popped out.

Flames erupted on the surface of these cards, and with a flick of Yan Xiao's wrist, a rain of fire rained down on the "Volcano Queen" like missiles.

Despite possessing the same fire attribute, the "Volcano Queen" could not withstand such a fierce attack, and after a few mournful cries, she collapsed to the ground.

—Destruction by the "Queen of Volcanoes".

[Yu Xi's LP: 7400 → 5900]

1500 HP points were deducted from Youxi's HP, and with his current LP, he obviously could no longer guarantee his safety. Yanxiao would never let go of this excellent opportunity.

"With the current damage output of 'Volcano Demon' and 'Holy Flame King,' they're more than capable of taking you down. Advance to Battle Rank! 'Volcano Demon', unleash [Inferno of Flames]!"

As soon as the words were spoken, just as it had done before when it tried to defeat the "Black Magician and His Apprentice," the "Volcano Demon" opened its mouth. A vortex of scorching flames rushed towards Yuki.

"Ahhhh!"

[Yu Xi's LP: 5900 → 2900]

Caught completely off guard, Yuki took the full brunt of the "Volcano Demon's" attack. If this attack were used in a dark duel, it would likely have burned even the lungs and internal organs.

Hearing Yuki's painful cries, Hoshino Mai and Izayoi Yuki couldn't help but call out in concern, "Yuki!"

"It seems your face-down card isn't the 'Divine Shield - Mirror Force -' type."

Yan Xiao said to You Xi, who had just endured the [Inferno of Flames], "Then as long as the direct attack of 'Holy Flame King' also passes, I win the duel. What a pity, it seems we won't be seeing your God Card this time, You Xi."

Victory is something to be happy about, but Yan Xiao is also a little disappointed.

Yu Xi's performance in this duel felt slightly below his usual standard, but defeating such an opponent didn't feel very fulfilling.

But You Xi shook her head after hearing Yan Xiao's words.

"No, I won't let you attack any further, Captain Yanxiao. Activate the trap card when the damage calculation ends: 'Two Mirrors of the Underworld'!"

【Two Mirrors of the Underworld (Normal Trap): Can be activated when you take damage from an opponent's attack or effect. The following effects apply depending on the type of damage taken.】

●Battle: Special Summon 1 monster with ATK less than or equal to that value from your Graveyard. End the Battle Phase after that Damage Step.

●Effect: Deals the opponent damage equal to twice that amount.

"Because I took 3000 points of combat damage, the first effect applies. Rise from the graveyard once more, 'Grand Magus - Dark Magician and Apprentice'!"

The cards covered by "Dark Magician and Apprentice" were lifted once again, and the figures reflected in the mirror were clearly those of "Dark Magician and Apprentice," who had become food for "Volcano Queen."

The "Black Magician" and the "Black Magic Girl" leaped out of the mirror, defending Yuki's last remaining territory.

"Then, based on the effect of 'Two Mirrors of the Underworld,' your combat phase for this turn ends, Captain Yanxiao. You can no longer launch any further attacks!"

"So you still kept the 'Dark Magician and Apprentice' technique in the end? Not bad, Yuuki."

A flicker of surprise crossed Yan Xiao's eyes, followed by a smile: "However, even if I can't attack, victory won't slip through my fingers. I have many ways to attack. Main Phase 2, I'll eliminate the three Flame Clan monsters in the graveyard. Descend! The absolute king who controls fire, 'Volcano Emperor'!"

"Volcano Emperor, Level 8/Fire/Fire" "ATK: 3100/DEF: 2400"

The volcano on "Flame King's Island" erupted violently, and amidst the violent tremors of the earth, a colossal fire demon roared as it landed.

It is quite obvious that this monster called "Volcano Emperor" is extremely similar to "Volcano Demon". It is basically an evolved form of the latter, but it is more ferocious and powerful.

"The effect of 'Volcano Emperor' has activated!"