"Polymerization Substitute. Tribute 1 monster on your field to activate. Special Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck with the same Level as the Tributed monster!"
"I tribute my Blue Sheep," Hikari declared without hesitation, as the spirit of his blue token was consumed by the violet flames of Fusion. From his Extra Deck, he revealed a purple-framed monster card. "Fusion Summon: Thousand-Eyes Restrict!"
The sheep twisted and contorted, shattering into fragments as countless bloodshot eyes bloomed across the forming creature. A sickening form emerged—an amalgamation of limbs and gazes.
Thousand-Eyes Restrict. Level 1, DARK, Spellcaster-Type, ATK 0 / DEF 0.
"Mama mia!"
"W-What is that?! It looks so gross!"
"That's Thousand-Eyes Restrict, Pegasus's legendary monster!"
"He fused using a token!?"
The Fusion Club murmured in awe and relief. They'd doubted earlier, but Hikari's play reminded them who he was.
"Thousand-Eyes Restrict?" Ryo Marufuji took a step forward in the stands. "Its effect should be..."
"I activate Thousand-Eyes Restrict's effect. Once per turn, I equip 1 monster your opponent controls to this card and gain its ATK and DEF!"
Every eye glowed with violet light. Jaden's Wildheart howled as its body became a shadow, dissolving into the grotesque sphere of eyes.
Thousand-Eyes Restrict: ATK 0 → 1500.
"Uh-oh!"
"Now Jaden's wide open!"
Yet Hikari noticed something odd—Jaden wasn't panicked. If anything, he was getting fired up.
Faced with Hikari's chilling control, Jaden remained undeterred.
"I attack directly with Thousand-Eyes Restrict!"
"Trap Card, Hero's Arrival!" Jaden flipped his set card. "When you declare an attack, you choose 1 card in my hand. If it's a monster, I Special Summon it!"
"Interesting... then I'll pick the middle card."
Jaden grinned, flipping the chosen card: "You chose Elemental HERO Sparkman!"
Lightning crackled as Sparkman emerged with a flash of brilliance.
Sparkman. Level 4, LIGHT, Warrior-Type, ATK 1600.
"I cancel my attack and set a card. Turn end."
Cool and composed, Hikari smiled faintly. A test well met.
"What a match!"
"Even if the ATK isn't sky-high, every play is sharp and calculated!"
Daichi Misawa observed from the sidelines, admiring both duelists. Their anticipation of each other's moves, their precision...
He realized his approach had been lacking. Simply packing counters wasn't enough.
"My turn!" Jaden drew a card. Beside him, Avian's phantom leaned in.
"Jaden, if you don't deal with Thousand-Eyes Restrict now, he'll absorb another monster next turn!"
"Yeah, I got it! First I activate Pot of Greed!"
What the—?!
Hikari's eyes twitched. The sheer envy.
"Next, I activate my set Spell: Polymerization! I fuse Sparkman with Clayman from my hand!"
"Fusion Summon! Elemental HERO Thunder Giant!"
A new titan formed—lightning surging across clay-made sinews, coalescing into a warrior clad in storm.
Thunder Giant. Level 6, LIGHT, Warrior-Type, ATK 2400.
"Thunder Giant's effect: Discard 1 card to destroy 1 monster with original ATK lower than its own. I destroy Thousand-Eyes Restrict!"
A bolt of justice struck down the eldritch horror.
"Why not attack instead?" Sho wondered aloud.
Hayato explained, "Thousand-Eyes Restrict can't be destroyed by battle while it has an equipped monster. Plus, while it's face-up, other monsters can't attack. This was the best play."
"Thunder Giant attacks a Sheep Token. Then I activate Continuous Spell: Mirage of Nightmare! I also set a card. Turn end!"
Hikari narrowed his eyes at the Mirage of Nightmare. Another ridiculous draw engine.
"My turn. Draw."
"In the Standby Phase, Mirage of Nightmare activates. I draw until I have 4 cards in hand. Then I activate Quick-Play Spell: Emergency Provisions. I send Mirage of Nightmare to the Graveyard to gain 1000 LP per card sent!"
Jaden LP: 4000 → 5000.
"Efficient resource management. Even after using Polymerization, he's back to full hand and more LP." Banner muttered with pride.
The Fusion Club rallied again.
"C'mon, Hikari! Show 'em real Fusion!"
"Fusion isn't just for flashy monsters—it's about soul!"
Hikari calmly looked at his draw and met Jaden's eyes.
"Jaden. You used effects to destroy Thousand-Eyes Restrict. But in doing so, you're left with just one monster, Thunder Giant, with 2400 ATK."
Jaden swallowed.
Indeed, strong as it was, one monster wouldn't be enough.
"I activate Continuous Spell: Flame Swords Domain!"
Here it comes!
The signature field of Hikari's playstyle lit up the arena. Flames surged.
Beside Jaden, Avian's phantom nodded gravely.
"The real duel starts now, Jaden."
"Yeah! Now this is exciting!" Jaden grinned.