NOVEL NEXT Chapter 41: TST [41]
To be honest, Morgan didn't see herself as an Underworld player. On the contrary, she actually preferred flashy entrances and mainstream decks with explosive chains—they felt more skillful to play, unlike just flipping set cards.
Her return to Eldlich wasn't her original intention either. It was like how anyone who got Elemental HERO would want to play HERO. If you had the funds, who wouldn't want to run a meta deck?
Most, at least, would do so.
Looking at her hand full of floodgates and hand traps, she was only grateful that she had just drawn a Spell Card, which at least added some color to her hand.
Morgan didn't rush to set her cards on the field. Eldlich's plays were so mechanical she could do them with her eyes closed.
In this world, all kinds of summoning methods existed—pretty much every one from her previous life.
Xyz, Link, Fusion, and more...
Each summon type was distinct, with its own limitations.
For instance, Pendulum Summoning required placing specific Pendulum Monsters in the Pendulum Zones to perform Special Summons. The Pendulum Zones were actually the left and right Spell/Trap Zones, so if you Pendulum Summoned, you'd occupy your Spell/Trap card slots.
And Pendulum decks were fairly limited. Though niche, they popped up from time to time.
Strictly speaking, Eldlich could be considered a kind of "Pendulum deck" too—just a bit unusual compared to normal Pendulum builds.
"I set two cards, then activate the Spell Card from my hand—[Eldlixir of Black Awakening]!"
Two face-down cards appeared in the left and right Spell/Trap Zones. Seeing this, Viviana looked surprised.
'Could it be a Pendulum deck?'
However, she instantly reconsidered. Pendulum decks didn't set cards. Morgan was probably trying to mislead her.
Then Morgan revealed a Spell Card and declared:
"This card Special Summons 1 Zombie monster from my hand or Deck in Defense Position.
If I don't control an Eldlich monster, I can only summon Eldlich the Golden Lord with this effect!
I Special Summon [Eldlich the Golden Lord] in Defense Position!"
[Eldlich the Golden Lord] Level 8│LIGHT│Zombie│2500 ATK / 2800 DEF
A man clad in golden armor appeared on the field. Like Viviana, he wore an abundance of gem-encrusted jewelry, flaunting nobility. His long purple robe fluttered without wind, a strange aura radiating from his majestic form.
"Is this the new monster Morgan bought? Looks pretty cool."
Jade, curious as ever, said with her hand to her mouth.
Isla looked a bit surprised. The duel had just started, yet Morgan was already chaining smoothly.
Her deck… didn't seem random at all.
Across from her, Viviana stared in shock.
'A 2500 Attack monster… summoned immediately?'
Sweat beaded on her forehead as she forced a smile. So this was a Duelist with a spirit companion—Her instincts hadn't failed her.
Thankfully, it was in Defense Position, and Morgan couldn't change its battle position until next turn. Otherwise, her Sapphire Pegasus would be toast.
"I set two more cards. Turn end!"
In truth, Morgan didn't want to set so many cards. It gave off the wrong impression.
That said, holding onto the floodgates in hand instead of setting them on the field made her uncomfortable.
Set or not, they were still floodgates.
So why not set them?
By now, Viviana had dropped her probing mindset. From the looks of it, Morgan's strength warranted her full effort.
So what if it was 2500 ATK? Her deck had a trump card!
"My turn—draw!"
Looking at her draw, Viviana smiled. Maybe her Duel Spirit was watching over her. Her starting hands in recent duels had all been favorable.
Now she just needed to activate the freshly drawn [Rainbow Bridge of the Heart] to summon another Crystal Beast, accelerating the process of summoning Rainbow Dragon.
But before she could act, Morgan flipped both of her set cards.
"Activate Trap Card—[Skill Drain]!
I pay 1000 Life Points. As long as this card remains face-up on the field, the effects of all face-up Effect Monsters are negated."
Upon seeing this card, Jade and Isla both yelped. This was the one Morgan had pulled at the shop!
Regardless, why use it now? She still had a monster on the field. Even if it nullified the opponent's effects, it would also negate her own. What was the point?
Was this going to be a raw Attack stat brawl? Axe-wielders clashing?
Viviana had the same thought. Besides, this card wasn't a huge hindrance to her.
But then, Morgan continued:
"I activate my other set card—[Imperial Order]!
Its controller pays 700 Life Points during each Standby Phase. While it's face-up in the Spell Zone, all Spell effects on the field are negated."
'…What?'
Viviana froze.
Negating monster effects was one thing, but even Spell Cards?
How was she supposed to play now?
As she fell into despair, she failed to notice the bright, satisfied grin spreading across Morgan's face.
...
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