Alexander watched as Xavier made his challenge to him. A Duel. Well, they were Duelists, so it makes sense. Only by Dueling could anyone get anything done. There was only one option to take. "Very well then," Alexander said as he put on his Duel Disk and activated it. "All of you will return to your dorm rooms when you're beaten, Xavier." [hider=Spells Vs Mana, the ultimate showdown] [b][u]Turn 1: Alexander[/u][/b] Alexander: 4000 LP / 5 cards Xavier: 4000 LP / 5 cards "I'll start," Alexander began, drawing his first five cards. It wasn't the best hand, but he would deal with it. "I play my Field Spell: 'Magical Citadel of Endymion'!" Alexander declared, the area around them transforming into the usual clearing with trees all around, and a giant citadel being circled with runes in the air. "Now I Summon my 'Apprentice Magician' in defense mode!" Alexander continued, the purple-robed blond adolescent appearing and crouching on the field. [b]Apprentice Magician - DEF 800[/b] "When 'Apprentice Magician' is Summoned, I can place a 'Spell Counter' on my 'Citadel'," Alexander explained as a giant "1" appeared in front of the citadel. "I'll place one card face-down and end my turn," Alexander ended. [b][u]Turn 2: Xavier [/u][/b] Alexander: 4000 LP / 2 cards / 1 monster, 1 Spell/Trap, 1 Field (1) Xavier: 4000 LP / 6 cards "Okay! Well, I guess I Summon my 'Spellsword's Underling' in Attack position! [b]Spellsword's Underling - ATK 1600[/b] "When he is Summoned, I can Special Summon one 'Spellsword' monster from my hand with 1500 or less ATK; I think I'll choose my 'Spellsword of Warding' in DEF position." [b]Spellsword of Warding - DEF 2000[/b] "Now to conclude my turn, I set 2 face-downs." Xavier said, inserting the two cards into his duel disk. Having dueled Alex before, he knew to be cautious and keep himself well guarded. [b][u]Turn 3: Alexander [/u][/b] Alexander: 4000 LP / 3 cards / 1 monster, 1 Spell/Trap, 1 Field (1) Xavier: 4000 LP / 2 cards / 2 monsters, 2 Spell/Trap "Draw," Alexander said, drawing his next card. "I summon 'Breaker, the Magical Warrior' in Attack mode!" A red-armored swordsman appeared next to his 'Apprentice Magician', ready to do battle. [b]Breaker, the Magical Warrior - ATK 1600[/b] "When 'Breaker' is Normal Summoned, he gains a 'Spell Counter', and 300 ATK from it," Alexander explained as a black orb appeared, revolving around 'Breaker's' sword. [b]Breaker, the Magical Warrior - ATK 1600 --> ATK 1900[/b] "Now I activate 'Breaker's' effect!" Alexander declared. "By removing one 'Spell Counter' from him, I can destroy one Spell or Trap card on the field, and I choose that one!" Alexander pointed at Xavier's card on Alexander's right, and 'Breaker' fired a black lightning bolt from his sword, aimed directly for that card. The card flipped up, revealing that it was 'Flash Mana' just before bursting into white shards. Xavier was glad that that was the card chosen, had Alex chosen the other, things would have gone poorly. "Now I activate my Spell Card: 'Spellbook of Power'!" Alexander declared, an orange glowing book appearing in front of 'Breaker'. "With this card, I can give one of my Spellcaster-type monsters 1000 ATK." [b]Breaker, the Magical Warrior - ATK 1600 --> ATK 2600[/b] "When a Spell card is activated, my 'Magical Citadel' gains another 'Spell Counter' when that Spell card resolves," Alexander explained, the giant "1" transforming into a "2". "Now, 'Breaker', attack his 'Spellsword's Underling'!" Alexander commanded, and 'Breaker' complied, charging to deliver a piercing strike. Just as the sword came near the swordsman that stood before Xavier, a sword appeared in the target's hands. "Not so fast! I activate 'Spellsword's Concealed Blade'. When an opponent's monster declares an attack, I can activate this trap and equip it to one 'Spellsword' monster I control. It gains 500 ATK and cant be destroyed for the rest of this turn." Xavier had never been this serious about a duel, that he could remember. [b]Xavier: 4000 LP --> 3500 LP[/b] Alexander thought hard about what to do after the attack didn't destroy his opponent's monster. In the end, Alexander ended with, "I place one card face-down and end my turn. 'Breaker' also loses the effects of 'Spellbook of Power' at the End Phase." [b]Breaker, the Magical Warrior - ATK 2600 --> ATK 1600[/b] [b][u]Turn 4: Xavier [/u][/b] Alexander: 4000 LP / 0 cards / 2 monsters, 2 Spell/Traps, 1 Field (2) Xavier: 3500 LP / 3 cards / 2 monsters, 1 Spell/Trap "Okay, I draw. Now we can really get going!" Xavier said, pulling one card from his duel disk dramatically. "I activate my Field Spell: 'Spellsword's Arena'! Then I Summon 'Spellsword's Apprentice' in ATK mode, allowing me to banish all Spell cards from my deck and hand." While Xavier said this, his half of the Field transformed into a gigantic colosseum style arena and the usual hooded squire appeared next to the two larger swordsmen. [b]Xavier: 3500 LP --> 2500 LP[/b] "Oh, and did I mention that when any number of Spell cards are banished and Arena is on the field, I can place one 'Mana Counter' on all cards I control, totalling to 4 'Mana Counters'?" All of Xavier's monsters began to have a slight glow. "Now, thanks to 'Arena', 'Underling' has 2300 ATK. I think I'll have him attack your 'Breaker'." The swordsman lunged forward with the blade that he obtained from Spellsword's Concealed Blade, Slashing at the warrior before him. Alexander was not about to lose his monsters so easily. "I activate my Trap Card: 'Mirror Force'!" Alexander countered, a transparent wall separating Xavier's monsters from his. "When you declare an attack, all your Attack Position monsters are destroyed!" As 'Underling' collided with the wall, he and 'Apprentice' shattered into shards of light, their glow forming an outline of them and moving to be on the outside of the colosseum. "Well, when one of my monsters having a Mana Counter is destroyed, its Mana Counter is transfered to Arena." Xavier said, disappointed at the overused trap Alex played. "Well, on that note, I set 1 card face-down and end." [b][u]Turn 5: Alexander [/u] [/b] Alexander: 4000 LP / 1 card / 2 monsters, 1 Spell/Trap, 1 Field (3) Xavier: 2500 LP / 0 cards / 1 monster, 1 Spell/Trap, 1 Field "Draw," Alexander said, drawing his next card. Alexander knew 'Breaker' didn't have enough ATK points to break through 'Spellsword of Warding', so there wasn't much he could do this turn. However, he could still do something. "I activate 'Breaker's' effect once more, allowing me to destroy a Spell or Trap card at the cost of one 'Spell Counter'," Alexander said. "Since 'Breaker' himself doesn't have any 'Spell Counters', I can use one from my 'Magical Citadel' instead, and the card I choose to destroy is your 'Spellsword's Arena'!" The giant "3" on the 'Citadel' reverted back into a "2", and 'Breaker' fired another black lightning bolt from his sword, aimed at the colosseum. As the lightning connected, the colosseum around Xavier crumbled and converted into the forest of "Citadel". Behind Xavier, the spirits left behind from his monster's 'Mana Counters' faded. After the deed was done, Alexander ended with, "Turn End." [b][u]Turn 6: Xavier [/u] [/b] Alexander: 4000 LP / 1 card / 2 monsters, 1 Spell/Trap, 1 Field (2) Xavier: 2500 LP / 1 card / 1 monster, 1 Spell/Trap Xavier silently drew a single card. Things were looking grim, and his draw didn't help much. Xavier did a double take at the card he held, then looked up at Alex's field. On second thought, this was just what he needed! "I Summon 'Spellsword's Grand Master' in Attack position!" [b]Spellsword's Grand Master - 1800 ATK[/b] Alex had seen this before, so Xavier wondered if he had planned for it. Anyway, he shouldn't worry now, he had an opportunity. "I activate 'Grand Master's effect! He allows me to remove one Mana Counter from anywhere on the field and add one spell of my choice from my banished pile to my hand. I add 'Spellsword's Grand Blade' and equip it to him." [b]Spellsword's Grand Master - 1800 ATK --> 2800 ATK[/b] "Now, I think I'll have 'Grand Master' attack 'Breaker' and deal 1200 points of damage." Xavier said, hoping for the best. 'Breaker' merely stepped back and tried to defend as 'Grand Master' rushed forward and slashed, destroying 'Breaker' with ease. [b]Alexander: 4000 LP --> 2800 LP[/b] "Now I end!" Xavier said, the smug grin returning to his face. [b][u]Turn 7: Alexander [/u] [/b] Alexander: 2800 LP / 2 cards / 1 monster, 1 Spell/Trap, 1 Field (3) Xavier: 2500 LP / 1 card / 2 monsters, 2 Spell/Traps "Very well then, draw!" Alexander said, drawing his next card. It wasn't much, but it would do for now. "I place one card face-down, and end my turn." [b][u]Turn 8: Xavier [/u] [/b] Alexander: 2800 LP / 1 card / 1 monster, 2 Spell/Trap, 1 Field (3) Xavier: 2500 LP / 2 card / 2 monsters, 2 Spell/Traps "Draw!" Xavier said as he pulled a card from his deck. This was perfect. "I activate 'Spellsword Channeler's' effect from my hand. I can discard her to place a 'Mana Counter' on each 'Spellsword' monster I control." While he said this, the air around his monsters began to have a slight glow. "Now I activate 'Grand Master's' effect, removing his Mana Counter to add 'Ketisu - Flaming Blade of the Spellswords' and equip it to my 'Grand Master'." In 'Grand Master's' left hand appeared a long katana with bright red flames along it. "Now, I'll have him destroy your 'Magician's Apprentice'! And since he is equipped with 'Ketisu' he deals piercing damage." Alexander wasn't quite willing to be dealt that much damage just yet. "I activate my Trap card: 'Scrap-Iron Scarecrow'!" Alexander countered. "This card negates your monster's attack, then I can reset my card back face-down." A metal scarecrow appeared in front of 'Apprentice Magician', creating an invisible barrier that 'Grand Master' struck before both returned to their respective positions. Xavier let out a small, satisfied grunt, signifying that he ended his turn. [b][u]Turn 9: Alexander [/u] [/b] Alexander: 2800 LP / 2 card / 1 monster, 2 Spell/Trap, 1 Field (4) Xavier: 2500 LP / 1 card / 2 monsters, 3 Spell/Traps "Draw," Alexander said, taking his next card. Upon close examination of his cards, he got an idea of what to do. "I Summon the Tuner monster 'Arcane Apprentice' in Defense position!" Alexander declared, the brown-and-blue robed creature appearing, brandishing its staff before holding it in front of him as if to defend itself. [b]Arcane Apprentice - DEF 1000[/b] "Now I play the Spell card: 'Instant Fusion'! By paying 1000 Life Points, I can Special Summon a Level 5 or lower Fusion monster from my Extra Deck! Come out, 'Musician King'!" Alexander said, a spiky-haired blonde guitarist appearing. [b]Alexander: LP 2800 --> LP 1800[/b] [b]Musician King - DEF 1500[/b] With his two monsters in play, Alexander could call out his ace monster. "I Tune my Level 5 'Musician King' with my Level 2 'Arcane Apprentice'!" Alexander declared, the two monsters transforming into 5 stars and 2 green rings, respectively. As the stars lined up between the rings, Alexander chanted, "Wielder of sealed arcane forces! Use our power and destroy all who oppose us! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 7! 'Arcanite Magician'!" A white-robed mage appeared from the rings and stars, holding a green staff in one hand. [b]Arcanite Magician - ATK 400[/b] "When 'Arcanite Magician' is successfuly Synchro Summoned, I can add two 'Spell Counters' to him, and he gains 1000 ATK for each one!" Alexander explained as two dark orbs appeared 'Arcanite Magician', revolving around the head of his staff. [b]Arcanite Magician - ATK 400 --> ATK 2400[/b] "When 'Arcane Apprentice' is sent to the Graveyard for a Synchro Summon, I can add one 'Assault Mode Activate' from my deck to my hand!" Alexander said, adding the card that ejected itself from his deck into his hand. "Now I use 'Arcanite Magician's' effect! By removing one Spell Counter from anywhere on my field, I can target one card my opponent controls and destroy it!" Alexander declared. "'Arcanite Magician', destroy 'Spellsword's Grand Master'!" The giant "5" on 'Citadel' transformed into a "4", and 'Arcanite Magician' fired a bolt of black lightning from his staff, targeted at 'Grand Master'. A huge cloud of smoke surrounded 'Grand Master', completely hiding the result of Alex's effect. When the cloud cleared, it could be seen that 'Grand Master' was still there, standing as resolute as ever, but unlike before he held only the Buster Blade style sword known as 'Grand Blade'. "When a monster equipped with Ketisu would be destroyed, Ketisu is destroyed instead." Xavier looked at Alex and mockingly pretended to lift a staff. "'Arcanite Magician', fire another one!" Alexander commanded, 'Arcanite Magician' using up another 'Spell Counter' from 'Citadel' and firing a dark lightning bolt at 'Grand Master' once more. "Well, I didn't want to do this, but you leave me no choice...... I activate the effect of 'Titrian - Spellsword's Trainer' in my hand. If an opponent's card effect would destroy a 'Spellsword' monster, I can banish him face down and shuffle my Banished Pile to destroy that card and negate its effect. But, I need to pay 1000 Life Points to do so." [b]Xavier - 2500 LP --> 1500 LP[/b] Alexander grimaced as his monster was destroyed. Now he couldn't even attack. The question was where to go from here. After a split second thought, Alexander merely said, "Turn End." [b][u]Turn 9: Xavier[/u][/b] Alexander: 1800 LP / 1 card / 1 monster, 2 Spell/Trap, 1 Field (3) Xavier: 1500 LP / 1 card / 2 monsters, 2 Spell/Traps "Draw!" Xavier said, the smug smirk still sitting on his face. He had the advantage. "First, I activate 'Grand Master's' effect to remove 'Warding's' Mana Counter to add 'Mystical Space Typhoon' to my hand." This may have been risky but it was what he had to do. "Then I activate it on your 'Scrap-Iron Scarecrow'!" Alexander did not respond when his Trap card was destroyed. It was bound to get removed eventually, anyway. "Now, I Summon 'Deklin - Leader of the Spellswords', and when he is Summoned, I get another 'Mana Counter' on all my 'Spellsword' monsters." The 3 cloaked swordsmen began to glow once again. [b]Deklin - Leader of the Spellswords - 1350 ATK[/b] "Now I use his effect to remove one Mana Counter from him and shuffle my banished pile, return it face-down, and draw the top card of it." The glow around Deklin disappeared and a card popped out of Xavier's duel disk. "Well, I wont need this, but overkill is better than underkill, right? I equip 'Grand Master' with my second 'Ketisu' and have 'Deklin' attack your 'Apprentice'!" Alexander shielded himself from the force of the impact when 'Apprentice Magician' was destroyed. After the force subsided, Alexander said, "I activate the effect of my 'Apprentice Magician'! When it is destroyed by battle, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower Spellcaster-type monster from my deck in face-down defense mode." A face-down monster was quick to take the place of 'Apprentice Magician' after it was destroyed. "Now, 'Grand Master', Attack his face-down!" The swordsman rushed forward and struck the facedown with both his swords. Alexander couldn't take that hit without losing, so he countered, "I activate my Quick Play Spell Card: 'Spellbook of Wisdom', targeting your 'Spellsword's Grand Master' and forcing it to be unaffected by other Spell cards!" Alexander again braced himself for the force of the impact as his face-down monster was destroyed. An image of 'Apprentice Magician' screaming in pain appeared for a brief moment before disappearing. "That was my second 'Apprentice Magician'," Alexander said. "And I can use the same effect to Special Summon another Level 2 or lower Spellcaster-type monster in face-down defense mode." Another face-down card appeared, quickly taking the place of the last. The customary, "I end." resounded from Xavier's lips. [b][u]Turn 9: Alexander [/u] [/b] Alexander: 1800 LP / 1 card / 1 monster, 1 Field (5) Xavier: 1500 LP / 0 cards / 3 monsters, 2 Spell/Traps Alexander drew his next card, hoping for it to be 'The Tricky'. Sadly, it wasn't, but it was still something he could use: 'Defender, the Magical Knight'. That, combined with his face-down 'Arcane Apprentice', would be enough to Synchro Summon 'Tempest Magician', then use its effect to burn away the last of Xavier's Life Points. As he was about to do so, however, he gave it some thought. Did he really want to do this? He had to admit, he was curious about the missing girl, and this was a golden opportunity to take for that. At the same time, this would go against the school's warning. Alexander finally decided to let Xavier win, but still make it look like he was putting up a fight. "I Summon 'Defender, the Magical Knight' in Defense mode!" Alexander said, the heavily armored warrior appearing on the field, crouching behind his tower shield. [b]Defender, the Magical Knight - DEF 2000[/b] "Now I reveal my Set monster to be 'Arcane Apprentice' and then Tune my Level 2 'Arcane Apprentice' with my Level 4 'Defender'!" Alexander declared, the two monsters transforming into their respective green rings and stars. "Level 6, 'Explosive Magician'!" The white-clad mage appeared on the field, sparks and crackling electricity going off around him. "Now I activate 'Explosive Magician's' effect! By removing 2 Spell Counters from my side of the field, I can destroy a Spell or Trap card my opponent controls. By removing 4 Spell Counters, I can use his effect twice and destroy both equip spells on 'Spellsword's Grand Master'!" 'Explosive Magician' built up some crackling energy in his hands, then released 2 bolts of white lightning, targeting the swords 'Grand Master' was wielding. As the bolt connected, Xavier let out a gasp. There was nothing to protect his powerhouse now. "Now, 'Explosive Magician', attack his 'Spellsword's Grand Master!" Alexander commanded. 'Explosive Magician' then focused more cracking energy into his hands, and released another bolt of white lightning at 'Grand Master'. Xavier braced himself for the attack, would this be the second time that Alex could beat him so easily? No, he had to give his best, no matter what. Not just for himself but so the others could go too. [b]Xavier: 1500 LP --> 800 LP[/b] After the attack was done, Alexander merely said, "Turn End." [b][u]Turn 9: Xavier [/u] [/b] Alexander: 1800 LP / 1 card / 1 monster, 1 Field (1) Xavier: 800 LP / 1 card / 2 monsters, 1 Spell/Trap "Draw!" Xavier recited, not missing a beat as he pulled a card from his deck. He almost laughed when he looked at the card he drew. How ironic that he gets this just after 'Grand Master' was destroyed. "I summon 'Spellsword Of The Light' in attack position. When he is summoned, I can shuffle my banished Pile, return it face-down and draw the same number of cards as my opponent has monsters from it." He drew a dud card but one that would let him get another. "I activate 'Spellsword's Greed' allowing me to repeat that process." "Here we go! I activate 'Spellsword's Training Grounds' having all my 'Spellsword' monsters gain 100 ATK. Then I Overlay 'Deklin' and 'Warding' to Xyz Summon 'Downerd Magician'. She gains 200 ATK for each Overlay Unit attached to her, meaning she has 2500, just enough to plow through your 'Explosive Magician'. Now, attack!" The slightly insane looking magician seemed to raise her hand and shoot small bolts of lightning from her finger tips, in the end, slaying both her target and herself. "Now 'Light', DEAL THE FINAL BLOW!" The white cloaked swordsman drew his blade and brought it down on Alex, reducing his Life Points to zero. [b]Alexander: LP 1800 --> LP 0[/b] And so the Duel ended. Alexander sighed, his face revealing a small smile before resuming his calm and collected demeanor. "As promised, I'll join you," Alexander said. "ALEX! HOW COULD YOU LOSE SO EASILY!!??" said a rather loud and shocking familiar female voice. Alexander slowly turned around to see Megumi, who had her arms crossed and her foot tapping disapproving on the ground. "Megumi, I thought I told you to stay in your dorm room," Alexander said. "Oh no, not after seeing the entire Duel," Megumi responded. "And why didn't you Summon 'Tempest Magician' instead of 'Explosive Magician'? You could have beaten him easily with that." "Oh, yes, I, uh, must've forgot," Alexander replied, looking away. "Liar! You never forgot that at all!" Megumi said. "And you're taking me with you." "Woah, there, that's a bit-" Alexander said at first before seeing Megumi's expression deepen. Alexander sighed in defeat and said, "Alright, fine." This resulted in a triumphant smile appearing on her face. Yet again, Xavier's head was spinning. Then later on into the conversation he realized that Alex [i]LET[/i] him win. That was fine, seeing the pretense the duel was under, but one day, Xavier wanted a fair chance to beat Alex. [/hider]