The third duel had just ended. Venwyn had ceased sorting his duel equipment long ago in order to watch the duel. The boy had assessed and watched the moves, plays and monsters, although it didn't really engage him. The highlight of the duel was definitely the anger that one of the duelists were subjected to over the loss. Venwyn hoped that his opponent wouldn't be like that, but then again, it would give him something to take amusement in. Speaking of which, the fourth announcement sounded, calling both Venwyn and Steven to make their way to the B1 duel arena. Following his past methods of getting around the school, the young duelist disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving the wrapper from opening his card pack behind. It seemed as though Venwyn had arrived first. He took the time to quickly look over his pack. There were some interesting cards which Venwyn hadn't seen before, but the Ghostrick cards stood out in particular to him, and the boy updated his Deck accordingly. Placing the structure deck in the duel disk, Venwyn awaited Steven's arrival. Steven had watched the other duels, completely unimpressed by the results. He sighed, placing his duel disk on his arm, as he readied himself for his duel. He knew it would be annoying, given the rather low power level of the decks, but it was also necessary. Steven did not want to get stuck in a dorm that was completely below his skill level. As Steven stood up, he saw that his opponent had arrived first. This Venwyn character looked ridiculous. Steven almost laughed at him, but decided to hold it back, so that he didn't look like an asshole. As he walked towards arena B1, he took one last look through the deck of cards, and placed it into the duel disk. He made his way to one side of B1, taking his place, and activating the duel disk. [color=8493ca]"Hello,"[/color] Steven said, without even looking at his odd opponent.[color=8493ca] "Let's get this over with quickly, shall we?"[/color] [color=7bcdc8]"Fair enough,"[/color] Venwyn replied, activating his duel disk in response. He outstretched his arm as the device came to life, unfolding and setting itself with a few clicks. [color=7bcdc8]"Want to go first?"[/color] He asked. [color=8493ca]"Sure"[/color] Steven drew his hand of 5 cards as the duel began. [hider= Efficient Machines Vs Tricky Ghosts] [b][u]Turn 1: Steven[/u][/b] Steven: 4000LP / 5C Venwyn: 4000LP / 5C [color=8493ca]"Alright, I will set 2 Spell/Trap cards face-down, and 1 monster face-down," [/color]Steven decided not to do anything flashy, and just watch his opponent for now. [color=8493ca]"I end my turn."[/color] [b][u]Turn 2: Venwyn[/u][/b] Steven: 4000LP / 2C / 1 Mon / 2 S/T Venwyn: 4000LP / 6C [color=7bcdc8]"My turn."[/color] Venwyn said, beginning by drawing a card. [color=7bcdc8]"I'll place three Spell/Trap cards, and end my turn."[/color] [b][u]Turn 3: Steven[/u][/b] Steven: 4000LP / 3C / 1 Mon / 2 S/T Venwyn: 4000LP / 3C / 0 Mon / 3 S/T [color=8493ca]"I draw."[/color] Steven drew a card from his deck, glanced at it, and placed it in his hand. He made a motion towards his face-down monster.[color=8493ca] "I flip summon Geargiarmor!"[/color] From the face down card came an odd Gear-like monster with 2 shields.[color=8493ca] "With its effect, I am able to search my deck for a geargia monster and add it to my hand." [/color]The duel disk expelled a card from his deck. [color=8493ca]"I will add Geargiano MK-II to my hand." [/color]Steven took the monster card, revealed it to his opponent, and put it in his hand. [b]Geargiarmor: 1100 ATK/1900 DEF **** EARTH Machine[/b] [color=8493ca]"Now, using Geargiarmor's other effect, I am able to set it back in face-down defense position."[/color] The odd machine disapeared, just as fast as it had appeared, hiding itself in face-down defense position. [color=8493ca]"Following this, I will normal summon yellow gadget." [/color]The one-eyed yellow machine appeared from seemingly nowhere. [b]Yellow Gadget: 1200 ATK/1200 DEF **** EARTH Machine[/b] [color=8493ca]"I now get to add Green gadget to my hand."[/color] Steven grabbed the card as soon as it was expelled from his deck, showed it to his opponent, and added it to his hand.[color=8493ca] "And now, we move to the battle phase. Yellow Gadget will be attacking you directly."[/color] [color=7bcdc8]"Sakuretsu armor,"[/color] was the blunt reply that Steven received from Venwyn, activating one of his three Spell/Trap cards in response to the attack. A spiked suit of armor seemed to appear in the yellow Gadget's attack path, destroying it as it attempted to attack the ninja. [color=8493ca]"Alright, I end my turn."[/color] [b][u]Turn 4: Venwyn[/u][/b] Steven: 4000LP / 4C / 1 Mon / 2 S/T Venwyn: 4000LP / 4C / 0 Mon / 2 S/T Venwyn drew his card. He appeared pleased with what he had drawn, but he quickly returned to his serious demeanour as he continued with the Main Phase. [color=7bcdc8]"Shield Crush,"[/color] Venwyn said, placing the card on the field. The card which Geargiarmor hid under developed cracks, and was eventually smashed, the pieces disappearing in yellow particles which faded away. [color=7bcdc8]"I place a face down Monster Card and end my turn,"[/color] Venwyn went through with his actions as he described them, and ended his turn. [b][u]Turn 5: Steven[/u][/b] Steven: 4000LP / 5C / 0 Mon / 2 S/T Venwyn: 4000LP / 2C / 1 Mon / 2 S/T Steven was a bit annoyed that Geargiarmor was gone, but he still had a chance. [color=8493ca]"Alright, I draw a card."[/color] He placed the card in his hand, then observed his options.[color=8493ca] "I will Normal Summon Geargiauger."[/color] A Giant green drill, housing what seemed to be another one of those odd gears, appeared, and seemingly drilled away until it found the card it was looking for. [b]Geargiauger: 500 ATK/500 DEF **** EARTH Machine[/b] [color=8493ca]"With this, I can add Geargiaccelerator to my hand."[/color] Geargiaccelerator was ejected from the deck, and Steven added it to his hand. [color=8493ca]"Now, I will Special Summon Geargiaccelerator in face-up defense position." [/color] A vehicle, with another one of those gears, drove onto the field from seemingly nowhere. [b]Geargiaccelerator 1400 ATK/800 DEF **** EARTH Machine[/b] [color=8493ca]"Now, using these monsters, I will Xyz Summon Gear Gigant X." [/color] The two smaller machines came together, forming a giant monstrocity, with 2 small orbs floating around it. [b] Gear Gigant X 2300 ATK/1500 DEF **** EARTH Machine/Xyz/ 2 Materials[/b] [color=8493ca]"Now, by detaching an XYZ material (Geargiauger) from Gigant, I will add Geargiano MK-III to my hand. With this, I will end my turn."[/color] [b][u]Turn 6: Venwyn[/u][/b] Steven: 4000LP / 5C / 1 Mon / 2 S/T Venwyn: 4000LP / 3C / 1 Mon / 2 S/T Once again, Venwyn drew a card, and appeared surprisingly pleased to do so. Moving to the Main Phase, Venwyn flipped over his face down Monster Card. The Ghostrick Warwolf. [b]Ghostrick Warwolf 1400 ATK/1500 DEF *** DARK Zombie[/b] [color=7bcdc8]"Because the card was flipped face up, Ghostrick Warwolf's effect activates. You take 100 damage per set card on the field."[/color] The Ghostrick Warwolf released a loud howl as Venwyn said this, damaging Steven's life points by 400. He then activated a Field Spell Card from his hand. [color=7bcdc8]"Ghostrick Mansion,"[/color] he said, placing the card into its respective zone. As he did, the ground seemingly began to rumble as a hous-no, a [i]mansion[/i] erupted from the ground, surrounding the two duelists. Spectral wisps floated around the old room, and some displaced childlike laughter could be heard every once in a while. Venwyn clicked his fingers, and the Ghostrick Warwolf turned his card over and hid under it, poiinting and laughing at Venwyn's opponent as he did so. [color=7bcdc8]"Ghostrick Mansion halves all effect damage, and battle damage which isn't inflicted by a Ghostrick Monster,"[/color] Venwyn explained. His eyes had a look of cool contempt mixed with arrogance. If his mouth wasn't covered by his scarf, Steven would see that he was smirking. [color=7bcdc8]"My turn ends."[/color] [b][u]Turn 7: Steven[/u][/b] Steven: 3600LP / 6C / 1 Mon / 2 S/T Venwyn: 4000LP / 2C / 1 Mon / 2 S/T / Field spell - Ghostrick Mansion Steven drew his card. He couldn't have this duel go on for too much longer. He observed his hand and field, setting up a near perfect plan in his head. [color=8493ca]"Alright, I use Gigant's effect to add Geargiattacker from my deck to my hand." [/color] Steven added the card to his hand, and began the combo.[color=8493ca] "I Normal Summon Geargiano MK-II, use it's effect to Special Summon Geargiano MK-III, and use MK-III's effect to Special Summon Geargiano." [/color] [b] Geargiano MK-II 1000 ATK/500 DEF *** EARTH Machine[/b] [b] Geargiano MK-III 1000 ATK/1000 DEF *** EARTH Machine[/b] [b] Geargiano 500 ATK/1000 DEF *** EARTH Machine[/b] [color=8493ca]"Now, using these three monsters, I will Xyz summon Geargiagear Gigant XG."[/color] [b] Geargiagear Gigant XG 2500 ATK/ 1300 DEF **** EARTH Machine/Xyz 3 Materials[/b] [color=7bcdc8]"Ghostrick Scare,"[/color] Venwyn said in response to the appearance on the monster. The face down card on the field flipped itself up. [color=7bcdc8]"I choose to flip up the Ghostrick Werewolf, activating his effect again, albeit with half the damage."[/color] The Ghostrick Warwolf flipped his card over into face up defense position and released another (quieter) howl, dealing 150 damage to Steven's life points. [color=7bcdc8]"It also allows me to turn one of your monsters face down. I chose the Geargiagear Gigant."[/color] The card which the Geargiagear Gigant stood on flipped itself over, concealing the monster. Steven let out a sigh. [color=8493ca]"I activate the field spell Geartown, and end my turn." [/color] A mess of gears and odd machinery rose up around Steven as his turn ended, clashing with the mansion-esque background of Venwyn's side of the field. [b][u]Turn 8: Venwyn[/u][/b] Steven: 3450LP / 4C / 2 Mon / 2 S/T/ Field spell - Geartown Venwyn: 4000LP / 3C / 1 Mon / 1 S/T / Field spell - Ghostrick Mansion [color=7bcdc8]"I draw."[/color] Venwyn said, drawing (this feels so redundant). The Ghostricks were stalling the duel, it was all apart of the strategy. [color=7bcdc8]"I activate Pot of Duality. It's like Pot of Greed, but not banned."[/color] Venwyn explained as he excavated three cards from the top of his deck. The cards were Ghostrick Night, Ghostrick Jackfrost and Ghostrick Jiangshi. [color=7bcdc8]"I choose Ghostrick Night,"[/color] Venwyn said, placing the other two cards into his deck and shuffling. [color=7bcdc8]"I also place a face down card, and end my turn."[/color] [b][u]Turn 9: Steven[/u][/b] Steven: 3450LP / 5C / 2 Mon / 2 S/T/ Field spell - Geartown Venwyn: 4000LP / 2C / 1 Mon / 2 S/T / Field spell - Ghostrick Mansion Steven drew his card, and as he looked at it, a develish smile formed on his face. [color=8493ca]"I think it's over."[/color] [color=7bcdc8]"Explain further."[/color] Although he didn't wait for a reply, instead he continued with his own strategy. [color=7bcdc8]"Ghostrick Night,"[/color] Venwyn said. The face down card he had placed the turn before revealed itself, and the field became slightly darker. [color=7bcdc8]"Ghostrick Night prevents you flip summoning, as long as there is a Ghostrick Monster on the field, and there is." He said, motioning toward the Ghostrick Warwolf sitting on his face-up card.[/color] [color=7bcdc8]"Anyway, continue."[/color] Steven's develish grin did no cease, it simply grew. [color=8493ca]"Well, isn't that perfect. I move to my main phase, and activate fissure." [/color]Steven looked at his opponent, the grin disappearing, as he returned to his usual, serious demeanor.[color=8493ca] "I am sure you know what this does."[/color] A pit opened up beneath Venwyn's warwolf, swallowing it up, and destroying it. With the death of Warwolf, the miasma of darkness disipated, lighting the field up once again. [color=8493ca]"I flip summon Geargiagear Gigant XG, and move to the Battle Phase. Gear Gigant X will attack you first, along with that, I will activate the effect of Geargiagear Gigant XG, preventing you from activating cards or effects, and also negating the effects of all face-up card you control until the end of the Damage Step." [/color]The Gigant moved slowly forward, and aimed it's metal fist at Venwyn, dealing 2300 damage to his life points. [color=8493ca]"And now, I will have Geargiagear Gigant XG attack you, protecting itself with its effect."[/color] The giant hunk of machinery aimed a large gun at Venwyn, and fired, dealing 2500 damage to him. [b][u]WINNER: Steven Ryte[/u][/b] Steven: 3450LP / 5C / 2 Mon / 2 S/T/ Field spell - Geartown Venwyn: 0LP / 2C / 0 Mon / 2 S/T / Field spell - Ghostrick Mansion As the duel came to a close, Steven was not suprised by the outcome. His opponent was playing slow, barely doing anything. He returned all his cards to his duel disk, and walked away, paying no heed to his opponent, who had probably already disapeared. A look of pure malice washed over Venwyn's face. He had almost completed his strategy, but had managed to fail in a single turn. It was impossible to describe his anger in a single word, "blowing a gasket" would probably be more appropriate. In spite of that, he didn't throw any insults or profanities, but you could [i]feel[/i] the tension in the arena. A few people had noticed his enraged silence, and braced themselves for some kind of storm. ... ... [color=7bcdc8]"This is only a card game,"[/color] Was the only sentence Venwyn uttered before disappearing in a puff of smoke, not even bothering to congratulate his opponent. ...At least the tension was gone. [/hider] [hider=TL;DR] Duel was mostly Steven searching for cards, and Venwyn sitting around. At the climactic scene, Venwyn gets Steven's ace monster locked under Ghostrick night, but Steven drew the perfect card, fissure, destroying Venwyn's only monster, and going in for game. [/hider] ((Collab post with Ostarion.))