Let's play cards! In a fantasy world of swords and magic

"Hand it over, the Spell Card [Polymerization]."

Under the unique magical resonance of [Double Spell], the Spell Card that had been sent to Meigen's Graveyard reappeared on the ground, tracing a glowing arc before landing in You Ling's hand.

"You took [Polymerization] from my Graveyard? Hehe, how interesting. But can you even use it?"

Meigen, the barrier master, taunted with her usual seductive charm.

However, this charm was about to be utterly shattered by the power of a hero.

"You're asking if I can use it? Then watch and learn."

With [Polymerization] in hand, victory was as good as secured for You Ling.

"This is the way of the Hero! Spell Card [Polymerization], activate!"

Using Ilin's body, You Ling tossed the stolen [Polymerization] and the last two Hero monsters in his hand high into the sky above the skyscrapers.

The three cards triggered their effects mid-air, creating a spiraling fusion effect that allowed the Elemental Heroes to evolve into their true battle forms.

"I fuse [Elemental Hero Avian] and [Elemental Hero Burstinatrix] from my hand! Come forth, the legendary 3000 Killer!"

Though known as the "3000 Killer," this card's true name was also a signature of the Elemental Heroes.

Its heroic stance, standing atop the skyscrapers and overlooking everything, had once been the dream of countless duelists—the dream of becoming a hero.

"In the name of heroes, Fusion Summon—[Elemental Hero Flame Wingman]!"

[Elemental Hero Flame Wingman ★★★★★★ Wind]

[Warrior-Type/Fusion/Effect ATK: 2100 DEF: 1200]

["Elemental Hero Avian" + "Elemental Hero Burstinatrix"]

"Elemental Hero Flame Wingman… There's actually a Hero like this?"

Ilin was stunned. She had never imagined that Heroes could be summoned this way—a brand-new Hero born through Fusion, one she had never summoned before.

"With [Skyscraper] on the field, [Elemental Hero Flame Wingman] has 2100 ATK. It's possible! It's possible, You Ling!"

"It's time to end this battle, Lin!"

"Yes, I'm counting on you, You Ling!"

Declaring the battle phase, You Ling raised his arm and pointed to the top of the skyscrapers.

"Let the hero's strike seal our victory! The effect of Field Spell Card [Skyscraper] activates—"

[Skyscraper Field Spell Card Effect: If an "Elemental Hero" monster's ATK is lower than the ATK of the monster it's battling, its ATK increases by 1000 during damage calculation only.]

2100 + 1000 = 3100

Exactly hitting the 3100 threshold, this was the reason behind Flame Wingman's title as the "3000 Killer."

"Charge, Flame Wingman! Destroy the [Demon's Manifestation] on your opponent's field!"

Flame Wingman's dragon-like right hand unleashed scorching heat, accompanied by the explosive force of its pure white wings, as it descended from the top of the skyscrapers, crashing down onto the battlefield.

"—『Skyscraper Shoot』!"

The flames that engulfed the ground ignited the massive demon, turning it into a blazing inferno.

The crimson flames illuminated the night sky, casting an extraordinary glow over the skyscrapers and lighting up the dreams of every Hero duelist.

[Demon's Manifestation] destroyed.

Meigen LP: 2600 → 2500

The battle damage was a mere 100 points, causing only a slight flicker of flames on Meigen's seductive black robe without inflicting significant real damage in the Shadow Game.

"A pitiful attack. Did you think this would be enough to defeat my demon? The effect of [Demon's Manifestation] activates—"

[If this Fusion Summoned card is sent to the Graveyard by your opponent: You can Special Summon 1 "Summoned Skull" from your hand, Deck, or Graveyard.]

"Using the effect of [Demon's Manifestation], I'll revive [Summoned Skull] from my Graveyard to the field. This duel is far from over!"

"Stop struggling. It's already over, completely over! Open your eyes and see—can your [Summoned Skull] even revive?"

"Nani?"

No response came. After the massive body of [Demon's Manifestation] was consumed by flames, the [Summoned Skull] that should have revived on Meigen's field failed to appear.

"What's going on?"

Tapping her Spirit Eye, Meigen wondered if the device had malfunctioned.

"Stop tapping. Let me explain," You Ling said with a smug grin, his expression exaggerated on Ilin's delicate face. "You're already dead!"

"Bakana!?"

"Additional effect of [Elemental Hero Flame Wingman]!"

Not stopping the attack, Flame Wingman, darting between the towering skyscrapers, charged straight at Meigen.

The other reason behind Flame Wingman's title as the "3000 Killer"—

[If this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard: Inflict damage to your opponent equal to the original ATK of the destroyed monster.]

"The original ATK of [Demon's Manifestation] is 2500. Through Flame Wingman's effect, that ATK value will be converted into damage dealt to you!"

"Converting ATK into damage…"

Trembling as Flame Wingman's righteous aura pressed closer, Meigen glanced at the numbers representing her remaining life points.

Meigen LP: 2500

Not a single point more, not a single point less—exactly within the lethal range of this attack.

It was as if everything had been calculated by the girl before her.

"Annihilate the darkness, execute justice! This is the Hero's finishing move! Zero-Range Shot! 『Sparkling Breaker』!"

The attack was practically point-blank. The explosive flames from Flame Wingman completely engulfed Meigen's slender, seductive figure.

"Aaaaaaah——!"

A woman's agonized scream echoed from within the burning flames. This was the punishment deserved by those who walked the path of darkness and failed.

Meigen LP: 2500 → 0

"Execution… complete!"

Changing to a victory line more fitting for a hero, You Ling felt immense satisfaction at being able to use his beloved Hero deck in another world and recreate a famous scene from the anime.

However, You Ling's joy paled in comparison to Ilin's overwhelming excitement.

"We won! We won the Shadow Game! You Ling, you really kept your promise and won the duel!"

"Heh, I couldn't have won this duel alone. Lin, it was because of your earlier efforts that the Hero could emerge victorious in the end."

If Ilin hadn't held out until You Ling and Aisha returned, if she hadn't reduced Meigen's life points to just the right amount, You Ling wouldn't have been able to deliver that stylish finishing blow with Flame Wingman.

"This victory belongs to both of us. You can be prouder, Lin."

"⁄(⁄⁄•⁄_⁄•⁄⁄)⁄!!!"

If souls had physical forms, Ilin's heart, racing once again, would surely have been blushing so hard that she'd want to hide in a hole.

To be continued...