Chapter 364: The Sky Dragon
Because he possessed a purple-level Gambling Talent and powerful Observation Haki, for probability-based games like this, Zhou Ning's success rate was always 100%.
This time, the card in his hand was a Dark-attribute monster card—The Ruler of Dragons.
Once again, it was a perfect hit. Zhou Ning easily touched the image within the card and pulled the being out from inside.
With a burst of dazzling radiance, a middle-aged man clad in white bone armor and a black cloak appeared beside Zhou Ning.
"Damn, Lord Wayne's at it again!" said one of the players—the kind who always shouted "damn" first.
"What's he planning this time?" another player, the questioning type, asked curiously.
"I suspect this is just a cutscene. The main character triggers the plot, starts the boss's health bar, and in the end, it's still us players who have to finish the kill," a third player said dreamily, clearly one of the over-imaginative ones.
Those players, who had been suffering under the pursuit of the fleshy abominations, suddenly perked up and turned their attention to Zhou Ning.
Even Stuart Crow and the few ascetic monks with him directed their gazes toward Zhou Ning—their eyes filled with doubt and curiosity.
Zhou Ning ignored them and activated another summoning—this time, a Normal Spell Card: Flute of Summoning Dragon.
When the Ruler of Dragons was on the field, using the Flute of Summoning Dragon allowed him to summon two Dragon-type monsters simultaneously. With his focus value running low, following the rules of the Yu-Gi-Oh! world's summoning mechanics would minimize his energy consumption—saving enough for one final strike.
Moments later, through the power of the Flute, dragon wings flashed across the sky. There was no doubt—another Level 8 Dragon-type had arrived: Spiral Dragon, a creature capable of conjuring massive whirlpool-like storms.
But that wasn't all!
Next emerged a black dragon exuding raw power—Red-Eyes Black Dragon!
Amid flickering lightning, the Red-Eyes Black Dragon raised its head and roared, its sleek form outlined by arcs of thunder.
"When thunder roars in the heavens and chaos reigns, come forth from the chained ancient spellbook of magic! Descend—Slifer the Sky Dragon!"
Zhou Ning stood half-crouched upon Obelisk the Tormentor's shoulder. His empty hand radiated with multicolored light; clenching his fist slightly, he drew the light into his palm.
Truth be told, he had never actually bought the Slifer the Sky Dragon card. This summoning was made possible through his manifestation ability—printing the card into existence on the spot. Yet he was utterly certain that Slifer would respond to his call. That conviction came from intuition born of spirit.
As one of the three Egyptian God Cards, summoning Slifer the Sky Dragon required three sacrifices. Just like before, the Ruler of Dragons, Red-Eyes Black Dragon, and Spiral Dragon all turned to dust.
Before everyone's eyes, lightning gathered in the sky, dawnlike light swirling amidst it. A tremendous force shot into the heavens, and dark clouds rapidly shrouded the firmament.
From the roaring lightning emerged a colossal crimson dragon that blotted out the sky with its wings, unleashing an earth-shaking roar.
This was one of the Three God Cards—Slifer the Sky Dragon!
Barely managing to summon Slifer, Zhou Ning's focus value plummeted once more. He had to defeat the Evil God Nyastora quickly; prolonging the battle would only worsen his situation.
Fortunately, with a two-on-one advantage, the odds were in his favor!
"Go, Sky Dragon!"
Zhou Ning pointed toward the horde of flesh-beasts ahead.
At his command, Slifer's jaws glowed with white lightning spheres—brilliant and magnificent.
The orbs scattered and fell, striking their targets with perfect precision. Every single flesh abomination was instantly annihilated—the scene a dazzling display of destruction.
At the same time, Zhou Ning's interface flooded with messages:
[Your summoned creature, Slifer the Sky Dragon, dealt 97,619 damage to Flesh Abomination (Lv.69). You gained 96,000 EXP!]
[Your summoned creature, Slifer the Sky Dragon, dealt 127,619 damage to Flesh Abomination (Lv.71). You gained 110,000 EXP!]
[Your summoned creature, Slifer the Sky Dragon, dealt 56,772 damage to Flesh Abomination (Lv.65). You gained 71,000 EXP!]
The blast from Slifer's lightning barrage had a screen-clearing effect. Above Nyastora's head, a massive number appeared: –425,955. His health bar visibly dropped by a significant chunk. That single attack had earned Zhou Ning over four million experience points.
Players—ever sensitive to boss health bars—exhaled in relief before erupting into cheers.
Wasn't this the classic "justice triumphs over evil" scene from every show?
Some bold players even thought the boss's HP bar had been triggered by the protagonist, meaning it was now their showtime. They charged toward Nyastora recklessly—only to be instantly obliterated by his mere presence, their avatars vanishing in flashes of light with a single scream.
"Stand behind me—I'll protect you. Don't try to look directly at Nyastora. You're not ready to face divinity yet," Zhou Ning said sternly.
Because he had gone to such lengths to push the plot forward—issuing numerous anti-Curse God Cult missions—most players were now fully opposed to the Cursed God Cult. Zhou Ning didn't hesitate to play his role as the in-game protagonist, offering them a few reassuring words to strengthen their sense of unity.
A stir ran through the players. They obediently stood behind Zhou Ning, whispering about the unfolding cutscene. The dreamers among them were few—this was clearly not a battle players could take part in.
Zhou Ning took a deep breath and clenched his right hand. Obelisk mirrored his motion, its massive fist tightening as it charged toward Nyastora amidst howling winds. Slifer the Sky Dragon swooped down from above, joining the assault.
Thud, thud, thud! As the Tormentor's heavy steps echoed, Nyastora's crimson eyes flared. He suddenly opened his hand wide.
A spectral gate burst open—an immense tide of blood surged forth, engulfing Zhou Ning completely.
Whoosh, whoosh! He felt as though submerged in a phantom sea. Pale hands grasped both his legs, paralyzing body and mind alike.
Even the Tormentor's legs were seized by the same ghostly grip.
At that moment, emotions—anger, despair, terror—swirled through the air like a storm, battering Zhou Ning's mind.
It was a typical trick of an evil god—corruption through madness, driving mortals insane in an instant.
The bloody tide then recoiled violently. Nyastora spread his arms, as though welcoming his imminent victory.
But under the divine blessing of Molly's magic, and maintaining his mental link with both the Tormentor and the Sky Dragon, Zhou Ning resisted the assault. The Tormentor instantly broke free and swung its mighty fist high.
The strike came crashing down.
"Divine Hand: Critical Smash!"
–1,651,962!
Nyastora let out a thunderous roar, the shockwave making the onlookers' ears and noses bleed. Even Zhou Ning nearly lost his balance from the sulfurous gust that followed.
At the same time, Slifer's lightning spheres rained down once more, scorching Nyastora's body with searing black burns.