Priest of the Sun, summon!
Much like the summoning method of a Cyber Dragon, it is also a Five-Star Monster, but its stats are quite inferior.
Appearing is a priest with an ancient mythological aura, dressed like an ancient tribe, with a sun-like emblem on his chest; the center of the sun bears a sinister human face.
[Priest of the Sun, Attack Power 1000]
"It really is Godwin's card deck," Yugen said.
He had already sensed that this person was not Godwin himself; he had thought that by observing the deck used during the duel, clues to the person's identity might emerge. Unexpectedly, the person genuinely seemed to be using Godwin's cards.
Just now, when the opponent detected his presence so keenly, this perceptiveness had already demonstrated his extraordinary nature. Following that, the dark power's impact aimed at him possessed an aura similar to that of the Dark Ruler Zok.
"What is your relationship with Zok?" Yugen asked.
Godwin simply ignored his question and continued operating on his own.
"Then, I'll normally summon the adjusted monster 'Red Ant.'
The name is quite straightforward; summoned is a red ant, except its size is enormous for an ant, and its appearance up close has an eerie aspect.
"Activate Continuous Magic 'Celestial Wheel Bell Tower!'" (Original Card)
An image resembling a witch, but with an entirely bell-like lower half, was projected into the air.
"When Celestial Wheel Bell Tower is on the field, whenever both sides successfully perform a Synchro Summon, you can draw one card from the deck," Godwin said.
This is the card Godwin used in the 5DS manga.
Yugen's eyelids twitched.
No matter if it's from the animation or the manga, there really are some terrifyingly crude original world cards across all generations...
[Red Ant, Attack Power 700]
"Level Three, Adjusted Monster 'Red Ant.'
Level Five, 'Priest of the Sun.'
Star-tune two monsters!"
[3+5=8]
"When the sun rises, illuminate all darkness. Let your light shine! Synchro Summon—
—Level Eight, Sun Dragon-Inti!"
Yugen raised an eyebrow.
Say that one more time, Sun Dragon... what?
What a terrible name.
The halo of Synchro connects the stars in a line; the Synchro light transforms into a golden sun, with four dragon heads extending from it, the red dragon emitting a fierce roar.
[Sun Dragon-Inti, Attack Power 3000]
"Because of the Synchro Summon, the effect of Celestial Wheel Bell Tower allows you to draw a card from the deck!"
Godwin drew a card.
"Next, the monster effect of 'Statue of the Weeping God' in hand.
This card can be Special Summoned from hand by banishing one adjusted monster from the graveyard."
Godwin displayed a monster card that exited the graveyard and banished it.
"Banish the adjusted monster 'Red Ant' from the graveyard, Special Summon Statue of the Weeping God!"
[Statue of the Weeping God, Attack Power 0]
"Then, the Dark Adjusted monster 'Black Goddess - Whitaka' in hand can be Special Summoned by paying 1000 Life Points."
[Godwin, LP4000→ LP3000]
"Special Summon 'Black Goddess - Whitaka'!"
[Black Goddess - Whitaka, Attack Power 0]
Yugen frowned. Dark Adjustment...
Dark Adjustment is a unique animation monster type absent in physical cards. It is used by the villains, Dark Markers, for "Dark Synchro" in the animation.
As widely known, Synchro Monsters require simple addition within twelve. The star level of the adjusted monster plus the star level of other monsters equals the Synchro Monster's Level.
Dark Synchro involves subtraction. The star level of other monsters minus the star level of the Dark Adjusted, with the difference resulting in the Dark Synchro Monster's Level.
Dark Synchro Monsters have negative levels, symbolizing the Netherworld monsters' reverse assault on humanity.
But only Dark Markers should be able to harness Dark Synchro Monsters; according to the original animation, Godwin shouldn't be a Dark Marker yet.
Yet, at this moment, Yugen looked at Godwin's right hand, only to discover that the part from the opponent's hand to the elbow had already lit up with a purple light pattern representing a Dark Marker, standing out in the night like an LED.
"Dark Marker?" Yugen said gravely, "Only those who've died once can become Dark Markers."
This aligns with the original setting. When one dies, they are chosen by the powers of the Netherworld god. Those who accept that power become Dark Markers and are resurrected.
In the animation, Godwin deliberately sought death to become a Dark Marker, but that should happen later in the plot. If following the original storyline, he should still be ordinary now.
"You know quite a bit."
Godwin nodded, speaking indifferently.
"But Rex Godwin has already died."
Yugen frowned, staring at Godwin for a while, as if realizing something.
"I see," Yugen said, "after Godwin's death, his body embraced the power of a Dark Marker. You inherited his body, thus gaining this power...
You've got some skill. Would you mind sharing your origin a bit?"
Godwin still did not answer, only gesturing to continue.
"The monster effect of Black Goddess - Whitaka.
This card's Level can become the same as a Synchro Monster present on the field.
I choose the Level Eight 'Sun Dragon-Inti,' Black Goddess - Whitaka becomes the same Eight-Star as Sun Dragon!"
[Black Goddess - Whitaka, LV3→ LV8]
"Then use the Level Two monster 'Statue of the Weeping God,' and Dark Adjustment 'Black Goddess - Whitaka,' Dark Star-Tune!"
[2-8=-6]
The body of the Black Goddess gradually becomes transparent, until it appears to disintegrate entirely. Six stars are stripped from its body, then violently invade the Statue of the Weeping God.
The statue quickly shatters, soaking the brightness of the six stars in pitch-black color. The dark six stars rotate in mid-air, releasing mutually attractive black lightning, like opening doors to the Dark World.
"In the fullness of the moon within the darkness, the whispers of the demon creatures lure the arrival of death! Synchro Summon—
—Level negative six, Moon Shadow Dragon - Kilia!"
After the sun comes the moon, with a design identical to the Sun Dragon. A chilling human face decorates the ice-blue moon, four frost dragon heads emerge from the moon, standing alongside the Sun Dragon.
[Moon Shadow Dragon - Kilia, Attack Power 2500]
"Summoning the Sun and Moon Dragon in the first turn," Yugen said, "Oh dear, you're bringing the intensity right at me."
"Dark Synchro is also a Synchro Summon, and the effect of Celestial Wheel Bell Tower allows you to draw a card,"
Godwin commanded.
"Battle! Moon Shadow Dragon - Kilia attacks the face-down monster!"
The flipped monster Yugen covered revealed a six-armed insect standing upright, with a bulging package carried on its back.
[Magic-guided Grocer, Defense Power 700]
"The monster effect of the Magic-guided Grocer," Yugen said, "When this card is flipped, draw cards from the top of the deck until a Magic or Trap Card appears.
Add the drawn Magic or Trap card to the hand, and send the remaining revealed cards to the graveyard."
Yugen flipped six consecutive cards from the deck, getting a Magic card on the sixth.
"Add the Magic Card 'Name Deduction' to the hand," Yugen said, "Send the other five cards to the graveyard."
Godwin said, "Then Sun Dragon-Inti, direct attack!"