"Hahaha! A Slifer slacker is a slacker after all! You might have a rare card like Royal Magical Library, but you have no idea how to use it properly!" Chazz mocked, crossing his arms.
"Big brother... why is Chazz saying that?" Syrus asked Jaden, looking confused. He couldn't see anything wrong with Jiang He's move. Using Double Summon to bring out two monsters with 2000 Defense seemed like a solid way to stall for time while collecting the pieces of Exodia the Forbidden One. To Syrus, it seemed like a perfectly logical play.
"Because of the effect of the Royal Magical Library," Alexis's voice rang out from nearby. She had moved to the side of the field, watching the duel with a cold, focused expression and her arms crossed. "Each time a Spell Card is activated, you place one Spell Counter on that card. By removing three Spell Counters, Jiang He can draw one card from his deck."
"Ah, Alexis!" Syrus chirped, surprised to see her. He quickly processed her words. "So, for every three spells used, Jiang He can use the library's effect to draw a card?"
Jaden also looked at Alexis, waiting for her to continue.
"Exactly," Alexis nodded, her eyes never leaving the field. "Therefore, if Jiang He had summoned the first Royal Magical Library first, and then activated Double Summon, that first library would have gained a Spell Counter. The way he played it just now was a bit clumsy."
Hearing Alexis's explanation, Chazz let out a sharp laugh. "See? I told you. A Slifer slacker will always be a slacker. Is your turn over yet?"
Chazz had come prepared. Knowing Jiang He used an Exodia deck, he had followed the example of the King of Games, Yugi Muto, and packed several Trap Cards specifically designed to counter Exodia the Forbidden One. As soon as it was his turn, he would set them and wait for the perfect moment to strike. He would crush Jiang He's "dream" of assembling the five pieces once and for all.
In his mind, victory was already his on the next turn.
"No, I'm far from finished," Jiang He replied with a calm, steady smile.
"That play with Double Summon was just a little 'thank you' for letting me go first. I didn't want you to have any excuses when you lose. Besides, it's much easier for me to calculate the counters on these libraries if I start them both at the same time."
"Now, get ready. I'm about to start my Solitaire. Don't blink!"
"Nani?!"
Before Chazz could even process what "Solitaire" was supposed to mean, Jiang He pulled a card from his remaining three and placed it onto the Duel Disk.
"I activate the Spell Card: Upstart Goblin! This allows me to draw one card from my deck, but in exchange, my opponent gains 1000 Life Points."
As Jiang He spoke, the holographic image of a grinning green goblin appeared on the field.
"What?! You're giving your opponent 1000 Life Points?!"
Chazz, Alexis, Jaden, and Syrus all stared in disbelief. Giving the opponent health just to draw a single card? Was that really worth it? Even a hot-blooded duelist like Jaden couldn't wrap his head around the logic.
"Why would Jiang He give Chazz more Life Points?" Syrus asked, worried.
Jiang He offered no explanation. As he drew a card from his deck, Chazz's Life Points counter beeped as it climbed to [5000 Life Points].
"Enjoy the free gift, Chazz! And since a Spell Card was activated, both of my Royal Magical Libraries gain one Spell Counter!"
As Jiang He spoke, a green gem representing a stored charge lit up on each of the sepia-toned library monsters.
"I activate another Spell Card from my hand: Upstart Goblin!" Jiang He revealed a second copy of the same card.
"I draw one more card, and Chazz, you gain another 1000 Life Points."
Jiang He drew again, maintaining a three-card hand. Chazz's Life Points beeped once more, rising to [6000 Life Points].
"What is that guy doing? He keeps increasing Chazz's Life Points! Isn't he just making it harder for himself to win?" Syrus said, his voice laced with concern.
"No... wait. This might actually be his strategy," Alexis murmured, her eyes widening as she began to realize what was happening.
🚨 Note: Consider supporting this story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access 400+ advance chapters and 2 new chapters daily! (Full story bundles also available without a subscription).