Chereads / Yugioh A hell of a journey / Chapter 15 - Path to victory ✌️ Continues

Chapter 15 - Path to victory ✌️ Continues

Last time on Yu-Gi-Oh! A Hell of a Journey

Pegasus, ever the showman, decided that the local card shop tournament run by Kiba Corp needed an extra dash of excitement. Channeling his inner Spice Girl, he declared, "Let's spice things up!" With a devious grin, he raised the stakes and created more tension among the duelists, all for his own entertainment.

What impact will Pegasus's manipulations have on the duels? Can the duelists withstand his devious ploys for fun? Tune in for this thrilling chapter of Yu-Gi-Oh! A Hell of a Journey!

Outside the card shop, just before the big duel…

Noa glanced at Marcus with a hint of concern.

Noa: So are you prepared for your duel? Testu can be pretty stubborn, even in school. You sure you're up for it?

Marcus: (with a grin) Yeah, I'm ready. Though, if I win, I might still get a beating later at school, haha!"

Rebecca, Marcus's trusty teddy bear, spoke up with a determined tone.

Rebecca: That's okay! Teddy and I will be here to back you up. Auntie Avangeleen's been teaching me some cool moves.

To demonstrate, Rebecca started showing off some wrestling moves on Teddy, executing each move with impressive precision.

Teddy, playing along, declared,

Teddy: That's right! Rebecca and I are the strongest team. If Testu gets too close(I'll rip his soul out and eat it jk )seriously, I'll knock him out. Rawr!"

The group laughed, the atmosphere light and supportive as they geared up for the duel ahead.

As they entered the card shop, the group immediately noticed the stark difference in atmosphere. The shop, usually buzzing with energy and excitement, now felt strangely subdued and empty. Without Yamma's flamboyant presence and constant chatter, the room seemed quieter and less vibrant.

Noa glanced around, observing the stillness.

Noa: I guess Yamma really did bring a certain excitement to this place. It's not nearly as lively without him."

Marcus nodded, taking in the scene.

Marcus : Yeah it's a bit of a letdown, honestly But at least it's peaceful. Maybe we'll get a chance to focus better without all the distractions.

Rebecca and Teddy, positioned close to Marcus, gave their own silent agreement.

readying themselves for the upcoming duel. Despite the subdued atmosphere, the anticipation for the match remained high as they prepared to face Testu.

As Marcus, Noa, Rebecca, and Teddy settled in, a new figure emerged from the back office of the card shop. The man was tall with a confident demeanor and a neatly trimmed beard. He approached them with a welcoming smile.

Derek:you must be Marcus! extending a hand I'm Derek, your new boss in charge. I'll be managing things here from now on.

Marcus shook Derek's hand, a bit surprised by the sudden introduction.

Marcus:Nice to meet you, Derek. I didn't realize there was a new manager already.

Derek's smile remained steady.

Derek: Yes Yamma's departure created a bit of a shift, but I'm here to ensure everything runs smoothly. I hear you've got a big match coming up. Good luck out there!

With that, Derek turned to make some adjustments behind the counter, leaving Marcus and the others to prepare for the duel. The shop's atmosphere, though still quieter than usual, felt slightly more organized with the new manager's presence.

Rebecca: Wow, so this is a card shop? We don't have many of these in America.

Noa: Really? That's surprising. How did you even get into the game then?

Rebecca: My grandpa introduced it to me when I stayed over at his place. He'd tell me stories about his expeditions around the world, and I got hooked on the game through his tales.

Rebecca: If I had joined this tournament, I'm sure I would have won by a landslide.

Rebecca: Seriously, though, if I had joined this tournament, I would have won by a landslide. Honestly, the competitors here don't stand a chance. It's almost laughable how easy it would be for me to take them down.

She smirks, her bratty attitude on full display.

Rebecca: Guess it's a good thing I didn't enter. I'd hate to embarrass everyone too much.

Marcus: I can only imagine. I heard on the broadcast that you would have won easily if it weren't for Keith, the current American champion.

Rebecca: I would've won by a landslide. That cheater, Keith, never stood a chance against me. He ruined my chance to go to Duelist Kingdom.

She crosses her arms with a frustrated huff.

Noa: If that's the case, doesn't that mean you're the current champion?

Rebecca: That's not how it works. Just because I should've won doesn't make me the champion. The title goes to the winner, not the one who was cheated out.

their conversation continued, the door to the card shop creaked open, and Testu trudged in, his smug face and sinister smile clearly visible. His eyes locked onto Marcus with an air of condescension.

Testu: Well, well, if it isn't Marcus. I see you're still hanging around, waiting for the real duelists to shine.

Marcus looked up, his expression darkening as he took in Testu's taunting demeanor.

Marcus: And here comes Testu, the master of the mockery. What do you want?

Testu's smile widened, clearly relishing the opportunity to provoke.

Testu: Just wanted to remind you that the semi-finals are coming up. I hope you're ready to face someone who actually knows how to duel. After all, I wouldn't want you to get too comfortable thinking you stand a chance against the best.

Rebecca's eyes narrowed as she watched the exchange, clearly unimpressed by Testu's bravado.

Rebecca: You know, Testu, your overconfidence might be your downfall. But keep talking; it's just making your defeat look even more inevitable.

Testu smirked, ignoring Rebecca's comment as he turned back to Marcus.

Testu: Enjoy your little pep talk, Marcus. We'll see how confident you are when you're facing me.

With that, Testu strutted to competitors room to prep his deck.

As Testu walked away from them, he couldn't help but mutter to himself, his sinister smile still firmly in place.

Testu (muttering to himself): With these cards, Marcus doesn't stand a chance. Yamma really came through, didn't he? All those rare cards he managed to slip into my deck it's going to be a walk in the park.

He chuckled darkly as he made his way down to the competitors room,savoring the thought of his upcoming victory.

Testu (smirking): Marcus and the rest of them are so outmatched. They have no idea what's coming. I'll crush them all and make my way to Duelist Kingdom without breaking a sweat.

His eyes gleamed with a mix of anticipation and arrogance as he envisioned the triumph that awaited him, convinced that his newly acquired advantage would ensure his dominance in the semi finals.

Meanwhile, at KibaCorp

Seto Kaiba leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on the view outside his office window. His assistant, standing at attention, looked up as Kaiba addressed him.

Seto: Has Maximillion Pegasus made his way to the card shop tournament yet?

The assistant glanced at his tablet before replying.

Assistant: Not yet, sir. According to the latest update, Pegasus is still at his hotel. However, he's scheduled to make an appearance later today.

Kaiba's eyes narrowed slightly, a thoughtful frown forming on his face.

Seto : Very well. Keep me updated on any further developments. I want to ensure everything is in place before he arrives.

Seto click a button on his desk

Mokuba Kaiba's voice came through the intercom.

Mokuba : Yes, big brother?

Seto: Mokuba, we're heading to the card shop tournament. It would be impolite not to be there for the event, especially if our guest, Maximillion Pegasus, is expected soon.

Mokuba: Right away, big brother. I'll get everything ready.

With that, Seto Kaiba gathered his things and prepared to leave for the tournament. Mokuba, already making arrangements, ensured everything was in order for their departure. The Kaiba brothers set off, ready to make their presence felt at the card shop tournament.

As the excitement in the air thickened, the atmosphere around the card shop tournament grew electric. The announcement of not just Maximillion Pegasus but also Seto Kaiba's appearance had drawn a massive crowd. Duelists, fans, and onlookers flocked to the venue, eager to witness the spectacle.

The streets surrounding the card shop were teeming with people, each hoping to catch a glimpse of the high profile guests. The buzz of conversations, the flash of cameras, and the collective anticipation created a palpable energy.

Inside the venue, the card shop was abuzz with activity. Duelists prepared their decks, spectators found their seats, and staff members hustled to manage the influx of attendees. The presence of Pegasus and Kaiba promised an unforgettable event, and everyone was on edge, waiting for the dueling to begin.

With the stage set and the crowd roaring, the tournament was ready to kick off, setting the scene for a thrilling day of dueling and high stakes drama.

The sleek black limousine glided to a smooth stop outside the bustling card shop venue. The vehicle's tinted windows concealed its occupants, but the moment the car came to a halt, the crowd's anticipation reached a new peak. A collective murmur spread through the crowd as the door of the limo swung open.

Seto Kaiba stepped out first, his imposing figure and signature blue suit making him an instant focal point. His sharp gaze scanned the scene with a mix of disdain and interest, his expression as confident as ever. Following closely behind, his younger brother Mokuba emerged, his cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to Kaiba's seriousness.

The two made their way through the sea of excited onlookers, Kaiba's presence commanding attention while Mokuba waved to the crowd, acknowledging their enthusiastic greetings. Kaiba's eyes were locked on the card shop, already assessing the tournament's setup and the crowd's energy.

As they approached the entrance, the anticipation in the air was almost tangible. Kaiba and Mokuba were clearly a formidable pair, and their arrival only heightened the excitement for the day's events.

As Seto Kaiba and Mokuba made their way through the bustling card shop, Kaiba's sharp eyes scanned the room. He spotted Derek, the tournament coordinator, near the main stage, busy overseeing the final preparations. Kaiba's expression turned from casual curiosity to focused intensity as he approached.

Kaiba: Derek!

Derek looked up, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of Kaiba. He quickly composed himself and moved towards the billionaire.

Derek: Mr. Kaiba! Everything is on schedule. The tournament setup is complete, and both the dueling arenas and audience seating are ready.

Kaiba's gaze remained stern, but he gave a curt nod.

Kaiba: Good. I expect everything to be flawless. No mistakes today.

Derek: Absolutely, sir. We've double checked everything. The appearance of both you and Mr. Pegasus has certainly generated a lot of excitement.

Kaiba: Let's keep it that way. Ensure that everything runs smoothly, and keep me informed of any issues that arise.

Derek nodded vigorously, eager to meet Kaiba's high expectations.

Derek: Understood, Mr. Kaiba. I'll make sure everything is perfect.

Kaiba gave a final, assessing look around before turning back to Mokuba.

Kaiba: Let's take a look at the dueling arenas. I want to see the competitors and their setups before the tournament starts.

Mokuba: Sure thing, big brother! I'm excited to see how this tournament turns out.

The scene cut to the front of the card shop, where excitement crackled in the air. A sleek, black limousine came to a stop with a dramatic purr, and the crowd's chatter turned to a cacophony of anticipation.

The door of the limo opened, and Maximillion Pegasus stepped out in a flamboyant red business suit, tailored to perfection and adorned with intricate golden embroidery. His outfit shimmered under the lights, catching the eyes of every onlooker.

With a confident stride, Pegasus made his way towards the entrance, his head held high and a charming smile gracing his lips. He raised his hand in a grandiose wave to the throngs of fans who surged forward, eager for a glimpse of the Legendary Creator of Duel Monsters.

Pegasus: Ah, my wonderful fans! What a magnificent turnout!

His voice carried over the crowd, each word dripping with charisma and enthusiasm.

Pegasus: I'll be delighted to sign autographs and share a few words with you all after the tournament. But for now, I must make my way inside .

With a final, sweeping gesture, he entered the card shop, leaving a trail of excitement in his wake. The crowd's cheers and applause echoed, setting a high energy tone for the tournament ahead.

Noa, stunned by the massive crowd and the sheer excitement in the air, could barely contain his amazement.

Noa: Wow, this crowd is incredible!

Rebecca, with a bratty smirk, looked over at Noa, clearly unimpressed by the spectacle.

Rebecca: Oh, this is nothing. You should see the crowds at the major tournaments I've been to. This is just a warm up compared to what I'm used to.

Rebecca looked down at her teddy bear and gave it a playful nudge.

Rebecca: "Isn't that right, Teddy?"

Teddy: That's right, this is nothing.

Rebecca chuckled, clearly pleased with her own sense of dramatic flair.

Noa surveyed the bustling crowd, clearly impressed and a bit overwhelmed.

Noa: This crowd is huge. I hope Marcus is holding up alright.

Meanwhile, Marcus was in a state of internal panic.

Marcus (thinking): This is going to be broadcast live on TV? I didn't mention that to Noa and Rebecca, did I? Oh man he so gonna flip.

His mind raced as he realized the enormity of the situation, his face reflecting his growing anxiety.

Marcus took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

Marcus (thinking): "Alright, Marcus, you've got this. Just focus on the duel. Everything else will fall into place."

With his deck in hand and a determined look on his face, he made his way to the duel arena, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.

Meanwhile

Tetsu trudged towards the duel arena, a sinister grin stretching across his face. His laughter echoed with malevolent delight.

Tetsu (giggling to himself): "It's time for these punks to face their defeat. They don't stand a chance. This is going to be so much fun!"

His sinister giggle grew louder as he approached the arena, fully confident in his victory.

Derek took center stage, the crowd's excitement palpable as he prepared to announce the upcoming semi-final match.

Derek (excitedly into the microphone): Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for is almost here! Get ready for an intense showdown in the semi finals of the card shop tournament! On one side, we have Marcus, are very own card shop worker you know him and love him. And on the other side, the formidable Tetsu, with his cunning tactics and unyielding confidence. This is going to be a duel for the ages, and it all happens right here, right now! So let's hear it for our contenders and get ready for an unforgettable battle!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, anticipation crackling in the air as the semi-final match between Marcus and Tetsu drew near.

Marcus and Tetsu approached the dueling area, their eyes locked in a competitive glare.

Tetsu (smirking):I hope you've prepared yourself for what's about to happen. I'd hate for you to be embarrassed in front of such a large audience.

Marcus (coolly): Embarrassed? I think you've got that backwards, Tetsu. I've seen your moves before, and let's just say I'm not worried. This is going to be a walk in the park for me.

Tetsu (raising an eyebrow): Is that so? I suppose we'll see if your confidence holds up when the cards are on the table. I've got a few surprises that I'm sure will catch you off guard.

Marcus (grinning): Bring it on. I've dealt with plenty of surprises before. It's your tricks that are going to need to live up to their hype.

Tetsu (chuckling): Oh, they will. Just don't be too shocked when you find yourself outmatched.

Marcus (nodding): We'll see about that. May the best duelist win.

With a final smirk, Tetsu turned toward his side of the arena, while Marcus prepared himself for the match, both ready to prove their skills and outwit each other in the duel ahead.

As the crowd roared in anticipation, Marcus and Tetsu took their positions at their respective dueling platforms. The tension between them crackled in the air.

Derek, the announcer, called out with excitement: "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the semi-finals! Marcus versus Tetsu! Duelists, are you ready?"

Marcus and Tetsu nodded in unison, their eyes locked in a fierce gaze.

Marcus and Tetsu (shouting simultaneously): "Duel!"

With a dramatic flourish, both duelists drew their opening hands, and the duel began. The arena fell into an eager silence, every spectator keenly watching the showdown between these two skilled competitors.

Marcus:2000lp

Testu:2000lp

As the duel commenced, Tetsu, grinning with a sinister edge, took the first move. He drew his opening card with a flourish, his confidence palpable.

Tetsu: Let's get this show on the road. I'll start by setting a monster in defense mode and placing two cards face down.

He placed his cards on the dueling platform with an air of superiority, his eyes glinting with malicious intent.

Tetsu: Your move, Marcus. Try not to embarrass yourself too much.

The crowd watched intently, eager to see how Marcus would respond to Tetsu's initial setup.

Marcus, his nerves showing despite his best efforts to remain composed, drew his first card. He glanced at Tetsu's setup, trying to gauge his opponent's strategy.

Marcus: Alright, let's see what I can do.

He played a spell card face-up on his side of the field.

Marcus: I'll start by activating Pot of Greed to draw two additional cards.

He drew from his deck, his hands trembling slightly. After examining his new cards, he placed a monster card face down in defense mode and set another card in the spell/trap zone.

Marcus: "That's all for now. Your move, Tetsu."

Marcus's anxiety was evident, but he was determined to make the best of his turn and find a way to counter Tetsu's sinister grin.

Tetsu's grin widened as he drew his card, exuding confidence.

Tetsu: Well, if you won't attack, I will!

With a dramatic gesture, he played a card on his Duel Arena.

Tetsu: I summon Summoned Skull in attack mode!

Summon Skull : 2500atk/1200Def

A bolt of dark lightning crackled as the imposing monster, with its skeletal frame and menacing wings, materialized on the field.

Tetsu: Now, I'll activate Mystical Space Typhoon' to destroy your face down

The powerful whirlwind tore through Marcus's set card, leaving it in ruins.

Tetsu: And with that obstacle out of the way, Summoned Skull will attack your face-down monster!

Derek his voice booming over the loudspeakers as he worked the crowd into a frenzy.

Derek: Ladies and gentlemen, what a match we've seen so far! We've watched the intense buildup to this moment, with Marcus and Tetsu facing off in the semi finals! Tetsu has just unleashed his powerful 'Summoned Skull,' and with Marcus' face-down card destroyed, the stakes are higher than ever!

The crowd roared in response, their excitement palpable.

Derek: Marcus is under pressure now, with his defenses compromised and Tetsu's monster poised for an attack. Can Marcus turn this duel around, or will Tetsu's ruthless play lead him to victory? Stay tuned, because this duel is heating up!

The energy in the arena surged as the spectators eagerly awaited the next move.

As Tetsu's Summoned Skull prepared to attack, Marcus shouted confidently.

Marcus: Not so fast! I had a monster set in defense mode Needle Worm!

Tetsu's eyes widened in surprise as Needle Worm emerged from Marcus's set card, triggering its effect and sending a flurry of cards from Tetsu's deck to the graveyard.

Tetsu: What? My deck...!

Tetsu was momentarily stunned, his smug expression faltering as he realized the impact of Marcus's strategic move.

Seto Kaiba, watching from the stands with arms crossed, smirked as the duel unfolded.

Seto: A Needle Worm, huh? Not a bad move for a rookie. But stalling tactics like that won't get him far. If Marcus wants to win, he'll need to show more than a few tricks.

Pegasus, sitting flamboyantly in his red suit, chuckled softly, resting his chin on his hand.

Pegasus: Oh, Kaiba boy, don't be so harsh. The duel's only just begun. Marcus has a spark he's playing smart. Tetsu may be overconfident, but I've seen games turn with just a single card. This could get interesting, don't you think?

Seto glanced at Pegasus with a slight scowl but said nothing, his eyes fixed on the duel below.

Marcus stared down at his hand, his mind racing. I need a counter, but those monsters they're going to be hard to deal with," he thought, his grip tightening around his cards. His heart pounded as he glanced at Tetsu's smug expression across the field.

Marcus: he not making this easy. If I don't come up with something fast, I'll be backed into a corner."

He quickly ran through his deck in his mind, searching for any combo or strategy that could turn things around. Come on, think there's got to be a way to break through!

Marcus took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

Marcus: Alright, focus, (he thought) as he reached for the top card of his deck.

I draw! he declared, pulling the card from his deck and staring at it intently. His eyes widened slightly.

Marcus: This... this might just be the key!

He glanced at Tetsu's monsters, a plan beginning to form in his mind.

Tetsu leaned forward with a smug grin, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Testu:You think drawing another card is going to save you? It won't make a difference! You might as well surrender while I'm still in a good mood. Save yourself the embarrassment.

Marcus felt the pressure but stood firm. His hand trembled slightly over his deck, but he wasn't about to give up that easily.

Marcus:We'll see about that, he muttered under his breath, steeling himself for the next move.

Marcus slapped a card onto his side of the duel arena. I summon Metal Guardian in attack mode!

Metal guardian :1150 ATK and 2150 DEF.

Marcus: But that's not all. I activate Sword and Shield, swapping its attack and defense!

Metal guardian: 2150 Atk/ 1150 Def

The crowd stirred as the stats flipped.

"And I'm not done! I play Limiter Removal, doubling my Metal Guardian's attack power!"

The guardian's attack rocketed to 4300atk towering over Tetsu's field. Marcus smirked,

Now, let's see how cocky you are.

As Marcus pointed forward, he shouted, "Metal Guardian, attack Summoned Skull!"

Just as the attack was about to land, Tetsu smirked, raising his hand.

Testu: You fool! Did you really think it'd be that easy? I still have one more face down card! It was so obvious what you were planning.

Tetsu flipped his trap card with a dramatic flourish.

Testu:I activate Reverse Trap! Instead of doubling your monster's power, it cuts it in half!"

The crowd gasped as Metal Guardian's attack dropped from 4300 to a mere 1075. Marcus's eyes widened in shock.

Derek's voice booms over the arena,

Derek:Marcus's Metal Guardian is no match for Testu's Summoned Skull! With Reverse Trap reducing Metal Guardian's power, the attack lands squarely! Marcus takes a massive 1425 points of damage! The crowd is on the edge of their seats what a turn of events!

Macus:575lp

Testu:2000lp

Testu (gloating): You should surrender now. Everyone all over town will witness my greatness and your downfall.

Pegasus: Ah, the drama of the duel! Testu is truly a master of intimidation. I must say, I'm quite impressed by his strategy.

Seto, with a cold, calculating gaze: Testu's overconfidence could be his downfall. If I were in Marcus's place, I would have exploited Testu's weaknesses by now. It's a classic mistake to underestimate your opponent.

Seto, with a sneer: But what do you expect from a fourth-rate duelist with a sixth-rate deck? Marcus should have anticipated these moves and prepared accordingly.

Mokuba, impressed: But big brother, that combo was insane! I've never seen anything like it.

Seto: That's because you've never seen someone willing to prove themselves. Here, we have a bully and a victim. It's clear as day.

Noa and Rebecca cheer Marcus on from the sidelines.

Noa: You've got this, Marcus! Don't let him get into your head!

Rebecca: Yeah, show him what you're made of! Don't give up now!

Marcus: They're right. I won't give up. I set a card and end my turn.

Trudge: Is that all you've got? This will be over before you know it.

Trudge's laughter fills the arena as he commands his monster to attack directly.

Testu:Prepare yourself for the end!" he cackles,

relishing every moment of Marcus's predicament.

Summon Skull charges forward with a fearsome roar, its dark lightning crackling as it lunges at Marcus. The crowd watches in tense silence as the monster's attack lands, sending a surge of energy and light across the arena.

Marcus: I flip my Trap Card Magical Cylinder!

The card reveals itself as a shimmering barrier rises between Marcus and Summon Skull. The energy from Summon Skull's attack is redirected back at Testu, causing his life points to drop dramatically.

Testu: There's no way!

Noa: Wait, he had two of those?

Marcus:575lp

Testu:0000lp

Derek: And that's it! Marcus pulls off a jaw dropping victory with a brilliant move! By activating Magical Cylinder, he deflects Testu's attack and claims a stunning win!

Pegasus: Incredible! Marcus has truly outdone himself with that move. This duel was a showcase of sheer willpower and skill. Bravo!

Seto: Well, well, a twist I didn't foresee. Marcus has proven he's more than just an average duelist. Testu's overconfidence was his downfall.

Noa: Marcus, that was unbelievable! You turned the entire duel around. You've got this!

Rebecca: Wow! You were fantastic! I didn't expect you to pull it off, but you did! Congratulations!

The arena erupts in cheers and applause as Noa and Rebecca cheer Marcus on, their excitement palpable. The dramatic conclusion leaves the crowd buzzing with energy and admiration for Marcus's unexpected triumph.

Derek: What an intense duel we've just witnessed! With Testu's defeat, the field has narrowed dramatically. Now, it's down to the final showdown between Marcus and Cedar! This is more than just a game it's a battle to secure a place in the grand finals.

Derek: as only one will emerge victorious and take their place among the finalists. The stakes have never been higher! Get ready for an unforgettable duel that will determine who advances to the ultimate stage of the tournament.

Next Time on Yu-Gi-Oh: One Hell of a Journey:

Marcus has triumphed in a dramatic showdown, but the battle is far from over! The next duel will be a crucial clash between Marcus and Cedar, where only one will secure a spot in the finals. With tensions running high and the stakes higher than ever, who will rise to the challenge?

Join us for the next episode as the dueling action continues, and witness the drama and excitement of this high-stakes tournament unfold. Don't miss it!"