Rising Vanguards ch 80

Daichi entered the club room, where Kensuke and Kouta were in the middle of a cardfight.

Kouta said, “I believe this means it’s your turn.”

Kensuke then said, “Final Turn!”

Kouta shouted, “AGAIN!?”

Kensuke continued, “Seek Mate!”

Four trigger units suddenly moved from Kensuke’s drop zone to the top of his deck. Immediately afterwards, from deeper in his deck, a card flew into his hand.

Kensuke declared, “Show the full force of the ever-resonating thunder. LEGION! Big Bang Slash Buster! Legion Skill activated! Big Bang Knuckle Buster will be able to attack four of your units this turn. And, the crossride skill also activates because of the card I put in the soul.”

Kouta said, “Grade four units are superior to crossriding! Why don’t you see that?”

Kensuke said, “I really don’t think we’ll be seeing Nouvellevague in this fight. You’re already at four damage and I have a full formation that you haven’t once done anything about.”

Kouta shouted, “I called Nouvellecritic once... but couldn’t use its skill because I didn’t have Nouvellevague yet.”

Kensuke pointed, “With support from Koumei, LEGION ATTACK!! Your front row and Ashgar are the targets!”

Kouta looked at his hand, then dropped Barri into the middle and discarded a copy of Dragonic Overlord. “PERFECT GUARD! Protecting Dauntless!”

Kouta smirked, looking over Kensuke’s formation. On one side, he figured he could simply stop Lisei and Aak with the copy of Bahr in his hand, while on the other side, he saw Big Bang Slash Dragon and Aak, again, he felt one of the two usable cards for guarding would be enough.

Kensuke said, “Twin Drive!” He first revealed Big Bang Knuckle Dragon, followed by Hardship Brawler, Toshu.

Big Bang Knuckle Buster and Big Bang Slash Buster leapt forward, punching at the formation. Even though, Dauntless himself was protected, a triangular formation around him was retired.

Kensuke said, “Well, I think this is where it ends. Each of my standing rear-guards gains 9000 power.”

Kouta suddenly looked on in horror. Kensuke wasn’t retiring the rear-guards for the sake of slowing down the formation. It was all about getting some power to his two rear-guard columns to make them go above what he could successfully guard.

As each column attacked, another card ended up in Kouta’s damage zone. First was Nouvellecritic Dragon, and the last card in his damage zone was Demonic Dragon Mage, Abarara.

Kouta sighed, “That’s three in a row. I guess I’ll have to make an exception and let you into the club despite your use of Narukami. You could be so much stronger if you used Kagero!”

Kensuke said, “I’m actually better with Narukami than I am with Kagero. Cardfighters should use the clan they worked best with. Before Narukami emerged, I always felt that there was something missing from my Kagero decks. Then, once Narukami burst onto the scene, I started to see my ideal playstyle better.”

Kouta wondered, “Could that be why Daichi struggled with Kagero, only to greatly improve when I let him use Dimension Police?” He pondered the possibility for a second before concluding, “No. That must be a fluke.”

Daichi said, “Senpai really is a great player, right?”

Kensuke hesitantly said, “Um... yeah... so great, I have yet to see him win a fight.”

Suddenly, a fourth member opened the door to the club meeting room. He said, “Guys, I would like you to meet our newest member. Here all the way from Kobe!”

Daichi said, “I’m from Kobe! Do I know this person?”

Kouta said, “Just get on with it, Rai.”

Rai continued, “I would like to introduce Hitomi Kojima!”

A young woman stepped into the room after Rai. Suddenly, Daichi ran and hid behind a chair.

Kensuke asked, “Why are you so scared?”

Daichi answered, “She used to be the sukeban at my high school. I thought going to college in Kyoto would help me get away from her.”

Hitomi said, “Our agreement was that I would only join this club if someone can beat me in a cardfight.”

Rai nodded, “I remember.”

Kouta laughed, “It looks like my chance is finally here. I’ll prove that we’re not a club to be messed with!”

Kensuke pulled Kouta out of the way and said, “Why don’t we let Rai take this. You’re not exactly on a roll today.”

Even though this was his first time meeting Rai, he still figured Rai would have the best chance in this scenario. He didn’t know a thing about Hitomi’s personality, so he didn’t know if she would partially reveal herself to distract Kensuke at a crucial moment. Daichi was already scared of her, because the two had apparently met before. And of course, Kouta wasn’t as strong as he believed he was.

Rai and Hitomi stepped to opposite sides of a table and set up their cards.

Rai grinned, “I bet an angel like you would be playing Angel Feather. Or maybe you’re a delicate flower of Neo Nectar... or... dare I say, a Goddess of Genesis.”

Hitomi smirked, “If I win this, you have to stop with those bad pick-up lines.”

Both then reached for the face-down cards in their vanguard circles. Together, they shouted, “STAND UP! VANGUARD!!!”

In the Nova Grapler arena, Energyraizer and Ancient Dragon, Babysaurus emerged.

Rai was shocked by this revalation. “T-Tachikaze!? I was expecting some cards that reflected your beauty.”

Kouta said, “NO! I am not going to allow Tachikaze in this club!”

Kensuke said, “Looks like an interesting match. Both clans really put the rear-guards to work.”

Rai said, “I’ll start. I ride Jetraizer. Energyraizer moves. Turn end!”

Hitomi responded, “I ride Ancient Dragon, Iguanogorg! With support from Babysaurus, Iguanogorg attacks!”

Rai shouted, “No guard!”

Hitomi shouted, “Drive check!” She then showed Ancient Dragon, Tyrannobite, adding the card to her hand.”

Iguanogorg leapt forward and struck Jetraizer, sending Transraizer to Rai’s damage zone.

Hitomi said, “Turn end!”

Rai said, “Stand and draw! I ride Transraizer! Skill activated! Superior call Phoenix Raizer Flame Wing! Then, I call Carvingraizer. With support from Energyraizer, Flame Wing attacks!”

Phoenix Raizer Flame Wing engulfed its body in fire, then rammed into Iguanogorg, sending Ancient Dragon, Dinocrowd to Hitomi’s damage zone.

Rai continued, “With support from Carvingraizer, Transraizer attacks!”

Hitomi shouted, “Ornithealer will guard!”

Rai said, “Drive check!” revealing Jetraizer from the top of his deck.

Transraizer’s attack barely managed to break past Ornithealer. However, breaking through drained enough energy that it couldn’t hit Iguanogorg.

Hitomi said, “Stand and draw! I ride Ancient Dragon, Dinocrowd! CALL! Tyrannobite and Night Armor. Tyrannobite attacks Flame Wing!”

Rai said, “No guard!”

The semi-mechanical tyrannosaurus charged in and bit down on the phoenix-like robot, causing it to vanish.

Hitomi continued, “With support from Babysaurus, Dinocrowd attacks!”

Rai shouted, “Turboraizer will guard!”

Kensuke wondered, “Are they both trying to set up for that?”

Hitomi grinned, “Drive check!” She then picked up and revealed Cannon Fire Dragon, Sledge Ankylo, adding the card to her hand. “Draw trigger! Power to Dinocrowd!”

Dinocrowd quickly tore through Turboraizer, quickly reaching Transraizer. As the bullets hit, Phoenix Raizer Drill Wing could be seen falling to Rai’s damage zone.

Hitomi shouted, “Now, Night Armor goes in for one more attack!”

Rai said, “No guard!”

The dinosaur quickly struck Transraizer, causing a copy of Meteoraizer to fall to Rai’s damage zone.

Hitomi then grinned, “Turn end!”

Rai said, “Stand and draw! Surpass Perfection and achieve your ultimate form. RIDE! Ultimate Raizer, Mega Flare!”

Kensuke said, “So, he has that ability, too.”

Rai shouted, “CALL!” placing Ultimate Raizer Dual Flare, Phoenix Raizer Drill Wing, and Jetraizer into the three open rear-guard circles.”

Daichi mumbled, “Throughout the entire formation.”

Rai said, “With support from Energyraizer, Drill Wing attacks Tyrannobite!”

Hitomi said, “No guard!”

The crimson and black colored Raizer revved up its drills, striking at the rear-guard. Soon, Ancient Dragon, Tyrannobite fell to Hitomi’s drop zone.

Rai continued, “With support from Carvingraizer, Mega Flare attacks your vanguard!”

Hitomi said, “No guard!”

Rai shouted, “Twin Drive check!” He first revealed Shieldraizer, followed by Battleraizer. “GET! STAND TRIGGER! All effects to Drill Wing”

Kouta grinned, “Nice stand trigger work... wait... WHY WASN’T THAT A CRITICAL TRIGGER?”

Ultimate Raizer Dual Flare rushed in for the strike. Ancient Dragon, Triplasma soon fell to Hitomi’s damage zone.

Rai continued, “DRILL WING! ATTACK THE VANGUARD!”

Hitomi shouted, “Black Cannon Tiger will guard!”

Rai continued, “With support from Jetraizer, Dual Flare attacks!”

Hitomi shouted, “Dinodile will guard!”

Rai said, “Turn end!”

Kensuke said, “She was guarding those attacks for a reason. It’s likely that there was a reason besides pressure behind it those attacks.”

Daichi asked, “Does this mean?”

Kensuke grinned, “Let’s see it in action!”

Hitomi shouted, “Roaring across the battlefield, stomp upon the enemy! RIDE! Ancient Dragon, Tyrannoquake!!”

Rai said, “Things are beginning to look dangerous for me.”

Hitomi shouted “CALL!” Placing Ancient Dragon, Iguanogorg and Ancient Dragon, Triplasma on her two open back-row Rear-guard circles.

Daichi mentioned, “Iguanogorg doesn’t have a unit to boost. How can it accomplish anything?”

Kensuke said, “Just wait.”

Hitomi shouted, “SEEK MATE!!” Soon, the four units in her drop zone flew to the top of her deck, before the topmost one flew into her hand. “With your combined strength, make the battlefield tremble. LEGION! Ancient Dragon, Tyrannobite! With support from Triplasma, Nightarmor attacks your vanguard. Skill activated! By retiring Babysaurus, Nightarmor gains 5000 power and a nice skill. Babysaurus activates its own skill. Superior Call! Ancient Dragon, Tyrannobite!”

Rai said, “I better save it. NO GUARD!”

Nightarmor charged forward and struck at Ultimate Raizer Mega Flare. Transraizer soon fell to Rai’s damage zone.

Hitomi continued, “Nightarmor’s skill activates. I turn the counter-blast I used for Babysaurus back face-up. Now, that Tyrannobite I just called unleashes a solo attack on Dual Flare.”

Rai shouted, “No guard!”

Ultimate Raizer Dual Flare immediately fell to Rai’s drop zone after being bitten by the vicious tyrannosaurus.

Hitomi said, “Now. LEGION ATTACK!!! I retire Tyrannobite for more power. LEGION SKILL! When I retire a unit with the same name as a unit on my vanguard circle, Tyrannoquake gains 5000 more power and a critical. Tyrannobite’s skill! Counter-blast to revive it.

Rai looked at the oncoming attack. 30000 power, critical 2... He knew this is what he was saving it for. “Shieldraizer! QUINTET WALL!!!”

Suddenly, five cards burst forth from the top of Rai’s deck. Raizer Girl, Kate! Transraizer! Turboraizer! Meteoraizer! And finally, Ultimate Raizer Mega Flare! All five cards united their defensive strength against the oncoming assault for 35000 shield.

Hitomi said, “Twin Drive!” She knew that she would need at least a critical trigger, and that was assuming that the unknown card in Rai’s hand was a Grade 3 unit. She slowly revealed the first card, which was Ancient Dragon, Dinodile. “CRITICAL TRIGGER! All effects to my Rear-guard Tyrannobite!” She then reached for one more card, before revealing Ancient Dragon, Paraswall.

Daichi stood back, fearing for Rai, while Kensuke and Kouta could both see it plain as day.

Hitomi shouted, “With support from Iguanogorg, Tyrannobite attacks!!”

Rai shouted, “Guard with Tankraizer and Battleraizer!”

Hitomi could only look at Rai’s empty hand and sigh, “Turn end”

Rai said, “I’ll need a big play, too. Stand and draw! CALL! Cat Butler!!”

Daichi, seeming somewhat depressed by the play, could only say, “THAT’S this Cat Butler card I’ve been hearing about?”

Kouta said, “This should be my first time actually seeing that combo in action.”

Kensuke added, “I think he’s about to put Legion to good use.”

Rai shouted, “Seek Mate!” Four cards flew from Rai’s drop zone to his deck, then a card flew out. “Battling together, Raizers fight their hardest. LEGION! Ultimate Raizer, Dual Flare! First, with support from Jetraizer, Cat Butler attacks!”

Hitomi shouted, “No guard!”

Cat Butler calmly approached the tremendous dinodragon before him, before suddenly swiping a paw at it. A copy of Ancient Dragon, Tyrannoquake fell to Hitomi’s damage zone.

Rai continued, “With support from Energyraizer, Drill Wing attacks!”

Hitomi once again said, “No guard!”

Glowing green drills began to bore into Tyrannoquake. Ancient Dragon, Paraswall fell to Hitomi’s damage zone.

Rai then shouted, “Now with support from Carvingraizer, LEGION ATTACK!!!”

Hitomi shouted, “PARASWALL! PERFECT GUARD!”

Rai grinned, “Twin Drive!” He looked at the top card of his deck, first revealing Tankraizer. He then picked up and revealed Turboraizer. “STAND TRIGGER! All effects to Drill Wing!”

Kouta said, “It’s not enough...”

Rai said, “Don’t count me out just yet. CAT BUTLER’S SKILL! By retiring Cat Butler, I can stand Dual Flare. Then, because units in Legion fight together, Mega Flare also stands! ONE MORE TIME!! LEGION ATTACK!”

Hitomi shouted, “No guard!” She didn’t exactly have any cards in hand to do anything anyway.

The two Raizers unleashed a massive attack, sending Black Cannon Tiger and Ancient Dragon, Magma Armor to Hitomi’s damage zone.

Rai said, “That was a close one. You almost had me there, but... you remember our agreement.”

Hitomi looked around, then pointed to Kensuke. “Is he actually our team leader?”

Kouta, grinning with a sense of superiority, said, “No, that would be me.”

Kensuke added, “I’m probably better suited to be team powerhouse anyway.”

Hitomi said, “I was in the stands for Dragonheart vs Metal Brothers. Even though I was disappointed that Mitsusada-kun wasn’t there, I was actually impressed by that break ride you pulled off to end the fight.”

Kensuke said, “I’ve had a few matches with Aoi Matsuda. Usually, there’s something big at stake when we face each other.”

Kouta angrily said, “I am twice the player Yamakawa or Mastuda could hope to be. Hell, I bet I could even beat Kenji Mitsusada given the chance!”

Hitomi immediately slapped Kouta and shouted, “YOU WILL NEVER MEASURE UP TO MITSUSADA-KUN! He’s not only stronger than you, he’s drop-dead sexy! If only I could get the chance to meet him in person.”

Daichi suddenly seemed more scared, “I know she’s gushing over a top-class Dimension Police user, but I think she’s scarier like that than when she was trying to beat me up in high school.”

Kensuke looked confused, “Is she Team Caesar’s number one fan? It begs the question as to why she’s using Tachikaze rather than Dimension Police.”

Hitomi then snapped out of her fawning rant and glared at Kensuke, “Tachikaze is important to me for reasons that don’t involve Team Caesar. It’s too personal for me to explain to any of you just yet.”