Chapter 34: Infinity X

At 20,000 feet in the sky the tag duel between New Orders Gold General Proteus, his assistant Tesla, the emissary of Astral world Astral and Drake the duellist from another world chosen by the Legendary Dragon Critias, continued.

[Turn 7- P(H:4)/ T(H:3) LP:7000, A(H:2)/D(H:3) LP:6200]

It was Proteus turn once more. But his great Meklord Emperor Wisel was looking the worse for wear with only its core body and left attacking arm on the field after Astrals last barrage of attacks. And to beat the team of Astral and Drake he would now need to defeat the power of Number 39: Utopia.

"Draw. I activate the magic card <Iron Call> to special summon <Wisel Carrier> back from the grave."

[Wisel Carrier – Lv1 ATK:800 > 1300/DEF:600]

[Meklord Emperor Wisel ∞ - ATK:2200 > 3500]

Wisel's legs returned to the field and attached themselves to the core body, restoring a portion of its lost glory.

"Next I summon <Skiel Attack> from my hand." Proteus said.

Skiel was another series of the Meklords, the second of three. Its blue plated blaster undercarriage reconfigured itself to take the place of Wisel's missing right guard arm. The Power of the Seal of Orichalcos infusing it with even more might which it transferred to Meklord Emperor Wisel.

[Skiel Attack – Lv1 ATK:1000 > 1500/DEF:0]

[Meklord Emperor Wisel ∞ - ATK:3500 > 4500]

"Now I special summon the Machina Peacekeeper which was equipped to my Meklord Emperor. After which I play the spell <Star Blast>! By selecting my level 2 Machina I can then reduce its level by one at the cost of 500 life points."

[Machina Peacekeeper – Lv2 > 1, P/T LP > 6500]

"Now you shall witness the true glory of the Meklord. Resistance is futile and your defeat is certain. With these five monsters I build the Overlay Network! Witness the evolution of terror as it becomes the bane of Xyz's! I Xyz summon <Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞>!"

[Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞ - Rank 1 ATK:0 > 500/DEF:0 OU:5]

The five machines flew into the Overlay Network and a new black metallic orb emerged, like a dark sun orbited by the five lights of its Overlay units. This was a card Drake had never heard of or imagined could exist. And with the failure of his Dragon Eye he had no way to discover this monsters secrets except to experience them first hand.

"Behold the evolution of the Meklords, this monster gains all the effects, attack and defence points of each Wisel, Skiel or Granel that it has as an Overlay Unit."

Four of the five Overlay units flew into the black orb which rippled like pebbles thrown into a pond. Suddenly the orb began to stretch and morph to assume the form of Proteus's previous headless Meklord Emperor, but its colour was completely black save for the crimson X that replace the infinity symbol on its chest and the green of the mark of the Seal.

[Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞ - ATK: 500 > 3500/DEF:0 > 600]

Where as previously the Meklord Emperor had been a superficial combination of different monsters, now it was a true fusion of strength and ability, exceeding its previous powers greatly.

"Then once per turn I can add a Wisel, Skiel or Granel monster from my hand to this card as an Overlay unit. So I add <Granel Guard> and with each addition my monster grow ever stronger."

[Granel Guard – Lv1 ATK:500/DEF:1000, Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞ - ATK:3500 > 4000/DEF:600 > 1600 OU:5 > 6]

A bulky arm with fins grew out from the monsters right side pushing the Skiel blaster cannon of Skiel attack up to the shoulder.

"But that's not all. Any ability that Xeltron has that refers to a Synchro monster can also be applied to Xyz monsters." Proteus said with pride as the light of the Overlay Units held within his monster chest began to glow brightly before streams of energy were launched out and wrapped around Utopia.

"So by using Meklord Wisel's effect along with Xeltron's I can now capture your Utopia to equip it to my monster as an equip spell. Absorption X! Then my monster gains attack equal to your monsters."

"Oh no!" cried Astral a Utopia was stolen away.

Utopia was pulled into Xeltron's chest, a golden aura began to burn at the point where its head should be, taking the phantom form of Utopia's.

[Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞ - ATK:4000 > 6500]

This was bad! Both Astral and Drake knew this, Utopia was supposed to be their ace but had instead been turned against them so quickly.

"Now things will get even worse, I activate my face down <Orichalcos Wisdom> this trap let me add an 'Orichalcos Sigil' from my deck to my hand, so I add and then activate <Orichalcos Sigil Exousía>!"

"What kind of card is that?!" Drake queried. He had not been present to witness Yuma's duel against Bronk so this new form of Orichalcos was a mystery to him. But surprisingly his Dragons Eye kick in and he was able to discover the effect of the card.

It seemed his Dragons Eyes only had a problem when trying to read the Meklord cards, but why?

"This magic card then allow me add a monster in my hand to a Xyz monster I control as an Overlay Unit so long as its level is equal to my Xyz monsters rank, so I add a level 1 <Granel Carrier> from my hand to my rank 1 monster." Proteus explained.

New black tank-like hover treads grew out of the rear of Proteus monster, giving it a strange centaur like appearance.

[Granel Carrier – Lv1 ATK:700/DEF:700, Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞ - ATK:6500 > 7200/DEF:1600 > 2300 OU:6 > 7]

"Now Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞, attack them directly! Infinity X!"

Crimson energy surge around its body and gathered at the embossed X on its chest, before blasting out. The X shaped energy beam morphing into the shape of the captured Utopia as it raced towards Astral with devastating force.

"I activate the trap <Double Dragons Decent>" cried Astral as he activate one of the cards Drake had set.

"This card allows me to special summon a light type Xyz dragon from my extra deck, so come forth! <Number 91: Thunder Spark Dragon>!"

A long blue winged serpent burst out from the trap card and imposed itself between Astral and the attack of Meklord Emperor Xeltron, blue lighting flicking across its body as it opened its jaws wide.

"Because Number 91 was summoned with this trap card, its abilities are negated but its attack is increased to match your monsters attack. Your monster is then force to continue its attack against my monster. Since they now how equal attack points that means both our monsters will be destroyed!"

[Number 91: Thunder Spark Dragon – Rank 4 ATK:2400 > 7200/DEF:2000 OU:0]

[MEX ATK:7200 > N91 ATK:7200]

Blue lightning blasted out against the crimson Utopia phantom and exploded into a cloud of smoke that covered the battlefield. But as the smoke cleared it was revealed that Proteus Meklord Emperor remained on the field, its rear hover treads faintly glowing with a gentle white light that slowly faded away.

"Incorrect assumption Astral! I already told you that Xeltron inherits all the special ability of its Meklord Overlay parts, so I can use the effect of the newly attached Granel Carrier. Its effect means once per turn I can prevent the destruction of a monster I control by battle." Proteus explained.

"You may have the advantage, but you will not succeed." Drake said

"Illogical, I end my turn."

[Turn 8- D(H:3)/A(H:2) LP:6200 P(H:0)/T(H:3) LP6500]

"I draw, then I play <Pot of Greed>" Drake said.

He knew that the two of them were in trouble. So long as Proteus had the cards in hand he could in theory add two new pieces to his Meklord in each of his turns, with who know what kinds of effects. The only upside was that only one of their opponents seemed to have the Meklord deck. If both of them used the same kind of deck in a tag duel like this their monster would soon become unstoppable.

Assuming it wasn't that already…

"I special summon <Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon> from my hand by revealing the Blue-Eyes I previous added. With my dragon's special ability, I can destroy one monster on the field, so I target your Meklord Xeltron! Go Destruction Burst!"

A bolt of blue lighting blasted out from Drakes monster, but as it reached Proteus monster its front humanoid legs began to glow and an energy barrier formed between Xeltron and the lightning blast.

"Your error. Thanks to Wisel Carriers inherited ability my monster cannot be destroy by my opponents card effects." Proteus explained his monsters survival.

So that was the effect of Wisel Carrier that Drake had forgotten. It had been too long since he had seen these card in action so he only remembered a handful of the Meklord pieces effects, like Wisel Guards ability to redirect an effect, or that some piece of Skiel allowed it to perform direct attacks and a couple of others.

But he wouldn't let his ignorance hold him from a comeback!

"I summon <Blue-Eyes Kuriboh> to the field!"

Drakes favourite furball popped onto the field flapping its cardboard wings with delight, its round eyes shining with fan worship as it stood next to the Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon.

"And next I will use the Polymerization I previously recovered to fuse the Blue-Eyes White Dragon in my hand with the Alternative dragon and Blue-Eyes Kuriboh on my field. Behold my Ultimate Beast! <Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon>!"

[Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon - Lv12 ATK:4500/DEF:3800]

A pillar of light connecting heaven and earth appeared and expanded to engulf Drakes monsters before a might force burst the pillar apart from within to reveal the evolved Ultimate Dragon. Its neon markings glowing in the moon light as the three dragon heads breath steamed the air.

Although Drakes monster was powerful, it was currently still no match for Proteus deadly machine, but that would soon change.

"Then I play <Stamping Destruction> this spell allows me to destroy one spell or trap card you control and deal you 500 damage."

"Heh, neither the Seal of Orichalcos nor its Sigil can be destroy by card effect. So just what are you targeting?" Tesla mocked from behind, overlooking Drakes true objective.

"Stupid, did you forget that currently your monster has Astral's Utopia attached to it as a equip spell card. And with its destruction your monster will loses 2500 ATK."

Drakes Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon charged at Xeltron, and raising its massive foot, stomped down on Xeltrons chest. Its force blasting out and extinguishing the aura of Utopia that it had formed in place of a head.

*Bang*

[P/T LP > 6000]

[Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞ - ATK:7200 > 4700]

"Our Emperor is still stronger than your dragon." Tesla sneered, angry at his failure to workout Drakes plan and in turn make a fool of himself in front of his boss.

"Not after I boost it with the face down <Blustering Winds> Astral left me, raising my dragons attack and defence by 1000 until our next standby phase." Drake mocked. Now his dragon was the strongest monster on the field.

[Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon - ATK:4500 > 5500/DEF:3800 > 4800]

"Neo Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon attack! Neo Neutron Burst!"

[NBEUD ATK:5500 > MEX ATK:4700 - P/T LP > 5200]

Each of Drakes Blue-Eyes heads blasted out a steam of blue/white lighting that combined into a torrent of energy and smashed into the black Meklord. Its back treads once more lighting up.

"Thanks to Granel Carriers effect my monster is not destroyed." Proteus remarked calmly as he lost a chunk of life points.

"But now I activate my monsters own effect. As the only face up card I control, I can now send my Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon to the grave from my extra deck so my dragon can attack again! Neo Neutron Burst!"

[NBEUD ATK:5500 > MEX ATK:4700 - P/T LP > 4400]

Drakes dragon attacked again with overwhelming might.

"And your Carriers effect can only be used once per turn." Drake stated the obvious. After all, how could Proteus not know the limits of his own monster effects.

"But my Xeltron has an effect of its own. By sending one of its Overlay units to the grave I can negate its destruction. So I logically send its Machina Peacekeeper to the grave and save it."

[Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞ - OU: 6 > 5]

An Overlay Unit flew out of its chest, shattering into glittering sparkles that covered its black form and created a protective coating against Neo Ultimate Dragon's attack.

It was a smart move. Machina Peacekeeper was the only Overlay Unit which didn't benefit Xeltron in any other way. Providing neither effects or points.

"I activate my dragons ability again and send Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon to the Grave. Attack my dragon! Neo Neutron Burst!" cried Drake as he used his dragon effect for the final time he was allowed.

[NBEUD ATK:5500 > MEX ATK:4700 - P/T LP > 3600]

"I send Granel Guard to the grave to prevent its destruction." Proteus said.

An Overlay Unit once more erupted from Xeltron chest and saved it from destruction, but now its thick finned arm was absorbed back into its body and with its loss Xeltron's points began to drop.

[Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞ - ATK:4700 > 4200/DEF:2300 > 1300, OU: 5 > 4]

It was a good start to taking down that mechanical demon, but only a start.

"I end my turn." said Drake.

[Turn 9 - T(H:3)/P(H:0) LP:3600, D(H:0)/A(H:2) LP:6200]

"Draw" Tesla was getting nervous. He felt that his performance before his direct superior had been underwhelming so far.

But looking at the card he just drew, he knew that he could change that soon.

"I special summon <Machina Cannon> by discarding <Commander Covington> from my hand, which give it 800 ATK, then I activate <Pot of Greed> to draw two more cards. Next I special summon <Machina Air Raider> from my hand by discarding <Machina Defender>."

[Machina Cannon – Lv8 ATK: 0 > 1300/DEF:2200, Machina Air Raider – Lv8 ATK:1500 > 2000/DEF:2600]

Two metal monsters appeared on the field, one dominated by a giant cannon on is back the other with large propeller wings. Even with the boost from the Seal their attack wasn't much and thanks to Xeltrons inherit ability from Meklord Emperor Wisel they couldn't attack anyway.

But they were both level 8 monsters.

"With these two monsters I build the Overlay Network to Xyz summon Rank 8 <Aegaion the Sea Castrum>"

[Aegaion the Sea Castrum – Rank 8 ATK:0 > 500/DEF:3000 OU:2]

A legged fortress city rose up from the clouds below, tall and mighty yet it still paled when compared to monsters already out on the field. Suddenly a red beam blasted out towards Drake from a kind of satellite dish at the monsters centre.

"Now I activate Aegaion's ability. This allows me to banish a random monster from your extra deck, my monsters attack then becomes equal to the banished monsters attack. But that's not all! By using one Overlay unit and returning that banished monster to your extra deck I will be able to destroy a monster of the same card type on the field." Tesla chuckled.

"So if I remove a Fusion monster, you can say farewell to your dragon and then the rest of your life points! Go, Beyond Contact!"

The red light pulled a card from Drakes Extra deck and dragged it towards Tesla's monster. Drake prayed that his luck was good, or this duel might soon be over. The card slowly flipped over to reveal itself to the world in dramatic fashion.

[Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon – Synchro Monster, ATK:2500]

"Blast!" Tesla cursed.

"Perfect!" Drake cried in joy.

Not only had he avoid the destruction of his Ultimate Dragon but he had also avoided the loss of his Xyz Blue-Eyes Starlight Dragon as well. The card was swiftly banished as Aegaion absorbed its strength.

[Aegaion the Sea Castrum – Rank 8 ATK:500 > 3000]

"You're not out of the woods yet! I play <Xyz Gift> because I control two Xyz monster I can remove two Overlay Units from Aegaion to draw 2 more cards."

[Aegaion the Sea Castrum – OU: 2 > 0]

"Now I play <Limiter Removal> this spell doubles the attack of all machine monsters I currently control."

The power of the New Order teams monsters swiftly rose under the overclocking power of the spell card, till they towered over Drakes Ultimate dragon. But such power was temporary and would come at great cost. At the end of the turn all monsters effect by Limiter Removal would be destroyed.

[Aegaion the Sea Castrum – ATK: 3000 > 6000, Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞ - ATK:4200 > 8400]

"Xeltron now attacks your Neo Blue-Eyes! Infinity X!"

"I activate the trap <Half Unbreak> for this turn my dragon cannot be destroy by battle and I half any damage from battles involving that card." Drake replied as he activated another of Astral's cards.

A bubble appeared around Drakes dragon and shielded it as the crimson X shaped beam blasted into it.

[MEX ATK:8400 > NBEUD ATK:5500 - D/A LP > 4750 (2900/2 = 1450)]

"I set a card and end my turn, at which point all my monsters under the effect of Limiter Removal are destroyed. But I save Meklord Emperor Xeltron by sending Skiel Attack to the Grave."

An Overlay Unit again exploded to coat Xeltron in a glittering coating as its right shoulder cannon was reabsorbed into its metalmorphic body. Unfortunately for them, Wisel Carriers effect could only protect Xeltron against destruction effects used by their opponents. Again its attack points were lowered as it was left with just the core body, the two carrier parts with protective effects and Wisel Attack.

[Meklord Emperor Xeltron ∞ - ATK:8400 > 3200 OU: 5 > 4]

It was Astral's turn now.