(Author's note: this will be my first time doing a battle scene. I made some changes based solely on the cards I've seen out there because, like I said, I don't know many cards, so I just made up a few things to try and make things interesting. If anyone doesn't like it, I apologize for that, but as a piece of advice, just go with the flow and don't take it too seriously. That's the point of this story.)
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After listening to his introduction, I just stared at him for a while and then fell silent. Honestly, I didn't see any reason to introduce myself because he's probably already researched me, so he probably already knows my name.
I stared at him seriously, though not because I was worried about facing him. This could be considered the weakest masquerade of all. I wasn't at all worried about losing. In fact, if I lost to him, even with all the traps and advantages the system gave me, then I might as well just give up at this point and jump into the doom dimension on my own.
The reason I looked at him seriously was because something about his chest seemed odd to me. I mean, it's supposed to be just Alice in disguise; her body is still her own, so I asked me exactly how he can hide that chest. Plus, I'm pretty sure Alice is a bit bigger than the original, since everyone is older.
In this world, Alice is 16, and the others are 14, besides Marucho, who's 13. So I really wanted to know if Alice felt any discomfort in her chest when she detransformed. It was probably a stupid thing to focus on, but hey, at least from the outside, the scene looks like an epic battle is about to begin.
This whole monologue happened in a few seconds, so I just went back to talking after hearing his introduction.
"You probably already know my name if you know who I am, so I won't bore you with it," I said, waving my hand with a relaxed expression.
"You're right, Ryuzaki Himura, the best Bakugan player. You're quite known for your incredibly strong Bakugan, and it's said you've never lost a battle. However, that's about to change," he said calmly as he held up a card. I guess we were about to get down to business.
"It looks like someone's done their homework, though whether that's true remains to be seen. I don't want you crying when I completely crush you," I said as I also held up a card. This was definitely exciting; it was my first battle since taking control of the body.
He didn't say anything to my provocation; we simply spoke at the same time as we flipped the cards in our hands.
"Open field!"
"Open field!"
I could see for a second how everything around us slowed down to a standstill, and before I knew it, we were standing on a huge white field with a colorful sky reminiscent of the Northern Lights.
We quickly each grabbed a card and threw it onto the field.
"Gate card ready!"
"Gate Card Ready!"
Then we landed at the far end of the cards, and I saw him pull out another card. It had an image of a dragon skull with large horns, and I could feel it emitting a sinister aura.
"Doom Card Ready!" With that, Masquerade threw the card onto the field. It sank into the ground and sent ripples throughout the field.
With that, I basically connected the Doom Dimension to it, so any of my Bakugan that were defeated would be thrown directly there. Although, well, I wasn't worried. I just shouldn't lose any Bakugan. I'll wipe that calmness off his face.
"I hope you can really present a challenge. Dan Kuzo was certainly disappointing. Although he also told me he wouldn't have it that easy against you. We'll see if it's true," he told me in his classic calm and condescending tone.
"So you've already faced Dan, well then I have to make sure I beat you here for him too," I already imagined, although Dan was certainly lucky that Masquerade took pity on him, or his gaming career could have ended in his first fight.
I decided to go first, so I took out my Reaper and prepared to throw it, "Bakugan, let's battle." With that, I threw it to where my gate card was. Once it fell, it opened, and a dark cloud enveloped it, and I was finally able to see it in person: a large skeleton with a purple and black scythe, large broken wings that ended in four points, a skull for a head with large horns. I could only describe it as a demon.
I looked at the bakupod and saw a simplified version of the field, and it gave information in a robotic voice.
I could hear Masquerade speak as well, I could definitely hear some surprise in his voice, "So that's your strongest Bakugan, it's definitely as impressive as they say, however that will soon change," he also threw a Bakugan at his own card.
"Bakugan, battle!" It wasn't Reaper's turn. When his Bakugan appeared, I could see a huge automaton with large cannons on its body. It was Laserman.
"Heh, what's up? You talked so much and you don't dare face me head-on." I said with a provocative smile, but inside I was waiting to see what he was planning. I could understand why he was doing it. Facing a stronger Bakugan on his own card was foolish. I guess he had a plan.
"Hmm, power activated, long-range shot. This card allows Laserman to attack a Bakugan on another card, and also decreases its power." With that, I demanded to see how Laserman shot my Reaper directly. It didn't do any damage due to the power difference. But I could see what he was talking about.
"Good, you've decreased his power. But unless you want to defeat him with your gaze, my Reaper is safe." Let's see what else he has up his sleeve.
"Don't worry, since you're so eager to lose him, let me grant your wish. Gate Card Open, Final Destruction." With that, I could see the card where Laserman was lighting up, and Laserman himself seemed to glow red. I could imagine what would happen next. He kindly explained what he was doing.
"With this card, I can sacrifice my own Bakugan by overloading it with power. If it can't withstand the explosion, it will destroy any Bakugan nearby, even if they're on other cards." If I was imagining that, I obviously wasn't going to stay still, so I opened my card.
"If you think I'm just going to stand by and watch, think again. Open Gate Card, Shadow Cloak. With this, I can put up a defensive wall over any Darkus Bakugan on the card." With that, a dark cloud covered Reaper. Let's see if he has anything for it.
"Hmm, dimension four," I was waiting for that card. It can nullify the effect of any Gate Card.
"Say goodbye to your Bakugan," with that, Laserman finally exploded, filling the field with smoke.
"For a top player, that was definitely disappointing," he said, mockingly thinking he'd won. But with that, I smiled and spoke to him.
"Hey, Masks, maybe those glasses aren't letting you see well because you can't see the field any better."
I could see his confusion at what I said, and when he realized it, he saw that my Reaper was still in place, with a dark cloak surrounding it. After that, it turned into a sphere and quietly returned to my hand, giving me the first point.
I could see Masquerade's confused expression, but I just calmly asked, "How so? Dimension 4 nullifies the ability of any Power card. He shouldn't still be alive." Honestly, I had no problem explaining it to him.
"I suppose your card can't nullify all effects. Cloak of Shadows is a Command Card. It nullifies damage taken if it was caused by the effect of a Power Card." I already knew about that card, so I knew its weakness; it couldn't nullify Character Cards or Command Cards.
I could see what I was sure was a frown, and I could understand it. While he doesn't mind sacrificing his own Bakugan to win, in this case, he sacrificed his Bakugan for nothing. It was satisfying to see his frustrated face.
"Looks like I definitely underestimated you. But your luck ran out here, Gate Card ready." With that, he simply threw out his next Bakugan. "Bakugan, battle! Bakugan surge!"
With that, I could see a copy of my own Reaper appear on the field. However, this one could speak. "Bring that imposter here. I'll give him a one-way ticket to the Doom Dimension." With that, I could see Leonidas react.
Then I could hear Leonidas speak to me. "Partner, let me fight." He hadn't spoken in a while. I felt him change since he heard the Doom Card. I guess it makes sense that he's familiar with that aura. While he doesn't feel fear like any other Bakugan, I suppose he must still feel uncomfortable since it's not the prettiest place, even if it's where he was born.
However, I shook my head. "Don't get impatient, my friend. This isn't his strongest Bakugan. The next one will be a more interesting opponent for you, and it'll be a good way to introduce yourself." I told him with a calm smile. He just stayed silent, though I could see that he looked eager to fight.
"Bakugan, battle!" With that, I threw my own Reaper. "Bakugan surges." With that, a second, stronger Reaper appeared on the field.
"I hope you're ready to say goodbye to this world," Reaper said in his chilling voice, as if he was sure of his victory.
I saw that Masquerade wasn't doing anything, so I ordered my Reaper to attack. Since this isn't the game, instead of being defeated in one hit, his Reaper was able to stay on the defensive.
"Hey, what's up? You didn't say my Bakugan had to say goodbye, why are you hiding?" I said with a mocking smile to the opposing Reaper.
"Human, let's see if you laugh that much when I sent your Bakugan to the dimension of doom!!!" He was clearly furious.
But I still didn't understand his strategy, but I started to wonder what was going on. I thought about a few things. I don't think that card is a trap. I highly doubt he'd risk sacrificing another Bakugan. Even if he managed to do so, it would end in a 2vs1. Right now, Hydranoid isn't that strong yet, and he knows the two Bakugan I have publicly, aside from Leonidas. He wouldn't win at least at this point, so he must have another plan, and I was able to see it later.
The card opened automatically, so it activated over time, and the effect was noticeable. Now I know what it was.
I remember that card. Now my Bakugan was the one with the lowest power level. I could see Masquerade giving me a smug smile, "This time you have nothing to do," and her Reaper the same. "Hahaha, you got too confident, human, too bad for you, say goodbye!" With that, she attacked my Reaper.
But seriously, what's up with these people? Although I guess it makes sense. There were plenty of moments in the series where characters could activate power cards and just stood still, but not this time.
"Power card activated, Dimensional Slash. Let me explain. This card is unique to Reaper. When activated, it can destroy any of your opponent's Gate Cards. It also prevents the activation of your opponent's Power Cards while there are two or more Bakugan on the battlefield."
"What? This isn't possible!" I could hear skepticism in Reaper's voice, and an even deeper frown appeared on Masquerade's face. Or rather, his wrinkled nose told me so. With that, my Reaper's scythe lit up and attacked the Gate Card. It shattered into pieces with a sound of breaking glass. Taking advantage of the opponent's shock, I finished them off with a single slash.
That was the only thing, and Masquerade remained silent this time. I guess he's really frustrated now. Well, too bad for him.
"It's two to zero, Masks, Gate Card ready. Come on, take out your last Bakugan and let's get this over with. I'm hungry," I told him with a condescending attitude similar to his. But there was a smile on my face when I said it.
I could see him clenching his teeth and fists slightly.
I could hear the conversation he had with Reaper when he returned to him thanks to my enhanced hearing.
"I'm sorry, Master," however, Masquerade only said one word, "Pathetic." With that, Reaper fell silent, trembling slightly as he curled up into a ball again.
Then Masquerade didn't speak. He simply picked up a Bakugan. Before throwing it, he looked at me and finally said, "You're really annoying, you know that. I guess you should feel honored that you're going to witness the future ultimate Bakugan. Bakugan Battle." With that, he threw his Bakugan at the card, and I could see his ace.
Amidst a terrifying cloud of darkness, a huge creature emerged from within, with enormous sharp claws, a long tail, large black wings, and a mouth full of sharp teeth. A huge dark dragon appeared, as if it had emerged from the Underworld itself.
"Human, feel honored to have seen me. My name is Hydranoid, the Ultimate Bakugan!" I must definitely admit that at least he has self-respect. Masquerade didn't say anything else. I guess being defeated twice in a row in his game affected him. I wonder what his face will look like when he sees what's coming, hehe.
"Okay, buddy, this time you're ready? It'll be your first battle," I asked Leonidas, who was floating next to me.
"I'm always ready, buddy. Go ahead, I want to see the power of this so-called Ultimate Bakugan." With that, it turned into a sphere, and I took it in my hand, ready to throw it.
"Bakugan, battle!" With that, I threw Leonidas, and when it touched the card, "Bakugan emerges." With that, in a cloud of darkness and an oppressive aura, I was finally able to see him in person. He had a draconic appearance, a well-defined body full of muscles, powerful limbs with sharp claws, standing on two legs with large wings behind his back, and with a dark complexion, Leonidas finally made his appearance with a huge roar.
Although I didn't miss the masquerade face that finally changed to one of shock and with his mouth slightly open, something rare to see on him, so I quickly took a picture to immortalize this moment.
"What the heck is with those numbers?!" He somewhat lost his composure, but well, who wouldn't in this situation? I mean, Leonidas was definitely a trap.
Darkus Leonidas' power level is 600gs, no further data available>
Yeah, I was shocked when I saw his power too. It's seriously insane. I actually feel like I'm abusing level 1 players with max-level gear, but as they say, blame the game, not the player. The other players will surely have a lot of questions. Once this battle is uploaded online, Leonidas's data will also be displayed. That's why I've been saving it until now.
"You call yourself the ultimate Bakugan, what a pathetic power. I thought you'd be a bigger challenge," I could hear Leonidas say to Hydranoid in a tone full of disdain.
"Say that again. A higher power level doesn't make you invincible." With that, Hydranoid attacked himself with a bunch of dark spheres toward Leonidas. He didn't bother dodging them. When the smoke cleared, he was completely intact without a single scratch.
It seems Masquerade still hasn't recovered from the shock. Well, I don't blame him. I guess he must be rethinking his life. Well, this is my cue to end this battle.
"Power card activated, Leo blaster." With that, Leonidas's power level doubled as he launched a beam from his mouth directly at Hydranoid.
"Noooo, how could I lose here? I don't accept it!!!" No matter how much he screamed, the power difference was abysmal, so the laser hit him and the screams ceased, with that the battle ended.
"Mm, weakling." With that, Leonidas rolled back into a ball and returned to me, and I could also see the battlefield returning to where we were before the start.
Masquerade didn't say anything. He simply picked up Hydranoid again and turned to leave. Before disappearing, he finally spoke to me.
"Ryuzaki, you've definitely caught my attention. You'd better get ready. This time I lost because I wasn't prepared. Next time we meet, I assure you the result won't be the same. You'll still be the best player for the moment. Enjoy it while you can," he said in his calm tone, though it no longer had the condescending tone he had at the beginning. I guess I really hit him hard.
After saying that, he simply continued walking and disappeared in a moment.
Well, I guess that means he doesn't really accept this as a defeat. Although catching his attention is creepy. Even if it's Alice's body right now, he's still a man.
But hey, at least with this, I've certainly made a huge change. Now he's asking me what's going on. It seems he's now seeing me as a rival, or rather, as the biggest obstacle in his path to the top.
I just sighed as I stretched. "Good work, partner."
"Hmm, that guy wasn't even good enough as a warm-up," he said calmly.
"Well, don't worry, this isn't the end. Believe me, he'll be stronger when we see him again," Leonidas gave me a short answer. "I hope so. Next time, it'd be better to be a bigger challenge."
First of all, I was able to hear the system again after several days.
[Congratulations to the host for making a difference in the story. Rewards will be distributed now.]