And while I practiced with starter decks online, Sarah? She was already ahead of it.
She sat behind the counter at Summon & Supply, phone in hand, thumbs moving like a composer conducting a symphony of hashtags.
"Hashtag 'RookieKing.' Hashtag 'ParkPassedTheTorch.' Ooh—hashtag 'FromFieldToShop.' That one's poetic."
She looked up and saw me watching from the stairwell. And smiled.
"It's genius. Everyone knows Riggs left the tournament early for an emergency call—it's been all over the news—but they're speculating you caused it."
My brows furrowed as I approached. "You know that's not true."
"Of course." She flicked her fingers, tossing a new headline in the air for us to examine. "But if they want to spread rumors about you being a bad luck charm, I'm happy to let them. All publicity is good publicity, right?"
I couldn't argue with that. The Summon & Supply website traffic had already tripled, and we were only three days into the week.
"Well, I guess that's fine then," I said, folding my arms across my chest. I headed over to one of the computers where I was met with the first notification of a card sell. The [Rare]-grade Vandaquil I put up to test if a sell would work.
Market Sell Price: [20] Crystal Credits. Sold.
"Hey, it sold!"
Sarah peeked over my shoulder. "Really?" Then she gave a nod. "Alright, Jake. You're off to a good start. Keep going. Just need to get the rest of your deck purchased, and I'll get the rest done."
I didn't need to be told twice. My fingers moved across the keyboard as I began to type up the next list of cards that I wanted to buy. But scrolling through the list of individual cards were a far cry from their market sell prices. Some of these prices were almost ridiculously high, but I knew that once I had them, I would be able to form a killer deck.
Later that day, I headed to the Duel Den with Sarah to make use of the prize money to buy some packs. The clerk's eyes lit up when seeing me again—probably recognizing me from my frequent patronage—and handed me a stack of five booster packs.
Jake Garm's Crystal Credits: [5523] → [3528]
"Good luck."
"Thanks," I said as I opened one up.
[Card 1.]
Spiraucus [012]
(Evolved | Emergent)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Aqua] [Metal]
- S-HP: [390 Units]
- APEX-Power: [340 Units]
- Grade: [Rare]
- Weakness: [Voltage] [Plant]
- Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
"Evolved from Glauspeckus"
1. Splash Sharpnel
- APEX Damage: [40]
- Cost: [10 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Aqua]
- Description: Spiraucus launches water razor-edged fragments at its target.
- Effect: Deals Aqua-attribute damage.
2. Tidal Mirage
- APEX Damage: [0]
- Cost: [50 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Aqua]
- Description: Spiraucus vanishes in a shimmering mirage, leaving behind an illusionary copy.
- Effect: Halves damage (rounded down) and prevents all effects targeting Spiraucus for one turn. Next turn, Spiraucus's attacks deal [+30] APEX Damage.
3. Wrathwake Chakram
- APEX Damage: [80]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Aqua] [Metal]
- Description: Spiraucus conjures a metallic-edged chakram of water, striking its target.
- Effect: Deals Aqua and Metal-attribute damage. Flip a coin, if heads, inflicts [Poison] and [Lacerate] on the foe's Active Zeldritch.
Retreat Cost: [30 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+30 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Glauklade)
[ Additional Info ]
Zeldritch: NO. 012
Size: Medium
Sobriquet: "Chakram Glaucus Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 50 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [012 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
[Card 2.]
Tropiruth [110]
[ Card Info ]
Attribute: [Plant] [Grim]
S-HP: [140 Units]
APEX-Power: [160 Units]
Grade: [Common]
Weakness: [Fire] [Xensect]
Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
1. Root Reap
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant] [Grim]
- Description: Tropiruth attacks the foe with its eerie roots.
- Effect: Deals Plant and Grim-attribute damage. Flip a coin, if heads, your foe's Active Zeldritch is inflicted with [Petrified].
2. Branch Hammer
- APEX Damage: [80]
- Cost: [80 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Plant]
- Description: Tropiruth slams their arm down to crush the foe.
- Effect: Deals Plant-attribute damage. Flip a coin, if tails, during your next turn, this Zeldritch can't use Branch Hammer. If heads, deceases the cost of Branch Hammer by [40] APEX Units, during your next turn.
Retreat Cost: [30 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Terrotruth)
[ Additional Info ]
Zeldritch: NO. 110
Size: Large
Sobriquet: "Terror Treant Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [110 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
[Card 3.]
Support | Adaptive Shield [03]
[ Card Info ]
Effect: Grant 1 of your Zeldritch a shield that reduces incoming damage by [10] APEX-Damage for the next attack.
[ Additional Info ]
- The shield effect lasts for a single attack.
- You may play any number of Support cards during your turn.
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 10 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [S03 | S11]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
[Card 4.]
Heinimp [166]
(Evolved | Emergent)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Phantom]
- S-HP: [200 Units]
- APEX-Power: [260 Units]
- Grade: [Common]
- Weakness: [Celestial] [Phantom]
- Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
"Evolved from Heinieboo"
1. Spectral Jab
- APEX Damage: [60]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Phantom]
- Description: Heinimp thrusts an arm of ghastly energy.
- Effect: Deals Phantom-attribute damage.
2. Spook Shrill
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Phantom]
- Description: Heinieboo alarms the foe with an eerie cry.
- Effect: Deals Phantom-attribute damage. Inflicts [Petrified], but the skill costs an additional [20] APeX Units. Alternatively, you may choose to have the foe switch their Active Zeldritch to the Bench.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Heinimp)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 166
- Size: Medium
- Sobriquet: "Heinous Ghost Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 20 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [166 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
[Card 5.]
Daggarva [027]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Xensect] [Voltage]
- S-HP: [90 Units]
- APEX-Power: [90 Units]
- Grade: [Common]
- Weakness: [Fire] [Ore]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Genesis]
1. Stinger Shock
- APEX Damage: [20]
- Cost: [10 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Voltage]
- Description: Daggarva lashes out with its electric infused stinger.
- Effect: Deals Xensect and Voltage-attribute damage. Inflicts [Paralysis] on the foe for one turn.
2. Larval Surge
- APEX Damage: [20]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Xensect] [Voltage]
- Description: Channeling its energy, Daggarva unleashes an electrified burst.
- Effect: Deals Xensect and Voltage-attribute damage. Boosts Daggarva's next attack by increasing its APEX-Damage by [10 Units] for one turn.
Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [30 Units] → (Zultpa)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 027
- Size: Miniature
- Sobriquet: "Wasp Larva"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 3 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [027 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
"Hey, Jake? I got something for you," Sarah called. She stood before me and held out a small package. "I got it for you earlier when we went to the market."
I accepted the gift with a frown. "What's this for?"
"For your first tournament win," Sarah answered with a wink.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
"Thanks." I pulled the cloth apart to reveal a brand-new Sync Band. It was shiny and black with a neat logo that shared an awesome resemblance to a spectral-wolf with a blade crossing behind it. Garm emblazoned on the side.
"This is… amazing." I grinned as I pulled out the new Sync Band and slid it onto my wrist. "I love it!"
"Thought you'd like it." She chuckled, then pointed to her own. "We can make a matching pair."
"Yeah, I—" My fingers froze on the buckle. Because if I thought about it, 'matching' was kind of like… dating. Like, actually dating. But that was absurd. We were just friends.
Right?
"Jake?" Sarah frowned, tilting her head. "You okay?"
"Uh… yeah. Sorry, I just—" I cleared my throat and quickly buckled the band around my wrist. "Never mind. I got it on. Tell me this's not…?"
Sarah placed a hand on her hip as she pointed to her band. "Our team logo! If we're going to take this serious, we'll need to coordinate. So, I figured we should start by matching the bands."
"Yeah, that makes sense," I said, rubbing the back of my head. "Let's take a look at these cards then."
Sarah looked down at her watch. "Oh! Looks like we have about an hour to kill before we've got to close up shop. Let's open these packs and see what we've got."
Returning to Sarah's place. We took the next hour opening booster packs, making note of each card as we went along. There was one that I was hoping to pull, but as we opened the final pack.
It came to be. A special card that I had been searching for.
I let out a gasp when seeing the card, my eyes widening. "No way!"
Fusion | Skyrawleorex [Fusion-004]
[ Card Info ]
Fusion Components: Leotyrex + Skyrawsoar
"What is it?" Sarah asked, looking at me.
"This card!" I held it up with a grin. "I've been looking for it for a while now. You know what this is, right?"
Fusion | Skyrawleorex [Fusion-004]
[ Card Info ]
Fusion Components: Leotyrex + Skyrawsoar
"Must have Leotyrex and Skyrawsoar"
Fusion Cost: [200 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
- Attributes: [Deino] [Spatial] [Wind]
- S-HP: [1100 Units]
- APEX-Power: [600 Units]
- Weakness: [Deino] [Relic] [Glacial]
Fusion Effect:
- If Skyrawleorex's S-HP drops below 500, it enters Rampage Mode, doubling all its attack damage for 2 turns.
- Cannot be stunned or have its APEX-Power drained.
{Skills}
APEX TRAIT: [Portal Roar]
Effect: Once during your turn, you may activate Portal Roar. Flip a coin:
- If Heads: Choose one of the following effects:
1. Retreat Skyrawleorex to the Bench and immediately recover 20 APEX-Power.
2. Force your opponent to retreat their Active Zeldritch (costing them 20 APEX) and draw a card.
1. [Claw Burst]
- APEX Damage: [100]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Spatial] [Deino]
- Description: Skyrawleorex accelerates across the field and slashes the foe.
- Effect: Deals Spatial and Deino-attribute damage. Additionally, if used immediately following Dimensional Dive, you may choose another target and deal [40] APEX Damage.
2. [Dimensional Dive]
- APEX Damage: [150]
- Cost: [80 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Spatial] [Wind]
- Description: A crack in reality pulses from Skyrawleorex's talons.
- Effect: Deals Spatial and Wind-attribute damage. Once during your turn, draw a card. Reduces the APEX Cost of one of your Zeldritch's skills by [20] APEX Units during the next turn.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION Cost: [300 Units] → (Archskyrawrex)
[ Additional Info ]
- Size: Large
- Sobriquet: "Winged Portal T-Rex Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 500 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [F004 | F012]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
She stared at it for a moment. Her eyes widened. "Wait, isn't that...?"
"Yep," I said, "It's none other than the superstar fusion card. It's one of the most powerful in the game!"
I held the card up for us to see. "Now, I'm going to be able to finally make a killer deck!"
Sarah clapped her hands together with a grin. "Well, that's great. I can't wait to see it."
"You betcha!" I laughed as I stood up. "Let's see what we can sell. I'm gonna need those credits if I wanna build this thing."
I began to type away on the computer as Sarah sat there watching me. This was going to take a while, but I was fine with it. After all, it was all worth it.
By the time I left, my card collection had grown from thirty-nine cards to sixty-eight cards. Once home, Spade and I took our time sifting through the notable cards I recently attained and kept. I shuffled through them, assessing which ones I'd build for my new deck.
So far gained but same from before:
- Liorex (Common)
- Leotyrex (Common)
- Kolbolbo (Common) x3
- Osseod (Rare)
- Ilosphat (Uncommon)
- Support | APEX Power-Up! [01] x2
The new ones that I became particularly fond of were sprawled across the table.
[Card 1.]
Angroombo [136]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Phantom] [Fire]
- S-HP: [360 Units]
- APEX-Power: [240 Units]
- Grade: [Common]
- Weakness: [Phantom] [Aqua]
- Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
APEX TRAIT: [Echo of Enragement]
Effect: Increases the Retreat Cost and skill costs of both your Active Zeldritch and your foe's Active Zeldritch by [20] APEX Power. Additionally, increases the APEX Damage of your Active Zeldritch by [20]. This Trait does not stack with other instances of Echo of Enragement or similar Traits.
1. Furious Tantrum
- APEX Damage: [40]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Phantom] [Fire]
- Description: Angroombo engulfs its target in a swirling inferno and unleashing it as a barrage of fireballs. The temperature rises to irk everyone in vicinity!
- Effect: Deals Phantom and Fire-attribute damage. Deals an additional [10] APEX Damage for every [10] units of damage on this Zeldritch. During your foe's next turn, their Active Zeldritch deals an additional [20] APEX Damage and is inflicted with [Burn].
Retreat Cost: [30 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+30 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Angribloo)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 136
- Size: Large
- Sobriquet: "Rageful Balloon Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 35 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [136 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
I held up the card and just… stared at it for a minute.
"Angroombo," I whispered, squinting at the art. "Why do you look like a balloon that's about to pop with all the fury of a ghost volcano?"
In the wild, they're super rare. You only ever hear about them during fire festivals near the Ashlight Wastes. Some say they're born from the leftover rage of spirits burned in ceremonial pyres—others claim they just show up when someone throws a tantrum hard enough. I dunno what I believe, but one thing's for sure: you feel Angroombo before you see it. The heat, the pressure. The sound of your own heartbeat in your ears. And then? Boom. Balloon beast incoming.
Evolution Cost: 100 Units → Angribloo
…which I cannot wait to see. If this thing is already this chaotic, I can only imagine what it evolves into. Probably a spectral furnace with extra anger issues.
I gently placed Angroombo down and looked over at Spade.
"This guy's going straight in the Burn engine. Right behind Skyrawleorex. Let 'em try and rush me now." Spade yawned. Probably unimpressed.
[Card 2.]
Dimetfern [140]
[ Card Info ]
Attribute: [Relic] [Wind]
S-HP: [160 Units]
APEX-Power: [160 Units]
Grade: [Uncommon]
Weakness: [Spatial] [Voltage]
Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
1. Spiral Disc
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Relic] [Wind]
- Description: Dimetfern attacks the foe with disc shape projectiles after somersaulting.
- Effect: Deals Relic and Wind-attribute damage. Flip a coin, if heads, deals an additional [30] APEX Damage and hits an additional target for [30] APEX Damage. If tails, deals an additional [10] APEX Damage.
2. Sail Somersault
- APEX Damage: [50]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Relic] [Wind]
- Description: Dimetfern somersaults and rotates across the field like a razor blade saw.
- Effect: Deals Relic and Wind-attribute damage. Flip a coin, if heads, deals an additional [30] APEX Damage. You may choose to retreat during your turn without any costs.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Dideinofern)
[ Additional Info ]
Zeldritch: NO. 140
Size: Medium
Sobriquet: "Flipping Dimetrodon Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 10 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [140 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
[Card 3.]
Dideinofern [141]
(Evolved | Emergent)
[ Card Info ]
Attribute: [Relic] [Wind]
S-HP: [340 Units]
APEX-Power: [280 Units]
Grade: [Common]
Weakness: [Spatial] [Voltage]
Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
"Evolved from Dimetfern"
1. Cyclonic Disc
- APEX Damage: [60]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Relic] [Wind]
- Description: Dideinofern spins rapidly, launching sharpened disc projectiles with increased force.
- Effect: Deals Relic and Wind-attribute damage. Flip a coin, if heads, deals an additional [40] APEX Damage and hits an additional target for [40] APEX Damage. If tails, deals an additional [20] APEX Damage.
2. Sail Somersault
- APEX Damage: [90]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Relic] [Wind]
- Description: Dideinofern somersaults and rotates across the field like a razor blade saw.
- Effect: Deals Relic and Wind-attribute damage. Flip a coin, if heads, deals an additional [40] APEX Damage. You may choose to retreat during your turn without any costs.
Retreat Cost: [30 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Dirazfern)
[ Additional Info ]
Zeldritch: NO. 141
Size: Medium-Large
Sobriquet: "Somersault Dimetrodon Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 25 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [141 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
[Card 4.]
Skyrawvern [117]
(Evolved | Dominant)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Wind] [Deino]
- S-HP: [630 Units]
- APEX-Power: [440 Units]
- Grade: [Common]
- Weakness: [Voltage] [Deino]
- Evolution Stage: [Dominant]
"Evolved from Skyrawsoar"
1. Claw Rend
- APEX Damage: [80]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Deino]
- Description: Skyrawvern ambushes from the clouds, pinning its prey.
- Effect: Deals Deino-attribute damage. Additionally, if used immediately following Cyclone Swoop, you may deal an additional [40] APEX Damage.
2. Cyclone Swoop
- APEX Damage: [180]
- Cost: [80 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Wind] [Deino]
- Description: Skyrawvern descends in a whirlwind, slicing everything in its path.
- Effect: Deals Wind and Deino-attribute damage. Inflicts [Lacerate] on your foe's Active Zeldritch.
3. Windstorm Wail
- APEX Damage: [100]
- Cost: [80 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Wind] [Deino]
- Description: Skyrawvern conjures a violent windstorm that batters all enemies.
- Effect: Deals Wind and Deino-attribute damage to all opposing Zeldritch.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+30 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [300 Units] → (Skyrawvern)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 117
- Size: Large
- Sobriquet: "Feathered Wyvern Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 90 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [117 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
"Next up—Dimetfern. Kind of a sleeper hit. On paper? A weird little mid-tier pull. But trust me, this thing's way more versatile than people give it credit for."
Now, I've run into these in the Holpetal Ravines before—nimble little relic-types with blades for brains. Not literally, but you do not want to get on the business end of their somersaults.
In the wild, they travel in packs, using their spiral fins as windcatchers. If you hear that rhythmic slicing sound through the forest? Run. Apparently, these things use their sails to sense tremors in the air before they strike. Natural wind assassins, though they're usually docile.
I flipped to its evolved form and whistled. I've only ever seen one in the wild, and it was mid-air flipping over a ruined monolith in the Sunken Canyards. It was being chased by a Riftdrake and winning. That's how agile they are.
Card-wise, I love the scaling on Cyclonic Disc. When it hits, it hits—we're talking splash damage with bonus targeting. This is a great tool for mid-game control, especially if your opponent stacks their Bench like they're building a buffet.
I picked up the last card, my expression softening like I was holding an old friend.
"Skyrawvern. Oh man. I've wanted this one for ages."
The stats were beautiful—630 S-HP, Wind and Deino attribute mix, solid APEX Power, and that trifecta of attacks? Gold.
"Cyclone Swoop into Claw Rend. That combo wrecks frontline tanks. And Windstorm Wail? That's a field nuke, especially against swarm decks. Lacerate from Swoop is just icing on the cake—makes healing a nightmare for your opponent."
I held up all three cards again, fanned out like a hand of fate.
"Dimetfern for setup. Dideinofern for pressure. And Skyrawvern? That's the hammer. But the crown jewel…" I reached into my folio and pulled it out like it was Excalibur.
"Skyrawleorex. The T-Rex of the stars. Now that I've got the components, this beast is going in the core of my deck."
Spade gave a low, approving growl. He knew what this meant.
I went through the ones that I kept for individual copy collection. They may not be used in battle, unless I took on Element Challenges. They weren't bad, just not feeling their synergy with my deck.
Smoldaram [006]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Fire]
- S-HP: [150 Units]
- APEX-Power: [150 Units]
- Grade: [Rare]
- Weakness: [Aqua] [Terra]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
1. Horn Ram
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [10 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Beast]
- Description: Smoldaram bashes its head against its foe.
- Effect: Deals Beast-attribute damage.
2. Flame Smash
- APEX Damage: [50]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Fire]
- Description: Igniting itself in flames, Smoldaram crashes into its target with great force.
- Effect: Deals Fire-attribute damage.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Ramburn)
[ Additional Info ]
Zeldritch: NO. 006
Size: Small
Sobriquet: "Flame Lamb Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [006 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Solid start for a Fledgling. [150 HP] and [150 APEX-Power] gives it a nice chunk to work with early-game. Its attack spread is basic:
- Horn Ram is dirt-cheap. [10] APEX Units for a [30] Beast hit? That’s the kind of opener that pressures without overcommitting.
- Flame Smash is your big hitter here at [50] damage for [30 APEX]. Clean, simple, direct Fire-type punch.
The downside for this guy was that you need its evolution, Ramburn, to really justify giving it board space long-term. Without that next step, it’s kind of just a budget bruiser. However—in mono-Fire challenge formats, this guy was a solid pick. Especially when paired with someone like Angrioon who thrives in Fire-heavy synergy. So yeah, Smoldaram's on standby.
Accelawren [037]
(Evolved | Emergent)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Wind]
- S-HP: [250 Units]
- APEX-Power: [220 Units]
- Grade: [Common]
- Weakness: [Voltage] [Ore]
- Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
"Evolved from Acewren"
1. Gale Peck
- APEX Damage: [60]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Wind]
- Description: Accelawren swirls its wings and beak in a gust of wind to strike its foe.
- Effect: Deals Wind-attribute damage. If used immediately following Accelerate Dive, damage increases by an additional [30] APEX-Damage units.
2. Accelerate Dive
- APEX Damage: [60]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Wind]
- Description: Acewren accelerates through the air to strike.
- Effect: Deals Wind-attribute damage. Flip a coin. If heads, reduces the cost of the skill by [20] APEX Units.
Retreat Cost: [0 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Jetwren)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 037
- Size: Medium
- Sobriquet: "Accelerating Wren Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 30 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [037 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
It was a pain to not have Acewren in my deck yet, so he was grounded for now. Binder-bound, but not forgotten. Once I build that Wind core? He was a must-include.
Doomzorvus [096]
(Evolved | Emergent)
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Grim] [Voltage]
- S-HP: [300 Units]
- APEX-Power: [300 Units]
- Grade: [Common]
- Weakness: [Terra] [Celestial]
- Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
"Evolved from Dorvus"
1. Doom Ram
- APEX Damage: [60]
- Cost: [30 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Grim]
- Description: Doomzorvus charges forward, its antlers crackling with dark electricity.
- Effect: Deals Grim-attribute damage. If used immediately following Doom Bolt, the skill increases by an additional [30] APEX Damage and deals Voltage-attribute damage.
2. Doom Bolt
- APEX Damage: [90]
- Cost: [50 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Grim] [Voltage]
- Description: Doomzorvus releases a searing bolt of electrified despair at its foe.
- Effect: Deals Grim and Voltage-attribute damage. If used in succession, the skill increases by an additional [60] APEX Damage for the next turn.
Retreat Cost: [10 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [100 Units] → (Noctorvus)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 096
- Size: Large-Medium
- Sobriquet: "Doom Deer Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 30 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [096 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
This guy shared the same fate as Accelawren.
The thing about Doomzorvus was... he didn't mess around. A type of card dropped when you wanted something dead. But again—I didn't have Dorvus, so right now, he was a loaded cannon with no fuse.
Plelepun [080]
[ Card Info ]
Attribute: [Terra]
S-HP: [150 Units]
APEX-Power: [150 Units]
Grade: [Common]
Weakness: [Aqua] [Spatial]
Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
1. Burrow
- APEX Damage: [40]
- Cost: [40 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Terra]
- Description: Plelepun digs into the ground before striking at the foe.
- Effect: Deals Terra-attribute damage. Flip a coin. If heads, during your foe's next turn, prevent all damage from—and effects of—attacks done to this Zeldritch. Alternatively, pay an extra [80] APEX Units to bypass the coin flip and guarantee the effect.
2. Terrain Shift
- APEX Damage: [0]
- Cost: [50 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Terra]
- Description: Plelepun terraforms the terrain to create its traps.
- Effect: Draw a card. The opposing player must reshuffle their hand and redraws the same number of cards. Before attacking, the foe flips a coin—if heads, their Active Zeldritch is [Stunned] and take [20] APEX Damage after attacking. If tails, they just take [20] APEX Damage after attacking.
Retreat Cost: [20 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Terrelepun)
[ Additional Info ]
Zeldritch: NO. 080
Size: Medium
Sobriquet: "Tunneling Elephant Calf Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 5 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [080 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
One of Gil's aces. It was nice to keep a copy for myself. I still wondered where he had vanished. I flicked the next card up from the stack, expecting more firepower. Instead?
"...Oh. Fluzzerbrat."
Even Spade gave me a look. He hates buzzing noises.
Fluzzerbrat [175]
[ Card Info ]
- Attribute: [Xensect] [Sound]
- S-HP: [120 Units]
- APEX-Power: [120 Units]
- Grade: [Uncommon]
- Weakness: [Fire] [Ore]
- Evolution Stage: [Basic] [Fledgling]
1. Toxic Zoom
- APEX Damage: [30]
- Cost: [10 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Hazard] [Sound]
- Description: Fluzzerbrat accelerates through the air to strike with toxic wings.
- Effect: Deals Hazard and Sound-attribute damage. Flip a coin, if heads, inflicts [Poison].
2. Buzz Burst
- APEX Damage: [10]
- Cost: [20 APEX Units]
- Attributes: [Sound] [Xensect]
- Description: Fluzzerbrat flaps it wings to extreme levels to create disorienting sounds to disturb its foe.
- Effect: Deals Sound and Xensect-attribute damage. Flip a coin, if heads, inflicts [Stun]. Deals twice the APEX Damage for every Buzz Burst used in succession (maximum [100]). If the skill is used against an Active Zeldritch inflicted with [Stun] or [Poison], increases the damage by an extra [10] APEX Damage.
Retreat Cost: [0 APEX]
Attribute Weakness: [+20 Damage]
EVOLUTION COST: [50 Units] → (Fluzzeretch)
[ Additional Info ]
- Zeldritch: NO. 175
- Size: Medium-Small
- Sobriquet: "Fly Brat Zeldritch"
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Price: 10 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [175 | 268]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Okay, look. I'm not gonna lie—this little bugger's more annoying than dangerous. But that’s kinda the point. You don't run Fluzzerbrat to win fights, you run it to ruin someone’s rhythm. And if you're building some stall deck built around [Stun], [Poison], and mental breakdowns, this guy's your flyer. Into the collection it goes.
Then I pulled the Support cards from the stack and nodded to myself. Now these I can work with.
Support | Adaptive Shield [03] (x2)
[ Card Info ]
Effect: Grant 1 of your Zeldritch a shield that reduces incoming damage by [10] APEX-Damage for the next attack.
[ Additional Info ]
- The shield effect lasts for a single attack.
- You may play any number of Support cards during your turn.
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 10 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [S03 | S11]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Solid defense. Not flashy, but there's something real satisfying about denying that one clean kill they were counting on. Just slap this down when you see a high-cost nuke coming and watch their math fall apart. Two of these? That's two momentum turns stolen. Definitely keeping them.
Support | Particle Infusion [05]
[ Card Info ]
Effect: Recover [10] APEX-Power units from each of your Zeldritch on the field.
[ Additional Info ]
- You may play any number of Support cards during your turn.
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 20 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [S05 | S11]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
This one here was underrated. You've got three or more Zeldritch out? That’s a free [30] APEX Power total, spread out. More juice for moves like Skyrawleorex’s Dimensional Dive, or to bounce your heavier hitters back in. Cheap energy economy is how you outlast those rushdown decks. This one was a quiet MVP.
Support | Zeldritch Beacon [09] x2
[ Card Info ]
Effect: Search your deck for one Basic (Fledgling) Zeldritch card, reveal it, and add it to your hand. Shuffle your deck afterward.
[ Additional Info ]
- You may play any number of Support cards during your turn.
[ Miscellaneous Info ]
- Market Sell Price: 20 Crystals
- Edition: Genesis [S09 | S11]
- Created by: ZELDRITCH INC.
- Release Date: October 5th, 20XX
Now this is what made early-game consistency possible. Needed to pull Skyrawltal or Dimetfern to start your fusion chain or evolution track? Beacon's got you. Play it Turn 1, grab your starter, boom. You're not sitting there bricking with nothing to summon. Love it.
"Alright," I muttered, closing the case with a soft click. "They're not ready yet. But one day?"
I adjusted the twenty cards so far that would have been required for the Apex Circuit. I had enough for it to work, but that voice whispering at the back of my head told me that more could've been done to improve it.
Deck Update:
- Osseod
- Oreseod
- Ossemite
- Dimetfern
- Dideinofern
- Yunix
- Angrioon
- Angroombo
- Liorex (x2)
- Leotyrex (x2)
- Skyrawltal
- Skyrawsoar
- Skyrawvern
- Skyrawleorex
- Tactic | Evolution Gambit [T-04]
- Support | APEX Power-Up! [S-01]
- Support | Zeldritch Beacon [S-09] (x2)